Advice on a designer handbag

[rosewater20]

I am thinking about getting a Chanel WOC and wanted opinions from those who have one about its durability, and usefulness. I would go with the classic caviar leather in black with the gold hardware. I don't think I want a bigger bag as I have other bags that are in the same category, size wise, as the classic double flap.

This would be my first Chanel purchase and would be treat for myself as I am in the middle of a difficult pregnancy. But, with their price increase, I just want to make sure that the bag is worth it and will hold up well.

Thanks so much!

I don't like caviar leather, but that's just my preference. I do have a Chanel WOC but in lambskin and it is wearing well. What I would advise is that if you are wearing it as a crossbody bag, it hangs really low, around mid-thigh (unless you're really tall that is). The strap can be arranged so it is shorter but I do find this option to be an awkward length. It is a great bag in as it negates the need for a purse/wallet and the bag fits a lipstick and phone. However, if you have a bulky set of keys, the bag might not be roomy enough for you.

I purchased mine a decade or so ago. As it happens, I was looking on Chanel's website last night and noticed the new prices. I am not sure I would pay it now. Instead, I would opt for a seasonal flap bag in a classic colour as I think these are the best value for money.

I absolutely love the black caviar, I got the medium flap in caviar with gold hardware and it looks so elegant, goes with everything and is very durable.

I would say don’t be put off by the price increases - they are ridiculous but they keep going up so in a year or so’s time, you’ll be glad you bought it now.

So I have lambskin WOC in black lambskin w gold hardware.

My other bags from Chanel are caviar but for WOC I just thought the lambskin was SO much nicer in person.

I have had mine 5 years or so it gets occasionally use but looks very much as new and no leather damage.

Thanks everyone! The comments are reminding me not to get my heart set on the exact bag until I can try it on in the store. Looks like it might not fit as much as I was hoping, cards, phone, lipstick + key fob and door keys. I need to remember to try to fit these things into the bag in the store (if they let me) to see if they fit.

I may consider the lambskin since @Totalwasteofpaper and @sansucre like it and think it holds up well.

@Charlottemh I agree, the price increase is irritating but I don't want to procrastinate and then have the price go up again. I heard Chanel is now only allowing one bag purchase per customer per year. Do you know if thats true or not?

Grained calfskin WOC owner here, I love it. Not stacks of room but enough for a mobile, cards, cash and a small set of keys.
The leather is very hard wearing and the length is perfect on me. I’d definitely recommend and I’m so glad I bought it.

I heard Chanel is now only allowing one bag purchase per customer per year. Do you know if thats true or not?

I'd take this with a pinch of salt tbh. While it is true that classic flap bags are harder to buy and can be limited/withheld, you should be fine purchasing a WOC. I know when I was browsing in there last week, I saw one customer buying several seasonal bags.

At Chanel, it is all about relationships, and a good sales assistant will be able to find what you want, and it pays off building a relationship with them and one particular store. Stock comes and goes, so having a relationship with a sales person who knows what you are looking for will call you when a particular item comes into stock.

On a final note, I prefer lambskin because originally, that's what Chanel (leather) bags were made from. I also think it's just a nicer texture than the caviar which looks a little cheap, something Chanel most certainly is not.

Happy shopping OP!

If that's what you want to carry the sticking point will be keys and car fob so def check.

They always let me try stiff and faff about in store

I would also consider the 20cm mini - I really love mine...and "reach for it" a lot

I have the lambskin WOC with gold hardware.
I bought it 4 years ago and it's wearing well bit I don't use it often really, mainly as I'm trying to keep it for a long time so I don't want to get it damaged/scratched.
It doesn't fit in much tbh, that's my only criticism but it's a lovely lovely bag so I just don't use it as an even day bag.
I find you can style it with both dressy and casual outfits

I don't have a wallet on chain but have rectangular minis. I would say for the price consider a preloved mini from a trusted reseller. It's just more versatile will fit more and has the design of the CF. The chain length and the lack of space with the Chanel WOC is a real bug bear for many. Caviar is fine. Lamb looks nicer but the former is harder wearing.

And don't quote me on this but the bag restrictions for customers is either 1 or 2 a month so more than one a year.

Have we a link for us mere paupers? I do like to look at things I can't afford 🤣

@Quackpot I hope this link works: www.chanel.com/us/fashion/small-leather-goods/c/1x1x2x15/wallets-on-chain/

@Ireolu do you mind linking your bag? I can't seem to find it. There are so many options, I hadn't realised that Chanel had so many different styles. I have thought about looking at the pre-loved ones and have been on Vestiaire many times but I am worried about accidentally buying a super fake (I think that is what they call the really good ones). I have heard of some getting past the authenticators at Vestiarie.

@sansucre you are selling me on the lambskin. I like the idea of that being the original type of leather that Chanel sold. And I am now wanting to read up on the history of the House and their original designs.

I was telling a friend last night about my possible Chanel purchase and she recommended the mini flap bag with top handle. Does anyone have that bag? She actually offered to let me borrow hers (!!!) for a couple of weeks to see how I get on with it. I am very tempted to say yes.

Here is a picture I took one of my bags whilst on holiday a few weeks ago. I have a chevron (pattern) rectangular mini (pictured) and a quilted (diamond) one. It is not a bad idea to try out your friends it's the same as mine with a top handle. Those were first released last year but in quilts (pattern). I would not use vestaire have a look at npnbags.co.uk or addicted to handbags. You can have the bag authenticated before buying using trusted companies think one is called authenticate4u. My DH got me this one in 2017 from Heathrow. It was under 2k so less than a WOC costs now. The price increases are mental so yeah it's important to buy cautiously. Have a look at the purse forum. It's a forum for handbags. There is a lot of information on the pros and cons of these bags. Enjoy shopping.

I've got 3 wocs - they are my favourite bags and I use them all the time.

I have a patent black woc, a tweed and shearling woc and, for my 50th at the end of this month I've been bought a lambskin pale blue woc.

The best thing I've ever done is buy a 'woc saver' it's basically a piece of strong cardboard that sits along the bottom of your woc and makes it much larger!

I couldn't do without one as it just makes it so I can fit all my little bits and bobs in. It's my go to bag.

Chanel are only restricting the classics I think - flap bags basically. I think it's two a year but I could be wrong.

In terms of the leather I have two Chanel 19's, one lambskin and one goatskin and I also have a caviar vanity case from Chanel . As someone said upthread the caviar is very durable but doesn't have the 'luxe' feel of the lambskin.

The disadvantage of the lambskin is it's not as durable I don't think but then I do baby my bags ( never on floors Ect ) my goatskin 19 is so far bombproof as is my patent woc.

Do you want a brand new one? I buy most of mine pre loved from places like Bagista or hardly ever worn it, naughtipidginsnest are also excellent - all of the above have their bags authenticated before selling I believe.

Good luck on buying your first Chanel, it's very addictive - I love their bags

I have the 2.55 and a backpack and my advice is DEFINITELY wait until you can try on in store-

I thought I wanted something different (Mulberry Cara Deleveigne backpack) and when I tried it it was way too heavy/ sat strange on me)

@Wagsandclaws OMG, the WOC saver looks like a game changer. I have placed an order. Thank you!

I heard Chanel is now only allowing one bag purchase per customer per year. Do you know if thats true or not?

🤣🤣🤣 how on earth would they police that? What utter rot!

I'm sorry, I was interested in reading the thread as I'm thinking of getting a Chanel bag too. I just can't believe people fall for such rubbish!

@ValkyrieVik

I heard Chanel is now only allowing one bag purchase per customer per year. Do you know if thats true or not?

🤣🤣🤣 how on earth would they police that? What utter rot!

I'm sorry, I was interested in reading the thread as I'm thinking of getting a Chanel bag too. I just can't believe people fall for such rubbish!

Excluding cosmetics and perfume, when you purchase something from a Chanel boutique, they record it. (Not only is the serial number of the bag/item on the receipt, it's uploaded into their system as each client/customer has a file. This is how they can check how many bags you have bought. However, I imagine not everyone is policed. Additionally, it is only the classic bags that are limited anyway.

Oh God if that buying restrictions thing is true it really puts me off. I hate that sort of nonsense

Chanel leather goods are already limited/subject to buying restrictions anyway as they're only available to purchase in a Chanel boutique unlike Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bottega et al who all sell their bags online.

As an aside, given the resale market, it's actually a good way of checking if a bag is real as the store will have a record of its purchase, something that's particularly valuable given ultrafakes come with receipts and serial numbers.

@Ireolu beautiful bag. I will ask to see this style when I go to look at the bags. Thank you for the tip on the purse forum, I will check it out this weekend. I have been spending many hours watching youtube videos with Chanel reviews and I am learning so much about the various leathers, styles, etc. I am starting to really love Reissue design too.

@sansucre Thank you for explaining the process behind Chanel limiting bags. I will keep this information in mind should I go with a pre-owned bag and will be sure to have it verified at Chanel.

@Wagsandclaws happy to hear that you love your WOCs. I will be getting a "wok savor" if I go with this bag. I am very keen to see the bags in person. I am starting to sway in the direction of lambskin after everyones comments, and after watching the various youtube videos. Most of my bags are in the pebbled leather so it would be nice to have a more classic leather and if I am buying Chanel, I might as well go lux!

@ValkyrieVik Why would you waste your time posting such a rude comment?

@rosewater20 If you're going to buy your first Chanel bag (any style), try to do so directly from Chanel as it really adds to the whole experience.

Anyway, keep us posted!

I have a medium double flap classic and a calfskin WOC in teal with gold hardware. I use the WOC more than my double flap, it’s just the right size for phone, keys and a lipgloss/sanitizer. I really want another one but trying to resist, they are lovely and I’ve always had great service at the Bond Street store. Good luck

@sansucre Thank you, I will keep this thread posted. I am hoping I can go visit the store this weekend.

@Thischarmlessgirl happy to hear that you get a lot of use out of your WOC. How as the calfskin held up?