buying less, consigning more, as well as mindful costs are hot topics among the PurseBlog neighborhood ideal now. Over the last few months, I’ve written extensively about my like for consignment as well as sustainable purse shopping, as well as I’ve disclosed my personal difficulty to stay away from full-price Chanel bags.

That’s why I’m extremely ecstatic to report my most current find: A 2008 Chanel medium trick label Flap Bag in exceptional condition. I bought it a couple of months ago, in December 2019, from The RealReal. It was a bit of a risk, compared to buying on Fashionphile (which is where I discover a lot of of my consigned bags), since The RealReal barely uses returns or refunds. Luckily, this bag [turned out to be] whatever I really hoped for as well as more. Here’s whatever you requirement to know.

Aesthetics

As with any type of traditional flap, this bag has whatever you might want out of a Chanel – the double chain-link, the quilted stitching, as well as the CC turn-lock closure. though the bag is well over 10 years old, one would never understand just by checking out it. Chanel flaps haven’t altered all as well much considering that they were very first released, which is why getting a vintage, pre-loved version is a a lot more affordable as well as sustainable choice.

As for this certain bag, the patent leather as well as hardware are completely intact. There’s light scuffing on the CC lock, however it’s barely obvious to the naked eye. The bag was provided in ‘Very Good’ condition, though I would suggest it’s ‘Excellent.’ There’s not a single scratch or scuff on the patent leather, as well as there’s barely any type of wear along the inside front flap. The lining is clean, as well as every zipper as well as chain is functional.

I understand patent leather is a bit controversial. Some have horrible experiences with the material, while others rave about it. I am grouped with the latter, as I discover this material much much easier to maintain. Regn? Ikke noe problem. A quick wipe as well as it looks brand-new. one more excellent addition to this bag is the ‘secret label’ aspect on the bottom. It’s barely obvious when using the bag by means of shoulder. I appreciate that it’s not as well flashy, however can still serve as a fun conversation starter.

All in all, I feel elegant when I wear the bag, even a lot more so than my grained Chanel flap. The patent leather truly pops, serving as a quick as well as simple method to raise quite much any type of attire or trip – from the supermarket to a swanky dinner.

Usability + Functionality

This is my second single flap Chanel bag, as well as after utilizing it for over three months, I can confidently state I like this style method a lot more than a double flap. It’s a pity since single flaps have been commonly discontinued. However, I discover them infinitely a lot more practical than their double flap counterparts.

Given this bag is a much older model, it lacks the double-flap that you would discover in shops today, which indicates the only method to take advantage of this type of performance is by searching for your own on the pre-loved market.

Plus, since the bag is patent leather, it makes the general shape much a lot more flexible. I can in shape a lot more into it than I can in my caviar medium double flap, even though they share the exact same shape as well as dimensions. though some would look at this as a unfavorable (the shape flattens a bit if the bag is not stuffed), I discover it a pro. I keep my bags stuffed when they’re not in utilize either way, as well as it’s great understanding I can in shape a lot more since the material is not as firm.

Otherwise, the performance is on par with all other kinds of traditional flaps on the market, both new as well as old. The only con is the back pocket, which is quite small. It doesn’t in shape my phone, which is why I knocked the score down half a point.

Quality + Construction

When the bag shown up (in its original box as well as dust bag!), it was in even much better condition than I expected! As I pointed out earlier, it was provided in ‘Very Good’ condition, nevertheless I’d state it’s virtually in ‘Excellent.’

Considering it is over a decade old, it’s comforting to understand the bag has stayed in such extraordinary condition. Of course, the previous owner(s) clearly took care of it; however, I believe it is likewise a testament to the extraordinary high quality of the bag itself.

I’ve utilized this bag tirelessly in the last three months as well as it still appears the exact same as it did when it shown up in December. That’s a remove win to me.

Price + Value

I bought this 2008 bag for $1,596 plus tax. It retailed on theRealReal for $1,995, however at the time of purchase, it was knocked down during a 20 percent off sale. a lot of budget on Chains are a lot more costly than that! In stores, medium flaps retail for $5,600 as well som opp. Jeg tror jeg fikk et ekstraordinært tilbud på denne vesken, spesielt å tenke på tilstanden samt inkludering av et autentisitetskort, eske, så vel som støvpose.

Holde kraft

Man kan teknisk sett gå inn i en butikk i tillegg til å kjøpe nøyaktig samme stilpose (minus triksklaffen) for nesten 6000 dollar. (Patentklaffposer tilbys for tiden i mange Chanel -butikker. Jeg har sett på noen få av dem til sammenligningsformål.)

Uansett årstid er de middels klaffposene alltid tilgjengelige. I tillegg til at mange poser ikke er investeringer, får det tradisjonelle utseendet på det, kombinert med sin feilfri tilstand, meg til å tro at det vil holde seg i stil i lang tid.

Generell vurdering

Denne vesken har raskt endt opp med å være en av favorittene mine, i tillegg til at jeg ikke har tvil om at den vil bli i topp fem (eller til og med topp tre) i mange måneder (og potensielt år!). Hvis jeg ville ha kjøpt en middels patentklaff til full pris, tror jeg at jeg ville føle meg engstelig for å bruke den så vel som misfornøyd med at jeg hadde brukt alle pengene på en pose. Forståelse av at jeg scoret en pose som koster for trippel prisen, kombinert med tilstanden, er en alvorlig gevinst i boka mi.

På dette tidspunktet tror jeg at hvis hjertet ditt er satt på Chanel, er det nesten alltid fornuftig å gå den forhånds elskede ruten. Ser du på noen form for elskede vesker for øyeblikket?