This is a review of the Chanel Mini Coco Handle.

Backstory

Since 2018, I have owned a Chanel Coco Handle, in medium, in the classic black. But, I secretly openly coveted another, in the Mini size.

(Note: by ‘Mini’ I mean the SMALL, and not the newer ‘Micro’ size).

And then, for the Chanel Métiers d’art collection in 2020, when I went in store for the launch, I chanced upon these beauties.

Chanel classic flap review

Store visit: Medium VS Mini (Small)

A *pink* medium in caviar? *gasp*.

I was crazy about the colour pink, and seriously considered it, but I already had a number of pink bags (such as TWO lady Diors, a Hermes Constance 18 in Rose Confetti, and the Chanel Classic flap in pink).

Chanel classic flap pink review

From the 2017 Cruise Cuba collection

But there was also something rich and mysterious about that season’s Mini Coco Handle, in its dark purple (with black undertones) and chevron. 
Chanel mini coco handle

Then this came home with me

I do own another Chanel bag in chevron – and that’s the single flap bag in the black chevron.

Chanel Large Quilted Chevron Flap: Bag Review

Given that I loved that chevron flap, I took the plunge, and excitedly carted home my very first Chanel Mini Coco Handle.

Chanel Mini Coco Handle: structure

There is something about the chevron that looks oh-so streamlined and sharp.

Front View

Similar to its quilted counterpart, the chevron pattern doesn’t break despite the pocket (in the back) or the flap (in the front). That’s when you know it’s a quality product – the continuous pattern is perfectly aligned.

Back View

The straps are detachable, so the bag can be used either as a top handle or a shoulder bag.
Chanel Coco Handle review

Detachable Strap

And the hardware? Champagne gold. 
Chanel Coco Handle review

Double CC turnlock in Champagne Gold Hardware

On the inside, the bag has a divider. I find that people tend to be divided (no pun intended) over this – either they love the divider or hate it. It either massively helps with organization, or gets in the way because you forgot in which compartment you hid that item. 
Chanel Coco Handle review

Inside the Chanel Mini Coco Handle

Now, let’s see what exactly fits in there.

What fits in the Chanel Mini Coco Handle

x1 short wallet (Chanel square wallet), x1 key holder, x1 eyeshadow/compact, x1 lipstick, and x2 card holders.

(Though I feel that up to x4 card holders can fit, this is the volume that I usually carry. I’ll demonstrate where the card holders can fit in).

Chanel mini coco handle

What fits in the Chanel Mini Coco Handle

Behind is a small pocket. Just right for fitting in loose cash or a cardholder.

Back pocket

I find this compartment especially useful for the MRT card (Singapore’s public transportation card). Super easy to slot in and out.

Fits right in

For a more secure place for card storage – remember that divider on the bag’s inside? That divider has a space for a card to be slotted right in.
Chanel Coco Handle review

Spot the Divider’s opening

Almost like a hidden compartment

Personally, I don’t use the divider storage extensively – I tend to forget that something’s in there. Plus keeping it there makes the divider a little more rigid.

For the rest of this What Fits in the Mini Coco Handle segment, I’m just not going to use the divider – easier to show what else fits without that rigidity.

Chanel classic flap review what fits

Next up: short/small wallet

Like most mini bags, fitting in a long wallet is a tight squeeze at best and impossible at worst. I’ve tried putting in the Hermes long Bearn wallet, and it didn’t work out very well.
Chanel classic flap review what fits

So short wallet it is

The key holder fits in snugly.
Chanel classic flap review what fits

Added in the key holder

However, the fit is a little tight. 
Chanel classic flap review what fits

Alternative view

So, I tend to prefer putting the short wallet in the front compartment, for a better fit. 

Moved the short wallet

Up next: eyeshadow palette.
And then the bag becomes 3/4 full.

Eyeshadow palette on top left

For the last bit of space, there isn’t anything substantial that can go in there. After all, it IS a mini bag. The maximum it can hold at this point, would be a couple of card holders and a lipstick. 
Slotting them in.
At this point, the Chanel Coco handle mini is practically full. 
Chanel mini bag what fits
Just enough room to squeeze in a lipstick.
Chanel mini bag what fits

From top left clockwise: Eyeshadow palette, Key holder, Card holders x2, Lipstick, Short Wallet

The bag closes easily. I did not overstuff it – notice how it looks exactly the same whether it’s empty or full. 

All packed and ready to go

Mod Shots

For reference, I am super short at 154cm tall, or a little over 5 feet.

The handles are useful in the sense that there’s an option to hang it on the crook of the arm.

(And I love how the Chanel Mini Coco Handle looks in natural light – its such a beautiful purple: royal and not at all gaudy).

Chanel mini bag mod shots

Hanging on the crook of the arm

But it is a very narrow handle, and the bag can’t go all the way up to my elbows.

I supposed it is possible for the handle to reach the elbows if one is very petitie, but for the average woman, this would be as far as it gets.

Chanel mini bag mod shots

Handle space is narrow – doesn’t go to elbow

It looks just as good when handheld. While I tend to use this bag casually, it is definitely suitable for those fancy dinners and special occasions.
Chanel mini coco handle mod shots

Handheld

Alternatively, add on the chain strap, and it becomes a lovely shoulder bag. 
Chanel mini coco handle mod shots

Hanging off the shoulders

Chanel mini coco handle mod shots
Similar to the chanel classic flap, I find it challenging to use it as a cross-body, it just doesn’t work out. 
Chanel mini coco handle mod shots

Crossbody? Not recommended. Lol.

Overall Pros and Cons

Pros of the Chanel Mini Coco Handle

  • Very lightweight. Strap doesn’t dig in the shoulders even if the bag is full. (But this lightweight factor may also be a con – see next section)
  • Great resale value. Especially in this mini size – it is hugely popular, and the prices of these bags will only keep going up.
  • Has a wide variety of colours and leathers (or other materials) – I’ve seen this bag released in fabric and wool versions as well. There is something that everyone can enjoy.
  • Versatility. In some ways, this bag is even more versatile than the Chanel classic flap – the extra handle allows the bag to be carried in various ways.
  • Plus, decorate it with a twilly or ribbon – it changes the look of the bag. More fun!
Chanel mini bag what fits

Decorated with Hermes Thee Graces Twilly

Cons of the Chanel Mini Coco Handle

  • Very lightweight… to the point that it *might* be overly so. You know how for a shoulder bag to remain firmly on the shoulders, there should be some weight to hold it in? When the bag is empty / half-filled, the straps actually slide off my shoulders rather easily. It could be just me – but compared to the medium-sized, my medium Coco handle has better shoulder-staying power. Strangely, and for that reason, I prefer the weight of the medium-sized one.
  • The fact that it doesn’t fit the elbows of the average woman is a little sad. It’s super weird to carry halfway between the wrist and the elbow. If you tend to carry bags this way, this might be a deal breaker. 
  • The mini size is getting increasingly hard to get in boutiques, especially in popular colours (black, grey, white, other neutrals). Without a relationship with a Sales Associate (in Singapore at least), getting your hands on one of these might be a challenge.

Hope this helps anyone who’s thinking of getting the bag.

Chanel mini bag what fits

I’m walking away~

Dear readers – Do you love bags in general? To see my entire , click on the link below to see what’s in my bag collection (As of August 2020).

My Bag Collection (August 2020)

Note: If you love bags, feel free to follow me on Social Media. Especially on instagram; i post lots of bag pictures there and would love for you to join me on my bag journeys.

Chanel mini coco handle review

What fits in the bag

Want more of HappyHighLife? Follow me on Social Media!

 

Love this post? Share it with others on Social Media!

Receive Monthly Updates!

Are you missing out on the latest posts by HappyHighLife? Subscribe to my blog for monthly updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest