Chanel Love Affair
I’ve loved Chanel as long as I can remember. Within this blog space itself, I’ve reviewed several Chanel bags, including the following.
- Chanel Classic Flap (Medium)
- Chanel Coco Handle (Mini)
- Chanel Deauville Tote (small)
- Chanel Deauville Tote (large)
- Chanel Large Quilted Chevron Single Flap
As such, it’s almost strange that I’ve not yet reviewed the Chanel Coco Handle (medium) – despite owning it since 2018.
I can’t quite explain why – it’s literally been one of those blogposts that I tend to go: “I’ll get to it one day”…
And then I never do – as far as busy full-time working moms go, I already have a huge blogging backlog / long list of things-I-want-to-write-about. Perhaps a forever-classic bag will always be relevant anyway; unfortunately, the Classic Chanel Coco Handle bag review was left on the backburner.
But it is finally here.
Chanel Coco Handle
The Chanel Coco Handle comes in four sizes: Large, Medium, Small (Previously known as the Mini), and Mini (New Mini that is – but old-timers verbally refer to it as the ‘Micro’).
Chanel Coco Handle (medium) in Caviar leather
Back view
Without the detachable strap
Double CC turnlock in Gold Hardware
‘CHANEL’ letters engraved on the hardware
Divided Interior
What fits in the Chanel Coco Handle
x1 A5 notebook, x1 long wallet (the Hermes long Bearn wallet), x1 eyeshadow compact, x1 key holder, x1 lipstick, x1 hand sanitizer, and x3 card holders.
(Note: I’m sure you can fit more in there, but this is what I typically carry).
What fits in the Chanel Coco Handle
Back pocket
Fits right in
Zipped Divider
Almost like a hidden compartment
A5 notebook and Hermes long Bearn wallet,
Two built-in card compartments and a lipstick slot (middle)
Added in the key holder (left), lipstick (middle), and card holder (right)
The last few items
All in
Mod Shots
For reference, I am short. I am 154cm tall, or a little over 5 feet.
I usually carry the Chanel Coco Handle as a shoulder bag.
Shoulder Bag
In fact, I actually prefer the Medium one over the Small (see small version reviews here) because there is a nice weight to the bigger one. The Small actually feels overly light to the point that it lacks weight to hold it down and thus slides down the shoulder more easily.
Hangs snugly; does not easily slide off
Hanging on the crook of the arm
Handheld
Overall Pros and Cons
Pros of the Chanel Coco Handle
- Great resale value. Especially in classic colours. While not as good a resale value compared to the small or mini (in Singapore or Asian countries as least), the bag generally suffers from overpopularity and you can get much of your money bag should you choose to resell it.
- Versatility. In some ways, this bag is even more versatile than the normal Chanel Classic flap – the extra handle allows the bag to be carried in various ways.
- Idiot-proof almost to a fault. It is formal enough for work. It is fun enough for after-work. If you don’t need a laptop for work, it’s large enough to carry a notebook.
- Great middle ground kind of bag: an awesome choice for those who find mini bags too small and tote bags too big.
- Has a wide variety of colours – depending on the season, the Chanel Coco Handle can come in other bright, pastel, serious, or neutral colours.
- The handles – decorate it with a twilly or ribbon – it changes the look of the bag. More fun!
Decorated with Hermes Twilly
- Price: over the past few years, the prices have increased at a crazy rate, and currently (at the time of writing) it retails for more than SGD8000. And knowing Chanel, the price will only go up over time.
- Avability is unpredictable: Although it does come in a wide variety of colours, the availability depends on season, and the stock can be scarce in popular colours. Without a reliable sales associate, it may not be very easy to get one at walk-in.
Hope this helps anyone who’s thinking of getting the bag.
A different look
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What fits in the bag
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