Ah! The Chanel classic flap handbag. Why haven’t I reviewed this one yet? I am constantly asked questions about Chanel handbags, so I thought it was time to do a review of the most precious handbag style in my collection; the Chanel classic flap handbag. If you have been thinking about investing in one, I hope you will find this review useful.

This timeless shoulder bag by Chanel offers the quintessential Chanel quilting, and chain shoulder strap, we have all grown to love. While sometimes confused with the Chanel 2.55 reissue shoulder bag, the Chanel Classic Flap offers a “CC” logo clasp and puffier quilting. That is the only difference between the two!

I have three versions of the Chanel Classic Flap shoulder; which isn’t technically called the “Classic Flap,” that is nickname we Chanel fans have given it. It really is just a classic shoulder bag. Pictured above are two versions of the small-size Chanel Classic Flap; one in brown caviar leather and one in black patent. The east/west bag pictured in the front is a convertible clutch which has a detachable strap tucked away. It is navy patent, and I don’t wear it very often because it doesn’t fit very much.

The small/medium size, which is often referred to as “old medium,” offers enough room for my wallet, phone, keys, lipstick, and sunglasses-not in their case. It is just the right size to fit everything I need when I am dressed up. Although I originally wore the Classic Flap as an everyday bag when I first purchased my brown one, as I get older, I just save them for dressier occasions, and I gravitate towards more casual bags for my everyday life.

The Chanel Classic Flap, in every size from small through jumbo, offers hidden compartments Coco Chanel originally designed for hiding love letters. There is an opera ticket pocket on the exterior back of the bag; as pictured above. Inside the bag there are two slim compartments; one in the back of the large compartment and one in the front which is protected by an interior flap. Inside the main compartment there are two small pockets, and a lipstick pocket. This is a very organized handbag!

One of my favorite aspects of the Chanel Classic Flap handbag is the strap. It can be worn doubled up, allowing the bag to hit around the elbow, or, it can be worn as a single strap which allows for the bag to hang by the top of the hipbone. I prefer to wear mine as a single strap bag. I find it to be the most comfortable configuration.

I originally purchased my first Chanel Classic Flap in brown caviar leather in 2004, and as you can see, it is in great condition! I then purchased the navy patent east/west clutch, and then the black patent. These bags are well over ten years old, and they look new! If stored correctly, your Chanel bags can easily last for several generations.

In order to properly store your Chanel bags, keep them stuffed with white tissue paper, and always keep the felt they are packaged with. The felt is good for keeping the strap off the leather while it is stored. I always place the felt between the strap and the bag to protect the leather from the metal; you don’t want those touching! I store my bags on their back so that they don’t sag, wrapped inside their dust bag, and protected in their original box. Since Chanel has one of the highest resale values of any designer brand, it is important to keep them stored properly. I have sold Chanel bags for more then I originally paid for them, so proper storage is a must!

If you don’t want to spring for a new Chanel bag, there are plenty of reputable re-sale retailers online where you can find authentic Chanel bags which are gently used; and in some cases, new with tags! I have linked to Chanel bags online from reputable retailers below. I hope you find the Chanel Classic Flap bag of your dreams!

Thanks for stopping by, and feel free to ask me anything about your next handbag purchase! I love your emails and DM’s!!

XOXO

Cathy