Chanel classic flap handbag review

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!

chanel 2.55 handbag review

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.

chanel 2.55 review

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.

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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

chanel 2.55 handbag review

What’s in my March beauty bag

from top left: (all products in this post were gifted): Chico’s beauty bag / L’Oreal mascara / L’Oreal eye pencil / Elemis Super Food face wash / NYX brow brush / L’Oreal Shimmerista / Almay “Make Them Jelly” / Urban Decay lipstick / NYX eye shadow palette /

Happy March! As you know, I get a lot of press packages from beauty companies on a weekly basis. It is next to impossible for me to review each and every one which comes my way. So, as I mentioned in February, I have decided to do monthly round-ups of my favorite products from these packages. This way, you can find out what’s hot-and not be bothered with what’s not!

In the photo above, I am showing my favorite new beauty products which I have added to my beauty bag. I hope you love them!

The mascara from L’Oreal lengthens lashes without using extensions. It really works, and it isn’t clumpy! If you are looking for a good lengthening mascara, this is the one!

Elemis is one of my favorite skin care lines. They have a whole new collection of super food products which are fab-u-lous! My favorite item from the collection is the face wash. It leaves my skin squeaky clean without stripping it of essential oils. I am obsessed!

I am always on the hunt for the perfect eye liner. I don’t like liquid liners, or slimy pencils. I like good old-fashioned eye pencils. This new one from L’Oreal offers a silky smooth application without being slimy. It is a great hybrid between a good old fashioned eye pencil, and a silky, twist and turn pencil. The blue and purple are to-die-for! Of course, I live in the brown, but every once in a while a girl needs some 1980’s inspired eyes! Seriously though, you need the blue and purple!

This was my first experience with Urban Decay cosmetics. I really like them! They have a fabulous lipstick line named “Vice.” The colors are vibrant and the lipstick is creamy. It stays on really well without smudging, and is easy to apply. My favorite color from the collection is “Backtalk.”

‘Tis the season for bronzer and adding shimmer! L’Oreal has this fabulous product named “Shimmerista.” It’s a loose powder which is easy to apply with a powder brush, and it adds the perfect shimmer. Studio 54, here I come!

NYX Cosmetics are new to me, so I was thrilled when I tried this brow pencil. It fills in my brows nicely, and the brush is comfortable. I have a feeling I will use this pencil up quickly!

Lastly, I received this really fun product from Almay. It’s called “Make Them Jelly.” I wasn’t sure what it was when I first received it, but boy, do I love it now that I know what it is! haha It’s a shimmering, purple-blue illuminator which is perfect for nights out on the town. It is also perfect for the mermaid in your life. My 11-year-old mermaid has tried to steal it three times already, but I’m on to her and hiding it where she can’t find it! It’s hard having a daughter who loves makeup! haha

I hope you love these products. I know I do!

Shop my March beauty must-haves:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Easy breezy spring outfit

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wearing: bold white earrings / black twist tee / lipstick / black pinstripe blazer / black trouser jeans / Gucci bag / blue spring nail polish / black mules /

There is something about this wall! If you have been following along for a few years, you may have noticed I photograph in front of this wall quite a bit. In fact, if you follow other Bay Area bloggers, you may have seen them in front of this wall too!

Sometimes I try to avoid the wall, because I feel like it has gotten a little over-done. But, when I spent the afternoon on Santana Row the other day with my family, this was one of the few spots without crowds of people; plus the light was perfect. So, what can I say? I guess I am “just another brick in the wall.” . . .;-)

That being said, I do like this wall. It is quite pretty! So, I guess it is fitting to be the background for my current go-to spring outfit! Jeans and a tee are always perfect for a casual go-to look during the spring months. The addition of this spring blazer, last seen at fashion week, makes an otherwise basic outfit look on-trend and chic. Love blazers!!

What is your current go-to look for spring? Are you jumping on the menswear trend too?

In case you are wondering where “The Wall” is located, it is behind Anthropologie at Santana Row in San Jose. If you visit, definitely take a picture in front of it! It’s a little bit iconic around here 😉

Shop my go-to casual spring look:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

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