Chanel Comparison - Mini Reissue vs. Small Classic Flap

[@HandbagFoodie]

Was looking into bags about the mini reissue and found this one from you! Great review and you’ve made a great case for it! 🖤

[@traingirl.meghan]

Thank you! I still feel this way about the reissue 😊

[@jamelsydney2737]

Yay, this is the video I requested!!!! 😀 Thank you so much for making it!!! 🙏 I actually owned the same Mini Reissue as yours but sold it because I found the gold hardware doesn’t go with my aesthetic. Outside of work I’m a very casual dresser, so I found it hard to style the gold chain with my jeans and t-shirts. I know you can totally do this and so many girls (and guys) pull it off so well, but I’ve come to realise that I’m a silver/ruthenium hardware girl as this fits with my wardrobe much better and I prefer the understated look. Having said that, I still absolutely love the Mini Reissue style, and own three others in my collection - the 225, the older small camera bag style and the more recent mini camera case. I still want to add the Mini 2.55 to my collection but it would be in the silver/ruthenium HD. However I also want to add the Classic Flap as well because I still don’t have one of these. But given the Chanel price increases, I can’t have both. I need to save up for a while to get either, so still have plenty of time to decide lol 😂 I tried both the small & medium classic flaps in store, and my husband prefers the small one on me because I’m petite and the small one looks better on my bird frame. However, as you say it doesn’t fit many items so I don’t think it’s worth A$10,000. The medium size can fit an additional couple of small items but it’s almost A$11,000 which sounds even more ridiculous. I think I can’t pull the trigger at this price point and would need to go preloved. The Mini Reissue in Silver HW feels better value (even though it’s still expensive and would also be preloved), but I know I’ll always want a CF because it’s missing from my collection. And the price would only continue to increase the longer I wait. What would you do if you were in my shoes? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@traingirl.meghan]

I’m so glad I could do it for you! Thanks for the video idea! I know what you mean. All of this is subjective, and you gravitate towards the colors and hardwares that work for you 😊The ruthenium reissues look amazing! Part of me wants the medium size reissue with ruthenium for the variety, but I don’t know if I’m willing to spend the money since my collection is pretty full as is, and I definitely can't afford to this year. I understand that dilemma. That’s part of the reason why I chose the classic first when I found a leather/color I liked. Personally, I would go for the small since it sounds like it suits you! I try to balance what I love with what’s practical. I’ve found if I give up something I really love for something more practical, I simply won’t reach for that item despite it being more “user friendly.” Does that make sense? I don’t feel inconvenienced when I really love something. It depends how much you carry, how you will use this bag, and if on those occasions it works to carry less. I don’t carry much, so I’ve never felt limited by the small. If you love the classic, love the way it looks on you, and will always want one, I would go for it. I prefer the proportions of the small classic over the medium. One note about preloved - Be careful with prices and compare to retail (especially with shipping). I keep seeing black reissues and classics being sold close to (and sometimes above) retail on preloved sites. I’m not sure if the mini reissue will provide anything that the small camera bag doesn’t already. But if you love it, you love it. One benefit to buying the classic is you can always sell it on if it doesn’t work for you. Also, a lot of people are turning to preloved given the price increases and sustainability factor. I hope that helps!! I'm down to talk handbags anytime 😊

[@jamelsydney2737]

@@traingirl.meghan thank you Meghan for the advice, all excellent points. I’m leaning towards the small CF, because I don’t have one yet and I already have 3 Reissues. Even though I know the Reissue (all models) has better functionality, I can’t get the CF out of my head no matter how I try. I just feel that as a handbag lover, I gotta have a CF in my collection (I have vintage Diana but it isn’t the same). This is one if those situations where the heart just defies logic and it’s really has become a HG ambition! The only thing putting me off is the price. As you say, the preloved ones that are in excellent condition are almost the same price as the new ones from boutique. So I’ll save until the end of the year and hopefully I can get a new one before the next price increase! 😬

[@traingirl.meghan]

@@jamelsydney2737 that absolutely makes sense to me! I was always going to want a classic flap. There will always be reasons not to buy one, but it's a lovely piece to have as a Chanel enthusiast. I would never have a large number of them, but I wouldn't be totally satisfied with my collection without one. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a small increase at the end of the year, but who knows. Good luck with your search!!

[@brit_ta]

May I ask how you feel about the mini reissue almost two years later? Do you still use it regularly?

[@traingirl.meghan]

I still love using it! I don't buy many black bags partly because I love color, but also because the mini reissue already checks every box.

[@brit_ta]

@@traingirl.meghan Thank you 🙂

[@SMR218]

Would you have bought the reissue in white if you didn’t have you white CF? Or would you have chosen the reissue in over the CF if both were offered to you in white? Thank you!

[@traingirl.meghan]

No, I like the reissue best in black. Perhaps it's because the leather textures are different. I also considered the reissue woc in green, but I decided not to buy it 😊

[@oanhtang5112]

Hi dear thank you for the video! I really want to get the black mini reissue with the aged gold hardware too. It’s beautiful. May I know what is the wear and tear of the hardware? Does it fade quick that it turns silver after uses? Thank you ☺️

[@traingirl.meghan]

Thanks for your question! There is only minor scratching on the hardware, but it isn't noticeable. It has not changed color or tarnished, and this is one of my most used bags.

[@oanhtang5112]

@@traingirl.meghan thank you for your response 💕 I love mini reissue and hope I can get one soon take care 😍

[@gulaselkarataeva4635]

Thanks for making this video! Just came across this I’m hoping to get my first Chanel bag. It’ll probably be my only Chanel for a long time if not forever. Im trying to decide between a black classic flap in caviar, a 225 reissue, or a mini reissue; which would you recommend? Im also a new mum and don’t drive so I’d be commuting often so perhaps I’d need something more understated? Thank you!

[@traingirl.meghan]

Firstly, congratulations on being a new mum! This must be an exciting and hectic time! Do you like the look of the classic and reissue equally? Ultimately I recommend getting the one that makes you feel the most giddy, even if it isn't practical for everyday use. Personally, I think the reissue is far more functional and understated than the classic flap. I prefer the mini reissue because it is perfect crossbody, and it holds everything I need. If you carry more, a 255 is a great option. I also like the mini for public transport because it's less bag to keep track of, if that makes sense. It sits nicely close to your body. It's very light for a leather bag. You have added versatility with the four grommets, so it can dress up and down. Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions about either bag.

[@gulaselkarataeva4635]

@@traingirl.meghan thank you!! I like the look of both; I think the classic is beautiful but I feel like I’d be too timid to carry it out and about especially in public transport/walking to and from places. I thought the reissue may be a better option for me for this reason. What makes me wonder is the durability of the leathers. If your small CF was black, do you think it would be more carefree than the aged calfskin on the reissues? I’m trying to be mindful of circumstances such as getting caught in the rain (which I would obviously try not to do but may happen nevertheless)

[@traingirl.meghan]

@@gulaselkarataeva4635 that's understandable. Sometimes I feel a little wary carrying it because the classic is so recognizable. Unless you have to walk through really dodgy areas, I wouldn't worry too much about that. There are a few things I thought of here - So far, the aged calfskin has been very durable. There is no wear on the corners, no scuffs/marks on the leather. I do think black caviar is generally more durable and resistant to water damage, but neither bag could get drenched. I've gotten a few drops of water on my reissue before, and wiped them off without any issues. I've heard about black caviar classics looking new 10 years later, but it's impossible to know exactly how those bags were treated. Since caviar is coated, I'm sure it would be more resilient in the long run. That said, the small classic flap isn't fuss-free. Minimal capacity and it's a little tougher going in and out. I wear it crossbody to be handsfree, but it sits high on me. If you live in a place where rain can be unpredictable throughout the day, if you think it could get bumped around in crowded places, caviar would be a safer bet. However, if you want something more understated, versatile and easier to use, I would go with the reissue since it's still fairly durable.

[@gulaselkarataeva4635]

@@traingirl.meghan Thanks so much! I’m leaning towards the reissue atm. I guess I’ll have to just go into a boutique and see them side by side to make my final decision

[@traingirl.meghan]

@@gulaselkarataeva4635 absolutely! You'll know the right one when you see it. Keep me posted on which one you go for 😊

[@lindsaybirch376]

Love your realistic take on the bags and I can see why both are great for your collection. I have a mini reissue myself and I'm totally not shocked that your classic flap fits less. My SA told me go medium if i ever want a classic haha. I shot you a DM on instagram btw :)

[@traingirl.meghan]

A medium would be so much more practical! They have the same chain length, so the small works a little better crossbody (just barely on my frame) since the grommets are closer together. I'm tempted by a colorful medium classic flaps... but I'm not sure if I'll find one I love enough to pay the current price.

[@DaylesAddiction]

Great review and comparison Meghan.. . You could call it - which one to buy first rather than an either/or! 🤣🤣

[@traingirl.meghan]

Thanks Dayle! So true for any Chanel/mini bag lover! After making this I feel that my money is safe from another classic flap given the current price trajectory... I know you love your rectangle lamb mini! Part of me would love a little colorful Chanel lamb in my collection next 😊

[@BagsBunnies]

The reissue hardware is so pretty... I can totally understand owning both classic styles.

[@traingirl.meghan]

They are both beautiful bags, and I couldn't imagine selling them even though the classic gets used less 😊I'm actually feeling purse peace since I started this obsession haha!

[@BagsBunnies]

@@traingirl.meghan That's great!

[@PatriciaKLM]

They are both so pretty! I'd have both too, if I ever get the courage to start saving up for a Chanel. (The price increases are so disheartening!) P.S. Love you earrings.❤️

[@traingirl.meghan]

I completely understand! I had this moment last year when I thought okay, now or never. I knew I was always going to want one and they would just be harder and harder to obtain. That said, I don't see myself getting another classic flap. Those prices are getting hard to justify when I'm very happy with my current collection! Thanks for watching 😊

[@huongcao16]

hi i love your earrings, may I know what brand ís that?

[@traingirl.meghan]

Thank you so much! They are the Dior Tribales with the light pink pearl.