My Personal Chanel Bag Collection
Vintage Chanel bags are a big investment for me too! In my personal collection, I have three lambskin leather styles in different colored neutrals; black, navy and chocolate brown. All of them are vintage from the 1990s with 24kt gold plated hardware, which is the dreamy yellow gold color and so iconic to Chanel in the 1980s and 90s. The 24kt gold plating that was done on jewelry and handbags during that time was discontinued in the early 2000s and marked a big shift in quality and design. The pieces from these decades age so gracefully and with proper care, continue to appreciate in value unlike some of the other luxury fashion houses. I’d say Chanel and Hermès are two that you can count on for sure.
Each bag that I’ve collected over the years punctuates a part of my story and I want to share them with you! I love investing in vintage accessories and fine jewelry to celebrate significant life milestones. The pieces I know I will have forever serve as reminders for how well I know and love myself. Intentional purchases are worth every penny!
1. Chanel Small Flap Bag
This was the third bag I added to my collection and is the most iconic! Typically first time Chanel bag buyers like to invest in the classic 2.55 double flap bag in black lambskin leather, I actually have one available for sale in my collection here. However, on my wish list for a classic was this small single flap bag because it has a full length crossbody strap and is the perfect size for going out to dinner, shows and dates. It comfortably fits all the essentials, including a cell phone, card wallet and lipgloss. The square size and shape is perfect for my 5’3″ frame too. I also have this exact same bag available for sale in my vintage collection.
The story behind this one is that my mom actually purchased this bag as an investment piece for herself in support of my last company, Sweet & Spark. It’s not unusual for us to have similar preferences in bags! Fast forward a few years after S&S closed, to the year I was taking a break before selling again under my own name here. It was my 37th birthday and I was home in New York to celebrate with my family and she surprised me by gifting this bag to me! It may have been what re-inspired me to start selling again. I’ve come to learn that whatever you love, always loves you back! Last year, I sent the bag to my friends at Leather Surgeons to have it re-plated back to it’s original 24kt gold hardware and also have the leather conditioned. I was so impressed with the results, she’s like brand new! Truly can’t imagine not using this bag for the rest of time.
I was chatting with a longtime customer on Instagram a couple weeks ago and while I definitely think vintage Chanel bags feel a little more feminine and glam than other luxury brands because of the gold chain and more delicate leather, I do think this bag looks just as good with a sweater and jeans as it does a blazer or going out top. A black lambskin Chanel bag is a classic for a reason!
2. Chanel Camera Bag
Meet my second ever Chanel bag, the navy lambskin camera bag from 1991-1994. This bag marks the end of the journey with Sweet & Spark. Once we decided that we were closing the company, my partner and I each chose a few pieces from our designer collection to remind us of all the sweet memories together. Surprisingly, navy lambskin was a seasonal color for Chanel so there aren’t as many available as you’ll find in black. The Chanel navy is such a rich and saturated color too, almost veering towards black. Believe it or not, I do have a navy lambskin camera bag available! She’s a cutie with the lambskin leather tassel zipper pull.
Over the years I’ve found that I’ve traveled with this bag more than any other in my collection. I’ve worn her to weddings, around Paris, New York City and wine country too. She’s just really special and I always like to bring two unique yet versatile bags in my carry on with me to use wherever I go. They’re usually crossbody bags too!
3. Chanel Shopper Tote
Saving the first Chanel bag I ever invested in story for last! Back in 2019, after we sold the most beautiful caramel brown lambskin leather 2.55 double flap bag, I went on a deep hunt for brown Chanel bags and at the time, I found this chocolatey brown tote. She was only $2,000 which I knew was a great price so I had to scoop her up. Now this style goes for around $4,500! Goes to show you how quickly your investment can double.
Personally I liked that I invested in what I could afford first and then added the most expensive later, which is always going to be a classic black lambskin flap bag (unless it’s a rare fashion style or fabric like tweed, denim, raffia, the Kelly, etc as those will be the highest priced). As long as you know that it will make sense with your wardrobe and lifestyle, I don’t think you can make a wrong decision in the order you invest in!
I believe this shopper style came in two sizes and this is the smaller of the two. She’s been the perfect day bag for going out to lunch, running errands around the city and doing in person client meetings because she does fit a laptop. She’s a fairly simple style with no closure, just a big open bag with an inside zipper pocket. The best part about her is the oversized chunky leather wrapped chain straps that are plated in 24kt gold finish. My only complaint is that she is a little slouchy so requires a bit more care. She’s best maintained hanging or laying flat on her side with nothing on top of her. Unlike my Louis Vuitton MM and Hermès Garden Party totes which are much more structured so I can just set down anywhere.
