Designer Bags: Entry Level Bags & Their Cons (Chanel Wallet on Chain)

The second inspiration for this post comes from these three best friends PCCTV on YouTube, they came up with a video post regarding Louis Vuitton Bags that they wished LVMH would include in their future family.

And lastly, as a fellow luxury bag lover who has had her own fair share of buying and selling these wonderful pieces as well as endured many prices increases, my experiences may serve as a great resource if you are looking to splurge on your first piece. Please bear in mind that these opinions expressed below are my own with regards to my own size, shape and height. It may be different against your own body if you sport a different body shape and height. For reference, I weigh in at roughly 145-160 pounds(quarantine weight-loss) and stand at a mighty 5 feet and 2 inches.
I will be discussing pieces from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes in these posts, but this one will focus on Chanel’s infamous Wallet on Chain.

So let’s begin:

Chanel: Wallet on Chain

The Wallet on Chain(WOC) is a highly regarded starter piece for the Chanel fashion house. It is more moderately priced compared to the rest of the Chanel family. With the recent price increases, the Medium/Large Classic Flap now retails for a whooping $6500 after a steep 12% increase, while the Wallet on Chain still sits comfortably at a base price of $2500.

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One of the most appealing parts of this bag is that it contains many classic flap features, so you’re paying much less for a mini version of the classic flap. Wallet on Chains generally come in three different styles, the classic, the reissue, as well as the boy. They also come in different leathers ranging from goatskin, lambskin, calfskin to caviar and even textures like velvet, tweed, suede and denim. Despite having a smaller capacity, the WOCs offer the most in variety and best price point for a Chanel piece that’s capable of fitting smartphones.

Con #1: Strap is just too long

The Wallet on Chain features the classic leather woven chain which is great, except it is ridiculously long! Most models feature a 25-26 inch drop which is essentially down to my thigh on my height. And although the bag sits really nicely against the body because it isn’t too bulky, it still feels like my bag is ready to fall off my shoulder because the chain is so long.
If you are a taller gal, perhaps 5’5+ the wallet on chain may be the perfect length for you as it will lay on your hip-waist area.

Con #2: Base-Shaper is necessary

The Wallet on Chain requires the use of a base-shaper. A base-shaper is essentially an acrylic piece that is the length of the bottom of the wallet on chain. Due to the nature of the leather and consistency, on harder leather pieces such as calfskin and caviar the bottom folds inwards and uniformly. While, on softer leathers such as lambskin and goatskin the bottom can actually bulge out and look quite dingy.

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Con #3, but Corrected: The Snap Button Closure is now A Magnetic Closure

In all of the older styles of wallet on chain, pre-2020 have been made with a snap button closure. So, how can a tiny detail of a snap button closure prevent a consumer from appreciating this bag?
Realistically, in order to get in and out of the bag quickly, the snap button closure requires a certain amount of force to get the flap to open and close. Due to the repetition of this force, it can mutate the flap of the bag or even distort the under flap and front pocket.

However, post December 2019 — Chanel now makes this as a magnetic snap closure. It allows for easier access and no more ‘aiming for the right spot’. So you will no longer have to experience the leather damage that the woc in the photo above has sustained. It will allow for better maintenance of the front flap with less creasing and bending.

Final Thoughts:

So despite these cons do I still believe that the Chanel Wallet on Chain is a great starter piece?

Yes, absolutely — especially in the House of Chanel, the Wallet on Chain is a wonderful starter piece. This piece gives you the signature Chanel look for literally a fraction of the price of the full-sized handbag. The bag features the leather woven chain strap, the secret zipper compartment that is actually more useful (in comparison to the classic flap) because it goes all the way down the backside of the bag, as well as the mona lisa pocket on the back. Everything from the exterior to the interior is an exact duplicate of the classic flap other than the additional zipper pocket as well as the fabric lining.

For $2500 versus $6500 I think it is no comparison as to which is more worthwhile since the Wallet on Chain functions like a full sized bag. As small as the bag seems your phone, card holder, and key cle holder can fit with no problems at all — heck even your favorite lippie would fit!

Additionally for wallet on chains, I do believe that Chanel is listening to their clientele and slowly making adjustments to their bags. For example the magnetic snap closure is already a big step forward for retaining the integrity of this beautiful piece.

Another great example is the new ‘crush’ line that they have launched in the last season (Chanel 20S, A). The new crush line features a ball-like contraption that actually allows for adjusting of the leather woven chain strap — hence solving the dilemma of Con #1.

However, I have left that as the #1 con on my list because this change is not made throughout for every wallet on a chain yet. Most of them are still produced with the long chain with no wiggle room for adjustment.

All in all this is a wonderful bag, and even better if you are of a taller height because it will sit even beautifully on you. Wishing you the best of luck and that this may have helped you in choosing your first/next luxury piece.

Disclaimer: Please note that all images unmarked are my own and those marked are credited and not intended for any copyright infringement. All images and links are not affiliated. This post is not sponsored and not paid for, all opinions are my own and always will be.