This is a review of the Chanel Mini Coco Handle.
Backstory
Since 2018, I have owned a Chanel Coco Handle, in medium, in the classic black. But, I secretly openly coveted another, in the Mini size.
(Note: by ‘Mini’ I mean the SMALL, and not the newer ‘Micro’ size).
And then, for the Chanel Métiers d’art collection in 2020, when I went in store for the launch, I chanced upon these beauties.
Store visit: Medium VS Mini (Small)
A *pink* medium in caviar? *gasp*.
I was crazy about the colour pink, and seriously considered it, but I already had a number of pink bags (such as TWO lady Diors, a Hermes Constance 18 in Rose Confetti, and the Chanel Classic flap in pink).
From the 2017 Cruise Cuba collection
Then this came home with me
Given that I loved that chevron flap, I took the plunge, and excitedly carted home my very first Chanel Mini Coco Handle.
Chanel Mini Coco Handle: structure
There is something about the chevron that looks oh-so streamlined and sharp.
Front View
Back View
Detachable Strap
Double CC turnlock in Champagne Gold Hardware
Inside the Chanel Mini Coco Handle
What fits in the Chanel Mini Coco Handle
x1 short wallet (Chanel square wallet), x1 key holder, x1 eyeshadow/compact, x1 lipstick, and x2 card holders.
(Though I feel that up to x4 card holders can fit, this is the volume that I usually carry. I’ll demonstrate where the card holders can fit in).
What fits in the Chanel Mini Coco Handle
Back pocket
Fits right in
Spot the Divider’s opening
Almost like a hidden compartment
For the rest of this What Fits in the Mini Coco Handle segment, I’m just not going to use the divider – easier to show what else fits without that rigidity.
Next up: short/small wallet
So short wallet it is
Added in the key holder
Alternative view
Moved the short wallet
Eyeshadow palette on top left
From top left clockwise: Eyeshadow palette, Key holder, Card holders x2, Lipstick, Short Wallet
All packed and ready to go
Mod Shots
For reference, I am super short at 154cm tall, or a little over 5 feet.
The handles are useful in the sense that there’s an option to hang it on the crook of the arm.
(And I love how the Chanel Mini Coco Handle looks in natural light – its such a beautiful purple: royal and not at all gaudy).
Hanging on the crook of the arm
I supposed it is possible for the handle to reach the elbows if one is very petitie, but for the average woman, this would be as far as it gets.
Handle space is narrow – doesn’t go to elbow
Handheld
Hanging off the shoulders
Crossbody? Not recommended. Lol.
Overall Pros and Cons
Pros of the Chanel Mini Coco Handle
- Very lightweight. Strap doesn’t dig in the shoulders even if the bag is full. (But this lightweight factor may also be a con – see next section)
- Great resale value. Especially in this mini size – it is hugely popular, and the prices of these bags will only keep going up.
- Has a wide variety of colours and leathers (or other materials) – I’ve seen this bag released in fabric and wool versions as well. There is something that everyone can enjoy.
- Versatility. In some ways, this bag is even more versatile than the Chanel classic flap – the extra handle allows the bag to be carried in various ways.
- Plus, decorate it with a twilly or ribbon – it changes the look of the bag. More fun!
Decorated with Hermes Thee Graces Twilly
- Very lightweight… to the point that it *might* be overly so. You know how for a shoulder bag to remain firmly on the shoulders, there should be some weight to hold it in? When the bag is empty / half-filled, the straps actually slide off my shoulders rather easily. It could be just me – but compared to the medium-sized, my medium Coco handle has better shoulder-staying power. Strangely, and for that reason, I prefer the weight of the medium-sized one.
- The fact that it doesn’t fit the elbows of the average woman is a little sad. It’s super weird to carry halfway between the wrist and the elbow. If you tend to carry bags this way, this might be a deal breaker.
- The mini size is getting increasingly hard to get in boutiques, especially in popular colours (black, grey, white, other neutrals). Without a relationship with a Sales Associate (in Singapore at least), getting your hands on one of these might be a challenge.
Hope this helps anyone who’s thinking of getting the bag.
I’m walking away~
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What fits in the bag
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