Monday, January 19, 2015

Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap vs Chanel New Medium Boy Flap

ChanelBoyNewMedium_SydneysFashionDiary

Today, I wanted to briefly compare the Chanel jumbo classic flap and the new medium Boy flap just in case you have a hard time deciding between the two. Click here to see how they look on me.

Chanel Jumbo Classic Single Flap in caviar
Measures: 12" (L) x 8" (H) x 3" (W)
Retail price: $3500 (in 2011). This exact bag is no longer in production but you can find many preowned options available here

Chanel New Medium Boy Flap in calfskin
Measures: 11" (L) x 7" (H) x 3.5" (W)
Retail price: $5200 (see tag) - Many preowned options available here

Chanel Old Medium Boy Flap in calfskin
Measures: 10" (L) x 6" (H) x 3.5" (W)
Retail price: $4700

Chanel Jumbo vs. Boy_SydneysFashionDiary

As you can tell from the photos, the jumbo is significantly bigger than the boy. It's quite large and can hold a lot of items. I picked the caviar because it’s really durable and less prone to scratches. Both of my preowned bags are in caviar leather and they hold up so well over the years. I love the timeless look of the classic flap and the size is perfect for daytime wear. The boy is my first Chanel bag in calfskin. While calfskin isn't as tough as caviar, it's not as fragile as lambskin. My very first Chanel purchase was a black lambskin small classic flap. Although, I don't baby my bags, I am not careless with them either. After using it for a couple of years, I eventually found a new home for it because it was too high maintenance for me. All of my caviar bags have been a breeze to take care of.

Chanel Jumbo vs. Boy_SydneysFashionDiary



As mentioned here, my husband and I went back to the Chanel boutique to learn more about the bag. I bought this particular bag mainly because of its unique color/hardware combination. I've seen so many bags in gold/ruthenium hardware and honestly, I am not a fan of either one. If you are a long time follower of my blog, you might have noticed all my bags are in silver hardware. It's all down to personal preference but for me, I am only interested in silver hardware. For this particular size (the new medium), available combinations are navy/dark beige with shiny silver hardware, red/black with ruthenium hardware. As for the old medium, available combinations are pink (pictured below) and white with matte silver hardware. Please note: there are more available combinations than what I mentioned above. These are the ones available at Saks. It took me the longest time to decide between the old medium and the new medium. Ultimately, I went with the bigger size. The old medium is slightly shorter in length (10") and height (6"). However, both sizes have the same width (3.5") as well as the strap's length. Please note the strap is NOT adjustable. If you're taller than me, the strap's length might be a little short to wear across the body.

ChanelBoy_SydneysFashionDiary

To wrap up this post, is spending that kind of $$ on a Chanel bag worth it? Without hesitation, my answer is no. I chuckle every time I hear someone say Chanel bags are investment pieces. Believe me, I pulled that line before. It isn't an investment if you don't make any profit from it. At the end of the day, it's not an investment if those luxury items sit in your closet collecting dust/unworn. However, I am a true believer in working hard, taking care of your family and treating yourself with what you love occasionally. If you're saving up for your first Chanel, I'd suggest buying sooner rather than later due to the price increases. I hope you find this post helpful. If you have any questions, please free to leave them in the comment section. Love the look of a Chanel flap but not the price? Check out some affordable (and adorable) versions here.


9 comments:

Straight A Style said...

They are all so stunning! Amazing bags.

Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds

Emily said...

Agreed that it's funny when people Chanel items "investment pieces". Buy it because you love it (and can hopefully afford it), not because you're telling yourself that the value will go up so it's an investment, even if you never intend to sell. :)

Jemily Life

Life's a shoe said...

beautiful bags!

lifeisashoe

Gina Daily said...

Great comparison post, Sydney, and I love your candor on "investment" pieces. I feel the same way. If you can comfortably afford a luxury item that you love by saving up for it or whatever means you have, that's your prerogative! But an investment is more like a college fund for your kids or a Roth IRA if you ask me.:)
Gina - On the Daily Express

Anonymous said...

nice post, beautiful bags!!

http://girlblussh.blogspot.nl/

Stylin' In St. Louis said...

On my wish list! Love these! One day!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis

A Petite Treat said...

Such beautiful bags! I totally agree, lol it is not an investment if you aren't going to make money from it. I am definitely guilty of using that line.

Jenn
A Petite Treat

Unknown said...

How tall are you? I'm 5'1 and I would like to know if I should buy a jumbo or a medium Chanel bag

Sydney's Fashion Diary said...

@Jenelle Blackman I am 5'2" and prefer a medium. If you do a quick search, you can see how a jumbo look on me. It was too big in my opinion.