It occurred to me recently as I was getting ready to go for a walk with a friend that I don't have a single mini bag. A clutch, yes but can you see me in rugged boots, parka and a clutch while wading through muddy country lanes? Yeah, neither can I. I ended up tucking bank cards, money, cellphone and tissues in every pocket available on my jacket and I looked like I was ready for warfare.
As I was chatting to my friend, S, she jumped up and dashed off to her bedroom to get her Chanel WOC. Just in case if you're wondering whether WOC stands for a type of Water Closet as I did previously, it actually means Wallet On Chain. This got me thinking. Wouldn't it be neat if I have a mini bag that I can wear cross body or perhaps just sling it over my shoulder but also doubles as a clutch in the evening?
In this economy, I want to get more bang for my dollar. I'd much rather have a bag that works hard for me than one that sits pretty in my closet which is the case at the moment. Why collect souvenirs when I'm traveling if I can just use my Chanel Timeless Clutch or the
1. Mulberry Lily 2. Chanel WOC 3. Celine Trio 4. Coach Legacy Penny 5. Sophie Hulme Mini Envelope
After seeing the resale value of numerous It bags plummet to a mere fraction of its retail price (remember Fendi Baguette, Chloe Paddington etc?), I'm far more careful when purchasing a bag now. I prefer to stick to something that's classy, understated and timeless. That means, as little embellishment as possible. I popped into a Chanel boutique in the weekend to check out their range of WOCs . Sadly, the caviar leather version is out of stock but the rouge lambskin version has my name all over it.
Both Sophie Hulme Mini Envelope and Coach Legacy Penny come with a detachable strap and are ridiculously good value for money considering the excellent workmanship. I asked a Grazia editor about her bright emerald green Coach Legacy Penny which she wore to the London Fashion Week. She adored it and the green was a nice pop of color in contrast to the appallingly grey winter we've had so far.
I get a little weak in the knees each time I see someone with a Celine Trio. After having seen a few up close and spoken to numerous fashionistas about the bag, the Celine Trio which is far cheaper than the Mini Luggage Tote, is definitely right up there on top of my wish list. Decisions, decisions. What do you think, ladies? Which would you go for?
That is the whole reason I bought the black Anya Hindmarch Gracie in the Harrods sale because I didn't have one either and sometimes you do need a little bag like that. Plus they often double up as a clutch so I love that they are dual purpose. One day I will own a Chanel and if I can't ever afford a 2.55 would happily settle for a WOC. How much are they these days, over a grand now?
ReplyDeleteSharron, the Sevruga (caviar with the big CC) costs £880ish and the rest are £1065. I've tried to make the regular flap work for me on numerous occasions to no avail.
DeleteYikes how much is a 2: 55 these days?
DeletePS I thought you had cut your hair there!
My friend just got the Celine one and it's gorgeous.. More subtle so endlessly wearable by all ages, day and night. She even brought it to Tesco last week so to me, that's the true sign of day/night wearability! Next favourite is the Mulberry. Oh I want one now! x
ReplyDeleteI went home with the same WOC in lamb skin when I was hoping to get a caviar one but they're out of stock. I love the Celine Trio too.. ;D
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem right now, seriously in need of a chic mini bag, that Chanel one is perfect :)
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Daniella xox
Adore the Chanel - what a great bag. On the more budget friendly side I have the Boden fold over clutch which is perfect and can be worn with or without the long strap.
ReplyDeleteAs I have decided that I shall get a "WOC", this blog post came in very handy! I am thinking of a Chanel WOC in caviar leather (if I can find one!) but Mulberry has one called "Bayswater Clutch Wallet" which might be an alternative (but I prefer the chain on the WOC from Chanel). Decisions decisions... Cheers, Linda
ReplyDeleteSame here, Linda. I didn't think of a WOC until my friend got one. I really like the lambskin but knowing the kind of clumsy person that I am, the caviar is probably better for me.
DeleteI don't even dare to think of the lambskin, I know I would have ruined it in a heartbeat. Most probably this is a bag I would use mostly when traveling (I am thinking of using it as a wallet and then it can double as a bag when needed). The question is, Chanel or the one from Mulberry? My mind says Mulberry but my heart says Chanel... 1085 GBP, is that the price for the WOC (same as your friend has) in caviar? Cheers, Linda
DeleteLinda, I was told that the WOC in caviar, lambskin, camelia design are all £1065/£1085 (can't remember) but the Sevruga with the big interlocking CC is £885-ish. Given the choice of the two, I'd go with Chanel in a heartbeat. I'm on the waiting list if and when the caviar comes in. The last time I owned a lambskin flap, I took it out a total of 4 times in 4 years!
DeleteThanks! I'm for sure leaning towards the one from Chanel and you should listen to your heart, right?! I hope you get yours soon!!! Linda
DeleteM, I have a WOC and adore it. It's great for running errands when you don't need to carry a lot or for the night out. The other bag that I use a lot if my MJ flat case that's akin to the Celine Trio minus the shoulder strap, so my vote would be to get either one of those, whichever you think suits your style and budget better. :) Good luck deciding!
ReplyDeletefauxionista.com
I've got a little Chanel clutch that comes with a chain, until recently I have never used it because I saw it as an evening bag and I don't have that kind of lifestyle but it's getting some use now - hurrah.
ReplyDeleteI'd go for either the Chanel or the Celine! Excited to see what you choose! :)
ReplyDeletexxTheresa
i have the chanel one and to be honest, i rarely use it b/c i'm so scared tot take it out of the house!! i know i know, it's pathetic! i should have gone with the coach instead! much more practical!
ReplyDeleteOooh, yes! I've been looking for a WOC in black distressed calf skin for over a year now. My SA's been looking but no luck yet. I've been tempted to go on ebay but I'm a little nervous due to past experience with fake items.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a mini bag really. I love all of these options! That Chanel is gorgeous too.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Fashion and Beauty Finds
I would either get a Chanel - which has proven to be timeless, or I would get the Celine trio (this has been on my list for forever) as it's so sleek and I love the detachable pouches. x
ReplyDeleteI love all the WOC you posted! I love the idea of them but I always carry way to mush useless stuff with me!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Stacey
Five Minute Style
You're going to get the Celine. I can feel it in my bones.
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeing the WOC for a while.. I think I'd use it more than those GSTs I hardly do..
ReplyDeleteGREETINGS FROM DUBAI!
MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES
http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/
I love the Celine. Get it! The Chanel unusable due to the price.
ReplyDeleteI've wanted a Chanel WOC for years but had a hard time justifying it for myself right now. I settled for the Prada WOC but if I had the funds I'd definitely go for the Chanel - it's so timeless!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh a mini cross body bag has been on my list for about two years. I shouldn't admit the embarrassing looks I've resorted to in the meantime. Lumps and bumps in pockets or, on desperate occasions, a very untrendy bum bag when going out walking!! Good luck, I was just continuing my search this morning.
ReplyDeleteI have two Chanel WOCs, both are in lambskin. I am very clumpsy, and always drop food or drinks on my shirt and bag, but they are still work out very well. I used it to go to Tokyo (was a solo traveller) for shopping and eating, to Universal Studio in Singapore with my three kids, and used it as a clutch to the very posh nightclub in Bangkok .. and oh i used it when i travelled to Italy and wore it underneath my jacket to prevent any pickpocketer. This is my most often used chanel purse while companring with my jumbo and M/L Chanel. I am using it everyday as a wallet . I just chuck it in my tote and go to office, take it out when i go for lunch. Sorry about being long winded x_x
ReplyDeleteI love the Celine too..... but i am afraid i will get bored of it. and it is not so cheap too ?
Best regards,
shan ty
Oh good to hear about the lambskin. Thank you for sharing this, Shan Ty. This will be my first foray into mini bags so I want to make sure I cover every base before going ahead and making a purchase.
DeleteThe Chanel WOC is a great choice. I have the one in caviar and have used it so much that the cost per wear justifies the price. I like how you can wear it crossbody or as a clutch, which is the 2 ways that i usually wear it. The caviar version is definitely worth the wait. My little ones have splashed milk on it a couple of time and luckily it wiped right off.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you here. If anything splashes on the lambskin, I'll probably go into a cardiac arrest. Like the one time I tried to "clean" my beige lambskin (since sold) tote. It left a permanent mark on the leather.
DeleteYou know I'm going to say the Trio given that I recently purchased one . Actually I have a Chanel WOC too but have only used it maybe twice in the last 5 years that I've had it. To my credit, I do have the lambskin version and so at the risk of ruining it, I just let it sit around in my closet collecting dust. The trio is very wearable, I love how nondescript it is. I've taken it everywhere... I wear it grocery shopping, at the playground, dinner dates, you name it! Can't wait to see what you decide on.
ReplyDeletexx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}
Hi my dear!! wow, loving them all but the Trio is just gorgeous for the money, am very tempted indeed! xxx
ReplyDeleteI now need to go investigate the Celine Trio online and see what all the fuss is about!! Really impressed with the versatility of the Chanel WOC .. makes the price tag seem positively reasonable now that I've seen your demo pics.
ReplyDeleteI would go for the Chanel WOC for sure!
ReplyDeletewww.FashionSnag.com
Aaargh! I still can't believe I sold my Chanel WOC years ago! Still regret it until date! :(
ReplyDeleteWhat?! You did NOT! Bet you paid way less than the current retail price.
DeleteHi! Question- How do you view the private sales listings on luisaviaroma.com? Did you have to email and request to see the celine items? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHiya, how odd. I don't think Celine bags are only available via private sales. If you click on the link above, it actually takes you right to the page.
DeleteI emailed them, and they said Celine is only available in store which seems untrue :(
DeleteThey could be right as the link doesn't work anymore. I know from talking to a store that they are not allowed to publicize their Celine bags on their websites nor anywhere on the internet.
DeleteI really like the Chanel WOC! :) I wish I could afford one!
ReplyDeleteI have the Mulberry Lily and it's a great bag, my the Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC is my fave small bag :)
Away From The Blue
I couldn't live without my mimi bags! Although none of mine are quite as lovely as your selections (I'll get there one day, though) :) I LOVE the Chanel!
ReplyDeleteI have a great little black leather bag from Zara which I use nearly everyday - even if I have a big bag too I like to keep my essentials in the little one. x
The Chanel WOC is so timeless. I probably get the most use out of mini bags while at the office. I can tuck it into my purse. They're perfect for quickly running downstairs for a tea or to speak with our concierge. I do love the Celine too. I don't buy Celine in the US because it's just so absurdly priced and I'm in Paris quite a bit for work, but I had my eye on the burgundy trio a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteI was looking at Celine too. But decided to get a Chanel WOC or a Chanel mini (much pricier though but cute factor is higher I think). However, caviar seems to be out of stock everywhere. The latest caviar they have for mini is some suede caviar which I am not a fan of.
ReplyDeleteI'm impatiently waiting for one woc/mini...it's like the only thing missing in my "life" right now (then again, after I have gotten it..I will feel something else missing. Sigh).
They are all gorgeous.... I have the Mulberry in patent pink and recently bit the bullet and bought myself a WOC... which I am IN LOVE with. Have positioned it as an investment to my lovely husband. An heirloom to be passed down to our children's children's children...
ReplyDelete