Chanel Timeless Classic Mini Flap handbags: A friendly comparison

Chanel mini A65055 A35200

In the market for a mini CHANEL? Read this first!



Chanel mini A65055 A35200

Chanel mini A65055 A35200

Whether buying a Chanel bag for the first time or adding to your personal collection, acquiring one of these timeless beauties requires a certain level of commitment — and investment. 
Considering a mini for your first (or next!) Chanel? Read on to get to know these pint-sized purses before you take the plunge.

Chanel A65055 Blue Fonce

Chanel A65055 Blue Fonce

Brand: Chanel

Style: A65055 (old) New is A69900 
Dimensions: 5″H x 7 1/2″W x 2 1/2″D 

Chain drop: 23 1/2" (singled) 12 1/2" (doubled)
Colour: Blue
Made in: France
Material: Caviar leather
Interior material: Caviar leather

Pros:  Even though I shouldn't say this, I'm going to: This is an ideal bag for those who want a little piece of the Chanel kingdom but can't (or simply won't) plunk down $4,000-5,300 on a 2.55 Classic Flap bag.  
This baby blue has been there and done that with me. It's my go-to for quick shopping trips or vacays away. It comfortably fits all the essentials: A tiny wallet, lipstick, keys, iPhone and even a slim digital camera. Plus, the lovely blue colour goes with most outfits. 

An added bonus? The classic design means it can go straight from day to night. 

Cons: This is the older version of the rectangular classic mini — it also happens to be the most sought-after. Why? Because the latest model (A69900) has two top holes instead of four, which sets it apart from the brand's classic flaps (they all have four holes) and makes the chain a little shorter for those looking to go cross-body. 

But, never fear, Chanel fans. The fashion house is known to remove and reintroduce bags and features, so if you sit tight, those coveted four-hole minis will probably be back. 

Chanel mini A35200 Bordeaux


Chanel mini A35200 Bordeaux
Brand: Chanel
Style: A35200 
Dimensions: 5 1/4″H x 6 1/2″W x 3″D 
Chain drop: 20 1/2"  
Colour: Bordeaux

Made in: France
Material: Lambskin leather
Interior material: Lambskin leather


Pros:  I searched EVERYWHERE for this colour combo as I'm a bit obsessed with all things burgundy and gold. While the colour looks a tad brown in these pics, it's actually more of a muted plum tone in person. Very nice. 

This bag is beautiful, classic and — if I'm being completely honest — a little impractical. While it can fit most of the items the rectangular mini can, its narrow width and deep design make it more difficult to pack properly. 

Nevertheless, this bag is a beauty and works great for a special event or evening that requires a touch of class with hands-free practicality. 

Cons: Though luxurious, the soft lambskin feels extremely fragile and prone to scratches. Also, the shorter chain makes it perfect as a shoulder bag, but is a bit short when worn as a crossbody (think: sits high on the hip). See it on me (I'm 5'8") here. 


Would recommend? YES - If you are a Chanel lover like me, these mini versions are must-haves. Have to choose one? Go for the rectangular version, as its wider shape makes it easier to pack with the day's (mini!) accessories. 

All measurements are approximate

10 comments

EUNICE said…
Hi just going out on a limb here, but I was wondering if you just might be willing to sell your burgundy mini flap to me. No offense!
Aleesha said…
Hi Eunice,
No offense taken! At this time, I'm not interested in selling. Thank you for stopping by my blog! :)

-Aleesha
Unknown said…
Hi Aleesha,

I am dying over your Chanel mini flap in bordeaux! It's the exact bag and colour that I've been searching for!
May I ask when and which Chanel you purchased it from?? I live in Toronto.

-Jackie
Alber Wang said…
Hi just stopping by, may I ask what color code it is for the burgundy red?
Thanks!
Aleesha said…
Apologies for the delayed response! I bought mine from the Nordstrom in San Diego several years ago! :)
Jacqueline said…
I know this is an old post but I would just like to say thank you so much for doing this comparison! I had a hard time deciding which size to get around 2 years ago when I was deciding between these two bags and your post helped me decide on the square mini flap - which I still use and treasure to this day <3 I recently followed you for your beauty posts and just found out that I actually stumbled across this post yearss ago when I haven't even started blogging <3 Thank you again :) xx

Jacqueline | Sail Away to Neverland ♡
Unknown said…
Hi aleesha! Any tips on how to find the vintage mini rectangular flap with four holes? I tried searching the style number but seems this will be quite the task! Thx!
Aleesha said…
Glad you liked the post! Thank you for reading it. :)
xx
Aleesha
Aleesha said…
So sorry for the super-delayed response! The colour code is 81425 (Bordeaux).
xx
Aleesha
Aleesha said…
Hi Justine,
Thank you for stopping by! My best advice would be to keep checking trusted reseller sites such as Vestaire, Portero, etc. I did a quick scan of a few sites and found this 4-hole mini:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SOLD-OUT-CLASSIC-CHANEL-MINI-4-HOLE-RECTANGULAR-CARAMEL-CAVIAR-LEATHER-FLAP-BAG/371805553316?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D0ce92ae8ebf74237bed48cec995aa5fa%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D3%26sd%3D181591824673


Also, I'd keep an eye on the discussion threads on PurseForum as sought-after bags like these are often posted up in the CHANEL finds threads.

http://forum.purseblog.com/forums/chanel-shopping.62/

Hope this helps!
xx
Aleesha