Chanel WOC (Wallet on Chain) Review

I thought I would take a break from the usual Mom, IVF, and Step-Parenting blogs for a fun one. If you follow my Instagram then you know how much I love handbags. If you recall when I began this blog I said that I would write about all the things that make me ME, click on this link to learn A little ABOUT me

NOW, let’s take a moment to talk about the Chanel Wallet On Chain, aka WOC.

The reasons I LOVE this bag:

• It’s a crossbody: I love that this bag is a cross body bag. Even before I became a Mom I loved the crossbody bag. I don’t know why but it works for my life style and I love them. I like to be hands free when I’m shopping!
• It’s Chanel: If this wasn’t a Chanel WOC I would probably have parted ways with it a long time ago. But I got it when prices were lower, it’s beautiful, classic and above all else its Chanel.
• I love looking at it: This is a weird one but true. I love the way that this bag looks. It’s lambskin with silver hardware. It’s so pretty and perfect. The leather is beautiful and the silver hardware is my favorite.
• Chanel quilting: I love that my WOC is quilted and looks like the classic flap bag.

The reasons I DISLIKE this bag: I considered using the word hate but that is way too strong of a word. There is nothing I hate about this bag but there are definitely things that I do not like.

• Chain length is long: I am a short person (5’3”) and the chain is a little long for me. When I am walking around I don’t really notice it but when I go to get into the bag then I realize that it’s long. And it’s just a little awkward to feel like I am reaching so far to get into my bag.
• It’s Lambskin: I really wanted this WOC in caviar leather and I should have held out for it. But when I got the call from my SA (sales associate) that there was a Lambskin WOC with silver hardware…I jumped on it. My SA convinced me that Lambskin was not that delicate and this was a beautiful bag. I had been on a waiting list for this bag, so I felt like I was missing an opportunity if I said no. In hindsight I wish I would have held out for the bag that I knew I wanted in the EXACT combination that I wanted. If I had advice on this one it would be to know what you are looking for and don’t make any compromises. New is great but there are also amazing bags that are preloved on sites such as Fashionphile. So you can find exactly what you want.
• I can’t carry sunglasses: I have realized that I need my handbag to hold my sunglasses. I could use this handbag as a night bag, going out to dinner…but truth be told that is not my lifestyle at the moment. If I do go out to dinner it’s with my husband and baby girl and changing my bag to this WOC is not practical. If I ever do go out though without baby this would be perfect!
• It’s literally a wallet: This must be thought of as a wallet. Now you can fit a lipstick and your phone in it, but it’s not easy to then get to your credit cards. This bag packs well when you first do it but as you go throughout the day and move things around then it’s a mess. At least for me, it’s hard to get it to go back how it was and close easily. Which leads to the next point…
• It does not close easily: I have the older version that does not have a magnetic closure. It’s a snap closure and it’s not easy. For my bag I have to push really hard to get the snap to close. New versions of this WOC have a magnet closure which I hear is much better.

While the WOC is not my favorite bag I know it is one that I will keep forever. It has its place in my collection but I do wish I used it more. I just don’t reach for it as often as I thought I would. If you are considering buying the WOC I would suggest considering my list above. Some of the reasons why I don’t like this bag might just be good for you. Another great way to determine if a bag style is right for you is to purchase a less expensive option to try out. I had a Marc Jacobs WOC prior to this Chanel and the reasons I listed above for not liking the bag were pretty much the same. If I am completely honest I liked the Marc Jacobs bag better. It would have been a good idea to notice that I was not a WOC type of person and invest my money in a different bag. Let me know in comments if you LOVE or DISLIKE the WOC? I am interested to know.

*Also catch a in person review of this bag on my Instagram account under my IGTV page.

-Tracy @mommytracerq