I've always wanted a classic black Chanel double flap bag but never pulled the trigger on the authentic and likely never will with the price increases. I'm fairly new to reps (found RepLadies in December!) and wanted to dip my toes into the 187 world with this Group Buy purchase before deciding if I should invest in one of the classic bags. So far, it's my most expensive rep to date, but I can see the draw (a 187 king flap might be in my near future?).

When I first saw this version of the flap bag for SS20, I was immediately was drawn to the square shape but ultimately bought the mini rectangular size (20cm) since I thought the rectangular shape in black would be more versatile for day to night. I've also heard the standard rectangular mini straps run long so getting this version with the adjustable ball chain strap only made sense (whereas I could get a non-adjustable standard Chanel square mini).

Seller Details:

• Seller: TS Heidi
• Contact Method: WhatsApp - +852 9600 9723 or +86 186 6420 8907

Pricing (includes full packaging & shipping):

• Cost: $415 - $30 GB discount = $385 USD ($389.99 USD with PayPal fees)
• Payment method used: PayPal F&F
• Shipping method: initially was supposed to be DHL (I think) but ultimately received via FedEx

Order Timeline:

• 4/4: Inquired about the bag and Group Buy. March had flown by while under quarantine and before I knew it, it was April and I had missed the original GB end. Heidi confirmed I could still get the bag with the GB pricing. Score!
• 4/5: Sent payment
• 4/6: Confirmed size and color since I had forgotten to mention originally
• 4/27: PSPs! I GL'ed and she confirmed she will ship.
• 4/29: Checked in to see if theres a different shipping reference number (I couldn't find it with the original DHL waybill)
• 4/30: Heidi replied saying that the shipping needed a reroute
• 5/9: Another check-in
• 5/11: Received new shipping number
• 5/12: Guess there was no need for the number because it was delivered today! Also the original shipment was supposed to be via DHL (I originally confirmed my info on a DHL Waybill) but I received via FedEx.
  • Here is the FedEx delivery timeline:
    • 4/28: Shipment info created
    • 5/9: Picked up at Dubai City
    • 5/11: Arrived at Memphis, TN
    • 5/12: Delivered to NY!

Photos:

• Mine - couple of modshots at the end, excuse the wrinkled shirt. I'm 5'4" for torso reference
• comparison to Chanel photos
• PSPs
• Factory photos - originally had none when I ordered but took these from Heidi's website
• Authentic Chanel Bag Photos | link to Chanel site

Quality - 10/10

187 king leather is truly as amazing as people say it is—buttery soft and beautiful and luxurious. It's seriously the softest leather bag I own and I'm almost too scared to let my clumsy self handle it. Note to self: fix dry cuticles before handling the bag any further because it will scratch.

Chain is quality*.* No kinks whatsoever. The bag itself is fairly light but that ball is HEFTY. I almost feel like it weighs more than the bag.

Stitching is neat, straight. Zipper functions. 10/10!

Accuracy - 9.85/10

I'm comparing this to the best of my ability with the limited photos/measurements. Re-adding my comparison photos with the Chanel website here

• -0.05 points because the bottom of the back pocket is slightly more rectangular and less rounded in shape.
• -0.05 points because the back pocket falls lower than the authentic
• -0.05 points - The quilts are slightly off - I think its more noticeable in the back, but when comparing the website photos with mine, the diamond should be cut off on the sides a little less than it currently is.
• No points deducted, but does the Chanel turn lock look slightly bigger on my bag?
• Bag size matches that on the Chanel site: 13 × 20 × 7 cm
• Strap drop is ~53 cm with the ball pushed down to the very end of the chain. I couldn't find a reference of this to compare.
• Gold leather interior looks spot on with the pictures online? Correctly has a zip and a pocket.
• -0.05 points - The zipper has two types of hardware. The pull is the same matte gold as the rest of the bag and the hook part is shiny? Honestly, I can't tell with the Chanel stock photos because theirs also looks shiny but it's a strange detail... EDIT: turns out, this is true to auth! Received a DM from a lovely member who checked and the pull and hook are indeed different finishes. I adjusted the accuracy rating. Go figure!
• Crisp, clear stamping of Chanel logo and trademark. It says "Made in Italy" below the logo.

Satisfaction - 10/10

The bag is seriously divine. I can't wait to take this baby out in public (once quarantine lifts...until then guess I'm wearing Chanel to the grocery store). I know the giant ball is a love/hate kind of thing, but I'm fully in camp love because it makes it adjusting the chain so so practical and versatile.

Seller Communication and Service - 9.9/10

Honestly, I like Heidi and will purchase from her again. I see this a lot in other comments and posts, and yes, communication can be a bit delayed, but I don't really mind. I like that she's straightforward with her replies and responds kindly and in English.