Chanel Small Boy Bag in Bordeaux Velvet Review
I’m literally so excited to finally share with you my very first Chanel bag! You may remember that I spoke about the velvet Chanel bags for Autumn Winter 2015, and some of you guessed that I might have purchased one, and here it is! It’s the brand new Chanel Small Boy Bag in Bordeaux Velvet. So let me tell you the story about how I came to getting this bag.
Just over a month ago I had been looking on the Chanel website to see if they had put out the new AW15 bags yet and luckily, they had. I was obsessed when I saw that Chanel had some jewel tone velvet bags and I completely fell in love with the Mini Flap in this colour. Adam and I had rang the boutiques numerous times to see if one was available, but unfortunately it wasn’t. They only had a couple in the UK boutiques and they had sold out instantly, so it was unobtainable, much to my upset. Since there’s only a small selection of the new seasons collection online, we found out what other bags came in this Bordeaux velvet shade and it turns out the Small Boy bag did. I have always been in love with the Boy, but I was mostly apprehensive about the weight of it as the thick chain makes it really heavy. I know this as I’ve picked up a few in boutiques before and they seem too heavy for my shoulders. After a couple of calls back to the Chanel boutique, Adam found out that the velvet version was considerably lighter than the leather Boy bags, so I thought maybe I could give it a go.
They only had about 4 of these Small Boys in this burgundy velvet shade left in the UK, so I had to decide quite quickly whether or not to do it. I struggled a bit with the decision as it was more money than I had budgeted for. I had been saving my money for 10 months in a savings scheme and was quite close to the price, but after much debating back and forth between myself and Adam and looking online at other velvet Chanel’s, I decided that I wanted it. It was too beautiful and unique to pass up and I knew if I had said no and it had sold out, I would regret it for the rest of my life. To make up the extra bit of money, I took it from my credit card and we ordered over the phone. My new Small Boy arrived a couple of days later from the Chanel boutique on New Bond Street in London and I was so excited to open the box and find out what it looked like in person as I hadn’t seen it. I was hoping the colour would have purple undertones to the burgundy to make it nice and rich looking, and I was elated when I saw that it did.
I received my Chanel Small Boy in velvet a couple of weeks ago and you have seen it via Instagram and Snapchat a few times now (@LornaRaindrops) but it’s time for me to finally debut it on my fashion blog. So here it is! Isn’t it just the most gorgeous bag you have ever seen? Granted it’s put me on a bag ban until next year sometime as it’s made me seriously out of pocket, but… I don’t regret it. To me, it’s truly the most beautiful bag I have come across and I’m so happy to be the proud owner of it. I can’t stop staring at it and getting it out of the box. I actually slept with the box on my bed for the first couple of nights to make sure it was safe, ha ha. It’s my favourite bag that I own now and I’m so happy to finally own an iconic Chanel bag. You are going to see it in my next two outfit posts as well! But, carry on reading to read my actual review on the bag itself and of course, let me know what you think!
Review of the Chanel Small Boy Bag in Velvet Bordeaux
The Size & Interior
The size of my Chanel Small Boy is perfect for me as I love smaller bags, so it fits really perfectly against me as I’m on the smaller side myself. The width is around 7.9 inches, the height is 4.7 inches and it has a depth of 2.8 inches. If you are interested in knowing the width of it inside to fit things in, if you own the iPhone 6 (normal, not plus) then it fits that perfectly width wise, nice and snug.
Inside has a little slip pocket with the authenticy card inside, but that holds your actual cards if you need them. Otherwise inside I can fit my phone, lip stick, a pocket mirror, lip balm and a couple of other essentials. I was quite impressed that the inside doesn’t touch the actual sides and bottom of the bag too, so when you put your items in, the lining is about 1cm away from the bottom of the bag so it doesn’t make it out of shape or damaged. I love that as velvet is a very delicate fabric.
The Chain & Length
The chain is still at the length it came at, but it has another stud that I can put the strap onto if I choose to, but I’m a bit worried about doing that as I don’t want to crease the leather on the strap just yet by doing that. It’s a little short for me since I do have a longer torso, but hopefully I can shorten it soon. If any of you own the Boy bag from Chanel, please let me know if it went ok for you with shortening.
The chain, even though it’s really thick and sturdy, isn’t too heavy either. The sales assistant was right when she said this bag was considerably lighter, as it is and it’s fine for me to wear, thank goodness. So if you are looking for a lightweight Boy Bag, go with a velvet option! The colour of it is a darker silver, almost a cross between gunmetal and silver, so it’s not too flashy and is muted enough to look classy. The top of the chain that goes over your shoulders is made of leather and it’s an almost identical shade to the Bordeaux velvet itself, so it blends beautifully.
The Colour & Fabric
In terms of the velvet, it is absolutely stunning as you can see. It has the luxurious shine to it and the colour is intense, but it is very delicate. In reference to its shade, it’s very similar to the Bordeaux wine or a cross between raspberry and berry juice. It’s very yummy!
I stored the bag in its dust bag and kept the chain outside of the bag, however it seems that the chain ended up touching the front of the bag because it left a few dents on the velvet on which I was heartbroken about. I spoke with Chanel though and they said these will erase over time and it should go back to normal, but if you do get a Chanel velvet bag, be very, very careful how you treat it and store it as the velvet seems extremely easy to damage or mark. However the feel of it is wonderful, it’s really soft and smooth and being the velvet lover that I am, I’ve touched a lot of velvet and this is definitely one of the better quality versions.
The Little Chanel Details
In terms of the details, it features the Chanel logo on the sides of the bag, just under the two metal loops which fit the chain and of course it has the two C’s interlocking on the front, at the clasp. The closure itself requires the two side buttons to be pushed in and then it slips out of lock, you close it the same way by pressing them and pushing it shut.
The quilting on the bag is also another detail that I adore. It makes it so much more unique and special, especially since it’s done to perfection. I remember the velvet Chanel bags from last year and they had visible coloured thread showing, almost giving the quilting a tweed effect and I wasn’t a huge fan of that, so this version couldn’t have come at a better time. Everything about it is perfect. Please do let me know if you have any questions about this bag too, I’d be happy to answer them! In the meantime, you can buy pre-owned Chanel bags online at Shopbop.com.
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Very nice
Author
Thank you!
Oh! It’s a beauty! Congratulations on your newest addition 😀
XxMO
Author
Thank you 🙂
I have to say that your excitement and enthusiasm for this bag is almost tangible in this post. 😀 I’m very pleased for you that you’ve got it and are happy with it. Although bags are never going to excite me I can, at least, see that it’s an attractive item in a gorgeous colour. 🙂
For what it’s worth, this not being an outfit post, I very much like your outfit in that last photo. 🙂
It amused me that you slept with the box though. I’d never dare to put anything of value on or in my bed while I’m sleeping in it – I’d be more likely to do damage than keep it safe if I did! LOL
Author
I’m glad you can see it’s gorgeous too 😀 I don’t actually move much in my sleep at all, I tend to wake up in the same place that I went to sleep, so it was safe! You will see the rest of that outfit soon actually, maybe on Sunday!
ciao… mi piace molto questa borsa ^_^
http://www.ollyup.com
Author
Grazie!
You made a great choice! It´s so beautiful!!!!!
Stephanie
http://ishowedupinboots.com
Author
Thank you!
Nice jeans too, Lorna…!
I’ve loved those grey ones since I first discovered you in them.
Author
Thank you! You will be seeing the full outfit of that on Sunday, so stay tuned!
That is an impressive little bag!
http://art-love-fashion.blogspot.com.au
Author
Thank you!
This bag is absolutely stunning! Congrats on your purchase and enjoy it. 🙂
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
Thank you so much 🙂
congrats on your new handbag.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
Author
Thank you Amy!
Really beautiful, dear Lorna, you and the bag! I didn’t know that the velvet ones seem to be lighter, I thought that the leather ones were OK as well. But I have to say in velvet it looks nicer, in my opinion, and the color! Nice that you could find it, I suppose they are really difficult to find these days! Well done, really a sweet bag!
DenisesPlanet.com
Author
Thank you so much Denise! Yeah, it’s at least a third of the weight of a leather one in my opinion, so much, much lighter. It’s so gorgeous! Glad you like it! I prefer the velvet too!
The bag looks lovely and luxurious! A good choice 🙂
Asian “Beauty Trend” // http://www.keenonbeauty.com
Author
Thank you 🙂
Ah, how gorgeous! Love the shade you chose and the plush, velvet material 🙂
http://www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
Author
So glad you like it 🙂
Es muy linda la cartera.
Author
Gracias!
OMG! Babe 😀 You got a Chanel! How beautiful is that, in love 😀
Author
Thank you!
Love your purse
BLOG STYLECCENTRICFASHION / FB / IG / BLOG<3IN / G+ / TWITTER / LOOKBOOK
Author
Thank you!
that’s a great color for you! love how it spices up your casual outfit
Author
Thank you!
OMG its stunning!! I love the colour and the texture looks amazing!
Xx Sofia
http://www.blogwithsofia.blogspot.co.uk
Author
Thank you so much Sofia!
now that is just luscious!!! 😀
Have a great day!
Animated Confessions
Author
Thank you 🙂
I’m drooling over this bag right now! Love Chanel, and love their boy bag. This bag is amazing! Perfect for this season! So jealous! 🙂
-Lily
Author
Thank you so much 🙂
Omg Lorna your first and hopefully not the last Chanel bag!! The bag is perfect!! I’m so jealous 😉
xx glamdevils.com / miradevils.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you so much Mira 🙂
I saw this on your snapchat and was instantly in love with the color! Personally I’ve never been a huge fan of the Boy bag and kind of prefer the classic, but in the velvet version I actually prefer this model! I can only imagine it in emerald green – amazing!!! I’m so happy for you! It fits perfectly to you and looks lovely!
xoRosie
Rosie’s Life
Author
Thank you Rosie! It truly is beautiful, it works so well with the style. Emerald would be amazing! We should keep our eyes out for it!
Hi,
I love the the boy in this colour, do you know what the name of the colour is or what the colour code?
Thank you in advance xx
Author
Thanks, everything is in this post, it’s Bordeaux Velvet.
Wow, this boy bag is really pretty. Is the velvet hard to maintain? Is it fragile?
Author
Unfortunately it is really hard to not damage. It’s already got dents and marks on it from the chain, and a couple of rain spots, it’s extremely fragile. It truly is stunning though!
Hey! I’m thinking of getting a velvet but am fearful of the damages. Did the colour rub off onto your clothes? I hear that velvet cannot stand humidity? Do you think you could be able to send me pictures of the state of your bad now? Thank you!!
Author
Hi! I wear it often, so here’s my latest post with it https://fordlafemmes.com/2017/08/29/the-shortalls-and-the-baseball-cap/
I have personally never had any colour transfer from it, but living in the UK doesn’t leave much room for humidity and I haven’t worn it in scolding heat. It does damage so easily though. Just a couple of rain spots have left marks, and the chain has left dents on it, so it’s the most extremely delicate bag I own. I think it’s meant for evening or little use, so not an everyday bag at all. I do own velvet Gucci too if you’d like a comparison between the two?
Yes please! I have a black velvet Gucci and it seems to hold up fine with little to no scuff marks. What is your experience?
Author
The same! My velvet Gucci seems pretty robust and holds up really well, but the Chanel is far from that. Hope that helps!
Everything about this is stunning!
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
Author
Thanks!
Hi was wondering what color the interior is?
Author
Hi, I’m pretty sure it’s a burgundy leather inside, the same as the leather on the top of the chain. I’ve worn it lots if you want to see here:
https://fordlafemmes.com/2016/08/15/the-asos-wrap-jumpsuit-with-chanel-accessories/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2017/04/28/another-case-of-the-burgundy-velvet/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2016/11/17/leopard-print-and-velvet/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2015/09/27/dove-grey-luxurious-velvet/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2016/05/25/tularosa-lace-denim-mini-skirt/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2017/08/29/the-shortalls-and-the-baseball-cap/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2016/03/25/black-and-grey-for-another-day/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2015/12/29/is-it-autumn-or-is-it-christmas/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2015/11/19/layers-of-grey/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2015/11/04/sky-high-thigh-high-boots/
https://fordlafemmes.com/2015/10/01/in-bloom-in-autumn/