Long Live The FASHIONPHILE Co-Founder's Black Chanel Mini Flap

Does it get more classic than this?

You know how I feel about a preloved Chanel purchase. I wrote about the find of last year (Chanel bag or under $300!) a few months back and I wore secondhand Chanel to my wedding and rehearsal dinner. What makes it so irresistible? For me, almost all of it is timeless in a way that feels like buying into fashion history. I love the simplicity of most designs and can imagine a whole closet of it by the time I’m in my 70s, all of it carefully selected from secondhand sources.

In my vintage Chanel slingbacks!

I loved the chance to chat with Sarah Davis, Co-Founder and President of FASHIONPHILE for this letter. And it’s a good reminder that even super successful people who have made secondhand fashion their life’s work still love a deal.

How long have you had this piece? 

I've had this item for over 10 years

See the find in question on the far left

Where did it come from? 

I bought it from FASHIONPHILE

How much did you pay for it?

I paid a little over $2000... I did get a few hundred dollars off with my employee discount, but today the same bag in the same condition would sell for about $7500. It's wild how much Chanel prices have appreciated over time.

So cute

How do you wear it? 

Most importantly, I wear it all the time. If you know me at all in real life, even casually- you've likely seen me wearing it. I bought it used... over ten years ago, wear it all the time and it still looks great!

What does it represent? 

I call this style "hands free" which is important because I can just put it "on" and I don't need to think about it anymore. It's just there. I guess that represents the fact that like so many, I'm running around with my kids, my work, my life and hobbies... and need to not have to worry about leaving or losing my bag! Also- it's Chanel! I'm too cheap to buy a bag that I can't sell if I ever get tired of it. 

Nothing like an all black outfit with a Chanel bag

Let’s shop for some secondhand Chanel of our own, shall we?