The Holiday Chanel Edit
Which Vintage Bag Deserves a Spot on Your Wishlist?
There’s something about the holidays that makes us crave glamour – well, for me it’s something I crave daily. Maybe it’s the glow of twinkle lights, maybe it’s the champagne, or maybe it’s the undeniable truth that a beautifully made vintage Chanel piece can turn even the most chaotic December morning into a cinematic moment.
This season, I partnered with Classic Coco – my go-to source for truly exceptional ’80s and ’90s Chanel – to put together a curated edit of vintage treasures that deserve a place under your tree… or, let’s be honest, on your own shoulder long before the gift wrap comes out. Because, if there’s any season to treat yourself, THIS IS IT!
Think of this as your personalized holiday shopping edit: history, styling tips, insider reasons these pieces are investment-worthy, and, of course, links to shop the exact finds.
Let’s unwrap.
1. The Classic Beige Mini Flap
The Little Beige Icon with Big ’90s Energy
Shop the Classic Coco Mini
There are bags you wear, and then there are bags that quietly (but powerfully) transform every outfit you put on. The Classic Beige Mini Flap is the latter: petite, timeless, and very “Kate Moss slipping out of a car in 1996.”
A bit of history: The Mini Flap traces its lineage back to Coco Chanel’s mission to free women’s hands with a shoulder bag- both elegant and functional. By the ’90s, the Mini became the darling of fashion editors because of its versatility and slightly mischievous proportions.
How I style it:
- With a metallic knit and trousers for a holiday dinner
- Paired with an oversized blazer and denim for that effortless contrast
- With a slip dress and a cashmere wrap for cocktail hour.
Its beige lambskin brings a warmth that feels festive but wearable year-round.
Why it’s an investment: Vintage Minis, especially in neutral lambskin, continue to rise in value due to limited production and skyrocketing demand.
2. The Chanel Vanity Bag
The Most Charming, Practical (and my favorite) Mini-Bag
The Vanity is one of my favorite “if you know, you know” Chanel silhouettes. Modeled after a classic vanity case but designed to function as a handbag, it’s cheeky, structured, and instantly elevates any look.
A bit of history: Originally conceived as a travel accessory, the vanity case crossed over into handbag territory in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Its boxy silhouette, compact size, and top handle made it a cult favorite among collectors.
How I style it:
- With vintage Missoni for a colorful and fun holiday look
- Against a monochrome 90s Ralph Lauren outfit for a pop of saturated teal
- With a vintage coat and boots for a street-style moment
It brings architecture to your outfit!
Why it’s an investment: Vanity styles rarely come to market in excellent condition, especially in colors. Their unique shape + increasing collector appeal make them one of Chanel’s most upward-trending designs.
3. Chanel Vintage Jewelry — The Holiday Hero Pieces
Nothing finishes a holiday look like a hit of vintage Chanel jewelry. They’re instant mood-lifters, outfit transformers, and—let’s be honest—conversation starters at every party.
This season, three pieces stand out from Classic Coco’s collection:
The Multi-Logo Belt
Every wardrobe needs a statement belt, but this one is a full moment. Layer it over a blazer, cinch it around a holiday dress, or wear it with a tee and jeans. It’s the kind of accessory that adds spice to every look, every. single. time.
Why it’s an investment: Chanel’s logo belts from this era were produced in limited quantities, and their condition and craftsmanship make them highly collectible today. They all feature 24k gold plating which is a stark contrast to modern colored metal fashion pieces.
The Gripoix Crystal Cross Necklace
Gripoix pieces are the holy grail of Chanel jewelry. Made using the poured-glass technique, each piece has an artisanal richness that modern costume jewelry rarely matches. Think Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” for the everyday!
Styling notes:
Wear it with a strapless dress for holiday glamour, or layer it over a chunky knit for that editorial contrast. I wear my gaudiest pieces with jeans and a tee, oversized sweatshirt and vintage trousers – a mix of high/low, casual/glam!
Investment value: Gripoix pieces continue to rise in desirability, especially large pendants and crosses from this era.
The Pearl + Gripoix Logo Earrings
These earrings are unapologetically dramatic, in the best way. The combination of bold pearl, gold-tone hardware, and Gripoix glass makes them the earrings you reach for when your outfit needs a little holiday magic.
Why they’re an investment: Large-scale Chanel earrings from the ’80s and ’90s have become signature collector pieces. Their craftsmanship, materials, and limited production ensure long-term value.
Why Classic Coco?
If you’re adding a vintage Chanel piece to your wishlist, you want to shop with experts who treat each item like a museum artifact. Classic Coco is the only reseller specializing exclusively in ’80s and ’90s vintage Chanel, and every piece passes through their in-house team of Italian leather craftsmen for cleaning, conditioning, and preservation.
Translation: These treasures are not just authenticated, they’re pampered! Use my code VINTAGESPLENDOR for Free Shipping!
Whether you’re gifting yourself (yes, girl!) or gently forwarding this to a partner with the subject line “inspiration,” these vintage Chanel pieces are more than accessories. They’re little slices of fashion history, forever glamorous, forever collectible, and guaranteed to make your holiday sparkle. And if you buy anything or get some glam gifts, please tag me so I can see what you get!
