A few weeks ago, I announced?I would never buy a full-price Chanel bag again. Around the same time, I came across this gorgeous?Chanel Caviar Quilted Jumbo Single Flap in Black?listed on?Fashionphile. The bag was deemed in ?Very Good? condition, and included the original dust bag, authenticity card, and box.

I took a chance and ordered it on a whim. (Fashionphile?offers a return policy and a six-month buy-back program, so I knew purchasing the bag wasn?t a serious risk.) To say I?m pleased with this perfect pre-loved pick is an understatement. Here?s everything you need to know.

Aesthetics

Let?s start with the obvious: This is a Chanel bag, after all, which means many of the desired attributes associated with the brand are very much present in this specific bag ? even though it?s approaching its 10th birthday. Luckily, the style and look of Chanel Classic Flaps haven?t changed all too much since they were first released, which is why buying a vintage, pre-loved version is a more affordable and sustainable choice.

As for this specific bag, the stunning grained caviar leather, the gorgeous stitching, and the pristine hardware are all intact. Though the bag was listed in ?Very Good? condition, I would argue it?s borderline ?Excellent.? With the exception of a single frayed stitch along the front flap, as well as some wear on the handles, this bag is pretty much pristine. And think about it: Walk into a boutique and purchase the same style for nearly $7,000 (which includes tax), while this older version was priced below $3,000 (it was 30 percent off when I purchased it).

Usability + Functionality

I can boil this down to three simple (and semi-controversial) words: Single Flap forever. Though the use of single flaps has been widely discontinued, I must say: A single flap is So. Much. More. Convenient. Given the bag features a trusty CC turn lock, I don?t see the need to add a secondary flap on the interior.

Regardless, given this bag is a much older model, it lacks today?s double-flap phenomenon. Day to day, it?s a lot easier to pull my wallet, keys, and other necessities in and out of the bag, especially when I?m in a hurry. Sometimes I find the double-flap presents an unnecessary challenge when retrieving items, especially if I?m rushed in a store or flustered at an appointment. Though this is not necessarily a dealbreaker, I much prefer Classic Flaps with one flap versus two ?? AKA a definite pro for this oldie but goodie.