Okay, let’s talk about this Chanel 19 backpack situation.
First Impressions and Getting Hands-On
So, I’d seen it around, you know? Online, maybe someone walking past. Looked kinda slouchy, different from the usual stiff bags. Curiosity got the better of me. Decided I needed to actually check it out myself, not just look at pictures.
Went to the store. Picked it up. First thing, the leather. Supple, really soft. Not like some leathers that feel like plastic. This felt, well, expensive. Then the big chunky chain – gold, silver, ruthenium all mixed up. It’s heavy, gives the bag some weight. You definitely feel it when you pick it up.
Opened the flap. That ‘CC’ turn-lock, it clicks nicely. Inside, it’s pretty straightforward. Just one big main compartment, maybe a small zip pocket inside, I think. Not a million sections like some bags. It’s more like a stylish sack, really.
Using It Day-to-Day
Started using it. Threw my stuff in – wallet, keys, phone, maybe a small water bottle, sunglasses. It fits a decent amount for a small-ish backpack. The straps are part leather, part chain. You adjust them by pulling them through the top loops. Found that a bit fiddly at first, gotta get the length just right otherwise it sits weird on your back.
Here’s the thing I noticed:
- It slouches. A lot. If you don’t have much in it, it kinda collapses on itself. Gives it that relaxed look, but sometimes I worried if things inside were getting squashed.
- The chain straps. They look cool, but on a hot day, resting on bare shoulders? Not the most comfortable feeling after a while. Gotta wear something with sleeves, really.
- Getting things in and out. The flap and turn-lock mean it’s not super quick access. You gotta stop, put it down or hold it, open it properly. Not like a zip top you can quickly reach into while walking.
Honestly, it felt less like a super practical backpack and more like a fashion statement you wear on your back. It looks good, yeah. That oversized quilted leather, the mixed metal chain – it catches the eye.
A Little Story
Reminds me of this time I was trying to fix my old washing machine. Thought I knew what I was doing. Watched a few videos online, got my tools out. Spent a whole Saturday taking bits apart. Had screws and parts laid out all over the floor. Then I tried putting it back together. Couldn’t figure out where this one spring went. Just couldn’t. Machine looked fine from the outside, but that one little piece messed everything up. Wouldn’t spin right.
This backpack is kinda like that sometimes. Looks great, feels premium. But the actual day-to-day practical stuff, like quickly grabbing your keys when it’s raining? Or wearing it comfortably for hours walking around a city? It has its quirks. You have to accept the slouch, the fiddly access, the chain feel. It’s part of the package, like that leftover spring I eventually just threw in a drawer.
Final Thoughts
So, yeah. Been using it on and off. It’s definitely a look. People notice it. But it’s not my go-to for pure function. It’s more for days when I want that specific style and I’m not carrying too much or needing super quick access. It’s a choice, you know? You choose it for the vibe, not just because it holds stuff on your back. That’s my experience with it, just putting it out there.
