Last Updated on September 18, 2023 by Eve Dawes
A buyers guide to the iconic Chanel Deauville tote
Chanel Deauville tote bags will definitely have come across your radar if you’ve been searching for a designer tote bag or summer style. It’s one of those casual classic Chanel tote bags that will always be in style and a favorite with pretty much all fashion lovers and anyone who loves Chanel logos. There are so many designs and sizes to choose from, so which is the best style? Is it worth it? In this Chanel Deauville tote bag review I’m covering everything you need to know when considering buying a new or second hand Chanel Deauville tote. It’s quite a big investment so I wanted to share with you some top tips for choosing the right bag for you. From the most classic styles to what’s trending now in the Chanel Deauville tote 2023 collection and how to make sure you’re buying an authentic piece.
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Why I chose the Chanel Deauville tote as my summer bag
This Chanel tote has been on my wishlist for a year and as soon as I saw this neutral style with it’s two intertwined chain and leather straps I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I love how versatile it is and how different it is to my other structured styles. It’s also big enough to tote my life around in and has both top handles and shoulder straps.
I’d been looking for a neutral bag that would be perfect for Summer. Especially for beach vacations, by the pool, on cruises and on city breaks. The fact that this Chanel tote bag has a magnetic fastening is a big bonus.
I’ve also been staying away from straw and raffia bags as they’ve caused piling on my clothes the last few times I’ve used them.
Chanel Deauville tote bag review & buyers guide
If you’re thinking about buying the Chanel Deauville tote bag, here’s some things to consider and that I’m covering in this review:
- Is it a classic or trend piece?
- What sizes does it come in?
- What colors and materials does it come in?
- What’s the most classic style?
- Where’s the best place to buy a Chanel tote bag?
- How can I make sure my Chanel Deauville tote bag is authentic?
- How much does it cost?
- Is it worth it?
- Is it an investment piece?
- Whether to shop vintage or current releases Chanel Deauville Totes.
Where does the Chanel Deauville bag get it’s name?
This Chanel bag is named after Deauville, the glamorous seaside resort in Normandy, France. It first made it’s debut into the fashion world in Chanel’s Summer/Spring 2012 collection and was an instant classic.
I look at the photos from that show now and there’s not one outfit I wouldn’t wear today. That’s when you know it’s a classic!
Key features
Key features include:
- Interlocking CC logo.
- “31 Rue Cambon”. The address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and 1st boutique.
- Compartmentalized pockets.
- Lobster clasp attachment on the inside.
- Top handles (on most styles).
- Leather-chain or material and chain woven shoulder straps.
- Magnetic snap closure on the open top.
I love lobster clasps on larger bags. As otherwise trying to find your keys can become a bit of a mission in bags this size and slouchy.
What sizes does the Chanel Deauville tote bag come in?
Chanel Deauville tote bag sizes:
| SIZE | CM | INCHES |
| Small | 34 x 15 x 30 | 13.4″ x 5.9″ x 11.8″ |
| Medium | 39 x 22 x 30 | 15.4″ x 8.7″ x 11.8″ |
| Large | 44 x 21 x 32 | 17.3″ x 8.3″ x 12.6″ |
| Extra Large | 51 x 20.5 x 38 | 20.1″ x 8.1″ x 15″ |
I chose the medium as it’s more than big enough for my mac and to use as a carry-on bag but small enough for my petite frame.
What colors does it come in?
The Chanel Deauville tote bag now comes in over 15 different colors. Way more than it’s original limited number of colors. From pretty pinks to vibrant blues, classic blacks, greys, greens, reds and neutrals.
They’ve now even added artwork and patterns like pin-stripes to the 2023 releases. So there’s a style for everyone, whatever outfit you’re coordinating it with.
What materials is the Chanel Deauville tote available in?
The Deauville comes in lots of materials and it really comes down to personal preference and what you’re using it for. Calfskin and Caviar Leather looks more luxe and is smarter. Versus materials like canvas, denim, raffia and mixed fibers which are more casual, less structured and perfect for Summer.
I chose canvas as I wanted a casual style for Summer and a more relaxed shape. As most of my bags are quite structured. I also don’t have any bags with silver hardware, they’re all gold. So this makes a change for me.
How can I make sure my Chanel Deauville tote is authentic?
Unfortunately there are quite a few fake bags on the market. Things like a dust bag and even a serial number can be faked. So to ensure you’re buying the real deal and authentic piece make sure to shop from:
- A Chanel boutique.
- A reseller like Fashionphile or TRR that offer a lifetime authenticity guarantee.
How much is the Chanel Deauville tote?
The Chanel Deauville tote bag varies in price quite a lot depending on the size, design and availability. In general they range from around $6900 for a new large calfskin tote to $4500 for a cotton, leather blend in the Chanel Deauville tote 2023 collections.
Pre-loved styles tend to be a little lower in price but they still hold their prices well. So don’t expect a major discount, especially on pieces in excellent condition. However, while Chanel bags never go on sale in their boutiques, they do often go on sale on preloved sites. If you favorite items on Fashionphile they’ll send you an email if there’s ever price drops or sales.
The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive.
Coco Chanel
Is Chanel Deauville a good investment
Yes, for the most part it’s a good investment that holds it’s price well depending on it’s condition and availability. So take good care of it if you you’re considering selling it later on.
When it comes to investing in designer handbags, the best investment pieces tend to be classic designs and colors that people will always want. Chanel prices are have been going up quickly recently, as have resale prices.
If you’re not considering selling it, whether it’s worth the investment of not will come down to how much you’ll use it, the CPW and if it’s in your budget.
Chanel’s Deauville Tote and Grand Shopping Tote are among the highest-value bags, retaining an average of 112% and 110%, respectively, of their values on the secondary market.
CNBC
Is the Chanel Deauville tote bag worth it?
The Chanel Deauville tote bag is quite a chunk of change for what I’d call a beach tote or casual day bag in pretty much all styles except for the leather. How much you’re going to use it and your budget are the main things to consider when making a big purchase.
A couple of good things about this Chanel tote is that it’s timeless and won’t date as fast as a lot of other styles. With the caveat that this applies to classic styles and colors versus some of the more playful prints and artwork we’ve seen on the most recent Deauville totes for 2023.
For me the Chanel Deauville bag is worth it as it’s a casual bag that I can use everyday in the Spring/Summer. Whether that’s for lunch, work or vacation. Which is one of the reasons I got it in a neutral color that would go with all of my outfits and swimwear. As well as the fact that it’s large enough to stash my tripod and laptop.
The style I chose is actually one of the originals! It’s the Canvas Medium Deauville Tote in Beige Black from the Continuous 2011 Collection by Karl Lagerfeld. I chose the medium which measures 5.25″ x 11.25″ x 8″.00 in”. As it’s still big enough for a beach bag, carrying my tripod and laptop but not so big that it overwhelms my frame.
Similar on Fashionphile | On The Real Real
The best place to buy a Chanel Deauville tote bag
Obviously the place to get the latest releases and to know they’re authentic is to shop from a Chanel boutique. I like to try bags on to see how the color and size looks on my frame. I’m petite so extra large bags can overwhelm me.
If the style you’re after is sold out, you can always ask to see if there’s a possibility to be added to a waiting list. This isn’t always an option, especially with limited edition bags but there’s no harm in asking.
However, not everyone lives close to a Chanel boutique so that’s not always an option. My online store recommendations for used aka preloved bags are Fashionphile and The Real Real.
I tend to prefer Fashionphile as their shipping and returns policy and selection tends to be better. You can also add items to your favorites list to make them easy to find again and to get sale alerts. You can filter by condition, color and price to be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Shop the Chanel Deauville tote bag
Shop this classic investment tote bag from what’s new in Chanel boutiques and latest collection to vintage styles. If you’re worried about your bag losing it’s shape or being able to find everything in it, consider a bag organizer.
Chanel Deauville tote review | Pros and cons
I love that the canvas doesn’t snag even delicate materials and is easy(ish) to clean. I bought a bag stuffer for mine. Which helps to keep an otherwise black hole organized and to keep it’s shape. As they soften and lose their shape quickly.
It’s also a classic style that I can use year after year for various uses: cruises, vacations, gym bag, large everyday summer bag.
The downside is the price and that the chain straps do dig into your shoulders. Especially if you have spaghetti straps or a strapless dress on or a lot in there like I tend to do. It’s a big bag after all.
Infinite ways to style a Chanel Deauville tote bag
Honestly, I could have given you an infinite number of ways to style the Deauville Chanel tote as this bag goes with pretty much everything. I’ll update the photos here as I use this newest addition to my bag collection but here are some styling ideas:
- Styled with jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt and blazer
- With shorts, slides and a tank
- Wear it with a floaty summer dress and heels.
- With any swimwear or beach cover-ups
- With luxe loungewear
- As a carry-on on the plane
- Styled with a casual summer day dress
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