After almost four years of using the iconic Louis Vuitton Neverfull as my everyday work bag, it was time for me to put it aside. I’ve been wanting to get a new work bag for a while now as the Neverfull is actually my mom’s! There is some wear and tear on it and since it’s not mine, I feel really guilty about it. I loved the Neverfull because not only is it timeless, but it is also spacious and durable.

With this search for a new work bag, I wanted something that was relatively the same: timeless, spacious, and durable.

Why I Decided to go with the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote

I was debating between the Dior Book Tote and the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote. After talking to my girlfriends about it, I decided that the Chanel tote was a better fit for me!

The Shopping Tote is one of Chanel’s most classic totes. The Chanel tote has the classic quilting, double C motif, compartmentalized interior, and signature chain. The Chanel Shopping Tote has been around since the 90s but was discounted in 2015. This tote comes in three sizes: the Petite Shopping Tote (PST), the Grand Shopping Tote (GST), and the Grand Shopping Tote XL (GST XL).

I decided to go with the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote in black caviar leather with a gold chain. This color combination is so classic and timeless in my opinion.

Purchasing a Chanel Grand Shopping Tote

Before it was discontinued in 2015, the Chanel GST was priced at $2,900 and the GST XL at $3,500. Because of the discontinuation, the only way to purchase the Chanel Shopping Tote is through the preowned market.

You can find these classic Chanel totes on Fashionphile or Vestiaire Collective – just to name a few! Make sure to do your research and that the seller is reputable.

Features of Chanel GST

Dimensions of a Chanel GST: 33 x 25.5 x 13.5 cm / 13″ x 10″ x 5.25″

The Chanel Shopping Tote is a structured handbag, which is one of the reasons why I chose it. The front displays a sewn-in CC logo against the diamond quilt with leather gold chain strap handles. On the back of the Chanel tote, there is a slip pocket.

Lined with a satin fabric, the interior of the Chanel tote features two large main compartments separated by a middle-zippered compartment. The front compartment has a slip pocket, while the back compartment has a zip pocket as well as a strap for keys.

The Chanel Grand Shopping Tote can fit a 13-inch MacBook Pro.

Wearing the Chanel GST

Since the Chanel Shopping Tote is discontinued, you can’t really go into a Chanel boutique to try on the tote. I did a lot of research online to make sure the GST was the tote I wanted. While the Chanel tote is a classic, there are some things I have noticed in the past month of using the GST.

The Shopping Tote has quite some weight to it on its own, but it’s a very sturdy and durable bag – of course, if you opt for lambskin leather, it’s not as durable as caviar leather. The Chanel tote can get pretty heavy if you’re carrying a lot of items, such as laptops, notebooks, and more.

Because of the middle compartment in the tote, the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote doesn’t hold as much as it potentially could without it. You are limited to holding less bulkier items as well. Compared to the Neverfull, the Chanel GST probably holds about two-thirds of what the Neverfull can hold. I do use an organizer insert for the Neverfull and have been thinking of getting one for the GST but haven’t found one I like yet! I will update this once I find one.

Here are some organizer inserts for the Chanel GST at different price points: under $40, under $50, and under $60.

Another thing I’ve noticed compared to the Neverfull is that the straps are a lot thicker. The Neverfull has thinner straps, so I’m always nervous that someday it’s going to tear and break, which is why I leaned toward the GST. I’ve noticed that the handle on the GST tends to fall off my shoulders a lot. This is a pretty easy fix – simply wear one handle over the other (crisscross), on the skin so there’s friction, or tuck the tote behind your elbow to secure it.

How to Prevent Chanel Shopping Tote from Sagging

Lastly, one of my main concerns with the Chanel Shopping Tote is the sagginess. When doing my research on this bag, a lot of people reported that the bottom sags over time. There are a few options to prevent this and even if your bag is already sagging, there are also solutions to fix this.

To prevent the sagging on a Chanel GST, you can use organizer inserts to fill the bag. When storing the Shopping Tote, make sure the purse is fully packed and store it on its side instead of upright. If your Chanel tote is already sagging, you can fix this by using a steamer to maneuver the bottom corners. Lastly, there are also services, such as Leather Surgeons, that can handle this for you.

Overall, I find that the Chanel Grand Shopping Tote is such a classic and timeless piece. I was afraid that it would make me look older, but when styled correctly, I think it can help elevate my look. I am so excited to be using this tote on a daily basis!

FAQs about the Chanel Shopping Tote

When was the Chanel GST discontinued? Is the Chanel GST still available at boutiques?

The iconic Shopping Tote was discontinued in 2015 and unfortunately, you can only purchase it in the preowned market.

Why was the Chanel Shopping Tote discontinued?

Based on my research, it seems that there were too many flaws with the tote and because Chanel wanted to increase their price point, the Shopping Tote was one of the lower-priced items.

How much is a Chanel Grand Shopping Tote?

The price can range from $2,000 up to $4,000 depending if you’re getting the Chanel PST, GST, or GST XL. Another factor of pricing is the condition of the tote. If the Chanel tote is in pristine condition, the resale value would be higher.

I purchased a preowned Chanel GST, how can I get it authenticated?

Congrats on getting your Chanel Shopping Tote! There are many ways to get it authenticated. You can authenticate on your own by doing research on ways to spot a replicated Chanel handbag or send it to a reputable company and they can authenticate for you.