Celine Mini Belt Bag Review

It’s no secret that I love Celine handbags.  I have 4 in my collection – the Micro Luggage, the Trio, the Cabas Tote and the Mini Belt Bag – and they are all black.  Out of all the bags in my collection, I get the most questions about my Celine Belt Bag – probably because it is currently the most featured bag on my Instagram but perhaps also because it is often overlooked by Celine’s other signature bags like the Triomphe, Luggage or the Classic Box bag. I feel like it needs no big introduction as I’ve made no secret about how much I love it.

The bag itself was introduced into the Celine family in 2014 during Phoebe Philo’s reign (…when the É was still around). It features a simple flap closure, a zipper closure underneath the flap and top handle. It also comes with a removable shoulder strap which can be worn cross-body in the smaller sizes.

I have the mini size in black grained calfskin.  It is my most used and favoured bag for work. It is hard to go past the minimal design but it is also very functional.

SHOP THE LOOK

Sizing

Celine sizing is often confusing. The Belt Bag comes in three sizes: nano, micro and mini.  The mini, contrary to its name, is the largest size offered.

Unsurprisingly, the prices have increased over the years and current dimensions and prices are below:

Mini

28cm x 23cm x 17cm | 11” x 9” x 7”

Handle with 4” (9cm) drop
Outer zipped pocket on the back
Shoulder strap with 14” (36cm) drop
4 protective studs on base

$3,150 AUD | $2,500 USD | £1,600 GBP

Micro

24cm x 20cm x 13cm | 9” x 8” x 5”

Handle with 4” (9cm) drop
Outer zipper pocket on the back
Shoulder strap with 20” (50cm) drop that can also be worn crossbody

$2,850 AUD | $2,300 USD | £1,500 GBP

Nano

20cm x 20cm x 10cm | 8” x 8” x 4”

Handle with 3” (8cm) drop
Shoulder strap can be worn cross-body

$2,500 AUD | $1,950 USD | £1,300 GBP

Prices current as at 2 October 2019.

SHOP THE LOOK

Wear and tear

The bags are all made of grained calfskin which I personally find to be very durable. The mini size features 4 metal studs that protect the base. This comes in handy as my bag typically sits on the floor next to my desk when I’m in the office. I don’t baby my bags by any means.

The interior is very spacious with a few slots to keep some of my smaller items organised, though I tend not to use these. I’m more inclined to just throw my stuff in the main compartment.

There is a top zipper under the flap closure but I don’t really use this. I just rely on the flap closure and nothing has ever fallen out. It took a few times for me to get used to the hidden metallic closure but now I find it really easy to close. I know most people just close the flap over the belt but I like to tuck it underneath.

Shop the bag

The bag comes in a variety of finishes and colours.  Below I’ve included my favourite grained calfskin hues and mock croc (also calfskin) finishes:

SHOP THE MINI BELT BAG

SHOP THE MICRO BELT BAG

SHOP THE NANO BELT BAG

If you’re a traditionalist and prefer to physically store shop, I like visiting the Celine concession at David Jones, Parlour X and the Celine boutique in Westfield Sydney.

There are some on offer on the preloved market (I like Vestiaire Collective) but you have to be quick.  I did initially look to the preloved market to get mine but found they were typically priced close to or the same as retail so I decided to get a new one as a result.

What fits inside

I filmed a short video on my IGTV taking you through what I pack in my bag for the office.  Head over to my Instagram to check that out.

As always, thanks so much for reading! I hope you found my review helpful.

I’ve also reviewed other bags that form part of my collection – you read about my Prada Saffiano Double Bag and my Tory Burch Perry Tote (that I use when carting a laptop to and from the office).