I’ve gotten lots of questions about this Saint Laurent wallet on chain purse, and had been waiting to use it more before doing a formal review. Long story short, I’m in love with it and find it to be both beautiful and more importantly, super functional!
My Chanel caviar wallet on chain (see my review) is one of my top three favorite bags in my entire wardrobe, so I was thrilled to find a similar functional, convertible purse in a different color scheme. For all my trips this year I’ve been packing this one with me – it serves well as a cross-body for casual wear (above) and clutch for more formal events (ie. here), all in one.
Right: Chanel wallet on chain (see my video review)
The leather of the Saint Laurent wallet on chain purse is a pebbled textured caviar leather that feels sturdy, and is very easy to wipe clean. I take this bag everywhere and have had a few mishaps with food and drink, but thankfully everything has wiped right off. The interior of the bag has plenty of little details for organization, very similar to the inside of the Chanel WOC….
There are slots for over 20 cards, a larger pocket behind the back row of card slots, another larger pocket that my lower thumb is holding shut by accident, and a small zippered compartment. The chain strap is removable and snaps on and off. In comparison, the Chanel WOC strap does not come off so I just tuck it inside when using it as a clutch. Being able to remove it vs. having to tuck in is a nice option to have, when every little bit of interior space is valuable!
I usually carry the following inside: phone, keys, coins, bunch of cards, sunglasses (only case-less or very slim cases like the Ray Ban ones will fit), and makeup essentials like eyeliner, lip balm, and concealer.
Although the measurement of the Saint Laurent bag is notably bigger at 9″ length x 6″ height, it turns out the Chanel WOC does expand quite a bit in depth and can possibly fit the same amount of items. I have never carried sunglasses in my WOC bag though – I don’t like expanding the bag quite so much as I’m afraid the tiny snap button will pop open.
This brings me to my one and only complaint about the Saint Laurent bag – when the top is closed, there is a tiny gap which you can see below right where the chain comes in and out. Although it hasn’t happened to me, I feel like small objects like a pen or eyeliner could potentially fall through. Hence I always keep important small things like keys in the zippered compartment.
Back view:
Here’s how it looks with the chain detached:
Another thing I love about the Saint Laurent bag is the length of the chain strap is very petite-friendly! See how it compares to the Chanel WOC, for which I always have to tuck an extra length of the strap inside the flap of the purse. The Saint Laurent strap drop length measures approximately 19 inches.
I hope you guys found this review helpful! Let me know if you have any questions. By the way, Instagram friends know that I actually bought a different bag first – the tassel bag in medium:
Be still my heart, I still find this to be an absolutely gorgeous and classic purse, down to the clean design and vintage YSL-inspired tassel. I had been looking everywhere for it and ended up having it shipped from a Saint Laurent store in PA. (Big FYI, their brick & mortar store policies are completely different than their online ones. They charge for shipping, and I was surprised to see on my receipt that there are no refunds – only store credit for returns within 10 days). However, upon careful inspection I noticed the bag arrived with scratches already on the calfskin. I felt that with my klutzy habits, this poor bag would be completely stained and scratched up in no time. I was able to return it despite the stringent store policy, due to it arriving damaged. It all worked out for the better, but I just wanted to share about the tassel bag for those interested!
You look like Wendy Nguyen..are you in any way related?
You have great taste!! I purchased the SL in "porcelain" and absolutely love it. The chevron makes the style and it is just so "fresh" looking. The chain is substantial as well. I like it so much will go back for another color:) Well worth the price.
Exceptional,Exquisite…………..
http://indianstylestealer.weebly.com/
Hi Jean,
I was wondering if the chain rubs against the flap of the YSL bag. It looks like there's no wear there in your photos, but I have similar bags where the strap will rub against the leather with noticeable wear and tear. Just wondering if you've had similar experiences after carrying the bag for awhile. Thank you!
Hi Jean,
I'm wondering if you have a sizing/fit review up about the Express jean shorts you're wearing in this post? I'm curious about what size you ordered and how they fit. I normally wear 3-4" shorts, and saw online those are about 2 1/2". Thank you:)
-Meredith
Hi I bought the sweater in an xs petite. I find it to be a little boxy looking on me and was thinking I should have ordered an xs regular for a longer , less boxy look. I love the material though it does snag easily. But I guess that's the nature of a linen knit and doesn't reflect so much on quality issues
Your YSL bag is gorgeous. Is the bag comfortable being worn as a crossbody? I got myself a Ferragamo perforated leather Ginny crossbody bag in Macaron (pink) and the strap is rather long if carried on the side (not as crossbody). Wish I had seen this post earlier. 🙂
https://sartorialisttoujours.wordpress.com/
Can you please give recommendation on camisole for this sweater and under silk shirts
Your whole outfit in the second pic is way too cute! I love those neutral sandals <3
Awesome! Can't wait and good luck on your wedding!
don't know how i missed it, thank you :).
I love the color scheme!
bethanysbling.blogspot.com
Pink bag is amazing and I need the shorts!!!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Hi Violet – I won't be able to do a post for a while since we're still renovating, but I keep most of my bags in dustbags and store them one inside another (ie. the smaller wallet on chains go inside bigger totes. Bags that don't have anything inside are usually stuffed with large scarves to keep their shape and structure.
The YSL is $1490 in the US as shown in the link (about 25 – 30% less in Europe), and the Chanel I'm really not sure! They aren't sold online and mine is very old.
I really can't name a top three, but I knew for sure that the WOC would be amongst those : ) Other bags that I use regularly are my Goyard St Louis tote, my Coach court crossbody, Ann Taylor gallery tote, Tory Burch and Prada convertible strap satchels…it all depends on the occasion though (ie work vs weekend)
The Chanel strap when tucked in takes up a little space, maybe similar to what a piece of makeup would take up, but not terrible. I feel the snap on the YSL is a little sturdier, but that could also be because it's newer vs the Chanel which I've probably snapped open and closed a thousand times now!
Hi Kate – they are Dune London brand. I did a post about them earlier last week!
So far so good! I feel like that usually happens when dark jeans get wet, though, and I haven't had that issue yet.
Thanks! It's Essie Pound Cake (an old one)
Hi there – I am incorporating a traditional Chinese tea ceremony with my family, and also wearing a Qi Pao / cheongsam style dress but not in red. Will do a post with photos after my wedding!
They are really so similar, it's hard to say!
I felt I ove the Chanel WOC better than YSL, the YSL chain looks little bit cheap compare to Chanel.
Hi Jean! I would LOVE for you to do a post about how you organize all your beautiful clothes and accessories when you aren't wearing them. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Interesting. A helpful element of a review and any comparison is the retail price of each. Can you share that? I wasn't sure if there was a reason you left it out.
Nice review my dear!!! YSL is my favorite!!! Have a nice day, kisses from Italy,
Eni
Eniwhere Fashion
Eniwhere Fashion Facebook
Hi Jeans, you mentioned that the WOC is one of your top 3 bags. What are the other 2 Jeans? Can you do a post with your most worn handbags and shoes ? thank you in advance.
Still loving the blush for summer! Such a great look!
http://www.vanitysalad.com
Hi J! Thanks so much for your post! I love how you compared the 2 items and the pictures with all the contents are very helpful! No one else has done this on other blogs and I've been scouring all over. I had one question regarding Chanel WOC; when you tuck in the chain/strap, does it bulk up the wallet and therefore minimize the content potential? You mention the gap it creates on YSL but overall the snap enclosure on both are pretty sturdy, no? Thanks so much! – Min –
Gorgeous I love the pink YSL bag so much!!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
I really love the color of the YSL bag. I'm a sucker for blush, and I've bought three bags from Tory Burch this year in the same blush shade (whoops!). I'm actually getting use out of each of them, though, since blush is surprisingly easy to wear with anything!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Makes me wonder what you do for a living. Jeez thats very expensive for a normal person. haha
Thanks so much for this review Jean! This is super helpful and now I definitely know that I want this bag. I love how you compared it to the Chanel WOC as I have that too but I wanted something even roomier but not too heavy on the shoulder. I do wonder about colour transfer as the leather is pebbled and the colour is a blush but I guess a darker colour bag would be easier to maintain.
Thanks so much for this review!! I love both, they look amazing on you. I love these kind of high end reviews, especially for people like me who are debating buying them. Thank you!
coffeeslag
Mango Favorites
Its such a gorgeous pink! Love how you've matched the bag and watch as well in your outfit
i really like your sandals with the bling bling heel, where can i find them please.
Have you noticed any color transfer from it running against your jeans or other dark bottoms?
Lovely blush pink YSL bag, it's so pretty and comes with so many compartments! Thanks for the review!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
That bag is just stunning, love the color.
Diary of Elegance
http://diaryofelegance.blogspot.ca/
snap is regular button snap. sorta wish it was magnetic but it might be more secure that way i guess.
Some of the leather are too delicate. These are great information. I definitely love the caviar one better too:P
Shall We Sasa
Hi Jean – what nail polish color do you have on? It's lovely!
Cool. Thanks for sharing.
Also, I was wondering if you could do a post or YouTube video on how (if) you are integrating Cantonese wedding traditions for your wedding? Particularly if you're choosing to wear the traditional red dress in a modern context?
that's the one thing I don't like about the long length of the WOC, I also have to luck it so that it's shorter for my body frame. However I think that can cause stress to the flap even though it's caviar it still can get damage IMO
The bag is gorgeous with its color and design! So versatile that the strap comes off. Thanks so much for such a helpful review! After reading this, the bag moved up higher on my want list 🙂
xo, Suzie Q
StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
I've been loving that bag in your outfits! It's the perfect blush color and the gold detailing is beautiful.
Very nice. Which strap is heavier?
Soo beautiful 🙂 !
Pauline
http://lesselfiesdepauline.blogspot.fr
Wow SO GORGEOUS! I know I've made it when I can afford a bag like that 😉
COOCOO FOR COCO
I am drooling all over this! Is the snap magnetic, or is it just a plain snap?