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!
Hello, i have been lurking and reading your blog posts for many years now. Love all your outfit ideas and tips.
I am in love with this YSL WOC pink color. What is the name of the color? I see one online currently but it looks more like nude pink and yours is more soft pink in pictures. It’s been a long time so i wonder if YSL changes their pink color. Loving it though. How is it holding up since it’s so light and you’re mostly using it crossbody? Thank you
hi. I'm planning to buy one wallet on chain in gold hardware. Just I am afraid that it will tarnish overtime. please help
Hi! Thanks for the great review. Going to share your pic on my blog! Will link back to you!
http://sincerelyophelia.com
Hi~Could you please tell me where to find the bag shown in your last picture?Thank you.
Thanks for the great review! Just got the YSL wallet on chain in black. Can't wait to wear it. There is a current promotion of $200 at Saks that does not exclude YSL, good till end of the month.
hi girls, where can i get an "authentic" ysl chain strap as a replacement. My gfs luxurious made in italy purse seems to have a broken chain now that slips off. She always tells me how knockoff or cheap purses are low quality but i dont see an "authentic" replacement chain at the YSL website. I would absolutely hate to have some substandard cheap chain used on her luxurious purse.
Hi Jean, that would be so awesome if you can just comment on how well your woc has held up. I am interested in getting their woc as well but didn't want to deal with quality issues if their bags really do not wear well. Thank you!
Hi Jean, could you please do a wear and tear or a quick update on how the Saint Laurent chain wallet has held up? (e.g. leather softening/prone to scratches/scuffing, gold chain chipping or tarnishing) I'm getting mine in red and after having read reviews about the leather scuffing on thepurseforum I'm just paranoid now, especially when it is an investment. Thanks so much!!!
What color was the YSL marked as when you purchased? Light rose? Or Pale Blush?
Thank you!!!
Hi Jean,
I just got a WOC for Christmas and wore it today for the first time with the strap wrapped under once as well to shorten the length and noticed that it had scrunched the edges of the leather just like yours. Curious to know how much use you've gotten out of your WOC and if you've noticed the leather holding the strap has weakened as time has gone by or has basically stayed the same as shown in that photo? It's just too long without wrapping the strap
Thanks!
Hi Jean, I'm debating between a black or blush colored purse. From your experience, which one do you find more versatile? Thanks!
Hi Jean, Can I know where did you get the YSL bag? Online or in store? I tried to get one online, unfortunately it was sold out, and I contacted their online representatives, they said the light rose is only sold online, not carried in store. It is so weird. Or anyone get the same bag in same color can give any advice about buying this? Thank you!
Hi Jean! I'm in a bit of a rut and was hoping you could help me. I bought the same YSL bag from the store in New York after seeing it on you! But there were some scratches on the side flap. The leather is chipped just slightly. Would you advise sending the bag back to the store internationally and having it replaced? Have you found that the YSL bag scratches easily or has anything chipped off slightly since you've been using it for a while? Do advise!