Of all the purse reviews I’ve done over the years, the Saint Laurent posts have been some of the most popular ones on here! No surprise, as my YSL bags made it to my most used handbags list for being durable, timeless, and very versatile thanks to convertible strap features.
In addition to the styles I own, I wanted to share a few more classic options below that I’ve tried on and have been seriously considering over the years.
Where I Buy Preowned Designer Bags
For those looking to go the pre-owned route, I also wanted to share two websites that I have personally purchased authentic designer bags from and have had a good customer experience: Rebag (based in NY) and Fashionphile (based in CA). Between the two, I will say Rebag is processing orders and shipping faster in my experience and replies to my customer questions quickly. Also when buying pre-owned, be sure to double check the true retail price of an item as sometimes sites will price very popular items above retail.

1. Sunset Chain Wallet
Buy new: Saint Laurent
Preowned: Fashionfile (free ship & returns)
Preowned: Rebag (free ship; $20 return fee)
Pictured on me in small. Also available in medium and large.
This style has been near the top of my list – I love the more “everyday” vibe when worn crossbody and the mini top handle for dressier looks. The chain strap is removable and you can easily criss-cross it inside to make the length more petite friendly. The interior is a little roomier than my Chanel WOC and it has card slot inserts and a zippered pocket.
Measurements: 7.5 x 5.5 x 2 in
Handle drop : 1.5 in
Shoulder strap drop: 21 in


2. Cassandra Top Handle Bag
Buy new: Saint Laurent
Preowned: Fashionfile (free ship & returns)
Preowned: Rebag (free ship)
Pictured on me in mini. Also available in medium.
This is a gorgeous choice for a more structured, elegant bag that can also be worn crossbody. The shape is reminiscent of a mini Kelly (smaller than a Kelly 25) and the overall bag felt very nicely made. Like with many Saint Laurent bags, I like that it has a convenient back slot pocket and removable, adjustable strap.
Measurements of mini: 7.8 x 6.2 x 3 inches.
Shoulder strap drop: 20 inches



3. Lou Camera Bag
Buy new: Saint Laurent
Preowned: Rebag (free ship)
Preowned: Fashionfile (free ship & returns)
Pictured on me in mini. Also available in standard size.
The Lou camera bag is their version of my much-used Gucci Soho with some more elevated design features, such as their signature metal logo and a chevron patterned leather which I really like.
The Mini is smaller than the Soho and has a non removable chain strap (with small leather piece at the top), while the Standard is a tad bigger than the Soho and has an adjustable leather strap and removable tassel. If you’re petite and prefer the size of the Mini, a good cobbler can remove a few links from the chain strap if needed.
Measurements of mini: 7.4 x 4.3 x 1.9 inches.
Shoulder strap drop: 22.4 inches



If you’ve missed my past Saint Laurent posts, here is my review of their wallet on chain options comparing the different sizes & strap lengths!
Hi, Jean! Did you end up buying that YSL Mini Lou? What color is that? Is that their current “dark beige” color? Or is it the color “latte”?
Hi Christina! I didn’t end up getting the Mini Lou and I’m afraid I can’t recall exactly which color this is, but it does look like their dark beige
Hi jean! i am hoping to make my first designer purse purchase on Rebag, per your recommendation : ) ! i was wondering you might have a different promo code- the FEB15 isn’t working- I hope i didn’t miss out!! thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Kimberly – sorry that promo did end! I missed it as well but when I live chatted customer service on the chat boxes on their site, they gave me a 10% off code to use for my order. Would suggest trying that tomorrow during operating hours!
Great picks! I have been eyeing YSL for quite some time especially their Lou line bags. I just don’t know how well it would fit my “casual” lifestyle especially because their bags are mainly quilted. What are your thoughts about quilted bag? Are they more durable?
Maureen
I really love the look of quilted bags! I don’t know about durability compared to non quilted, but I think the Lou line can definitely work for a more casual lifestyle.
Do you have any recommendations for where or how to sell pre-owned Chanel classics? I have a couple Jumbos I want to sell, in mint condition, but I’m nervous about sending them out to one of these consignment stores. Thanks for any advice or tips!
Hi Jenny – that’s a tough one! Most consignment sites and shops do take quite a bit of a cut and I also haven’t personally sold Chanel on any of them. Have you looked into selling through Julia Rose Boston? Her classic Chanel items usually move very quickly and I know she takes care of her customers’ products.
I could never afford a YSL bag, not even a used one, but I did look up the mask on Etsy. Wow, she’s from Boston too. And her matching mask and headband sets are DARLING.
Thank you Jean for always providing these links. I love your blog.
Always wonderful to hear from you, Val – I hope all has been well with you and your family! Yes Khatu is so talented from her adorable printed swimsuits to the mask sets. Ever since masks have become part of our new normal, it brightens up my day a bit to put one of her stylish ones on.
Thank you for this post! I had a terrible experience trying to consign with TheRealReal (they didn’t accept all my items, which is fine, but sent me back someone else’s clothes and actual garbage – an opened and taped shut ibuprofen jar, a used Ninja base with dried food on it, a pound of sugar, open foundation, and other junk, and they hardly apologized!). I am trying to be committed to buying pre-owned, because I want to be a more conscientious consumer and more sustainability-minded, plus I love the quality of older classics, so I have been on the search for alternative, trustworthy sites. This is great. Thank you, thank you!
Hi Kay – oh my goodness what a nightmare! Sorry to hear that. I have had mixed experiences with the Real Real. My purchases have arrived as expected but I did not have a great experience consigning (but I wasn’t sure if it was just an “off” experience). I have purchased from Fashionphile once and from Rebag a few times (haven’t sold to either) and the experiences have been smooth, so I hope they don’t disappoint!
Thanks for sharing experiences with pre-owned designer bags! Do you generally buy handbags with gold hardware? Do you think hardware of bags needs to “match” your jewelry?
Hi Cheryl, I definitely believe in mixing metal tones! Many of my bags have gold hardware because I do like the warmer tone of the gold, but I’m finding myself reaching for silver more and more.
Watch Selfridges around Black Friday. You’ll get more bang for your buck at this UK store + I got 20% off a large envelope WOC (shipping to US was $30 and took a week). I paid $1200 for a new bag and saved over $400. I’m upset that I didn’t also buy a small Kate bag, Selfridges is a legit upscale British department store. I will be stalking the site come November.