Bags to Covet

YSL Saint Laurent Monogramed Wallet on Chain Review & Buying Guide

Another story of when a bag found me instead of me finding it… I was at work killing some time while browsing Lollipuff (see our guide on used designer handbag websites for more on that lovely site) when I saw it – a large YSL Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet in grey with gold hardware. Grey with gold hardware you may be asking… who in in their right mind buys a grey bag with gold hardware? Well, when you find a preloved Saint Laurent Monogram Chain Wallet for $780 in mint condition, you’ve got to make a decision quickly if you are going to snag it before someone else buys it- and I bought it!

Now I know fashion girls, this is a Hedi Silmane era Saint Laurent bag released in 2014, a designer not all are fond of due to him replacing Phoebe Philo at Celine, but in my opinion the Saint Laurent bags and collections released during his 2012-2016 tenure were some of the strongest the brand has had since Yves himself was running the show. Apparently I am not the only one who believes this- since I have bought this bag it has held it’s value amazingly well. This bag is a smart investment & not a piece I see going out of fashion anytime soon.

Upon first glance I found the color a bit unusual but after further research I discovered the bag was not just grey, it was fog; an interesting shade of grey whose tone changes depending on the light you are in. The gold struck me as a bit too yellow in photos, but given how much gold I wear, I figured it would fit my wardrobe.

After waiting two weeks for the bag to ship from the seller in Italy the bag arrived and it felt like Christmas morning. I opened up the box to find a fairly small but surprisingly roomy, sturdy and classic YSL WOC (short for wallet on chain).

I immediately got the bag authenticated on The Purse Forum I started wearing the bag daily, falling in love at first wear. Everyone, EVERYONE, needs a WOC. The YSL WOC is also about versatile as any bag gets- it works as well with a casual going-to-the-park outfit as it do does with a not so casual art-gallery-opening outfit.

Art Gallery Opening with the Saint Laurent Wallet on Chain

The YSL WOC is made of very tough grained calf leather- so tough that when a beer spilled on the side of my bag I was able to wipe it off with a damp cloth and you couldn’t even tell. I’ve event scratched it with my nail, and again – there is not a mark on it. When a bag looks new after 3 years of wear, you know it is made well.

The metal chain strap drop measures 48 CM (~19 inches) long and is quite heavy. While the strap can be taken off, I never have done so- I simply tuck it in to the main compartment when I want to hold the bag by hand like a clutch. The strap is modern and short, I personally like the look of the YSL WOC cross body which sits higher above your hip than the Chanel WOC which hits below the hip when worn crossbody.

The interior is certainly not super spacious but for a wallet on chain can still fit quite a lot. Twenty card slots mean you don’t need to bring an additional wallet or card holder. There are two main compartments separated by a zipped pocket. I can easily fit a pair of sunglasses, my Iphone X, lipstick, and a compact in the bag with no problem. My one and only complaint about the bag is the snap closure is very difficult to close, and many times I have have to use two hands to get it closed. Once closed, if the bag is stuffed filled you will notice the slides looking a bulged out, but then again this bag is not made to be stuffed full!

The YSL WOC comes in two sizes- “Envelope” the smaller size measuring  7.4 X 4.9 X 1.4 inches, and a larger size (the size I have) which YSL simply calls it’s “monogram chain wallet” which measures  8.8 X 5.5 X 1.6 inches. Beyond the size difference the larger version has a full metal strap, while the envelope size has leather at the top of the strap. Both straps are removable, but the smaller version actually has a bit larger strap. While both sizes are wonderful, but I find the envelope size a bit too small, and I prefer a shorter strap.

Small “Envelope” Monogram YSL Wallet on Chain on left, Large on right

So do I recommend this bag? 1000% YES! It is a great addition to any collection in need of a wallet on chain. It does not need babied like the Chanel WOC, has a modern short strap, and can fit far more than you would initially expect. So how much should you pay for a preloved YSL Wallet on Chain?

So what should you pay for a Saint Laurent Monogramme Large Grain de Poudre Wallet on Chain?

  • Full Price New: $1550
  • High Priced Used: $1400 (Should be in pristine condition at this price, and honestly I think you should just buy new if you are thinking of paying this price point for a pre-loved bag).
  • Average Price Used: $1300 (I would pay no higher than $1200 for a pre-loved large Saint Laurent Wallet on Chain).
  • Low Price Used: $780 (This is what I paid so I know it can be found if you look hard enough! The YSL WOC holds it’s value amazingly well, but if you have patience you should be able to find the bag at a steal).

Happy Hunting!

2 Comments

  • Karla

    Hello
    I am trying to get a saint laurent wallet on chain did yours get sticky?
    I watched some you tube videos that said the bag gets sticky with wear ?

    • mollylope@gmail.com

      Hmm not sure what they could mean by sticky. My patent Chanel flap for sure felt sticky, but I have never had an issue with the YSL wallet on chain feeling that way. The leather is super durable. I will say it is more of a going out bag for me- I do not wear it all that frequently. Perhaps it has to do with how you rough you are with the bag? My only complaint is it is a bit hard to close since the button snap is pretty small. Overall I love the bag though!

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