I’m utterly enamored with Saint Laurent’s luxurious offerings, and the Saint Laurent Loulou bag is undoubtedly a showstopper. For those who’ve been coveting this style, I’ll delve into my firsthand experience with the medium-sized Loulou, including assessments of its wearability, size comparison to other bags in the line, and what you can realistically fit inside.
Saint Laurent Loulou First Impressions
I acquired my YSL Loulou handbag in January 2020, just before the pandemic began. It was an item I had been coveting for some time due to its timeless design, practical size, exceptional quality, and reasonable price point compared to other luxury brands. The Loulou line has been a cornerstone of Saint Laurent’s offerings since 2017, making it a reliable choice for those seeking classic style.
If you’re in the market for a sophisticated shoulder bag that effortlessly transitions from daytime to evening, the YSL Loulou is an excellent option. Its elegance and versatility make it an attractive alternative to more expensive options like Chanel flap bags, which can come with a hefty price tag of $5,000 or more.
The Saint Laurent Loulou is widely available at high-end retailers such as Farfetch, MyTheresa, and Nordstrom, where I ultimately purchased my medium-sized cream-colored bag with gold-tone brass hardware. While the Small Loulou was initially my preferred choice, a hands-on comparison revealed only a minor price difference between the two sizes, prompting me to opt for the Medium instead.
YSL Loulou Sizes, Colors & Hardware Options
The Saint Laurent Loulou is available in a range of materials, including 100% calfskin leather, as well as suede, linen, and patent leather options. When it comes to hardware, you can choose from matte black, antique silver, silver, brass tone, or opt for the metal rope attachment on brass. The bag’s sizes are listed below, along with their corresponding prices (as of July 2021). The prices may vary depending on limited edition or seasonal releases.
Keep in mind that Saint Laurent, like many other luxury fashion brands, does experience price increases over time. When I purchased my Loulou handbag, it was a few hundred dollars less than the current market price. If you’re unsure which size to choose, let’s explore the options further.
Toy Loulou Sizing & What Fits
The Toy Loulou’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly transition from day to night, but it does have a petite stature. Despite this, it would be an excellent choice for those who only require a small card holder and phone case. For me, however, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. What sets the Toy Loulou apart is its full-leather strap, a departure from the chain-and-leather straps typically found on similar bags.
The straps are also removable, allowing users to repurpose the bag as a clutch. As someone who values versatility in their handbags, I appreciate this feature’s potential. For those interested, the Toy Loulou can be purchased via Farfetch.
Small Loulou Sizing & What Fits
The Small Loulou camera bag stands out with its refined elegance, mirroring the style of many popular bags on the market. Its sophisticated design makes it an excellent choice for effortless transitions from day to night attire.
In terms of size, I found the Small Loulou to be slightly larger than the Toy, but not significantly so.
The Medium Loulou, however, boasts a generous capacity that can accommodate a variety of items without feeling too small or too large.
If you’re eyeing the cream and gold hardware combination, rest assured that the Small Loulou is available in this sought-after colorway.
For those who prefer a more dramatic look, the black-on-black option is equally stunning on the Loulou. And for fall enthusiasts, the burgundy hue has become a new favorite.
The versatility and charm of the Small Loulou make it an excellent addition to any camera bag collection.
What Fits Inside the Saint Laurent Loulou Medium
The medium-sized Loulou by Yves Saint Laurent is surprisingly spacious! In mine, I’ve been able to fit a range of essentials, including a full-size wallet, a small toiletry bag, a refillable water bottle, my iPad, a compact hairbrush, cell phone, and keys. If needed, you could even squeeze in a few diapers or an extra outfit for baby. While I don’t typically pack the bag to its maximum capacity, it’s reassuring to have the room available if required.
Interestingly, despite being made from good-quality leather, the Loulou isn’t particularly heavy – not as light as my Louis Vuitton Neverfull, perhaps, but still manageable. The overall weight and size make it an attractive option for daily use.
Large Saint Laurent Loulou
For those eyeing the luxurious Jumbo Chanel handbag, the Large Saint Laurent Loulou may be an appealing alternative. While both bags are known for their generous interior space, I’ll spare you the details of what can fit inside this stylish companion. Suffice it to say that it’s a veritable treasure trove! If you’re eager to explore more size comparisons and see which bag best suits your needs, Farfetch offers a comprehensive guide.
For those interested in purchasing the Large Loulou, head over to [Shop Link].
Inside the Saint Laurent Loulou
Saint Laurent Loulou Bag Cons
While I adore the Saint Laurent Loulou handbag, it’s only fair to acknowledge some potential drawbacks. One concern that’s been raised is the bag’s length when worn as a shoulder bag with both straps up. However, I typically use it as a single length and don’t find this issue problematic. My other minor gripe is that the Toy Loulou could benefit from being slightly larger. While its petite size makes it adorable, it can be impractical for everyday use.
Still, I’d love to add one of these bags to my collection, despite its limitations.
Handbag Wear & Tear: One Year Later
Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the pleasure of owning my Saint Laurent Loulou handbag, and it’s remarkable how well it has held up to daily use. The leather remains scratch-free, and the interior still looks fantastic. When it comes to maintaining its condition, I’m meticulous about not pairing it with dark denim, as color transfer is a genuine concern for light-colored bags like mine.
In addition to avoiding certain outfits, I make sure to clean my Loulou with gentle water wipes, which are 100% water-based. When storing the bag, I take care not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade prematurely.
When putting away my handbag for the night, I also take a moment to adjust the chain strap, ensuring it doesn’t get tangled or dig uncomfortably into the bag’s interior.
Is it a Good Investment?
The Saint Laurent Loulou is, without a doubt, an exceptional designer handbag that offers unparalleled quality and value. The supple leather exudes luxury, with its classic design ensuring a timeless style that will remain relevant for years to come. While some may find it less trendy than puffer options, I firmly believe this bag’s understated elegance will make it a staple in many people’s wardrobes.
For those seeking a great size handbag at a fair price point, the Loulou is an excellent choice.