Bag Review: Comparing the YSL Sunset Chain Wallet and YSL Small Monogram Kate

Last year I went from having zero YSL bags to owning two! I purchased the YSL SAINT LAURENT Sunset Chain Wallet and the YSL SAINT LAURENT Small Monogram Kate bag. I’ve always loved YSL bags, and with the drastic Chanel price hikes, I was worried that YSL prices would rise too – even on the preloved market. Both my bags were purchased on Fashionphile – and they are earlier versions (the current models are slightly larger, I’ve added the sizing differences below)

My first purchase was the YSL sunset Chain Wallet – The YSL sunset bag was introduced in 2016 and comes in several sizes and finishes. Mine is the Calfskin Crocodile Embossed Monogram Sunset Chain Wallet in Graphite.

The dimensions are 6.75″W x 4.75″H x 1.5″D – they’ve since updated the sizing to 7.5″W x 5.5″H x 2.2″D – which is so much more roomy! They’ve also changed the chain style – my version has a threaded 23″ chain which can be worn long or doubled up as a shoulder bag. The newer version has a padded top handle and a detachable 20.9″ chain – you can see the newer version here.

I loved the quality and durability of YSL bags, so my next purchase was the Grain De Poudre Small Monogram Kate Satchel in Fard. Between the light grey of my Sunset bag and the warm taupe of my Kate bag, I now have a YSL bag to match every outfit!

The older Kate Small bag is truly teeny – my iPhone does NOT fit inside. Its dimensions are 6.75″W x 4.25″H x 1.5″D. Luckily, the new version is much roomier at 7.8″W x 4.9″H x 1.9″D. Both the old and new versions have similar 22″ chains – here’s a closer look at the newer versions. The Kate comes in different fabrics and some have dangling tassels down the center.

SIZE COMPARISON

Here’s a size comparison of my YSL bags compared to my Gucci Marmont Mini and Chanel Wallet on a Chain. As you can see, the YSL bags are my smallest bags – and can only fit the essentials (and sometimes not even that!)

 

WHAT FITS INSIDE

Here’s a comparison picture to show the scale of these bags. If you purchase the preloved/older versions of these bags (as I did), a larger iPhone may fit on the diagonal in the YSL Sunset, but won’t fit in the YSL Kate. Both these bags have credit card slots inside, so you won’t need to add a separate wallet. If you purchase the newer versions of these bags, you should be able to fit in your phone, cards, and some makeup.

OLD YSL SUNSET CHAIN WALLET: 6.75″W x 4.75″H x 1.5″D

NEW YSL SUNSET CHAIN WALLET: 7.5″W x 5.5″H x 2.2″D

OLD YSL KATE SMALL: 6.75″W x 4.25″H x 1.5″D

NEW YSL KATE SMALL: 7.8″W x 4.9″H x 1.9″D

 

HOW TO STYLE IT

There are a variety of ways to wear the YSL Kate and Sunset bags (for sizing reference I’m 5’4). The easiest way is with the chain at its longest length – worn on the shoulder or crossbody. The chain can also be doubled up to be worn as a shoulder bag (this might not be possible with the later version of the YSL sunset, since the chain is detachable and not threaded through). The bag also looks cute worn as a clutch – you can clip the chain together and keep it inside the bag – unfortunately this leaves less space for your stuff! When I use my YSL Sunset as a clutch, I keep the padded shoulder handle outside, which gives the effect of a top handle bag (the newer Sunset bag comes with a top handle).

 

SHOP THIS POST – DIFFERENT STYLES OF YSL KATE AND SUNSET BAGS

 

 

BUYING PRELOVED VERSUS NEW

These are my second and third purchases from Fashionphile – I love how detailed their photos and descriptions are. Both of these bags were in amazing like new condition….and even though I had to pay HST when they arrived in Canada, I still saved a LOT versus buying the bags new. My YSL Kate was 33% cheaper and my YSL Sunset was 48% cheaper…however, keep in mind that the newer versions of these bags are also bigger – so we’re not comparing the exact same models. (If you’re interested in buying preloved – here’s the link to preloved YSL Kate bags, link to preloved YSL Sunset bags)

What are your thoughts on the YSL Kate and Sunset bags? If you enjoyed this post, check out my other bag reviews here.