Like it or not, you guys are always among the first to know when I’m in the market for a brand new bag. Who’s actually first in line depends on where I am the moment the urge strikes. Sometimes it’s smack in the middle of the workday and the first thing I do is ping Amanda on gchat to proclaim that I need something new; other times, I’m sitting on my couch eating cereal and exclaim that I need a new bag, at which point my roommates either ignore my outburst or humor me and ask which one I want. Sometimes I actually scratch the itch and go through with a purchase; other times I just dream about it and it never actually happens. This time I’ve got my heart set on a red bag, and two in particular have struck my fancy.
I’ve always been very into the idea of a red bag because though it’s bright and colorful, to me, it’s almost like an elevated neutral. You can wear it with so many colors, and it especially pairs well with black, white and denim–a.k.a., my entire wardrobe. I even strongly considered getting my Gucci Marmont Bag in red, but ultimately I had to go with black because I did not have a classic black bag in my current rotation. I love my Marmont, and I’m really happy that I chose black, but I still feel the need to add a red bag to my current lineup. Two very different Saint Laurent mini bags are on my the brain, and though I’ve already sourced multiple opinions, my research is never complete until I’ve asked you guys what you think!
Saint Laurent has always been on my radar, though not really as a holy grail brand, but rather a tried-and-true brand that I’ve always wanted to own a piece of. In March, I snagged my first Saint Laurent item when I got a small black wallet, and I’ve been really happy with the quality of it. The caviar leather is not only beautiful, but durable, and I’m very happy with the craftsmanship of it overall. That little purchase really got me thinking that I may want to one day pick up a Saint Laurent bag too, and this, my friends, is how I am where I am at this moment—crushing hard on two red Saint Laurent bags.
The first is the Small Loulou Chain Strap Shoulder Bag. I’m not surprised that I love this bag because it’s basically the Saint Laurent version of my Marmont bag. Now that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I love the size and shape of my Marmont, and I get so much use out of it. In a way I consider this like buying something you really love in another color, or that pair of jeans you’re obsessed with in another cut/wash. Can you really have too much of a good thing? The leather is super smooth and luxurious and it’s the perfect red. I also like that the hardware is silver here versus gold, because sometimes red and gold looks a tad too Christmas-y for me. Like the Marmont, the straps can convert to long or short, and overall, I don’t really have a reason not to want this bag.
The other bag I’m crushing on has been around for a fair bit, and that’s the Nano Sac De Jour in Embossed Croc. I love, love, LOVE the shrunken-down classic shape of this bag, and it’s a bag I’ve wanted to own for a long time. Prior to seeing this bag in embossed croc, I really wanted it in Saint Laurent’s classic grained leather, but something about the croc in red really stole my heart. The downside to this bag is the interior—it isn’t very roomy at all, and I also dislike that the top is totally open. Unlike the small version, the nano does not have an inside zippered pocket. Living, working and playing in NYC has definitely made me much more conscious of having my belongings secure, especially when I’m out at night. I’m not sure I would be completely comfortable carrying this out at night to a dark and super-crowded bar, and if I can’t get past the open interior, I’ll have to nix this altogether because any bag I purchase must work for me from day to night—especially when it’s a mini bag! The plus side is that this bag does have a crossbody strap, which is ideal for when I’m out and about. This bag is definitely more fashion than function, and even though I know that, I still want it.
Though these bags share a brand name and a color, they are totally different! If I could have both, you best believe I would, but since I can’t, I’ll ask you guys, which one would you choose?
Either is a great choice!
I picked up four bags this year. (Which I never do!) Two of which were the lou Lou and sac de jour. I have decided personally, I am tired of the super trendy bags coming out and I was craving something more classic. Both purchases were made with Saks events so even though they had $2000 price tags, I got a $600 gift card with each. I am so happy with the quality and style of both. They may not be the most orginal styles, but they are a great value for today’s luxury bag market.
If I had to pick one, I’d choose the Sac Du Jour.
Look at the SDJ baby. It does have the interior zipped compartment and it’s removable. The other option is the SDJ baby duffel which has a zippered top and the padlock and key are actually functional in this version. Hope that helps. Or maybe it’ll make it more difficult lol
Sac du jour! I have a SDJ in the middle size, and I love it! The Loulou is fine but for some reason it looks bloated to me, like it drank a lot all weekend and now needs a juice cleanse! Red is a great choice. Very neutral, actually. I have a red Gucci that I love.
Ha! This comment made me chuckle! I think I’m leaning towards the SDJ to be honest. I stopped by the store yesterday, to take a look. I’ve always wanted that bag long before the Loulou—the shape is so lady like!
I’d go for more diversity in bag shapes – either the Marmont or the Loulou will be your go-to and the other will languish a bit, imo. I’d go for a Sac du Jour in a different size so it zips.
Definitely the lack of zip is what is stopping me at the moment from being 100% Sac Du Jour > Loulou. I just love the super mini size of the nano but will look into the baby.
You could look at Mulberry Micro Zipped Bayswater?
SDJ! I feel like the Loulou may be trendier than the SDJ.
I personally love the puffy soft leather on the LouLou. The SDJ seems more prim and proper whilst the LouLou is more fun.
I have the small Lou Lou, Black on Black and Baby SDJ in Fog with gold hardware and LOVE both bags. Personally, I like the SDJ in red better than the Lou Lou. I’m not a fan of silver hardware, which pops more on the Lou Lou… the red SDJ is a forever classic.
Loulou is pretty, but I’d go for the Sac du Jour because it won’t go out of shape as fast. Soft cushiony puffy leather only looks pretty in pictures when they’re new, but after they start to lose shape and look saggy, you probably wouldn’t take it out as much after that. Just my opinion.
LouLou
Neither. YSL bags are a complete bore.
I’m with you on this.
SDJ – I have the softer leather version. I can totally crossbody it. It looks polished for work and yet can transition to casual by carrying it crossbody or shoulder. I have it in a burgundy color – stunning!!
Sac du Jour! I have a SDJ and a chanel flap (which is equivalent to the ysl abive in terms of use) and i use the sdj way more often! Its more resiliant to weather, its more stable due to the sides and stands on its own; you can extend the size of it depending on how much you carry etc.
I love mine so much im looking to get a second one!
I have the nano SDJ and its fits just am much as my jumbo chanel flap bag! I even used it once to steal a mug from a bar!
Let’s be friends
Sac Du Jour! I am not a fan of flap bags and I love the Sac Du Jour. Love the color too!.
Of these two, I prefer the LouLou as it’s more practical. I also love the Gucci Soho Disco in red, the Louis Vuitton Alma BB in epi leather in red (only like the Alma in epi leather!), Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag in Flamma, Givenchy Small Antigona in red, and Chloe Small Faye Day bag in red leather.
Sac du Jour. find it very practical for day/night wear. But I do not carry much in it . . . . I like the structure of the bag.
Have them both, love them both! Although the Loulou bag is getting a ton of love lately, I’ll admit that much!
Go the Sac Du Jour. Beautiful quality. I just bought one in a small but am yet to use it 😉 But maybe get the small if it doesn’t have a zip?
Sac De Jour is timeless. I know that it’s not original but I’ve always loved SDJ more than Birkin.