A few years ago, I was graduating with my MBA, I had just gotten a new, higher-paying job, and wanted to celebrate. I was finally in a position to buy a designer bag and I chose the YSL Cassandre Envelope Wallet to be my big purchase. So much went into this decision, and I was so excited to go into the YSL boutique and buy it in person. I did a ton of research ahead of time but there is nothing quite like seeing bags in person before buying. I’ve had this bag for more than two years now and used it a ton, so in this post, I’m sharing my honest thoughts and review of the YSL Cassandre Envelope Wallet and if it is worth it or not.
When choosing which designer bag I wanted to buy, I looked at all of the big names like Gucci, Celine, Chloe, Dior, and Chanel. Several of these were out of my budget, so that was step 1. Next, I looked at styles and figured out which bags I would use most often. I wanted a bag that I could use during the daytime that would transition well to the evening. I have no use for very large bags at this time. So small was better both for my wallet and for my needs.
I have been in love with YSL ever since I wandered into the boutique in 2011 when I was studying abroad in London. I gravitated to the classic styles and rich history. When I decided on this brand the style came next. I loved the cream color and felt that it could be worn year round since it wasn’t stark white. The quilted style was gorgeous and classic for both every day use and an evening bag. A strap was a must for me, so the chain was nonnegotiable. Finally, I loved how the gold hardware fit with my usual jewelry choices.
YSL Cassandre Envelope Wallet Review
The YSL Cassandre Envelope Wallet is technically, as the name says, a wallet on a chain. The bag was named for the graphic designer, Cassandre, originally Adolphe Jean Marie Mouron, who designed the YSL logo as we know it today. As one of the greatest graphic designers of the early sixties, he was known for his geometric style creating the interlocking letter logo that has carried the brand through the decades (source).
After several years of creating couture gowns, Yves Saint Laurent began to develop ready to wear lines. In 1966, YSL opened the first boutique, Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche. Literally meaning left bank of the Seine river in Paris. He became the first couturier to open a ready to wear boutique under his name. While I can’t find an exact date, it is noted that YSL launched the first handbags in the sixties shortly after the launch of the brand, playing around with materials and suppliers until the collection developed into the classics we know today. The Cassandre Envelope Wallet is still one of the best-selling bags in the collection, today.
Price
While it is a designer bag and is priced accordingly, this particular style costs significantly less than similar styles. For example, the Cassandre is $1,100 compared to the Kate Small or the Envelope Small, $2,100 compared to $2,650 respectively. Prices vary across all styles depending on material and hardware choices, but the above prices are representative of the general collection.
Material
BThe YSL Cassandre Envelope Wallet comes in a couple different materials. Lambskin will be softer and more supple, while the grain de poudre, translating to the grain of powdered leather, has a texture and is coated for a more sturdy and durable leather. Both materials are quilted in a V shaped pattern with clean lines.
I have the Cassandre Envelope Wallet Grain de Poudre in cream with gold hardware. I have found that the bag holds up well under so many situations. It is easy to wipe down in the event something gets on it, and it still remains in good condition after significant use.
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Size
For a wallet bag, the size is fairly spacious inside. When I first made the purchase I carried this bag everywhere, as one tends to do with a new bag. I used it constantly and loved how it fit everything I needed on a daily basis. A great feature, since this is a wallet, and has the card slots inside, you actually don’t need a separate card case or wallet at all.
After expanding my designer bag collection more in the past few years, I now use this bag mostly as an evening bag. I can still fit my card case, keys, lipstick, lip gloss, hand sanitizer, lotion, hair ties, and tampons, and if I used the card slots instead of a separate card case, I could fit even more! I don’t carry large bags often, so this is a great size for me to carry anything I could need.
Color Options
Currently, the Cassandre Envelope Wallet comes in five colors which are mostly neutrals. Every so often I see a fashion color come in, but the standard is cream, noir, taupe, and dark beige. Noir seems to be the only colorway that comes with the option for silver, gold, or black hardware. All others appear to have only the option for gold hardware. I do love the black-on-black, and decided to get the separate card case with that colorway.
Quality
Saint Laurant is known for its quality. The Cassandre bag is calfskin or lambskin leather and made in Italy. The leather is strong and durable. They can be easily cleaned and hold up well under normal use. The hardware is brass with gold or silver coloring. My only complaint would be that the hardware scratches and dents really easily, so mine is a little scratched now. It isn’t noticeable unless you are super close up, but it is disappointing.
The bag itself is not handmade but uses matelassé stitching which is made to look hand-stitched. A little-known fact about matelassé stitching is that the bag should have the same number of stitches on either side. I haven’t had any quality issues with the stitching or leather.
Style
I love the style of this bag. It is simple, chic, and classic envelope style. Almost all designers have one, so my choice was based on the size and design that I felt fit my personality and style best. I can wear it for ages to come without it going out of style. I’m adding some photos below of different styles that I have worn with this bag. I love styling outfits for this bag to shine!
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Is The Ysl Cassandre Envelope Chain Wallet Worth It
I do think the Cassandre Envelope Chain Wallet is worth it. For the price, you can’t beat a bag this size and quality that you can use every day. It is spacious but also small enough to pack if you are traveling. The Cassandre also has so many uses and ways to wear it. You can use it as a crossbody or wear it on your shoulder. You can double the strap for a shorter shoulder bag, or take it off completely and use as a clutch I also sometimes toss it in a larger tote bag or back pack to contain my small items when traveling or for work.
Since most of the colorways are neutral, you can also expect whatever option you choose to match so many outfits and styles. It is my go-to wedding and formalwear bag! You can wear it with so many outfits. Grab your own and see what you can do with it!
Where to Buy the YSL Cassandre Metalasse Envelope Chain Wallet
