Handbag Hunter: Yves Saint Laurent Small East/West Bag

This Small East/West Bag by Yves Saint Laurent seems like every bit the city-girl’s statement accessory for the big smoke. In fact, it’s got a certain ladylike briefcase demeanor about it with its structured surface, gold-toned hardware, double top handles and stitched detailing. But, is it really what we’re looking for in that ultimate work bag?

For the price tag, I want more from this bag than just a place to stuff my paperwork and stationary (is there any way it opens up into a compact studio apartment as well?). If I’m going to splash the cash (and at £1,349, there’s going to be some serious splashing of cash) I’d like to see more from this bag than just demur style, and, to be honest, I’d actually like others to realise I’ve spent some dosh on it – not pass it off as some try-hard ladies briefcase. Now, it might be at this point someone (the shop assistant most likely) leans over your shoulder and says: ‘Madam, it’s an investment, surely you can see that?’ But don’t fall for it. In the end, you both know that really a bag isn’t an investment, and the studio apartment it doesn’t open out into, is.

As a huge fan of YSL, I’d love to say this would be the piece I would buy for a high-profile meeting, stressful interview or seminar, but I know that if I bought this, I’d be more stressed and concerned in said interview because I’d be thinking about my massacred bank balance. For the money I’d much rather have  something that makes more of a statement swinging from my arm, even if I can’t fit my paperwork in it. Be it that Mulberry Bayswater (for half the price might I add) or even a little something iconic from Chanel. Yves Saint Laurent Small East/West Bag, £1,349 available at mytheresa