Last September, I ordered, returned, and resigned myself to the fact that the medium YSL Cabas Chyc bag (reviewed here) simply wasn’t for me. Well, I pat my own back a moment too soon because I succumbed to the temptation of a terrific sale at the end of last year and picked up the large Cabas Chyc.
The discount blurred a lot of lines for me in that I overlooked several dealbreakers – including a loose screw, a normally unforgivable flaw for any bag – because of its price. While my brother was able to fix the problem for me in seconds, it is still disappointing that a bag which retailed for $2450 arrived in my hands damaged.
Aside from the loose screw, there were no other workmanship issues. However, without the discount I probably would not have kept it because it is also heavy and without sufficient compartmentalization (there is no division within this bag which is an issue for disorganized me). I won’t say I don’t have regrets but I have committed to this bag (read: it’s past the return period) and can see myself using it for years to come, hopefully justifying my temporary insanity.
The bag is not entirely without merits. The features that hold the most interest for me were the gold-toned hardware, the color – a rich shade of forest green -, and its size, which is perfect as a weekender (though at 15.5″ wide, 12″ tall, and 7″ deep, this bag can look oversized on a small person).
I added my own shoulder straps because the bag in large is designed to be hand-held only. I like having the option of carrying the bag on my shoulders because of the bag’s size and weight when it’s fully loaded.
The Cabas Chyc bags have ornamental – with no other perceived purpose – hardware on the east-west ends that allow you to attach your own chains. I purchased two velvet ribbon chain belts from Zara last winter and have been using them as shoulder straps. I used lobster claws to connect the chains to the bag for easier removal.
Since these pictures were taken back in January (timestamped with longer hair), the bag has grown on me as I learned to manage the enormous space afforded by its size and as the trauma of spotting that loose screw faded. The bag has worn beautifully and the softened leather gives it character that is absent in my more structured bags.
That said, I vow never to let price cloud my judgment when it comes to big-ticket purchases again.
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| Ann Taylor Factory Drape Jacket (similar) | Old Navy Turtleneck Sweater (similar) | ASOS Peplum Waist Skirt (no longer available) | Forever 21 Chiffon Rosette Pearl Necklace | Forever 21 Platform Maryjane Heels (similar) | YSL large Cabas Chyc |
