If you’re in the market for your next designer crossbody, you may be looking at either the Saint Laurent (previously Yves Saint Laurent – YSL) Lou Medium Monogram Camera Bag, or the Gucci Soho Disco Leather Bag. I have owned these bags from both fashion houses for a few years now, so I thought I could help those of you torn between the two bags. This post will break down the main differences between the two handbags, so you don’t regret your next designer purchase!

Both of these designer handbags are two of my most used purchases, and can be carried as crossbody bags or shoulder bags. For my lifestyle, I find the camera crossbody to work really well. It fits a surprisingly large amount inside, but is still comfortable and compact. I reach for one or the other when I’m running out the door for errands on the weekends, and also always bring one along with me on trips.

Gucci Bag And Saint Laurent Bag Comparison

When you’re deciding what type of designer bag you want to purchase, you first need to decide what your price range is. The good thing about both of these bags is that they’re luxury brands, but are each under $2,000. Many other bags from luxury fashion designers like Louis Vuitton and Chanel can be much more expensive.

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Comparison between the Saint Laurent and Gucci camera bags

Saint Laurent Lou Camera Bag in Quilted Leather

I purchased this bag (color: poudre/beige) at the beginning of 2020. I was drawn to the light color and slightly dressier design. It was also my first YSL purchase! Their handbags lean more towards the dressier side, so I thought this crossbody camera bag would be a perfect addition to my handbags. I always get questions specifically about this color. It sells out often, so you can check inventory for the lighter beige color here: Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, SAKS Fifth Avenue, Saint Laurent, and Mytheresa.

PRICE: $1,690

details
  • DIMENSIONS 9″W x 6″H x 2.5″D
  • Calfskin leather
  • Grosgrain lining (darker color)
  • YSL logo plaque on the front
  • Interior: one large open pocket (can fit iPhone)
  • Adjustable leather strap with 22″ drop
  • Made in Italy
Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Longer adjustable strap length to accommodate more body types
  • Removable tassel on the strap
  • More color options. I love the light nudes and blush tones!
  • Larger size depending on how much you need to carry day to day
  • Loop for the end of the strap to keep it from fraying out

Cons:

  • Softer, potentially less structured leather

Sometimes leather goods can be super soft. While one person may love it, another might find that’s not what they’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a slightly smaller bag than this particular YSL, the mini bag called the Lou Mini Quilted Leather Camera Bag features chained straps with a tassel zipper. The dimensions of this bag are: 7.75″W x 2″D x 4.75″H.

For an ever-so-slighting larger bag than the Camera Bag, the Small LouLou Bag in quilted “Y” leather might be a good option for you. With its quality materials of calfskin leather and brass hardware, this shoulder bag will hold up nicely through the years, if you take care of it.

YSL Camera Bag Outfits

YSL camera bag outfit
with boyfriend jeans

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Outfits with the Saint Laurent bag
with neutrals

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YSL camera bag review
with leather leggings

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How to wear YSL bag
cute + casual outfit

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Comparison between the Saint Laurent and Gucci camera bags
summer dress

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Saint Laurent camera bag and gucci loafers
feminine chic

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saint laurent camera bag

outfit from my trip to NYFW

how to style joggers
with joggers

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Gucci Soho Small Leather Disco Bag

I’ve had this bag since 2016 and have worn it enough to really get a great cost per wear of out it. You can see my full review on this bag here, along with how I’ve styled it in the past and what I keep inside.

PRICE: $1,790

details
  • Small size: 8.3″W x 6.1″H x 3.1″D
  • Adjustable leather strap with 21.4″ drop
  • Textured calfskin leather
  • Cotton linen lining
  • Leather tassel zip closure
  • Made in Italy
Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Textured leather is slightly more durable
  • Smaller size depending on daily needs
  • The lighter interior is easier to find items inside

Cons

  • Less color options (black, red, tan)
  • Shorter strap length

If you’re wanting a slightly larger bag than the Disco Bag, the GG Marmont Bag in the small size would make a great option. It’s 9.5″W x 5″H x 3″D and has the distinguished GG on the front hence the name.

For those that want a smaller bag than the Disco Bag, why not try a Gucci Belt Bag. They’re super chic and sophisticated and would look great with casual and dressy looks.

Gucci Crossbody Outfits

Gucci Soho Small Leather Disco Bag
Target dress

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white ankle boots + Gucci Soho Small Leather Disco Bag
with dresses

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Comparison between the Saint Laurent and Gucci camera bags
feminine dress

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gucci bag for travel
small travel bag

travel outfit from my London Travel Guide

gucci bag outfit ideas
fall basics

outfit from Affordable Fall Basics

fall outfit gucci soho bag
with booties
How to style a gucci bag

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Gucci vs Saint Laurent

You may be drawn to one or the other based on your designer preference, but if you’re completely torn, here are a few key differences between the two designer handbags.

The logo on the Gucci Soho Disco Bag is embroidered and feels more casual than the YSL logo. The YSL camera bag has brushed metal hardware. Accents, along with the logo gives a slightly dressier look.

Another big difference between the two is the type of leather. The YSL camera bag is a soft and smooth matelassé calfskin leather, also contributing to it’s slightly dressier look and feel compared to the Gucci Soho Disco. However, the leather is also less durable than the pebbled calfskin leather.

There is a very slight price difference between the two, but not significant enough to really lean one way or the other. If I had to choose, I would go with the Gucci Small Leather Disco Bag. I really love the color, and have had it in my wardrobe the longest and still reach for it regularly.

Which Is Better YSL Or Gucci

Overall, I don’t regret either purchase and think either would be a great day-to-day bag. The camera bag style is functional to use day to day because it holds more than a typical crossbody bag its size. Lately, I reach for the YSL bag more than the Gucci, because I’m drawn to the lighter shade and bigger size.

So when you’re trying to decide which one to buy, I think your first question should be if you prefer one of the fashion brands over the other? If you don’t, then I think you need to reflect on your own personal style. Which bag would look the best with most of your outfits in your closet? I hope this has been helpful giving firsthand experience carrying both bags, and helps you decide if either of these bags are for you.

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xoAmanda

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