Today I’m back reviewing another highly-requested bag – the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote. After sharing my review of the Givenchy Antigona bag so many of you reached out asking me to review this bag next. I bought my Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote this past spring and have already gotten so much wear out of it. It’s been my go-to bag this summer and I envision using it as a travel bag through the fall.

I’ve talked a lot about how I carefully make investment bag purchases and why I don’t typically go for the “it” bags of the moment. I’ve actually had this bag on my wish list since last spring and after waiting an entire year, I knew as soon as spring hit that this bag would be my main designer bag purchase for summer. I was a little torn between this bag and the Chanel Deauville tote in gold/ivory – which was obviously more expensive and harder to track down. The main reason I didn’t go for the Chanel Deauville tote was because I was worried it would get dirty easily and I wanted to buy a summer bag that I could take everywhere and not be super worried about ruining it. I have to admit buying the Saint Laurent bag in the linen fabric made me a little nervous, but the linen is coated so it definitely doesn’t wear like typical linen does. This bag has been one of the best summer purchases I made this year and I would definitely recommend it.

Here’s my full review of the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote and my answers to the most frequently asked questions…

FAQS:

Does it get dirty easily?

I’ve used the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote all summer and don’t have a spot on it. I am fairly careful with it. I don’t set it on the ground and I usually wear light colors with it. I have heard that dye transfer can happen if you wear it with dark denim. I haven’t worn it with dark denim yet so I really can’t speak to that, but that should be a consideration if you’ve had issues with dye transfer in the past.

Doest it hold its shape?

This bag is a structured tote so it does hold its shape well. Like anything made of linen you may seem some wrinkling or creasing if you use the bag frequently and stuff it full, but overall the structure of the bag won’t be compromised. I’m pretty particular about bags maintaining their shape so I always stuff mine with tissue paper or packing materials when I’m not using them just to be safe.

Is it a good carry-on bag?

While I personally haven’t used this bag at the airport yet, I have seen a lot of girls on Instagram do so. I think it would make a great carry-on because it can hold so much. Tucking it under the airplane seat would be my only concern because you’d have to fold the bag. I would carry the dust bag along and put it in that before placing it under the seat or I’d just put it in the overhead space. From what I can tell, it does appear to still hold its shape after traveling though too.

How to wear it?

The Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote can be used for a variety of purposes from a beach bag to a weekender bag to an everyday bag. I love that the bag can be worn as a shoulder bag or carried by hand too. It has leather handles and a button closure with a zipper pouch inside. While I envisioned using mine mostly as a summer beach bag, I actually find myself using it most as an everyday bag. It’s large size makes it not the most convenient bag to run errands with, but I love using mine when we head out to dinner or when we’re out and about on the weekends.

Does it hold a lot?

The bag is so lightweight, you never really have to worry about it weighing you down. I try not to overstuff my bag though. I get more concerned for the pressure put on the leather handles than anything. As previously mentioned, I do carry my laptop in it occasionally – which is probably the most weight I ever put in it. It measures 18.7″ x 14″ x 6.2″ so it is quite a large bag.

Where to buy it?

The Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote really blew up this summer – I’ve seen it all over Instagram and it’s sold out at a lot of retailers. I bought mine from Saks, but it’s no longer in stock there. Luckily, Saint Laurent sells it directly on their site and it’s still in stock here! One of my other favorite retailers, SSENSE still has it in stock as well (here). I’ve always had a really good experience purchasing from them. I’ve also purchased designer items from Farfetch – which has the bag in stock here. Saint Laurent also now makes the bag in black canvas (which would be more ideal for travel) and a fun striped version.

Will it still be in style next year?

A linen summer tote will always be in style, in my opinion. I first spotted the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote last summer and bought it this spring. It definitely became trendier this summer, but I do think it will be a hot item again next summer.

Would I buy it again?

Short answer…YES! I’ve gotten so much wear out of the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche tote and it still looks brand new. The quality of materials and craftsmanship in this bag make it a great purchase. My husband was a bit shocked that I spent $1,000 on a linen tote at first. However, after seeing me wear it so much and it still looks like new – he’s now on board with it. The bag is actually considered a unisex bag so maybe I can convince him to carry it for me too!

xo, Maria

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