Around mid to late February I was actively browsing the internet for a new cardholder and wallet. Little did I know that the Covid19 pandemic would break out in New Zealand and we were all in lockdown just shy of 2 weeks before the end of March. I have managed to use the cardholder for a few times out, but it is sitting in my handbag now, waiting to be used. Anyway, this isn’t a great deal compared to the overall scope of things, but I am trying to look for things that will make me happy. I hope with sharing this post with people who also appreciates luxury item, it will bring a bit of joy to both of us. Also, just a warning that the post below was written before the lockdown and mostly my first impressions when I recieved the item and initial few uses…
Where I got it
I have recently starting looking into getting a card holder because I love to use my LV Favourite PM during the weekend, and when I just need to pop out with my cards, keys and maybe a lipbalm. I have been using a small zipped coin pouch for all my cards, cash and coins that I used to take from bag to bag. It got a bit run down and a little too big for my smaller bags. So I decided I need a cardholder and I was looking at brands like Gucci, YSL and Valentino and LV. I thought YSL was within my budget and the style looked really nice so I kept my eyes on it. I intially wanted it in black or red, but then this pale beige colour came up and I thought something light would be quite nice for a change. So I ordered this from MyTheresa.com for €165 which worked out to be NZD$310.07 at the current exchange rate.
Packaging and shipping
I ordered this on 10th March and it arrived on 16th March, this is just a small leather good that is under the NZD$1000 mark, so NZ customs did not charge me any tax/GST.
As usual, a bright, sturdy yellow My Theresa box which I always keep, and inside, there are quite a bit of tissue paper stuffing and a black Saint Laurent box tied with a black cotton ribbon. They always come with a pack of paperwork for any returns and a small little note telling me who wrapped up my item.
Inside, the card holder is safely I side a black cotton dust bag and there is a small pack of care cards, authenticity cards, etc. The card holder is in immaculate condition, I pulled the tissue paper and paper card out from the slots and put my own cards straight in.
Design and material
Grain De Poudre embossed leather is a really durable leather with a nice shine. It almost looks like the saffiano leather (I have a Prada Tote in the Saffiano leather, so I can kind of compare). I am not an expert in leather or handbags, so I am not 100% sure. The embossed calf-leather is quite water-repellent and is easy to look after with just a damp cloth for light soils.
The name of the colourway is Powder with gold-toned metal YSL initials. The quilted over-stitching is also in the same beige colour. The internal lining of the main compartment is black soft leather, but the pocket lining is ????
The card holder is 10.5cm wide x 7.5cm high 0.5cm thick, once you fit a card in every slot, it does thicken up, but it doesn’t warp. Initially, it was tough to fit the cards in because you kind of need to break it in and soften the leather up a little.
Practicality and style
I find this really useful when I am out and about with a small crossbody bag, because my LV Favourite PM can only fit my card holder, car keys with remote, my iPhone and a lipstick, sometimes a small packet of wet wipes too.
It fits my most essential cards – 2 credit card, eftpos card, drivers license and maybe like a loyalty card for the places I shop most. Nowadays, you can access your loyalty account by quoting your details anyway or from a phone app, so I haven’t really felt the need to bring along unnecessary cards. I don’t drink coffee so I don’t have coffee cards as well.
As I continue using it, I find myself trying to avoid the metal logo scratching my other items like my phone or other leather items. That also avoids scratching the shiny surface of the logo, but inevitably it will get worn out, so I am not too fussy about it. If I ever find that I need to carry a bit more, I will use a bigger bag and use my Monogram Envelope Wallet which I bought shortly after this card holder because I was so in love with Saint Laurent items!
