I live in a historically dry area of southern California, so my polka dot rain boots seemed like a frivolous purchase to my family and friends.� As luck would have it, this year has seen heavy rainfall and my boots, plenty of wear.� Clearly, then, my rain boots brought on the rain.� If a new pair of rain boots can bring rain, surely a new wallet can bring money.� I’m looking for a new wallet, and the money to go along with it, too.
I’ve owned two wallets in 17 years.� When I was 19, I� bought a� Coach zip around wallet at an outlet store.� It was similar in style to this one, but in plain, red leather.� I carried that wallet for 12 years until the Mister bought me a new wallet, also by Coach, in the popular Signature pattern.� The wallet is similar in style to this one.� I wrongly assumed it would last me another 12 years, but the zipper has failed to stay on track for 4 out of the last 5 years, and the snap refuses to stay closed.
The wallet has a lifetime warranty, but I am ready to move on to something new.� I liked the Coach brand back when it wasn’t so popular and heavily marketed.� Now, dripping with Cs and logos on all sides, it just smacks of excessive consumerism. Besides, when you see a 16-year-old girl carrying the same bag as you on the way to her job at Hot Dog on a Stick, it’s time to move on.
I don’t want anything heavily labeled, which is almost impossible since that remains the rage.� I don’t like chains or whips or fluorescent patent leather that, I’m sorry, to me screams, Look at me!� I’m a mom and still hip! I’m wild, really.� So totally wild.� Rawrrr.
I’m trying desperately not to like this wallet by Dooney & Burke.� I know this brand is not “cool,” but that is actually part of the allure.� I admit zebra has been done to death, but I love high contrast color combinations like this.� The red trim positively slays me.� It’s preppy and modern and classic, which sums up my personal style perfectly.� It’s also $195, which turns my stomach.� I am not afraid to spend good money on a quality product, but this is more than I am able to spend with the Mister looking for work and me trying to start a law practice.
Any suggestions?� What has been your favorite wallet?� I am open to any brand, large, small, or indie.� I don’t want something cheap if it means I will replace it in less than a year.� I’ve tried Target and Nordstroms, but didn’t find anything nearly as enchanting as that striped number up above.� Maybe that’s my problem–I’m looking only in polar opposite price points and need to start shopping somewhere in the middle.
I like the HOBO International brand but if you looked at Nordstrom you probably already saw them.
This is the one I’ve been wanting for awhile:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/12343854/c/3.html
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Kelly, Kara has one similar in brown. If I recall correctly, she has had problems with the magnets desensitizing her ATM cards. I do like that brand, though!
I got a Mandarina Duck wallet while in Italy a few years ago and love it.
Here is their site:
http://shop.mandarinaduck.com/us/women/wallets/
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I love it. Pure hotness.
Don’t tempt me, Sherry! :)
Since I carry a big purse, I also carry a big wallet. I wanted a wallet I could just grab and run into the grocery store if I needed. The red leather one I had was starting to fall apart so I replaced it with this one: http://tinyurl.com/d989u7
Good luck with your hunting!
I have a new system that works great. I keep my checkbook in a zipper pocket in my purse. It rarely gets used, but it’s there in case I need it. I have my cards that I need, but not everyday, like: Costco, Library, Safeway, etc. in a little material pouch like this one: http://tinyurl.com/bbpd5b
in the same zippered pocket. And Lastly, I keep the three things that I do need everyday (license, debit and cash) in a beautiful coach business card holder, sorta like this: http://tinyurl.com/bxco2r
It’s the perfect system! When I go to pay for something I don’t fumble with a huge mess of checkbooks and cards, I just pull out my nimble little holder for the necessities. SUCH a time saver! Then, when I go to a baseball game and don’t want to take a purse, I just slip that one in my back pocket!
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No recommendations on a type of wallet Jules, but try TJ Maxx, Marshalls or Steinmart. I seem to be able to find wallets, purses, accessories that wouldn’t normally be in my budget.
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Check out this one from Banana Republic: Bridgeport zip wallet.
http://tinyurl.com/bldr4w
I have had a D & B wallet for 7 years now. It is still going strong. I know it is expensive- but mine has lasted great. I really like D & B stuff. Sometimes you can find it cheaper at TJMaxx.
Good luck.
Taryn,
Thats how I felt about my Coach wallet! I loved my first one (for 12 years!) and I expected the same from the second one.
Now I am really wanting this wallet. Maybe it will be a gift to myself after my first client?
p.s. You have one of the funniest masthead pictures on your blog that I have ever seen. I love it!
OOOOOOOOOOh here I am. Let me harp again on my total obsession with Ju-Ju-Be. They just released 3 wallets. As in, preorders only, shipping in 1-2 weeks new. I have 2 of their mommy (read diaper) bags and they really stand the test of time. Plus! They have fantastic customer service and will stand behind their products 100%. I’ve contacted them twice with minor problems and they’ve taken care of it completely (including cost of shipping me a new part) both times, without question. Plus them come in a lot of different patterns and solids. Check them out at http://ju-ju-be.com/products.html
They have the Be Mine, Be Thrifty, Be Rich, and my personal favorite the Be Major. They also have a BusinessBe for all those business cards you’ll soon have floating around.
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Dooney and Burke is definitely getting cooler again – imho and I LOVE that Zebra one. I have a big Vera Bradley one that I love. It has a little pullout wrist thingy so I can use it as a wristlet in a pinch. I think it was around 30 dollars and I’ve had well over a year
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I just got a very similar one at Banana Republic for about $65. I got a whitish one but they also have an animal print and it is a fantastic wallet! check it out!
I know this is an old post for you, but I just found you (and I think you’re wonderful). I carry this wallet in pink and I love it. Probably smaller than what you are looking at, but also cheaper. I have carried mine for 5 years and except for some discoloring (patina) of the leather due to use, it remains perfect. http://www.amazon.com/Taxi-Wallet-Original/dp/B000CP39W4