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