The other day, the leather pull tab on the zipper of my beloved wallet broke, so I sent it in for repair, which created a bit of a problem – my wallet was gone for a while!
I was thinking of using my old wallet, which I knew was somewhere, when I realized they were right in front of me!
The Wallet COMME des GARÇONS wallets!
I had been interested in them for a while, and this seemed like a good opportunity to try one out. Since it's also the season for "spring wallets" (wallets bought in spring, believed to bring good fortune), I hope you'll enjoy looking at them with me.
First, let's start with the most popular style right now, the L-shaped zipper wallet.
There are various colors and patterns, but the construction is all the same.
Prices vary depending on the differences in leather processing and so on.
The rounded corners of the zipper make it easy to open.
It's convenient to put bills along the inner partition.
Of course, you can also fold them in half and put them on either side.
There are no specific card slots, but cards can be inserted vertically or horizontally.
It's very versatile and I think it's compact and convenient for those who don't carry much cash.
Next up is the bi-fold.
All bi-folds have the same construction.
Specifically, for example, the gold one below has jagged edges.
Of course, bills can be inserted unfolded, and there are card slots.
What's particularly noteworthy is the coin compartment.
It opens wide, making it very easy to find coins.
This is a lifesaver for me, as I often mistake 5-yen coins for 50-yen coins these days.
I placed a staff member's wallet, which has been in use for two years, next to a new one.
The bottom one is the staff member's personal item.
It shows some signs of use and has plumped up a bit, but it has developed a nice sheen and softened.
She uses it heavily every day, so there are some minor scratches, but it still looks very usable.
By the way, she is left-handed.
I asked her if she had any issues, but she said it didn't bother her at all.
When taking out coins, she naturally turns the wallet vertically with the right side down.
And now, the long wallet.
At CREER, we only carry the classic leather type.
Previously, long wallets were available for all types, but now they are only produced for a limited number of types.
Perhaps it's a sign of the times...
It feels like smaller wallets, like the L-shaped ones, have taken over, but long wallets have their own advantages.
Easy to see!
Less likely to get lost in a bag!
Now, new arrivals are also in stock.
A coin purse!
I somehow thought it was of Japanese origin because it looks Japanese, but it was actually of European origin and came to Japan during the Meiji era. Wow.
Cute, cute, cute!
Let's start with the S size.
Folded bills... don't fit.
If I put them in sideways...
No!
When closed, the bills are no longer visible, but
Unfortunately, it seems best to either tri-fold bills or not carry them at all. (Cards do fit.)
What about the M size?
There are card slots on both sides.
You have to fold bills in half, but a good amount of them fit properly.
And then the L size.
Of course, bills can be inserted unfolded.
It also holds twice as many cards as the M size.
All sizes have a coin purse inside the coin purse.
The L size opens wide, so it looks like it would be super easy to get coins out!
Even though it's pricier, I felt like I'd want the L size if I were going to buy one anyway.
So, we've looked at wallets up to this point, but what I chose in the end was...
This!
It's a pouch!?
I can almost hear the comments, but it's fine.
Because my repaired wallet will be returned to me.
Putting all that aside, this pouch is also great, so let me tell you a bit about it.
While the popular wallets are all sold out, and restock isn't expected until next summer or later,
This is the new Big Bow Series Pouch.
It has a simple design with no partitions or pockets inside.
Please feel free to put whatever you like in it.
This is the one I chose.
It's the Outside Pocket Pouch.
The L-shaped one is currently sold out, and this pouch is discontinued, so it's only available while supplies last.
Therefore, it's an item whose price didn't change during last year's price revision.
As a result, it's even more affordable than the smaller Outside Pocket (L-shaped).
Bills can be folded in half and placed in the large back pocket with coins.
I plan to put my cards in the front pocket and use it for a while.
I made a reel for the cute coin purse series, please check it out here.
→Reel
According to one theory, it's considered good to get a "spring wallet" (haru-saifu, meaning spring wallet, but also sounds like "full wallet") after the winter solstice.
A spring wallet is auspicious because it makes your wallet "full" (haru).
Apparently, there's also something called a "tight wallet" (shime-saifu, meaning tight wallet) in winter, where it's auspicious if your wallet strings are tight in December.
Furthermore, is it better to let it sit for a while before using it?
Feng Shui is truly profound...
By the way, I started using mine right away without worrying about it.
Because it's a pouch!