While handbags garner most of the fashion buzz, luxury aficionados understand that there’s additional appeal in the finer details – the small but perfectly formed leather goods (SLGs). These compact companions not only organize our essentials but also inject an additional touch of magic into our handbags. Moreover, they offer an accessible entry price point into luxury fashion, allowing enthusiasts to explore brands, leathers, and colors in a more budget-friendly manner.
From the timeless elegance of Hermès to the iconic quilting of Chanel, we unveil the top 10 picks that elevate every accessory lover’s collection, adding an extra dash of chic inside every handbag.
Hermès
Unrivaled craftsmanship defines Hermès, whether the iconic Birkin or compact card holders. From impeccable leathers to exquisite construction and a range of colorways, Hermès sets the standard in luxury accessories. While Hermès has introduced interpretations of the beloved ‘wallet on chain’ trend with the Constance and Kelly to Go, we’re zooming in on the little details. . .
Constance Slim Wallet
Sporting Hermès’ iconic Constance ‘H’ emblem, the Constance Slim wallet represents a sleek addition to the brand’s SLG lineup. Measuring 4.8 x 3.8 x 1.9 inches, its streamlined design lives up to the slim name. This compact size fits effortlessly in most handbags. Further enhancing its appeal, the Constance Slim wallet boasts a removable zippered card case that slips inside, offering versatility to use it alone or in tandem.
But this one’s not just a wallet. The Constance Slim is equipped with belt loops at the back, allowing for conversion into a chic belt bag, or attaching a shoulder strap or silk scarf through for a crossbody style. Available in many leathers, colorways, and hardware options – including gold or palladium – some versions showcase colored enamel hardware.
The Constance Slim is sold in boutiques and online. However, as with all things Hermès, move fast, as these stylish wallets don’t hang around for long.
Kelly Pocket Slim Wallet
Bringing a contemporary touch to the Hermès SLG lineup, the Kelly Pocket Slim Wallet offers a fresh interpretation of the iconic Kelly design. Featuring the hallmark turn-lock closure of the Hermès Kelly, this wallet presents a modern twist with its streamlined design. Complete with a convenient wristlet strap, it seamlessly transitions from wallet to mini clutch.
Despite its compact size, measuring 4.25 x 3.25 x 1 inches, this wallet has multiple compartments, including a small zip compartment for coins, two internal slots for cards, and a slip pocket at the back. Crafted from luxurious Madame calfskin or Chamkila goatskin, the Kelly Pocket Slim Wallet is available in neutrals as well as vibrant pops of color. Carry the Kelly Pocket Slim Wallet solo or tuck it away inside your favorite Kelly.
Calvi Card Holder
If you’re in the market for a slim and compact SLG, even for the tiniest bags like the Mini Kelly, look no further than the Hermès Calvi. Crafted with origami-esque leather folds and a symmetrical design with snap closure, the Calvi can be an everyday essential. With dimensions of 2.8 x 4.1 inches and two credit card slots roomy enough for multiple cards, the Calvi is both practical and chic.
Calvis typically are made in a wide range of colors and leathers, often in durable Epsom Calfskin; you also can find the Calvi in Verso two-tone editions. For a more personalized touch, keep an eye on Hermès’ online offerings where you can occasionally customize your Calvi with your choice of leathers, colors, and even hot-stamping.
For those needing additional space, there’s the Calvi Duo card holder, offering double the capacity without compromising on the original aesthetic. The Calvi Duo adds a snap-fastened coin pouch, and a section for cards, plus a discreet slot behind the pouch, offering additional storage for cash or more cards.
Bastia Change Purse
The Hermès Bastia stands out due to its minimalist construction – crafted from a single piece of leather, meticulously folded like origami. With its sleek design and snap closure, this refined small leather good showcases Hermès’ leather craftsmanship.
Measuring 3.3 x 3.1 inches, the Bastia offers ample space for coins and folded bills, making it an ideal size for slipping into any bag or pocket. Most commonly found in Epsom calfskin leather, the Bastia is also offered in a myriad of colors and leathers. For those craving a burst of color, Verso iterations can often be found in boutiques and online. Additionally, watch for the special order Bastia’s on the Hermès website, allowing you to add a bespoke touch to your everyday carry. Prices for the Bastia start at $265 for the Epsom calfskin.
Kelly Classic Wallet
If a full-sized wallet is your go-to, Hermès offers the Kelly Classic Wallet. While it may have lost the spotlight to the Kelly Classique To Go released in 2020, the Hermès Kelly Classic Wallet remains an icon within the small leather goods lineup. Serving as the ultimate companion to the Kelly bag (although this won’t fit inside the Mini Kelly), this wallet exudes elegance with its sangles, touret, and lock fastening – mirroring its larger sister.
Read also: Is a Kelly To Go or A Constance To Go More Popular and Valuable?
Measuring a spacious 7.7 x 4.5 inches, the Kelly Classic Wallet easily accommodates all of your payment essentials with ease. It features designated slots for up to 12 credit cards, along with billfold compartments and a zipped pocket. The Kelly Wallet is available in a spectrum of shades ranging from classic neutrals like Noir and Étoupe to vibrant seasonal hues and is predominantly found in Epsom calfskin and Mysore goatskin.
Unlike the Kelly To Go, the Kelly Classic Wallet does not include a shoulder strap. However, this hasn’t deterred Hermès aficionados from ingeniously repurposing it into a chic ‘bag’ by adding a leather shoulder strap, chain, or even a twilly. Alternatively, it can be effortlessly worn as a clutch – très chic. However, be warned – due to its 0.6-inch depth, fitting a phone can be a bit of a tight squeeze.
Bearn Compact Wallet
The Hermès Bearn Compact Wallet is one of the most classic styles in the Hermès SLG lineup, celebrated for its timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from luxurious Epsom calfskin, it boasts a sleek aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends.
This design includes a sophisticated sprinkling of Hermès charm to the exterior with a leather tab closure adorned with an intricate palladium or gold-plated “H.” Measuring a compact 4.7 x 3.7 x 0.2 inches, the Bearn is deceptively spacious. Inside, the wallet offers practical organization with a change purse secured by a zip closure, four credit card slots, four pockets, and a bill pocket.
The Hermès Bearn Compact Wallet retails for $3,150 and can be found in timeless shades such as Rouge H and Noir, alongside more playful offerings. Although some users may find the wallet’s small size restrictive, another option is the standard-sized Bearn – measuring a more generous 6.9 x 3.5 x 0.2 inches.
Chanel
Chanel, the home of luxuriously quilted designs, repeatedly transforms its iconic Classic Flap bag into SLG designs. While celebrated for its must-have Wallet on Chain (WOC), Chanel offers a plethora of petite treasures to nestle inside your bags or carry alone. From vibrant pops of color to timeless blacks, the brand’s lineup is extensive and changes seasonally.
As prices continue to rise at the French fashion house, small leather goods stand out as a fabulous gateway to explore the brand. Embedded with the classic Chanel codes, it is clear the range of SLGs come from the House of Coco.
Classic Flap Card Holder
The much loved Chanel Classic Card Holder, also known as the Flap Card Holder, pays homage to the iconic Chanel Classic Flap bag design. Showcasing the iconic quilted leather, and adorned with the CC logo, this cute and compact card holder represents Chanel’s design in a petite form. Measuring 2.9 × 4.4 × 0.8 inches, this cardholder comfortably houses up to five cards in the main compartment, along with some cash. Additionally, it features a slip pocket on the back, providing space for an additional two or three cards.
The Chanel Classic Card Holder is available in durable caviar and luxurious lambskin. While the timeless black option with either gold or silver-tone hardware is available year-round, Chanel continually releases seasonal iterations, offering a spectrum of playful colorways. Some lovers of the Chanel Flap Card Holder also opt to jerry-rig this SLG into a micro bag, by adding a chain for shoulder and crossbody wear.
Currently, Chanel offers the coveted card holder in coral lambskin with black metal hardware from the Cruise 2023/24 collection. Whether you’re venturing into the world of Chanel for the first time or seeking to infuse an extra dash of luxury into your handbag, this card holder serves as a fantastic Chanel gateway – priced at $700.
Classic Mini Pouch
As many handbag lovers continue to opt for smaller bags and streamline their SLG collection, versatile mini pouches come into their own. Among these, the Classic Mini Pouch, also known as the O Case, stands out as an ideal blend of timeless design and functionality.
Secured with a zip top fastening, the Classic Mini Pouch ensures that essentials remain secure. Measuring 3.7 × 5.9 × 0.4 inches, the Classic Mini Pouch’s exterior is quilted leather, and the fabric-lined interior accommodates cards, cash, keys, headphones, and even small travel-sized beauty products.
When fabricated in black lambskin, the Mini Pouch is reminiscent of the classic flap, with burgundy detailing. Available in black with a choice of gold or silver-tone hardware, or any number of seasonal colorways, there’s a Chanel Mini Pouch to suit everyone’s taste. With a retail price of $675, the Chanel Mini Pouch can be used as a grab-and-go miniature or tucked away in your favorite handbag.
Chanel Zipped Coin Purse
Downsizing further, Chanel’s Classic Zipped Coin Purse features a secured zippered fastening. Comparable in size to the much-loved Classic Flap Card Holder, this coin purse provides a secure yet stylish way to organize your essentials.
Measuring at 2.9 × 4.3 × 0.8 inches, it offers ample space to house multiple cards alongside cash. The accordion-style card slots ensure convenient organization, while the zippered closure provides added security. Additionally, the coin purse features a back pocket for receipts or additional cards.
The coin purse is available year-round in black, with a choice of lambskin or caviar leather and gold or silver-tone hardware. For the Cruise 2024 collection, seasonal colors include turquoise lambskin with black metal hardware, adding a playful twist to this accessory. With a retail price of $675, the Classic Zipped Coin Purse offers a luxurious yet accessible entry point into Chanel’s world of small leather goods.
Classic & 2.55 Card Holder
Perhaps a simple cardholder is enough. Chanel’s cardholders do it in style. The Classic option, in iconic quilted leather with CC detailing, comes with a choice of lambskin or caviar leather. Another version is the 2.55 style in aged calfskin featuring the original Mademoiselle lock detailing.
This straightforward SLG delivers what it promises: its unfussy design effortlessly holds several cards within its designated slots. Measuring 2.9 × 4.4 × 0.2 inches, its slim profile ensures it fits comfortably inside any handbag, even the most petite, or conveniently slips into a pocket for quick errands.
While the black is available in gold or silver hardware, each season brings a spectrum of colors and embellishments. Priced at $500 for the 2.55 and classic variations, the Classic Card Holder offers a Chanel style at a more accessible price point.
Are you someone who enjoys matching your SLG to your bag? Or perhaps you prefer to mix and match? We’d love to hear about your top pick.
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Love, PurseBop
XO
Updated: April 2nd, 2024
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