Things I Bought That I Love: Chanel Boy Coin Purse

When I was in my early 20s I was obsessed with Chanel as the epitome of all things luxurious, chic, and in good taste. That obsession has waned in recent years; now I have responsibilities like a mortgage and I'm trying to be a good minimalist. I'm also more inclined to spend money on fitness (oh hi, Bar Method) or a vacation with Hubs. But the Chanel love had never disappeared fully, it was just dormant, and it flared up when I bought my new blue Chanel Boy coin purse on our recent trip to Portland.

I like small wallets and I carry a lot of cards: loyalty cards, gift cards, my essential cards (ID, credit/debit). Paper bills and coins, not so much. I imagine I'm not the only one in this boat, so why do companies keep making bulky wallets with bill and coin compartments and individual card slots?! You know the ones I'm talking about. They're huge once they're full and don't fit into anything smaller than a tote.

I wanted something that had just enough compartments to keep my cards organized into broad categories but was still compact, and this style of Chanel wallet fit the bill perfectly. Currently I have 18 cards crammed into it along with a couple of bills and coins. Once unzipped, it accordions out into 3 sections. Zipped up, it sits perfectly in the palm of my hand when I'm running out for coffee or lunch. It's small enough for me to switch between different-sized handbags easily. And oh man, that new leather scent—I forgot how good new Chanel leather goods smelled.

It's been almost 9 years since my last Chanel purchase (a black lambskin wallet on chain with embossed camellias and silver hardware) and about 8 years since my last wallet purchase (Ferragamo, red saffiano leather, gold hardware). I still have both of those pieces. Did I need to spend $$$ on a Chanel wallet? No, but this was totally a #treatyourself moment, and based on past precedent, I knew it'd bring me joy and I'd cherish it for a long time to come.