Ask Belle: Colorful Wallets

Given that my inbox is overflowing with unanswered Ask Belle’s, this week is unofficially “Ask Belle Week.” You can submit fashion, style and beauty queries to capitolhillstyle(at)gmail(dot)com.  Enjoy! 

Dear Belle-

A few weeks ago, my wallet was stolen while I was having dinner in Eastern Market.  Now I need to buy a replacement.  This should be easy, but every wallet I see in the stores is either black, brown and/or boring.  Can you help me find a mid-price wallet that isn’t yawn inducing?

-Jules

Finding a quality wallet that is both fashionable and functional can be a challenge.  To tote my cards and cash, I carry a raspberry colored Marc Jacobs turnlock wallet. The fun color pairs equally well with my black, brown and grey purses.  And the zippered inside pocket is large enough to hold a Blackberry. 

I do hope this wallet lasts for a few years, since it took me at least three years to replace the bronze wallet from Nordstrom’s B.P. department that was supposed to be “temporary.”

As for wallet choices, here are four selection from the under $500 price range that I hope will fit the bill.  (Pun not intended, but it stays.)

I forgot to Photoshop in the numbers, so we’ll circle the photo clockwise.

1.  Chloe Tangerine Leather Wallet (Bluefly, $460)

2.  Kate Spade Nightsbridge Neda Wallet (Endless, $225 plus $50 off if purchased by Wed.)

3.  Marc Jacobs Classic Q Tri-Fold Wallet (Endless, $198)

4.  Mia Checkbook Wallet (six colors available–Coach, $228)

Also, if you’re looking to save a bit of money on a designer wallet, you can try eBay or Neiman Marcus Last Call.  One caution though, if you plan to buy on eBay, make sure that the buyer has a minimum of 99% positive feedback and is an eBay trusted seller.  

Also, make sure the listing says “authentic,” not original or some other synonym.  Only if the listing says authentic can you protest to eBay if the item turns out to be a fake.  A neighbor learned this lesson the hard way when she purchased her “Prado” hobo bag on the auction site.