Ask Belle: Stylish Key Fobs
Mar 4, 2013
Hi Belle,
I’m a recent grad at my first major job in the DC area and need help with a fairly minor thing. My college key-organization system depended heavily on a mini-stuffed animal key chain, and now that it’s wearing out I’ve realized I’m due for an upgrade. Can you recommend any fun but more grown up key chains?
I appreciated the old one because the different texture of the stuffed animal made it easy to find in my purse or work bag. I’m looking for something less than $30.
Thanks, Tatiana
I use an old Gonzaga alumni medallion as my key chain, but I’ve been looking for something else. My own search has gravitated towards tassel key fobs: this metallic C. Wonder keychain is $15, it also comes in orange. Madewell also makes an under-$30 tassel fob. And, of course, there is always Etsy.
Henri Bendel also has some lovely choices in the under-$50 price range: this bow, this whistle, and my favorite, this enamel luggage tag key fob for $28.
But key chains are also a great way to own a piece of designer for less. This Anya Hindmarch sixpence fob is fun, as is this See by Chloe snake key chain and this Mulberry heart pendant.
And if your keys are consistently misplaced, this may be the key chain for you.
although I don’t love their offerings this season for fobs, Kate Spade has some really great options that withstand the test of time. I bought my Kate Spade leather lobster claw fob 6 years ago and it still looks new. So, although slightly out of your current price range, a great investment accessory! I get so many compliments.
As much as I hate to recommend this brand, American Apparel has a great selection of leather key-chains in a variety of colors. I have a heart one and it has held up well and is similar to a much more expensive Smythson one.
Now I’m questioning the appropriateness of my Oscar Mayer weiner fob. Still thinking I can get away with it here in Madison, WI.
you can totally get away with it in madison as my coworkers here in milwaukee love it 🙂
def tells you a lot about wi! ALL of my coworkers have bottle opener fobs, too, naturally.
I love the key fob I have becuase it has a little credit card size pouch attached to it. I keep a spare credit card and my metro card in there so I can’t get caught without money or a way to get around when I leave(unless I also forget to lock my front door).
Swiss Army makes keychain/knives that are awesome. Having a nail file, scissors, a small knife, and a pen (!) with me at all times has been beyond handy, and it is big enough to be easy to find in a bag.
Only problem is having to remember to take it off when you fly.
Go Zags. 🙂
I’m with C.
Go Zags!
I’ve had this keyring for ages:
https://www.bombayduck.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/2500/s/cast-aluminium-alphabet-keyrings/category/83/
I bought a Coach fob on eBay. It’s a little cutesy as it’s a heart but it definitely stands out in my purse and was definitely less than $30.
I usually buy a city keychain when I travel, and use that. I have 2 from Rome I’m using right now. If nothing else, it can serve as a conversation starter.