I have always been a small purse person. I was so glad to be done with diaper bags. I often leave the house with my sunglasses on my head and my phone (has a slot that will hold four cards in the case) and my keys. And that's it. Recently installed a keyless lock on the side door so the kids would have easy access and realized I can leave the keys behind when I am walking. Good luck with your downsizing--your back will thank you!

Can you tell me the designer of your wallet? First, it's cute. But more importantly, I've been dying to find a wallet that has a wrist strap that can also fit my phone! Most "wristlets" are too small for my phone or if they fit my phone, they don't fill everything else I need. I like having a strap for when I go grocery shopping or other shopping where I need to use my hands yet don't want to put my wallet down. I used to have the perfect wallet for this made by Fossil but they don't make that style anymore. I even searched eBay and Amazon for an old one to no avail. I carry a purse when necessary but much prefer a wallet/wristlet.

I did this a few months ago as a result of a thread here. I also keep a small bag in the car with some makeup, comb, etc.... It finally dawned on me I have never stopped to brush my hair or put on makeup in a store. Now I just carry my wallet, small tape measure, phone, keys, a pen. A much lighter load!

4kids4us, The wallet is from Thirty One. I attached the shoulder strap so you could see it. You can also purchase a wrist strap but I didn't want that. The wallet is roomy enough for the usual wallet items + my phone and a small container of makeup.

crl, sometimes my shoulders would hurt from my purse. Not good.

I dowsized years ago by getting rid of my wallet. Who needs to carry around a checkbook these days? Instead, I buy purses that have the appropriate number of secure inside pockets. Cash with a tiny coin purse go in one zippered pocket. One credit card, one debit card, my driver's license and Costco card go in a metal card case that slips into a pocket that I think was originally for cell phones. Other papers like insurance cards and postage stamps go in the other zippered pocket. Glasses, cell phone, ear buds, small tape measure, lipstick, collapsible brush with mirror, handkerchief and pen go in the main compartment.

I keep coupons in a plastic zipper pouch in the car, so I can take them out only when I need them. I have scissors, hand sanitizer, packing tape and a lint brush in the car, along with a larger coin purse where I keep quarters for parking meters.

Just switched to a Tumi double zip wristlet phone/wallet. Love it. Comes in several colors.

Tumi

4kids if you have a Steinmart near you check there I recently saw some very cute wallets you described. I got a leather one with both types of straps wrist and shoulder, plus area for phone and cards etc. Nice quality too.

I have been trying to downsize my purse also. I have one very small black leather purse with a very long shoulder strap that can go cross body. I use it for quick trips out. I have my medium sized purse loaded with my stuff, I grab the essentials when I use the smaller one. When we are traveling or in the RV I have my big tote which will fit everything including my tablet. And my small purse inside it.

I picked up one of these at steinmart too. You can use the cell phone while in the wallet. It holds cards etc too. Super cheap but very handy.

Wristlet

fun2bhere, While I took the checkbook out of my purse I actually put it in my car. Around here so many smaller businesses don't want to take credit cards. they either completely don't take them, or ask you to only use them for higher purchases, or kindly ask you to use cash or check if possible. Since I usually don't have a lot of cash with me, I need to have the checks in case I forget to stop at the bank for cash (common issue for me). The type of businesses I'm talking about are a local popular restaurant, esthetician, carpet/ floor cleaner, butcher, etc. So I really need to have the checkbook with me.

I'm not sure about the wristlet things. I would imagine it would drive me nuts to have something constantly hanging from my wrist. It would be swinging around when you move your hands, banging into things and you.

@DebraK, I admit that I carry a large amount of cash at all times, but I can see where you would need your checkbook in your situation. That's too bad because my checkbook was one of the heaviest/largest things in my purse.

I did get a new wallet which is smaller and lighter. But I am afraid I went the other way with the purse. Someone here recommended Mar Y Sol beachbags and I bought one and have been using it all summer. It is going to hurt to give this puppy up. Huge but lightweight.

mtdrdredux, its one thing to carry a large stylish bag like you have. Its another to have a bag with everything but the kitchen sink crammed in it. My keys are huge but they were always lost in my big purse. DH said maybe I wanted to keep the big purse in case I ever needed it. I said if I ever get a big purse again it will just be for style. There are times and places for tote bags etc. I'm trying to avoid becoming what I call a "bag" lady. A woman who has had many birthdays who constantly carries bags of some sort around. My 85 yo mom says that she sees the look on my face if she gets in my car with a "bag". Everytime we went somewhere she carried a bag with drinks, all kinds of stuff. We were only going out for the afternoon to run errands and to do some shopping!!!

mayflowers, I didn't remember who started that thread but it definitely got me going. One of the big issues for me is having to carry eyeglasses around. Either that or I can't read anything. I do sometimes go out without them and have people with me read things. It was fun the other night. 3 of us, none of us had our reading glasses, we could barely manage to use our cell phones.

I was in Norstrom Rack last night for about 10 min. They just opened in our area and it's a big deal, ha ha. Anyway, I saw lots of expensive designer purses, all big or small. Either way you are covered in the trend department : )

Some people use purses/bags for a fashion accessory. Not me, its just function. So I just look for something that serves its function while looking decent. I usually only like black. Needs to be durable because it will get thrown on the floor under my desk at work, thrown in my car, etc. Going to a special night out might make me break out a few small purses (2) I have for such occasions. Actually those are getting kind of worn looking so I should look to replace.