Look Ma, No Hands! A Hands-Free Option for Shopping & Concerts

We are 40 days into summer. It's been hotter than years past. Global warming at its finest. I find myself waking up earlier and earlier to beat the heat (and crowds) when running into Target, TJMaxx, or the grocery store. These early morning jaunts, mean spending less time getting dressed and switching out handbags. I carry a large zippered tote throughout the week for my laptop, files, etc. When running errands on the weekend, I switch out my essentials--wallet, toiletry pouch, and keys--into a smaller clutch or shoulder bag. Clutch is for date/girls' night. Shoulder bags are for shopping. I don't own many satchels due to my preference to be handsfree. Ever had to pee really bad in a public restroom and there's no hook in the stall nor shelving to rest your purse? Yea, that's my fate most times. It's easier to sling it around me, even while squatting. I digress.

With my upcoming concert attendance, I need a solution that isn't a handbag. With arena policies, I know my bag needs to be small (and clear in some cases). However, based on tour pictures people have been bringing in all kinds of things. Assuming I will not be the exception, I like to be prepared. I don't want to walk back to the car to stow an item security deems non-admittable.

At the top of the year, Fendi's Utility Belt ($1690) caught my eye. I loved the perceived function of this item, not the price. I found a comparable dupe on Etsy, but then I started to question the necessity for adding something like this to my closet. I eventually took it out of my cart (similar). Fast forward to me being outside this summer, and I regret doing that. In late May I began to seriously hunt for a solution. I own a vintage leather fanny pack in a beautiful caramel color. However, some people have denoted that if the fanny pack has more than one zipper, it's a 'no' for arenas. Back to the drawing board.

While managing my FarFetch quarterly wish list in May, I came across several deeply discounted small leather goods (SLGs). The first, a small pouch from Coccinelle. And, a bronze phone/card holder by Aspinal of London (similar). Both are available at their offered price; I did not pay the posted price due to being a member and having birthday points by the time I finalized my purchase in June. I had never come across the brand Coccinelle, but was introduced to Aspinal of London planners via my mother over a decade ago. Both items are pebbled leather. The pouch has gold appointments whereas the phone/card holder has stainless steel. I plan to attach the pouch to one of the d-rings of the phone/card holder.

So what actually fits?

Aspinal of London phone/card holder

• An iPhone 13 Pro with it's protective case

• Two credit/ID cards

I would avoid putting more than two metal credit cards in one slot as I typically do with less than sizeable wallets I own. The leather will give but you may pop a stitch or encourage premature stretching while retrieving for payment. You will be able to sneak a sanitary napkin or tampon in the phone holder slot as well. There's a smidge of room left in the main pouch.

Coccinelle Pouch

• Key fob

• Lipstick bullet

• Pre-packaged wipes

• Mini Egyptian Magic as a lotion stand-in (maybe???)

I'm an avid hand washer and even in the summer my cuticles show signs of this. I abhor being without something to put moisture back into my skin. Back to my bathroom scenario: I detest going into a stall and there's no toilet paper! Hence, I now, never leave home without wipes. My AJ Crimson "Ruby Who" gives me 8+ hours of wear (even against jerk chicken), so I could tolerate leaving the bullet at home or in the car on concert night to free up room in the pouch. I can also connect my key fob to the provided key ring which is outside of the pouch as the main connector in conjunction with a carabiner/lobster claw. Except, I refuse to break a nail doing this. So, there's that.

Word to the wise on the key fob: invest in a valet keychain for times when you need to down-size, not just when your car is being serviced. This allows you to remove unnecessary keys from your carry.

That's all I got for now. I'll let you know how it goes this weekend. Have a good week, stay hydrated, and let me know what hands-free solutions work best for you.