Designed by entrepreneur Julia Machotka, wallets2wear offers a variety of beaded bracelets, watches, sports wristbands and formal occasion wrist-wear created as a solution to “women’s constant conflict between style and convenience.” Machotka said the idea was born after she was constantly trying to keep an eye on her purse while out salsa dancing.
“Dressed to the nines (no pockets in any salsa outfits I own), meant eye-ing my purse at the table, or even paying for coat check and still worrying about my purse from the dance floor,” said Machotka. “My idea was to make something that merely looked like a bracelet — something we women would wear anyway — but apart from being something we’re accustomed to, it’d have a secret compartment.”
On the outside, they look like everyday wrist accessories, but inside, wallets2wear accessories contain a hidden mesh pouch where you can stash your ID, credit cards and a key. The flexible pouch is only slightly larger than the size of a credit card, so after storing a few items, it’s full and fits snugly against the inside of your wrist.
Available in wrap-to-close or stretch-to-fit options, wallets2wear run true to size, fitting most wrist sizes. In fact, when I originally tested the M/L watch handkerchief band and found it too snug for my L/XL wrists (thanks, Dad, for those genes), Machotka decided to work with her designer to create a third size, which fit perfectly. Talk about great customer service!
The one big drawback? There’s no room to store your phone, which I realized the first day I actually decided to wear the wallets2wear Nouveau Noir beaded bracelet. I don’t know about you, but I really don’t go anywhere without my iPhone; I feel naked without it. And while not as essential as a phone, I also love taking lip gloss wherever I go, and again, the wallets2wear designs don’t allow enough room for it. It can only fit cash, credit cards and a couple of keys, even though the brand asserts it can carry a lipstick (and it may, but it would be very noticeable and uncomfortable). I suppose it might fit the Hourglass Prodigy Lip Gloss because of its unique flat design.
All in all, wallets2wear offers a unique solution to those times when lugging around a big purse is just impractical and when you don’t mind being “off the grid,” like when out jogging or on your way to the beach.
“I love my handbags, like any other woman in love with style,” explained Machotka. “So I’m not out to replace them — just to provide the alternative when they’re not convenient.”
Available exclusively at wallets2wear.com, wallets2wear styles range from $9.95 to $99 and are available in acrylic, wood, glass, sterling silver, freshwater pearl and various fabrics.
Photos: wallets2wear; Anne Houseman/BeautyXpose
Disclaimer: Product furnished complimentary for review purposes.
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Wow… Such an innovative idea! I love it. I'm a big fan of things that are both functional and fashionable. What a homerun! Thanks for letting me know about them.
Great idea and great design!
Love this idea – I have a toddler and not having one more thing to carry around is so wonderful for me, that and these looks so stylish when I'm out and about.
I love my w2w! I have a dressy one and two sweatbands (it's so great not having to cart a towel around at the gym), and it's a relief not to have to ALWAYS carry a purse. Plus I get tons of compliments, both on their style and on my cleverness for buying them!
Such a simple and elegant idea!! It's amazing that no one has thought of it before–so lucky for all of us that you've done it!! Beautiful designs, practical function, what more can a gal want? The "drawback" of a cell phone not fitting doesn't seem a drawback to me at all…do we really want our cell phones ringing while standing as a bridesmaid during the wedding or while we're out dancing, which helps us forget all our responsibilities for a couple of fun hours? We can always check our messages later! Congratulations on a great product!
Brilliant unique idea! Free hands and non-worrying mind, here I come wallets2wear.com. Thanks, Julia!
I have this product and I love it. Wallets2Wear makes it easy for a girl. Congrats, I am glad to see the company moving forward.