Small leather goods or SLGs have become a very strong category for many brands today. Since prices of designer bags have continued to increase annually (in some instances, bi-annually), many have turned to SLGs to whet their appetite for premium-branded merchandise. SLGs are still cheaper, so they are considered good, “entry-level” pieces from some of the best-known designer brands in the world. Many SLGs are practical and get more use than standard-sized bags. If you think about it, they actually make better “investments” than bags – amortise the prices you paid for them over the amount of time you use them to find out!
Some of the more popular SLGs include wallets, passport holders, agenda covers, zipped pochettes, phone cases, and key holders. And while most SLGs are made of leather, the more price-friendly ones are made of fabric or coated canvas with minimal leather accents.
Here are my top five SLG picks:
Tod’s iPhone 3-in-One Holder
Since the pandemic hit in 2020, many women have taken to downsizing their bags especially when going on quick errands. The Tod’s almost-a-bag-but-not-really iPhone case has 4 card slots in the back and is attached to a wrist strap, which also comes with a matching mini envelop case (for your folded bills) and an AirPods holder. The three pieces are detachable and can be used separately as desired or needed. If you are an iPhone user or have a smartphone of the same size, this is one of the most useful and best value SLGs to own.
Loewe Leather Zip Cardholder
Another SLG that was downsized by many of late, is the wallet. Gone are the days of thick, bulky wallets because of our transition into a cashless society. In the “old” wallet’s place is a more compact but equally practical one. I chose this Loewe leather zip cardholder because it is designed more thoughtfully compared to others I have seen. With 6 card slots plus an anagram-embossed pocket in the back and a zipped coin purse integrated into its compact design, this is really the only modern, everyday wallet you’ll need.
Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Accessoires
It would be almost impossible to talk about SLGs without mentioning Louis Vuitton. One of the most popular “starter” pieces from the brand is the Mini Pochette Accessoires, which incidentally is back-ordered in most LV boutiques today. It is versatile as it can hold your keys, coins, receipts, and other small essentials. The monogram canvas material is also easy to clean and disinfect as it is PVC-coated. This pochette can be latched onto a bigger bag with its chain strap, making it an easy piece to own.
Fendi Porte-Vaporisateur
This SLG could very well fall under the category of “things-you- didn’t-know-you-needed-until-you-saw-it” because it’s not just practical, it’s cute too! With Covid numbers still high, personal hygiene has become a top priority. These days, I personally bring a small but rather unsightly bottle of alcohol spray with me as I prefer that to hand sanitizer gels. Fendi elevates the portable spray container by offering this trés chic version with a logo-embossed leather “jacket”, cap, and strap. Clip it onto your bag or wear it like a necklace to easily remind you to disinfect your hands on the go.
Prada Nylon Cosmetics Pouch
Quite possibly one of the most useful SLGs to own is a cosmetics pouch. This piece I chose is classic Prada. It is not made of leather but is made with a light nylon fabric (with a leather zipper pull) that is low maintenance and easier to clean. It is designed with a zippered external pocket and a zippered main compartment that’s large enough to fit most smartphones. It’s a practical, compact hold-all which you can even use as a small wristlet pochette for quick errands.
Editor
Ingrid Chua
