I’ve always been fascinated by bags that outperform the stock market. It’s an amazing phenomenon I aspire to be part of. Until that time, all I can do is heavily research designer items that are maintaining their resale value even when used daily. I don’t understand the math but if you tell me I can carry a dream wallet and then sell for 75% of the original cost? Sign me up.
What I Need in A Wallet
I hold onto wallets for a long time. You can see here, I had my previous wallet for over six years. While I may switch bags a lot, I am extremely loyal to my wallets. Because I had one wallet for so long, I was very aware of what I did and even more what I did not like about a wallet. Before purchasing the clement wallet, I made a list of what I need in a wallet.
- Zipper to ensure nothing falls out. It’s embarrassing how often I’ve dropped my wallet.
- A clear side for personal credit cards and the other side to store my company credit cards, travel receipts and other items like insurance cards, etc.
- An inside coin pocket as well as an area for cash that is easily accessible but won’t easily fall out.
- Big enough that I can just carry it but not the size of a clutch.
- DURABLE. My wallet is going to be dropped, scratched and worn to pieces. Like, my last one was fraying.
Full disclosure: I am not a fan of most LV items. They are entirely too flashy and well, basic, but the Clémence spoke to me. I wish you could feel the leather and smell it. That’s when you drink the Kool-Aid and suddenly get it. That’s how we got here to a Clémence wallet review.
How The Clémence Wallet Performs
I wish I could tell you these photos are the first thing I did when I got the Clémence so I could review it. No, instead I first dropped, accidentally ran my keys across it, wait a few months of daily use and THEN manage to photograph it. I decided this actually lets me review this more thoroughly as I now know how well it’s going stand up to my daily abuse. Clémence may be a designer wallet that some treat with pristine care but I believe a wallet needs to be used and I don’t want to not enjoy what I buy.
- Like I said, she’s not straight out of the box and yet she is still in pristine condition.
- The embossed leather performs like a dream. I also can wipe it down as I try to minimize bringing in a purse to any store or even out of the house. I wipe it down and put back into my purse every day. This sounds slightly arduous but it’s really not. Just a simple wipe and done.
- The zipper can slow you down (Has not made me think twice about making that Target purchase so clearly it’s not slowing me down too much.) but I find it very worth it because I can easily store my change, cash and credit cards.
- I’ve been able to store my keys in it without feeling like I’m stuffing it, but it’s definitely can’t store a phone if you want a true all-in-one situation.
Note: Some other reviews have complained of the leather strap curling. I have not had this and haven’t taken great care to make sure it doesn’t. However, LV will repair this for you if you experience it.
I love this wallet so much. It feels silly, but every time I pull it out of my bag it makes me happy. It’s a wallet, but it also makes me feel a little more put together and is the perfect size for me. I cannot believe the amount of pockets I have along with a bills area AND a zipped coin slot. It accommodates the way I travel, shop, everything and has saved me from losing some expense report receipts! A good wallet really helps you get your life together and that’s what this one has done.
The Clémence is Not For You If…
- Want immediate access to anything in your wallet.
- You don’t like your wallet to be super organized (Just kidding, but I know some people like this who just want it to be a catch all.)
- You prefer a maintenance-free material.
If you’re looking for a designer leather wallet, Clémence is your wallet. First, it holds its retail value. No true Clémence wallet review is complete without mentioning it is a VERY desirable secondhand item It slightly declined in retail value but has remained steady. You can easily use this for a few years and then recoup the money if you take good care of it. Second, this wallet can take a beating and still show no signs of it. If you want the flashier and more obvious LV style, you can get it in the classic monograph. I prefer something more understated so the Monogram Empreinte Leather was what I went with.
None of the links in this blog post are affiliate. I will not profit if you click on any of them. I simply want to share my experience for anyone looking for a Clémence wallet review. Your experience may vary.
ESW
The OG Louis items (the canvas monogram and Damier, the embossed leather, etc.) are like the cast-iron skillets of the bag world: beautiful, practical, timeless, and *somewhat* indestructible. As a Louis collector — mostly secondhand — I can attest to them holding their value. And for good reason! They really stand the test of time, owing in large part to their superior craftsmanship. I’m a tiny-wallet gal myself but the Clemence is a GREAT investment in value-in-use!
Chanel
This wallet is so beautiful, Alissa! I definitely would consider buying one of these when my Marc Jacobs wallet finally goes- especially since the Clémence has great resale value.
x,
S | Je M’appelle Chanel