There is definitely a disadvantage to being a woman trying to carry the fewest possible items. Not to mention, my OCD hand washing requires equal hand lotioning, so carrying a hand moisturizer is a must. Then we’ve got to look pretty, so add makeup to the list. In the past, it has been a losing battle. I once carried a purse that made me look like the mother of four kids (I have none).

I am doing better. The decision to wear less makeup helped tremendously. Then, I’ve also addressed my discomfort with leaving certain items at home - those things we could possibly, MAYBE need while we’re away but, in reality, have never ended up needing.

Similar to your ponytail holder, I was using a small binder clip, to hold a few bills around a few cards. After fumbling with the clip a few too many times in the grocery check-out, I opted for a coin purse the dimensions of a credit card, that nestles inside my “purse” (which is essentially a small makeup bag - even smaller than a clutch - that holds tiny versions of lip gloss, hand lotion, a nail file and my coin purse with a few bills and four cards). It is barely larger than my hand, can accommodate my cell phone or keys when I walk into a store, and easily slips into my larger workbag during the week (so I don’t have to carry my bag AND a purse, as I’m guessing many women do).

A bike shop in nearby Omaha, NE carries the jimi wallet, and I intend to purchase one to use in place of my coin purse. I believe it would be more likely to fit in a pocket by itself, when I want to carry the least possible items for activities such as clubbing and dancing.

Thank you for all the tips you share. They have been tremendously helpful to me, especially the email topics.