My husband this year is telling me NOT to wear a purse this year. He says it gets him nervous Im out in the dark at 2am waiting in line by myself. If anyone knows me, I have to have a purse. I don't own a fanny pack (if thats what their called). I just put in across my shoulders. What do you carry your money in when heading out? I hate for my license (in case I charge) to snap as its done before. Any ideas or should I be trying to find a pack that goes around your waist? BTW, last year there were several purse snatching during BF. Also, from cars/vans.

Absolutely not. I have this little change holder thingy, a little bigger than the size of a credit card that zips closed. I can put a couple of credit cards, my ID, and some cash in there and it fits in my pocket-my front pocket. :)

I usually have a purse with me. This year will be a diaper bag but will get left in the van while shopping. I have a clear wallet thing that can be worn around your neck and it holds my cc and id card.

I wonder wear I can find a little case wear my credit card and license will fit. I could put my cash in a pocket. Walmart maybe. I would prefer a hard case as I hate my plastic to snap!

I carry a purse because I feel naked without it. I would also have to worry about cell phone,keys, gum..etc. I carry this bag in a different print when I shop: http://www.brightonretail.com/store/wishlist.php?m=product_detail&p=H80123

http://www.brightonretail.com/store/images/products_full/qih80123.jpg

Big enough to hold my things, a strap that stays on my shoulder easily, small enough to maneuver and if I have to, I can swing that strap and hit someone in the head with the purse..lol.

Amie

something to look into. Thanks

Nope, its pockets only. I'm afraid I'll be too busy snapping up bargains to keep a good watch on my purse.

Pockets for me. Cash & keys in one front, phone in the other. Liscence and bank card in back pocket.

I quit carrying a purse years ago. Last one I had was big enough to get a change of clothes in. That's when It hit me that THAT was too big. Now if I can't get it in my jeans pockets, I don't need it that bad. I have my wallet in one side and keys, cell, and checkbook in the other. Back pockets hold a pack of tissues in one and notepad in the other. In winter I have a men's parka and it has a deep inside pocket that will hold the ads I take in for pricematching. It also has a zippered inside pocket to hold other stuff.

i feel naked without a purse.

No way I have a wallet that fits in my pants and I can carry my bank card and some checks in it. A purse would cramp my shopping speed to much!

Nope everything goes in my pocket. Since I don't take a cart at most stores I can't worry about having my hands full and the strap sliding off my shoulder.

Im thinking of by-passing one. My husband is adament about it. I guess I'll look for a little carrier to in my pocket. I would help not to worry about a purse while grabbing

I carry a purse everywhere, except while shopping on BF. Just too much that can happen to it. I don;t want it to get lost int he shuffle.
So my ID and cards go into my pocket along with the cell phone and keys. I drop my keys down to two on BF. Just the car and the house, no extra bulk.

I only carry a wallet anyway. I would consider putting all your items on a CC than all you have to do is carry that CC and ID in your pocket. Leave your purse locked in your car, its too chaotic to think of watching it. Prime target for people looking at stealing things. Look into a fanny pack thing, you can put it on so the pack is in the front. Alot of great ideas here!!!! Jill

Very good thread! I hadn't thought about this aspect of shopping! I've always gone with DH before and he just carried his wallet in his pocket.

I have a lanyard I wear at work with my ID badge clipped on the end of it. I think I will use this to carry my license and debit card for the day. :)

Will have to figure out how to carry keys and phone, and sunglasses. The outfit I was planning on wearing doesn't have pockets. Must ponder this...

I haven't used a purse in years, I just put my money and ID in my pocket(same with the keys)

No... I do not carry a purse... too dangerous. I put money in different pockets of jeans and lock some of it hidden in van. Don't use credit on that day.:)

No purse. No keys. Just cards. My Exp. has the code on the door and everyone with me knows it so it makes it a lot easier, just leave the key in the ignition, who ever gets there first pulls up to the front when the rest come out.

I only carry money / debit card in my pocket and my car keys.

I do. It's no problem in the area I live in. Back home, I might come up with a different strategy, but here...it's a safe area and not nearly as crowded as it gets in other areas. I mean, the stores are crowded, yes, but there isn't too much brushing up against other people, and nobody is running people over, etc.

Just pockets for me also. I hace cc, debit card and license in the back pocket and my keys hooked on my jeans. That way I have both hands free to hold all those BF purchases.

Don't forget to carry your car insurance card with you. Too many times I've seen people whiz into and out of a parking space only to whack into another car.

Don't forget to carry your car insurance card with you. Too many times I've seen people whiz into and out of a parking space only to whack into another car.
Isn't it mandatory that you have to have that in your car to drive it anyway? Mine's in my glovebox.

I'll have to carry a purse, my passport is too big to fit my pockets, and I am afraid of losing it. Well, maybe I could carry a copy of it, I really don't think immigration officers will check tourists passports in the middle of BF mess... But anyway... Maybe a small backpack hanging on the front would be nice, yeah? This way I could keep an eye on it, and would still have my hands free.

disneytati,

Does your hotel offer a secure safe? If you have the hotel name and address, I would be more than happy to call and ask them for you?

When I visited Australia our room had a safe which I used to keep my passport and airline tickets in.

Isn't it mandatory that you have to have that in your car to drive it anyway? Mine's in my glovebox.

I mean the little card you get to carry in your wallet. I don't have a glovebox, just a storage area between the seats and it would get lost in there. I thought it was mandatory that the Registration be in your car, the card is for your wallet.

disneytati,

Does your hotel offer a secure safe? If you have the hotel name and address, I would be more than happy to call and ask them for you?

When I visited Australia our room had a safe which I used to keep my passport and airline tickets in.

Well, I think it offers a secure safe. It's a Days Inn, but I don't know the address... The point is that all foreigners have to walk around with original passports. If immigration officers ask, you have to show it, or you can be deported. So, leaving the passport is not the problem, I was worried about having to take it. But I really think no immigration officer will show up in the middle of BrandsMart on BF to check if there is a foreigner in there...

Well, thanks anyway!!!:)

So, leaving the passport is not the problem, I was worried about having to take it. But I really think no immigration officer will show up in the middle of BrandsMart on BF to check if there is a foreigner in there...

Well, thanks anyway!!!:)
True, I highly doubt you'll be stopped by an immigration officer during Black Friday :2pimp:

I carry a purse but the cash is in my pockets.

True, I highly doubt you'll be stopped by an immigration officer during Black Friday :2pimp:

I've never been stopped by an immigration officer, but you never know. And an American visa is a precious thing. If they ask you, and you don't have it, if they deport you, your visa is cancelled. I wouldn't risk it for anything. (well, except for my baby, I guess...)

Couldn't you get one of those hidden body wallets or pouches that you wear under your clothes? That way you could carry your passport/visa on you but it would be out of sight from being stolen.

This is a marathon event for me. No purse...it stays in the trunk until I'm done. Keys and two credit cards with license along with my list. Everything fits in the zipper pocket of my red jacket. The phone goes in my zipper pocket too. The less I have, the faster I can move and the less I have to worry about losing or being stolen in the crowds. Wal-mart can get pretty crowded and I've heard people say that they've had their wallets and cell phones stolen in the crowds. I might add that I never keep any keys on the same ring as my car key. That way, if I ever get car jacked, they don't have my house and other keys. Also, the weight of alot of keys on the car keyring can wear out the ignition switch, according to my mechanic.

No purse for me... just weighs you down

On BF I do carry a purse...with a brick in it for anyone that cramps my style!

If I am power shopping, I try to streamline and carry a small pocketbook.

I use the baby latches on the carts to latch my purse in the seat and put my coat and a bunch of other stuff so you never see my purse...lol..most times I just take my wallet with me...depends on my mood that early in the morning...lol

I carry 5 things with me, money, credit cards, check book, driver's lincense and chapstick. All of which fit it in my coat pockets. I carried a purse for the first two years and it got in the way. I found it became a weapon. so to avoid hitting anyone, I go pockets.

Couldn't you get one of those hidden body wallets or pouches that you wear under your clothes? That way you could carry your passport/visa on you but it would be out of sight from being stolen.

That's a good idea!!! My aunt said she's not afraid of the crowds, that she faces crowded subways and buses in Rio de Janeiro every day, and there's nothing more dangerous than that! Well, that's true, here our parents teach us how to keep our purses from getting stolen on the bus, and what to do in case of mugging... But I was never in the middle of such situations with my passport and visa. But the body wallet is a great idea, thanks!:D


PS: The foreigner is officially confused... genoandkiddo, what's a "chapstick"?

FANNY PACK!!!

Sure they're out of date and look tacky, but you can't even see them under a bulky coat lol. And HANDY!!!

PS: The foreigner is officially confused... genoandkiddo, what's a "chapstick"?


Chapstick is a lip balm for dry or chapped lips.

Amie

I never carry a purse on BF. I just have a little credit card holder that fits in my front pocket..

I hate to carry my purse on BF, but I do anyway. I have run into instances where I have dropped money from my pocket when pulling out my keys or other items I might have in there. Not enough pockets! :D Maybe cargo pants are the way to go! ;)

Im with greatmom, fanny pack. I never worry about being in style, espeically when I am shopping!!!!!

Im with greatmom, fanny pack. I never worry about being in style, espeically when I am shopping!!!!!


My thoughts exactly. And may I add, that I think a fanny pack would be a lot safer to carry. I would never carry a regular purse or just put my money and cards in a pocket. Way too easy for a thief to get away with your stuff.

Im with greatmom, fanny pack. I never worry about being in style, espeically when I am shopping!!!!!
But how can you fit everything but the kitchen sink into a fanny pack?

Welcome to the forums :gd_orange

But how can you fit everything but the kitchen sink into a fanny pack?

Welcome to the forums :gd_orange

Thanks for your welcome! I lurked last year at this site and I really appreicated the advance scoop on the BF sales

In answer to your question, simple, I only carry a little money, my one card and my ID. My keys go in my jeans pocket I travel light! :gd_orange

In answer to your question, simple, I only carry a little money, my one card and my ID. My keys go in my jeans pocket I travel light! :gd_orange
That's the smartest and safest way to shop. Good job :banana01:

Chapstick is a lip balm for dry or chapped lips.

Amie

Thanks for the explanation, Amie!

My aunt said we will carry only one fanny pack, and we'll put the passports in the hiden body wallets. And walkie-talkies to communicate, as we are going to split up and then meet again.

That's a good idea!!! My aunt said she's not afraid of the crowds, that she faces crowded subways and buses in Rio de Janeiro every day, and there's nothing more dangerous than that! Well, that's true, here our parents teach us how to keep our purses from getting stolen on the bus, and what to do in case of mugging... But I was never in the middle of such situations with my passport and visa. But the body wallet is a great idea, thanks!:D


You're welcome. Glad I could help. I've seen those for sale in catalogs and in some places that sell travel items. :)

You're welcome. Glad I could help. I've seen those for sale in catalogs and in some places that sell travel items. :)

Yeah, they are very cheap here, and as my aunt is a travel agent, she has lots of them...

I went to Walmart the other day and bought a pocket sized wallet. It has slots to put credit card/debit card and license. I will also put my $ in there. Thanks guys. Im sure my husband will feel better too! I was thinking more about it and it does make sense to free up the arms/hands!

I think this year, I will only carry a small zippered case with cc, money, ID, that will fit in my front pocket. Cell phone in my pocket. Great idea about only carrying two keys on key ring!

I went to Walmart the other day and bought a pocket sized wallet. It has slots to put credit card/debit card and license. I will also put my $ in there. Thanks guys. Im sure my husband will feel better too! I was thinking more about it and it does make sense to free up the arms/hands!

That's it! I'll try to do the same. Then I'll only have to pay attention to the great deals!!

I've shopped both ways -- with a purse and without. I definitely prefer not having a purse with me now. I am fortunate to be in RI, by BF it is generally freezing/snowy here, so I can wear jeans (keep cash/credt cards in the pockets), and a heavy zippered sweatshirt over the other layers (which has deep, zippered pockets for the cell phone and keys). As the day goes on and it starts to thaw out, I can take layers off under the sweatshirt and still leave that on to hold my small accessories.

Hint: If your weather is on the cold side for BF shopping, get some hand warmers to put in your gloves. They only cost a buck and they last me from 3AM till 5 when KB Toys opens up. After that, the adrenaline keeps you warm LOL.

I suggest leaving the purse at home this year. Plan your shopping outfit out well in advance, make sure you've got lots of pockets, warm clothes if needed, comfy shoes and you will be good to go! :)

Melissa

:giggle: I guess I am just different.

It is usually 40-50 degrees or so here, so a huge coat is not an option. I hate to get in stores and then have to deal with the coat. I have found a great bag, that stays on my shoulder, doesn't get in the way, and holds all the things I need when I shop. I can also see me juggling all of those things in my pockets and losing something.

Not only that, but I really would feel naked!:g_laughin

Amie

:giggle: I guess I am just different.

It is usually 40-50 degrees or so here, so a huge coat is not an option. I hate to get in stores and then have to deal with the coat. I have found a great bag, that stays on my shoulder, doesn't get in the way, and holds all the things I need when I shop. I can also see me juggling all of those things in my pockets and losing something.

Not only that, but I really would feel naked!:g_laughin

Amie

That's why my aunt is carrying the purse!!!:D

I carry a purse but, I make sure it has long straps and I put it over my shouler across my chest (so that the actually bag is sitting right in front) underneath a too big coat (its usually pretty frigid that morning). You would have to rip my coat off to get to it lol.

No - I have my cell phone wrist carrier. It's big enough to have all of the essentials but I can just slide it over my wrist but keep it in clutched in my palm when I'm in the middle of a big crowd: phone, debit card, a pocket for my list, a pocket for my receipts, and a quick snap for my keys.

I carry a purse but, I make sure it has long straps and I put it over my shouler across my chest (so that the actually bag is sitting right in front) .

That's how mothers here tell their kids to wear their purses and backpacks on the bus...

Never. I wear my fanny pack under my sweatshirts and carry only the necessary items - drivers licence, cc, cash

I take A very small purse that fits tightly on my shoulder

fannypack :D

A decent size one lets me carry cell phone, small cc/license case, TYLENOL... laugh...

I've never been one to worry about fashion at 5am... :g_laughin

NOPE!
I have a small bag that attaches to my belt loops...
it's big enough to hold cash, my cc, my id and a couple checks. Snaps closed and it's perfect..then I don't have to worry about anything!

Me, too, Pamlet. I bought a fanny bag a couple of years ago to take to the casino. It is perfect for BF. No purse to keep up with and everything I need fits right inside.

I usually do pockets only, but last year I carried a small backpack style purse since I wanted to keep my cell phone on me as well (I don't have a cell phone hip clip). but people kept bumping it and it was making me CRAZY! I have a great plan this year. I found an awesome pull over sweatshirt at American Eagle Outfitters that has a pocket inside the front pocket that closes with velcro so I will carry my cards, license and keys in my front jeans pockets and my cell phone in the sweatshirt pocket. Another great option if you are in not too cold of weather is a windbreaker with a front zipper pouch.

I always carry my purse with me but I'm always holding it so it doesn't get snatched.

NO Way!! I have a feeling this year will be alot of purse snatching with the heating bills rising to 70% more....I use a little wallet, and put the bare neccessities in it for my big day.

NO Way!! I have a feeling this year will be alot of purse snatching with the heating bills rising to 70% more....I use a little wallet, and put the bare neccessities in it for my big day.
Oh wow, I never thought of that. I guess I should probably just take a fanny pack this year.

Oh wow, I never thought of that. I guess I should probably just take a fanny pack this year.

Yeah... I'll talk to my aunt about this, and decide what to do. We don't want to arrive up there in the USA and remember the best fanny pack stayed in Brazil...

fannypack :D

A decent size one lets me carry cell phone, small cc/license case, TYLENOL... laugh...

I've never been one to worry about fashion at 5am... :g_laughin

Same here :yup: One less thing to keep up with & they hold more than pockets.

I don't carry a purse on BF...I just can't be bothered...also, I can be a real scatterbrain....I'm likely to put it down and leave it somewhere.

No purse. Just a small clip on wallet type thingy that I can slip into my pocket.

No way! That would be in the way of carrying items and bashing people to get to what I need. I put everything in my jeans pockets, if it doesn't fit, I don't take it.

I do carry my purse because I live out of it and feel lost without it. Maybe I'll reconsider just for BF...

omg...fanny packs... ugh

if it doesnt fit into my pajama pants pocket, it aint coming.
DL,CC, ID, LITTLE itty Bit of cash...
Thats all Ineed

I wonder wear I can find a little case wear my credit card and license will fit. I could put my cash in a pocket. Walmart maybe. I would prefer a hard case as I hate my plastic to snap!

Try the dollar store or family dollar if there is one in your area. They tend to carry small purses for cheap. HTH Melinda:greenappl

I definately take a purse of some kind with me. I usually take my small one with me that I can put a few essential items in it ( money, keys, cellphone, cc's, and license). But the stores that have carts,,,,lol,,,I take the kids strap and put the strap of my purse through it and lock it. But I have someone with me when shopping so one of us has control of the cart. Nobody is getting my purse from me......even in the parking lot:D Because I hang on to it with dear life!

I never carry a purse. If it doesnt go in a pocket I don't take it with me. I have never understood why people carry their whole life story in a bag. My cc and dl go in my back pocket, car lock remote on hook to front belt loop, and cash in front pockets.

No I do not carry a purse on BF. That is one less thing I have to carry and one less thing I have to worry about. If it does not fit in my pockets then it stays home.

Me, too, Pamlet. I bought a fanny bag a couple of years ago to take to the casino. It is perfect for BF. No purse to keep up with and everything I need fits right inside.

I know a fanny pack would be more sensable that carrying a purse, but I just can't see myself wearing one of those things. I haven't decided yet.:confused:

I carry a fannypack it holds everything I need and I don't have to worry about it getting away from me.

Well best thing is to use a debit card and little cash.

Take it in a small gents purse.

-Praveen

I'm going to carry one of my wristlets. It can hold my debit card, cash, my license and ins., and my keys.

I'm going to carry one of my wristlets. It can hold my debit card, cash, my license and ins., and my keys.

What's a wristlet? I am seriously looking for an alternative to the fannypack, I just don't like them. I feel like if I put one on I'm aging myself 20 years.:razz:

I always carry one but, it is usually a style I never carry normally. I have to be able to put it in shopping mode (you know crossed over my body) I empty it down to the neccessities but, gotta have it.

a definate no for me. I would lose it for sure!

I will not carry a purse. I just want to carry cash which might be a little risky but I don't want to blow my whole bank account. I am a compulsive shopper. Maybe I should visit the finance forum. LOL

What's a wristlet? I am seriously looking for an alternative to the fannypack, I just don't like them. I feel like if I put one on I'm aging myself 20 years.:razz:

Here's my wristlet:
http://www.coach.com/assets/product_images/colord2/6F35_SKHBY_d2.jpg
It's a really small clutch with a strap that goes around your wrist. :g_thumbri

(that's a really big picture... holy crap! :P )

No purse for me. It just gets in the way. It's bad enough that I have to wear a hat, scarf, gloves and a bulky coat because it's freezing out. Don't need to worry about a purse getting lost or stolen. I usually wear jeans and put my cell phone and keys in one front pocket and cash/credit cards/id in the other.

I usually just take a small changepurse with my drivers lic, cc's and cash

What do you wear clotheswise for shopping on bf????

dont take one just put your money or cards in your pocket and you dont have to keep up with it and no one can get in your pocket

I usually wear the purse across my body under my (long denim) jacket since I go out on my own.

I don't carry my purse, no. When in heavily populated places, I put my money/debit/license in my front pockets. :)