Gillio Slim Compagna in Epoca Gold

I received this pre-owned Gillio organizer recently with the intent to use it as my every day wallet.  It's a slim size Compagna in epoca gold. The leather smells amazing each time I open it and the texture is smooth. The oval rings are 16 mm, so it sits in my hand without feeling heavy or bulky compared to the medium (personal) size.  

The inside left has a secretarial pocket, three card slots, and another larger slot. I keep my driver license, debit cards, and money here.  

This is the first time I have set up my planner based on a "photo-a-day" word, "Retro." I felt inspired though and knew I had some items on hand to pull it off.

I used plastic card holders and some Filofax rulers to separate the different types of cards. I added labels at the top in a typewriter-like font: store, gift, credit, health, civic. This makes it much easier and faster to access a certain card, especially when I am feeling rushed by a line behind me.

Once I get my receipt, it goes directly into the full-width pocket without fuss. I can also place my iPhone inside for safe keeping. 

Colorful sticky notes and lined notepaper will be useful for jotting down thoughts or information on the go. I had to choose a slim pen to sit underneath the inserts. Otherwise, I would lose the slim profile and it would be difficult to snap the closure.

At the end of the notepaper, I inserted a flyleaf with cameras of different eras. My aha moment was to turn the Franklin Covey page lifter into a clipboard. I then attached two camera charms.

On the inside back, there is another secretarial pocket and three more card slots. I added some retro library book loan cards to finish the theme. I keep some postage stamps and a magnifying card in the slots.

I love this organizer and want another slim compagna in red. I only wish the popper was gold to match the rings and that the organizer had a zipper pocket for coins. Then, it would be perfection! 

Charming

I use this stand to hold my collection of charms. I like to place charms on my watch bracelet and planner zipper pulls. My favorite ones are from the Fossil store, but they're expensive. I also like less expensive charms that I find at the craft stores. What I look for most when choosing a charm is detail on both sides.

By the way, the rose is a dried flower from a bush that my daughter planted for me on Mother's Day. *smile*

Dark Brown

Medium Gillio Compagna in Dark Brown

Inside Left (silver rings)

Drawing (by my daughter)

Inside Right

Back View

Top View (including full width pocket)

Bottom View

Side View

Compact Brown Regency as a Wallet

I recently set up a compact brown Regency as a wallet and it's working perfectly for me. I'm impressed with the durability of the Regency.  I throw it in my bag with my keys without worry.  I also like that it lays flat when I open it and the smaller ring size is less cumbersome on the go.

I'm keeping it simple with three divided sections: 

1) Receipt holder, calculator, and finance sheets; 
2) Card holder inserts for store, gift, library, and voter cards; and 
3) Notepaper

I use the notepaper section for shopping lists and to jot down things I don't want to forget before I can get them into my main planner.  

My most-used cards and cash are kept in the front pockets and my medical cards and contacts are placed in the back pocket.

The only drawback for me is that the Regency doesn't have a zipper pocket for change and loose bits.  However, I usually empty my coins into jars at home because I don't like the extra bulk and weight.

I added a cute piggy bank charm that has a Lincoln penny with the words, "penny saved…penny earned."  It hangs from an adhesive pen loop attached to one of the card holders in the middle section.

I'm very happy with how it turned out!


UPDATE: In January, 2014, I received and moved into a compact Cavendish in black.