Hi! I can completely relate to what you wrote. I hardly ever use the inserts. if I do, I use the zipped pouch, when I need to carry cards, cash and some cosmetic items such as a small refreshing towel, patches, chewing gums, or pills, and don’t have enough place for a separate cardholder. On a regular basis however, I wouldn’t use the inserts but just take a small cardholder and put my lipstick, chewing gums, etc. just into the bag without a pouch. Hope that helpsI have had my Pochette Felicie in black Empreinte for about a year and I carry her on little everyday errands when I don’t need much. I can’t fit both my phone Plus the inserts in the bag so I’m wondering how you use your inserts. I never carry cash and I don’t know what else I can fit in the slim zippered insert. Even a small lip gloss makes it bulge too much. Any ideas?