Like any style conscious woman, I love a good handbag. The shape, size, feel of it, all have to mesh with me or I don’t want to use it. I prefer the look and feel of a leather bag but have grown to become fond of microfiber and cotton styles (I’m looking at you Vera Bradley) during the summer.
What really counts is what’s inside- for many, it’s an endless pit of receipts, lip balms, and coins.
But not for me!
I have to have order and cleanliness. I also invest in quality items that are lightweight and built to last, offering me comfort when I’m away from home.
Here are the items you’ll always find nestled in my handbag:
Pen & Notebook
You never know when inspiration for a story might strike or the need to jot down a name or important number. I always have a small notebook, like the Kate Spade Mini Journal, and a good pen (or two) in my bag. I’ve had this Cross pen for well over 7 years and it hasn’t failed me yet. I often also have a Uni-Ball Gel Pen in my bag because I prefer how fluid and easy a gel pen travels over the page.
Lip Balm & Lip Gloss
In the summer I will use a lip balm with an SPF to protect my lips from the sun, and in the winter I have to protect my lips from the cold. My biggest pet peeve is chapped lips, so I always have a quality lip balm on hand. My favorite is Smith’s Rosebud Salve in the tube. I have several pots of the balm at home, but if my hands are dirty I don’t want to be dipping them and spreading germs.
I’ll add or use lip gloss if I’m headed to a special event of work meeting, opting for a light hint of color that pulls my look together and keeps it minimal and fresh. I’m currently using Lip Lacquer in Creme Brulee but also adore Stila Lip Glaze in Lemongrass.
Mirror
Vanity aside, I like to have a mirror on hand for checking my eyes. I wear contacts and if debris gets in my eye I don’t have to run to the nearest bathroom to see if I can locate the intruder. This Coach mirror easily swivels open and is lightweight.
Hand Cream
Another pet peeve, especially in the winter, is dry hands. L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream is my absolute favorite because it dries silky smooth and never leaves a residue behind, and only have to apply it once or twice for it to banish dry skin. If you haven’t tried it, I advise you do!
Mints
Work + bad breath= bad for business. I always have mints ready to pop prior to heading into a meeting or when I know I will be talking to someone in close quarters, or really, just in general. Ha!
Lint Removing Sheets
I like to wear a lot of black but can’t stand if there is lint or debris diminishing the crisp look of the color. These Hollywood Lint Removing Sheets slide easily into a pocket and tear off a sheet at a time offering easy, disposable lint removal without all the stickiness a roller can cause.