A couple weeks ago, I came home from work and randomly filmed a “Whats In My Bag” IGTV. I love watching other people (literally) bag dump and share their stuff spontaneously and so I figured what the heck, why not? The only tricky thing about IGTV is that it’s hard to link things, so I figured I’d put together a blog post with some of the deets!
The Bag
This is my all time favorite tote. It’s my only tote, actually, not counting canvas ones we use for groceries 🙂 My MIL gave it to me years ago because I had admired hers, and I’ve used it consistently ever since! It primarily acts as my day-to-day work bag but I also always bring it as my personal item when traveling. It’s sturdy, gets better with age, structured, easy to organize and comfortable on the shoulder. It can also easily hold two laptops, a crossbody, a water bottle, two notebooks and a plethora of other sh*t at all times! I love that it can be monogrammed for a personal touch, too. If I had to re-purchase myself, I would do it 1000x over!
Lola Bag
Okay so, disclaimer – I do not ovulate or menstruate. But I also have some Mary Poppings tendencies (I like to be prepared) and am very picky (if I was in a pinch and had to use a non-organic tampon or liner I would be annoyed). First things first – the feminine care products you use matter! Cotton is one of if not the most pesticide laden crop out there, and I do not want any of that near my nether region. Ya feel me?
Lola is great because they have autoship (I ship everything). Okay also their cotton is 100% organic, their plastic is BPA free and all of their products are free from synthetic fibers, fragrance, chlorine bleach, chemical additives and dyes. THE SAFEST YOU CAN GET. But also, how many times have you needed a tampon and find it like, floating around in your bag and the paper is half ripped and you’re like sooo can I still use this or? That’s where the pouch comes in. I like that it’s branded because I don’t forget what’s inside: a variety of tampons, liners, wipes, a pair of full bottom underwear and ovulation strips (random). Speaking of…
Ovulation Strips
Niche content but, what the hell. After my miscarriage these really helped me monitor my situation. If you’re regular, they are great for tracking your cycle! Even if you’re irregular. Literally all of my fertile friends recommended Easy@Home over any of the fancy apps. But if you’re torn, I also like Flo 🙂
MZ Wallace Pouch
The bags within bag habit runs deep with me and I like to keep my “pouches” neutral, easy and soft. I use my MZ Wallace pouch to store all of my cords and chargers! Okay so technically the one I have came with my metro tote (she says and realizes she actually has two totes, HAHAHA omg). That being said, this quilted pouch is similar and a great size! I love MZ Wallace products. SO durable and easy to clean. I am super pumped that the new versions come with hooks for cross body straps!
Mophie Charger
This is the new version of my portable charger. We have two and freaking love them. I bring them on every trip (our old ones provide 5 full charges) and they are GREAT for international travel, too!
Favorite Hair Ties
I had around 4 hair ties floating around in my bag, and most of them were these. Yes, they are expensive. Yes, they are worth it. Like any hair tie they do streth out with wear, but as someone with sensitive and not-yet strong locks, I’ve found that anything made of rubber or plastic essentially rips my hair out. Not the case with these!
Hair Clips
Finding the perfect hair clip is always a goldilocks situation for me. They are often too big or too small, but THESE are just right.
Task Planner
Paper planners, oh how I love thee. I had the same basic one throughout high school and college (which I can’t seem to find now) but once I was in the working world I struggled to find something that fit my needs. PowerSheets and Dream Planners are just not for me. I’ve never successfully used them or been consistent with them which just made me more anxious and annoyed. After some soul searching I realized my main purpose for a planner is primarily as an ongoing to-do list but also a calendar. Keeping my to-do lists in random notebooks wasn’t doing the trick! Anyway, this task planner is glorious and has helped me keep everything in one place, from appointments and personal obligations to work deadlines and stuff for the blog. It’s streamlined, simple and sprialed – my top three criteria!
Notebook
Again with the spiral notebooks! Appntd actually makes great ones but I’m also a sucker for motivational quotes and a notebook is a place I can display them without feeling super cheugy. Ban.do makes some great ones, as does Rifle Paper Co. and Erin Condren.
My Favorite Pens
Once you switch to Muji pens, you will never switch back. This I promise you. I love a really thin point and these .38mm are *chefs kiss*. If you’re in NYC I know Muji has a store, but you can also get them on Amazon.
The Best Granola Bars
I love these. They are grain free and paleo (of which, I am neither) but the ingredients are super simple and clean and you can get a box of 16 at Costco for around $20.
Glasses
I get questions about these every time I wear them! Sadly, they are old and were discontinued (#rude). This pair, this pair and this pair are similar. Love Warby and would never pay extra for glasses every again.
Card Case
An investment, but worth it IMO! I wantd something neutral and sturdy, and bought this for myself one Christmas with my bonus! It’s held up really well and I cannot recommend it enough. I use this for my top cards: credit card, debit card, license, insurance card, metro card and office swipe card. Um, also, do NOT buy this used – I tried to find it on TheRealReal and Rebag and both were way more than a new case! Bizarre.
Clear Zippered Clutch (Mini and Small)
My all time favorite travel pouches are made by Truffle. I LOVE that they have clear exteriors so you can see everything inside. Also, the clutch model is super thin, which means everything stays organized and slides easily in and out of my bag. I use the mini version for my card case – I add in any other cards that I am using routinely (J.Crew card, second debit card, Met Membership etc.), cash and sometimes a hair tie. In the medium one I currently have a hodgepodge of sh*t, including hand wash, hand lotion, electrolyte packets, flavored collagen packets, organic tea (love Traditional Medicinals the best), advil, masks and some other random things. I have had my truffle cases for awhile now and am also eyeing this set!
Spearmint Tea
I mentioned Traditional Medicinals – they are by far and away my favorite organic tea brand! They also only use paper, so you know your tea is plastic free (miss me with the plastic tea bags leeching into my hot water!). I’m a tea person so I have lots of types, but you’ll almost always find spearmint on me because it’s great for hormonal regulation and helps heal acne. I buy it in bulk from Amazon.
Moist Towelettes
These are the best. I used them well before we oversanitized everything! Love the essential oils and various scents in the multipack. The individual wrapped ones aren’t ideal from a sustainability perspective but are super clutch when it comes to travel! I stick one pretty much everywhere. Great for hands and surfaces.
Masks
Our favorite athletic and disposable masks are from Vida. They have a wide selection and great customer service! We keep a pack of the K95s in the house at all times.
Concealer
I don’t keep a lot of makeup in my purse but I almost never go anywhere without the next three items (concealer, powder and gloss). This concealer changed my life! That sounds dramatic and it probably is, but seriously it has skincare level ingredients and zaps redness like woah. I actually have it in two shades – light 1 for under my eyes and medium 1 for spots. This is my fave concealer by far and I’ve tried lots (clean and not).
Pressed Powder
I’ve worn this pressed powder in soft sand since I was about 12. It’s the best, and I haven’t been able to find a clean alternative. I have tried and failed, so I continue to use and love this 🙂 I’m a little shine averse (I’m working on it, I know the matte look is very 2000s but I am who I am) so I put this on in the morning and take it with me everywhere. Always.
Lip Gloss
I normally have 29084302 lip products in my bag so I am shocked there was only one! Fitting that it was this lip gloss in one of my favorite shades (this one is Clove, my other favorite is Rosewood). I wasn’t a gloss person until I used this non-sticky, hydrating and healing formula and now I can’t imagine not using it! Great if you want good color without it being overpowering. I wear it solo during the day and over lipstick at night!
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