What’s in my bag?

I have quite a few handbags (as in, so many I’m too embarrassed to count them). I tend to get one bag and use it over and over until something else catches my eye, which is why I rarely show you my handbags in my outfit photos unless there’s something new and exciting about them. I thought that for Aussie Curves Handbag week, I would show you my current favourite, with a wee sneak peek of what my handbag essentials are regardless of which bag I’m carrying.

Today’s outfit (worn to brunch at Al’s Deli with some friends from out of town): 17 Sundays Striped Bodycon Dress (similar here, XL); Donatella’s Baroque Floral Lace Pantyhose (XXXL); Hearsay Canvas Sneakers from Number One Shoes (8); Xcesri Broguing Detail Shopper Handbag from Farmers (no longer available).

The bag:

I got this bag from Farmers last spring, and one of the main things that attracted me to it was the brogue detailing. I got an amazing pair of brogue shoes from The Warehouse a couple of years ago and despite wearing them a LOT they are only just starting to show signs of wear. I checked online and they’re still available, so I might have to nab myself some more! But I digress – the point is that I love the brogue detailing and I got the bag because it matched my shoes and made me feel fancy.

It has loads of space inside, more than I would ever need in a bag, including a zip pocket and two other open pockets; a zip fastening at the top and (as you’ll see in a moment) it also matches my wallet. Seriously, I am matchy matchy matchy as heck!

What’s in my bag:

I’m the first to admit that this is a glossed over version of what you’ll find in my handbag. I’m pretty sure that there were about a hundred receipts in there as well, but when I took this picture I cleaned my bag out so things are a lot tidier!

Luella Accessories Wallet from Number One Shoes: Filled with essential things like my eftpos card, drivers licence, various loyalty cards, my business cards, a hundred more receipts (I swear I’m going to get my tax return done soon!) and sixty cents. I very rarely carry cash, and get annoyed when parking machines won’t let me pay by debit card.

Headphones: Mandatory while I’m exercising or trying to get any work done in a public place. I have Spotify on my phone, and playlists for all situations.

Samsung S6: My new essential thanks to the team at Spark. It’s brand new (I got it a couple of days ago) so I can’t tell you much about it until I’ve had a proper chance to use it, but so far I’m loving how it looks and feels, the vastly superior camera and how fast it charges. Stay tuned for more about this one,

Antipodes Jubilation Ultra Nourishing Hand & Body Cream: As you can tell, this is a pretty well loved tube of hand cream that is nearing the end of it’s life. I use it not only to keep my hands soft and moisturised, but also for practising reflexology on myself (little known fact – I studied relaxation massage). It’s New Zealand made, cruelty free and smells delicious.

Inhaler: I’ve been asthmatic all my life, and while I don’t need to use my inhaler very often, I like to have it with me all the time just in case of emergency.

Dadi’ Oil: I use this cuticle oil religiously, to keep my nails and cuticles in good condition.

Pen: I always have at least one pen in my bag, because I’m a practical gal – it always pays to be prepared! This one is from Flossie, and is a good reminder to “get it done”.

Bobby Pins: Again, I’m prepared. I have a container of bobby pins in various sizes in my bag, in case of hair emergency. It’s amazing what you can fix with a few bobby pins.

Lipstick and lip balm: This is pretty toned down, for me – I usually have a lot more of these in my bag but took the others out a few weeks ago. I always have lip balm on hand, and have recently started carrying lipstick as well, just in case I feel like I need a pop of colour. My current favourites are NV Lipstick in Siren, Hurraw! Black Cherry Tinted Lip Balm and Karen Murrell Lipstick in Coral Dawn.

Gloves: A winter essential to keep my hands warm, but to be honest I carry them with me all year round. They’re the only gloves I’ve found that are a perfect fit for my small hands.

Those are my handbag essentials, what are yours?