Items That are Always in My Bag

Everyday Essentials that Live in my Bag

From day to day, we keep a pretty busy schedule. I might be sneaking in a shoot at 7:00AM or have an event or two in the evening. Of course, the weekends bring either travel or errands, writing, and entertaining with friends. It requires a lot of flexibility – and a larger tote to house all my essentials. Right now, I’m switching between my monogrammed Mark and Graham leather tote and my Dagne Dover tote. Whichever one I’m carrying that day, there are a few items I never leave home without.

My iPhone. Let’s all be honest, I rarely get a few feet out the door without swiping up for a podcast to listen to, a grocery list, or to check in on my calendar appointments for the day. Maison de Sabre sent me this absolutely gorgeous iPhone case that I just can’t get enough of. It’s pebbled leather and comes in the most beautiful colors. I wear a lot of black and white in my daily work outfits (which you can see on my new “Elevator Selfies” highlights on Instagram), so I wanted a bold color that would really pop against my outfits. It is perfect! My monogram in gold foil is just the right touch. You can select up to four letters for your handmade case in gold or silver. I highly recommend y’all check them out. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. The quality is fabulous and it looks oh so chic.

Le Pen Pens. My friend, Maggie, introduced me to these magical pens a year or so ago and I’ve been using them ever since. Anyone who borrows one remarks on how the pens make their handwriting look nearly flawless! I love the colors they come in, too.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment. I use these every single day. I love that the colors are buildable. One swipe gives you a hint of color and you can layer on from there for lips as bold as you’d like. My favorite part, though, is that they’re super moisturizing. I’m a lip balm fanatic (also a big fan of Smith’s Rosebud Salve), so to have something that gives me fantastic color that goes on like lip balm, keeps my lips soft, and prevents chapping is a winner in my book. Bonus: it also protects your lips from damaging sun rays (15 SPF). My favorites are the Rose, Honey, and Petal.

Mini-mergency Kits. My mother gifted me my first one for my bag and I have been replenishing them ever since. They’re a perfect gift from mom or an older sibling to a younger one. They are these little kits that have everything from a mini sewing set to fashion tape to safety pins and mint spray. I was skeptical at first, thinking I wouldn’t really use it, but I have pulled it out so many times I’ve lost count. I replenish mine by buying new kits at Nordstrom Rack and Off Fifth and merging them.

Mason Pearson Comb. I usually wear my hair in curls and this is the perfect comb for gently brushing them out or giving your hair a little refresh in the afternoon. It’s sturdy enough to withstand being in a bag (though I keep mine in a pocket in my bag) and is so stylish in tortoiseshell.

Tide To-Go Pen. Because life that involves coffee, white blouses, and red wine needs a quick-drying stain stick pen.

Oil-absorbing Wipes. I use one of these every day like clockwork around 3:00PM. It’s a great way to freshen up your face without caking on extra makeup. I’m fairly certain I started using them when I was in middle school and I haven’t stopped. I find mine anywhere from CVS to Walgreen’s and beyond.

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Lotion. My hands get so dry in the winter. I love the way this lotion keeps my hands moisturized. It’s thick without being greasy and comes in the most wonderful scents. If you’re new to the brand, buy a gift set and try them out until you find your favorite scents.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Hand Sanitizer. Lindsay, one of my friends, introduced me to the wonderful world of Mrs. Meyer’s. Since then, we have been using their products nearly exclusively (I say “nearly” because raw meats still make me antsy) from our kitchen to our bathrooms to the laundry room (their scent boosters, fabric softener, and detergent are amazing). I adore their products. They’re safe and leave our whole house smelling fantastic. My favorite scents are Basil, Lavender, their seasonal Pine, Geranium, and Mum. My friend, Monica, shares my love of their products and brought me their hand sanitizer in basil. It’s now a staple in my life!