What's in My Everyday Bag

When I turned 18, I got this idea in my head that it was time to get a "woman bag": a large bag that all "mature" women carry containing all of their "mature" women items. It's quite laughable now because at the time all I used was my school backpack and carried my phone (my only essential then) in my hand. Alas, I was adamant! So I bought this gorgeous black pleather, over-the-shoulder bag from Colette, which I could barely fill up with anything.

Luckily, now that I'm working and do have things that I need to have with me everyday, I can finally get some good use out of my Colette bag! The bag is the perfect size for me now and I love the tassel keyring it comes with! I thought it would nice to share what I carry around with me everyday, as I love getting some tips and ideas on what's handy to always have from other people. So, without further ado...

In the side pocket, I carry my two absolute essentials: my phone and purse. I have an iPhone 10 and just a plain (kinda dirty), transparent cover that I got from the Vodacom shop. I have a very small purse, because I wanted it to fit in smaller bags too. It's a Jekyll & Hide brown leather purse, which is just the perfect size for my cards, ID and Drivers (but could be too small if you carry a lot of cash or coins). I also carry my car keys, which is cutesy-ed up by a pink ribbon and fluffy-ball keychain that I got from Woolworths.

In the juicier part of the bag, I have my prescription sunglasses. I got these in a little glasses shop in Stellenbosch called Bril. They're Ross & Brown, but I keep them in a pink Torga Optical case. In a silver Torga Optical case are my non-prescription sunglasses (for when I wear contacts). These are more of a triangular shape and are from Cotton On.

I also have a mini TRESemme brush, a MEXX Ice Touch Woman mini eau de toilette (which smells so fresh!) and a make-up mirror, just so that I can freshen up anywhere! I also carry the Woolworths medicated lip balm. This is a miracle-worker when your lips are dry, especially during winter; they fix your lips within days! I don't think most people think of Woolworths when buying beauty products, but this is probably the most effective lip balm I've ever tried. It also doesn't have a colour which I prefer.

Usually tangled somewhere in there is my Apple earphones and AUX converter, just incase! If I know I'll be waiting somewhere for awhile, I'll also pop my Kindle in there. My Kindle is the one of the best gifts I've ever been given. If you love reading, or want to start reading more, a Kindle is a great way to have a book with you anywhere you go, and it isn't bulky like a book. The biggest pro of a Kindle is that you can buy books on it that are from anywhere in the world, so you don't have to wait for your local bookstore to get the newest, international books.

For practical purposes, I also have a pack of tissues, an extra bobbin (or ponytail, in SA language), Mypaid (this is the only thing that cures my occasional headaches) and Freshly spectacle wipes, which are all from Dis Chem. Finally, given the climate of the time, I use the Lemon Verbena Hand Gel as a hand sanitiser. I love this one because it smells like citrus and doesn't leave your hands sticky after using it. Another Woolworths one I like is the Easy to Come Clean sanitiser, if you prefer one without a distinct smell.

And that's it folks! My main tips would be to carry things or products you really, really love and only things that are necessary, otherwise they'll sit in your bag and waste space. Also, take the time to find a good quality bag that you absolutely adore, that will go with most outfits (for example, buy one that is black) and is simple. Hopefully this inspires someone to also start a "woman" bag!

Love always.