12 Handbag Essentials

Happy Sunday readers!  How have our weekends been?  I'm slowly starting to feel human again, although haven't felt too fine today.  I truly believe I need to be in a hot country instead anywhere cold and wet, but weather issues aside, I decided this week to embrace the seasonal change and switch my main handbag.  You know what I mean, you change your bag for the AW shift or say if you wanted something to match with a particular outift.  I have been backing and forthing from handbag to handbag for as long as I can remember, (for me It's like moving house in mini form each time) so this time it got me thinking about what you really needed to take with you.  On my latest bag shift I decided I would narrow down what my handbag essentials are, I'm not talking Mary Poppin's style... I'm being serious my top 12, 'I cannot live without', must haves that go in my bag. 
First things first these are in no order, just as they've come to mind, however I guess number 1 is actually pretty important!

1.   Purse First things first you do need your purse!  I'm already starting off on bad foot because I've not exactly said specifically how big your purse should be... hurrah loop hole!  I have quite a large purse... no, no not because of my masses of cash, but because of all my various loyalty cards!  I always believe investing in a good purse is top priority, they're often used daily so getting something that's well made and easy for you to navigate around.  

2.  Wipes/Tissues Personally I go for the small packs of simple wipes and they come with me everywhere.  You could also opt for tissues as even if you haven't got the sniffles - you never know who might or when you might!  There is nothing worse then having a sniffly nose and not being able to sort to it properly.  You know when there is that annoying person on the train sniffing loudly or coughing?  Don't become them!  3.Sunglasses/Glasses I have my sunnies in their case in my bag and find they are often needed even in winter.  I can't stand getting blinded because I've forgotten my sunnies!  Perhaps you have reading glasses?  My actual glasses go in my handbag when I know I'm going to be working on a computer.    4. Hand Sanatizer You're busting for the loo and have to use the toilet you hate....even worse they ran out of handwash.... blergh! These come in tiny bottles and don't take up much space so I really recommend investing in some.  I do find these are great if you're a animal lover like me, you can forget that you've just stroked your friends cat or you've petted your dog and now you're off to eat your sandwich... see where I'm going with this... 5. Mini make up bag Little bit of another cheeky loop hole one.  Technically the mini make up bag will have other items in, but it depends on person to person.  For me I have a tiny make up bag for day to day that is purely to freshen up. As far as I'm concerned I have done my main make up before I leave the house, then I might touch up so I will have in there; 
Boots No7 - Tinted Moisterizer - I try not overload my face with foundation regardless of how spotty I am, this still give my skin a good coverage and can help freshen me up
Boots No7 - Pressed Powered -  Visit me at about 3pm and I'm going to be shiny.... I will always need powder!
Bourjois Mini Mascara -  I like to quickly touch up then having one of the space saving mini mascara is all you could ask for. Boujois also do other items in mini sizes such as lip gloss.
Body Shop Lipstick or Carmex lip balm -  This can depend on what I'm wearing, maybe I want color or maybe I don't, but I always keep my lips moist.  6. Keys Always a good shout if you want to get back in your home or your car!  I suggest attaching some fun keyring so you can locate your keys when routing through your bag at the front door! 7. Umbrella If you're a UK reader you will be with me on this.  I love huge umbrellas but for the handbag that's just not going to work.  I suggest trying to get a totes mini sized one that can expand,  with the small ones you do have to get a decent one as because it tres annoying when they turn inside out and don't keep you dry! 8. Notepad & Pen I always need to jot something down, whether it's because I need to purchase something or that I must drop something off etc.  I swear by having mine in my bag.  9. Medication Whether you need regular medication or not, I believe you should have basic bits with you... mainly paracetamol.  Perhaps cough sweets, or kalms maybe? I keep mine in the inner back pocket. 10. Emergency Food You may laugh but I honestly carry an emergency Babybel cheese in my handbag with me.  I don't know if I will be starving and feel shakey, and that tends to level me out until I seek some grub! You don't have to go for cheese but maybe something small and quick to consume. 
11. Phone  Whether you take it everywhere or not - most people will have one whether it taps dances or whatever.... we don't all live in the stone age, so this is essential.  12. Lady items Last but not least sanitary Towels or tampons... you never know when you might need them.  Best to be prepared.

Another bag from my collection!

 
There are my 12 key handbag items for anyone, you may or may not agree... but I believe you can survive with that 12 if you had to.  I admit sometimes I'll need more and maybe take my iPad with me but I don't always need it, so you will have items you'll need on various occassions but not all the time. 
What can't you live without?  Do you agree with my list? Questions, questions! 

On that note I need to organize my handbag for work tomorrow :o)

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