If you’ve seen some of my bag posts, you might already know that I’ve been on the search for THEE PERFECT handbag for what seems like FOREVER. I’m never 100% satisfied with my handbag purchases because I get so close to finding one that’s PERFECT and then there’s something that always ruins it. The straps, the pockets, the lining, how it doesn’t fit all the stuff I have…you name it.
For a handbag, size is always important. I like a bag that can expand to hold all the crap I *need* to carry around. I’m sooo not the dainty bag kinda girl. Even if I don’t use all the items everyday, I don’t want to be without them. It’s my sense of security. Pockets are SUPER important in a bag. They can totally make or break the bag. A pretty lining is a big plus, but it’s cool if the lining is totally black. Two of my favorite bags aren’t my FAVORITES because they have a tan interior. I’m just not a tan person! I also have a bag that is super cute but it’s got a silky pink lining. Nope! So not me! Now that I’m a momma, I prefer a cross-body bag which means I’ve had to ditch a lot of my old standbys. I just don’t have the arm strength to carry a bag AND a 30lb.+ kid through a bizzy parking lot. It helps me feel more secure having my bag tucked to the side of my hip.
So here’s my new favorite bag and here’s what’s in it! I got it from Banana Republic in September. SEPTEMBER! I’ve been using it SINCE SEPTEMBER. This is a HUGE victory for me. I probably would have bought a bag or two in that time frame if it wasn’t for this perfect bag. I think the original price was somewhere in the $180 range, but I picked it up for $120 with an awesome online promo codes! I also got some cash back on my purchase with Ebates. My friend Regan totally got me hooked on that site! There might be some of you who think that $180 is not a lot to pay for a bag and there could be a few of you who think it’s too expensive. Guess what? I’m kind of a cheap ass. There are certain price points I feel guilty about and I felt totally nervous about this purchase until the bag arrived. As I’m getting older, I don’t have the time waste on things that don’t work. I want a bag that prevents me from buying MORE bags. When I think about how much I love it and how often I use it, it’s totally worth it. When the bag came in the mail, it came with a beautiful storage cover and all the hardware was perfectly wrapped in tissue paper, as not to scratch the bag. You get what you pay for! Quality over quantity.
And here’s my wallet. Sigh…
Yes. Proof I have a toddler. The day this Hobo International wallet arrived in the mail, Cooper took a blue sharpie and colored all over the front of it. I got most of it out, but not all of it. I understand why my parents got super upset when we ruined some of their things as kids. But…oh well! I smile every time I look at it. Silly kids.
Here’s what I keep in my bag. Advil is a must. Headaches suck. I’m a savior when other people have them! I always get the comment “Wow! You have EVERYTHING in your bag!” Toothpicks. Weird right? These ones are minty and I like to use one on my commute home. Don’t worry! I’m in the car by myself when I’m toothpicking. I guess it’s better than picking my nose in my car. Too much information? Sorry. I carry around a lot of lip stuff, but rarely remember to use it. At least I have it in a pinch! I always carry this Tocca Cleopatra solid perfume in my makeup bag. I love the way it smells. It’s like I’m walking into my happy place- Anthropologie! Instant mood adjustment!
Another reason why I need a big bag? I like to keep my journal with me. Even though I could use a dozen apps on my phone to keep myself organized, I still like to write stuff down. Grocery lists, TO DO lists & blog ideas/notes go into that journal. This cool journal came with my subscription to UPPERCASE magazine. It’s made with recycled pages from the magazine so there’s a lot of fun things to look at in there. Oh! These are my favorite pens! I can’t be without them. They complete me.
And one last necessity! My bag has a little ring that I can hang my keys off of. Because I’m always losing my keys in the bottom of my bags, I like to secure them off of the hook from my bag. I use what’s called a carabiner key chain. I also like to hang the keys off my pant loop if I don’t have my purse with me. You can always hear me coming, but I prefer that to being the chick who loses her keys every 5 minutes.
I’ve resisted the urge to buy a new bag for over 4 months now. Maybe I’ll get a new one to celebrate?!
Wait…just kidding.
