Field Notes: What's In My Bag
An old school look into my everyday bag and the things I always have by my side.
Welcome to the delightfully chaotic cinematic universe that is my everyday bag. Not to be confused with my work bag, my everyday bag is a meticulously curated treasure chest of essentials I always have on hand. From the practical must-haves to the luxurious necessities, the usual suspects and the unexpected game-changers and of course, an excessive number of lip products. The things we carry with us have different meanings for everyone and there’s something very intimate and fascinating about it all — peering into someone else’s bag gives us a unique insight into what they hold close and provides a small glimpse into their world. Of course, my bag is far less exciting than any of those featured in Vogue. But still, as I spilled my bag and carefully captured the contents for this post, I found myself wondering what all of these items say about me. I still don’t have an answer for that one (other than that I’m extremely basic and not nearly as intriguing as I like to believe) but regardless, it’s time to get nosy. Let’s dive in.
Programming Note: This post includes more goodness than an email can handle and will get cut off. Don’t miss a thing, read it here!
The following contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through those links. Thank you for your support.
The Bag: Woven Leather Heaven
In Full Bloom
There’s just something endlessly alluring and timeless about a woven leather tote. And as soon as the first, faint whispers of spring grow into a chorus of vibrant blooms, pastel hues and balmy afternoons — I grab my latest woven treasure. While it’s impossible to do justice to the quality of the handwoven craftsmanship, stunning textural details and unique quirks that make this bag my absolute favorite, hopefully these photos give you an idea of the size and overall vibe. However, the leather is much darker in person and more similar to the photos online than those in this post.
While I could spend all day talking about all the reasons why I love this bag, I’m particularly captivated with the unlined weaving and its perfect size. Although the unlined nature of the bag limits what I can carry in it, I truly think it emphasized the beauty of the handwoven leather and really makes the bag standout from other similar styles. And honestly, I love that I can’t really carry my laptop with me — I don’t need to be available at every moment of the day (a lesson I’m slowly learning). It also keeps me from tossing everything I own and could potentially need in the bag, which always ends up happening with my other totes. Plus, this particular model is truly the perfect size for what I need on a day to day basis. It allows me to easily fit everything I need and still have plenty of room for the various treasures I collect on my adventures. A few similar bags I really like include this, this (a little smaller), this and this (more expensive but on my list).
For reference, my bag is roughly 9.5in in height, 16.5in in length, the depth is 5.5in and handle drop is about 6.25in.
Also, please note that I decided to redact some of the more personal effects in my bag from this post (which may be why this doesn’t feel super exciting). While it may seem obvious, some of the things we carry are too precious, too perfect, too hard to share with others. For me, some of those things include photos of loved ones young and old, medication, a love letter and other reminders of the people I love most and carry with me through every tragedy and triumph.
Don’t forget to click the 🤍 button before you go!
What’s Inside: Let’s Get Nosy
The Pouch System: A Practical Lifestyle
I know what you’re thinking: this looks remarkable curated and tidy for someone who promised a “chaotic” look inside their everyday bag. Though personally, I would argue that having ten lip products in a bag that’s intended to carry only “the essentials” is rather chaotic. However, the only reason I’m able to keep things organized is because of my pouch system — which means that I store everything I need in pouches (very original, I know). Because I’m always moving my things between my everyday bag and my work bag, my pouch system helps keep things organized so I’m less likely to forget or misplace something and it makes my life a lot easier. I even have more pouches in my work bag for work-related things.
And while I’ve had several (hundred) pouches over the years, these two are my absolute favorite and the quality is simply unmatched. The monogrammed pouch on the left is called the “Mini Zipper Pouch” (mine is black) and the one above it is called the “Small Zipper Pouch” (mine is dark olive). And although you can’t see it here, both have a very durable zipper with a slim interior pocket and the pebbled leather is far more elegant and elevated than my photos would lead you to believe. They’re the perfect sizes for all my bits and bobs and between the two, I’m able to fit everything I need without feeling like I need more room or like anything will get lost in the shuffle. Plus, they fit into the broader system the brand is known for (and I could write a whole post on that). Basically, I cannot recommend these pouches enough.
Also Featured:
While I would have redacted my keys for obvious reasons, I opted to include them so I could talk about my Birdie. Though it seems that Birdie has upgraded their offerings since I originally purchased mine, a Birdie is essentially a small but insanely loud and bright personal safety device that you can pull if you ever feel unsafe. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally set it off (you have to properly pull the attachment), and it easily clips on to your keychain or bag. I always feel safer knowing I have my Birdie with me whether it be on long runs, at night or just in general. No, this is not an ad and I don’t make a dime off that link — I just really think you should consider getting one (or two!) for yourself. I’ve given them as gifts and always encourage anyone who will listen to buy one.
I’m one of those people who is always freezing (even in the summer) so I carry either a cashmere sweater or a cashmere wrap with me at all times. Whether you toss your sweater over your shoulders like a junior wandering the halls at Choate or reluctantly use it to cover the top you’ve been waiting to wear for months but the weather had other plans — it’s always the perfect occasion for an effortless, lightweight cashmere sweater or wrap.
Although I admittedly purchased The Mini Bottle for its undeniable aesthetic value, I actually use it all the time. The Mini Bottle is only seventeen-ounces which makes it the ideal size to toss in my bag when I’m in the office or on the go. The handle makes it easy to carry between meetings and appointments, and it’s far more chic than any other water bottle I own.
— Nat Note: The Mini Bottle is limited edition and is still in stock at the time of publication but don’t miss your chance because once it’s gone, it’s gone!I carry my journal with me everywhere and if it’s not in my bag, it’s next to me on the couch, in bed, on my desk, on a nearby table, etc. and I feel lost without it. Most pages are covered in doodles, to do lists I made and instantly forgot about, quotes and other things to remember (that I never do). And while I could talk all day about how much I love this specific journal (it’s green! my favorite color!) but I bought it at a boutique stationary store where I live and it only says: “Handmade in Italy.” Sorry!
Just the Essentials
While the Mini Zipper Pouch can fit much more than what’s pictured here, this is what I have in mine:
I’m super specific about the pens I use, and my favorite is Pentel’s EnerGel Deluxe RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen Ultra Micro Point 0.3mm. While I was a diehard Muji fan all throughout college and beyond, I made the switch several years ago and I like them SO much better. During this “bag spill” exercise, I realized I have three in my everyday bag and I would bet I have closer to fifteen in my work bag. You can get a pack of ten on Amazon and trust me, they are worth a go.
It should surprise absolutely no one that all the hair care in my bag is from Crown Affair. Their silk scrunchies are amazing and and if you know me, you know I live by The Clips — so it only makes sense that I have three of each in my bag. As soon as I heard
say “always be combing,” I promptly decided that combing my hair is a lifestyle and bought The Comb No. 002, which I now take with me everywhere. While I also love The Comb No. 001, I primarily use that after I shower and it lives on my vanity (I know, you would think it would be the other way around but it’s just my personal preference).I’ve learned that a glass nail file is infinitely superior to the ones you can buy in bulk at the drugstore, and I always carry one with me. I also like to have a really great hand lotion (or a few) in my bag and this one smells amazing (save w/ myskinterest). And apparently, I’m a fancy hand sanitizer person now.
I have an excessive number of lip products in my bag and these are only the beginning but I love each and every one of them. While pricey, this is easily my most chic lip gloss and I’ve already discussed how much I adore it. I just repurchased what I think is my favorite lip gloss ever (specifically in the shade shown above). Whenever I want a slightly plumping gloss, I automatically reach for this perfect glossy balm (save w/ myskinterest). And of course, I always carry some of my favorite lip treatments. I probably have about twenty-eight of these around my house and this one is pricy but worth every penny in my book (save w/ myskinterest).
This perfume oil completely changed my feelings on this fragrance and I cannot say enough about how intoxicating it is as an oil specifically. For me, a perfume oil feels like a more intimate way of interacting with a fragrance because it has the ability to last on my skin for days (literally) and I can place it just where I want it, adding to the allure. Plus, the scent doesn’t really travel like a spray; instead, it lingers closely on your skin and makes it easy to reapply in public without making a scene.
While I carry more makeup in my other pouch, this stick concealer is my absolute favorite for touch ups throughout the day (save w/ myskinterest15). It blends beautifully with the warmth from my fingertips and never looks cakey or dry. I have one in my makeup bag and one in my pouches, and I’ll repurchase it as soon as I use one up. — save w/ myskinterest15
And then, of course, there are the more practical items: bandaids of varying sizes, an extra pair of contacts, a tampon, a phone charger and Advil.
A Few Necessities
Like the Mini, the Small Zipper Pouch can fit so, so much more than what’s pictured here, this is what I have in mine:
While the chaotic number of lip products continues, each one is uniquely perfect and essential. In addition to the lip gloss that was at the bottom of my bag, I also carry around this stunning Chanel lip stick in the shade Easy. The formula is more balmy than some of the brand’s other lip products and I cannot put into words how utterly perfect this shade is (it’s sold out at many retailers but I found it in stock here). I also have my all time favorite lip treatment and two lip liners: one that’s universally flattering and one that’s particularly special because it’s my exact lip color (save w/ myskinterest20).
I never leave the house without bringing some of my makeup essentials and holy grails with me (along with a few products not pictured because they fell on the ground, we’ll get to those). I always have my holy grail skin tint on hand and while it seems kind of silly, I often leave with just sunscreen so I use this whenever I want to add a little coverage later in the day. I also have my favorite foundation stick for touch ups that require a little more attention than what I use the concealer stick mentioned above for. It’s the best for dry and mature skin, and it blends perfectly with my fingers. Of course, my favorite powder / all over skin enhancer is always in my bag, and I know you’re tired of hearing me talk about it but I literally haven’t touched another powder since I bought this magical miracle. Finally, this all over balm is a must have and can turn any dry spot into a hydrated oasis with just one dab. And the products that fell off the table when I was taking this photo (whoops) include this eyeliner that is the most perfect shade and really makes my lash line look more dense and a mini of this face mist, which is a fan-favorite for a reason (save w/ myskinterest).
You can never have enough hand cream. And this is easily my favorite hand cream and the best to carry with you on the go (save w/ myskinterest). As someone with chronically dry hands, I love how quickly it absorbs and how effectively it moisturizers throughout the day. I also have the Skin Utility Ointment with me at all times because I use it on my hands, lips, random dry spots and basically everywhere all of the time. It’s truly perfection.
There’s a few “random” things in here as well that are absolutely crucial to have by my side. As someone with skin akin to an arid climate, a great face mist is a must — and I’ve gone through more bottles of this than I can count (save w/ myskinterest). The mist is so incredibly fine and leaves my skin feeling happily hydrated without disrupting my makeup or sunscreen. While I won’t rehash the hair care products discussed above, I also carry a mini of my favorite hair oil with me to help tame and hydrate my hair throughout the day. I was also given a crystal from a loved one during a particularly hard time, and while I’m not a crystal person and have no idea what this one represents, it means something to me that is greater than whatever it’s supposed to stand for.
I’m a very serious sunscreen user (as we all should be) and along with the sunscreen at the bottom of my bag, I also carry my holy grail face sunscreen with me everywhere. While I try to avoid the sun at any and all costs, I still make sure to reapply whenever possible. If I’m wearing makeup, I reapply with the mist — which isn’t the best method by any means but I’m also not spending a lot of time outdoors without additional sun protection. When I’m not wearing makeup, I always reapply the lotion all over my face and neck as well as my hands. Once the UV index gets a bit higher during the day, I’ll also throw in a body sunscreen and a sunscreen stick in my bag.
— Nat Note: Should I do a post on my favorite sunscreens?While I used to carry a massive wallet, I realized I really only need the essentials and can do without carrying five hundred coins. This card holder was a bestseller on my holiday gift guides and I personally gifted it to several loved ones. I love the bright red color, the option to personalize it (and have fun with it!) and the quality is fabulous — particularly for the price.
I’m well aware that I have a ridiculous number of Apple headphones in my bag; however, each serve a unique purpose. While I use my AirPods most often, I need the other two headphones for work and nothing is ever simple when it comes to plugs these days. So, I always have them just in case.
What are some of the staples in your everyday bag?
Was there anything in my bag that surprised you, caught your eye or left you wanting more details? What essentials do you have that you think I need to add to my bag?!
Until next time, follow along on Instagram and browse all of my favorite things. myMusings is a labor of love but it is labor. Don’t forget to click the 🤍 before you go! Thank you for being here. Talk soon.
myMusings is meticulously curated newsletter about skincare, beauty and everything in-between. If you haven’t yet, subscribe here and consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Love love this! Yes to a sunscreen post
I always love posts like this! So fun to see how everyone says organized. One of my gotos is a portable iPhone charger, I seem to always be low on battery.