It's in the Bag

For my birthday, my mom got me an orange handbag from Cato that's not too much different from these $16 Cato styles. I felt that transferring all my stuff to a new bag was an ample time to get organized. I don't know about you, but the larger I go when it comes to purses, the more I seem to collect inside the bag.

Then, I spend lots of time churning through receipts, make-up and other loose items. (I felt bad after seeing the contents of a hip reporter's purse in Marie Claire. They asked her to dump it to show what she carries and hers was so neat!). If you can relate, maybe it's time for a purse makeover.

First, pick a pocket. What I love about the new bag is that it has the usual inner pockets (one zipped, two small unzipped ones), but it also has a pocket on each outer side that are the perfect size for cell phones or iPods.If I get into the habit of using certain pockets for certain devices, I'll never have to hunt for my ringing phone again.

Next, fill your purse with the necessities. Eliminate loose change with a change purse that is separate from your usual wallet. Also, find the flattest wallet possible, such as this black lace wallet from Target for $10. Flat wallets keep you from stuffing a lot in it, but it's also a space saver in your handbag.

 

Also, try using multipurpose products like eyeglasses wipes (also good for laptops and cell phone cleanings), the bracelet that turns into a purse hook that I found at OMG Styles for $25 and the 2 Love My Lips gloss that I read about in Marie Claire. It's dual purpose? This shiny lip gloss is £9.99 and can detect the date rape drug because it comes with test strips (cost is about $15 to us).

 

  

In addition to that fancy gloss, I like to  pack sample or gift-sized cosmetics in my bag. For example, I just got the free gift with cosmetic bag from Estée Lauder, so I use the lipstick and tiny mascara in my purse. I also pack Truvia, because I want to keep my diet low-cal, but I don't want to use fake sugar. Splenda, for example, has a high reputation for causing migraines, but most places make you choose between real sugar or the fake stuff that kills you.

 

Finally, I am trying to be better about how I treat my electronics. Generally, I just throw my iPod and my cell into my bag without a case. The problem with that is electronics are easily scratched, difficult to clean and pick up gunk very easily. I transferred my iPod wires (headphones, charger, car port/tuner) into one case and place the iPod Nano itself in a Liz Claiborne case. You can get the same one I have, but in pink (mine is white with multicolored letters) at Amazon for six bucks. I figure it's never too late to have organization in the bag.

Posted in: fashion,lip gloss,purse hook,purses,wallets