In the past, I’ve certainly carried everything but the kitchen sink as part of my everyday bag essentials. But not only did that get heavy, it’s also impractical.
The prompt for my Where Bloggers Live group was “what’s in my bag”, so come take a peek.
Quote of the day: “You have to work hard to discover how to work smart. You won’t know the best solutions until you’ve made nearly all the mistakes.” James Clear
While I’m in no way a minimalist in most parts of my life, my everyday bag essentials are truly ONLY the things I might need that fit in a small space. I like to think that I’m prepared without all of the bulk.
Besides, now that I change out my purse on a regular basis, my technique has made it much easier. In fact, it hasn’t evolved much since 2019 when I talked about a purse organizer.
Let’s just call it a purse capsule wardrobe.
Insider tip: One of my pet peeves is not being able to find something. We’ve all been there when you’re digging endlessly for your keys/lipstick, or whatever. It stopped happening since I’ve created my system.
If you are looking for more thoughts about purses like rules and hacks, I’ve shared that too.
But for now, let’s dig into my everyday bag essentials.
The Foundation: My Slim Open Wallet
Once I found this little wonder, I will never go back to the traditional wallet. In fact, I thought it was so helpful that I bought one for my mother.
It is truly my absolute favorite purse upgrade over the last years. The open design is compact, efficient, and dare I say, kind of genius.
Insider tip: MAKE IT EASY: you DO NOT need to carry around all of those reward cards and such anymore. So much of our world can be included on your phone. Stores either have an app, your rewards are linked to your phone number, OR you can save certain membership numbers as a note on your phone.
Everything I need is visible and easily accessible. I have my ID, credit cards, a little cash, and a few extra cards like my Triple A card, art membership card, and such.
No snapping, unzipping, or digging. And because it’s so streamlined, it doesn’t hog all the space in my bag. In fact, I love that I can transfer it easily to a smaller purse or even a belt bag when needed.
If you don’t appreciate the open detail for a wallet (like this or this), there are some that have a snap closure.
But remember, you might not realize how much you like/dislike something until you try it.
And if you already KNOW that this is the style for you, I found one that is whimsical and fun, but a bit more expensive.
The Tiny Powerhouse: My Small Essentials Bag
Now for the fun part—the bag within the bag! This is where my practical side shows up (along with my inner Girl Scout, always prepared). I carry a small zippered pouch that holds all my mini life-savers. It’s compact enough not to weigh me down, but it packs a punch. Here’s what lives inside:
1. Stain Remover Wipes
Let’s just say my husband is not the world’s neatest eater. My natural/nontoxic stain remover wipes are my secret weapon. I use them at home when I’m doing laundry, also, but since they are individually packaged, it’s incredibly convenient to keep a couple with me at all times.
2. Tape Measure
You might laugh, but this is one of my most-used items. Whether I’m at a boutique, garage sale, or anyplace, this little tape measure comes in handy. I love knowing if something will fit (me or my space) before I buy it.
Insider tip: If I’m looking for something in particular, I keep the dimensions of the space on my phone to refer to. For example, right now, I want to reorganize my scarf storage, and I have the dimensions of the cubes so I can find baskets to fit that area.
There are tape measures without a case like mine or with a case. That’s a personal preference. While I love the retractable detail, I’ve killed too many of them, so I carry a normal one in my purse.
3. Nail File
A snagged nail can drive me crazy—not to mention it can catch on clothing.
I keep a slim nail file in my essentials pouch so I can smooth things over quickly.
4. Lipstick
Because I believe in all-day lipstick, I only carry this as a habit. Many times, my mom will use it, or I might need the gloss part of it. But luckily, since I’ve found my 2 favorite all-day lipsticks that really stay put, I rarely need this anymore. Yet I’m still having trouble editing it from my essentials.
5. Pill Container
This little guy holds a couple of Advil, a Turmeric pain reliever, and a couple of migraine relief pills (generic Excedrin Migraine). It’s much sleeker than toting full bottles, and again, it’s all about staying prepared without being weighed down.
Insider deal: This pill box is under $5 and well worth it. It’s easy to open and keeps the pills from being crushed.
6. Band-Aids
Whether it’s a surprise blister from those “comfy” shoes or a cut from wrangling hangers at the thrift store, a couple of Band-Aids in your bag can save the day.
7. Floss
Let’s be real—no self-respecting dentist (retired or not) would be without floss. A little travel-sized floss could be considered the unsung hero of bag essentials.
I love that everything in this pouch has earned its spot by being genuinely useful. It’s not about having more—it’s about having the right things.
The Essentials That Travel Solo
In addition to my wallet and small pouch, there are a couple of other items that always make the cut—and they don’t even need their own bag.
1. My Phone
This one almost goes without saying, right? It’s my camera, calendar, notebook, entertainment center, and sometimes even my flashlight. The only reason it’s not in these photos is that I was using the camera.
2. A Pen
Old-school, I know—but necessary! I always carry a pen. Whether I’m jotting down a note, filling out a form, or the restaurant bill didn’t come with a pen, it is something I’m rarely without. Plus, not everyone carries one these days, so I get to be the hero in group situations when someone inevitably needs one.
My Purse Philosophy
Let’s be real—our purses change depending on the day, the outfit, or the outing. But my core setup stays consistent, and that’s what keeps me sane. Don’t you love the idea of calling it a purse capsule wardrobe?
And in case you are in the mood for some summer purses or totes, I found some fabulous options in the widget below.
Final Thoughts: What Are Your Everyday Bag Essentials?
I always love hearing what others carry. Isn’t it fascinating what we each consider essential? As our life and clothing style evolve, so should our everyday bag essentials. So, consider changing it up to make it better for you now.
My idea of everyday bag essentials is the things that really help you thrive each day. So make sure you don’t have ten thousand Kleenex filling up your purse (mom, I’m looking at you), and instead, find ways to contain the items you use so it’s easy to find things and stay organized.
May your purse be like you—stylish, full of surprises, and easy…in a good way.
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Where Bloggers Live
What is Where Bloggers Live? It’s kind of like HGTV’s “Celebrities at Home,” but…Bloggers! Who doesn’t like to peek behind the scenes and hear all about the personal backstories and interesting details? The best part of this group is that I learn something new from everyone’s different perspectives.
FYI, we don’t all post at the same time since we all have different schedules and live in different parts of the country.
Bettye at Fashion Schlub
Daenel at Living Outside the Stacks
Em at Dust and Doghair
Iris at Iris’ Original Ramblings
Jodie at Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After
Sally at Within a World of My Own
The Series
We’ve been doing this fun series for over 5 years now.
Want to explore some of the old prompts? Feel free to visit any that might strike your fancy.
Messy & Odd Side-by-Side Refrigerator Organization
My Money Mismanagement
Seasons of your Life
Better health when bored at night
Vacation-Palm Springs
Things I Can’t Live Without
Eco-Friendly Practices
Favorite post –Happy 5 Years
Bedtime Routine
3 Favorite Gifts
Detox your wardrobe
Date night ideas in Phoenix
Spring Cleaning-Laundry Style
180 Degree Journey
What’s In My Bag
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
