Not long ago I had a purse that was filled with stuff that I didn't use but I stored items for the "in case I need it" moment which never came. You can read about it here. It was a hassle to constantly transfer stuff from one bag to the next if I wanted to change purses for every outfit change. As we have been decluttering our belongings, I decided I'd also downsize the contents of my purse just to keep things a bit more simple and ended up purging all but one purse in the process (read down below to see the other purse I use). Then I began looking for something that had a simple design, in a neutral color, and was compact. I was interested in a purse that would allow me to carry the essentials and nothing extra. First off, I had to decide what I deemed as my essentials, then I could determine the size of purse I needed. Secondly, I wanted something that would go with a lot of outfits, whether I was attending a wedding, or wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
INTRODUCING THE PARKER CROSSBODY BAG BY JCREW.
This is such a great mini bag and it comes in bright and classic shades. I purchased it for its size, its durability, and the fact that it's hands free! It is 6 3/8"H x 8"W x 1 3/4" D. It is totally worth the full price of $98 but I waited and waited, and purchased when it went on sale. To make it an even better deal, I received an additional discount at checkout. Including shipping, I spent about $50 on this sweet little bag. What a breath of fresh air to know exactly what is in my purse at all times and I'm no longer digging around searching for my keys or chapstick! Something I haven't yet tried is to change the length of the purse strap. It can be worn cross body but also over the shoulder. I haven't yet tried it over the shoulder and likely I won't, but thought I'd share the options with you.
Ok, so what do I keep in my bag?
PURSE CONTENTS:
POINT AND SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA
The white sunglasses bag is what I use to protect my camera from getting scratched. It doesn't move around in the purse so it is pretty secure. I actually have a hard camera case but it is quite large and doesn't fit in the purse.
The white sunglasses bag is what I use to protect my camera from getting scratched. It doesn't move around in the purse so it is pretty secure. I actually have a hard camera case but it is quite large and doesn't fit in the purse.
PORTLAND BEE BALM (flavor: Oregon Mint)
I love to support local companies (ok so Portland isn't exactly local, but it is a few hours away) and found it at Whole Foods. As a second choice, I also recommend Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.
I love to support local companies (ok so Portland isn't exactly local, but it is a few hours away) and found it at Whole Foods. As a second choice, I also recommend Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm.
WORK ID
Sorry about the blackout but I don't share where I work or my position to the public. Since most of my work is done out in the field, by myself, it is just something I try to protect.
Sorry about the blackout but I don't share where I work or my position to the public. Since most of my work is done out in the field, by myself, it is just something I try to protect.
KEYS
CLEAR ORGANIZER WALLET (color: Azalea)
This little gem of a wallet is from Tom Bihn made right here in the US, and it has worked great for me. The perfect little size and carries just what I need: my DL in the clear front panel, insurance cards, medical cards, cash, and even a set of work keys in the back! It also has suede dividers that help me get to what I need quickly.
This little gem of a wallet is from Tom Bihn made right here in the US, and it has worked great for me. The perfect little size and carries just what I need: my DL in the clear front panel, insurance cards, medical cards, cash, and even a set of work keys in the back! It also has suede dividers that help me get to what I need quickly.
PHONE
That's right, we downsized to flip phones! We don't text much as that is almost impossible now or at the very least time consuming, and we have limited about of minutes to use each month. We both really like the fact that we're not glued to the phone using social media and we're saving about $100 a month! And let me tell you, that money adds up quickly!
That's right, we downsized to flip phones! We don't text much as that is almost impossible now or at the very least time consuming, and we have limited about of minutes to use each month. We both really like the fact that we're not glued to the phone using social media and we're saving about $100 a month! And let me tell you, that money adds up quickly!
SUNGLASSES
Right now I'm wearing a pair of Oregon Duck sunglasses (from the Duck Store) that were actually my husbands. I go back and forth between those and another pair of duck sunglasses I own.
The ONLY downside to this purse is that it is about a half inch more narrow than my day planner, which is unfortunate. However, I just keep my day planner on my nightstand and look at it in the evenings so that I'm ready for the next day. No big deal.
On the rare occasion when I need to carry larger items, I'll use my Transport Tote (color: English Saddle) from Madewell. When I purchased this gem about two years ago, the love was instantaneous. It smells amazing and only gets better over time. If you would have told my 20 something year old self that I'd be in love with a plain tan leather tote I would have said you were crazy. I was completely into the latest design trends and sacrificed quality for quantity. But, look who's growing up. Ha! Now I'd rather spend money on quality and a simple, classic design and on something that will last for many years to come.
Tell me what is the one thing you couldn't miss in your purse! Thanks for reading, have a great day!
Comments
Post a Comment