It’s been a while since I shared the contents of my handbag. It changes regularly depending on what I’m doing and the time of year. As summer is in full swing I have my new bag at the ready to grab quickly each morning. I thought it would be fun to talk you through a few of my current handbag essentials.
Firstly, let me tell you about my new backpack. Yes, you heard that right, I have a backpack. I’ve been toying with the idea of getting one for a while now and with a little help from the folk over at Octer I decided to take the plunge. I added a little money to a gift voucher they gave me and did some research through their site. I was able to compare the price of the bag on various websites and discover new shops easily through the site. It’s such a handy website and I even saved a little money by making my purchase through a shop I hadn’t originally considered.
As you can see from my photos, I went for a navy Longchamp Le Pliage backpack. It took me a while to decide between the baby blue version and this one. I went with navy because I thought it would be more versatile.
I’ve only been using it for a couple of weeks but already it’s my go to bag for days out. It’s much easier to carry than a shoulder bag and frees up my hands for my cameras. I love it. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t enjoy using a backpack, I avoided using them in school because they simply weren’t cool. I’ve been proved wrong. Not only is this back practical but it’s stylish, light and comfortable to wear.
There are many things I like about the Le Pliage backpack. Firstly, it folds up real small and can be popped within another handbag or suitcase for days when you’re travelling. It unfolds quickly and has strong straps which can be adjusted with ease. There’s also a secure zip on the bag along with a popper and flap. I’ve found that I can fit a lot of stuff into the backpack and it’s been particularly handy for day trips.
So, what’s inside my day bag at the mo? Let’s take a look.
I always carry my purse filled with all my cards and cash. I’m using a large coin purse at the mo because I don’t want to carry around anything too big. I’m using a very cute but old lemon shaped purse from Kate Spade but they have the awesome banana one in stock. Alongside my purse you’ll always find my phone in my bag for obvious reasons. I recently realised how much work I can get done using just my phone, that’s pretty cool. I keep my business cards within my phone case so that I’m always ready if I meet a potential client.
The cute little badger is a mirror from Sheffield based designer, The Owlery. Normally I’d keep hand sanitiser and tissues in my bag too but I’m due to stock up on them this week.
As I spend a lot of time on trains and travelling at the moment I like to keep my iPad in my bag. I use it for reading, work and researching new locations I’m in. I tend to keep my Anker in my bag too but it was on charge when I did this shoot.
Keeping with the tech theme, my ear phones are always in my bag. I like to listen to podcasts on the go and I’m currently enjoying Freakonomics and The Skinny Confidential Him & Her. I also carry around 2 cameras with me. One is my Canon 7D which hangs on my shoulder, not in my bag. The other is my Canon G16 which is my go to camera for shooting videos. The mini tripod is the Pixi Mini from Manfroto. It helps me to keep my camera still and comfortable when I’m filming.
In terms of make-up and skincare I keep it simple during the summer months. I’m using the Palmer’s lip balm which is hydrating, contains SPF 15 and smells lovely too. I also have a pot of Burt’s Bees cuticle cream and good old Hay Max. If you suffer from hay fever then give this stuff a try as a natural and organic barrier.
It’s easy to chuck a few lipsticks into your bag (please tell me I’m not alone with this) but I’ve managed to narrow it down to 2 products. One is my trusty Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillowtalk, it plumps my lips while giving me a good base to work with. I then pop Eva’s Nude from the L’Oreal Color Riche range on top.
Finally, I always like to keep a snack bar in my bag. Nakd bars are my current favourite, they’re perfect for when I get hungry or go to events where they don’t have any dairy free options.
Leave a comment below telling me what your handbag essentials are this summer.