https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 17:03:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367261 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:17:24 +0000 Lisa 2367261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The colors on those Kipling bags are gorgeous. I have also enjoyed a lighter material bag and own quite a few of the these Tumi crossbodies for daily use. I still adore my larger sized leather bags, but I don't use them as often because the crossbody is just so easy.</p> <p>Because I prefer not to carry a lot and the crossbody bags that I prefer are smaller in size the daily items in my bag are:<br />wallet<br />keys<br />chapstick<br />hair tie<br />sunglasses<br />pen</p> <p>The nice thing is, when I do switch to a larger bag, there's so much room in it, because I don't carry much. The only major change I will make is adding the case for the sunglasses.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367157 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:40:40 +0000 Anonymous 2367157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to carry what you did then the laws changed I needed to carry bags for purchases. To keep them light, I get nylon bags. They take up space but nut much weight. Especially as they are almost always in use. I usually carry one or go directly to the car. I carry a heavier load in summer by adding a sweater for excessive air conditioning and sometimes a book. Or towel to sit on with heated up leather car seats that burn legs in summer. The dealers think everyone wants black! It heats up the most and can not take shorts or a skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367147 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 21:38:31 +0000 Angie 2367147@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>April</b>, keeping the right pair of specs in the car for driving only - works well too ;)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367117 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:02:06 +0000 April 2367117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jaime</b> they do indeed! I won't quibble with the fact that they're actually gorillas, which are not monkeys, because they're adorable.</p> <p>I note with interest that while I have a small collection of their "monkeys" in a drawer (I always removed them due to the extra weight) the bags I got recently all had very lightweight fuzzy monkeys! Removable or not, per the wearer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367111 Sun, 04 Aug 2024 00:44:31 +0000 Jaime 2367111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My main question is do the Kiplings still come with the monkey charms ? I usually wear a crossbody as I need to be hands free and have a set amount of things that go in it. It is usually the bag itself that is the problem for me, and those bags are quickly demoted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367091 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:36:54 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2367091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>What a great system, April. Thanks for sharing it. Definitely a light-bulb moment for me on the necessary coins to have on hand!</div><div>I have pared down but am not so systematic. I tend to leave tissues in the bags I empty and sometimes I don't bother removing a lipstick tube, because it's not the one I'm going to wear today. So I end up hunting through bags for a certain lipstick tube. And tissues are the likely item to escape when I pull something else out of a bag in public.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Pre-menopause, I remember I had an unspecific number of tampons in each bag; I probably had a couple of boxes' worth just hanging around in various bags (gym bag, tote bag, briefcase, purses) for years--just in case, you know. Haha! <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367090 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 14:07:04 +0000 Anonymous 2367090@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I change my bag often so it stays pretty cleaned out. You have inspired me to do more of it daily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367052 Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:53:51 +0000 April 2367052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Angie&nbsp;</b>I have to figure out the spec thing. I have one pair of Rx sunglasses and then my Rx non-sunnies. No room in my small bags for the second pair, so "the other one" tends to stay in my car.</p> <p><b>Carol&nbsp;</b>yes, Marie Kondo does that. Where I learned the cash thing was from Suze Orman's book on women and money. She said because our history with access to money is relatively short, we have to learn to respect our cash. Her recommendation was, at the end of every day, always to know exactly how much cash is in your bag down to the coins, and to make sure the bills were tidy: facing in the same direction, like denominations together, and so on. I do find that starts me off the next day in a better frame of mind - I always know if I have to hit the ATM or not, and now I always know my coin situation.</p> <p><b>Peri&nbsp;</b>I like Kipling bags because their motto is "live light" so they're always made of very light, recycled (nylon? something ripstop).</p> <p><b>JAileen</b> for me it's Walgreen's, only because it's easier to park and is right on the way between house and apartment. I set up my account so the receipts get emailed to me (none of those dreaded looooong strips) but there is always a time sensitive coupon for $5 or $7 or 10% off. I was generally letting these expire but it's time to start using them.</p> <p><b>doggehlover</b>&nbsp;I can picture what you're describing but don't know of one off the top of my head. My own is a tiny, slim card case with one very tight zipper pocket, where my coupons now live. I just realized I have a mini-library card on my keyring, so I do not need the larger one in my wallet. It's going out of there right now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2367003 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 16:32:30 +0000 JAileen 2367003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>cjh - I haven’t had any issues with the ID pocket. &nbsp;It has a separate cloth pocket, so maybe that’s why. &nbsp;I miss my Mr Skunky wallet when we’re on a trip.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366987 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:28:53 +0000 April 2366987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just 2 Kipling pics for now - still racing today but promise to address comments at some point.</p> <p>First up is the color assortment I recently got on sale. Second pic is the newly-pared contents. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366979 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:43:46 +0000 ChristelJ 2366979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So satisfying to read about this. My bag is one of the few areas of my life that is consistently organized. Putting things like keys, lip balm, tissues in small transferable pouches was a game changer. Loose change goes into little bowls on my dresser every night. </p> <p>April, thanks for the reminder about coupons; mine rarely make it into my bag. I wish for you to have the organized bag of your dreams. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366978 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:43:14 +0000 Roberta 2366978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worked really hard at this, having had shoulder and neck trouble for years. Right now my bag holds:<br /> Slim wallet- two credit cards, a couple of bills, driver's license.<br /> A folding pocket mirror/brush<br /> Teeny tiny ibuprofen container<br /> Travel sized lip pencil and Dr. Lipp lanolin<br /> Clip on sunglasses (classy!)<br /> Lens wipe and dental picks<br /> Inhaler</p> <p>Phone and keys are often in my pockets! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366975 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 12:27:01 +0000 cjh 2366975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun to read everyone’s bag contents. I tend to the same sort of paring down, usually only taking wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, lipstick or chapstick and a tissue or hankie. That all fits into a little belt bag or other type worn crossbody, but I keep a larger purse stocked as well. That one has two zip bags, one with pens, notepad, and I can put handouts, flyers, or coupons in for neatness. The other zip bag has mini versions of dental floss, mirror, lotion, small tin for Advil and Abreva, bandaids, extra tissues, etc. So if I’m going to be gone all day, I just put that bag in the car, too and have access to all my stuff.</p> <p>I recently bought a small, flat zip wallet, intending to switch, but the outside ID pocket put me off. <b>Jaileen</b>, do you have trouble keeping your ID in that outside pocket in your photo 3? Also, I so love my traditional leather purple wallet that I think I’d miss it, even though it’s not very flat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366969 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:45:57 +0000 Suntiger 2366969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha about the tomatoes- I'd do that!<br /> I try to keep my bags managable, but fail most of the time. I really should take out all the extra junk each night (receipts, random papers, stuff I bought or was given that day, work brochures/swag, stuff for mom or FIL) especially when I use a big tote. </p> <p>When buying bags, I really need to be pickier about sizes. Some of mine are so big or tall that it's hard to find stuff, others too small to be useful. </p> <p>A lot of the things people keep in purses, like brushes, first aid kits, and reusable silverware/straws I keep in my car. So- the car gets unmanagable too :/ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366968 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:32:20 +0000 Sisi 2366968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A lightweight, minimal bag is in my dreams. Not arrived there yet. :)<br />Thank you April for this post - I will follow with interest.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366965 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 11:13:02 +0000 Janet 2366965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started trying to consciously lighten my load a few years ago when my physical therapist got on me about carrying heavy bags and camera gear.</p> <p>Since then, I have definitely factored weight into any bag purchases, and try not to overload when I carry a larger bag. I have also gravitated towards cross bodies and backpacks — the Bao Bao is brilliant for me because of weight, versatility, and style, and I use it probably 80% of the time.</p> <p>My bag always contains: wallet, phone, keys, two eyeglass cases (sunglasses and regular prescription glasses), phone, and a catch-all pouch that holds lipstick and balm, tissues, mirror, comb, eyeglass repair kit, wet wipes, nail file, and gum. I also sometimes carry my earbuds in a little case, and my business cards, sometimes a phone charger as well. The whole thing takes only a few seconds to transfer from one bag to another, if I wish, and is pretty minimal weight-wise.</p> <p>But some days I want to carry my little umbrella, a water bottle, a book…and you see where it can start getting heavy!</p> <p>I don’t bother with a change purse in my bag anymore — I do keep one in my car for parking meters, but these days most of those have shifted to pay by app or credit card! I am pretty diligent about cleaning random stuff like receipts and gum wrappers out of my bag every day or so — but I’m kinda a neat freak. I like my car to be clean inside too! </p> <p>Pic is the bag I carried yesterday and exactly what was in it this morning. The little pug case is business cards, loyalty and gift cards, library card, and my Square for processing credit card payments in my studio. I don’t carry it every day — it’s something I can leave out when I’m going more minimal.</p> <p>Good work on streamlining your burden! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366962 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:55:52 +0000 April 2366962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Must run this morning but will be back to address each reply!</p> <p>Go, Team Lighter Bags, go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366919 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:06:08 +0000 Suz 2366919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a thing, right? Keeping the bag as light as possible!&nbsp;</p> <p>My daily bag contains:&nbsp;</p> <p>My teeny tiny card-case wallet (that has room for a few bills).<br />My pencil case sized "makeup" bag -- lipstick, sunscreen stick, concealer.&nbsp;<br />My sunglasses case<br />Tissues<br />A mask<br />Keys<br />Phone</p> <p>And sometimes -- my mini-phone charger. But that is heavy. So it does not always come along.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366911 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:29:27 +0000 doggeh lover 2366911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My friend told me about a handbag she had in the past with built in slots for credit cards, zipper compartment for coins and a wider one for folded bills (paper money). Has anyone seen one like that? And if so please include a brand/link if possible. Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366910 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:19:12 +0000 JAileen 2366910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I have lots of bags, but for day to day I only use cross-bodies. &nbsp;#1 shows what I normally carry: phone, wallet, sunglasses, notebook, keys, mask (although hardly used anymore) and small zip bag with emory board, nail clipper, lip balm, bandaids, Advil, etc. &nbsp;I always keep a piece of kleenex in my pocket. &nbsp;I have a Kipling bag in pink that I really like, and I also have a couple of Timbuk2 extra small messenger bags (#2). &nbsp;It looks like they have discontinued these Lightweight Flight bags. &nbsp;In our trip to Arkansas I took one to the opera performances and carried my linen jacket in it until I needed it. &nbsp;The drawback is the loud ripping sound when you open it. &nbsp;Most of the time that’s not a problem, but at the opera…. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b></b><br /></div>When we go on a birding trip I really pare down: extra small travel wallet, phone, and lip balm (#3) fits in a waist pack (#4). &nbsp;With my binoculars and camera, I just can’t have any more straps on my shoulders, and a backpack is often too warm. &nbsp;So a waist pack it is. &nbsp;The pictured one is very small.<div><br /></div><div>Re wallets (#5): &nbsp;My travel wallet just holds a drivers license, a couple credit cards, health card, lens wipe, and a bit of folding money, no coins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Re drug store coupons: &nbsp;I assume you mean CVS. &nbsp;During the pandemic the joke was you were supposed to stand a receipt’s length apart. &nbsp;Once, I got a coupon for a free candy bar!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366908 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:06:22 +0000 Peri 2366908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds wonderful! </p> <p>I'd also have to add sunglasses, reading glasses, my own handsoap and sanitizer (allergic contact dermatitis) and some meds, but I also aspire to lightweight. What I most often get dinged on is the bag itself. The one I'm currently using is great for organizing and looks really nice (a pretty blue color Radley London. Well, I hope I got that name right, I really am not a bag connoisseur.) The problem is it is firmer leather and bulkier than I'd like, so not perfect.</p> <p>Can you share what crossbodies you like?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366892 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:24:19 +0000 Carol 2366892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know that's big style advice for men--keep your wallet thin. The most stylish kid I knew in college had a paper thin billfold.</p> <p>I think it is also advice for women--keep your purse understuffed. I could do with a good examination of my own purse. I do carry a tote bag along with my purse nearly every day--this is because I work at a health food store and often bring groceries home.</p> <p>You probably will find your purse easier to deal with when cleared out every day. Marie Kondo does just that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366889 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:07:49 +0000 Angie 2366889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applause*</p> <p>You are doing so well, <b>April! </b>Good job figuring that out.<b> </b></p> <b></p> <p> </b> <p>I carry exactly what you do in your essentials list. PLUS my other specs which are a different prescription. I find it makes a huge difference keeping my shoulders happy. HIGH FIVE.&nbsp;</p> <p>Crossbody always to have Sam and Jo in each hand :)&nbsp;<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cheerleading-for-ylfers-craving-an-organized-handbag-long#post-2366880 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:03:09 +0000 April 2366880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Many of you already know I rely on crossbodies to keep my hands free on crutch(es), but I struggle to keep these bags light enough to last a full day without shoulder pain. Wallet, phone, keys, tissues, mask, lipstick, dog bags, cash including coins plus whatever random crap I stuff in there "for now". Example: yesterday I got a passport photo taken as the post office. During downtime, I fumbled around in the bag just to use the time to clear it out. Came upon 2 items at the bottom that felt like small stress balls, which I know I do not carry. What were they - ripe cherry tomatoes from my garden that I had placed there because my harvest basket was not to hand.&nbsp;</p> <p>I recently took advantage of a big sale at Kipling to add some colors to my collection, and now am developing a disciplined system for keeping the weight low.</p> <p>A new favorite steel-blue and black Kipling Chilly Up had recently become a heavy catchall, so here's what I did. </p> <p>1. I use a small coin purse borrowed from another bag but I tend to dump change in there and never use it because digging through it at cash register is slow (ICYMI, multiple cc hackings have led me to pay more cash around town.) I realized in the US, one never needs to have more than 4 pennies, a nickel, couple dimes, and three quarters to cover any situation. Created a change jar for apartment and removed every other coin. My commitment is to take 10 seconds per night and set the little purse back to minimal.</p> <p>2. Removed every other item and replaced with only these essentials:<br />   a. wallet<br />   b. phone<br />   c. keys<br />   d. tissues<br />   e. 1 clean mask<br />   f. 1 dog waste bag<br />   g. 1 lipstick du jour<br />   h. cash: the coin purse described above, plus the Chilly Air has 2    front pouches that hold bills: large bills neatly folded in size order&nbsp;<br />   on left, 1s and 5s neatly on right.<br />   i. I am lazy about coupons so we have been wasting a lot of<br />   drug chain cash back and can/bottle redemptions. These got    neatly&nbsp;folded inside the one interior zipper compartment.</p> <p><b>Prior typical scenarios</b>: on a windy street downtown, I open my bag and cash bursts out while my son runs after the paper, scolding. Or I stand at checkout counter digging for exact change and delaying the shoppers after me, the clerk, and myself.</p> <p><b>Aspirational future scenario</b>: whatever the setting, I open my bag and reach inside without even needing to look, because I know exactly what's inside at all times and can deftly find it and remove without creating a bursting-out onto the floor of other items.</p> <p>I'll let you know if I become that person, and I hope you are inspired to join me! Keep us posted. :)</p>