What’s in your purse? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

What’s in your purse?

Anonymous

If you live in the States, you have seen the Jennifer Garner Capital One commercial “what’s in your wallet?” But I wonder what’s in your purse.

I visit my daughter who carries a purse big enough for her phone one credit card and a tube of gloss.
Me on the other hand- I have a purse that speaks to the saying “ if a thug wants your purse, let him have it- he deserves a hernia “ and I could probably live off my purse if stranded on an island. I think it’s a holdover from being a mom and doing the whole traveling circus show. I could list 100 things that are currently in it.

Maybe if I get a concensus I could shop for cute purses instead of “luggage & totes”. So... what’s in your purse.

General

39 replies

Latest reply was from

RobinF

Veteran

I like small purses, whenever I have a larger purse stuff just gets lost in it. I usually have my wallet, reading glasses, chapstick and phone. I think that's about it. Of course a small purse fills up fast so I have to be good about cleaning it out.

Aurore

Veteran

I like to change purses very often, and have differently-sized ones.
A minima, I carry my wallet, keys, phone, mini swiss knife, ibuprofen, tissues, chapstick, oil-control blotting papers and a pen - and my smallest bag is full.
When, like today, I carry a larger one, I add a small "just-in-case" pouch I keep ready and move from bag to bag (with mini first-aid kit, mini sewing kit and external phone charger), hand cream and foundation.

I'm probably an overpacker.

Anonymous

Wallet, phone, lipstick/gloss , mirrored powder compact, kleenex, business cards, pen, notebook, Tic Tacs.

SarahD8

Veteran

Wallet, cell phone, keys, sunnies, a pen, a million crumpled receipts, and every chapstick/lippie I own....

Anonymous

I own bags in every size. And I do mean every size!!!

I always carry my wallet, cell phone, keys, and lipstick. When I carry a bigger bag, I add in multiple assorted lipsticks/mirror; hundreds of pens and notepad; medications like aspirin and tylenol; snacks; water. My larger bags also allow for a computer and file folders.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I don't keep a lot in my bag (unless I'm travelling). Can't stand the weight:

small wallet, tissues, lippie, keys, phone and sometimes sunnies case.

LaPed

Veteran

During the week, I usually end up carrying a larger tote that can fit a laptop, books, and a water bottle. But I like to carry a smaller bag whenever I can get away with it: phone, minimalist wallet, lip balm, keys (house and car).

I'm thinking I might upgrade to a larger crossbody that can fit my sunglasses. I am apparently developing a reputation among some of my friends for always having my sunnies on top of my head...

Runcarla

Veteran

Wallet, phone, change purse, day timer, pen and notebook, tissues, lippy, keys. I'll often have a book, if I'm going somewhere I migh have to wait.

I'm newly retired (very newly) - and previously would always carry my lunch (in a small padded lunch case), a small file with my train tickets for the week, a book, and sometimes my IPad.

I'm giving my LePliage Neo and Fossil tote a break and using a new Harvey's Seatbelt bag. These are all light weight bags.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Ginger

Veteran

I like a small bag, but there are a number of things I really need to have with me. And a few bulkier things like my sunglasses. So that keeps me in the medium-sized camp. This Patricia Nash is currently my big variety.

Wallet (medium sized), keys, coin purse, small phone, sunglasses, glasses. Badges on lanyard for work. Small pouch with the day's lipstick, small thin mirror, essential oil roller for headaches, peppermint oil beads for singing, v. small tube of lotion (restroom soap is very drying). Two styles of hairclip, a few safety pins and bobby pins. Case of Bible memory cards. Large pill case, a couple bandaids. Often but not always my Kindle.

Long list, very few things heavy, most small. This is a good minimum for me. If I omit any of it I usually regret it. But for costume or other special events I can use just my card case, phone, keys, lip color and pill case. That will fit in a good pocket or clutch.

Patricia Nash Heritage Collection London Saddle Bag

View Info

Top Pick

3

Synne

Veteran

I have almost eliminated the need for a purse, but have to add it back in as a style accessory, lol. When I was younger I would walk around with a water bottle and some healthy snacks constantly. But then I learned it wasn't all that healthy after all (BPA leaking into the water, no need for constant snacking if I eat a hearty breakfast). I only need to carry my card holder and mobile phone, if that. But as mentioned earlier, a handbag is a great accessory, so I'm wearing it anyway.

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I prefer a small bag but also have a bigger tote on those work days when it's raining and I have to carry my gym clothes and shoes with me.

What's in my purse/bag? 2 smart phones (work and personal), wallet, keys, lipstick, powder, and a hair brush. Not a lot but still can weigh down a bag.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I've tried to be that minimalist person who carries a tiny purse. But when I do, it ends up being accompanied by the big backpack that I use for dance and classes.

My purse usually has:

A tiny card holder for credit cards, etc. (I try to cull this periodically, and I've added my store cards to my phone). A small change purse. Cash in a money clip.

A pick-style comb, and 2-3 hair elastics (these things seem to multiply). At least 3-4 lip products, despite my attempts to only keep one or two lip things in my bag. Dental floss.

Tiny bottle of hand lotion.

My gym key & lanyard.
Tissues. Spare contact lense case with lens solution inside. A small bottle with advil and benadryl. A small pen. iPhone.

iPod.

Headphones.

Sunglasses and/or eyeglasses and/or readers.

Keys.

In any given week, I use all of these things, so... I dunno. I don't really have a solution, unless I kept this stuff in my car. But then I would be running back and forth to my car.

Anonymous

“Mugger deserves a hernia!” Lol!

Not much goes into my purse. I like to swap purses so it encourages minimalism.

I’m never without Advil, lol!

Thistle

Veteran

Fruit snacks. Always have a spare one of those in there!

Wallet. Phone. Keys. Migraine medicine. Advil. Pen. Sticky notepad. Err, feminine products.

JAileen

Veteran

In my bag: wallet, phone, sunglasses, reading glasses, keys, misc items, checkbook and pen. I only write one check a week, so I should leave it out.

The misc items: hand lotion, lipstick, floss, nail clippers, advil, emory board, band aids, pepto.

I usually have a piece of kleenex in my pocket unless I have a cold or am having allergy issues.

My wallet is too big for many bags. When we travel I downsize to a very small zipper bag that holds some cash, ID, and a credit card.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

rachylou

Veteran

I carry wallet, cell, pencil case with my glucometer and insulin pen, and a mini coke.

I also have a Target purse that I have turned into a waist pack: It has doggie bags, flashlight, and the leash hooked onto the strap. And another mini coke

kkards

Veteran

I'm waiting for the day when i can go out with just my phone and sunglasses! until then, I also carry a wallet and keys....if I'm feeling like I have a cold or my allergies are bothering me, tissues....during the week, I put my handbag into a fashion backpack that carries my lunch, company ID, shoes if needed, and laptop on days i need to work from home....

anchie

Veteran

I have all the things that most of you already listed - phone, wallet, keys, ibuprofen, lipbalm, hand cream, floss, pen and sunglasses. And one thing very important to me that no one mentioned - reusable shopping bag
There are also items that are not there permanently but on as needed basis - like glowes, umbrella and feminine products.

rachylou

Veteran

I have to add, to be honest, I don’t really need a purse. I can put my gear in pockets. I’ve been making an effort lately, tho.

Style Fan

Veteran

I carry a larger bag unless I am going somewhere special. But I usually forget to change my bag.
In my bag, I carry my sunnies, my prescription driving glasses, my reading glasses, phone, keys, wallet, migraine medication, tissues, lipstick, pen, notebook, dog cookies, dog bags, hair brush and hair ties.

We keep reusable shopping bags in our car for shopping.

binkle

Veteran

I did the clutch thing for quite a while and liked it (my shoulder especially liked it). One clutch was very roomy, and could hold my over-stuffed wallet. Another was very flat - no expansion, so serious editing was required. But I change my bags with the seasons, and am now carrying a more traditional hand bag. It includes my wallet, a leather zip pouch for my keys (3 sets - house, and 2 cars), a leather pouch for my lip balm and a couple of lipsticks, a small cel phone and charger, packet of kleenex, teeny bottle of hand sanitizer, eyeglass case. A water bottle will also just fit, if required.

The Cat

Veteran

Always: wallet, phone, reading glasses, kleenex, keys.

Often also several of the following items: sunglasses, umbrella, crampons (in winter), lipstick, lip balm, mirror, hand sanitizer, handcream, hair brush, allergy eye drops, adhesive plaster, bottle of water, fruit, chocolate, pen, notebook, Ipad, magazines, book.

I empty my purse as soon as I get home and have a shelve where I place items like the ones mentioned above, so that I can easy grab them when leaving the house.

Anonymous

YLF Friends- Thank you all for the great input.
To those of you that change your purses often- I am inspired. Maybe changing purses will get me to be more thoughtful as to what is going in and what I can leave out. Funny how I can curate my closet but not my purse.
For those that recommended going down a size, that too might give me pause as to what should go in and what can be left behind
But then I read the posts of those who carry meds, glasses/contacts and I think-yup- that's why I do what I do. Thank you so much for letting me feel normal!!!!!
Aurore- I love the idea of a just in case pouch. Maybe I will follow LaBelle's lead and keep it in my car. I can use the extra exercise!
Ginger- Love that bag! and your list sounds familiar
Rachylou- I am always amazed at how much stuff my husband puts into his pockets do but I don't need my hips looking any bigger-lol.
Binkie- I would love a clutch to give my shoulders a rest.
Anchie- like the reuseable shopping bag idea but I would probably get eye rolls from the rest of the family so I will not add to my collection.
I do use totes when I travel (so that I can bring computer and kindle) or when shopping (to consolidate little packages) but usually just shove regular purse in it too.
Think I will ear mark a evening this week to implement some of your suggestions. Thanks again!

Anonymous

NYC through the eighties and Miami until the early nineties got me off purses but in my pockets the three essentials are keys, card wallet with credit cards. license and health insurance card, and my cell phone.

I'm going to include What's in the Car Console though because it's cheating otherwise, powder compact, lip balm, wooden comb, and a roll of dog poop bags.

I'm not including the jar of quarters and dog cookies because those really are car items, quarters for the meter and cookies for not barking at every dog while I'm driving.

I'm moving towards a small crossbody myself because I change jackets often.

Mainelady

Veteran

My purse has a wallet, checkbook, glasses case, small notepad and pen, a pair of leather gloves, keys and a small cosmetic bag (comb, Tylenol, tissues, lipstick, mirrored compact, measuring tape) and cell phone.

Anonymous

Mainelady- yay for the measuring tape-always. lol

Joy

Veteran

Most of the time a large clutch or medium sachel will hold wallet with bills, change and a few cards, tissue pack, keys, large cell phone, nylon shopping bag, sunglasses and insulin kit for testing and injections plus a protein bar. If clothes shopping, I add a small measuring tape and comb.
I change bags often.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Bare essentials: wallets, keys, tissues, ricola drops, reuseable shopping bag, lip balm, phone. I switch bags depending on mood and plans for the day.

Dianna

Veteran

I always carry my wallet, keys, cell phone, sunglasses case, and small mirror, a couple of lipsticks, eyeliner,hair brush, hair ties, dental floss, hand lotion, and sunscreen (lotion and spray). Sometimes I also carry a scarf and a pair of shoes. Oopss, not minimal at all, and my handbags tend to be on the bigger size.

12