When work is busy and your list of to-dos is never-ending, having the right handbag essentials is a must. Once I took time to think ahead and carefully select things I often need, it was amazing to see how my busy days felt a little less hectic. This may seem like a no-brained for some of you, but going through my work tote every week or so automatically makes my work/life schedule and routine fall into order.
If you have looked for something in your desk that is already in your bag, or you have thought something is in your bag when it’s really at home, just know that I have been there (sooo many times)! I know how annoying and time consuming that can be. So, in hopes of helping you make your work bag work for you, here is a peek inside my handbag!
Wallet
Tory Burch Frida Zip Aroung Wallet
This may seem like a no-brainer, but a proper wallet that can hold all your cards and coupoons is a simple way to increase your level of organization.
EOS Lip Balm
Chapped lips can be a major distraction, especially if you are on your way to the office for an event or important meeting.
Felt Pen
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens
Enough said.. I always need these, and in all the colors!

Erin Condren LifePlanner
Erin Condren LifePlanner, 2017-2018
I’ve talked about my LifePlanner before, and my love for it has only grown since I got mine. It is a great way for me to set and track goals in addition to keeping up with my schedule.
Sunglasses
Ralph Lauren Art Deco Square Sunglasses
I love to have a pair of sunglasses living in my bag at all times. That way I don’t have to think about it, and I’m prepared whenever the sun comes out.
Mascara
L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Volume Building Waterproof Mascara
This stuff is the BEST drugstore mascara. It is a must for when you need to freshen up in the middle of the day.
Lip Gloss
Lancôme Lip Lover Hydration Lip Gloss
Lancôme’s Lip Lover is an all-time favorite lip gloss for me. It’s not sticky. It’s well pigmented and it lasts a long time!
Snack
Blue Diamond Almonds 100 Calorie Bags
When a meeting goes over or your lunch just didn’t cut it, a snack like this is a must in order to keep me from crashing or falling asleep on my keyboard.
Stain Remover
Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover
Nothing is worse than spilling coffee on your shirt when your day is just getting started. These things save me all the time!
In addition to these essentials, there are always non-essentials floating around in my bag, like bills, receipts or tickets (oh my!). In order to keep these from getting in the way of my essentials, I aim to clean out my work bag every week or so. The handbag I currently use is by Kate Spade from a surprise sale. Here’s a similar one in the same color and another tote that is the perfect color for fall. The internal pockets and compartments, along with the sturdiness of the bag really help me stay organized.
Do you have similar essentials in your work bag or in your everyday bag? How do you keep your handbag organized? I’d love to hear all about it.
Cheers!
Sarah Camille
All items cool and beautiful handbag.
I am a purse freak and I love Kate Spade and Tory Burch. I have an outlet five minutes from the house and I am always looking for a great sale. One of my essentials is Mentos Gum. They have cinnamon gum and I love the bite of it and how fresh it makes my breath. I love my Tide pen too. I don’t go anywheres without it!
So spot on, I carry most of these items in my purse daily!
I love all of these, especially the Tide on the go pen!
These are all things I keep in my bag too! I always have to have some eos!
Blue diamond is my favorite!
Ah – Papermate Flair’s are my FAVE pens!!
I always have snacks in my purse…lol
Haha I’m glad it’s not just me!! 😊
Ooo I’ve been looking for a new planner. Love the one you recommended!
Thanks! That brand has some other designs/colors too. 😊
It’s almost like you looked right into my bag! Great choices, and I also like to keep an extra eyelash curler in my bag to fluff them up when they already have several layers of mascara.
Mariah
http://www.likehoneyblog.com
I always keep a planner and almonds in my bag! But I’ll definitely add a Tide pen, now!
🙂 My essentials pretty much fit in my pocket these days. I have two kids (2yrs + 10 months) so the bag is full of all their stuff. In saying that, I always carry my wallet and lip balm! Maybe one day I’ll get back to having an actual handbag for myself. 😛
Haha indeed! There’s something to be said for some minimalism too. I have to clean out my bag all too often!!
These are all great items..I think I have them all!
I love my TB wallet! This is the exact one I have too!
– Kaitlin
kedgotwed.com
Yes to everything! Plus a hand sanitizer 😉
Great stuff! I need to pack snacks in my purse more often as I’m always hungry. Love the Tide To Go sticks!
I agree with snacks!!! haha always got almonds in my bag. I want this planner too! so cute!
On top of all those essentials, I could really use a new handbag too! 🙂