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If you didn’t already know this about me, I’m a pretty proactive person who is always trying to think ahead. For example, on the way out of my condo, I’m constantly thinking of things I need to throw in my purse as I head into work, on a business trip, or just out to dinner with Adam or my girlfriends. My friends and Adam also know that they can always count on me to have what they need in case they forget something themselves. So, needless to say, I’m a huge advocate of carrying a big purse or bag at all times.

My absolute favorite purse that I own is this Tory Burch number. It was more on the pricey side, but I was able to snag it a few years ago during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, when it was like half off! (Side note, if you ever want to buy a designer handbag, wait for that sale – you won’t regret it.) The purse has an inside zipper that fits my Mac Air perfectly and then has two different compartments for everything else with a few pouches here and there to hold my lipsticks and such! I love the neutral tone of it as it goes with any outfit or jacket I wear, so this bag pretty much comes with me everywhere.

So what’s in my bag at all times? Let’s take a peek inside….

Plenty of Lip Color

Um, duh. I carry an obscene amount of different lipsticks, lip shimmers, chapsticks, and lip glosses. My thinking is, you never know what mood you’re going to be in or where you’re heading where it will make sense to use which. I like having options, can you blame a girl!? As I mentioned in my About page, I freaking love Burt’s Bees lip shimmers. My favorites are their Grapefruit and Strawberry colors. They’re compact and can really fit anywhere and are great for just a casual lip. I’m also a big fan of Urban Decay’s Revolution lip glosses for everyday wear. I love wearing Maybelline’s Color Sensational lipstick (best is Blissful Berry) when I go into the office and go out with friends.

A Small Wallet

Living in the city of Chicago where crime can be rampant, I’m smart about my wallet choice and how much I carry. Instead of carrying my big wallet that houses all my credit cards, I carry a small Ralph Lauren wallet I picked up at their outlet store a few years ago. It’s the perfect size to put in my coat pocket if need be and small enough to just carry the essentials. There’s really no reason for  me to carry a huge wallet with every credit card and loyalty card I own. Highly recommend to all my Chicago chicas out there.

My Ray-Bans

My Ray-Bans are my staple and something I never leave home without, even if it’s cloudy. I have light colored eyes, so my eyes naturally are more sensitive to sunlight. Basically if it’s any time during the day and I’m out and about, you can be sure I have my trusted sunglasses on. I honestly feel like I have more confidence when I wear my sunglasses too…am I the only one?! Must just be that Ray-Ban feeling… 

My Cell Phones

Yes, my cell phones. That’s plural. I have a personal cell and a work cell that I’m usually carrying at all times. My personal cell is super slow when it comes to apps and checking email, not to mention it has cracks all down the screen. So, I actually like carrying my work phone with me as I tend to use it more. And, because I work at a global company, I’m getting emails day and night, so it’s typically needed for me to have my work phone on me at all times anyway.

A Pack of Gum

Orbit’s Spearmint gum is my absolute fave and it has never steered me wrong. I buy it consistently and always have a pack in my purse. My logic is that it never hurts to have a pack of gum on you, especially to combat bad breath. I’ve always loved chewing gum too, as it actually helps me focus.

Floss

I get made fun of for this, but yes, I do carry a package of floss with me at all times. I’m not sure when and why it happened, but all of a sudden, I started getting food stuck in my teeth pretty much every single time I ate. Which is always a treat, especially when I’m eating with clients or people who don’t tell you that you have something in your teeth (hahaha fml). Good thing I can always count on my trusty floss to come to the rescue if and when I need it!

A Comb

Another fun thing that happened over the last few years was a hair cowlick that magically appeared on the back of my head. My life. Does anyone else have these? Because they are literally the worst. I don’t know how to get rid of it! SO, now I’m in a constant state of anxiety about it showing, so I now always have to tease the back of my head to attempt to cover it. I bring my comb with me pretty much everywhere as a result and it too, has come to the rescue on many a occasion.

My Planner & A Pen

My coworker yesterday actually told me I’m the most organized person she knows (thanks, Tay Tay), so it’s not going to come as a surprise when I say I’m usually carrying my planner and a pen in my purse. I jot everything in that thing to keep me on track and remember all the stuff going on in my life. I’ve gotten Kate Spade’s planners the last two years and have loved the smaller size and layout of them. They can be a bit pricey, but when you’re someone like me whose planner is basically life, it’s worth every pretty penny. The best part of 2018’s planner is that there’s a mantra page at the beginning of every month (I posted February’s in this Instagram post). This month’s mantra is “Make It Happen.” I couldn’t have picked a better mantra as I’m going to continue working hard this month at work, in life, and on Lipstick & Ink.

What do you have in your purse at all times? I’d love to know if I’m a weirdo for carrying some of this stuff 🙂 Do you carry anything I didn’t mention? Sound off in the comments! 

Kelly Nash

Kelly Nash is a Chicago-based writer, career coach, speaker and founder of Lipstick & Ink®. She also works full-time in technology as a Role Strategy and Employee Engagement Manager at Salesforce and has over 12 years of digital marketing experience. Kelly has been featured in Thrive Global, Chicago Tribune, International Association of Women, General Assembly, Salesforce, and SheFactor. She’s fueled by black coffee, sunshine, a good ink pen, and a bold lip.