What's inside your bag?

Photo: Contributed

Decades ago, handbags morphed from simple satchels to bona fide fashion statements.

While style bloggers wax poetic about the latest trendy leathers, logos and colours, no one talks about what’s  inside that expensive tote.

But since that’s essentially a purse’s purpose, it is worth discussion.

Over the years, I’ve discovered these are some of the niftiest essentials to have on hand, and so they are always in my bag:

• Secrid Cardprotector — Instead of a bulky wallet, this sleek aluminum case holds four to six ID/credit cards and protects against identity theft. Available at Lake House store downtown Kelowna.
• Fisher Space Pen — Yes, this instrument was actually designed to write in space. While you may not be an astronaut, the ultra-compact pen writes smoothly even upside down. Available at House of Knives in Orchard Park mall.
• Victorinix Swiss Army nail clipper 580 — Hands-down the handiest gadget ever created for a woman. This tiny device holds a portable nail clipper, nail file, scissors, tweezers and a toothpick. Note it also has a small knife, so don’t try to take it through airport security or you will lose it (like I did). Also at House of Knives.
• Hand sanitizers — Fight those germs! The tiny bottles from Bath and Body Works fit perfectly in your purse and come in every imaginable yummy scent.
• Folding hairbrush — Pocket brushes including a mirror are available through Amazon.
• Stain removal pen — If you’re sloppy like I am, having one handy will save a lot of clothes.
• Foldable tote — Ensure you always have a reusable bag at the ready. 
• Portable reading glasses — Because you never know when you, or someone with you, is going to need them to read the menu or the minuscule writing on those pill bottles.
• Lip balm — Nothing worse than having chapped lips with nothing on hand for relief. My new favourite balm is Agave Lip Mask by Bite Beauty. All their products are made with food grade ingredients so you don’t ingest chemicals licking your lips. Comes in clear or various tints at Sephora.
• Blotting tissues — Instead of carrying a bulky, pressed powder compact, these thin papers blot away any shine on the face instantly. Many types at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart. 

Also very practical to always carry spare Band-aids, bobby pins and a hair elastic.

I keep all these items handy in my purse organizer from ChameleonInserts.com.

Their organizers include four narrow pockets that are perfectly made to hold the Space Pen, Swiss Army knife, lip balm and Tide pen.

What are the most useful items you always carry in your bag?

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.