the contents of my purse

As is the case with most women, my handbag is full of essential life-giving properties. It is my last defense and solace when thrown into a large and unwelcoming world. Not really. But I do keep some necessities with me because I never can tell when peril will strike. (Peril in most cases is my eyeliner needing to be touched up or my lips being chapped and in need of some balm.) So, here's what I have in my bag. I'm a big advocate of the products that I use and I'd certainly encourage you to try them out if you feel compelled to do so!

I change up my bags often, today I happened to be carrying this red vintage patent leather clutch. I love the little clasp at the top and the classic shape! The size is misleading, because I can fit a lot of goodness in there. Also, isn't the screws/nails lining too adorable?

I got this adorable pencil case-style wallet from Target. I made sure that my wallet is big enough to also carry my phone, just in case I need my money and my phone and don't feel like carrying my whole purse. (Basically out of laziness.) I also carry around a pocket-sized version of the U.S. Constitution (hey, it's an important document) and a mini Moleskine to jot down any ideas that I have. (And I do have a LOT!) That sad and crumbly little piece of paper on the end is my shopping list. Unlike a lot of women, I actually enjoy grocery shopping. It's something that I look forward to every week!

These next items are probably a little more common to a woman's handbag. The lipsticks that I chose to carry around this season are Covergirl's Delish Regal (a neutral'y coral) and Revlon's Sky Pink (a VERY pink.) I also always have some C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Mentha Lip Balm (from Bath and Body Works) in Ginger Mint (a glittery tint) and Cinnamint (a shine.) My lips can get really sunburned and chapped and this stuff is the only thing that seems to work for me. It's really great, especially if you like a little tingle. I also carry around some basic eye-makeup items around with me. I wear contacts, which in the Spring, I usually end up taking out because of my poor, itchy allergy eyes. It's impossible for me to go through the day without scratching my eye and smudging my liner. I use Maybelline's The Falsies waterproof mascara, Covergirl's felt-tipped liquid eyeliner pen, and Secret Rendezvous baked eyeshadow by Hard Candy. Also, I HATE the look and feel of chipping nails so I carry around a bottle of my current nail color. The current one is Essie's A Cut Above.

Lastly, these are items that I will NEVER leave home without. As I mentioned earlier, I usually end up taking out my contacts when I'm out all day. (I keep extra saline solution and a bunch of fresh cases in my car: any contact wearers should, just in case!) Altoids, for obvious reasons, and hair clip because my thick hair just needs to be held back sometimes. My all-time favorite lotion is Desert Essence Organics' Tropical Coconut Hand and Body Lotion. It's the only lotion that doesn't dry out my skin 10 minutes after applying it. (And if you're interested, you can pick it up at Whole Foods!) Last but certainly not least, I carry around Pepper Spray, which every woman should. Better safe than sorry, right? Being a Philadelphia-area native who often visits New York City also, I've learned how important the ability to defend myself can be. I use Kimber's Pepper Blaster II. If pepper spray is an item that you'd like to add to your own personal handbag, do your research and make sure that you (and your friends who might wander through your bag) know that it is NOT a toy and can be dangerous in the wrong hands.

In other news though, I hope that everybody is having a splendiferous Easter weekend!

xo, e.m.