Some call it a purse, others call it a handbag.  I call it a necessity!  I’d be lost without my purse and all the essentials that I carry.  I’ve learned to pare it down over the years and only take the bare minimum with me.

Rue La La’s Style Guide, Handbags 101

I’ve found this handbag guide by Rue La La that you will find interesting.   Are you familiar with their site?  They are an online boutique for both men’s and women’s fashion, home decor and more.

Rue La La has fabulous flash sales and you can get their app on your mobile device.  They offer great discounts.

If you have a variety of purses in your wardrobe, you will enjoy their Style Guide for handbags.   Visit their site to learn about the different styles, care tips and an interesting history of the handbag.

What’s in Your Purse?

We’ve all heard the Capital One advertising campaign over and over called “What’s in your wallet”.  Well, what’s in your purse and how do you keep it organized?

This is what I am carrying today and my organizing tip.

For every day use, I like to carry my bag on my shoulder.  What I loved about this black quilted bag were the brass grommets.  It allows me to add my iPad, a bottle of water and other items I like to carry when traveling.   The grommets are sturdy and I don’t have to worry about the weight of the bag stressing the handles.

The Purse Organizer

My friend Jane introduced me to a purse organizer.  They come in all shapes, sizes and colors and they fit inside your purse.  I liked this one because it also had exterior pockets which is where I hold my car keys and phone for easy access.  I like to store my keys and phone in the same place so I always know where to find it without digging through my purse.

The purse organizer holds my every day necessities such as my wallet, business card holder, pen & paper, receipts, etc.

The organizer makes it so easy to change purses.  I basically just move the organizer from purse to purse.  I also have a small makeup bag that I carry my essentials in.

Other Misc. Purse Essentials

What are some other essentials that  I can’t live without in my purse?  Two must haves are my Purell and Soft Picks.

I am a bit of a germophobic so I won’t be caught without my Purell, especially since it is cold and flu season.

I am also hooked on the G.U.M. Soft Picks which are far better than toothpicks!  They are ultra mini disposal brushes that come in a mini plastic carrying case.    Not to get too personal, but there is nothing worse than food (especially spinach) caught in your teeth after a business lunch!

What are your must have purse essentials?