What's in my bag: January

“What’s in you bag” has always been one of my favourite old-school magazine features. I love a sneak peek into the “necessities” that editors carried, items that we’re deemed special enough to carry around every day.

(If you’re looking for a modern version, Vogue Japan has a great YouTube series of these).

So in homage of my old-school fashion journalism, here’s a peek at what’s been in my bag this January.

Stand Studio medium Lolita faux shearling trimmed tote (similar)

I love how perfect this bag is for the winter months. The faux leather stands up to elements really well, it’s not too structured that it can’t absorb a random large object (or seven), and the shearling is so, so fun. It’s perfect for all the extra stuff I need to schlep when it’s cold and dark and an instant mood booster too.

It also doesn’t hurt that it gets complimented everywhere I go. I love that it brings a smile to everyone’s face.

A look at what’s inside my bag this month

Speaking of schlep….

Room for a pair of sunglasses and room for a pair of my optical glasses is the number one requirement I have of any handbag during the winter months. My not-so-young eyes need helping hiding from the sun and focusing in the dark so these are a must have every time I leave the house. I like pairs in winter that have nose pads - I find they usually work better under a winter beanie (or over a face mask if I’m being extra cautious).

You’ll also find a variety of skin care and makeup in my bag each month and lip products that have some sort of moisturizing texture (Dior Lip Oil, Summer Fridays Butter Balm and Glossier Ultra Lip are pictured here).

As for non-beauty items pictured above, I find that Muji notebooks and pens are the perfect “purse size” for jotting down things I want to remember, and my AirPod Pros are perfect listening to music to block everything else out. I couldn’t resist the Ikea coin purse - it protects the AirPods, and my key chain, from the rest of my bag.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a purse of mine if it didn’t have at least one kind of candy in it. My Roots coin purse is chock full of peppermints (and an iPhone charger) and the Skittles are for emergency pick-me-up use only (working on the amount of emergencies in 2024).