What's In My Bag? (And a little introduction...)

I've become addicted to 'What's In my Bag?' posts and videos recently.  I think it's just human nature to be a bit nosy from time to time and I'm a firm believer that the contents of your handbag can give a good hint as to your personality, so I think these kinds of posts are great fun. 

If you read my last post you might have noticed a reference to a 'new bag'... I was a little bit naughty last week and treated myself to something so, since I had to swap everything over into the newbie, I figured it would be the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon and do my own 'WIMB?' post. 

First though, let me introduce you to 'Rocco', the newest member of my handbag family...

The Alexander Wang Rocco tote in nubuck leather.  The website said the colour was 'camel' but there was a tag on that said 'ginger' so I'm not exactly sure what the colour is but it looks more 'camel' to me, so that's what I'm going with! 

The Rocco has been on my radar for a little while now and when I saw this baby on the Outnet for 40% off I just couldn't resist.  I have to admit, I didn't realise it was nubuck when I ordered it or I might have managed to resist...  Nubuck or suede or anything in that family scares me a little, as I just think it's such a high maintenance material.  However, once I pulled him out of his box I fell completely and utterly in love! The leather is so soft and smooth... High maintenance or not, there was no way I could send him back.  So, I figure I will just be sensible... I've ordered some Collonil nubuck and suede protector spray, committed to avoiding rain wherever possible but carrying a plastic bag with me at all times, just I case we do get caught in a shower and he needs a little makeshift raincoat and I'll avoid wearing him with really dark colours that are guaranteed to transfer.  I don't baby any of my bags but I will be a little more careful with this one. 

I've only taken him out once so far... I was desperate to use him but want to wait until he's protected before I put him into use for real.  Yes, it is a very, very heavy bag, due to the solid studs on the bottom but the weight distributes quite evenly through the handles so it's very comfortable to carry and as you're about to see, I don't carry a huge amount in my bag, so I don't think the weight will be an issue for me. 

Just a couple more handbag porn photos before we move on to the contents...

He's just so soft and smooshy and lovely! 

I'm actually turning in to 'crazy handbag lady' in this post... Sorry!

The contents...

I change my bag at least twice a week (more if I'm not at work and have actual outfits to coordinate with!) so I have the opportunity to get rid of receipts and stuff on a regular basis.  I dread to think how much rubbish would end up in here if I didn't switch them frequently!

There's a couple of things not pictured here; my iPhone which comes with me everywhere, my iPad which I usually take to work with me and some chewing gum that I have obviously abandoned somewhere currently unknown. 

From the left:

Mercedes Benz USB Stick and Desk Keys - This little stick has most of my work files on.  I actually bought this USB for hubs when he bought his new Merc, thinking he could out some music on or something... It sat on his bedside table for 6 months, so I have reclaimed it!  

Bath and Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer Gel - I actually paid £1.99 on eBay to get this which seems a tad excessive for some sanitizer gel, but I'd read so many good things about it.  I went for the scent 'warm vanilla rose' and it is absolutely gorgeous.  The smell lingers for ages after use and it's actually nice to use.  I find other sanitizers to leave a strong disinfectant sort of smell so this is a pleasant change.  I'm tempted to buy another in a more fruity scent, just because! 

thisworks Turbo Balm - My lips have been feeling really dry recently which is unusual for me, so I've been trying this out.  I'm still undecided as to whether or not I think it's helping.  It doesn't feel as moisturising as I thought it would and for £12 for a tiny tub it feels a little too similar to plain old Vaseline for my liking.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed it improves.

Tangle Teezer Compact - I have a full size Tangle Teezer that has changed my life completely (well, it's made hair brushing after washing a hell of a lot easier!) and this little portable one is perfect for the windy, rainy UK weather that we're all so used to!  I love that it has a little cover over the bristles to stop everything in your bag getting scratched up, it's a nice touch. 

Cross Pen (currently on mega sale!) - Hubs bought me this lovely Cross pen set when I got my promotion at work last year.  There's also a fountain pen that, unfortunately, I don't use but this ballpoint goes everywhere with me and I use it every day at work.  I go through replacement cartridges like there's no tomorrow! 

EOS Lip Balm - A product from my previous Wishlist that my lovely mum got for me.  I love how moisturising this is and how easy it is to apply.  I keep this floating around in my bag so it's easy to grab when my lips need a little moisture boost.  

Bath House Vanilla Noir and Amber Perfume - I've recently discovered Bath House.  They have a shop in Ambleside and I am addicted to their bath salts and body washes.  The smells are so strong (in a good way) and every product I've tried has left my skin feeling silky smooth.  There was a 3 for 2 offer on last time I was in the shop so I picked up this perfume to try and it's definitely become a favourite.  The smell is very light and easy to wear and the bottle is easy to throw in my bag and freshen up throughout the day. 

House Keys - This would usually have my car key on too but given that my poor little car overheated on the way home last Friday night it is currently in car hospital, so I am carless and keyless until he is fixed.  It's looking like it might be terminal but fingers crossed he can be sorted! 

The Brightside Make Up Bag - I love the whole Brightside range and the saying on this little bag makes me smile every time I look at it.  I'm not going to bore you with a picture of what's inside - we're talking hayfever tablets, spare hair bobbles, some sticking plasters, Estée Lauder powder compact and about 4 lip glosses/balms.  Boring. 

Glasses - I always carry my Ray-Bans with me.  I have the gold framed aviators with brown lenses.  I love the packaging on these glasses as they're so sleek and easy to carry, compared to other brands such as Gucci or Chanel who seem to want to take up as much room as possible with their cases!  I also have to carry my proper eye glasses with me as I'm blind as a bat and need them to drive if I've had to take my contacts out through the day.  These ones are Gok Wan for Specsavers, with big geeky frames.  They're good fun to wear. 

Kleenex - Useful all year round but particularly in hayfever season.

Benecos Happy Hands Hand Cream - This was a stocking filler from my mum at Christmas.  She's since given me the tube she got for herself as she didn't like it.  I'm not a huge fan myself...  It's a very oily moisturiser and takes a long time to soak in but then there's no results.  My hands feel dry again and I feel like I have to reapply.  I'm using it up so it doesn't go to waste but I definitely wouldn't choose this again.

Glass Nail File - I bought this off eBay for about £1.99 as I was sick of my nail file damaging everything in my bag, so one in a cover seemed like a good solution.  This was not a great purchase as the lid keeps falling off although, I can't really expect anything else for £1.99!  I am toying with the idea of getting the Leighton Denny crystal nail file but filing with glass/crystal makes me feel a bit sick (think nails down a black board!) so I only need it for proper emergencies and don't want to spend any money on it really. 

Edward Monkton Hippopotamus Tin - This was actually a tin full of mints but I threw those away and use it to carry emergency hair grips with me.  Perfect for those mid-day touch-ups when my hair is set on escaping from it's style!  I love Edward Monkton and the random words on all their products.  This tin is the Hippopotamus of Extraordinary Grace and the little quote says 'let her dainty steps remind us that we can all have whatever we set our yearning hearts upon', which I think is quite cute! 

Miu Miu purse - I have had this purse for about 7 years now.  I've used it every single day and it's still in great condition.  I use this for coinage, notes and membership/points cards. 

Louis Vuitton Cles Poche - This gorgeous little thing holds my most used debit and credit cards, along with my driving license and Boots Advantage card (I use this regularly, compared to other loyalty cards!).  This makes swapping from big to small bags a bit easier, as I don't have to switch cards out of my main purse every time.

So, there we have it!  The contents of my bag.  

I really enjoyed writing this post and (if you've managed to get this far) I hope you've enjoyed reading it too!  As I said, I'm addicted to 'WIMB?' posts so, if you've done one on your blog please link it below as I'd love to have a read! 

Aimee x