I did one of these not too long ago in July, but I wanted to show what I keep in my new purse. Both because I want to show what it fits, and because for the past year, or so, I've been carrying smaller bags, like my Mini Macs or my wristlet. 

With the Small Leslie I don't have to narrow my purse down to the nitty gritty, which allows me to include some of my favorite items. The last time I showed what I keep in a larger bag was my Disney Dooney, and most of that has changed.

Here's what's typically hiding inside: L to R, Top to Bottom

Sunglasses
iPad Mini with a It's a Fine Day case from Target and Stylus
Book- right now it's Let it Snow, but I prefer my Nook since it's much smaller
Sony ear phones
Chap Stick (pr sample)
But's Bees Cuticle Cream
Hand sanitizer
Lilly Brush (ifabbo sample)
Nail file
Lip crayon- Honey by Revlon
Lip crayon- Pink Umbrellas by ELF
Coin Sock- bought at Pier One Imports last year
Moleskin Journal
Pencil and Pen
Pill Case and Nail kit
Urbanears Plattan headphones
Eraser
BlackBerry Z10
Wallet

I don't put my sunglasses in a hard case simply because it wouldn't fit. I can't go too high when packing the bag or I risk the zipper missing the magnet. I figured if I'm doing something that would smash them, then the flimsy white case that I normally use wouldn't protect it anyways.

I keep two pairs of headphones because I often forget the white ones at home, which are my favorite. I like to leave my Urbanears in there as an emergency pair (quite a large emergency pair, to tell you the truth). If I don't have something for longer car rides I become very VERY grumpy. About as grumpy as I get if I can't fix a broken nail, hence all the nail supplies. Though, what you can't see is that I stuffed two small emery boards to the white and gold nail kit. Why I need to have three nail files with me, I'll never understand, but I can't bring myself to part with it. I'm convinced that I'll need them one of these days.

You won't find a makeup bag in this purse for two reasons: 1. I never touchup through out the day other than lip products, and 2. One wouldn't fit. It's not a huge loss, but it probably would be a deal breaker to some.

The Cobble Hill Small Leslie fits everything that I need nicely. It's definitely not a Mary Poppins bag, though it does its job very effectively.

What do you look for in a bag? Do you like the idea of downsizing, or prefer to keep all of your favorite things with you?

Oakley Deviation

Oakley Deviation in Brown Camo

A bit of a switch up today, since sunglasses aren't a normal topic around here. Sometimes change is nice. I'm also posting on a Sunday. That usually doesn't happen. Newness abound!

Last year I purchased my Oakley Miss Conduct sunglasses from the local outlet store. It was the first pair of good sunglasses that I had ever bought, and also the first pair that I didn't lose. Well, not thinking about the sunglasses, I wore them in the pool over the summer. The chlorine basically ruined the lenses, making it difficult to see out of them.

About 2 years ago I had an eye infection where everything was too bright. I couldn't go outside, and the day I went to the doctor I stayed in the dark bathroom with the light off until my appointment. Even after the infection was gone I still have light sensitivity, making it necessary for me to have sunglasses. I don't like big sunglasses, but I need my eyes to be completely covered.

I didn't want to purchase new glasses, I actually went in seeing if they could replace the lens of mine. Sadly they couldn't.

They were, however, having a friends and family promo where everything in the store was 25% off. Spencer saw these in a display case near the discount wall, and told me to try them out. I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I needed something. I don't remember what the tag said, but the receipt says that they come out to be $39.14 after tax, and the promotion was added. Not bad at all.

They are men's sunglasses, but I don't really care. The women's sunglasses on the discounted wall made me look bug eyed, and then the ones that I liked were too heavy. The only thing I'm bummed out about is that the men's don't come with a case, but my old white one works anyways (plus I have a hard case, so it's not a big deal).

I really do like them. The frame is lightweight, and fits comfortably on my face. My nose, and ears do not hurt after wearing them for long periods of time.

The only major complaint is that the rubber bits get caught in my hair if I'm wearing them on my head, but since they are men's, that doesn't really surprise me. If they're on my face, it's fine. I just have to careful with them.

I like them. Not quite as much as my old pair, but I couldn't get those on a sale like I did last time, and they're $200 on their own. Not really in the budget right now. Spencer likes them though, and will steal them off my face if it's not too bright out and try them on. He's strange sometimes.

Do you stick to one pair of sunglasses at a time, or do you have several?

My latest obsession. . . Kate Spade Small Leslie

I'll spare you the backstory to how this purse came into my possession (I deleted it because it was looooong). Basically it was a matter of it right price, right bag. It fit my needs, and it was a slight (albeit better) variation of what I originally wanted.

A while ago I mentioned the purses I was looking at. The Small Leslie is similar in size to the Cobble Hill Little Minka, which is the larger version of the Mini Minka, which is way too small after all is said and done.

This little speck of purse beauty (in my eyes, at least) is the Kate Spate Cobble Hill Small Leslie in Storm. It's smooshy leather is a nice shade of grey; not too light, not too dark. It has a zip closure which folds over, and is secured via a magnet. There is also a sneaky pocket that runs the length of the back, and a decent portion of the height. I bought it for about 40-something% off at Kate Spade's Thanksgiving weekend surprise sale.

-My thoughts-

Quality: superb. I would expect nothing less from Kate Spade. I literally can't walk into the local outlet store without buying something, even if it's just cute earrings. The metal hardware feels sturdy (it's apparently 14kt light gold, which has my husband concerned), and the leather and the bag in general feels very well made. I definitely got what I paid for, and so far its worth every penny.

With the removable crossbody strap on the shortest hole (there are five) the bag hits below my hip. I'm 4'11", btw. The top handles are too small to put on my shoulder, but that doesn't bother me since I don't want to carry it that way. It can be held on the arm. The bag is light, and doesn't add too much stress on my shoulder even when full.

The zipper lifts up from its magnetic closure to reveal the inside of the bag, and a decent sized pocket in the front. It's large enough that my Nook fits in there comfortably with a few other items. Inside there are two pockets, and a zip pocket. I feel like I need a flashlight when digging around in there, it's so dark. I try to keep the random items from floating around. I'm afraid I'd never get them back.

When I first played around with the bag the zipper wasn't really functional. It was difficult to close, but with use, its gotten significantly better. I'm not sure what caused that, but I did have an issue with my Kate Spade Wallet, which I had to exchange since that one just flat out broke (prior to my review).

I can already tell that it's going to slouch over time, which is what I want. When a larger purse hangs that low, I want it to be slouchy. It looks more casual, and is closer to my day to day style (not that I really have one).

-Complaints and Drawbacks-

Sadly, even though I love it there are a few things about it that I would have changed. 

The handles become less stiff if they're pushed down, which isn't the best for me since I want them to stay up. I think the bag looks nicer that way, and they make it easier to maneuver it in and out of my husband's truck. If you want the handles to stay up, please don't push them down.

I'm also not a huge fan of how dark it gets inside. It's fine now that I've come to terms with the fact that I can't keep anything loose in the main compartment, but if something were to go in there, I would have to dig out a flashlight of some sorts.

As you can suspect, it does get a little cumbersome getting things in and out of the main compartment. It's not made to be zipped with one hand, and with the zipper still not 100% where I want it to be, it's slightly difficult. That can be solved easily by keeping the most reached for things like my phone, and maybe even cards in the front pocket.

I'm probably going to show you what I keep in the purse later this week, or even next week. I really (to the umpteenth power) love this purse. It's comfortable to carry on my shoulder, looks great, and holds my favorite things. Plus it just fuels my Kate Spade obsession. Eek, I need an intervention. Stat!

what's in my purse | Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

I figured that it was about time I do an updated version. It's been about a year, and a lot has changed. This is my second Mini Mac, my other being a straw/raffia texture. I knew when I received that one that I wanted another, mainly because of the material. I wanted one that I didn't have to be careful with, and i loved the style. When I saw this purse on sale at Zappos.com I jumped on it.

This Mini Mac is in the color Cerulean and is coated canvas with leather detailing and silver hardwear. One of these days I'll get an all leather one, but it is not this day. I originally wanted the style so I could wear it as a park bag, but since my husband and I let our passes expire (we thought we were going to buy a house, good thing we didn't since we may move further south for his work), I used it every day. That kind of wear is not doing the straw any good. If it gets ruined, that's it. There is no repair that I can do.

What's the logical thing for a purse obsessed girl to do? Buy another! If you compare the contents from my last What's in my Purse (park edition) you will see that pretty much everything has changed, and it's not as full as it was. For comparisons sake, we know mow much I love to compare things, here's my first What's in my Purse. Side note, I had no idea I did those two so close to each other.

The main interior of this bag has two pockets on the back side of the bag. Both of which fit phones. If you saw any videos on Youtube about the bags, you probably noticed them saying it doesn't fit phones. Well, now they do! It fits my Blackberry Z10 with minor top bulge. My phone is slightly taller than an iPhone 5, so those will probably fit a bit better. In the other pocket I fit whatever lip products I'm carrying for the day, my lady products, and my pill case.

I also have eye drops (for contacts, if that matters). My wallet is really slim. My Kate Spade one did not fit with the above contents, so I had to downsize to my very old Vera Bradley one. That one is close to 5 years old at this point, and holding up great.

Also, something that I wanted to point out is that my iPad Mini fits. It doesn't slide in like it would a larger bag, and only works without a case, although I'm sure the Smart Cover would work. If I place it in without anything inside in a diagonal way (one corner down first) the other side can be easily pushed in. It can be removed just as easily. It's snug, but not too bad. It fits easier in this purse (which is more pliable) than in my other Mini Mac. It's like a puzzle, but believe me, it fits. I haven't noticed any scratches on the aluminum either.

In the front zipper I keep some small things. To be honest, I always forget that I have stuff in there. I have some bobby pins, hair ties, another lady product (you just never know), Tums, a nail file, and a mirror that I forgot I had. Just things that I don't need all the time, but are nice to have on hand.

That's everything that fits inside!

I also wanted to mention that this purse did not come with a dust bag (my other one didn't either). Bummer, and I even contacted Zappos about it, and they said there was nothing they could do. I was talking with a couple of RM lovers, and they said that all new RM bags are supposed to come with a dust bag, and that if this one didn't come with one, and my other one didn't either, that it may be possible that non-leather bags (maybe Mini Macs specifically) don't come with a dust bag. Don't quote me on that, though, it's just a theory. I know a similar one on the RM website said in the description that a dustbag came with it. It's a mystery.

What do you keep in your bag? What purse are you using? I love seeing everyone's bags.

One of these days I'll get a Rebecca Minkoff dust bag, but it is not this day.

Packing small

Lately I've been passing up my purses for a wristlet. It's so much easier to carry, and I don't feel the need to bring my life with me everywhere. Plus it's so east to grab it and go.

I'm not a huge fan of their signature print (I think that's what it's called). But, when the opportunity arrises, I can't turn it down. My husband actually got this for free. He works for a major car dealership, and they were able to pick an item because they met a quota, or something. I honestly can't remember exactly what it was. Anywho, he picked this, and gave it to me.

It's a nice little wristlet, it holds the essentials, and is really convenient.

Inside I have my phone and earbuds. There's also a couple of dollar bills (shocker I have cash, I normally don't), bank cards (debit, Target Red card, and my lone CC), and a nail file. That last one, is probably one of the most important items in the wristlet. It becomes an OCD thing with me whenever a nail breaks. I have to get it smooth again. Drives me crazy. I also have two lip products. Burt's Bees lives in there, and I swap out the lip color on occasion. The Color Whisper has been in there for a while, though.

Everything fits in there snuggly. If I'm going out with a friend, and my husband isn't with me, I'll attach the house keys to the clip. If he's with me, he has his set, so there's no need to add the extra bulk. I normally have my health card with me, but since I've only been going out places with my husband lately, I don't bother wit it, because he has one in his wallet.


What are your wristlet must haves? Do you ever feel like you miss your purse when you carry one?

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Kate Spade Stacey Review

This isn't the sort of thing I review, but since there aren't much information on this item, I figured I might as well share my thoughts. This is the Kate Spade Grant Park Stacey in Eggplant. It is to my understanding that this model is only available in outlet stores. There isn't much that separates the Grant Parks from the Mikas Ponds. The spade itself on the from, and the pattern of the fabric lining on the inside of the wallet are two of the differences I noticed.

There are 12 card slots, and one ID slot that I keep a business card in. The card is difficult to remove from that slot when the others on that side are full. I just keep my ID in another slot.

The wallet itself is rather bulky, especially when full. I was hoping it would be flatter, similar to some of the Louis Vuitton wallets I was admiring. The quality is quite good. I've had it for a little over a month, and I only had one issue with it, which was quickly resolved when I went back to the store. The zipper in the one I originally purchased was broken. I didn't test it out in the store, because I hardly ever use that pocket, so I didn't think about it. When I got home, I realized that it wasn't working right. There were several others back in the store that were broken, so perhaps the batch was bad. I did manage to find one that worked.

The leather looks the way it did when I bought it, no rips or tears. The lettering hasn't been rubbed off, and I have used this wallet every day since I bought/exchanged it. The quality is quite good, and the color is amazing! I love the deep purple. I almost bought the red one, but I'm glad I didn't. The wallet is expensive, but I went in during a 50% off sale, and snagged it a great price.

How do you feel about "investing" in a more expensive wallet? Is it worth it, or a waste of money? I don't think I would go too much more expensive with wallets. I like to know the items holding my money, and important information, are of good quality. Do you agree, or disagree?

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Look inside my Dooney!

Not sure if any of you know, but Florida, particularly the west coast aka where I am, is carefully watching Tropical Storm Isaac. Now, this little friend of ours is gaining strength FAST. Over night it went from this little baby that will become a category one for a little bit to one that will be a category 2. Oh Gulf of Mexico, why are you so darn warm? This is a heads up, I have scheduled a series of posts that will go up in the case of a power outage. Yikes! I may or may not respond to any comments during that time, it really depends on the power. I will be back! So, without further delay, here is what I keep inside my Disney Graffica Print Dooney & Bourke! Tacky, right?

"What's in my bag" videos and posts are one of my favorites. It's interesting to see what someone takes with them, and I think it gives a more personable look into who a person is.

My purse is a Dooney and Bourke Disney Sketch Large Tote bag that I got at the Disney parks. It's still available at Disney, but for some reason they took it offline. It was $195, if you care. I really like the bag. I wish it had either feet or a solid bottom, but It has yet to attract dirt, even on the bottom. I will  say that it got wet (curse you tropical storm Debbie), and the leather is now discolored which was NOT supposed to happen. I looked up the care instructions on the website and they said that if it got wet, it would dry back to normal. This is not the case with my bag, and I'm looking into what my options with it are. I'll still use it, it's not widely noticeable. I'll probably wait until it darkens, similar to Louis Vuitton bags, but not as extreme.

Hand lotion/cream

I keep some kind of hand cream with me, this time it's Anew Clinical that my mom gave me with SPF 15. I have a Julep sample with SPF 30 that I meant to try on my trip to Orlando, but the sun wasn't out (grr Tropical Storm Debbie), and I completely forgot to use it.

Tissues

Kleenex for allergies and runny noses.

Bobby pins

 Because my hair goes wild.

Ipod Nano 3rd Gen

My favorite Ipod for listening to music. I use this more than my Touch. It's so tiny. My mom let me "borrow" it, but I don't think she's getting it back lol. No harm, I got an Ipod Touch with my computer (education pricing bonus thing), and I gave that to her since I already have one.

Not one, but TWO chap sticks. 

Burt's Bees is a favorite, I will never abandon it (I love the menthol tingling feeling) and a Basin Chapstick which I LOVE. Almost as much as Burt's Bees.

Notebook

For writing down lists and ideas for the various projects I have going on.

Nook Simple Touch in a Jonathan Adler cover

Currently reading Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring, if you're wondering.

U by Kotex

Do I need to explain this?

Two pocket knives

No, I'm not crazy! One is my husband's (outdoorsy type, and his mom put in there so her wouldn't forget it in Orlando) and the little one is mine. I use it a lot when I'm out with the rabbits, usually to cut stuff (not the rabbits, obviously). Maybe I should have left them out, I look like a crazy person.

Sock pouch

Bought it at Pier One Imports. Holds my change. 

Eyeglass case

My contact case is in there, as my glasses are on my face. Funny story: My husband was looking for his glasses a while back and as I came out of the bathroom he looked at me and said "where are your glasses,  maybe they're with yours?" I replied: "On my face". Good times.

Pencil

For my notebook, useless without it.

Tweaserman nail file pack

'Cause one isn't enough.

Business cards

For my rabbit related business, not for my blog.

Inside of that pouch

Summer's Eve Wipes

Again, do I need to explain this?

Scope Outlast

Fresh teeth =)

Nail File

Yup.. obsessive

Kleenex

When I get the sneezies, I don't stop!

Revlon Lip Butter in Creamsicle

Only makeup item I carry

Pills

One on the bottom is my allergy pill (mint flavor, really weird), in the Aleve bottle is a mixture of Excedrin, Tylenol, Aleve, Tylenol PM, and Ibuprofen. Tums bottle has tums. You never know when you need it. Yes, I know what they all look like and what they all are.

Wallet

By Guess, bought at Macy's

Thumb drives, jump drives, whatever

The pink one has my pictures in it, and the plumbob (I am so cool) has misc. stuff on there.

Phone

BlackBerry Bold 9700

Sunglasses

Oakley Miss Conduct. I needed to get more expensive sunglasses. I don't loose these, and I take better care of them. I have gone through so many pairs before these.

Keys!!

Mickey looking things are from Disney, one is a fish and the other is Chip. The pig is an FFA branded one. They're attached to the bag for easy access.

Random stuff that is now in the trash. Not sure why that Amscot stub is there, it's way old.

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What's in my purse - Park Edition!

Hello! Today I am going to show you what I take with me to a park. Since graduating high school I find that I take medicine with me more often than I ever have, but I'll get more into that later. I never used to carry anything with me into the parks (Disney), hated the bag check line, never needed anything, etc. Now that I do, I figured it would be useful to show you all what I think is essential to my park activities.

My purse, as if you don't already know, is the Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Raffia in Neon Yellow.

The only think I threw in there was my iPod because I took it out when I got home. It's usually in there though.

Wallet

In here I keep some cash, debit cards, important insurance cards (Health and AAA), and a few misc. cards. The less the better. Keeps things small. 

Mentos UP2U Gum

Hand sanitizer

In a little Boots No7 pouch

Julep Lip Gloss

Never use it, but it's there

iPod and Nook

Not really useful in the park, but you never know when you'll be waiting for something, or someone (parades and such)

Pills/Tums

Since I graduated I get heartburn at anytime. Highly annoying. It's not frequent enough for me to pinpoint what causes it, or bad enough to take one of those no heartburn pills daily.

Baby powder

Another change since high school. I wear shorts! Always had big thighs (I blame being into sports when I was younger). Chaffing. Ow! I used to be muscle, but not anymore

Park pass
Pretty important. I actually tried to get in with my husband's pass... Oops!

Two Summers Eve wipes

Because one isn't enough? I honestly don't know, I'm a hoarder with that kind of stuff.

Julep hand cream in SPF 30

Always forget I have it, so I never use it.

Alavert

Allergies! Tastes like mint, really strange

Basin Lip Balm

Second to Burt's Bees, which is the love of my lippy life (that was awkward).

Misc.

Panty Liner

Bobby pins and hair ties

Mirror

Lastly, 2 nail files (see, I hoard!)

I hope this little guide helps! Unless you need it, it's important to keep things simple, and to the bare necessities. A zipped crossbody is an easy way to hold your stuff without worrying about setting the purse down, and forgetting it. It's always with you, and safe.

A simple wallet would also suffice if you didn't need any of this stuff.

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Ps: This will probably be the last time you see this bag, in case you're sick of seeing it! =D