The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Hot Topic: What's In Your Purse?



It's always fun and enlightening to take a look inside someone's purse. The contents can reveal quite a bit about a person's life! So for today's hot topic, I'm inviting you to spill the beans on what you're carrying in your handbag. Feel free to share what kind of bag it is, too!

I'll go first (gulp!):

Ok, now what's in yours?

Comments
know what i'm having for breakfast? toast and BB ;-)

and now on to the purse! i love topics like these.

the purse: slouchy tan hobo from h&m

the contents:
- long teal stitched leather wallet from urban outfitters
- keys with keychains from NYC and the rock n' roll hall of fame
- bus pass
- access card for work
- cell phone
- ipod touch
- digital camera
- generally some sort of book (i like to get my reading done on the bus, plus it helps me avoid questions of the 'what's a girl like you doing in a place like this' variety)
- lip balm
- pen
- loose change and receipts that i'm too lazy to pack away nicely in my purse like a normal person
#1 hanna (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 06:36 (Reply)
what a fun post!
in my longchamp tote (yes, i know every girl and their mom owns one of these)... BUT, it's extremely practical.

-floral long wallet from Urban Outfitters
-bottle of water
-pens
-planner

and in small bag inside:
-Stride peppermint gum
-Carmex
-Cell phone
-Ipod
-Tampons
-receipts
-coins
#1.1 rachel on 2009-04-16 20:29 (Reply)
Purse: Black leather Tignanello, sort of like this one here : http://www.ebags.com/tignanello/tig_totes_medium_tote/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=103110. Right now I have a vintage scarf tied to it to brighten it up a bit.
Wallet : Black Coach (my Christmas present from 2 years ago)
- Coach mini skinny (holds various discount cards)
- cell phone
- keys (nothing real special)
- complete change of clothes for my daughter (she's 3)
- Korres full color cherry gloss in nude
- Revlon matte lipstick in mauve it over
- 2 pens (which I'm sure will be gone by this afternoon)
- loose change and receipts because I'm lazy :-)
#2 Jessica on 2009-04-16 07:11 (Reply)
Nine West Leather Satchel(holds a pair of heels and 2 bottles of wine with room to spare!):
-lush's honey trap lip balm
-clinique's spf tinted moisturizer
-dip dyed linen scarf in hotpink/purple
-travel bag (3-1-1 bag for air travel with toner, lotion, toothbrush, mascara, hand sanitizer)
-digital camera
-Ralph Lauren Paint Chips
-Cell Phone
-Green leather wallet
-wine bottle opener
-key card for work
-emergency period kit
#3 Jen (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 07:42 (Reply)
in my red and black terry cloth Aranzi Aronzo bag:

- silver wallet from Urban Outfitters I decorated with katchinas
- iPod touch
- minidisc player (my personal 90's revival!)
- gym ID on MoNoKoRo Boo lanyard
- Rhodia note pad
- silver date book with a ton of Mrs. Grossman's stickers crammed in
- jump drive
- cell phone with assorted straps and charms
- Isaac Mizrahi for Target card case
- voodoo oil for "job" and "blessing" I got at Schwab's drugstore in Memphis. Don't laugh- it smells good, and who knows? It might work!
- Dr. Pepper Bonne Belle Lip Smacker
#4 Lyn on 2009-04-16 07:51 (Reply)
Ohhh, fun!

My bag is a gifted Longchamp bag:
-Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet
-Rosebud Lip Salve
-Leather Hello Kitty planner
-Hello Kitty key chain with my keys
-L'Occitane lotion
-Advil
-Pens, pens, and more pens
-First aid kit
-Cell phone
-TI 89 calculator
-My mini laptop
-Work ID on a band
-A book
-MP3 player
-Mints
-Jolly Ranchers
-Heart post-its

Ahhh, being a student is always fun. lol.
#5 Joann on 2009-04-16 07:55 (Reply)
Well this is an unusual day for my bag, but here goes:

In my bag (my favorite - a vinyl black and white tote that I bought on sale for $15 at Target!):

-black coin purse-style wallet
-3 packets of Splenda
-Trident cinnamon gum
-Loreal Color Riche lip gloss in Rich Red
-Neutrogena Moisture Shine gloss in Flirt
-Aquaphor Advanced Therapy lip ointment (this is strating to make me look like I have some kid of lip fetish)
-Large Paddle Hairbrush
-Pens
-Spearmint green iPod shuffle
-Character shoes (nude)
-Black pocket-size flip notepad
-One Chinese fortune cookie fortune that reads "Pick a path with heart" (Which, I might add, is NOT a fortune and I feel a little gipped now that I'm reading it again...)
-My red and gold Sigg water bottle

That's funny - I didn't realize half of that stuff was even in there.

I dig this thread - good call, BB!
~a
#6 Amanda Heironimus (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 08:50 (Reply)
Purse: Apt. 9 brown and pink "leather" satchel I got 80% off!

"snake" skin gold long wallet from DSW

Franklin Covey white and pink polka dot (over stuffed) planner

Sea Island Cotton mini lotion

Louis Vuitton mini key chain /business card holder (that's not on my keychain)

Another business card holder..this one is hello kitty :-)

Orbit Strawberry Mint gum

Alli weight loss pills

5 lip glosses (really?)

keys with vicotrias secret heart key chain.

3 sharpies and a pink highlighter..

hmmm.. why all the sharpies? I don't even know.
#7 dina on 2009-04-16 08:53 (Reply)
Oh boy BB this is a good one!!! My roomy Black Sak bag today contains: wallet, cell, digital camera and notebook(have to always carry these to do stories for the paper), pens, random sinus medicine and always always baby wipes and little snacks for a four year old -which always equals lots of crumbs and wrappers in the bottom-LOL!
#8 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 08:55 (Reply)
Ha! Loves it. Keep these coming, ladies!!
#8.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-04-16 09:54 (Reply)
- Jessica Simpson faux-croc bag
- Kate Spade wallet
- Standard key ring, keys
- D&G sunglasses
- Day-Timer
- A fun argyle-printed pen or two, and a Post-It highlighter
- Bonne Bell Strawberries 'n Cream Lip Smacker
- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips, in Trixie
- "Political Thinking" by Glenn Tinder
- Cell phone
#9 Katie on 2009-04-16 09:08 (Reply)
Michael Kors Large Black Leather Joplin Satchel
- Sugar Free Mints
- Mini Mirror/Brush
- Mini umbrella
- Aleve
- Marc Jacobs oval cut out shades
- Blistex Complete Moisture Lip Balm
- Blackberry
- Magazines (Glamour & Lucky)
- MTA Metrocard
- Hand Sanitizer
- 100 Calorie Pack of Almonds
- Digital Camera
- Mini Bottle of Hand Lotion
- A pen
- Bottle of water
#10 Mee on 2009-04-16 09:51 (Reply)
Oooh, fun!

Coach large black leather hobo
- Michael Kors navy croc-embossed sunglasses (about 75% off!)
- small Marimekko umbrella
- cell
- iPod
- digital camera
- my LeSportsac passport sized travel wallet
- coin purse from OK47
- Burt's Bees Lip Balm
- Band Aids
- 2 MTA metrocards
- house keys
- car keys
- a pen
- plastic bag of Splenda packets
- 5 tea bags (chai and green tea)
- 3 Orbit packets, 2 Sweet Mint 1 Cinnamon
- pad and tampon
#11 Zoe on 2009-04-16 10:26 (Reply)
Hmmm I change purses nearly every other day depending on what I'm wearing, where I'm going & what I'm doing so I either have the bare minimum or everything under the sun. Lately I've been switching a lot between a light grey/white leather purse & a black or purple plaid look cotton tote all on bought on sale from Spring. (Hehe yes my spring purses are from Spring)

Today I'm taking my new purple cotton hobo satchel from Roots that I got half price when I purchased a backpack/duffle for an upcoming trip. In it:
-a softlips spf 20 honey dew melon lip balm
-a small black trifold wallet that I've had for years and have no idea where I got it
-my pink blackberry curve
-my silver jeans dog tag keychain complete with car key/remote, bike lock key, a house key that I never use, and an AE all access pass I got yesterday
-a mail key & what I think is an additional house key on a seperate yellow BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR BE A DESIGNATED DRIVER wristlet keychain.

It's a small list which is funny because usually purse or no purse, I'm the one that's got everything everyone else needs.
#12 k on 2009-04-16 10:31 (Reply)
Ohhhhkay.

Sigrid Olsen Irena bag in black
Mywalit wallet in blue leather
Red Palm Centro
Video iPod
Keys
Wonder Woman business card holder
Miu Miu crown motif sunglasses
LeSportsac makeup bag containing (brace yourselves)
- Aveda Hand Relief
- Kiehl's SPF 15 lip balm in hue #30G
- Vaseline lip balm
- A fold-up brush/comb
- Mini deodorant (no laughing!)
- Barettes
- Ponytail holders
- Pill case
- Oil absorbing sheets
- Tide stain remover pen
- Aveda concealer
- Mini bottle of Aveda Confixor

The makeup bag comes out when I carry a smaller handbag, BELIEVE me.
#13 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 10:41 (Reply)
Paul Frank Purse =)

-Mac Make up bag ( Mascara, Lip Balm, Clinique Compact, Eye Lash Curler, Nivea Creme, Wet and Wild Illuminatin Powder, Physicians Formula Mineral Liquid Foundation, Jane Gel Liner, Wet N Wild Eyebrow pencil, Estee Lauder Concealer cover stick, 2 hair ties, 1 bobby pins)

-Coach Wallet w/ check book

-Organizer/Planner

-Brush

-Calculator

-Pen
#14 clara711 on 2009-04-16 11:34 (Reply)
Ok, I travel a lot and am a moisturizer freak, so in my Longchamp Pliage:

- Cole Haan mens' wallet (I love the compactness)
- Swarovski crystal ball keychain from Lucerne, Switzerland, acquired many years while I was there; many keys, including gym cards and grocery discount cards
- 3-1-1 ziploc bag containing Carmex lip balm, Elizabeth Arden 8-hr cream, Bath and Body Works moisturizing hand cream, Covergirl Wetslicks fruit spritzer lipgloss and VolumeExact mascara, Neosporin, various sample size perfumes (Bulgari, Kenzo, etc), Chanel Exceptionelle mascara, Purell, Smashbox lipgloss, Clinique dramatically different moisturizer, Benetint mini
- a couple of ballpoint pens
- gum, small Altoid mints
- compact mirror
- Clinique black honey almost lipstick
- travel drive
- Lancome Juicy Rouge lipstick
- Shiseido sheer gloss lipstick
- ibuprofen and tylenol
- a set of Sea-bands for motion sickness
- small brush from Crabtree & Evelyn
- a couple of pantiliners
- Band-Aids

Ok, now I'm frightened. :-P
#15 Donna on 2009-04-16 11:36 (Reply)
I love love LOVE my bag. It's a green Banana Republic Flatiron Satchel. It is sturdy, big enough for everything I carry, but not too heavy.

-iPhone
-Car charger for iPhone
-Plantronics 925 Bluetooth in it's case (so I don't lose it...again)
-Anne Klein sunglasses and case
-Tiffany & Co. house keyring with keys
-Eclipse Gum
-Checkbook
-Hinged Clutch Wallet from Target
-Business cards, I WANT a case for my business cards so badly but have not found one I'm in LOVE with...in case anyone has any suggestions.
-Two pens

Then I have a clear makeup bag in my purse that has the following items in it:
-Victoria's Secret Lipgloss
-Chapstick
-Boots No. 7 pressed powder
-Tweezers
-Nail Clippers
-Band-aids
-Tampon

That's it on a regular basis, but I can also fit a water bottle and my camera in there, and still have room for some snacks for my kid.
#16 RubiaLala on 2009-04-16 11:46 (Reply)
so much fun!! i could'nt resist but to post..

Red handbag from Macy's :

- Body Shop Watermelon lip balm
- brown fossil wallet
- victoria secrets clear lipgloss
- checkbook
- VW keychain + keys
-tylenol
-compact mirror
- Band-aids
- Samsung phone
-pen
-sanitary napkin
- hair clip + band
- hair comb
- olay hand moisturizer
- body splash from bath and body works (travel pack size)
- gum
-neutrogena oil absorbing sheets
-a pack of facial tissue
#17 Nonie on 2009-04-16 12:01 (Reply)
Adding to the insanity:

-Dooney & Bourke tote
-Fossil wallet
-day planner
-physics textbook
-two notebooks and two folders
-Paperchase pencil case w/ assorted pens, pencils, highlighter
-camera in camera case
-Trident gum
-trusty TI-84
-cell phone
-bluetooth headset
-school ID
-umbrella
-keys + assorted key chains
-gift cards
-random receipts and trash
-makeup bag containing:
-tissues
-compact mirror
-comb
-tampon
-lotion
-mini perfume
-lip gloss
-lip stick

I'm prepared for anything, it seems.
#18 Shannon on 2009-04-16 13:38 (Reply)
Oh man!
Lets' see ... Dooney & Burke Handbag

Rebate check for my Curve 8900 (nice!)
Keys with my Coach heart and Juicy Couture heart lipgloss keychains
Mac Lipstick in nude
Bebe "PEACE" sign rhinestoned bag
Burt's Beeswax (never leave home without it!)
Ziploc with grapes (lol)
Nail strenghthener
My Blackberry
#19 Joanna on 2009-04-16 13:48 (Reply)
Ok. Here it goes...

Brown patent leather Jessica Simpson bag...

- Kathy van Zealand wallet
- keys with keychains (a beaded strawberry, a boxing glove, a Cal Berkeley bear, & an Egyptian pyramids) along with more discount keychain cards than I care to count
- Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses
- iPod
- cell phone
- unpaid bill
- reusable CVS tote
- hairbrush
- dry cleaning and shoe repair pick-up slips
- band-aid friction block to prevent blisters (just bought it on a whim, has anyone used it?)
- tampon
- advil
- a book
- pen
- hair ties (hairbands, hair ties are just what I call them)
- gum
- MetroCard
#20 Sandra on 2009-04-16 13:56 (Reply)
First off - I LOVE your blog! I read it daily and things like this are such fun.

In Hobo International Devon bag (black):

Fossil checkbook wallet
Another checkbook
Cell phone
Spiral pocketbook calendar
Glasses and case
Cloth handkerchief
Calculator
Keys
2 pens
Comb
Small mirror
Finger nail file
Safety pins
#21 Patricia on 2009-04-16 14:23 (Reply)
oh this sounds fun!

Brown leather Sabina leather bag which I got at http://www.baghaus.com/ for about $80, and they sell it at Urban for almost $300 crazy!
-iphone
-school id
-Rosebud lip balm
-peppermint candy
-gum (2 different kinds)
-halls
-head phones
-pencil bag(holds flash drives, pens, pencils)
-keys
-Pepper Spray
-Camera
-Prada wallet
-lots and lots of napkins...haha
#22 Ally (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 14:56 (Reply)
In my red leather tommy hilfiger tote:

-two notebooks
-a statistics book
-Versace sunglasses and holder
-chipotle napkins lol
-leopard print guess wallet
-planner
-TI-83 calculator
-bath and body works sun-ripened raspberry body lotion
-mini stapler with purple staples
-hand sanitizer
-keys
-victoria's secret lipgloss and carmex chapstick
-loads of pens & mechanical pencils
-a highlighter
-small mirror
-a white headband
-a small ziplock of some oatmeal snack.
-headphones
-blackberry curve


As you can tell, this bag doubles as a backpack. Lol!
#23 joleyn on 2009-04-16 16:33 (Reply)
Mine is a mess!

-Bag: B Makowsky tan, cream, and gold hobo
-Brown Marc Jacobs Wallet
-Keys w/ Coach key pouch and gym swipe card
-Coach day planner
-Tusk credit card holder
-Three pens
-Blackberry
-iPod touch
- Various lip glosses
-Marc Jacobs sunglasses
-The book "Confessions of a Beauty Addict" ( So good!)
-Gum, halls, other various candies
-Rosebud lip balm
#24 Stephanie on 2009-04-16 20:35 (Reply)
Rainbow crochet bag, ebay find... Grommet-detailed wallet, pen, Soft Lips lip balm, Commit lozenges (trying to quit smoking), calculator, grocery list, lighter, Advil, iPhone, keys with random cheapie keychains, face to car stereo, Sharpie, loose change, credit card, bank card, random business cards (tattoo place, animal shelter, boutiques)...and the occasional cat toy that is delightfully dropped in my purse.
#25 Roxanne on 2009-04-16 21:42 (Reply)
Fun post!

It's a turqoise dylan croco linea pelle bag

I have a purple linea pelle dylan wallet

2 tampons

iphone

chloe myrte shades in ivory

lots of receipts that need to be cleaned out

burts bees chapstick

a silver heartshaped mirror that has my name engraved.. mom got it for my 21sts birthday

a tide to go pen just in case of an emergency!!

change purse and loose change as well

a spare collar for my dog

an easter card
#26 Chelsa Caruso (Homepage) on 2009-04-16 23:28 (Reply)
Bag: Louis Vuitton "Epi" leather "Noe" bag in black
- Burberry leather sunglasses & holder
- Marc by Marc Jacobs wristlet (plaid), which holds tampons
- Origins lipstick
- Clinique' sample-sized hand cream
- Protein snack bar
- Marc Jacobs daisy ring pouch
- Tic-tacs
- Wallet
- Book "The Gardner Museum Heist"
- Blackberry
- Nalgene bottle
- T-pass
- Netflix to return
- Notebook
- Hair clip
- Reusable shopping bag (always a good idea!)
- 4 pens
- Keys
- Work ID tag
- Tory Burch "Reva" ballerina flats in black (because what goes up, must come down)
#27 mr on 2009-04-17 05:26 (Reply)
Sounds fun! :-)

White Coach leather shoulder bag (outlet find for $150)

Bag organizer containing the following:
Gum, extra pantiliners, mirror, eyedrops
Coach leather wallet
Checkbook
Carmex lip balm
MAC concealer in NW25
Clinique Stay Matte powder
Bath and Body works antibacterial gel
Coupon book
Blue pen and No. 2 pencil
Bottled water
Lighter
Sony camera in a pouch
iPod and Samsung cellphone
My grocery list, wanna wanna list, to do list

Even if I have the bag organizer, it seems like a big mess! The bigger the bag, the bigger the mess!
#28 (Homepage) on 2009-04-17 10:37 (Reply)
BB, this is such a fun idea! :-)

In my Louis Vuitton Monogram Medium Looping Handbag (a gift from my mom for my 21st b-day...I'll be 26 Monday!):

-Matching LV French Purse Clutch wallet (another gift) containing my AmEx card, Visa, driver's license, gift cards, a ticket from a memorable Sox game, and change
-Sage green clinique wristlet containing Sally Hansen Smile Brightening lip treatments in Twinkling and Dazzling, Cose personalized lipstick in Cream of pink
-Vaseline lip treatment
-Clinique perfectly real compact make-up in shade 106 (tiny)
-A small unused toothbrush (to tame by brows)
-Bottle of Pamprin
-Tampon
-My paycheck!
-LG cell phone
-Receipts from Banana Republic & Old Navy, restaurants and coffee shops
-Key ring containing: house & car keys, automatic car starter, keychain-sized gym card & Binny's card
-Set of work keys
-Checkbook
-2 pens
-Orbitz gum
-Engagement card for a friend
-Prescription sunglasses w/case
-Pink digital camera

In my car, I have a bag with a mini deodorant, mouthwash, tissues, perfume, and shout wipes in case of emergencies!
#29 Jess on 2009-04-18 10:51 (Reply)
Very interesting post, I've often wondered what's in people's huge bags. Mine: Le Sportsac Deluxe Everyday Neigbour print.

-dressing bottle reused as water bottle, contains rosehip tea (hard to find good and safe water bottles)
-LeSportsac wallet in Shout print
-cutlery and napkin
-shopping bag
-red Moleskine mini agenda
-sketchbook
-pens
-Shea Lips lip balm
-Spry gum
-notes for a previous job interview
-2 Giovanni hand wipes
-2 Big Carrot receipts
-pack of Sniffs with monkey
-old mini love note from my BF
#30 Chris on 2009-05-09 12:10 (Reply)
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