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My Go-To Bags For Every Occasion + What’s In My Bag?

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I will start by saying that I have kind of a small obsession with purses and bags since I was young and this evolving passion has only deepened with time into adulthood as I upgraded my go-to bags for every occasion. After having accumulated many lower-priced bags in my younger years that quickly lost their appeal and fell apart much faster than I would’ve liked, I started adopting my family’s mindset of investing (okay, splurging) in designer bags and have come to appreciate the value they bring to my wardrobe. They may be viewed as pricey accessories, but they can also be long-term investments (as they can have a good resale value) that have durability and quality which enhances my style at the same time. And when it comes to contemplating a luxury purchase, something to keep in mind is considering how it aligns with my lifestyle and aesthetic preferences so that I can use them every day, for special occasions, and even traveling.

And in my quest for the perfect handbag(s), my collection started to grow and become more well-rounded – as did what I put inside my bags. Every time I went out, my purse was almost always weighed down with “essential” items that I didn’t end up using and more often than not, I was lugging around items that didn’t see the light of day for those what-if scenarios. So how do I balance preparedness and practicality without sacrificing style now? I had to make an effort to lighten both my load and the strain on my shoulders (yes, back and shoulder pain is real) and I’ve gradually downsized from bulky totes to more streamlined options as well as adjusting what I carry based on factors like destination, occasion, and whether I’m jet-setting or sticking close to home.

And now that you have likely seen a few of my designer bags unboxing reels on my Instagram, I’m here to share some examples of my main go-to bags and offer a peek into what’s inside for every occasion. Each handbag is carefully chosen to complement various outfits, aesthetics, occasions, and uses and it may also inspire you for your own handbag collection.

For Everyday – Crossbody Bag

What's In My Everyday Bag - Crossbody Bag

I used to carry around large totes as my everyday purse for the longest time, but now I’ve downsized to this classic archive-inspired crossbody bag from Burberry. Crossbody bags allow me to be hands-free especially if I need to use my phone or carry my water bottle and other items on the daily. Plus, their versatile design makes them suitable for many occasions, whether I’m running errands or just going out, and complements various outfits. Crossbody bags provide comfort without compromising style and their lightweight design prevents shoulder strain and offers easy access to my frequently used items.

What’s In My Bag – Burberry Note Bag

  • Keys
  • Cellphone
  • An old iPhone that I use only for music (yes I have that much music that I need a completely different phone for it!)
  • Lipstick
  • Tissue packet
  • Sanitizer
  • Glasses
  • Wallet
  • Mints or gum
  • Earphones/earbuds
  • Hand cream
  • Pillbox (occasionally)

For Work – Tote Bags

What's In My Bag For Work - Tote Bags

On the rare occasions when I step into the office (which happens to be less than 10 times a year these days), I opt for tote bags for their spaciousness and ability to carry a wide range of items effortlessly. While there can be a stigma attached to using luxury or designer purses in certain work environments, it has never been a concern for me, even at the onset of my career. I firmly believe in carrying what feels right for you and assessing the situation if it becomes a point of contention, recognizing that people can be judgmental and that our choice of attire and accessories can make a bold statement. But sometimes that’s the point, isn’t it?

What’s In My Bag – Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM or Prada Large Galleria Saffiano Leather Bag

In addition to what’s in my everyday bag, these are the items I also add to my work bag:

  • Key card for work
  • Pen and notebook
  • Laptop
  • Charging cables for laptop and cellphone
  • Water bottle
  • Makeup Bag

For A Night Out – Crossbody Bags

What's In My Bag For A Night Out - Bags

When it comes to a night out in town, I also prefer taking a crossbody bag – but one that is a little more elegant and less casual to perfectly complement the occasion. These sleek and sophisticated crossbody options are usually smaller and have less room than my everyday purse so I’m even more limited in what I can take with me. Occasionally, I will choose a handbag or tote bag when I need to carry larger items such as my camera.  

What’s In My Bag – YSL Lou Camera Bag or Louis Vuitton Félicie Pochette or Louis Vuitton Cherry Speedy

For Traveling – Tote Bags, Crossbody Bags, And Backpacks

What's In My Bag For Travel - Bags
What's In My Bag For Work - Outdoor or City Adventures

When I’m traveling, I will still use designer bags, but I select ones that I’m comfortable using in a potentially rougher setting or ones that I wouldn’t be heartbroken over if they got damaged. Depending on the type of trip I take, I also use more casual backpacks especially when I’m going on outdoor adventures and need to carry more items with me such as my camera, water bottle, snacks, and other items.

Personal Item – Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote Bag (I’ll be sharing more “Pack With Me” type of videos on Instagram as I travel)

Everyday Bag – Louis Vuitton Double Zip Pochette or Louis Vuitton Outdoor Messenger or Gucci Canvas Belt Bag (here’s an example of what I used at Disney World)

Outdoor Or City Adventures – Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack or Arc’teryx Mantis 16 Backpack (where I’ll carry a lot more items if I’m hiking)

What’s (Potentially) In My Bag

In Addition, When I’m Going On Outdoor Adventures

For more of the bags I use and what’s inside them, follow me on Instagram and for help on travel packing, download this Free Packing Checklist For Every Vacation. 

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