I go back to Pittsburgh, PA quite often, and after all of this time I still stress out a little over what to pack and what to leave behind. What goes into my handbag is actually the easiest part of it all, as those items tend to pretty much stay them same, with some seasonal updates and swaps. Pictured above are my most dire items, which can usually be found tucked (somewhat) neatly inside of my handbag du jour, with this one being the Rebekah bag in olive from Sole Society.
See below for an explanation of why each of these items are always considered a holiday travel essential to me:
Rebekah bag in olive from Sole Society: because…pockets! And zippers! Keeping important items handy via organized outside and inside pockets is important so that I don’t miss a photo opportunity, and keeping the bag zipped ensures items stay where they belong for the car ride and at holiday parties. After a baby cousin threw potato salad into a tote of mine many Christmas’ ago, I learned that if I want to protect my belongings, the best way to do it is with sturdy bag closure.
Simply Gum in Fennel Licorice Flavor: Keeping breath fresh when seeing so many people is a must, and I’ve gotten away from traditional mint gum and moved onto the more natural variety. I love the fennel flavor and that it took just six ingredients to make it.
EO Sanitizing Hand Wipes: Easier than liquid, these wipes come in handy on everything from wiping down services to sticky little cookie fingers. Plus, the lavender scent is GREAT!
Vogue Eyewear Cat Eye Sunglasses: For the car ride and even overcast days…you’ll never catch me without a pair of shades!
Rosebud Perfume Co Rosebud Salve: Good for lips, noses, cuticles, and whatever else may get cracked and dry, this tin is a lifesaver, and also dwindles pretty quickly for me, as I use it constantly.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer Lipgloss in Uproar: Not only is this my new favorite gloss, but it has a sweet mint aroma, making breathe smell extra fresh. Score!
NARS Cosmetics Audacious Lip Color in Lana: You wouldn’t think I would pack a lip gloss and not a lipstick, right? I’ve been wearing this shade for the past four months straight, and am having trouble with adorning my puckers with any other shade, taken that this one is just so perfect.
Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops: My eyes are dry, and become even more so when I spend hours indoors in the winter. These eyedrops were recommended by my ophthalmologist, and are the best ones I’ve tried in my 16+ years of eye drop usage.
Burt’s Bees Natural Throat Drops in Honey: Just in case I come down with a cold or my throat gets hoarse from excessive chatter, I like always having a cough drop or two on hand. These ones are pretty delicious too!
Goody Double Wear 2 in 1 Ponytailer Bracelets: I always love to have a fashion element into everything I do/have/wear, and I love that these hair elastics double up as bracelets. That means I have less to pack, and less to worry about as they are stretchy and weightless.
P.S. — Happy New Year!!!!
Full Disclosure: Some of these items were given to Fashion Pulse Daily for editorial review.
