By the time this post goes up, I'll be in Prague for my boyfriend's birthday! I'm so excited because I've wanted to visit Prague for ages and I love a city break in general, plus it feels like ages since my last getaway. I thought it was the perfect opportunity to give you a peak at the essentials going into my handbag, as well as giving you the details on the bag itself, which I got for Christmas.
The bag
Annoyingly this seems to be out of stock in the black colour I have (though Crisp Linen, which I've linked, is also gorgeous - I just didn't opt for it because I already have another style in that shade), but my go-to weekend bag is the Kate Spade Orchard St Hemsley | £325. I'm sure to some it's 'just' a plain black bag but to me it's definitely an investment piece and I wear it pretty much every day that I'm not at work! The size is perfect and it goes with everything in my wardrobe.
It has an adjustable strap and tassel detail on the side. There's a pocket at the front with a magnetic closure, which is really handy if you need to grab things quickly (like if you're on the train and need easy access to your ticket and railcard or, in this case, to put a paper map in). There is a zip right across the top of the bag, meaning that everything inside is totally secure. Inside there's a stripy lining and an elasticated pocket. I really love the grained leather because it's easy to wipe clean and so much more durable than a smooth finish. All of the hardware on this bag is gold, which this matches most of my jewellery.
What's inside?
Gadgets
Olympus Pen E-Pl7 in White | Obviously this isn't in the shot because I used it to take this picture! However this is the camera I use for 90% of the photos you will see on my blog and Instagram page. Without the lens it's the size of a standard compact camera. I tend to detach the lens so it takes up less room in my bag. I won't go into loads of detail on the camera itself because it really is deserving of its own post! However if you want something that's compact and intuitive to use but also takes amazing-quality photos in a variety of conditions, then this is perfect. It has handy wifi capability, meaning I can transfer the better-quality images from my camera to my phone in a matter of seconds. It also has a flip-out screen for those all-important selfies!
iPhone 6 | Obviously my phone is in here too - I have the iPhone 6 in the shade gold, which is a gorgeous bronzey-copper tone which I personally much preferred to the pink-toned 'rose gold' edition. Minus a screen repair (due to my incessant clumsiness) it's still going strong a year and a half later, though I will be upgrading in October. There are a few handy apps I keep on my phone that I think are worth mentioning in this post because they're great if you're out and about in another country. I always download a 'Learn' app for the language of the country that I'm going to - they work like a digital phrasebook and you can get the app to repeat back to you the phrase you need so you know how to pronounce it. I also always download the app for the airline I'm flying with, if I don't already have it. This means I don't have to stress about forgetting my boarding pass because I can just scan it on my phone. It also means I can quickly check my flight times without having to trawl through emails and get updated on any delays.
Portable Charger | £15.95 | and Amazon USB Cable | £5.29 | Sticking with the gadget theme, I think this portable charger has to be the best freebie I've ever got through work! I work for a pretty huge global company so there are always branded things floating around (from suitcases to umbrellas to highlighters to coasters) but this has to be the most useful. I've linked a different one from Amazon that I used to use because it's still so affordable and holds 4 charges (it just isn't quite as slimline as my new one). I obviously have a spare USB charger for my phone in there (personally I find the Amazon own brand version is way more durable than Apple's). These are definitely essential in the age of smartphones and international data plans! When I go away I'll quite often be out all day, perhaps with just half an hour in the evening to freshen up before it's off to dinner. Things like using Google Maps or Instagramming a lot obviously eat right through your battery. This allows me to recharge my phone from my handbag and because it holds so much charge I can also do the same for whoever else I'm with if they have a USB. You just have to be sure you remember to charge your charger!
Earphones | £14.99 | I've lost, broken and destroyed so many pairs of earphones that I just don't bother spending much on them any more. I find these in-ear ones from Amazon do the job and are affordable. They're decent quality and take up minimal space in my handbag. I can't seem to find these exact ones but I've linked some very similar ones I've used before.
Essentials
Accessorize Cardholder | £8 | I picked this one up from Accessorize a while back so I've just linked some similar ones from their site, however I do love the cute little duck print. I use this to hold any train tickets, my railcard, my bus pass and my Oyster card (though they're basically redundant now!)
Prezzy Box Custard Cream Purse* | £11.95 | This purse is so cute and quirky and you guys seemed to love it when I posted it on Instagram! It's made of soft leather and of course looks like a good old Custard Cream. I prefer to use a small purse like this, especially when I'm travelling, because it frees up soooo much space and to be honest, I don't need every loyalty card I own when I'm wandering around in another country. This fits the coins and notes I need as well as my essential cards.
Passport and Travel Document Holder | £3.65 | Rounding off the more boring essentials, I have my passport and any other travel documents in this cute little holder which I got at a bargain price from eBay! It actually has a zipped coin compartment so I can keep my currencies separate and some card slots, as well as space for other papers like travel insurance documents.
Pocket Rough Guide to Prague | £6.49 | I'm a bit old-fashioned and love to have a traditional travel guide in my bag. To me, there's nothing better than getting a coffee at breakfast and sitting to plan out what you're going to do for the day. The Rough Guides are my favourite because they contain the highlights of a city as well as handy maps.
Beauty
Roger and Gallet Fleur de Fig Hand Cream & Fragrance Set* | £6 | This is a great little set that contains two products in the fig-floral scent from Roger and Gallet. There's a lightweight, nourishing hand cream for if my hands get dry during the day and also a tiny little perfume spray to freshen up with.
Clinique Chubby in the Nude Stick Foundation | £23 | review | This is pretty much always in my handbag! It's a stick foundation with a creamy formula that's actually got a nice, natural finish. It gives the skin a healthy appearance, though it isn't the most long-wearing. It's really handy for touch-ups on long days though.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle | £29 | review | Under my eyes is where makeup tends to fade fastest and I also have quite bad dark circles! Therefore I keep this concealer/under eye brighter in my handbag to make myself look instantly more awake and alert.
Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder | £8.99 | This is one of my all-time favourite face powders and is such a bargain! Annoyingly the shade range is limited, though, and I'm the second darkest they make in this. However I find the formula isn't at all powdery or heavy, despite having some coverage. It just mattes down my skin without making it look flat.
Look Good Feel Better Mini Brush | £20 (for the set) | I got this mini powder brush in my Marks and Spencer beauty advent calendar and it hasn't left my handbag since. It's small but not so much so that it's useless. It has hygienic, easy to clean bristles and doesn't pick up too much product - so I can just swirl it around in the pan and powder my t-zone in a matter of seconds.
ColourPop Lippie Stick in Brink | $5 | review | Obviously there's a lip product knocking around in here! This is a shade I pretty much always take away with me because it goes with so many of my makeup looks. It has a creamy matte formula that has a very slight sheen but is completely opaque. The colour itself is a sort of mid-toned mauve-brown nude.
Clinique Chubby in the Nude Stick Foundation | £23 | review | This is pretty much always in my handbag! It's a stick foundation with a creamy formula that's actually got a nice, natural finish. It gives the skin a healthy appearance, though it isn't the most long-wearing. It's really handy for touch-ups on long days though.
Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle | £29 | review | Under my eyes is where makeup tends to fade fastest and I also have quite bad dark circles! Therefore I keep this concealer/under eye brighter in my handbag to make myself look instantly more awake and alert.
Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder | £8.99 | This is one of my all-time favourite face powders and is such a bargain! Annoyingly the shade range is limited, though, and I'm the second darkest they make in this. However I find the formula isn't at all powdery or heavy, despite having some coverage. It just mattes down my skin without making it look flat.
Look Good Feel Better Mini Brush | £20 (for the set) | I got this mini powder brush in my Marks and Spencer beauty advent calendar and it hasn't left my handbag since. It's small but not so much so that it's useless. It has hygienic, easy to clean bristles and doesn't pick up too much product - so I can just swirl it around in the pan and powder my t-zone in a matter of seconds.
ColourPop Lippie Stick in Brink | $5 | review | Obviously there's a lip product knocking around in here! This is a shade I pretty much always take away with me because it goes with so many of my makeup looks. It has a creamy matte formula that has a very slight sheen but is completely opaque. The colour itself is a sort of mid-toned mauve-brown nude.
Toiletries
Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment* | £10.99 | This is a really great multipurpose balm-ointment. It's amazing for softening the lips but also for hydrating any dry patches on the skin. I tend to get quite flaky skin around my nose and this is great for getting rid of that.
Soap & G
Mitchum Powder Fresh Deodorant | This is definitely my favourite brand of deodorant; I just find it so effective. I keep a mini in my handbag (which I can't seem to find online) to freshen up with because I'll often have had a long day of walking around.
Chewing Gum | Obviously this is an essential to keep my breath fresh no matter what I've eaten...
Tissues | Again, a given! You never know when you might need them so it's best to always have some on hand.
Painkillers | I always carry painkillers because you never know when a headache might strike and you may not be near a pharmacy, so having some on hand prevents it from spoiling your day.
Andrea Garland In Flight Kit* | £24 | If you're a nervous flier like me, a little kit like this is essential (you can take a look at what's inside here) no matter how short the flight. In this compact little tin you get an eye mask and earplugs, for if you need some rest (which I often do because I prefer to get very early-morning flights in order to get a full day once I arrive at my destination), a chamomile-scented rollerball, to calm any nerves on takeoff or landing, and a nourishing lip balm to ensure your lips don't get chapped (especially important on long-haul trips).
What are your handbag essentials for a weekend away?
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Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own.
A portable charger and a pressed powder are two things I always carry in my travel bag! Never know when you might need them. X
ReplyDeleteKate// itskaterose.com
So true! A lot of guys I know also never have portable chargers because they don't have a bag so even if I don't use it, someone normally wants to! Xx
DeleteSuch a great post, have an amazing time in Prague lovely!
ReplyDeleteJen, Velvet Spring. xo
I love how you split this up into different categories! I try to always carry deodorant and painkillers with me but because I don't always need them, it's so easy for me to just take them out... and then I regret it haha
ReplyDeletehttp://thedianaedition.com
I love your bag! Hope you had a fab weekend! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
Thank you! :) xx
DeleteThe custard cream purse is so cute! Always carry hand sanitiser and tissues with me too!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
Love the passport and document holder, will have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteRachael xox
http://gatsbyandglamour.blogspot.com
I love the Kate spade bag. It looks like you're having a great time in Prague! The Clinique foundation would be a travel essential of mine to xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
Your duck card holder is the cutest and as for the custard cream purse...omg *want*!! I hope you've had the best time and Happy Birthday to your bf - been loving your IG story snippets of Prague! :)
ReplyDeleteStyle Sunrise☀
:)
x
Thank you Karen it was lovely :) xx
DeleteReally, Prague? You're going to love it, at least I hope. This city and south of the Czech Republic are something I am proud of. Have a great time there!
ReplyDeleteMichelle Morchella
Have a fun trip girl! Kate Spade bags are amazing quality even though they're pricy x
ReplyDeleteBeauty From Katie
I love this bag! Hope you have an amazing weekend!
ReplyDeleteNINEGRANDSTUDENT: A Lifestyle Blog
I love seeing what people carry around haha it's always so interesting! I went to Prague a few years ago and I absolutely loved it - it's such a stunning city!! Hope you have a wonderful trip! x
ReplyDeleteAriadna || RAWR BOWS
Me too I'm so nosey haha. And thank you we had a really nice time :) xx
DeleteI always carry chewing gum, tissues and powder too, mine is also from Bourjois. Lanolips The original sounds so good; I tend to get dry areas too.
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing trip
ZEKALIN
Enjoy your trip! I can't wait to see photos! <3
ReplyDeleteTahana
www.tahanalee.com
That Custard Cream pouch steals the show for me...and actually makes me feel quite peckish haha! Yes, a portable charger is an absolute MUST if you have an iPhone and plan to be out longer than an hour!!! Lol! I hope you enjoyed your trip hun xxx
ReplyDeleteUmmBabyBeauty
Haha it's so adorable! xx
DeleteEnjoy your trip babe xx
ReplyDeleteDami
www.bronzedout.blogspot.com
It fits in so much for a bag that size! I would love to read a detailed post on your camera, I'm thinking of getting a smaller one for travels. Have a great trip! xx
ReplyDeleteAdvaita | Blush Canvas
Your bag fits so many items, love it! Also happy birthday to BF and going to Prague is a fabulous idea! I loved my time there, such a beautiful city and food is ah-mazing. Take care!
ReplyDeleteNaya // www.partyparrotblog.com
Thank you Naya! xx
DeleteHope yo have fun in Prague! I need to get a new portable charger, mine busted and and I'm dying without one.
ReplyDeletexx Dany | The Queens Empire
Hope you have a wonderful time in Prague! It's always nice to take a break & explore :) Love your purse by the way!
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
Lipstick, lip balm, hand cream and hand sanitizer as well as a blotting powder are always in my bag. Great post.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
I got more excited than I should of done when I saw that purse! I love your bag too, great post!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
Haha I'm obsessed with this purse <3 xx
DeleteI am in need to change from my mini cross-body into a medium sized bag. I have been eyeing Kate Spade for awhile.
ReplyDeleteLaila from Townhouse Palette
Great bag and love your essentials for a city break. The one thing I like to pack is a reusable water bottle (just fill it up when you land) - important for when doing all that walking. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCity Style and Living The Editors Notebook | Instagram
Have a great time in Prague!! I absolutely love it there!! I just wish I lived closer to do those weekend trips!! Going anywhere from Aus is basically a 8hr plus flight except for New Zealand and Fiji!!
ReplyDeleteMel xx || Loads of Lifestyle
Thank you for your comments - we had a lovely time away :) xx
ReplyDeleteGreat selection! Hope you had a great time.
ReplyDeletewww.upyourvlog.com
wow, I love when people share whats in their purse, you have a lot of cool stuff http://whimsicalwolfblog.com/
ReplyDelete