The Boring Under-$10 Items We Always Keep in Our Handbags

Full disclosure: As fashion editors, we basically have no
restraint when fresh trends flood each new season. When we spot
that fanciful pair of booties or the next forward denim look,
it’s often a don’t-hold-back mentality for us. That said,
we’re also practical. Sure, we invest in the latest fashion
finds that speak to us, but we also stock up on useful staples
that help get us through life. In fact, after a recent discussion,
it became evident that many of us have a few specific (albeit
boring) items that could be considered life savers in our
day-to-day.

And believe it or not, they’re pretty much all stored in our
handbags so we
can access them on the go. To highlight further, we’re sharing
the practical under-$10 items below that are stored in our bags.
You may actually find some similarities based on your essentials
(ahem, like that go-to lip balm), but you may also uncover a few
new trinkets that could also work to streamline your daily routine.
Oh, and to have a little fun, we also each rounded up the dream
fall handbag silhouette we’d love to store said items in.

So with all that in mind, keep scrolling to shop all the boring
must-haves we couldn’t possibly live without.

“I
suffer from mascara-smudging panda eyes (after a long day at the
office, it’s inevitable) so I’ll always pack gentle face wipes
to clean and freshen throughout the day.”

“I
always carry a pair of earplugs in my purse so I’m prepared for a
concert or any situation where there may be loud music, like a
fashion event. Not to preach, but just one minute of exposure to
noise above 110 to 140 decibels can result in permanent hearing
loss, according to the NIH, and concerts are usually between 100
and 120 decibels! I’m determined to protect my hearing so I
don’t become one of those people yelling ‘What?!’ as I get
older. I love these ones from Amazon, because they come with a
handy carrying case to keep them clean.”

“I
can’t live without Lucas’ Papaw—a papaya-based Australian
balm I always use to keep my lips hydrated. It has a cult following
among beauty insiders and once you try it, it’s easy to see
why.”

“Now
that I live in NYC, I never leave the house without a few Band-Aids
in my purse, because you never know when your shoes are going to
start killing you! I’m especially partial to these flex-fabric
ones because they stay firmly on your foot and are the closest
color to my skin tone, so you can hardly see them.”

“I’m
a self-professed germophobe, so might as well make it chic,
right?”

“And
one more—I don’t know how people go through life without
carrying around a pen. I use mine all the time. Just be sure to
stick to ones with caps (as opposed to click pens) unless you want
ink marks all over the lining of your bag.”

“At
the office, I always bring a large tote bag to work that’s big
enough to hold my laptop, so I have plenty of room to fit in way
more stuff than I really should. One thing I always have is a
simple face mist for hydration (and I also think it’s weirdly fun
to use when you’re bored). I like Caudalie’s Grape Water in
particular because I know the brand doesn’t break me out.”

“These
telephone cord–esque hairbands are a touch cooler than your
average black hair tie and they’re somehow harder to lose, too.
(Why am I always losing those random black ones?) I always keep a
few in my all my bags because there’s truly nothing worse than
showing up for a spin/yoga/Pilates class and realizing you have
nothing to tie your hair back with.”

“I
always keep a scrunchie of some sort in my purse these days.
Whether I use it to put my hair up or wear it on my wrist for a
festive accessory update, I find that this tiny and cheap item
always brings a smile to my face when I find it in my little
bag.”

“I
basically store my life in my day bag, so I like to keep everything
as organized I can. I couldn’t live without little pouches
to house all of my essentials. I use smaller styles like this one
to store my keys, Chapstick, and extra contacts (just in case my
current pair happens to fall out of my eye—it’s
happened).”