1. Gucci Soho Leather Cross-body Bag in Nero
After having my daughter I realised that trying to keep my purse, keys etc.. in my diaper bag was impossible as I could never find them! Having a compact bag of my own meant I could securely zip my essentials away and this little beauty has proved perfect for the job. The textured leather is hard wearing and thus far shows no sign of wear, plus I can throw it across my body in the knowledge the zip is keeping everything secure and safe whilst I'm preoccupied with carrying my baby, shopping etc...
2. Clinique Small Mesh Bag
This was a gift free with purchase many years ago. It's the perfect size for my little bag and keeps smaller items such as lip balms, hair ties and much more neatly stored away for a clutter free bag
3. Miu Miu Purse
When needing a compact purse I still needed the room to hold credit cards, cash and coins. Finding one that was the right size was a mission, so when in Las Vegas a few years ago I stumbled across this and have carried it ever since. I'm definitely a big fan of the textured leather, its so hard wearing and no marks to be seen as yet... even though my keys are surely trying their best!
4. Audi Car Keys
Prior to my daughter arriving I decided to buy a 'pre-push' present for myself and part exchanged my BMW mini for the Audi Q3. The boots space was far superior and knowing my little girl would be safely ferried to different baby groups with space for buggies and food shopping was definitely a weight off my mind
5. House Keys
Essential for accessing my house, need I say more?
6. Jemma Kidd Retractable Travel Brush
Again an old purchase which is no longer available, however, many other such brushes are available in boots and super drug. Having a retractable brush not only saves space but also protects the bristles from damage and germs
7. NYX Butter Gloss - Vanilla Cream Pie
Love these! They aren't too sticky and leave a mere hint of colour on your lips. Now available in boots
8. Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder - Vanilla
The powder that claims to "evens out and boosts the radiance of your complexion whilst taking care of your skin". It's nothing to rave about, it's a nice light powder which helps reduce shine during the day. The packaging is super slimline and lightweight making it easy to toss in your bag, it also contains a large mirror and no hideous little sponge
9. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip balm SPF15
I seem to be growing intolerance for certain lip products, however, this one is currently 'a ok' in my book. It moisturises (tick) and provides SPF coverage (tick)
10. Hair Tie
I have medium length hair and get extremely annoyed on windy days when it blows into my face.. hair ties are an essential part of my life... sad I know
11. Superdrug Compact Pop Out Brush
When space is limited but you don't want to look windswept, this is a great option. I tried to carry flat combs, but they just couldn't get through my knotty hair, this solved the problem. It's neat design folds away to a slim clamshell also providing a hand mirror should it be required
12. Mini Tic Tacs
In my younger days, I had invisalign braces and chewing gum was just not possible with my aligners in. At that time I started to carrying mints instead and will either have tic tacs or smints with me at all times for fresh breath and a sweet treat. These little mini versions came from duty free in a rather giant sized tic tac box, which I'm still working my way through
13. Travalo Atomiser
Filled with one of my favourite fragrances Acqua Di Palma - Mandorio Di Sicilia, available from Space NK, the scent is beautiful described as "Almonds met with the freshness of Chinese star anise, bergamot and orange blend with the soft encompassing notes of green Mediterranean almond and ylang-ylang. The base offers cedar wood, vanilla, Tolu balsam and white musk." Personally, the vanilla really shines through for me in a subtle way and not too sweet. Although this is not a cheap purchase at £90 a bottle, one single mist provides enough fragrance to last all day
