Marshall's, $24.99
I've always had an obsession with purses and bags. Whenever I'd go to the grocery store with my mom or to church or to a family event, I always had a purse. That obsession is strong as ever, as I have probably about a dozen purses, wallets, and bags that I switch up every now and then.
I knew I'd always be the "work bag" type of girl. When I started my internship, I knew I needed at least one staple bag that I could bring to work with me. Because we are given laptops that we can keep at the office, I don't have to worry about finding a bag that can hold it. I just think about if the bag has enough room to fit my essentials (plus a couple more items because I'm afraid that I'll need that one item that I actually will never need) while I'm on the go. If you're about to start or have already started your new job/internship, here are a couple of must haves to keep in your bag:
Lens wipes/lens spray: This is self-explanatory, especially if you wear glasses. My glasses can get really dirty or have some mascara on them after I've applied it.
Hand lotion: I have dry skin year-round, so I always keep a small bottle of hand lotion in my bag.
Hand sanitizer
A travel-size makeup pouch: I found my light blue makeup pouch at target for under $2. I don't wear a full face everyday (or even half a face, for that matter), so I didn't need something expensive since I won't use it too often.
Mirror
Lip balm/chapstick/lip gloss: I'm a huge advocate for lip balm/chapstick. I cannot survive a day without it (I mean, of course I can, but when I realize I don't have it with me, it's all I can think about). I invest in pretty expensive lip balms and chapsticks. I'm not a fan of the actual Chapstick brand, but my favorites so far are HEMPZ and Nivea (both of which you can buy from ULTA).
Your meds: Birth control, Advil, Tylenol, anxiety meds, depression meds, vitamins--whatever it is, just make sure you have them. I keep mine in a cute little glitter case from Icing.
Planner: Not everyone uses a planner, but I like keeping mine with me because it helps me remember the tasks I have to finish after I get off work. Notebook: I use the sticky notes function on my work laptop, but I also like writing out my content ideas for websites or anything else that may not be work-related.
Pen
USB/portable charger: As soon as I bought my portable charger, I never went back. When I went to Lake Como, I found this beautiful (and painfully expensive) portable charger. It charges my phone quickly and holds about 3 or 4 charges. Definitely worth the money, in my opinion. But, places like Old Navy, Target, Walmart, Five Below, etc. sell them at affordable prices if you're not looking to empty your bank account for a charger.
Earphones: We're allowed to listen to music at work. Also, listening to music helps the time go a little faster when I feel like I'm doing a task that's not so exciting. Spotify also has playlists to suit your different situation or mood! [And, if you're a student, you can get Apple Music for $4.99 per month]
Post-its: For those times when an idea pops up in your head and you need to write it down ASAP. I usually keep a couple on the inside cover of my planner.
Wallet
House/car keys: I attach mine to a pom-pom when I use my work bag so it's easy to find at the end of the day, after I've thrown them in my bag. You can find a pom-pom just about anywhere. I got mine at a beauty supply store for under $2.
Bus card: I take public transportation, and the rides can add up. If you can, opt for a monthly bus/train pass. You'll be able to use it for work and the times you take public transportation elsewhere. [If you live in Chicago like me, you can get a monthly pass through Ventra on their app.]
Gum/mints
Extras that people usually forget about:
Cash: Some of the restaurants near my job don't accept credit cards, so I always try to have some cash on me.
Sunscreen: Even if you have melanin, sunscreen is important! I've been sunburnt before, and it is not a good time. Apply it 20 minutes before you leave your house, and then every two hours if you're out and about for the day. There are several options of sunscreen that are transparent and don't have that "smell."
Refreshening mist: I use the Mario Badescu mist as a toner and after the walk from the train to my job to freshen up, cool down, and get rid of the sweat.
Sunglasses
Umbrella: Sometimes your weather app will lie to you (I'm looking at you Apple!). Even if there's a 10% chance of raining for the day, bring your umbrella just in case. Better to be safe than sorry.
Water bottle: I drink water in the morning before I leave out for work and keep my reusable water bottle at my job so when I come in, I can drink it as soon as I arrive to hydrate myself and cool down from the walk. You can find cheap, reusable water bottles pretty much anywhere. I got mine from Target for about $12.
Tissue: I can't tell you the amount of times I've sneezed in public and didn't have a tissue in my bag to wipe my nose. TMI, but still.
Wait, there's more?
Kinda. I take public transportation to my job. That means: I walk to my bus, take the bus to the train, and then walk from the train to my job. That's a lot of walking. When I first started, I just wore my sandals. My FLAT sandals. That got pretty harsh on my feet, especially my arches. If I'm not wearing shoes that are comfortable enough or don't have enough support, I'll wear my gym shoes into work, change into sandals or flats when I get there, and then put them on again when I get off. It might sound like a lot of work, but the payoff will be great when I don't have foot problems.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you like carrying a backpack, purse, tote, or brief case. Just be prepared for the day ahead of you, and make sure you have your essentials!