What's in my bag: February

As much as I loved carrying around last month’s shearling tote, I told myself this year that I would try and rotate my bags monthly and actually wear my wardrobe.

It’s going to be really hard to switch out February’s bag for March’s after carrying it for last 29 days. Perhaps I can break my own rule and switch out my work bag instead because I loved carrying this bag so much.

What bag you might wonder?

My Fount Classic Kinsley Carryall.

There’s nothing not to like about this bag. It holds a ton but doesn’t look huge, has a wide shoulder strap that helps distribute weight and also includes a crossbody strap if you want to wear it messenger style. It’s a zip top to keep your belongings inside (or keep others out), has a clip for keys, and a small interior pocket to stash lip gloss, pens, or whatever else you might want handy.

I think my favourite feature though is where it’s from. Designed and handmade in Cleveland, Ohio by a skilled group of artisans. I love supporting local and couldn’t be more proud to carry it.

Inside my bag, it’s more of the same from January with a few switches. This pair of fingerless cashmere gloves to wear in the office (I wish I was kidding) was added. Oddly enough I found them in the men’s section after the women’s version kept selling out.

I also switched up my sunnies for a pair that hugs my eyes a bit tighter. We saw a delightful amount of sun this month and these sunglasses were perfect to shield the rays.

Given my lip balm obsession, I’m surprised it too until February for a Dior Lip Glow to appear in my page. The pink 01 colour is the perfect “cold girl makeup” shade for the winter months. For something a little more sophisticated, this Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in sesame is the perfect “milky mauve” with a hint of gloss.

Rounding out my bag this month is the brightest and happiest of contents, my baggu happy print reusable bag. The colour is super easy to find in a big black bag (which makes it perfect to put on the bottom) and the bag came in handy from everything to Target runs to trips to Aldi. Wholeheartedly recommend this cheery little print.

What's in my bag: January

“What’s in you bag” has always been one of my favourite old-school magazine features. I love a sneak peek into the “necessities” that editors carried, items that we’re deemed special enough to carry around every day.

(If you’re looking for a modern version, Vogue Japan has a great YouTube series of these).

So in homage of my old-school fashion journalism, here’s a peek at what’s been in my bag this January.

Stand Studio medium Lolita faux shearling trimmed tote (similar)

I love how perfect this bag is for the winter months. The faux leather stands up to elements really well, it’s not too structured that it can’t absorb a random large object (or seven), and the shearling is so, so fun. It’s perfect for all the extra stuff I need to schlep when it’s cold and dark and an instant mood booster too.

It also doesn’t hurt that it gets complimented everywhere I go. I love that it brings a smile to everyone’s face.

A look at what’s inside my bag this month

Speaking of schlep….

Room for a pair of sunglasses and room for a pair of my optical glasses is the number one requirement I have of any handbag during the winter months. My not-so-young eyes need helping hiding from the sun and focusing in the dark so these are a must have every time I leave the house. I like pairs in winter that have nose pads - I find they usually work better under a winter beanie (or over a face mask if I’m being extra cautious).

You’ll also find a variety of skin care and makeup in my bag each month and lip products that have some sort of moisturizing texture (Dior Lip Oil, Summer Fridays Butter Balm and Glossier Ultra Lip are pictured here).

As for non-beauty items pictured above, I find that Muji notebooks and pens are the perfect “purse size” for jotting down things I want to remember, and my AirPod Pros are perfect listening to music to block everything else out. I couldn’t resist the Ikea coin purse - it protects the AirPods, and my key chain, from the rest of my bag.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a purse of mine if it didn’t have at least one kind of candy in it. My Roots coin purse is chock full of peppermints (and an iPhone charger) and the Skittles are for emergency pick-me-up use only (working on the amount of emergencies in 2024).