Of all the joys of motherhood, one thing I’ve noticed is my handbag collection has massively expanded. I have more luggage, boat bags, bottle bags, toy bags, diaper bags, etc. Chic motherhood is all about having the right bags to carry along the 7842 things you need around, just incase. We’ve actually gotten pretty good about traveling as light as possible with baby.
However, I have noticed that my back is severely suffering. After a conversation with a chiropractor, I learned that the bags aren’t helping me out. What’s most important is our posture. Paying attention to how we position our shoulders, our backs and neck is essential to our wellbeing. So I have been making a conscious effort to facilitate a better posture.
The first change I made was my own personal handbag. I have a beautiful Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 crossbody strap bag that I am absolutely in love with. I carry it everywhere because it has the space to hold everything I need. Then I got to thinking about how at the end of the day, I can’t wait to go lay on my heating pad and soothe my back and I have more boxes of Salonpas that one should. Knowing the amount of bags and the things I carry around, I decided to make a switch to a smaller handbag. Something lightweight, something easy to find things and something crossbody to evenly distribute the weight.
Enter: this adorable Laynos clear pvc waterproof crossbody in white with a gold chain. I am in love! First of all, the quality is really good, it feels sturdy and secure, not flimsy like some pvc bags. Another plus, it’s $21. I mean, that is SUCH a good price and if you have Amazon Prime you can have it delivered to your home in 2 days. What’s better than that? It also comes in 6 different colors, I chose the white but I might cave and get the silver one too.
The thing about this bag is that it’s only 10 inches by about 3.5 inches. Which means I am limited on space but honestly it is a good thing for my back health. It had me really think about what I am carrying in my purse and what is absolutely essential. I always encourage routine de-cluttering in my workshops, so I am one who loves a good cleaning out ritual. Let go of things that weigh you down. So, after my long assesment (or really about 20 minutes) I narrowed down my absolute life essentials when I am out and about.
My gold Leichtrum 2019 Bullet Journal. Hands down the most important thing aside from my ID. I love having this with me at all times so I can be writing down the things in my head. (See this post on how I organize mine) Also, I love my gold Pentel Alloy pen. I love the weight and the feel of its writing style.
My QUAY Very Busy sunnies. My dad actually got me these for my birthday and since then, I set down my Tom Fords and started wearing these. They are so comfortable and they block the sun really well so I don’t squint on these bright Summer days. They really save your skin, too. I love the leopard print flimsy zip up case them come with too. It is very chic and looks cute in my clear bag.
Buxom lipglosses. These glosses are my favorite. They plump your lips and leave a minty taste that tingles a little. The colors aren’t too dense, so if you want more color just put them over your favorite lipstick shade and their sheer color will just enhance it. My go to is White Russian but I also love Blushing Margarita, they are both nude with a hint of pink.
Altoids.I love anything peppermint but two of these babies and I always feel like I have fresh breath instantly.
Air pods. I ordered a cute Coco Chanel bottle case for them to keep them cute and I just adore it. I am always listening to podcasts or Marco Polo-ing with clients and friends so these are definitely must haves for me. Obviously I have my phone too but I usually keep it in my pocket or the stroller.
Burts Bees Coconut & Pear. The best tasting lip balm ever.
My Louis Vuitton Armagnac card holder. This is my favorite kind of wallet really. If I need to whip out my ID, childrens museum membership card or Amex, this will hold it all together for you and fit anywhere.
My business cards. I always order from Moo.com.
This adorable bag also has this chic little back pocket on the outside of the purse and can hold either cash or cards. I really like having something on the outside to hold things. Very efficient for me. Everything else goes in the diaper bag. Do yourself, and your back, a favor and grab one of these bags for the Summer.
Love, Ashlina
SHOP MY ESSENTIALS
