What’s In My Bag: 8 Everyday Essentials I Rely On
There is something I love about the little things we carry with us each day. They become part of our rhythm. A red lip that instantly feels polished. A soft perfume that adds a quiet moment of beauty. Sunglasses that bring ease and confidence. A compact hair brush tucked away for a quick refresh. Of course, I always have the everyday basics with me such as my wallet and hand sanitizer, but these are the pieces that feel a little more special. The ones that add comfort, confidence, or a quiet moment of care throughout the day. The tiny details that make the day feel a little softer, a little sweeter!
And sometimes, I’ll be honest, there may or may not be a small treat in my bag too. I don’t plan it, it just… happens! A little moment of joy saved for later! These are the pieces that support how I want to feel throughout the day: intentional, calm, prepared, and a little bit romantique.
And with the holidays coming up, many of these also make thoughtful and meaningful gifts & great stocking stuffers! Small luxuries that feel personal, warm, and easy to love. The kind of things someone will use every day without even thinking!
Here are my chic everyday essentials, the pieces that live in my bag and help the day unfold with ease (and maybe a little delight)!
1. A Red Lip That Feels Effortless
A red lip has a way of elevating even the simplest outfit. Recently, I have been wearing the Chanel Rouge Duo in Daring Red and it has become a true favorite! The texture feels refined, the color is classic, and it stays exactly where it should for hours! Just one swipe and everything feels a little more intentional.
Why I love it: It adds confidence. A red lip always feels like a mood shift in the best way. It boosts my serotonin instantly. It is hard to have a bad day when you are wearing a shade that makes you feel bold, bright, and unmistakably you.
Gift idea: A red lip is a timeless and thoughtful gift. Elegant, personal, and universally appreciated.
2. A Travel-Size Perfume
I always keep a small fragrance in my bag. There is something grounding and comforting about being able to refresh throughout the day. I love the Jo Malone travel sizes because they are soft, wearable, and never overwhelming. A perfume sample is also a lovely option, it takes up no space at all and is perfect for smaller bags!
Why I love it: It turns an ordinary moment into something lovely. A subtle shift in energy that feels calming and intentional.
Gift idea: Travel-size perfumes make a beautiful and easy-to-give gift.
3. A Compact Hair Brush + Mirror
A small brush and a simple mirror are two of the most practical items I carry. Useful after being outdoors, taking sunglasses on and off, or simply when hair needs a small moment of care. It takes only a few seconds, but it restores ease and polish.
Why I love it: It brings back that feeling of being put together with the simplest gesture.
Gift idea: Pair with a silk scrunchie or hair pin for a chic and thoughtful gift set.
4. A Classic Pair of Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses can shift the tone of the day instantly. I have worn my LeSpecs pair for years and they have held up beautifully (I own 3 pairs now! The first 3 below). The shape is timeless and works with everything!
Why I love it: They offer instant presence and ease. They make even the simplest outfit feel intentional.
Gift idea: Sunglasses are a thoughtful gift for everyday elegance.
5. Lip Balm
On days when I am not wearing lipstick, lip balm is the essential I reach for. Soft, hydrating, and simple. I’ve linked below several of my favorites that I have on rotation!
Why I love it: Hydration always feels polished. It is a small touch that makes a noticeable difference.
Gift idea: A beautifully packaged lip balm feels like a small daily luxury.
6. Hand Cream
I always keep a small hand cream in my bag. Something light and non-greasy that absorbs easily. There is something gentle and grounding about caring for your hands throughout the day.
Why I love it: It adds comfort and softness to everyday moments. It feels like a quiet act of care.
Gift idea: Hand cream makes a lovely, thoughtful everyday treat.
7. A Hair Clip or Hair Pin
Useful, minimal, and elegant. Perfect for when the day changes pace or when hair simply needs to be tucked back.
Why I love it: It allows the day to flow naturally and gracefully without overthinking.
Gift idea: Hair clips and pins make beautiful, feminine gifts in warm metals or tortoise tones.
8. A Little Treat for the Day
I like to keep a small treat with me. Something simple to enjoy with a coffee or during a quiet pause in the afternoon. It could be a single wrapped chocolate, a madeleine, or just something small I look forward to. It is not about the snack itself, but about the ritual of slowing down.
Why I love it: It adds a bit of softness to the day. A reminder to pause, breathe, and enjoy the moment you are in.
Gift idea: A beautifully wrapped chocolate bar or a tiny box of treats makes a lovely, thoughtful little gift.
How To Curate Your Own Everyday Essentials
The goal is not to carry more. It is to carry with intention.
A simple place to start:
Choose one item that adds confidence
Choose one item that adds comfort
Choose one item that brings ease
Choose one item that feels like a pleasure
When your bag is filled with pieces that genuinely support you, your day begins to feel lighter and more grounded.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the things we carry are not just practical. They influence how we move through the world. These small pieces help set the tone of the day, reminding us to care for ourselves in quiet, thoughtful ways. They are not about having more, but about choosing what feels supportive, grounding, and true to you!
There is something empowering in knowing you have what you need. Something calming in small rituals. Something beautiful in slowing down enough to enjoy the everyday moments in between. These essentials help me move with intention, softness, and a sense of ease, no matter where the day leads.
I hope this encourages you to consider what makes you feel your best, the little details that help your day unfold a bit more gracefully. Your essentials may look different from mine, and that is the beauty of it. It is about finding what feels personal and comforting to you!
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With Amour,
M.