Mini Makeover: Organised Handbag Kit for Emergencies

When I was little I watched an episode of Mad About You, where the disorganised little sister took the big sister’s handbag by mistake and she couldn’t believe how many handy things were in big sister’s bag (including a spare pair of tights in case of a run in her tights during the day). It was very funny, but I remembered wanting to be the girl with all the organised handbag when I grew up. Yep, I was even weird at 8 years old! So, today I thought I’d share with you my favourite things to have in an organised handbag on top of all your regular handbag things. Note: travelling light is not my strongest suit. ;)

What you’ll need:

• Lip Gloss – because chapped lips are no fun
• Hand Sanitiser – just in case you touch something gross
• Pad Container – in case of emergencies
• Notepad – for those times you need to take notes
• Train Ticket – in case you have to take public transport at the last minute
• Pens & Coloured Pencils – for taking notes and keeping little people occupied
• Mirror – to check for the basilisk (or your make up)
• Charger Cord – because phones tend to go flat when you need them most
• Disposable Toothbrush – so your teeth are shiny clean before that big meeting – I got these in the US but they’re ace as they have the toothpaste in them and don’t require water – amazing for long international flights
• USB Stick – because someone is always looking for one
• Bobby Pins – these seem to disappear faster than you can say “where did I put that bobby pin?”
• Sewing Kit – missing buttons or a split seam are never a good look
• External Battery Charger – for when you can’t get to a power point
• Plastic Knife and Fork Set – for when you buy lunch and forget to pick up the cutlery
• Sun Cream – because being sun smart is important
• Shopping Bag – so you can say no to plastic bags and look cool doing it
• First Aid Kit – for when you accidentally trip over or cut yourself. These hard case kits have band-aids, saline and hand wipes, I got got mine at Walmart in the US but you can easily make your own little kit here in Australia

Whilst your organised handbag kit would probably look different to mine, I wanted to share some of the things that could help you avert disaster on any given day. I don’t wear tights, so I haven’t included them (like they did in Mad About You) but you totally could if you wore them lots and hated ladders in your tights. From my high school days I can also recommend clear nail polish dabbed where the run starts to stop it from spreading. So you might like to add that to your kit.

This kit, unlike the others I’ve shared, would probably go better in a clear plastic case than in the usual box as it will fit better in your handbag. I picked up one for my travel kit at Priceline for around $11. I think having these can really take some of the stress out of a bad situation because you have some tools that you can use to make it, at least a tiny bit, better. My grandma would also add a packet of Mentos to this list for when you’re feeling sick, but I have no self control with lollies, so they wouldn’t last until an emergency. ;) If you’re more like her than me, that’s another good one to have.

What I’d really love to know is what you have to have in your handbag for little emergencies. I think, together, we could come up with an ultimate list for what to have in your handbag. So please share in the comments: what you can’t go without in your organised handbag? (it’s ok if it’s more of a wishlist than what you do already have) I think we could make a really rocking list together. (and Mamas please let me know what your essentials are too)

As always, if you do try this, I’d love to see a photo or hear about how it went! Tweet me your pics at: @danniellecresp or instagram me at: @dannielle with the hashtag: #styleaminimakeover