Inside Every Phillygrrl’s Bag

When I was a kid, I used to think I was Indian. Like, Native American Indian. Because of pre-conceived notions about my “heritage” (and one too many readings of My Side of the Mountain), I always kept a packed leather knapsack by my bed “just in case” I ever needed to suddenly escape to the woods. It had survival essentials: bottled water, a hunting knife, salt and some boxes of candy-canes which my mother never missed during Christmas. I wasn’t given the opportunity to escape to the woods. But when I began college, I realized living in the city requires a whole new level of survival skills. It should be noted I was never the girly purse-type (I hate carrying more than I have to) and the only reason I am so organized is because I’m secretly so disorganized. And trust me, there’s nothing more embarassing than fumbling around for something while someone is waiting. (I know, I do it every day.)

Alright, here we go. Here’s what every Phillygrrl should carry in the city (in no particular order):

• Wallet: Try to keep it streamlined, it can often be the bulkiest item in your purse.  I’m tempted to switch to a coin purse. Or even an Urban Outfitter’s cigarette case. Clean out receipts often.
• Wet Wipes: Not just for soccer moms with diaper bags. Easily the handiest item in my bag. This week alone I cleaned up henna someone spilled on a coat, magic marker someone wrote on a table and of course  – dirty subway hands. Yummy, bacon cheeseburgers…..
• Kleenex: Napkin, tissue, and makeup tool – all in one.
• Business card holder: Because nothing’s worse than trying to find a pen & paper in your massive bag while someone is impatiently waiting to give you their business.

• Writing utensils: One highligher, in case you need to do “work” on the subway. One black pen. Perhaps two in case one runs out. One red pen for revisions. And a black kohl pencil!
• Hand lotion: Winters are harsh on your hands. Summers are harsh on your legs. Theoretically a lotion that works for face and body would be ideal, but I have yet to buy one.
• Headphones+Phone: I feel incredibly guilty for this particular streamlining method. Getting a phone that doubles as an MP3 player/mini-computer/miracle is not in everyone’s budget. (Let’s not talk about which savings account I used for this particular purchase.) But hey, when you guys all get four jobs to keep track of, judge me.
• Post-it Notes: Because if I relied on electonics to remind me of my to-do list, I would’ve been fired by now.
• Camera: Sure, you can rely on your phone, but I’d rather have a higher resolution camera on hand in case something crazy happens.

Reading material is essential! Especially if you’re a frequent SEPTA-rider. Honestly, sometimes I take the subway because I want to finish a novel. (Especially if it’s cold outside.)

• Work files: Ah, who am I kidding, Phillygrrl doesn’t take work home. But it’s nice to have it along. Gives the bag structure :P.
• Reporter notebook: For when all you want to do is nag the heck out of somebody. Make sure you keep your 2nd black pen tucked inside. Mine is a bit bulky, I really want this one.
• Trashy romance novel: Trust me. After a hard day’s work, all you want to do is read a bodice-ripper. It’s almost better than cable for de-stressing. Almost, if not more.
• Planner: You’ll want this when your stupid iPhone battery dies or you lose your phone, etc – I like to have multiple copies of my calendar for when I’ve left one at home (you can bet I will).

• ID: In case someone proposes a happy hour, you end up being the designated driver, or the cops need to ID your body.
• Five bucks: Because do you really need more than two tokens at any given time? But bring tokens and quarters as well.
• School ID: For discounts on everything in the city. I mean everything. Just ask.
• Debit/Credit Card: For emergencies. I define shopping as an emergency.
• Coffee card: Trying to stuff change into your wallet is a pain when you’re balancing a hot cup o’ joe. Trust me on this.

• House keys: You’re gonna need that. My bag has a strap that I can attach them too. Which is good because before I had to dig through everything…
• Makeup bag: Most of the stuff in the makeup bag is self-explanatory. Essentials? Moisturizer and lip balm. And hand sanitizer. Oh, and the comb which I just added. Finger-combing wasn’t working for me. And hair stuff. And tweezers. And more wet wipes in case the Gallery runs out of toilet paper again. Liquid foundation is a bad idea. It has ruined many a purse. Go with powder concealer.
• Glamorous make-up: Lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye-shadow, liner and gloss for on-the-spur post-work activities.
• Etc: Paperclips and flash drives fit in nicely in a makeup bag.

Last, but not least. Le sac. All I can suggest is that you invest in getting something that will last. I have gone through at least ten cheap bags ($20 and under) in the last three years. But who knows, maybe the handles will fall off this one too. Somehow, I don’t think so.

I probably missed half a dozen items. Water bottle. Phone charger. Newspaper. I tend to have those three as well. Anything else?