At StyleBlueprint, we are in and out of stores throughout Louisville all day long, so it stands to reason that we pick up a few things here and there as we go, items that come highly recommended, are deeply discounted or are simply too cute to pass up. Feeling nosy, we decided to look through each other’s bags to see what loot had been collected of late and find out which items were just so good that they have to come along wherever we go. So … we dumped out our bags, and here’s what each of us swear by.
Heidi Potter, Editor
SB Louisville editor Heidi Potter’s bag
The Bag: Sydney Love Bag Tote, $88 at Boutique Serendipity
This bag is a threefer, meaning there are three bags in one AND it’s reversible. It’s camel on one side, and a butter yellow on the other. The totes inside help to organize all the little and big things, so they don’t get lost in what inevitably becomes the black hole.
The Essentials:
Pens, notebook and baby camera
A story can come to me at a moment’s notice. Seriously. So I need to be prepared to write it down and take a picture of it, and I don’t always have my big girl camera (the Nikon) on me. This is my 10th cute notebook in two years. And nobody loves a good gel pen more than me; I have a thing for office supplies!
iPhone and popsocket — $10 at popsockets.com
You’ll see this popsocket again in this article in Meghan’s bag, and we also featured them recently in our Cheap Thrills article. These little widgets are great for holding on to your phone with ergonomic ease. Also, you can use them to prop up your phone to do Facetime or watch a video.
Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Fashionista — about $10 at any grocery or drug store
I love all the Revlon Colorstay lipsticks, mainly because when I lose or break them (which is often) I’m not out that much money. It really does last all day. Fashionista is a “day” red, meaning you can wear it during the day for a not-quite-so-bold lip. I also love their corals and nudes.
Kevin Aucoin The Expert Lip Color in Leajana — $35 at Circe + Swag
Sloan at Circe’s Beauty Bar recommended this, so of course I use it all the time. It is more like a gloss in a lipstick format. I keep it in my car and my purse so that I can swipe a little bit of color on.
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Bel Ami — $37 at department stores
This is my go-to lip balm with a bit of shine. They might market it as a lipstick, but it’s like a lip balm with color. I also love this in the “Boy” color.
GrandeLash MD — $70 for a three-month supply at Clique Waxing Boutique
Meghan and I both LOVE this GrandeLash because by golly it works! My goal is to have my lashes get so long that I have to cut them to wear sunglasses. We bought this at Clique Wax Boutique after featuring it in our SB February Finds. You should see the lashes on the girls there, I mean, seriously!
Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm, $8 any grocery or drugstore
Another lip balm, but this one doesn’t have any color. I think I have a lipstick and lip balm hoarding problem after reading this.
Zipfizz Energy Drink Mix, $20 at Costco for a 20-pack
Imagine an effervescent sports drink that really gives you energy and helps to replace electrolytes. You just drop them in your water bottle and shake. I drink these when I’m playing tennis or after I work out. I buy them in a huge pack at Costco, and they come in grape, orange and fruit punch flavors.
Shaheen’s receipt
Listen, I cleaned out my bag a little for this, I usually have 20 receipts floating around. This was my purchase of all new uniforms for my daughter going into high school in August. *gulp*
Jane Iredale PureMoist Lipstick in Rose — $25 at J. Michael’s Spa & Salon
Okay, okay, another lipstick. This one is a dream and smells so yummy, and the color is perfect on everyone. Got this at J. Michael’s after they recommended it last fall on our guide to fall lips and nails.
Peepers Reading Glasses — $25 at Celebrations
These are my adorbs hot pink reading glasses, one of three pairs of reading glasses that I had in my bag. These are my favorite. The others are too small or broken, but I sure do hang on to them, don’t I?! Peepers glasses come in all colors, and they are virtually indestructible.
Sarah Walker, intern
SB Louisville intern Sarah Walker’s bag
The Bag: Calleen Cordero bag, $740 at Circe + Swag
This bag is lightweight and big enough to fit all my goodies, including my laptop. It looks like suede, but is actually a thin, distressed leather with metallic grommets lining the perimeter of the bag. This is a bag for all seasons, which is why it was worth the investment.
The Essentials:
Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo — $30 at Omagi Salon Spa
I’m the type of girl who skips washes … second and third day hair is the best. Have you ever tried a dry shampoo and felt like it made your hair seem dirtier? This one definitely does not. I promise, you’ll love it.
Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion — $25 at Omagi Salon Spa
I have thick, long hair that tends to stay flat at the top, and I have yet to get the hair teasing thing down. This stuff is amazing for giving me volume. I just apply it to my dry hair under my top roots, scrunch, and voila — instant matte body.
Drybar Triple Sec Spray — $13 at Drybar
I love this stuff because first, everyone will be telling you you smell amazing, and they’ll have no idea that it’s coming from your hair. Second, it refreshes your hair, giving it that tousled, volumized look that is in right now. Third, it leaves your hair feeling cleaner, not sticky. Did I mention this is a volumizer, texturizer and dry shampoo all in one bottle? I’ll take one of those, bartender.
Tangle Teezer — $15 at Sephora
This is the perfect size brush to carry around in your bag. It doesn’t pull or tug at your hair, so you can enjoy detangling without follicle damage.
Tums Smoothies — $4 at drugstores or grocery stores
I’m always carrying Tums in my bag. Hey, you never know when someone might need them. This container once held Tums Smoothies, but now I refill it with my favorite flavor of Tums, which is wintergreen.
Listerine Ultraclean Access Flosser, $12 for a pack of six at drugstores and grocery stores
I carry this around for those days I’m out and have a poppyseed bagel. Nothing is worse than a poppyseed lodged in the center of two teeth.
Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up — $30 at department stores
I’m the kind of person who not only carries lip gloss to touch-up, but this tiny little illuminator highlights the inner corners of my eyes. It instantly opens your entire eye, giving you a bright, doe-eye look.
5 Gum, $3 at grocery stores and drug stores
What can I say? It’s my favorite long-lasting gum.
Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit — $5 at grocery stores and drugstores
I love moisturizing my lips with this fresh, grapefruit-scented lip balm. It smells AMAZING!
Physician’s Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner — $12 at grocery stores and drugstores
For those of you who have trouble creating a winged eyeliner, look no further. It’s all about the right tools. This brush-tip eyeliner goes on precise and smooth. I carry it with me to touch up the outer corners of my eyes as the night progresses.
Nars Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight — $26 at department stores
This is the lip gloss Kim Kardashian supposedly wore very frequently years ago. Remember her black hair, smoky eye and babydoll-pink shimmery lip look? (Say that three times in a row!) While I don’t look that glam day-to-day, I love carrying this lip gloss for the subtle, light pink shimmer it gives me.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Melon — $16 at department stores
This stuff is great for its high-pigment, weightless formula. The color, melon, is a coral that is perfect for the summer with a nice tan.
Versace Bright Crystal Perfume Sampler & Lancome La Vie Est Belle Perfume Sampler — free from Sephora
I get these little vials of perfume whenever I order something online at Sephora. They are the perfect size to carry around in your purse, they last quite a while, and they’re free!
Meghan Tinker, Sales Manager
SB Louisville Sales Manager Meghan Tinker’s bag
The Bag: Gigi New York bag, $325 at Merci’ Boutique
This bone, leather tote is a beautiful pebbled leather that holds all my necessities, such as food, water and kid toys. I love it because it is a neutral color and goes with all my outfits, from work days to weekends.
The Essentials:
Planner — starting at $50 at erincondrum.com
I am a planner junkie. Really. I get a new paper planner about three times a year. Efficient, no, but it is my guilty pleasure. This one is Erin Condren, and I love the pockets in the back. If you are as into planners as I am, this baby is like the Cadillac. There are whole Etsy shops dedicated to planner stickers. It probably goes back to my obsession with back-to-school supplies …
Bottled water — Heine Brother’s Coffee
I am usually in no less than six coffee shops a week, and many times it is the local favorite, Heine Brothers. After my third cup of coffee, I have to resort to water or my hands might shake so badly that I can’t write in my planner.
Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Supreme Lash Building Mascara — $26 at Bay’s Boutique
Part of the reason I love SB so much is that we support all things local! I am obsessed with Laura Mercier Tinted Illuminating Moisturizer. I researched and found a local shop, Bay’s Beauty Boutique, that carries Laura Mercier. I went in to Bay’s, and they did not carry the Illuminating version (this is key, trust me!), but they could order it for me. I ended up buying this mascara there (it’s in the ReVive gift bag).
GrandeLash MD — $70 for a three-month supply at Clique Waxing Boutique
Game changer right here. I was introduced to this product by the lovely Janna Flowers and Carolina McKinley at Clique Waxing Boutique. When I tell you it is a game changer, I do not kid. I have never had super short lashes by any means, but when I started swiping on this easy-to-use formula, the compliments started flowing. My lashes are now touching my sunglass lens. Go. Get. Some.
Popsocket for cell phone — $10 at popsockets.com
I was once told I have the hands of a very tiny 87-year-old woman (Thanks honey!). Anyway, that might be why I was constantly dropping my phone. The Popsocket sticks on to the back of your phone, and you pop it out as if your phone has a handle! It is brilliant. It is also a great conversation starter. People ask “What is on your phone?” all the time. Then they order one.
Eufora Style Illuminate Shine Mist — $24.50 at Primp Style Lounge
I habitually fix my hair every morning, and by the end of the day I have it up in a pony tail. To keep my “professional image” alive, I spritz a little of this around my head and then slide my hands over to give my pony a shiny, sleek look without losing volume.
Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix Treatment — $18 at Massage Envy
It’s that time of month … what can I say. Nothing works as fast as I want it to, which is instantaneously, but this is the best zit zapper I have found. It stings a little when I put it on. In my mind that means it’s working.
Sunglasses — $119 at Stella & Dot
I am in my car all day, and these are a necessity. Hey, I am trying to prevent those “11s” on my forehead! They are the most flattering pair I have right now.
Eiman Zuberi, intern
SB Louisville intern Eiman Zuberi’s bag
The Bag: Coach tote bag (this is a couple years old, but they start at around $200 at Coach)
Fit your laptop, two wallets and a slew of makeup products all in one bag. Check! This trusty Coach tote has been a workhorse for me, and it still looks brand new.
The Essentials:
Picture with DeVante Parker — PRICELESS
LOL, don’t laugh! Parker went to my high school and made a guest appearance at a football game a few years ago. As for why it’s in my bag? I have no idea.
Tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer — $30 at Sephora
Oh, the compliments I receive on this bronzer! When the light hits it right, it shimmers on your face. Easily one of my favorite, low-toned bronzers.
The Balm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Lipstick — $17 at balm.com
I have a new thing for nude lipstick and got this one in my ipsy bag. Does it last! I’ve fallen asleep with this lipstick on, and it stays put. The color is also amazing and would look good on anyone.
Festival of Faiths Pin
I went to the festival of faiths earlier in June, and they gave me a pin. On it are symbols of all the faiths around the world. This festival happens each year and is always enlightening.
Eco Tools makeup brush — starting at $7, sold at drugstores and grocery stores
This is an amazing brand for makeup brushes. This one is travel sized so it doesn’t take up too much room!
NYX Eye and Eyebrow Pencil in Black Noir — $6 sold at drugstores and grocery stores
I can’t stress enough how much I adore this stuff. NYX is a brand everyone should have in their makeup bag (looking at you, Heidi!). The eye and eyebrow pencil in brown can be used on both your eyes and eyebrows, the two places I have to wear makeup. It’s so convenient to have in a bag for a quick touch-up.
Coins
I can’t manage to get my change into the change purse portion of my wallet, so it lives at the bottom of my tote. Anyone want to count it for me?
Elizabeth Gerber, Client Success Representative
SB Client Success Rep Elizabeth Gerber’s bag
The Bag: Kate Spade Bag, about $158 at all department stores and Seersucker Clutch from Work the Metal, $14 or $18 with monogram
So I use the tote for everything, almost like a briefcase-purse combo. Then I have the little clutch inside for when I just need the necessities. We featured this cute clutch and all its companions on our Cheap Thrills article in June.
The Essentials:
Exfoliate and Body Wash To Go Packets – free sample packets with service at European Wax Center
My Italian heritage shines through in only one feature on my body: my eyebrows. I was blessed with thick brows, which require a commitment to maintenance. Before each waxing appointment, I use the Exfoliate travel packets from European Wax on the area around my brows to get them prepped and ready to be tamed.
Zen SKYN Plumping Gloss in Cloud — $24 at SKYN Lounge
I love, love, love this gloss. Not only is the color beautiful, but it is long lasting. I can go all day without feeling like I need to reapply my gloss or put on ChapStick, and the color stays on all day, through all the talking, cups of coffee and delicious Louisville lunches.
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Balm — $7.50 at Bath and Body Works
This is the absolute best lip balm around. It provides enough moisture to last eight hours without reapplying, and it actually works! The best part is the mentha. I don’t always have the luxury of brushing my teeth after lunch, so I apply this balm to replenish my lips and give my breath a little refresher.
Sephora Lip Liner in 15 Rosewood — $6 at Sephora
Whenever I want to make sure my lips are looking just as on point as my brows, I whip out this lip liner from Sephora. The color is a deep neutral and goes on so smoothly. The color is so beautiful on its own that you don’t need to top it off with a lipstick if you didn’t want to.
Anastasia Brow Definer in Soft Brown — $23 at Sephora
If there is one thing I don’t leave the house without doing, it’s filling in my eyebrows. My brows are beautifully thick and full, however they aren’t perfect. There are a few gaps or bald spots, if you will. This product has changed my life and saved me so much time! I used to use the Anastasia Brow Whiz in the same shade, but I would recommend the brow definer to anyone with fuller brows. It’s larger in size than the brow whiz allowing you to cover more surface area in one sweep and get that look you are going for in less time.
Hum Daily Cleanse Supplement — $25 at Sephora
I have just started using this product, but absolutely love it. I’m too temperamental to do any kind of juice cleanse or fasting diet. Trust me, you don’t want to be around me when I’m hangry. So when I learned about this product that will rid your body of toxins without making you to skip any meals, I had to look into it. As soon as I found out it was in pill form, I was sold! All that is required is to take the supplement twice a day without food. Like I said, I just started using this product, so it is too early to say how well it works, so stay tuned.
Peppermint Gum — Starbucks
I drink a lot of coffee and there is nothing worse than coffee breath. So I always make sure to have some sort of mints or gum in my purse. Currently I have peppermint gum from Starbucks.
Nars Audacious Lipstick in Charlotte — $32 at Sephora
This is my all-time favorite lipstick for a night out on the town. With my olive complexion, I need to have a purple-based red lipstick. This one from NARS is a deep red that instantly boosts my confidence as soon as I put it on. It goes on smoothly with a matte finish. I feel like I can conquer the world whenever I wear it. You bet I act that way too!
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara — $22 at department stores
Better Than Sex Mascara by Too Faced — $23 at www.toofaced.com
Urban Decay Perversion is the perfect everyday mascara. I have naturally long, curled lashes so I’m not looking for volume or curl when it comes to mascara. All I want is definition. I used to use Better Than Sex by Too Faced as my everyday mascara and loved it, until I tried Perversion by Urban Decay. They are both great depending on what look I’m going for. If I want thick, dramatic lashes, I reach for Better Than Sex. But I’m typically just putting on mascara to go to the grocery, Target or visit with clients so I go for the less dramatic look, reaching for Perversion.
Essie Nailpolish in Fiji — $8.50 at grocery stores or drugstores
I feel naked if my nails aren’t painted. And since I’m always on the go, I throw a bottle of nail polish in my bag in case I find myself with some downtime and bare nails. I have this light shade of pink in my purse right now. If you know me, you know I’m not a pink person at all! I typically wear the dark shades of red, black and brown on my nails. You’ll occasionally find me with white or white based-pink, but that’s rare. Because it’s summer I thought I’d give something new a try. So here we are.
Portable Phone Charger
My job requires me to be constantly on the go. Everyday I’m driving to a different part of town, taking pictures for social media or showing people the StyleBlueprint App and all of its features. All this use really drains your battery! I make sure to carry a portable charger with me at all times to make sure I’m never caught with a dead cell phone. Whether that portable charger is always charged is another story. Thank goodness for car chargers, right?!
StyleBlueprint beacons
When you walk into your favorite local store, do you get a notification from them on your phone? That’s all because of our handy, dandy beacons, and I am the beacon queen. There is always at least one of these contraptions floating around in my purse waiting for me to install it in a store or perform some maintenance on it.
BONUS: Heidi’s Pool Bag
The Bag: Flamingo Oil Cloth Tote Bag — $28 at Digs Home & Garden
I’m calling this a pool bag, but it really is a bare-bones sun protection bag. I’ve used the contents of this bag mainly for watching field hockey games in the scorching sun, where I need to sit on that towel on the metal bleachers and wear the visor and the sunscreen to protect myself. So it’s my own personal sun bag, no kids junk or goggles. All me.
The Essentials:
Neutrogena Sunscreen — starting at $8, sold at grocery stores and drug stores
I’m a Neutrogena girl for sunscreen, as it’s the only brand that does not make me break out. I absolutely love this beach stick, especially because my kids can use it on themselves. I think sunscreen is a personal preference, though, so I love it for me, but it may not be the best for your skin.
Maui Jim sunglasses — starting at $228, sold at department stores
These sunglasses are my favorite that I have ever had. They are lightweight and polarized and truly are sport sunglasses, but you don’t look “sporty” wearing them. They are expensive, so save up and buy one pair and take care of them forever.
Lilly Pulitzer beach towel — purchased at Target two years ago
I bought five of these when Lilly Pulitzer did her brief stint at Target. They are oversized and plush and wonderful.
Wine opener – PRICELESS
No judgement. You never know when someone needs to open the wine.
How about that for a window into our world! We enjoyed our discoveries so much that we are doing a second part to this article with some of our best health and beauty discoveries for summer. Stay tuned!
*********
Extra bonus: the StyleBlueprint App mentioned above as your go-to source? Here’s an example as to why:
This is straight from our SB App for Louisville. Yep, find local events and happenings around town, plus where to shop and eat, download our FREE (you read that right!) SB App and enjoy Louisville’s best! All at your fingertips. Download it today.
