What's in My Summer Bag 2015? (Summer Tips on Packing Lighter)

Summer is one of those months with multiple personalities. It is fun and festive in one sense, but equally draining, and tiresome in other ways. The weather is hot and sticky and the last thing I want to carry around is a massive bag with a truckload of unnecessary items.

My summer love is for my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac. It is compact, easy to carry, and surprisingly capable of holding more than I thought.  Nevertheless, it is small, and wise choices and heavy editing need to be made. 

Here are my tips on packing lighter for Summer:

The Essentials:

 

The first step to minimizing baggage is to pick out your essential items.

-keys

-wallet (If you have a larger wallet, it would be helpful to try minimizing to a smaller one.) 

-phone

-sunglasses

-medication

-business cards

-foundation

Staying Cool

This is totally not a necessity but having one quirky fun item is something I recommend to put a smile on your face. Currently, I am loving this beautiful Japanese fan and pulling it out to cool off. I spritz it with my favorite perfume and it is a great way to relax and escape from reality.

Food

Keep food items at a minimum and stay away from any candies that melt. Pick one nutritional bar and and a small pack of minty gum. Nutrition bars are great at perking up your sugar levels, while minty gum is a great way to stay fresh and cool.The combination of the two is more than enough. 

Make-Up

During the Summer, less is more. The only make up I carry is a small foundation. I advise carrying some sunscreen and lip balm as it is essential at all times. 

Think, beachy, no fuss face make up with a sun kissed glow.

Take care.

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 7: What's in My Holiday Bag?

Holiday time is always hectic and busy. Such chaos, calls for organization and the right tools. I almost always opt for a smaller bag and avoid carrying around too much. Most items are either hygienic, festive, business related, or fun ways to pass the time in long lines. 

The bag is by Sonia Rykiel and it is from France. I purchased it several years ago and it remains a Winter favorite. 

My make-up is minimal. I am currently loving Too Faced Candlelight, which adds a soft glow. Chanel Rouge Allure, Emotion 17 and Anna Sui Red Lip Liner. I also carry around a rose red Chanel blush. 

My wallet is by Valentino, and always carry around my I-pod, I-phone, and camera. The little beaded bird bag is from London Accessorize. 

This is a very cool little gadget. I constantly play with it when waiting in a cue. It speaks 16 languages, and helps you learn basic phrases, numbers, and pronunciation. 

Flu season is upon us, and no purse is complete without hand sanitizer. I also carry a lip balm, perfume by Abahna, tissues, and lavender oil for relaxation.

Lastly, My purse always has at least one pen, cough drops, a candy cane, business cards, and my keys. 

xo,

Maya

What's in My bag? *Summer Edition*

This Golden Yellow, Christian Dior bag was a gift from my grandfather when I graduated High School. It is by far my most favorite, and cherished bag. My grandfather passed several years ago, but It's amazing  how such "things" can bring back such fond memories and some how make him feel very near to me. 

The bag itself is not very large, and is perfect for my off days. I have a bad habit of carrying way too much and so a smaller bag is always a smart idea when you really do not need much. 

This little embroidered pouch is from France, and inside, I carry my iPod, card case, perfume case, and heart shaped "Marie Antoinette" case.  

The butterfly case is actually a lipstick case but I use it to carry one of my most prized purchases. It is a parfume snuff box from the 18th century, France. I purchased it while I was in Belgium, at a Antique store,and I always imagine some 18th century French Princess once carried it in her silk laced sleeve. The details are truly amazing and it contains my favorite scent. 

A bit of sad information. The day I purchased it, I was so excited, I showed a friend and dropped it. The crystal cap is forever cracked, and it brings a twinge of regret every time I see it. 

This is my book of Ideas. Sketches, designs, ideas, quotes, sonnets, or anything that inspires me is always jotted down in this very book. 

ABAHNA is one of my favorite hand lotions from UK. It is rather difficult to get in the US but I somehow managed to find it. For my lips, I love this tinted lip balm from DIOR. 

Since my bag is quite small, I do not bring my usual wallet and instead use this pink coin purse. I bought it at "Harrods" in London a couple of years ago.  I usually just put some cash, and a card or two, and that is honestly all I need. 

I always have pens and pencils with me and each one is actually collected from  somewhere, and brings back a memory. 

I never leave home without my business cards. 

This Marie Antoinette case is meant for pills. However, I have opted for candy instead, and it always carries exactly two.