Work Bag Essentials

Wow, hi blog world. It’s been a while since I posted. Things have been a bit busy over here, as I’m sure it’s been the same with you. One thing in particular that has been more hectic than normal lately is my work life. It’s all good stuff though, as I’m working on new and exciting projects and getting to collaborate with some really fun people. Since I’m likely going back into the office more frequently, I thought it was time to get my work bag in order. I got a new one, which I’ll go into detail below, and only added the most essential items. Let’s take a look.

1. The Perfect Tote

Since I’m likely going back into the office a bit more frequently in the coming months, I was in need of a work bag refresh. My old one had seen better days, an wasn’t really my style anymore. Teddy Blake, a brand I’ve featured here on the blog before, reached out recently about sending me their Vanessa Palmelatto 14″ tote. It’s the PERFECT work tote. It’s structured, fits everything I need (including my laptop!), and has a crossbody option. I ordered the brown leather, but it comes in cognac, dark red, dark gray, light beige, black, and a few other colors. If you’d like to order your own, use code TBNicoleR30 for $30 off. 

2. Pens and Highlights

I am oddly specific when it comes to writing utensils. I’m left handed, so I have to use pens and highlighters that don’t smear. My favorite pens are the Pilot G-2 05, because they write smoothly, are ultra fine point, and are comfortable in my hand. The people who get it, get it. When you find a pen you like, you buy it over and over again and never stray. I also carry around these Alohaster pastel highlighters, which are so much nicer to look at than the basic neon ones. They also are dream to use for calligraphy work. 

3. Planner and Notebook

I’m not sure I’ve ever found the most perfect daily planner, but for now I’m using one I found at Target from Sugar Paper. It gets the job done, but it’s nothing fancy. I like that each week is a 2 page spread. On the left is a dashboard with things to accomplish during the week broken out into various boxes. There’s sections for people to call, things to buy, weekly goals, things to do, and people to email. On the right page you’ll see boxes for each day, like a normal planner would show. I also carry around a Moleskine notebook since I hate taking notes digitally and will forever be someone who writes stuff down.

4. Glasses

If I’m not wearing my eyeglasses while sitting at my computer, I wind up with the worst headache. They sometimes even turn into migraines and the pain starts to radiate down my neck. So with that said, I carry my glasses if I know I’ll be on my computer. If you don’t wear glasses, I’d highly recommend checking out blue light glasses which help with the strain on your eyes from looking at a computer screen. There’s a bunch on Amazon, but I love these blue light glasses because they come in a 2-pack so you can switch based on your style. 

5. Beauty Products

I’m minimalistic in terms of beauty products. I carry only my most important items when I leave the house: Honest Beauty Magic Beauty Balm, a claw clip, mini perfume (Jo Malone Mimosa & Cardamom), It Cosmetics CC Cream, Laura Mercier Translucent Powder, and Mac Lip Liner in “Whirl.” These products are the best for mid-day touch-ups and have been favorites for many years.