Saturday, February 28, 2015

The Beauty Spotlight Team Wants to Know What's in My Purse

Purchased by Me, Gifts & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

When The Beauty Spotlight Team decided to launch the "What's in My Purse" Series, I was thrilled. I so enjoy such posts, and delight in the voyeuristic thrill of seeing what other people carry around with them. However, what at first seemed like an easy task, soon revealed itself to be a bit more confounding. The problem is I made a deal with myself that if I was going to collect some nice things that I actually needed to use them. I'm interested in enjoying the things that I covet rather than simply storing them in their dust bags and only pulling them out for special occasions.

I have always had a penchant for beautifully made purses and wallets, and Italian leather goods have been my lifelong preference. The craftsmanship is just superb, and the materials are extraordinary. Furthermore, the attention to detail given to both the areas seen and unseen makes each handmade piece a true masterpiece. Therefore, it became evident to me while I was trying to select a purse to feature that I have been getting equal use out of two purses and two wallet, and thus I opted to show you both.
The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote was a lovely gift that my mom and sister gave to me, and when I first saw this stunning purple patent leather bag I nearly shrieked at its utter magnificence. As far as I'm concerned it's a triple threat because it's purple (my absolute favorite color my entire life), it's an Yves Saint Laurent purse (I swoon at the thought), and it's patent leather (what's not not love?). While this bag seems to have long ago been discontinued, they can periodically be found at The Real Real (which is precisely where my mom and sister found this gem). In fact, they currently have two available in purple (here and here, but they also have a few others here). Perhaps what is the most surprising about this beauty is the fact that it actually holds a great deal of stuff, and the roomy interior zipper pocket is big enough to house my colossal iPhone 6 Plus. Recently I have been using this purse when I am out and about, and find that I need to carry more things than the mere essentials.

Description: Purple patent leather Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote with gold-tone hardware, dual zippers and snap closures at top, satin lining and single pocket at interior wall with zip closure.

Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 13", Width 13", Depth 1.5"
I was able to fit a huge makeup bag, an iPad Air in its case, and big wallet, an iPhone 6 Plus and my keys in this YSL purse without any trouble. I don't always carry my iPad, but tend to if I know that I will be going somewhere for a lengthy period of time.
The contents of my Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote when I leave the iPad at home.
Top to Bottom (Clockwise): Rebecca Minkoff Black Leather Makeup Bag, Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet, keys and iPhone.
When I first saw this Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet I was overjoyed. It is a beautiful example of extraordinary Italian craftsmanship. I chose this burgundy shade called Dark Magenta, but there are several other lovely colors that can be seen here, but the fuchsia (here) and red (here) are particularly gorgeous. This beauty fits everything that I need to carry, and more! It has a roomy interior, ample credit card and bill slots, and is simply extraordinary in every way.

Description: Classic Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet with Embossed Saint Laurent Signature and Engraved Discrete Zipper.
  • Dimensions: 8.2 X 4.1 X 0.8 Inches
  • 100% Calf-Skin Leather
  • 2 Bill & 2 Receipt Compartments
  • Zip Around Closure
  • 12 Card Slots, 1 Zip Pocket
I'm very pleased with this purchase, and even more pleased that I managed to get a sizable discount on mine because they were no longer carrying that color where I purchased it.
It was love at first sight when I saw the Milly Zig-Zag iPad Case, and I was elated to get it at a deep discount from Barneys New York Warehouse. They seem to have quite a few left, and if you need an iPad Case this is a great one to consider. I find so many great things at the Barneys New York Warehouse, and at a fraction of their original prices. It fits my iPad Air perfectly, and with a little room to spare.

Milly Shocking Pink/Multi zigzag-print coated-poplin iPad case.
  • Top zip closure
  • Engraved metal logo plaque at front, polished silvertone hardware
  • Padded fabric-lined interior
  • Approximately 10.25" height x 8.00" width x 1.00" depth
I love the geometric pattern and the fun pops of pink, but it is also a very durable bag that keeps my iPad well protected.
I received this large black leather Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetics Bag as a gift with purchase during the Bag Event at Neiman Marcus a couple of years ago (featured here), and it has been a favorite ever since. It has enough space to carry an obscene number of lip products, but I did try to demonstrate some degree of restraint here.
Here's what I am currently carrying in my makeup bag:

1) Balm Chicky Balm Balm Hot Chocolate Love Lip Balm (reviewed here): I am currently completely obsessed with Balm Chicky Balm Balm Lip Balms! They are moisturizing, and they taste great! My favorite (at this particular moment) is Hot Chocolate Love!

2) Glee Gum is one of my very favorite brands of gum, and I always have a pack on me!

3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Double Mirror Compact (reviewed here): I never leave home without this lovely mirror! It's definitely my very favorite mirror of all time.

4) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Lipstick in Lingerie Pink (reviewed here): This is a breathtakingly beautiful light, cool-toned pink that is utter perfection. I love the color, the formula, and the substantial bullet is ultra chic!

5) Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Nude Vanilla (reviewed here and here): This is one of my very favorite lipsticks of all time. As I said in my review, "it is the perfect nude lipstick that possesses a chameleon-like effect because of its ability to melt into the lips and morph into a color that differs a bit from the tube." On me, it becomes a warm pale pink, and I couldn't be happier with it if I tried!

6) Tom Ford Beauty Lips & Boys Lip Color in Flynn (discussed and swatched here): The entire Lips & Boys Collection was utterly brilliant, and unsurprisingly Flynn (a neutral, on the verge of cool-toned, nude  pink) was among my favorites.

7) Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178 (reviewed here): This is a gorgeous pale, slightly frosty, cool pink. It is on the sheer side, but it is nothing if not stunning!

8) Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Pink 001 (reviewed here): I often wear this delightful sheer pink lip plumper alone, but I really love pairing it with Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178. Together they create pink pout perfection!

9) The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray (reviewed here): To date, this is my favorite hand sanitizer. Not only is it effective, but the easy-to-use spray bottle is super convenient.

10) L'Occitane L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I have gone through numerous full size tubes of this richly moisturizing hand cream, and will likely go through many many more! I love the smell, the thick texture, and its unbelievably ability to moisturize dry winter hands!

11) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick (reviewed here and featured here): When my close friend created Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick for me I was moved beyond words. In fact, it is difficult to express the level to which I am touched and honored by this loving act of friendship. Furthermore, this is the most beautiful pink lipstick that I have ever had the honor of wearing! If you buy one lipstick this year, let it be Lola's Secret.

12) BITE Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil in Bouquet (reviewed here): The BITE Beauty High Pigment Pencil formula is described a long-lasting, matte lip color. As noted in my review of their High Pigment Pencil in Madeira, these are twist up pencils apply smoothly, wear evenly and they do not settle into lip lines. I find that the formula provides the perfect amount of cushion and is very comfortable on the lips. I neither find it particularly moisturizing, nor do I find it in the least bit drying. I get several hours of wear-time before needing to reapply. Bouquet is a gorgeous neutral peachy pink.
I often switch out the larger YSL Tribute Tote for this older Prada Purse. This is a hand-me-down handbag that my sister purchased years ago, and when she stopped using it my mom took it and used it. It then happily made its way to me, and I just couldn't be happier. While there is no zipper top, the strap is quite short allowing it to tuck neatly under your arm. It is made of very durable leather, and despite its age it shows no signs of wear whatsoever. I usually take this bag with me to work to use when I am not toting around my big book bag.
When I use this purse I only carry my wallet, keys, phone and makeup bag. The Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag is simply too big for this purse, so instead I use the Origins makeup bag that was part of their wonderful Let Us Glow Gift Set (reviewed here).
The real star of the show is undoubtedly this VALEXTRA Zip Around Wallet in Malva Purple, and how I came to find it was nothing short of miraculous. I had been stalking it on the Barneys New York website for what felt like an eternity, but the price was prohibitively expensive. Then one fateful day, during their holiday sale, the price for this particular color was radically reduced (a serious understatement since it ended up about 75% off), and I acted fast and managed to track the last one down. They have a pink version as well as numerous other colors, and they are all absolutely divine. This is truly a whole different level of luxury, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled.

The classic soft calfskin zip purse features vintage-inspired designs, rich leathers and premium quality Italian craftsmanship. Features twelve credit card slots with the brand's distintive 'V' detail, two multi-use compartments, double division for banknotes & documents and a central zip pouch for coins. Interior lining in supple leather and llight gold hardware. The signature “Costa” lacquered ink piping has been hand applied several times to the sheared edges and buffed to finish the piece. 
Made In Italy. Size: 8" × 4"
The interior details are truly astounding.
I put all of the contents of the Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag into this cute Origins Cosmetic Bag, and the fit was perfect.

Nothing seems to quell my urge to switch purses, totes and wallets because I am one of those people who likes to change things with some frequency, but rotating these two purses and wallets has been so satisfying that I feel as though I have achieved a state of purse and wallet nirvana.

What do you carry in your purse? Do you switch out wallets and purses with any frequency, or do you tend to use them for longer durations?
Purchased by Me, Gifts & Press Samples (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

47 comments:

  1. I'm dying over your choice of purses and wallets. You have exquisite taste. I aim for luxury like this. I am not the least bit surprised that your makeup case is filled with lipstick. You are to lipstick what I am to eyeshadow. TF Flynn is my favorite lipstick of late. I can't get enough of it and wish I could find it to buy a back up.

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    1. Thank you, Marcia! I'm so glad that you liked the purses and wallets that I selected! I have had a lifelong (well, at least since the time that I cared about things like purses and wallets) obsession with luxurious leather goods made in Italy. I care a whole lot less about the designer label, and a whole lot more about the craftsmanship. It can be a no-name brand and I will be just as happy. I also tend prefer no-small logos, rather than big ones. I get deliriously happy over handmade high quality products that are built to last a lifetime!

      You knew when we decided on this series that my makeup bag would ended up so lopsidedly lipstick-filled! I am not in the least bit rational when it comes to my lippies, and it is exactly like your obsession with amazing eyeshadows! You and I are definitely twinsies when it comes to our taste in lipstick (actually in our taste in eyeshadows and blush too!). Flynn is DEFINITELY my favorite as well! I really wish that TF would make that one in the permanent full-size bullet. I even prefer it to Nude Vanilla, and that is saying a lot for me! I wish that I could find a back-up as well! I'm so glad that you liked my purse post! :-)

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  2. That's a lovely purse! I love a bit of color when it comes to handbags-it adds a fun element to the outfit :). I have only one black handbag ;). I agree, I too prefer quality and style over the label and pricing. And also, I avoid big logos and excessive display of brand monogram as well. I have this purse from Aldo (not leather) that I have gotten the most compliments over!! I like things that last, sort of like a personal signature?

    I knew that I would spot the Susan Thompson lipstick here, the minute I opened the post ;). It's such a lovely color. I also have a bunch of lipsticks in my purse: Fresh tinted lip balm (Passion), Chantecaille lip chic (Bourbon Rose), Tarte stick (fuschia), Dior Lip Glow, Revlon Lip Butter ( Pink Truffle), and Buxom Sophia lip gloss (a Sephora deluxe sample). Sometimes more lippies make their way to my purse :P. What can I say, I am a lipstick girl ;).

    PS: Have you tried "Good Genes" by Sunday Riley? I am kinda' obsessed with it at the moment! It calmed down my breakouts almost immediately.

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    1. Thank you, I'm so glad that you like it! I was overjoyed when my mom and sister gave it to me! I completely agree with you about having a bit of color when it comes to handbags and wallets, for that matter! Yes, quality and style definitely stand the test of time! I definitely prefer simplicity to big logos, for me personally as well. I agree completely!!

      Yes, Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick makes every list! It's the best pink that I have ever worn, and it's all the more meaningful that Suzi created the color specifically for me! I love her, she's like my second sister! You and I are, indeed, alike when it comes to the summer of lippies that we carry. I actually had accumulated far more of them in my makeup bag, but it had become utterly ridiculous– so I emptied out all of the excess before taking pictures for this post. It becomes too difficult to try to find anything in my makeup bag when I am carrying around 15-20 lip products! You and I are both definitely lipstick girls! I love the selection of lippies that you are currently carrying!

      Yes, I used Good Genes for years! I haven't had a full size bottle in quite some time, but I have several samples– I will have to dig them out! I reviewed it long long ago here:

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2011/11/sunday-rileys-good-genes-is-miracle.html

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    2. I'm so glad hat it is working so well for your skin, and calming down your breakouts! <3

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    3. I recently re-purchased Good Genes, because I've been having some breakouts, likely due to stress (is there an equivalent to soothe the nerves, though? He he).

      I can see why you covet Lola's Secret lipstick-I would too, if someone so lovingly created something for me! Oh, and I go through these phases, when I obsessively wear the same colors again and again ;). Right now Fresh and Chantecaille are having their moment.

      The other thing that i have a lot of in my purse is perfume samples (Kiehl's Litchi and Orange Blossom, Estee' Lauder Modern Muse Chic). I love these and have full sized bottles for both, so carry the samples with me in the purse. Also Nirvana Black roller ball is in there, somewhere ;).

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    4. Yeah, I agree– if only there was an equivalent to soothe the nerves, indeed!

      Lola's Secret Lipstick is definitely exceedingly lovely both objectively, and then more personally (of course). If only my cat Lola knew that she had bot a blog and a lipstick named in her honor!

      I usually also carry perfume samples in my purse, but forgot to replenish my bag when I used them up last time. It's such a great way to use samples! I keep thinking about buying the Nirvana White! You carry a very lovely selection of fragrances on you! <3

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  3. Oh I'm drooling all over that purple bag (wait, that's probably not a nice thing to do...)! The leather is so amazingly glossy! I haven't invested in a luxury bag yet. I keep thinking I'll do some research before I take the plunge :) I don't switch between bags tho. I tend to stick to one for a long time and then move on to the next. It seems like a lot of work actually switching bags and I'm lazy!

    You actually carry quite some beautiful lipsticks around! That mini tube of L'Occitane hand cream is adorable :)

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    1. Hi Sunny,

      I'm so glad that you like the purple purse– I am madly in love with it! You can drool on it if you like, it cleans up quite easily and quickly! LOL! It's really not that much trouble switching purses, but when I am lazy I don't bother switching out wallets since that's the only thing that takes a little more time. Luxury bags and wallets are lovely to have, but it's definitely worth taking one's time to select them given the price point. I do tend to study (read: obsess) over the ones that really evoke feeling of love in me, and I do whatever possible to try and find them if/when they go on sale. For instance, in the case of the Valextra wallet I would have been perfectly content to love it from afar forever because it is so far out of my budget for a wallet, but when the price on that particular color was radically reduced end of season I jumped on it without giving it much thought!

      I like carrying a good assortment of lipsticks with me, and figure that I might as well carry many of my favorites with me for that added bit of pleasure! I love that little L'Occitane hand cream. It was in a Sephora/L'Occitane 500 point VIB Bag, and I just couldn't resist cashing in points because it was so cute and handy! :)

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  4. Hmmm..... I notice you left all your money at the stores! ;-) (You are not alone in that....)

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    1. LOL!!!!!!!! Well, I definitely left a bit there!!!!!! I know that you can relate! :-)

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  5. If I ever win the lottery, the grass green colour Valextra wallet will be mine.
    And I think all of you would faint if you witnessed the interior of one of my bags. One of the reasons I enjoy "loud" coloured accessories (aside from being pretty) is so I can FIND them! LOL

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    1. The green Valextra wallet is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe that they deeply discounted the purple one, and who knows they could do the same with the green one at some point (fingers crossed!), I know exactly what you mean about needing bright colors to be able to find anything in the bottom of one's purse! Loud colored accessories are definitely lovely, but they really do serve a more pragmatic purpose as well! LOL!

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  6. I'm gonna stalk you in the street and nick your bag and all of its fabulous contents!! :-)

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    1. LOL! I'm glad that you like my bag and its contents, Melissa!!!!! :-)

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  7. As a fan of beautiful purses and purple, I love your handbag. I usually love wearing just a crossbody bag since it's comfortable and I hardly ever carry any makeup with me. I do have a ton of lipsticks and glosses in every bad I have, lol. I usually switch my bags seasonally.

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    1. I'm so glad that you love my purple bag, Agata! I love cross body purses for their convenience, but this one is just such a true joy to use! Me too, it's so easy to end up with so many lipsticks in one's handbag! Switching bags seasonally is always so much fun! :-)

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  8. Hoooly...lol thats a lot of stuff. Such a gorgeous bag tho!! I think most of us have a smaller bag full of cosmetics that we lug around lol. I hdnt heard of that Hotchocolate balm before- such a cute name too! Thnx for giving us the sneek peak :)

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    1. I'm so glad that you like the bag! I generally carry far too many lip products around, and have to keep emptying out my bag because it becomes overstuffed! That lip balm is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! You are so welcome! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it!

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  9. So, I may actually have openly squealed in delight when I saw that the bag was purple. :-D I may also have been in the university library at the time, which garnered me a few interesting looks! >_<

    I, too, have been a purple lover my entire life (bonus points if the purple thing sparkled, and/or contained biscuits), and all your beautiful purple picks just fill my little roguish heart with loot-by-proxy-ish joy. As do your excellent and numerous lipstick choices, of course!

    I am woefully behind on commenting on your posts, but I enjoy them still, and I just wanted to know that I think of you fondly and often! I hope that doesn't sound weird/creepy, but (like Auxiliary Beauty) yours is a blog that makes me want to write long, indulgent, rambly comments, which I never end up managing to do justice to! It's like thesis guilt, but for blogging! :-P

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    1. I adore you, Syl!!!!! Why am I not at all surprised that we share such a venerated space for the color purple in our lives?!!!! I am thrilled that you like my purple bag and wallets– they definitely give me lots of joy! I love the image of you squealing in the university library!!!

      I, too, am woefully behind on commenting because I have been so busy at work– so I completely understand that the same holds true for you! I think of you often as well (and no you don't sound weird/creepy in the least), and I look forward to Spring Break so that I can catch up on sleeping and catching up with commenting etc.I love your posts as well, and am touched that you feel the same! Yes, I know precisely what you mean about the desire to leave long comments being a bit like thesis guilt (a feeling that seems to last a lifetime even long after the dissertation has been filed- LOL). I hope that school is going well, and that your dissertation is coming right along! xoxox

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  10. Ohmigosh, I don't even know where to start! Usually I'd be all about the makeup, but here I'm all about the leather goods! You are so lucky to have a mom & sister with such great taste for one thing. I would be over the moon to receive the YSL PURPLE tote! And I love the shape and shade of the Prada bag. And that Valextra wallet, how gorgeous is that! The color alone is enough. And I can't believe you scored it at 75% off! Deal of the century :)

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    1. Hi Allison,

      I know what you mean, I would also normally go nuts over the makeup in posts such as this one, but my love of makeup is definitely rivaled by my love of Italian leather goods! Yes, I am grateful to my mom and sister for giving me such a glorious purse! They both have exquisite taste! The moment that I saw the YSL purple tote I was utterly thrilled! I love the shape and shade of the Prada bag as well, and don't for the life of me understand why my sister and mom both tired of it! The Valextra wallet was DEFINITELY the deal of the century, and even at 75% off it wasn't an inexpensive wallet, but I figured this was a splurge worth making because this type of deal may not come around again! <3

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  11. Maybe there's a bit of voyeur in me, but I love this series! LOL. I love to get a glimpse into other beauty bloggers' bags and see what they tote around. That YSL bag is so gorgeous and I don't blame you for shrieking when you received it!

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    1. There's definitely some voyeur in me as well, Jessica ! I love posts like this as well, and getting a glimpse into what others carry around is always so fascinating to me! I really did let out some sort of weird audible noise when I opened the box and saw the YSL bag! They also made a matching makeup bag (looks like it's more of a travel size bag), and I keep checking to see if they have it again!

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  12. What an excellent post!! I always enjoy these as they motivate me to clean out my purse, hahaha! I have to say I've never heard of Glee gum!! I love cinnamon so I'm on a mission to find some!!!

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    1. Thanks, Dani! I am so glad that you enjoyed it! I agree that these types of posts always make me empty out my purse and makeup bag so that I can carry whatever I feel are essentials at any given moment! I love love love Glee Gum. They used to sell it at Trader Joes, but then stopped. I find it at WHole Foods Market, but I am sure that it is available in lots of other places as well. THey have lots of different flavors too!

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  13. I love to peep into peoples' purses. It is just so fun to see what others consider essentials. Mine always has a pack of gum, lipsticks, and snacks. :P

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    1. Me too! I get such pleasure looking at these sorts of posts! It's always so fascinating to see what people carry around with them! You are so right, seeing what other people consider essentials in really fun! I'm with you about the gum and lipstick! I really need to carry more snacks though– especially for those long days at work!

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  14. I love posts like this - it's always great to see what other bloggers keep with them :)

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    1. Me too, Destany! They are so much fun to read!

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  15. Love your purse and everything in it!

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  16. I always shop TheRealReal and I loveeeeeee that tote!

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    1. It's the best place to shop! I'm so glad that you love my bag!!!! They still have a few, if you want one!

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  17. Twinsy, I love your purse and all the contents! I put utmost value on quality, I'd rather have few designer bags that I truly adore and rotate on a regular basis.

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    1. Thanks, Twinsy! I agree with you completely about putting a value on quality– I keep thing for a long time and really want them to last! You and I share the same philosophy (yet again!) <3

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  18. So loving those bags and palettes! How did I not know of spray hand sanitizer? Such a great idea.

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    1. Thanks, Bailey! Yes, the spray versions are absolutely amazing! Plus, you can spray gross doorknobs in dirty public places!

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  19. I love love love purple! I am amazed at the amount of products and stuff you fit in your bag... I always find I stuff too much stuff in mine. I love posts like these and love checkin gout everyones bags :)

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    1. THanks, Honey! Me too! The purple just makes my heart go pitter patter! I also tend to cram a lot of stuff in there, but most of the time I don't carry my iPad! I love checking out these kinds of posts as well_ it's super fun to see what people carry around with them! :-)

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  20. SO jealous of your amazing bag!!

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    1. Hi Jamie! I'm so glad that you like my bag! It makes me very happy each time that I look at it!

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    1. Than you Betzy! I am so glad that you loved it! :-)

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