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What’s in my Work Bag
27
items Two years of commuting from NJ to NYC taught me one thing: the right work bag essentials make all the difference.
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Sections
3
In My Bag
In My Cosmetic Bag
Xtra
In My Bag
I was gifted the Large Dagne Dover bag for Christmas last year and it has become a STAPLE in my commuting life! It fits so much, like my laptop, lunch, an extra pair of shoes, etc.
I used to commute with a purse but found it difficult to hold on the...
DAGNE DOVER - Dakota Neoprene Backpack
If you prefer a purse over a backpack, the Beis Work Tote is so worth it. Very spacious, cute and chic, and comes with a crossbody strap to help distribute the weight.
The Work Tote in Black
So easy to throw in my bag! I keep toiletries like tampons, pads, and wipes in the bottom compartment and have makeup, perfume, a mini hairbrush, etc. in the top compartment.
Sonia Kashuk™ Double Compartment Travel Makeup Toiletry Bag
My phone died once when I was showing the conductor my train ticket and I vowed to never leave the house without a portable charger.
JIUMESS 10000mAh Power Bank 22.5W Fast Charging Portable Charger with Cables, USB Battery Pack Compatible for iPhone and Android Cell Phone
One thing about the weather: it’s going to be unpredictable. This umbrella has saved me from being drenched by torrential down pour (but it also helps that NYC is full of scaffolding).
Totes Super Mini Manual ECO Compact Umbrella - Black
I absolutely need my music for my commute, wired works well for me.
Apple EarPods (USB C) White MYQY3AM/A / MTJY3AM/A
I know some people prefer wireless, & these are currently on sale for $90!
Apple AirPods 4 White MXP63LL/A
Your sign to get a kindle! My bag has too many things to carry a paperback, and I’m scared of the book getting ruined, so my kindle lives in my work bag.
Amazon Kindle 6" e-Reader (2024) - Black
If you already have a travel water bottle, no need to buy a new one. But if you don’t have one that can easily be thrown into your bag, the Owala is so good!
Owala 24oz FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle - Misty Meadow
In My Cosmetic Bag
Humidity is not my friend in the summer - sometimes I need to touch up my hair before a meeting!
Wet Brush Mini Detangler Hair Brush - Matte Black
Hand cream is a must! If my hands are dry while typing, it becomes so uncomfortable so I always have this on hand.
eos Shea Better Ultra Derm Hand Cream - Vanilla Cashmere - 2.5 fl oz
Never beating the oily girl allegations so makeup touch ups before a meeting are a must.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Pressed Powder - 100 Translucent - 0.29oz
A “can’t live without” item, especially in the winter or during allergy season.
Kleenex On-the-Go 3-Ply Anti-Viral and Cool Touch Facial Tissue - 8pk/80ct
Always need a scent refresher after being on the train for an hour!
MIX:BAR Women's Perfume Oil - Vanilla Bourbon - 1 fl oz
No need to explain this one, lol. Especially in the summer.
Dove Beauty Mini Advanced Care Invisible Clear Finish Antiperspirant & Deodorant Stick - Travel Size - 0.5oz
A long commute + a long day at the office calls for dry lips at one point in the day. This is my favorite to carry around.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm - Vanilla Bean - 2pk/0.30oz
The trains aren’t sanitary and I always feel icky after, especially if I’m holding onto one of the poles. Hand sanitizer is a NECESSITY.
Purell Refreshing Hand Sanitizer - Trial Size - 2 fl oz
Another one to keep me from feeling icked out lol
Wet Ones Sensitive Skin Hand Wipes Travel Pack - Fragrance Free - 20ct
When I’m on my period, I always keep baby wipes on hand.
Fragrance Free Baby Wipes Travel Pack - 20ct - up&up™
Another need! My period comes whenever it feels like it so I like to have these on hand.
Tampax Pearl Duo Pack Tampons - Regular/Super - Unscented - 48ct
For the girls who don’t use tampons!
Always Infinity FlexFoam Pads for Women - Size 2 - Super Absorbency - Unscented - 32ct
When you have to go, you have to go 🫣 I’m always prepared for the worst at work.
Poo-Pourri Pocket Spray Air Freshener - Original Citrus - 1 fl oz
Xtra
So absolutely delicious, I always keep one in my bag. Sometimes I get lightheaded during my commute from hunger and need a quick snack to hold me over.
CLIF ZBAR and ZBAR PROTEIN - 19.05oz/15pk
Love taking notes for work and since I’m hybrid, I need to bring the notebook back and forth. This mini one is so adorable and fits right in my bag without taking up space.
Daydream Society - Mini Composition Notebook in Blush - Pack of 1 Mini Notebook
Cute and small, fits easily in my bag!
Blue Sky Rachel Parcell Weekly/Monthly Wirebound Planner 5x8 Printed Allie Warm Stripe
Fits my ID, credit card, work ID, and metro card! A necessity to stay organized and minimize space used.
COACH® Outlet | Slim Id Card Case
For long work days when I need to put my hair up!
scünci Medium Sized Rectangle Claw Clips - All Hair - 3pcs