Question about carrying a purse

[Cassandra]

I bought a brand new purse today and want to fill it up with stuff to be lady like. What is all the stuff I need? It's a medium sized purse btw.

[sherri52]

Keys, ID, tissue, extra makeup, etc. Don't forget the all important money and or credit card. Wouldn't hurt to have a can of mace or pepper spray. You'll probably never use it but you'll feel better knowing you have it.

[dilane]

I bought a brand new purse today and want to fill it up with stuff to be lady like. What is all the stuff I need? It's a medium sized purse btw.

Lipstick or gloss, lipliner, powder ... whatever you need for makeup repairs.

Kleenex, Pen, small address book / notepad, eyedrops if you wear contacts, purse perfume spritzer, hairbrush, nailfile, wallet, keys, cellphone, sunglasses.

Safety pins in case of wardrobe malfunction.

Aspirin for the occasional headache.

Emergency road flares. NOT!!!

I also have earplugs for use in noisy clubs. How's that?

[MAJESTYK]

Hmmmmmmmm, lets see....All you need are things that you cant do without. The keys, cash etc... in a nice wallet. Brush,lipstick, perfume,other makeup you may need for touch up. Anything else you think you may need while you're out.
I carry one everyday because I present everyday. and you'd be surprised what it has in it! Mine has hand lotion, makeup, scarf, wallet, tissues, pen,cellphone , lighter, gum, pick,(very curly hair!)small pump hairspray, several things I wont say....and just about anything else I might need or pick up while out!

[NoraTV]

Actually, the mace or pepper spray is not a bad idea.

[Lorileah]

keys to something you don't remember, half a stick of gum, .37 in change, a wadded up tissue, the other half of the gum wrapped in the foil but still sticking out enough to gather fuzz, a flash light that doesn't work anymore, an extra pair of pantyhose,now with gum stuck to them, a mint from a restaurant, two bobby pins, an emery board that is almost worn out, three of the stick on nails you had on last Saturday but they fell off, a napkin with 6 digits of a phone number and a lipstick print...yours, compact with a cracked mirror, the lipstick minus the cap now, subway token (when was I in Boston?), business card from a guy who either wanted a date or to sell you insurance, a credit card and your drivers license, a zip lock bag (in case you can't eat the whole meal) and that can of mace which is at the bottom, where you have to dig for it, so IF you ever are attacked by someone who might be bigger than you are and you are in a neighborhood that you probably should not be in after dark dressed as a woman in 4" stiletto heels that you cannot kick off and run away, which as you pull it out and accidentally press the nozzle will spray you and the two CD's you are with rendering all three of you helpless.
How big is this purse anyway?

[Sally2005]

Tape measure, pliers, toothpicks, makeup wipes, keys, piece of pizza. :tongueout

[victoriamwilliams1]

all of the above plus a .357. handcuffs and badge, tampons or just what ever you want..

My purse is full with mints, wallet, perfume, cell phone, lipstick, gloss, touch up make up, lip liner and I have a medium purse that is the daily one and I have a small one that I got talked about by the former pay less guy:)

[Andy66]

Great googly-moogly! At this rate you'll need a moving van! Do yourself a favor and only bring the things you need most. Wallet, keys, phone, comb and lipstick. The purse will gather other excess junk all by itself.

[DianeDeBris]

Ha! At first I thought Lorileah had been peeking in my purse, but finally I realized hers is LOTS tidier than mine!!!

[Hope]

You know - I started carrying a purse when I started to get sick of having to move all of my junk from one pair of pants to the other (or in winter from one coat to another) running out of pockets, and then invariably leaving something in my other pants, or on someone's counter.

So I say you start with all of your guy junk. Keys, wallet, checkbook if you still use one, cell phone, organizer, sunglasses, pen, iPod, business cards. Then add the boy-scout stuff. Flashlight, aspirin, whatever other medications you use, bandaids, kleenex, Swiss army knife, lipgloss, titanium spork (don't laugh this has saved my tookis a number of times), cliff bar, dental floss, wet naps, and a tape measure. Then add your girl equipment. Makeup, nylons, mints / gum, a camera, perhaps a roll of first aid tape if you need it. Plan for whatever can go wrong during the day - and then have the tools you need to fix it. Then toss in 3 more items, a book (whatever you are currently reading) something that will make people think you are a bond girl (in my case that is a mini video recorder) and something that is just there to perplex people who paw through your purse (in my case that is a kite - no kidding). My wife carries a really slick re-useable shopping bag, but doesn't carry the book...

And that is for a small bag - not a clutch, but a small bag. With a bigger bag, you can always carry more stuff.

[Tranny Tee]

A set of jumper cables, a roll of duct tape, pliers, a roll of wire. . . .OOPS! That is what I carry in the trunk of the car.

[tamarav]

What a helpful group! Now you have an idea what all of the rest of us carry in our purses, which turn out to always be too small.

The next problem will be to clean out that purse and carry only what is necessary. Then you start tagging along with a "go bag" that carries all the items you could possibly need while out and about. My "go bag" must weigh 45 pounds and includes just about evey item the girls listed with the exception of the .357.

Now I am on the quest to carry as little as possible and still make my way. Credit card, driver's license, cash, minimal makeup and nail glue and spares, mirror, eye drops, mace, spare keys, hemostats for things I can't handle with long nails, .... There I go again.

[Kate Simmons]

You will learn what the real necessities are after you carry one for awhile.:)

[Katesback]

How about a small dog?

[Cassandra]

I took a little while last night filling it up with things. So far I have kleenex, ink pens, cigarettes, lighter, brush, cellphone, sunglasses, wallet with my drivers license, credit card, ATM card and other cards in it as well as money of course, lipstick, lip gloss, I think I'm to the point that I'm doing good filling it up and it'll probably become a cluttered mess soon lol. That's what I'm waiting for then I'll be use to carrying a purse.

It's a medium sized purse, not a huge one but it's not a small one either.

[Joanne f]

This time of year a shovel and an axe is handy , the shovel in case you get snowed in and the axe in case a tree falls and blocks your way ( and don't be silly and say a chain saw would be better as the oil would leek out and ruin you purse)

[Billijo49504]

I just checked in my purse, and I got most of the same stuff. Except for the 357.:eek: Usually just a airweight snubby or a small 9mm. But most of the time I have a fanny pack that I use on a daily bases....BJ

[Loni]

Actually, the mace or pepper spray is not a bad idea.

just be very careful about the type and size you carry, see your state laws there.
also only carry the stream or foam, never the spray. (can be blown back at you) and with a uv die marker.:eek:

buy a number of the little cans...for testing. one must learm how to use something if one has it on them.:doh:

.

[HannahF6]

I think it is less important what you have in the purse than to be seen carrying one. Few women are seen without their purses and carrying one, even empty is good for the overall image. It makes me feel almost as femme as when I put lipstick on.

[5150 Girl]

Some makeup in case you need a touchup, and if you go to eat ro dirnk, or clubbing, you will need a touchup.
outside of that, your keys cell, mace, and anything else you would normaly carry on a dayly basis.
Think of your purse as a ceatch -all for someone without pcokets. (womens fashions often have no pockets)

[Cassandra]

I think it is less important what you have in the purse than to be seen carrying one. Few women are seen without their purses and carrying one, even empty is good for the overall image. It makes me feel almost as femme as when I put lipstick on.

I think that way too. I loved filling my purse up with stuff. First time I carryed it out in public yesterday it went great.

[Nicole Erin]

I think Lorileah summed it up best with the list of junk.
the 1/2 sticks of gum seem necessity.

I think TamaraV forgot all the hairstyling impliments that a stylist would have, junk like bobby pins, a few pelican clips, couple perm rods,

Ya know, the bag I carry to school typically has a mannequin head in it.
One of these can be had at Sally's for $65.

Just think of how feminine you would look with this huge bag with a mannequin head in it.

[PamelaRI]

... subway token (when was I in Boston?) ...

Lorileah, if the last time that you were in Boston, you used tokens to ride the T, then it has been a long time.

All - Great suggestions. Now I have an excuse to buy the cute satchel bag that I saw last week, so that I can add all of the suggested essentials that I don't have in my current bag.

[Sarah Doepner]

My wife hates carrying a purse and consequently is always losing things she needs. Well that or she invites me out to eat and as we are being seated tells me she forgot her wallet and I get to pay.

I keep my "repair makeup" in a small makeup bag that can go from purse to purse as needed. That way I can just toss extra q-tips, cotton balls and half sticks of gum in all my purses and have them completely outfitted with just the move of the wallet, keys and makeup bag. I'll have to think about the mace.

[Stephanie Heplby]

Lori, that was brilliant; describes my purse pretty well. But then, if you use it, the detritus will come... (To paraphrase Field of Dreams.)

[PretzelGirl]

I guess I started with the wrong purse. Once I move everything from my guy pants into the purse and add a small brush and the touch-up make-up, my purse is bulging. Maybe I need something with a handle and two wheels.... :heehee:

[Nicole Erin]

Also if you carry a tampon, if you REALLY want to be convincing as a woman, then every so often in front of strangers just say "Oh shoot, I just started my period. But it is not a problem, I have a, (and pull out a tampon and hold it to the sky) TAMPAX to save the day! Yep no spotting in this girls undies!"

I do this a lot and it helps me pass as a woman.

[Joanne Curl]

It's amazing what ends up in there! In addition to all the stuff mentioned I also keep a couple of panty liners. It helps to keep the bits tucked up. What I can't get the hang of though is keeping it on my shoulder the way all the GG's do

[Cristi]

Re: Pepper spray. I that has been on my 'things to buy' list for ages. I guess I really should follow through on it before I need it. BTW: Have you ever had the stuff in your eyes? OUCH! I sprayed some in the air once when I was younger to see how it worked. Just the vapor that the wind carried back into my face made my eyes sting enough that I had to flush them out.

So in my purse:
Lipstick, foundation and powder along with some application brushes and pads. Small mirror. 'Touch up' makeup for whatever I'm wearing at the time (eye shadow, liner, mascara, etc). Tissues, moistened wipes (for makeup removal). Cell phone and keys, a collection of misc. bobby pins, hair clips and scrunchies, and probably a few dollars in change in various pockets resulting from just dumping it in when shopping.

After reading this post, I'll be adding pepper spray and a spare pair of PH (good ideas). I PROBABLY should also add a spare car key. One of my nightmares is closing the car door and realizing I've just locked myself out of the car.

[Lorileah]

One of my nightmares is closing the car door and realizing I've just locked myself out of the car.

That is why I keep a wire hanger in my trunk

[Sally24]

So in my purse:
Small mirror. 'Touch up' makeup for whatever I'm wearing at the time (eye shadow, liner, mascara, etc).
I've been waiting for someone to mention the all important mirror! I usually also have a 10X mirror (damn these old eyes of mine!). I also never leave home without my Purse Brite light. Great for touching up the makeup or putting contacts in when in the car. It clips to my visor mirror and works great!

http://www.amazon.com/Purse-Brite-Light-Light-Pack/dp/B001066XR2

Of course I kept the pink one and gave my daughter the silver one! lol

[Nicole Erin]

That is why I keep a wire hanger in my trunk

Not to be logical here but if you WERE locked out of your own car, wouldn't it be kind of hard to get in the trunk as well? :doh:

[jenna_woods]

make up, money kleenex and ID keys

[SherriePall]

And sometimes I try to fit my digital camera in there also. Add me to the list of those who carry pantyliners in their purse. If anybody is looking over your shoulder when you reach in to get your wallet out, seeing those throws them off.

[Starr]

That is why I keep a wire hanger in my trunk

If the keys are in the car and the hanger is in the trunk, how do you get into the trunk to get the hanger?


Not to be logical here but if you WERE locked out of your own car, wouldn't it be kind of hard to get in the trunk as well? :doh:

My thought as well, when I used that trick I always fastened it up under the rear bumper.:2c:

[SuzanneBender]

You know - I started carrying a purse when I started to get sick of having to move all of my junk from one pair of pants to the other (or in winter from one coat to another) running out of pockets, and then invariably leaving something in my other pants, or on someone's counter. Hallelujah girl! This is exactly why I started carrying a purse, shoulder bag, satchel, or what every you want to call it. I like having all my stuff in one place and since I have started carrying a purse I have not had to ask my wife once where my keys are.


How about a small dog? Katie I never had you pegged as the Paris Hilton type.


Also if you carry a tampon, if you REALLY want to be convincing as a woman, then every so often in front of strangers just say "Oh shoot, I just started my period. But it is not a problem, I have a, (and pull out a tampon and hold it to the sky) TAMPAX to save the day! Yep no spotting in this girls undies!"
:rofl::rofl::^5:. That is too funny. I think I may slide one in my purse just to see what my wife says.


I carry a smaller purse just so I can't weigh the darn thing down, that kitchen sink is heavy to carry,and also so I don't forget something that isn't supposed to go through security at the airport. My purse always has my wallet, cell phone, keys and spare keys, gum, klenex, lipstick, shadow, blush compact, bronzer, brush, sunglasses, lipbalm, small tube of mosturizer, and an emery board in it. I am sure that if you looked in it now there would also be the obligatory business cards, mints, toothpics, pens and a snack bar of some sort. Now I am going to add in a tampon just for the fun of it!

[Magickman]

Crossbody bag with adjustable strap, and lots of zippers and compartments. Doesn't fall off, even on the dancefloor.

Don't forget the LED mini maglite flashlight with emergency flasher. Spare batteries, too.

[Ashley Lynn Swift]

Let's mine loaded a little differently being a professional driver driver I carry my wallet, Brush, makeup maybe, two knifes and a Brick for protection:heehee::heehee:

[Staci G]

and that can of mace which is at the bottom, where you have to dig for it,
How big is this purse ?anyway
Don't forget the brick in the bottom so you will have something to give it weight when you swing because you can't get to that mace.

[Sharon B.]

You might to carry some sanitary napkins as well, not all women use tampons. You never call tell when someone might need a sanitary napkin.

[Lorileah]

If you have a brick in your purse you break the passenger window, climb in through the window and open the trunk with that little button in the glove box, then get the hanger and pop the lock on the drivers side ....c'mon and people think I'm blonde. :straightface:

[Rianna Humble]

keys to something you don't remember, half a stick of gum, .37 in change, a wadded up tissue, the other half of the gum wrapped in the foil but still sticking out enough to gather fuzz, a flash light that doesn't work anymore, an extra pair of pantyhose,now with gum stuck to them,{...} and that can of mace which is at the bottom, where you have to dig for it, so IF you ever are attacked by someone who might be bigger than you are and you are in a neighborhood that you probably should not be in after dark dressed as a woman in 4" stiletto heels that you cannot kick off and run away, which as you pull it out and accidentally press the nozzle will spray you and the two CD's you are with rendering all three of you helpless.
How big is this purse anyway?

:rofl: :fp: :roflmao:

[Brandi Wyne]

I just read the replies and there's such a wide variety and yet some common things we carry. I do go for some cash, credit card, Driver's lic., keys, insurance card, cell phone, touch up items and my snubby. I don't make it a practice to go to seedy places, but one never knows where and when things can go from great fun to critical in a big hurry. Say what you want but I go to have a great time but this gal ain't goin' to be a helpless victim.:battingeyelashes:

Actually, a spare car key isn't so far fetched. I was at a full service car wash and the idiot who finished cleaning the inside of the car slammed the locked door with the motor running. That's another story. Maybe a clean pair of panties for when that happens or your mother-in-law sees you in the women's restroom and recognizes you. LOL

[Dee2U]

This is a really interesting thread because it speaks to both what we carry when en femme and what we carry in drab. I dont go out en femme but I would carry a proper handbag in a heartbeat on a daily basis. I do use a messenger bag on a daily basis at work and it is used as a combined handbag and business bag. I really enjoy keeping all my stuff NOT on my body. In my bag I carry everything - wallet, keys, blackberry, sunglasses, kleenex, lip balm, ipod, notebook etc etc. In the summer and when travelling I have an over the shoulder bag I use that is canvas.

Its not all about being feminine. There is just so much damn stuff that I need and I hate being all lumpy. I have a nice booty even en drab and I dont want a silly lump on my butt.

For you Canajun gals out there. I recently read an article in either the Globe and Mail or National Post that spoke to how Stockwell Day (yes Stockwell Day) carries what he calls a "murse". Google murse and his name. For all the things I dont like about him, I gotta thank him for that....Dee

[DianneRoberts]

what no leatherman, jack knife, duct tape, miniature can of WD-40......................

Looks like maybe I have a long ways to go...............

Just kidding, been one of those days.....
And I need help.

But I have carried a uni-purse since forever

[Cassandra]

I just cleaned my purse out today for the first time. I have my keys, wallet, drivers license, debit card, credit card, cigarettes, lipstick, my cell phone and some gum.

[rosetyler]

What's in my purse right now? Wallet (with ID's & $$$), comb, a couple writing implements, vasiline, some candy. Headphones, a flashdrive, an SD Card reader, cell phone, a nail file, and nail clippers.

[Fab Karen]

beside the obvious ( keys, money, ID phone ) basic make-up: eye-shadow, eye-liner, lipstick, foundation, a small brush.A hand-mirror, if you ever need a quick touch-up, you can do it instantly rather than having to spend extended time in the restroom.

[Rianna Humble]

Not much at all really apart from keys, money, lipstick, powder, eye shadow & mirror, spare earrings, nail polish remover, manicure set, work Id, credit cards.

[Olivia]

Except for the 357.:eek: Usually just a airweight snubby or a small 9mm.

Yeah, you beat me to it. A lightweight, compact 9mm like a Glock or Springfield XD would be a better choice perhaps.:) All the other stuff sounds about right though (uh, how big is this purse anyway?). Oh yeah, someone else mentioned a knife. That's essential I'd say, useful for many purposes, both my 30 year-old daughter and my lovely wife carry one with them all the time. And one more thing; consider some Icy Hot Vanishing Scent Gel for that sore shoulder you'll soon have.:heehee:

O

[t-girlxsophie]

Doesn't really matter what a girl puts in her Purse,as long as its full to bursting:)and closing it will be the most exercise you will have had lol

[Deidra Cowen]

I used to pack a ton of stuff in mine...but have it down to the following when I go out:

Hair Brush (This is clincher, wigs just don't stay nice all night, gotta fix em often)
Lipstick (use longlasting stuff but if I eat I have to fix it)
Fake Nail Glue (incase a nail pops off.)
Money
Debit Card
Drivers License
Keys
Cell Phone
Pack of my girly Virginia Slims & lighter :tongueout

Thats it...used to carry extra makeup and all that but its such a pain to have a big messy purse.

Then...keep your purse on ya at all times. Here in Atlanta people steal them all the time. I've seen 3 Tgirls lose purses...then your up the creek. No keys, ID etc.