As we dive into home and organization posts this week, I knew I wanted to talk about how I organize inside my handbags. I appreciate my handbag being organized in a way that should honestly embarrass me. You know how some men live by, “Happy wife, happy life?” Well, I’ve got a mantra like that. But with organization. I’ve somehow convinced myself I think 100% more clearly when things are where they should be.
My organization system is contingent upon the type of handbag I’m carrying. If I’m carrying my diaper bag, I keep “my” items in a small makeup bag our pouch. If I’m carrying my Gucci Marmont or other cross body, my rule is to not have free-floating items minus my phone and keys. Everything needs a “pouch” like my checkbook holder and makeup bag. If I’m carrying a tote, I use my handbag organizer which I will share below. However, the easiest bag for me to keep organized is most definitely a satchel bag. I broke down my satchel bag because I think the shape of a satchel bag is the most versatile no matter your lifestyle.
You can see I really try to not keep any items “free floating” as I find that creates the most clutter and leads to me tossing trash in my bag. Receipts, coins, lip balm all need a place in my book.
- Handbag: This is the Hayden Satchel by Gigi New York. I purchased this during their Cyber Monday sale and it hasn’t disappointed! Gigi New York is a great line if you’re wanting to find more approachable designer handbags under $600. If you also are a fan of the Proenza Schouler PS1 style, this is a really similar structure. This bag has an adjustable shoulder strap if you prefer that while walking and it also has a monogram option I went with. Because this bag is so structured I do not use my handbag organizer in it. I prefer to use that in something a bit more loose like a tote.
- Makeup Bag: I purchased this LV makeup bag years ago when this print was being discontinued. A YouTuber I was watching said she loved the shape of these makeup bags because you could really transfer whatever you needed in and out of bags with it. I agree! This is what I use when I use my diaper bag and I just keep my card holder, keys and lip balm in it. For being a compact cosmetic case, it fits a lot which I appreciate! I love this Ted Baker one that comes in a fun print with a similar size.
- Lip Products & Perfume: I always keep a perfume sample or travel rollerball in my purse! Right now I’m using YSL Black Opium which is one of my favorites. My mom usually puts a travel rollerball or two in our stockings and they last me the entire year. For lip products I love Beautycounter lip balm, Chanel #5 lipliner, Stila Perla and Jouer Skinny Dip Lip Topper.
- Key Ring: I actually shot this post before Christmas and borrowed my mom’s Mark & Graham Pompom Keychain for the shoot. My friend Lindsey gave me the greatest little key ring for Christmas that I shared on Insta Stories. She gifted me this gold confetti “o” ring and it slips on your wrist while you’re running errands. It’s such a good gift for a mommy to be because I can carry Maxi and hold my keys easily when we are running errands. I already gave my friend one because it’s probably my most used gift from the holidays!
- L’ORÉAL Infallible Pro Glow Powder: I love this powder for touch-ups because it isn’t drying. I don’t have oily skin so I hate when powder does make my skin look really dry and it accentuates any fine lines or blemishes. This powder is really soft and I use it when I get those pesky little marks on my nose from my sunglasses.
- Snacks: I keep the Larabar Minis in my purse or diaper bag at all times! They are the perfect size for a really quick snack when you’re waiting somewhere and only have a minute to munch on something. I also like that if we are driving and I’m starving I can eat this without spoiling a meal like a regular-sized bar might!
- Stress Away Oil: I keep the Young Living Stress Away oil in my purse for busy days. I always feel pulled in a million different directions and when I feel really flustered I just roll it on my wrists and take 30 minutes to be intentional with my breathing and calm myself. I honestly think it works really well.
- Budget Binder Pouch: I received a few questions in regards to how I run errands with my budget binder. If I am carrying a large tote like my LV Neverfull then I just toss it in there. If I am carrying a satchel or diaper bag, I use a little pouch and put in a gift card or envelope cash I might need. I could easily put this in my wallet but I like to keep it separate that way I’m not tempted to grab my debit card for a coffee.
- Wallet: I carry the LV Victorine Wallet and I feel so torn on it! I LOVE the size and think it’s amazing for constantly swapping bags. However, I do wish I would have gotten a different leather option. Mine is the pink vernis leather and it has stained so badly from receipts and other items. I took it in to LV to ask about the staining and they said unfortunately, that is really common with this type of leather. They told me that once the stain is made, you can’t get it out. I guess it gives it character?!
- Sunglasses: These sunglasses are by Alice & Olivia, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option I really love the brand Le Specs.
- Checkbook: This is a pouch that came with my Goyard tote and I use it as a checkbook and to hold receipts if I don’t have the budget binder on me.
This is the handbag organizer I use for my totes! There honestly isn’t a tote I have tried it in that it doesn’t fit the shape. It holds so much and the photo above is from when we were furniture shopping so I was keeping my measuring tape on me at all times. I’ll even throw in a pouch for Maxi if I’m carrying a tote and that keeps our items separate. I shared how I used it a lot a few months ago on Snapchat so I apologize if this is repetitive, but if you want to see more of it let me know! In the side pouches I keep what I would normally store in my makeup bag, then I use the center for my wallets, sunglasses and on the side pouches I carry miscellaneous pieces of paper, any cash I need and receipts. There are a lot of slits on the sides and I like that with my cash envelope system. I can put in cash in one slit for groceries and one for a beauty service. That way it doesn’t mess up my budgeting system.
How do you organize your handbags?!
Where did you get the clear organizer for your clutches/small purses?
xoxo
Brooke
Hi Brooke! It is by @GLAMboxes 🙂
Xo,
Katey
You can fit so much inside! I love what’s in my bag posts, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Love this idea! Where did you get the shelf? It’s beautiful and practical!
Xo,
Andrea
Hi Andrea! It’s from PB Teen! xo
You should try the victorine wallet in the monogram with the rose ballerine interior it’s still not 100% worry free with the outside button being light pink but I knew that when I bought it I’ve been carrying mine in multiple purse and nothing has happened to my button it still looks as stunning as the day I bought it. You still get the pink so it feels special (love pink things) if you can find it snag it! I love the one you have too but I knew I would never be able to take care of it so I’ve always stayed away from that leather.
Thanks Katey! Love your blogs and right now I am currently obsessed with organizing my handbags 🙂
Katey,
Each time I read one of your blog posts I keep thinking “this is the best blog ever”. I love this post! Thank you for always giving us great content we can use on a daily basis.
Thank you so much for such a sweet comment, Nicole! This made my day! xo
Katey-
If you love the size of your current wallet, you need to get the Louis Vuitton Key Pouch in the Empreinte leather!! I got mine a few Christmases ago and it’s all I’ve used since then. It’s held up so well and still looks brand new. I’d definitely check it out next time you’re in LV!
Thank you so much for that suggestion, Lauren! That’s amazing to know!! It’s my birthday in March so I may have to tell Paul about that! 😉 xo
Hey Katey! Would this organizer work with the LV speedys? Love mine but hatttte that it’s a black hole
Thank you!
I think it depends on the length of your speedy, but as long as your length fits the organizers’ length you’re good! My friend has a larger speedy and it fits in hers’! xo
Hi! Did you know that there is a bag organizer for the Longchamp totes?! I just found this out a few months ago and haven’t tried it yet, but thought you might like. I won’t be spammy and leave the link for you, you can find it online. It’s by the same brand that makes allll the LV Neverfull organizers. It makes the Longchamp bag so much more versatile and valuable in my opinion!
Hi Steph!
I had no idea!! I keep wanting a baby pink Longchamp and I can’t tell if I’m imagining it or not. Thank you so much, I will definitely go check that out!
xo,
Katey
Do you keep stuffing in the bags when on the shelf and not in use? Love the shelf!
I do! Container Store has great handbag inserts that I use! xo
Love this! Where is the cute beaded bag with the lips from?
It’s a few years old! But I got it at a boutique in Fort Worth called, “You Are Here.” xo
Hi Katey!
Does your tote organizer work well with your Barrington tote? I know you said it works with all totes you try, but just wanted to see if it worked with that one! I just got my first St. Anne tote (love it!) but need some organization in there!! I am similar to you in the theory of organized handbags 🙂
Thanks & love your blog!
Hi CarolAnn!
Isn’t it the best tote? I want another color always! haha. It does work in it, and has room to spare! 🙂 xo
Yes, it’s the best! I’m already planning my next color! Thank you, can’t wait to get it and get organized! ????
How would you compare Barrington tote to a Goyard? Similar or different enough? I really like slouchy bags!
Hi girl! Goyard is WAY more slouchy! Barrington is structured. xx, Katey
The link for tote organizer somehow is an amazon iPhone case??? Can you re-send the link so I can purchase for my large size Goyard tote please?
Hi Mel! The link goes to a phone case because Amazon pulled the listing from the vendor as the vendor stopped supplying the organizer. 🙁 Here is my new bag organizer! https://www.chroniclesoffrivolity.com/2019/01/my-favorite-amazon-purchases-of-2018/ xx, Katey