What’s in My Handbag Over 50: Fall Tote Essentials & Everyday Favorites
It’s officially time: I’ve given my trusty J.Crew straw market tote the well-deserved season off. She was the absolute workhorse of my entire spring and summer, but I’ve officially handed the reins over to my well-loved bordeaux leather tote. Let’s look at whats in my bag over 50.
Putting away the old straw bag always feels a little bittersweet, but slinging a rich, structured leather tote over my shoulder immediately makes me feel like I have my life together—which, to be honest, feels like a small miracle this particular week!
I think we need to bring back classic #whatsinmybag posts. They’re so much fun and give such a real, practical look at what actually works for daily life. Here is everything that made the cut into my fall handbag swap.
In a rush? [Click here to shop my complete “What’s in My Fall Tote” on ShopMy]
What’s Inside My Fall Tote
- Structured Bordeaux Leather Tote (Similar): [Shop My Bag Pick]
- Leather Zippered Pouch: [Shop Zipper Pouches]
- Dosey Supplement Case: [Shop Supplement Organizer]
- Ray-Ban Sunglasses: [Shop Sunglasses]
- Céla Hand Cream: [Shop Hand Cream]
- Compact Pill & Mint Case: [Shop Pill Case]
- Juniper & Palo Santo Hand Sanitizer: [Shop Hand Sanitizer]
- Caudalie Beauty Elixir Facial Mist: [Shop Facial Mist]
- French Hair Pin: [Shop French Hair Pin]
- Card Case Wallet: [Shop Wallet]
- Over-Ear Headphones : [Shop Headphones]
- Portable Phone Charger: [Shop Charger]
- Readers & Soft Case: [Shop Readers]
- Travel Perfume & Roller: [Shop Scent Picks]
- Pocket Notebook & Pen: [Shop Stationery]
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt: [Shop Book]
My Non-Negotiable Handbag Organizers & Beauty Favorites
1. The Leather Zippered Pouch (The Secret System) The zippered pouch is the single organizational item that makes a large tote work. I keep most of my small items tucked inside so they’re easy to reach without sinking to the bottom. I collect these leather pouches in various sizes to create working systems across my market bags and daily totes.
2. The Compact & Supplement Cases These mirrored compact cases are pulling their weight! They keep daily supplements, emergency Tylenol, breath mints, and a handy mirror neatly grouped together in one small spot.
3. The Hand Sanitizer Swap I recently swapped out my old Touchland hand sanitizer for a new formulation, and I like it so much better (my sister claimed the old one smelled like bug spray 😐). This one is scented with Juniper and Palo Santo—it’s lovely, hydrating, and non-drying.
4. The French Hair Pin I’ve become completely obsessed with this after finally watching a YouTube tutorial on how to use one. It pulls my hair up in seconds, looks completely effortless, and doesn’t budge all day.
5. Caudalie Facial Mist I’ve carried a small travel bottle of facial mist with me for years. It gives an instant skin refresh midday and feels like a affordable little luxury whenever you need a boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep a large tote bag organized?
Using smaller leather zippered pouches and compact cases is the best way to keep a large tote organized. Grouping small items like lipsticks, mints, and cables into dedicated pouches keeps them from getting lost at the bottom of the bag.
What is a good alternative to hair elastics for mature hair?
A metal or cellulose French hair pin is an excellent alternative. It holds hair securely without pulling on delicate strands or causing denting, giving a soft, elevated updo.
I love seeing these type of posts so please drop interesting things in your handbag in the comments. Tell me-what’s one non-negotiable item you always keep in your purse for fall? Drop it in the comments below!
You may also like this post on applying makeup to mature hooded eyes or this one on my favorite skincare over 50.
