What's In My Bag
8 holy grails in my work bag that I can't live without
If you know me, you know I’m a self-proclaimed bag lady. I’ve never been one of those people who can just get up and go—I need to leave the house with all of my essentials. Now, those essentials tend to change with the weather. If it’s raining, I need my trusty brolly, and if we’re in the middle of a NYC heat wave, I’m not going anywhere without my handheld fan. That being said, there are eight items that are my holy grails—I never leave the house without them.
I am a world-class schlepper, carrying what feels like 100 things to and from my corporate fashion job, which often includes my laptop. So I need a bag that’s big enough and can withstand being a little beaten up. Last Christmas, I got the Polène Cyme bag, and I honestly love it more than I thought I would. I really like that I can wear it three different ways, depending on what I’m carrying. I’ve received so many compliments on this bag, and the color I got—Ebony—is a rich chocolate brown that goes with everything. If you’re on the fence about this bag, take this as your sign to just go for it.
These grab-and-go lunch spots are getting pricey, and with my fashion salary? I can’t be affording that $22 Caesar salad, thank you very much. So I always pack breakfast or lunch in my trusty Hydro Flask food jar. I love it because it works for both hot and cold foods, and I never have to worry about it spilling open—I just toss it in my bag and go. I have a pastel pink one, but the sky blue version is also super cute. It’s dishwasher-safe, which I love, because it saves me time when I get home from work. I know it might feel a little pricey for tupperware, but I think it’s definitely worth it. It’s durable and has lasted me well over a year.
This next item is fairly new, but I can already say it’s my favorite: my La Bonne Brosse hairbrush. Before you say, “Dalia, are you kidding me—$165 for a hairbrush??” I know, I know. I was a skeptic too. At the beginning of January, I was having an issue with my hair—it always felt greasy, no matter what dry shampoo I used, and it would look bad after just one day of washing and styling. I did a deep dive, and one of the things I kept reading was that having the correct hairbrush is super important because it helps distribute the sebum from your roots instead of letting it build up at the top.
Now, does this mean you have to spend $100+ on a hairbrush? No. But I felt like splurging on myself, and I’m so glad I did. Who knew brushing your hair could be a whole beauty ritual in itself? Every night, I follow the steps recommended on the La Bonne Brosse website, and I’ve definitely noticed a difference. My hair looks shinier and healthier, and the grease buildup has improved. If you’re thinking about treating yourself, I’d recommend it. Plus, it’s beautifully made, and all the colors are so rich. Lastly, I recommend going on their website and taking the quiz to make sure you’re getting the right brush for your hair type.
Sticking with beauty and lifestyle—after seeing a plethora of ads on TikTok, I finally gave in and purchased the Summer Fridays lip stain, and it’s safe to say I’m a huge fan. I got the shade Mocha, which is a deep neutral brown. I like to layer it with my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lip liner and some Carmex, and I’m good for the day. I find that the stain holds up really well, and I can build it up for a darker nighttime look or keep it light for everyday wear. Since wearing it, I’ve gotten a few questions about my lip combo—so yes, I will definitely be repurchasing.
For my hands, I have two go-tos: L’Occitane hand cream and Aesop hand sanitizer. This hand cream is so luxurious—it smells like comforting nostalgia to me. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it reminds me of warmth and coziness, which I love. It’s amazing at keeping my hands hydrated and was a real game-changer in the winter. As for hand sanitizer—which is definitely necessary if you’re commuting in NYC—I love the Aesop one because the essential oils are almost relaxing. On stressful workdays, using it makes me feel like I’m in a spa for a brief second.
Once I’m at the office, it’s imperative that I stay on top of all my meetings and calls, so I’m constantly scribbling things down in my planner. I really like this one from Papier because it’s so easy to navigate, and everything is nicely broken out into sections. I have my calendar at the front, and then each month is divided into weekly views, which I love. We have seasonal launches that are super important to track, so having a monthly overview helps me see what I need to prep for. Papier is also great for customization—there are so many cute covers to choose from, and you can tailor the inside layout based on your needs. I went for a cherry red and blue polka dot version.
With these random weather changes we’ve been having, I’ve been packing a light scarf to throw over my shoulders or wrap around my neck. Whether it’s boiling outside but the AC is blasting, or there’s a sudden wind chill, my scarves have been a great way to stay comfortable and add a pop of color to my outfit. Think the Olsen twins with their bohemian scarves—I’ve definitely been taking a page out of their book. This paisley one from Mango is perfect.
Speaking of accessories, the last thing I always have in my bag are my sunnies—specifically my Elisa Johnson pair. I love this aviator style because it’s so versatile. I’ve worn them in both colder months and warmer seasons, and they truly go with everything. The light amber color doesn’t clash with anything I’m wearing, and throwing these on instantly makes me feel like my outfit is complete.
What are your guys’ holy grails? Any tips from a fellow bag lady? Send them my way—happy buying! xo