The Beauty Spotlight Team Wants to Know What's in My Purse

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When The Beauty Spotlight Team decided to launch the "What's in My Purse" Series, I was thrilled. I so enjoy such posts, and delight in the voyeuristic thrill of seeing what other people carry around with them. However, what at first seemed like an easy task, soon revealed itself to be a bit more confounding. The problem is I made a deal with myself that if I was going to collect some nice things that I actually needed to use them. I'm interested in enjoying the things that I covet rather than simply storing them in their dust bags and only pulling them out for special occasions.

I have always had a penchant for beautifully made purses and wallets, and Italian leather goods have been my lifelong preference. The craftsmanship is just superb, and the materials are extraordinary. Furthermore, the attention to detail given to both the areas seen and unseen makes each handmade piece a true masterpiece. Therefore, it became evident to me while I was trying to select a purse to feature that I have been getting equal use out of two purses and two wallet, and thus I opted to show you both.

The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote was a lovely gift that my mom and sister gave to me, and when I first saw this stunning purple patent leather bag I nearly shrieked at its utter magnificence. As far as I'm concerned it's a triple threat because it's purple (my absolute favorite color my entire life), it's an Yves Saint Laurent purse (I swoon at the thought), and it's patent leather (what's not not love?). While this bag seems to have long ago been discontinued, they can periodically be found at The Real Real (which is precisely where my mom and sister found this gem). In fact, they currently have two available in purple (here and here, but they also have a few others here). Perhaps what is the most surprising about this beauty is the fact that it actually holds a great deal of stuff, and the roomy interior zipper pocket is big enough to house my colossal iPhone 6 Plus. Recently I have been using this purse when I am out and about, and find that I need to carry more things than the mere essentials.

Description: Purple patent leather Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote with gold-tone hardware, dual zippers and snap closures at top, satin lining and single pocket at interior wall with zip closure.

Measurements: Handle Drop 7", Height 13", Width 13", Depth 1.5"

I was able to fit a huge makeup bag, an iPad Air in its case, and big wallet, an iPhone 6 Plus and my keys in this YSL purse without any trouble. I don't always carry my iPad, but tend to if I know that I will be going somewhere for a lengthy period of time.

The contents of my Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote when I leave the iPad at home.

Top to Bottom (Clockwise): Rebecca Minkoff Black Leather Makeup Bag, Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet, keys and iPhone.

When I first saw this Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet I was overjoyed. It is a beautiful example of extraordinary Italian craftsmanship. I chose this burgundy shade called Dark Magenta, but there are several other lovely colors that can be seen here, but the fuchsia (here) and red (here) are particularly gorgeous. This beauty fits everything that I need to carry, and more! It has a roomy interior, ample credit card and bill slots, and is simply extraordinary in every way.

Description: Classic Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet with Embossed Saint Laurent Signature and Engraved Discrete Zipper.

• Dimensions: 8.2 X 4.1 X 0.8 Inches
• 100% Calf-Skin Leather
• 2 Bill & 2 Receipt Compartments
• Zip Around Closure
• 12 Card Slots, 1 Zip Pocket

I'm very pleased with this purchase, and even more pleased that I managed to get a sizable discount on mine because they were no longer carrying that color where I purchased it.

It was love at first sight when I saw the Milly Zig-Zag iPad Case, and I was elated to get it at a deep discount from Barneys New York Warehouse. They seem to have quite a few left, and if you need an iPad Case this is a great one to consider. I find so many great things at the Barneys New York Warehouse, and at a fraction of their original prices. It fits my iPad Air perfectly, and with a little room to spare.

Milly Shocking Pink/Multi zigzag-print coated-poplin iPad case.

• Top zip closure
• Engraved metal logo plaque at front, polished silvertone hardware
• Padded fabric-lined interior
• Approximately 10.25" height x 8.00" width x 1.00" depth

I love the geometric pattern and the fun pops of pink, but it is also a very durable bag that keeps my iPad well protected.

I received this large black leather Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetics Bag as a gift with purchase during the Bag Event at Neiman Marcus a couple of years ago (featured here), and it has been a favorite ever since. It has enough space to carry an obscene number of lip products, but I did try to demonstrate some degree of restraint here.

Here's what I am currently carrying in my makeup bag:

1) Balm Chicky Balm Balm Hot Chocolate Love Lip Balm (reviewed here): I am currently completely obsessed with Balm Chicky Balm Balm Lip Balms! They are moisturizing, and they taste great! My favorite (at this particular moment) is Hot Chocolate Love!

2) Glee Gum is one of my very favorite brands of gum, and I always have a pack on me!

3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Double Mirror Compact (reviewed here): I never leave home without this lovely mirror! It's definitely my very favorite mirror of all time.

4) Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Lipstick in Lingerie Pink (reviewed here): This is a breathtakingly beautiful light, cool-toned pink that is utter perfection. I love the color, the formula, and the substantial bullet is ultra chic!

5) Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Nude Vanilla (reviewed here and here): This is one of my very favorite lipsticks of all time. As I said in my review, "it is the perfect nude lipstick that possesses a chameleon-like effect because of its ability to melt into the lips and morph into a color that differs a bit from the tube." On me, it becomes a warm pale pink, and I couldn't be happier with it if I tried!

6) Tom Ford Beauty Lips & Boys Lip Color in Flynn (discussed and swatched here): The entire Lips & Boys Collection was utterly brilliant, and unsurprisingly Flynn (a neutral, on the verge of cool-toned, nude  pink) was among my favorites.

7) Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178 (reviewed here): This is a gorgeous pale, slightly frosty, cool pink. It is on the sheer side, but it is nothing if not stunning!

8) Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in Pink 001 (reviewed here): I often wear this delightful sheer pink lip plumper alone, but I really love pairing it with Dior Addict Lipstick in Urban No. 178. Together they create pink pout perfection!

9) The Honest Company Hand Sanitizer Spray (reviewed here): To date, this is my favorite hand sanitizer. Not only is it effective, but the easy-to-use spray bottle is super convenient.

10) L'Occitane L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I have gone through numerous full size tubes of this richly moisturizing hand cream, and will likely go through many many more! I love the smell, the thick texture, and its unbelievably ability to moisturize dry winter hands!

11) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick (reviewed here and featured here): When my close friend created Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick for me I was moved beyond words. In fact, it is difficult to express the level to which I am touched and honored by this loving act of friendship. Furthermore, this is the most beautiful pink lipstick that I have ever had the honor of wearing! If you buy one lipstick this year, let it be Lola's Secret.

12) BITE Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil in Bouquet (reviewed here): The BITE Beauty High Pigment Pencil formula is described a long-lasting, matte lip color. As noted in my review of their High Pigment Pencil in Madeira, these are twist up pencils apply smoothly, wear evenly and they do not settle into lip lines. I find that the formula provides the perfect amount of cushion and is very comfortable on the lips. I neither find it particularly moisturizing, nor do I find it in the least bit drying. I get several hours of wear-time before needing to reapply. Bouquet is a gorgeous neutral peachy pink.

I often switch out the larger YSL Tribute Tote for this older Prada Purse. This is a hand-me-down handbag that my sister purchased years ago, and when she stopped using it my mom took it and used it. It then happily made its way to me, and I just couldn't be happier. While there is no zipper top, the strap is quite short allowing it to tuck neatly under your arm. It is made of very durable leather, and despite its age it shows no signs of wear whatsoever. I usually take this bag with me to work to use when I am not toting around my big book bag.

When I use this purse I only carry my wallet, keys, phone and makeup bag. The Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag is simply too big for this purse, so instead I use the Origins makeup bag that was part of their wonderful Let Us Glow Gift Set (reviewed here).

The real star of the show is undoubtedly this VALEXTRA Zip Around Wallet in Malva Purple, and how I came to find it was nothing short of miraculous. I had been stalking it on the Barneys New York website for what felt like an eternity, but the price was prohibitively expensive. Then one fateful day, during their holiday sale, the price for this particular color was radically reduced (a serious understatement since it ended up about 75% off), and I acted fast and managed to track the last one down. They have a pink version as well as numerous other colors, and they are all absolutely divine. This is truly a whole different level of luxury, and the craftsmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled.

The classic soft calfskin zip purse features vintage-inspired designs, rich leathers and premium quality Italian craftsmanship. Features twelve credit card slots with the brand's distintive 'V' detail, two multi-use compartments, double division for banknotes & documents and a central zip pouch for coins. Interior lining in supple leather and llight gold hardware. The signature “Costa” lacquered ink piping has been hand applied several times to the sheared edges and buffed to finish the piece. 
Made In Italy. Size: 8" × 4"

The interior details are truly astounding.

I put all of the contents of the Rebecca Minkoff Cosmetic Bag into this cute Origins Cosmetic Bag, and the fit was perfect.

Nothing seems to quell my urge to switch purses, totes and wallets because I am one of those people who likes to change things with some frequency, but rotating these two purses and wallets has been so satisfying that I feel as though I have achieved a state of purse and wallet nirvana.

What do you carry in your purse? Do you switch out wallets and purses with any frequency, or do you tend to use them for longer durations?

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