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I really like handbags.
Wow, what an astonishing admission from a woman who has made a career recommending makeup and talking about clothes. I imagine you just thought to yourself, somewhat sarcastically.
I don't blame you.
While being a person who can appreciate a cute clutch or trusty tote doesn't make me unique, I've been dissecting why handbags have such a chokehold on women in general.
Watch: Indy Clinton shows us what's in her handbag, post continues after video.
For me, there are several reasons.
Handbags always fit — my bags don't care if I'm going through an endo flare, or I'm having perimeno sweats, or my feet are super swollen after a flight. They're reliable like that.
Handbags have good resale value. Generally, if you care for your bags in a semi-adult manner, you'll be able to send them on their way via the circular economy to be enjoyed by someone else when it's time. Similarly, buying a thrifted bag is often one of the safest second-hand bets – no need to worry about the size of a tag, or if there's a stinky sweat stain that won't come out.
Handbags are like icing. As someone whose 10 percent is mostly made up of jeans and plain tees, an unexpected handbag can add interest to an otherwise boring outfit, and the mental load of making sure my outfit matches is gone, because it kinda doesn't need to. That's sort of the point.
Some of my girlfriends have the most impressive collection of bags, yet they hardly ever use them. I asked them why. The resounding response was essentially:
"I can't be bothered switching all my stuff from one to another. I end up forgetting things, it's just all too hard."
Listen: The hack to finding your perfect handbag! Post continues below.
I totally understand what they're saying, but I've found a solution that means switching bags is way faster and easier than steaming that dress or ironing pants at the last minute before you dash out the door.
Let me introduce you to The Essentials Drawer. Or The Handbag Drawer.
You know how some people have a scatter tray on their hall table where they throw keys and maybe theory wallet? It's like that, but more Mary Poppins style.
At best, it's a central place for all the things you carry with you on various occasions, organised neatly into categories, a bit like a buffet. From the one designated location, you simply switch out what you need that day and what you don't (which will probably be dictated by the size of the handbag you have).
At worst, it's a junk drawer, but take out the random cords and Blu Tac and replace them with bandaids and loose coins.
When you want to switch bags, you dump all the stuff from the current handbag into the drawer, then put the handbag away with every pocket and zip and compartment completely empty. That way, you're not rummaging through your cross-body bag from last week or the clutch you used for an event to find your workpass — because everything has been put back (or thrown in) the essential drawer.
Just a woman and her handbags. Image: Supplied.
To put together your Mary Poppins drawer, you'll need a few things.
Firstly, an empty or available drawer. My wardrobe has more drawers than I need (and less hanging space), so that's my spot. You can obviously use any drawer you like, but try and pick a spot like your desk or bedside, away from communal areas like the kitchen.
Then, get yourself a bunch of drawer dividers, or little storage containers. Even small gift boxes do the trick. Within my drawer I have a combination of Malaren boxes from IKEA in various sizes, $12 for a set of 7, and some Clear Organisers, $5.50 for a set of 4, that have lids which are great for little things that like to jump out and go missing, like bobbypins and hair elastics. Transparent Tackle Boxes, $5.50, or Craft Containers, $8.97 for a set of 16, are also great.
Next, you'll want to gather some small cosmetics bags, handy pouches and bag inserts.
These are to group items like-for-like, so you can grab the whole pouch and chuck it in your handbag. I've got a bunch I use for different things, like the Brillo Beauty Bags, $59 for a set of 4, because, well… I own the brand… but also because the sturdy but sheer mesh means they aren't bulky and don't take up space in my handbag. The Long or Medium one always houses my makeup touch-up stuff.
I also like the Lauwell Leather Snap Closure Mini Cosmetic Pouches, $30 for a set of 8, because they come in a bunch of colours and I can memorise what colour has what inside.
All the essentials! Image: Supplied.
Handbag organiser inserts are also a game changer. They're basically like the insert of a bag itself and the handbag is just a pretty cover.
I've found both IGNPION PVC Insert Handbag Organizer, $21.38, and the BTSKY Inside Purse Insert, $21, are really handy for my work totes and bigger bags thanks to so many compartments, while the EukyPlace Mini Handbag Organiser, $22.59, is great for smaller cross-body or handbags. There's even the YONBEN Tall Purse Organizer Insert, $22.99, for bucket bags. So smart.
So whether you use small pouches and purses you already have, or pick a dedicated bag insert (or if you're like me, a combination of all of the above), now is the time to fill your drawer with the stuff you carry in your bag — be it every day without fail, or only sometimes when the occasion calls.
Essentials are deeply personal, so I can't tell you what you need, but some handy things I often carry with me include a Travel Lint Brush, $4.40 (I have two long hair cats), a Portable Leather Glasses Case, $5.99 (because normal cases are too bulky), and a few Love Basiq Smudge Wipes, $21 for a bag of 20, because I'm a 43-year-old woman who often drops food and drinks on herself.
The dream is a single spot so nice and neat, you can go to it and grab and go.
The reality for me, if I'm honest, is a central dumping ground in which I've chucked scrunched-up receipts, scripts to be filled in, cards I rarely use, fashion tape, safety pins, possibly used gift vouchers, tampons and panty liners, hair clips, lens wipes… you get the picture.
But at least it's all in one spot!
Read more fashion hacks from Leigh here:
• 'How I'm styling my old wardrobe pieces to make them feel new for spring.'
• '7 tiny tweaks I guarantee will make your outfits look more polished.'
• 'My final say on how often to wash your hair, because hair training doesn't work.'
Feature image: Supplied.
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