2. Baby wipes-Messes can happen suddenly and without warning, causing sticky evidence on your hands, face or any other personal items. Carry a travel-sized pack of baby wipes and be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Pen/Small pad of paper-Although the need for this is becoming less and less due to current-day smartphone technology, keeping a pen and pad of paper with you is a nice backup in case the batteries on your electronics fail you.
4. Mini deodorant-Self-explanatory-who doesn’t like to stay feeling and smelling fresh, especially on a warm day.
5. Pair of small fold-up flats-This item will particularly come in handy if you wear heals on a daily basis or walk as a main form of transportation. For those days that your dress shows and your feet are just not in synch, whip out your pair of flats. They’re cute, comfortable, and easily stored.
6. Band-Aids-In case you forget your pair of fold-up flats, this is the next best thing you can keep in your purse. Even if you can’t change your shoes, use a band aid to protect blisters and sores that form.
7. Emergency whistle-This is especially important if you walk alone often. If you ever run into trouble, one of the best self-defense mechanisms is to create as much noise and commotion as possible.
8. A pill box containing Advil/Tylenol and Tums-Don’t take up the space and weight of carrying 3 full bottles of tablets and medications. Purchase a small pill box at your local grocery store, and keep it stocked with just a few doses of your over-the-counter medications.
9. Pocket brush with mirror-Serves two functions. If you weren’t fortunate enough to remember your hair elastic, mentioned at the beginning, then if you have this, you can at least fix your hair style once you’ve gotten to where you’re going. Use the mirror to be on the alert for food bits in your teeth after a meal and to check for smudged makeup.
10. Key holder-These are both practical and cute. They usually hang over the edge of the outside of the purse, displaying a cute logo or emblem. On the inside, there is a clip from which your keys can be clipped. This way, they don’t get lost in all of the other items listed above and you will always be able to find them in a moment’s notice.
Stephanie Brady is a college freshman at the University of Connecticut in Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut majoring in pre-pharmacy. Originally from New Market, New Hampshire, Stephanie was a participant in the Distinguished Young Women program and was selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of New Hampshire for 2012. Learn more about Stephanie here!
