What's in my (mini) bag?

Long-time readers of this blog will know that I've never been one to carry around a huge handbag full of useless rubbish, so when I unwrapped this little beauty from Accessorize this Christmas I was over the moon - and have been using it daily since.

This black leather camera-style bag fits a lot more than you think - I carry around the essentials, plus a lot more. I always have my cardholder which travels solo if I'm carrying my camera, but if not, it lives inside my purse which is a simple red pouch from H&M which also holds change and cash.

I also always have my iPhone 5 on me, either in my bag or a coat pocket, and gum, my favourite being Extra Bubblemint. Tissues are an essential during flu season, and I cannot survive without my Moleskine and a biro (this gold one is a little smarter than your average Bic, no?). I also carry this bright pink mirror/comb duo, which, although ugly in colour and not too chic with its 'My Little Pony' branding (it was part of a joke gift!), is extremely useful and space-saving.

Most of the time I also carry around my perfume, Stella, and a lipstick; my current favourite is Charlotte Tilbury 'Bitch Perfect'. As for other beauty bits, inside my tissue packet I tend to place my mini Leighton Denny crystal nail file which is perfect for catching split nails that could catch on jumpers!

What can't you live without in your handbag?

 

Goals for 2017

 I think I can speak for most millenials in saying that 2016 was crap could've been better, however, here's to fresh starts and a more positive year for 2017. I have been pondering what I want to achieve in the next year, so here are some of my to-dos for 2017.

 

1: Read more. I got back into books after taking my exams and now love reading again, but I don't want to let exam season take priority over things I love like books; I have a nice little collection now, and I'm aiming for one a fortnight, as some are pretty thick!

2: Go to more intellectual events. A bit random, however I'll be filling out UCAS forms and writing personal statements this year, and so could do with some interesting extra-curriculars around my subjects and perhaps a few references from intellectuals in the field.

3: Invest in quality. I love all things fashion and style, but sometimes I can let following trends cloud my judgement on what's worth the money. I now have strict rules: no more than £25 on shoes that aren't leather, no more than £20 on a jumper without wool content, etc. I can't wait to have a wardrobe filled with classic pieces that will last me throughout.

4: Become stronger. I am a bit of a weakling, and, whilst other people want to 'lose weight' or 'get fit', I want to get stronger; become a healthier person, whether that means gaining or losing weight.

5: Up my Instagame. Having somewhat ignored my Instagram @elizabethspts this year, I'm hoping to post more in 2017 using my Song of Style tips book and Mosaico app to plan my feed, as I'm known to delete images soon after posting due to being unhappy with it! I want my 'gram to be a place to showcase my photography and the things I love, which should be a tad easier with my new camera, so quality should improve too!

6: Get out more. I'm known as a homebody, which is nothing to be ashamed of, however in 2017 I'm going to make the effort to attend events, visit places and be more enthusiastic about seeing new things. I always forget how privileged I am to be a Londoner, and as I may not be for much longer due to moving away for Uni, I may as well make the most of it while I can!