What's in My Mini MAC?

I've always been a big-bag kind of girl, which is why I love my Mulberry Mitzy so much: it allows me to tote all of my worldly goods around with me. Earlier in the year, though, I fell for Rebecca Minkoff's Mini MAC and I bought it in black with gold hardware when I was in New York. I've had to make a few adjustments as to the things I carry around with me when I'm using it, especially if I'm wearing it to work, but to my surprise, I can fit most of the essentials inside.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

My standard contents are: my iPhone and earphones, a hairband, umbrella (swapped with my sunglasses on the rare occasions when the English weather behaves), a Fizbag fold-up tote, Soap & Glory hand cream, Longchamp purse, ibuprofen, chewing gum, keys, a pen and my Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm. I can also fit either my camera or a 250 ml squeezy bottle of water (not pictured). The fold-up tote is essential because the rest of these items leave no room for a cardigan, scarf or shopping, and I have to use the Longchamp purse because my usual Mulberry wallet and Oyster card holder won't fit. Another sacrifice I've had to make is carrying around a book. If I'm going into the office, I will either carry a book or make sure I have an e-book on my iPhone. Now that the Olympics have started in London, I've been walking to and from work a lot more often, which means less time for reading on the go, anyway.

Getting full

I've really got used to convenience of the hands-free Mini MAC. I love the versatility of the bag: it hits me at a good length wearing it either cross-body or on my shoulder and you can also double up the straps if you want a more traditional shoulder bag. I may struggle to fit everything in once winter starts drawing near and I will need to bring a scarf, gloves and a hat with me, but it's a great bag for spring and summer.

I can fit all of this (and a little more)

On a related note, walking through Selfridges yesterday, I spotted a series of "urban survival kits" they have put together for the summer season. My favourite, of course, was Emma Hill's Mulberry bag. For a mere £1,500, you get an Alexa-style backpack, card holder, coin purse, scarf, brolly, sweeties, keyring and Wallpaper London guide. The Kiehl's and Anya Hindmarch bags are slightly more reasonably priced.

Selfridges' Mulberry urban survival kit