5 Things in My Purse That Make Me Feel Elegant

Joleen Raquel
Aug 25
4 min read

My purse has always been more than just a bag. It is a little extension of me. The style might change depending on my outfit or the season, but the contents always carry a mix of practicality and personality. Over the years, I have learned that it is not about cramming in every “just in case” item (though I have definitely been guilty of that before). It is about keeping small, intentional things that make me feel elegant no matter where I am.

Here are the five items I carry that give me that extra boost of polish and femininity:

1. A Portable Purse Holder

This is my secret weapon. Imagine you are at a restaurant with friends, you have dressed up a little, ordered your drink, and then realize the only place to set your purse is the floor. Not elegant. That is when my portable purse holder comes in. It looks like a sleek coin or charm, but it unfolds and hooks right onto the edge of the table, holding my bag neatly by my side.

Every time I use it, I feel like the woman who has thought of everything. People notice too. At least once a month someone leans over and asks, “Where did you get that?” It is one of those subtle accessories that makes me feel graceful and prepared.

2. A Compact Mirror

There is something timeless about pulling out a compact mirror instead of flipping my phone camera around. Mine is slim and pretty, with a small snap closure that makes the most satisfying little click. I do not even check it that often, but knowing it is there feels like carrying a piece of vintage charm with me.

Sometimes I think about how women for generations carried mirrors in their handbags. It feels feminine, practical, and more elegant than relying on a smudged phone screen.

3. Lip Gloss (or Lipstick, Depending on the Day)

There is nothing more instant than a swipe of lip gloss to make me feel put together. My go-to is a hydrating gloss with just a touch of color, something that makes me feel fresh even when I am wearing leggings and a messy bun. On days when I want to step it up, I will throw in a bold lipstick instead.

It is such a small thing, but it is my version of carrying confidence in a tube. Even if the day has been long or chaotic, a quick touch-up reminds me I can still look and feel pulled together.

4. An Elegant Signature Pen

I always carry a pen that feels special. Sleek, smooth, and definitely not the kind you pick up for free at the bank. There is something quietly elegant about signing your name with a pen that has a little weight to it.

It might be for a receipt, jotting down a note, or signing one of the endless school forms that magically appear on my desk. Either way, I like being the person who pulls out a nice pen instead of asking to borrow one.

5. A Travel Perfume Spray

Perfume has always been my soft spot, but I do not want to lug around a full-size bottle. That is why I carry a travel perfume spray. It is slim, refillable, and discreet. Just a quick mist to my wrists or collarbone instantly refreshes me and makes me feel polished again.

I rotate depending on the season. Something floral in spring, something warm and spicy in fall. It is subtle, but I love how scent lingers with me and becomes part of my presence throughout the day.

Why These Little Things Matter

Carrying these five items reminds me that elegance is not about the most expensive bag or the highest heels. It is about the little details that make you feel composed, feminine, and intentional. For me, it is pulling out my compact mirror instead of my phone, the light touch of perfume before a meeting, and knowing my bag never has to touch the floor.

They are small choices, but together they make me feel more like the woman I want to be. Prepared, polished, and just a little bit glamorous. Even if I am only running to Target.

Shop My Purse Must-Haves (Amazon Picks)

If you want to add these small touches of elegance to your own purse, here are my favorite finds from Amazon:

Portable Purse Holder: Amazon option – A foldable hook that clips onto any table and keeps your purse off the floor.
Compact Mirror: Amazon option – Slim, lightweight, and available in so many chic designs.
Lip Gloss: Amazon option – A hydrating gloss with the perfect hint of color.
Signature Pen: Amazon option – Sleek, durable, and elegant enough to carry every day.
Perfume Spray: Amazon option – A travel-sized fragrance that fits perfectly in your bag.