What's in my bag......

I'm forever tweeting (@mySmokeMirrors) about how to get the designer beauty and fashion you love without having to forgo other luxuries....like rent or food. As it turns out, I kinda like them too.  So, I thought I'd better show you all that I really do practice what I preach - and here is what was in my bag today; just a selection of my guilt free stash!

Often when women have children, they take one look at the little bubba and gush that they never knew they could love something so much....well, I do the same with my handbag. MY pride and joy. 

This is Michael Kors -but you can call him Michael. I love this as an every day bag- the mock-croc tanned leather is extremely durable and it has plenty of pocket space, with a middle zip compartment so nothing gets lost! And the best part? I picked this little guy from Bicester Village with a tidy saving - I think I paid around £200 after the discount, which has translated into about 0.5p per wear! 

Designer bags really do stand out among cheaper high street alternatives and will instantly elevate both your spirits and your look!   

Now for the contents. Like I said, this is just a selection that I happened to be carrying today, but it does show just how easy it is to save on your favourite products! 

Here we have my make-up pouch. I carry around a few essentials in a smaller pouch so I can top up throughout the day. From left to right I have:
- Nails inc and Mavala nail varnishes. I like to carry around the shade that I'm wearing so I can do a patch up job. I'm forever picking up Nails inc free with Glamour magazine and I highly recommend as a way to get your beauty fix on the cheap. 
- Mini Benefit products; highbeam and benetint are staple products for me and these free magazine samples are perfectly sized for my handbag. Not sure if it's the make-up or the savings that makes me feel so good....
- Both pallets are Topshop and my favourite products of the moment. The packaging is simple, cute and slimline, while the products inside, from the same folks who produce MAC, offer what I think is the most pigment for your pound. I've tweeted about these so check that out for more details. 
- Oh sweet, sweet Clarins. You are so good to me. I always come back to these guys for cleansers as nothing else melts away makeup so gently, yet thoroughly. Here I have the 'HydraQuench Intensive Syrum Bi-Phase' which I'm trying out as I find I need plenty of hydration in these winter months, when my skin becomes ravaged by wind and central heating! 
The Clarins and Burts Bees (Deep Cleansing Cream and Lavender Hand Salve) were both bought in sets. This is such a fantastic way to try out new products and satisfy your beauty cravings. The Clarins counter in your nearest department store invariably offers discounts on sets, as will the websites of your favourite brands, so keep checking to catch the offers. As for the Burts Bees, I picked up a 'Mini-Essentials' set from Ebay - undoubtedly an unwanted present from someone who doesn't appreciate the sheer brilliance of Burt and his hive. I paid less than £10 with postage; an utter bargain. 

Now for the extras that I'd stuffed in this morning. 

-Before you go shopping, have a flick through your magazines for vouchers. January's Glamour had a free Body Shop voucher. It's £3 for a store that is far from designer - but, hey, they are an ethical store with some sweet little items and IT'S FREE!

- I adore my black pony hair Osprey Purse. This retails for £110, but I nabbed it for a mere £24.99 in T K Maxx. 
Inside the purse I have loads of store cards- why not get rewarded for shopping? This Liberty one even landed me a £15 voucher. What more do you want?!

- I wish I'd have captured my gorgeous Black.co.uk gloves better here as the picture just doesn't do them justice. They are leather and lined with inky blue rabbit fur (NB. the fur was a by-product, I do not support animals being killed just so we can look good) which means they are silky soft and warm. Black sells all sorts of luxury accessories and has a sale on at the moment, so why not treat yourself? 

Oh and one more product I can't do without - my trusty iPhone. Apps have revolutionised shopping for me as I have a constant stream of discount vouchers at my fingertips, and boy do I make the most of it. Half price on those cocktails? Great, I'll take two....
Make sure you subscribe to alerts for flash sales and pop-up outlet events as these caves of wonder are where you'll find the serious designer treasure. 

What are you most proud of in your handbag? Is there a bag you can't wait to get your hands on?