laurakudia:

New Yorkers cut obscene rent checks each month. Since I’m barely home, it hurts to think how I’m basically paying for a large storage unit for my closet and bed. Between long hours at the office and a social life to boot, it’s critical to have that other bag in tow.

Yes, the other bag. We have our main purse, but I need that larger tote bag to carry those I’m-never-home-so-I-need-day-to-night pieces. Aldo recently launched a new line of “The Other Bag” for savvy girls on the go. Genius!

I’m strategic about the items in my other bag. Everything I pack helps get me through the day. I get to the office around 8:30 a.m. and anyone who’s lived and worked in New York knows to put your game face on before the subway commute. Also, I always pack my heels and change out of my flats once I’m at the desk. For the subway ride, I sport my Urbanears headsets, coffee cup and reading materials (a copy of Vogue from work and the Steve Jobs biography).

My makeup routine is fairly minimal since I’m awake before the sun rises. I’m good to go with one dollop of Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizer and a swipe of Chanel’s classic Rouge Allure lipstick. A power red lip really brightens my face and gives the illusion that I actually spent time in the morning getting ready. These beauty products are great for touch-ups throughout the day and night.

I also like to keep various fashion accessories in my other bag. Since the weather lately in New York is unpredictable, I always keep my sunglasses with me at all times. And to give my outfits a bit of a punch, this J. Crew necklace is simple and goes with almost anything. One of my favorite accessories is a bracelet my boss recently gifted to everyone on our team when she traveled to Paris.

What’s in your other bag? 

Follow along this week as I take you around New York City with my “other” bag or participate in your own Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #TOBbyALDO.

(Gifted totes for use in this campaign by Aldo and I was compensated for my participation in this campaign).