What’s In Your Bag? Joanne Currie Kicks Off Our New Feature!

Welcome to the very first instalment of What’s In Your Bag?, our brand-new feature where we delve into the handbags of fabulous women to uncover their everyday essentials, secret must-haves, and little luxuries.

Getting us underway is the lovely Joanne Currie, 46, from Coleraine. As a dedicated nurse with a hectic schedule, Joanne’s bag is the perfect mix of practicality and personality.

From workday staples to the one item she can’t live without, we’re diving right in – and trust us, you’re going to love it!

Do you have one favourite handbag you use all the time on a day-to-day basis, or do you mix it up with a collection of favourites?          

I have a laptop bag where I keep my laptop and diary for work. I also carry a handbag that has all my other bits and pieces in it.

Do you have a favourite handbag, and if so, what makes it so special?       

Apart from my ‘work’ handbag, my handbag depends very on where I am going and what I am wearing  

What’s the most unusual item we’d find in your bag right now?     

I don’t think I carry any weird items, but the amount of stuff I carry ‘just in case’ may be a bit weird lol – post it notes, antihistamines and plasters to name a few items.

Tell us what’s in your bag and why….

Keys, Hand cream -  Being a nurse my hands are always in need of moisturising, my favourite is Sanctuary Spa Hand Cream; Lip Gloss; Mobile Phone - I would be totally lost without it, my brain is no longer able to retain numbers, addresses etc.  It’s my lifeline; Tissues – not only for those runny noses, but I don't like to be caught out without options - not all bathrooms have toilet roll!! 

Post It notes and pens – I am a bit old skool when it comes to writing lists – there’s nothing like a good Post-it note for list-making; Hand sanitiser – for those times when I don’t have access to soap and water; Perfume – I love Jimmy Choo Eau de Parfum; Plasters – for those unexpected blisters or injuries; Paracetamol and antihistamines – just in case! Lol 

Inhaler – I am an asthmatic so I carry my inhaler with me no matter where I go; Portable charger – for mobile phone charging on the go.

Are you someone who keeps receipts, notes, or random bits in your bag? Or do you clear it out regularly?    

I try to clear my bag out regularly, but this doesn’t always happen!

Do you keep your bag immaculately organised, or is it more of a 'throw-it-in-and-go' situation?      

I like to think I am organised, but tend to have more of a throw-and-go approach, which is frustrating when I need to find my keys or mobile phone - rummaging in my bag and not finding what I’m looking for is so annoying.

Where did you buy your current go-to bag – is it a designer splurge, a high-street hero, a gift or a fabulous find from a hidden gem?  

My current handbag was a gift from my Mum, it’s a YOSHI leather bag.  I absolutely adore it, it’s the perfect size and the neutral colour goes with anything.

What’s your ultimate colour choice for handbags? Do you keep it neutral or love a pop of colour?  

This depends very much on where I am going and what I am wearing. I love love love leopard print, it can bring so much energy to an outfit

What’s the quirkiest or most unique handbag you’ve ever owned?   

I have a handbag in the style of a retro cassette tape, it is covered in loads of colourful rhinestones – I absolutely love it!

When it comes to fashion are you a vintage, high street or designer girl, or do you like to mix it up?  

I tend to mix it up, I don’t have a specific style that I stick to - Casual trends, comfy trends, leopard print, sequins and sparkles – a real mixture! 

What are your favourite local boutiques/shops?      

I love Stable Lane Boutique based in Coleraine and Be Unique by Emma, which is based in Ballymoney. 

Do you have any fashion/celebrity icons whose style you admire?  

Umm this is a tough one….but I’d have to say Tess Daly especially when she’s presenting Strictly, oh to be that glamourous!

What's your favourite thing to do at weekends or when you have time off?

I love spending time with my family and friends.  A lot of weekends are spent at the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on our 12-year-old son and his football team or watching him competing in Judo.

Would You Like to Feature in "What’s In Your Bag?" 

We’re on the lookout for more fabulous women to share their handbag secrets! If you’d like to be part of this exciting series, get in touch – we’d absolutely love to hear from you. Drop us a message and let’s unzip your story.