My 7 Workday Essentials

Sometimes getting through the workday can be.. well.. work. Between looking professional, keeping organized, staying hydrated, and rocking your job- today's career girl has a ton on her plate! I have by no means mastered how to get through perfectly, but I do have some essentials that I can't get through my day without.

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Trench. This is my favorite work wear item that I own. I absolutely love how versatile this jacket is! The removable liner inside is perfect for this crazy VA weather, and it helps me to transition this jacket through more seasons. It even has a detachable hood!

Bag. I am currently on the hunt for a new work tote. My current choice is a mustard yellow compartmentalized tote from Target. It has been a trooper, but the straps are on the verge of breaking at this point! I love the different pockets and pouches to keep me organized and the size to carry everything from my planner to my laptop! I am going to need to shop around some more, but having a professional looking yet functional bag is key in my day-to-day.

Planner. As I just mentioned, my planner goes everywhere with me. I keep my outlook calendar up-to-date, but I really love carrying around my paper one to access quickly. Everything from dinner plans to dentist appointments to work events go in here to help me remember them! I love Sugar Paper products, and have been using the brown and gold line available at Target for the past 2 years. They are cute, functional, and high-quality!

Wedges. I basically live in the black JCrew wedges. They are just high enough to make me feel professional, yet low enough to keep my feet comfortable. The patent material goes with just about everything in my closet and is super easy to keep clean. Two thumbs up from me!

Wallet. When I first started working, I didn't have an envelope wallet because I rarely carried a purse large enough to fit one. Now that I'm living out of a work bag, having an all-inclusive wallet to throw from bag to purse is a must! It keeps me from forgetting anything, and is easy to grab to take to lunch or into Starbucks without lugging the whole bag.

Travel Mug. Although I have really enjoyed my new routine change regarding my morning coffee, I still take a Tervis to work with me every day (even if it's empty!). I am a fan of the reusable aspect and how cute they are! I am able to get it filled at any coffee shop and they keep drinks the correct temperature- crucial detail!

Water Bottle. To be perfectly honest, I have a hard time staying hydrated throughout the week. I have a scale that measures my weight, BMI, and it also reports my percent water in my body. I have been trying to keep it up in the healthy range- which for women is 45-60% of total weight- and one of the easiest ways to do that is to simply have water with me! I find that if I wait until I'm thirsty to grab some water, I end up drinking less. If it's by my side all day I WILL drink it! I am a fan of Camelbak because I don't have to worry about spilling.

What are your workday essentials? Do you have any secrets to surviving your workday?