A bag isn’t just a “practical accessory”; it’s a portable time capsule of habits, emotions, and “wait, when did I put that in there?” From forgotten gum to emotional support lip glosses, these are the stories our bags accidentally tell.

Quinci

Quinci’s corduroy crossbody is her partner in crime — loyal, organized, and a little bit sassy. She’s got her laptop, AirPods, and at least one “lippie” at all times. Her favorite touch? The pins — especially the one that screams “Gay, Proud, and Angry” — A quiet reminder that even accessories can have opinions.

Bella

Bella’s bag is her Mary Poppins briefcase — a catch-all of preparedness and personality. A Balenciaga dupe from Urban Outfitters, it’s stocked with everything from pads and Benadryl to a handheld fan, portable charger, and her trusty water bottle. Her favorite item, a pink Kiki’s Delivery Service pouch, holds all her essentials and proves she’s always been the “bag girl” in her friend group.

Sylvia

Sylvia’s Lululemon backpack has seen it all — coffee runs, SEPTA rides, and late nights in the design studio. Inside is a colorful mix of essentials: pens, gum, half-finished sketches, and, somehow, Play-Doh — her stress toy of choice. A pink Vitamin Water is the constant — part comfort, part survival.

Anna

Anna’s Stella McCartney Falabella — her dream bag turned emotional support object — perfectly reflects her love for sustainable fashion. Crafted by a brand known for its ethical luxury, it’s been with her from co-op interviews to happy hour in the city. Inside are her essentials: a red Google notebook (big ideas only), lotion, Vaseline, and her iPad — equal parts workspace and escape.

Leila

Leila’s thrifted Etienne Aigner tote — a colorful patchwork find for twelve dollars — is as practical as it is full of personality. Inside are her everyday must-haves: gum, gloss, blush, glasses, and a trusty umbrella for Philly’s unpredictable weather. Her DIY Altoid wallet ties it all together, a tiny symbol of her creativity and charm.

Alanna

Alanna carries The Wing Bag — her own design, created in high school and a reminder of how far she’s learned to spread her wings. Inside: lipstick, keys, and the occasional mood-dependent trinket. Oh, and a fish-shaped pocketknife from Portland — cute but don’t mess with her. Her “goth doll” charm is basically her alter ego: spooky, stylish, and iconic.

Issy

Issy’s zebra-print tote is impossible to miss — much like her. A stolen gem from her mom, upgraded with her own flair, it’s full of the essentials that make her everyone’s favorite friend: deodorant, sanitizer, perfume, chapstick. Her favorite item? A photo of her friends — proof she packs a little sentiment with the essentials.

What’s Actually in My Bag: Inside the Bags of Students, Creatives, and Everyday Icons