Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.
I’m Vanesa, mom of three dragons, and a fashion advisor. We came to China in 2020 for a family experience, and Beijing has given us more than we expected. It’s such a big city where you can achieve all your goals. I’ve been working in the fashion industry as a window dresser for the last 20 years, and now am running a new project to help people find their matching colors and style with my knowledge. I organize workshops of colorimetry and style to help you define your personal style!
My bag is often full of everything I need, and that’s the reason why I’m always wearing “shopping bags.” My children always call them “Magic Bags.”
This is a very special bag that’s been with me since I lived in Spain. It was a very special present. It is in my favorite color, which matches perfectly for both winter and summer. Inside it you can put as much as you need!
I can divide all the things in my bag into three groups – Health, Skincare, and Devices, aside from the extra shopping bag I carry at all times to be eco-friendly! Under Health, you’ve got your extra mask, sanitizer, tissues. Under Skincare, I’ve got perfume, lip gloss, hand cream.
Then, under Devices, I’m never without my phone or my kids wouldn’t be able to contact me. Plus, I would struggle without a phone in Beijing! Then I also need a charger and charging cable, and maybe reading glasses can fit under this category too? Sunglasses are an important part of my outfit and I change them often. They inspire me to try new outfits!
I love Beijing. It’s a city with so many opportunities, and time just flies by you here. The Chinese culture has given my family many learning opportunities, and we get to teach so much to my children.
Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!
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Images: Courtesy of Vanesa Alonso
