How to prep your purse

When someone needs a mint before a meeting, a hair elastic for an impromptu ponytail, a safety pin to fix a wardrobe malfunction or an ibuprofen to stop a headache, the odds are your handbag is holding it. But as the seasons change, so should its contents. Whether your bag carries the bare minimum or weighs more than you do, here’s what to load up on right now:

Colgate Wisp: A tossable (and recyclable!) brush preloaded with a mouth freshener that's perfect for post-lunch touch-ups.

Tide To Go Pen: Triumph over food-related mishaps with this Good Housekeeping Seal holder.

A multi-tool: Keep a lifesaver like the Leatherman Pocket-size Multi-tool stashed in your satchel: It features a pair of tweezers, scissors, a nail file, screwdriver and more.

Compact tape measure: The only way to be sure that a lamp will fit your table or that those pants will fit you is have a tape measure handy in your bag.

Key chain flashlight: Find a lock at night with help from the Solitaire — it weighs under an ounce.

WD-40 No-Mess Pen: Use it to unstick creaky locks, gears or doors. It also can remove gunk, like gum.

Bounce Mini Lint Roller: Rid your outfit of sweater fuzz or pet fur fast with a tiny take on the closet staple.

Hand sanitizer: It smells fresh, is available in stylish bottles and cleans hands if you can't get to a sink.

Wardrobe tape: Hollywood Fashion Secrets' wardrobe tape enables you to close a gaping blouse, repair a fallen hem or put a bra strap in its place.

USB drive: Back up important files, especially when Internet access may be spotty during your travels.