Unlike Christina Aguilera’s hit song “What a Girl Wants”, this list is not about “Whatever keeps me in your arms” – this list would appeal more to those who relate to Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women” – women who can stand on their own and don’t need another person to make them feel complete.
So what essential (bling and non-bling) items must a girl woman have?
1. Matching Lingerie Set
It doesn’t need to be from Victoria’s Secret – but it should match. You’re a woman now, and real women have (at the very least) 1 set of matching undies. No, don’t save these for that special evening with your special someone. Wear this whenever you feel like it. Wearing nice undies, believe it or not, affects the way your feel about yourself.
2. A Garment Bag and a Rolling Carry-On Sized Suitcase
Unless you’re going hiking in the Himalayas or planning to hitchhike across Europe – ditch the backpack and the duffel bag and get a sensible suitcase and a decent-sized garment bag. If you’re traveling for work, you need to keep your power suit fresh and wrinkle free – and stuffing these in backpacks or overnight bags won’t help.
3. A Power Drill
Say what? Why is that even necessary? Well – a power drill would certainly make hanging hooks for pictures, brackets for shelves and general decorating tasks easier wouldn’t it? It would also come in very handy when you have to assemble DIY furniture pieces that seem to be the trend nowadays.
4. A Cast Iron Skillet
Contrary to popular belief, skillets are not just for searing steaks. You can cook a wide range of dishes on this beauty – even cookies! And, if you care for your skillet properly, it will serve you for many many years.
5. A Classic Evening Bag
You can’t bring your office bag to the theatre now, can you? Not only is it big and unsightly – it would probably not match the lovely dress you have on. Find an evening bag that’s small enough to tuck under your arm or hold with one hand, yet big enough to hold your keys, wallet, cell phone, lipgloss and (if you’re out by yourself), pepper spray.
6. A Sensible Work Bag
With laptops and tablets growing smaller and more lightweight each year, you can now buy a compact yet utilitarian work bag. You no longer have to carry a small purse for your essentials and a bulky laptop bag.
7. A Full-Size Wallet (complete with zipped pocket for loose change)
Bill-folds are so old-school, and having a separate wallet for cash and change is no longer practical. Invest in a good full-size wallet which should be able to hold your cash (both paper and coins), your credit cards, and your drivers license. If you find one that’s big enough to hold your smartphone (at least the smaller models), then get that one instead! It helps to have everything you need in just one place.
8. An External Hard Drive
You probably already know what it feels like to have your computer -which holds all the documents, photos, music, games, etc – conk out all of a sudden, right? You don’t want to experience that again. Have a separate back up for your important materials on your hard drive, that way if something goes kaput, you can be assured you don’t lose everything (backing up via the cloud is acceptable too).
9. A First Aid Kit
What? Don’t women have accidents too? Most pharmacies sell complete kits so it shouldn’t be too hard to get one. If you need special medication, make sure you have some of that in your first aid kit. You’re more than welcome to prepare your own first aid kit – if that is what you so wish to do.
10. The Right Clothes for the Right Occasions
Nothing fancy – just gym clothes for when you go to the gym (not an oversized old t-shirt and cheap jogging pants); swimsuits for when you go swimming (pick a style that shows off your figure, without showing off your private parts); a cocktail dress for evening events (not necessarily black); and the list goes on. As with having nice undies, having well-fitting nice (not necessarily expensive) clothes does wonders for one’s morale.
Of course this list can go on and on and on. It’s just a start – what other things do you think every independent woman should have or own? Share your thoughts in the comments section.