What’s in your bag, Jacquelyn Francis?

Date April 23, 2014

What’s in your bag, Jacquelyn Francis? »

In the magazine world, they say it takes a village to send any given issue to print. Here at FASHION, it takes Jacquelyn Francis. Our too-cool executive editor holds the reins on production, making sure that everyone’s dotted their Is and crossed their Ts with fashionable flavour to boot. In this edition of “What’s in your bag?”, she gives us a bit of insight into what keeps her in tip top mental shape on a day to day basis. First clue: Prada.

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Jacquelyn Francis

My husband picked out this Prada bag at Holt Renfrew when he saw that I was close to choosing a completely different designer bag that he didn’t really like. I needed something tough that could handle scuffs, and go cross-body for when I’m herding my sons. It’s not too big (yet I overstuff it) and since I prefer yellow gold, the hardware is ideal. On weekends, I carry a lightweight leather Roots tote for running errands and picking up dinner fixings.

Inside, I tuck a plastic file folder for important docs of the day: a kid’s immunization record, an interview transcript, a magazine tear, even drawings by my 5-year-old.

Three years ago, I mentioned to my colleague Rani Sheen that I didn’t have a cover for my new iPhone, and she leaned into her desk and plucked out this pretty GelaSkin.

The guitar is a USB key that I use for storing shows that my nephew collects for me.

The Elsa Perretti pen was a gift. I love the colour, but the ballpoint is crushed down so it’s only for emergencies.

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Jacquelyn Francis

I lived in Japan for two years, and kerchiefs were common because paper napkins weren’t readily available. It’s great when I’m eating at my desk, wiping ice cream off a little person’s mouth or carrying a too hot coffee cup, and it’s earth-friendly. This was a gift—it came folded all origami style, which I have long forgotten how to do.

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Jacquelyn Francis

I put makeup on in the morning and rarely reapply except for lipstick, so this Kate Spade bag holds several bullets. In rotation? Bite Beauty in “Zivoli” (amazing to apply), M.A.C in “Flat Out Fabulous” (dig the matte texture) and a tinted gloss by local line Vasanti Cosmetics in “Bahamas” (for quick on-the-go moments).

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Jacquelyn Francis

These Chanel sunnies were a gift from our editor-in-chief, Bernadette Morra. I prefer frames that have colour, and these are dark, dark green.

Last fall, I went to fill up my car and put a much-loved wallet on the roof. But the gas cap was stuck and I got so frustrated that I drove off in a huff, forgetting the wallet. Later, my husband retraced my route and found it crushed, with all its contents, on the side of a road. This is a loaner while I look for a worthy substitute. It’s a reminder to be more mindful of the moment. Chill out: life is short.