Olivia Jeanette

Most of us do our best to get to the gym either before work or after. However, if you are like me, you hate to lug around a gym bag that is neither convenient nor stylish. Searching for the perfect bag(s) for the gym that fits in with our daily workwear has led me in many directions. After much effort, I’m super excited to share with you MZ Wallace. Inspired by city life, their aim is to design distinctive accessories for women who lead dynamic lives. Their bags are a perfect blend of style and practicality. For us 9-5 working woman, we need the convenience of a bag that fits in with our busy lives and also has the style to match our daily lifestyle. MZ Wallace accomplishes both!

I love the MZ Wallace Metro Tote to pack all my gym essentials. It is the ultimate everyday bag and it’s water resistant. The tote comes in several different colors, styles (including backpacks) and sizes. I chose the the pixel print but also love the camo print. The small metro tote was more proportionate to my size (#bitesize), but I was a little nervous it wouldn’t fit everything I needed without overflowing. The wonderful ladies at the SoHo flagship location assured me all my essentials would fit. They were right! It’s a little difficult to see in photos, but the bag is lined with pockets. On one side, you have a large zipper pocket for your keys, headphones, bobby pins, and anything extra. On the other side, there are two additional small pockets. For all the city girls, you know the importance of having bags that zip up. The metro tote has a full zipper to safely secure all your belongings.

The tote also comes with a detachable accessory pouch that can be used for shoes, undergarments, etc. I use it for my shoes because who wants their gym shoes exposed, cuddled up next to their clothes all day?! I highlighted below everything you can pack into the small metro tote. Is there anything that I am missing that I should know about? Also, with fall and winter around the corner, the medium or large tote will fit your jacket or coat for the colder days.

What’s in my bag? My gym essentials…

Gym Packing List

Going to the gym before work always seems like a good idea the night before, but when your alarm goes off, we don’t always jump out of bed right away. I do try as much possible to workout in the morning because it’s out of the way and I don’t have to plan my evenings around getting to the gym. One way to make sure you have enough time in the morning is to have your gym bag packed beforehand. Have your tote packed up with your outfit of the day and all your essentials, so you’re not scrambling in the morning to getting everything ready.

Don’t worry about fitting all your daily workwear. The metro tote will fit everything you need…clothes, makeup, clutch, and even your laptop! They also have makeup bags so all your essential beauty products won’t be scattered across your bag. We’ve all found our missing lipstick weeks after at the bottom of one of our bags.

I’m going off the assumption your gym has a shower, towels and hairdryer (*if you need to fit a towel and hairdryer into your bag, I’d highly recommend the medium or large metro tote. I’ve never been one to wash my hair after a tough workout. I have too much hair and it would add another 30 minutes to my schedule. I typically blow dry my hair to get all the moisture out and throw it in a high or low bun. Dry shampoo is my best friend after a workout. My favorite brand is Klorane and something you’ll always find in my gym bag (check out my post from a few years ago, here and here).

As for work clothes, make it easy on yourself, and pack items that don’t wrinkle, like this polyester blouse, cotton sweater and skirt. I also make sure I roll my clothes to reduce any potential wrinkles. I have a tendency to get really warm after working out, so even after a cold shower my face is cherry red and releasing lots of heat. A light application of foundation, powder, bronzer, brows and mascara is my makeup routine after the gym. You can always apply more makeup when you get to work.

Since my 13″ laptop can easily fit right into the tote, you can stick with a smaller crossbody bag for your phone, wallet, lipstick, badge and anything else you might bring to work. I know switching bags isn’t ideal but it will make your load a little lighter in the morning. If you have a business meeting, your work bag is probably necessary, otherwise don’t feel obligated to bring your work bag. Give your work bag a day off, they deserve it!

What’s in my bag? My workwear essentials…

Work Packing List

Work Outfit

Cami | Cardigan | Skirt | Heels | Crossbody Bag c/o | Watch | Tote c/o

Workout Outfit

Top | Pants | Bra | Shoes | Jacket | Sunglasses | Tote c/o

xo, Olivia