Michele Laudig has great taste; you’ll have to take my word for it, as she keeps a religiously low-profile. Not a single picture to be found. The food writer and fashion-fanatic is no stranger to the realm of style. After Laudig graduated from college, she was asked to be an assistant to Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. 

As it would be, the opportunity to travel throughout Japan with a rock-and-roll band was a choice that Laudig made. Her style is affluent yet funky, unpredictable and always lovely. One moment I see Laudig wearing a pair of traditional Japanese sandals “hanao” with jeans to lunch and then I’ll spot her in a vintage Halston gown at an event. Since I have respect her sense of mystery and present a image of the lady herself, I’ve decided to present the contents of her handbag. 

Contents of the bag?

Vogue, Elle, Travel + Leisure, Pilot G-2 pen (fave for notes), engraved fancy pen (for meetings), MAC Looks Like Sin gloss (sadly discontinued— I should've bought three!), MAC High Def lipstick (goes with anything), Neutrogena sunblock, keys, funny pink plastic Japanese ramen wallet, futuristic white slap watch, Moo card case, Canon camera, Chanel Double Perfection compact, Japanese tenugui (traditional hand towel with many uses).

Who makes the bag? Why do you like it? 

It's a Kate Spade tote bag that expands to fit a lot. I'm a sucker for totes because I need to carry reading materials at all times, and sometimes my MacBook. The pop art print is just so cheerful, and it punches up any outfit.

When it comes to shopping for handbags, where do you buy from? 

Anywhere is fair game if I fall in love with something: boutique, outlet, ethnic shop, or somewhere on my travels. I go for statement pieces or classics that last forever. Vintage lucite purses and '60s clutches always catch my eye.

What do you look for in a bag?  (design, shape, size, etc) 

I prefer totes and big roomy bags most of the time, but go for small, structured, distinctive bags for evening.

You can never leave the house without (______)? 

Keys, iPhone and usually half a dozen shades of lipstick or gloss. Today I'm traveling light.

Most shocking item in your handbag?

Today, my Moo card holder is out of place. Why would I need business cards at the beach?