Concerts: Tips + Purse Essentials!

Hello!  Seeing that I've been to just a few concerts this past month, and more than a handful in my lifetime, I thought I would share what I carry with me, as well as a few key things to keep in mind while you're having the time of your life!

When going to a concert, you want to make sure that you're as free as possible, not being held back or tied down by an over sized bag, especially if you have no place to put it.  That brings me to...

TIP #1: Carry a clutch or cross body (or even just a wallet) rather than a large shoulder bag or satchel.

I've learned from experience that the worse thing in the world while your at a concert is worrying that you're going to lose you bag (or that it might get stolen! Trust no one!) My mom used to take me to concerts when I was like 10(??) so luckily, she would sit and hold my bag and I didn't have to worry, but once I started going to concerts alone with just my friends, I realized that I was accountable for my own belongings.  I hated being held back by my unnecessarily large bag, so I sized down.  You need less at a concert than you'd think and that brings me to...

TIP #2: Only bring what you know you need and nothing more.

You probably don't need that tube of mascara or that bottle of hand lotion... In order to keep you purse small, you need to limit what you pack.  There are so many things you think you'll need but really don't.  Everyone's purse contents are different.  It just takes multiple experiences before you truly know what you need to bring with you.  My purse is never bigger than both my hands together so I definitely limit myself.

TIP #3: Don't over stuff your bag!

The last thing you want to happen is you losing your stuff in the middle of a concert.  It's frustrating not only to you, but to the people around you.  Seriously people, bring only what you need.

Lastly I want to share what I carry with me to concerts.  Treat this as a (loose) list of the things you should consider bringing with you too!

Portable charger with a charging cord - that horrible feeling you get when your phone dies in the middle of you SnapChat video is something you don't want, trust me.
Camera - don't forget your memory card and battery(s)!  Many venues and artists have rules and regulations on what kinds of cameras can be brought in.  I've found that generally, if you camera has a lense of 3 inches or shorter and does not have a detachable lense, you're good.  I bring my vlogging camera with me and it takes great quality video and photos (so don't be afraid to splurge when you're looking at a nice point and shoot!)
Gum/Mints - you never know... you just might run into that band member... But also, no one likes stank breath.
Lipstick - I like to carry the one that I'm wearing but this isn't necessarily essential.
Lip Balm - definitely an essential. Like I said earlier, you just might run into your favorite band member!
Money - I like to carry my credit card for merch and cash for food.  Most food vendors at concerts nowadays accept cards but you never know.  Some smaller venues only accept cash.  I use card for merch because it's too risky to carry large amounts of cash for (REALLY EXPENSIVE) merch.  So my rule of thumb: card for merch, $20 for food.
I.D. - It appalls me that there are people who don't carry their I.D.'s with them.  ALWAYS bring it with you to concerts because you might need it to verify a transaction or to be identified in any situation.
Pocket Hand Sanitizer - Some concert venues are old and disgusting, everything is covered in germs. Just bring it with you pleeeease.
Tampon/Pad - have one for yourself even if it isn't that time of the month.  It might sneak up on you or you might be able to help another sista out.  Us girls gotta stick together!
Advil (or other ibuprofen) - I tend to get headaches randomly and there's nothing worse than not having any painkillers with you.  I always carry an extra dose or two just in case one of my friends need it too.
Water - water at venues can be expensive (seriously Levi's?? $5.75 for water?????) I always carry an unopened bottle because some venues won't let you bring it in if it's opened already.
And lastly....
YOUR TICKET! - please don't forget this.  This is seriously the most important part.  You can't get in without it!
(you also may want to bring tissues with you if are like me and are a waterfall when it comes to hearing you favorite song)

I hope this helps those who are new to the concert scene or are generally seeking guidance.  I'm no expert, but after having gone to loads of concerts, this is what I've learned!
Thanks for reading!

Love, Cat