1. Safety pins
These are a lifesaver if you pop a button or a seam. Also, a small one can pinch-hit for a necklace clasp if yours suddenly breaks.
2. Band-Aids
Not just for cuts and scrapes, Band-Aids will save your heels from painful new shoes. You can also use them to hide a nail with chipped polish.
3. Extra earring backs
There's no hack for a lost earring back. You either have a spare, or you don't.
4. Blotting papers
These absorbent little sheets are an elegant way to wipe away excess shine, oil, or even sweat on your brow, cheeks, and upper lip.
5. USB flash drive
Keep this on your keychain to back up important documents when you're traveling or giving a presentation out of the office.
6. Cardholder
For city dwellers, quick and easy access to your subway card or that all-important Starbucks Card is paramount.
7. Healthy snack
Working through lunch shouldn't happen often, but when it does, it's good to have a filling snack in your purse.
8. Battery case or portable cell phone charger
A decent portable cell phone charger that will charge your battery a couple of times over can be had for as little as $20. A good battery case will cost you at least double that, but you won't have to deal with loose cables and an extra item floating around in your purse.
9. Stain eraser pen
Not only will this save you from going through the day with a coffee stain on your shirt, it may also help a friend or colleague (or boss!) who'll be forever grateful.
10. Aquaphor
There are 20 uses for this cure-all drugstore moisturizer, according to Cosmopolitan magazine. Basically, if you're going to carry a hand cream in your purse, it should be this one. Models swear by it.
11. Zippered pouches
Every purse needs at least three of these: one for beauty supplies, one for first-aid and small necessities, and one for reciepts, business cards, and other loose paper.
12. Hand sanitizer
If you ride public transit, you need hand sanitizer. Opt for something with vitamin E or a moisturizing agent so your hands don't get dried out.