Travel experts always warn women to be wary of purse theives who “cut and run” — that is, use a razor or a knife to slice through the strap of your bag before grabbing it. Travelon’s Carry Safe bags have a hidden chain-link construction, a cut-proof adjustable strap that conntects to the bag with a sturdy metal loop, and locking zippers to keep the contents secure.

$34.99 at eBags.com.

For more great bags, check out our slide show right here at Work It, Mom! Great bags for everything (and every budget)!

One of the most useful pieces of clothing in my wardrobe is a simple black cardigan. I wear it over funky t-shirts or pretty tank tops, if I am going out. Here’s a great, affordable option.

$39.50 from Jcrew

Rowallan of Scotland is known for their classic and classy wallets and bags, and their new line of colorful jewelry keeps are just as lovely. This embossed leather cylinder can hold all of the accessories you need for your business trip, with compartments large enough for chunky bracelets and cocktail rings, snap-closed flaps for storing post earrings, and a seperate section with an inset mirror. Chose from Dove Gray, Winter White, or our favorite, a luscious Raspberry.

$55.99 at Rowallan of Scotland.

Far be it from me to suggest Nordstrom is a regular shopping destination for those of us on a budget… but twice a year, they put on a sale, and they do it up right. Starting today it’s the big women-and-kids Half-Yearly Sale, and that means it’s the right time to check ‘em out and pay Target prices on Nordstrom items.

Twice a year I shop at Nordstrom, and twice a year I come away feeling quite smug. Try it. See if you don’t feel a little smug, too.

It’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays, either….

I’ve just come back from a business trip where I wished I’d brought a few more pieces of jewelry with me. I like wearing earrings and funky rings but I didn’t have a great way to carry them with me, so just brought two in a plastic bag. This jewelry case has multiple compartments so your necklaces won’t get tangled up with the earrings and it’s still small enough for travel.

$36.50 at Delight.com

Now you have no excuse for looking rumpled or wrinkled when you travel, whether you’re taking the red eye on business or hauling the kids to Grandma’s house. This water bottle-size “Go Mini” Steamer by Joy Mangano warms up within about two minutes, is much safer to use than a conventional travel iron, works on all types of fabrics. It’s also small enough to fit handily in your bag, even if you’re limiting yourself to your carry-on.

$23.95 at HSN.com

One of my favorite ways to treat myself when I am feeling completely overwhelmed is with an interesting and relatively inexpensive piece of jewelry. Lately I’m really into funky rings, like this awesome one I found on Etsy.

$75 at Etsy.com

OK, so I am on a accessories and jewelry kick , but can you blame me?

This bold, colorful necklace from Boden is a perfect accessory to brighten up your wardrobe, especially that black long sleeve T-shirt and jeans uniform we all love so much. (Not that I know anything about that…)

$64 at Boden.com

One of my favorite things about Etsy is that you can find absolutely wonderful and unique items that don’t cost a fortune. This bracelet is just interesting and subtle enough to be appropriate for work and as a great accessory to add a little something to your long sleeve T-shirt.

$15.50 at Etsy.com

I used to scoff at shapewear, but that was before I grew a couple of little people inside my body. Now, I’m back to my pre-baby weight and yet, my body does not look the same at all. Things have shifted, weight redistributed, so while the number on the scale is familiar, the landscape of my body is not. Especially right around the belly. Shape Changer’s Ultimate Shape & Support Cami reigns in the flab by flattening just the belly and supporting the bustline. The Spandex/Nylon/Cotton/Latex blend is strong but breathable and not too constricting. While I wouldn’t wear it every day, it was just what I needed to feel sleek in a suit recently — and much less expensive than a tummy tuck.

$49.99 at Shape Changers Clothing.