The Most Comfortable Bra Ever

This post was created in partnership with ThirdLove but was not sponsored. All opinions are my own

So let's get into something I haven't talked about before... bras.

In 5 years of blogging, I've never talked to you about bras. I guess I always thought it was a little taboo but also bras are not something I've ever been super serious about. I have 2-3 bras from the same company, they fit, and I go about my merry way with them. Once the underwire comes out, I throw them away and buy a new one.

I don't wear outfits that require a strapless bra (those are the worst for me) and don't wear slinky things that I wouldn't be able to wear a bra with. I'm very simple, old fashioned when it comes to my bras. A no fuss, no muss t-shirt, full coverage bra is my go-to. Add a touch of padding for some support and we're set.

Because bras are not something I focus on, I never really thought about having one that was super duper comfortable. I just figured that I've been given big boobs and all bras are going to be uncomfortable.

Going back to my post on comfort this week, that really doesn't vibe well with me. I need to be comfortable and my bra was always getting in the way of that. I've dealt with it all from tight straps, loose straps, a cup being too small or too big, the strap riding up in the back, and my least favorite of all, when you get a bad case of underboob from your bra not fitting properly.

You name the bra problem and I've had it. But like I said, this is something I have accepted.

Thinking about comfort, thinking about the summer, and thinking about my upcoming trip to Boston, I knew I needed a bra that would withstand me walking around the city for three days, in sweltering heat. I hate few things more than being uncomfortable in a bra, and that is a lot of walking and heat. Combine the three and it's one very unhappy, grumpy, and cranky Briana.

I've heard a lot about ThirdLove through the Internet and a few other bloggers so when I found out about their free trial, I jumped at the chance. Everyone can try the free trial here (basically, you try the bra for 30 days and if you don't like it, you send it back. If you love it, they charge you at the end of the 30 days. All you need to do is pay $2.99 shipping).

You take a little quiz to tell them about your bra woes and they match you with the correct size and bra you should be wearing. After I took the quiz, I found out I was wearing the right size but they matched me up with the 24/7 Classic Memory Foam T-shirt bra.

I've been wearing the bra all week and oh my goodness. I have never, ever felt a bra so comfortable. I almost forget I'm wearing it. I didn't realize it was memory foam until typing up this post and it makes so much sense.

The padding feels minimal but very soft... it really does feel like a memory foam mattress or pillow.

After wearing this all week, I don't feel the need to rip off my bra as soon as I get home. It feels so comfortable I could almost sleep in it (which is something I truly hate) but this bra doesn't make me feel so bad.

I will 100% be taking this on my trip to Boston and wearing it with everything for the rest of the sweltering summer heat (even though it's been in the 60s all week in NYC). I really do not want to send this bra back and I doubt I will, I'll probably buy a few more and some underwear as well because we could always use more of that.

What is your MUST HAVE for comfort?
xoxo
B

Book Review Wednesday: Into the Water

I've been slowly getting back into my audiobook game and taking a break from podcasts. I started up my Audible subscription again and the first book I wanted was something....you guessed it... in the mystery genre!

I don't know if I could ever read another book that ISN'T a mystery novel. I'm addicted and I won't apologize for it.

Anyways... when I saw that the author of "The Girl on the Train", Paula Hawkins, had a new book called "Into the Water" I knew I had to read it.

'The Girl on the Train' was an epic book and was early on in this world wide obsession with 'true crime' books. I was expecting just the same from 'Into the Water' but I don't think I got quite got it.

The book focused on a number of deaths and tall tales about a river in this close knit town. There have been 2 deaths in only a few months and the women were found in this river. These deaths open up a can of worms in the town and the people are forced to face what has been going on. There is a lot of scandal and mystery and back and forth between characters and it's interesting.

The book was good, the plot was good and well thought out. It was exciting and had a lot of good details. The mystery was really interesting and the ending was satisfying. I wasn't disappointed in that aspect of the book.

What I was disappointed in was that the book was SO CONFUSING. It's something that I read in the reviews (I don't read book reviews until after I'm done with the book but I needed to see if it was only me that was off but it wasn't); everyone felt very confused by the book.

The issue was that there were too many characters. The book switches back and forth between different point of views and it makes it very hard to keep up with who is who.

Most of the point of views are necessary but there were definitely a few characters that we didn't need to hear their thoughts. It seemed very unnecessary and pointless to me.

I think that the book would've been a lot better if the book focused on maybe 3-4 characters instead of what seemed like 7-10.

I don't know if I could recommend this book for the sole reason that I was so confused and it took me till more than halfway through the book to figure out what exactly was going on and who was who.

I think if you don't mind a lot of characters and switching between POVs, I'd pick it up from the library.

Have you read Into the Water? What did you think?
xoxo
B

Fashion Files: Staying Comfortable in the Summer

This post was created in partnership with Tommy John; it is not sponsored and all opinions are my own.

My least favorite way to spend my day (especially in the summer heat) is to be uncomfortable. Scratch that... my least favorite way to spend a work day is to be uncomfortable.

My style has always been identified as chic but comfortable. I have worn leggings for like 100 straight days (it's probably more) with the acceptation of a night out where I wore jeans. It's not because of any other reason other than that they are SO COMFORTABLE.

Leggings are pants people!

But seriously, I love to be comfortable. It's my favorite thing in the world to be in comfortable clothes, whatever that may be.

I especially need to be comfortable at work because if not, it throws off my entire day. The days where a necklace is bothering me or a shirt is falling off my shoulders are the worst days because I'm so distracted by my outfit, I can't seem to focus on anything else.

That's why I always make sure before I leave the house I feel good and comfortable about my outfit. Fashion is meant to make you feel confident and powerful, if you don't like what you're wearing, how could you take on the day?

I've noticed (especially with the athleisure trend) that more and more companies getting the hint that we like to be comfy. One of those companies is Tommy John, and through their products like under shirts, they definitely know a thing or two about comfortable clothes. To learn more about them, be sure to check them out. (Yes it's men's clothing but sometimes mens clothing, especially undershirts are just more comfortable LOL)

Here are my tips to remain cool, calm, and collected all day long:

Fabric: I always make sure that the material I'm wearing is breathable and comfy. I don't want anything too scratchy or silky against my skin, especially when I'm sweating. A simple cotton shirt or a kimono are my go-to's for work summer outfits. Pair it with a camisole and leggings and you're set.

Undergarments: It's a rarity that I wear a dress in the summer but if I do, I make sure that I have comfortable Spanx. That sounds like an oxymoron and it kind of is, but if you don't have comfortable Spanx (or a Spanx type item) don't bother wearing a dress. You will want to scream all day long.

I took this necklace off halfway through the day

Minimal Jewelry: I am a huge jewelry girl. I love my rings, bracelets, necklaces, and I love to stack them up. But, during the summer I go about my work day sans jewelry. I will wear a simple, no fuss bracelet and a ring but that's it. I stay away from necklaces because they stick to my skin and forget dangly bracelets -- they usually end up in my bag before it's even noon. I like to be minimal during the summer because it's just more comfortable that way.

Shoes: For the love of God, if my shoes hurt my feet the day is over. I usually end up barefoot under my desk. I stick to my trusty Jack Rogers or a great pair of J.Crew shoes in the summer because they're casual, but also can be dressed up if needed (it's best to advise that my office is super casual). If anything, I recommend keeping a pair of comfortable shoes at your desk that way, if all else fails, you have a backup.

I also recommend finding a style of clothing you like and sticking to it. I have no shame in saying that after I purchased one of these J.Crew shirts, I went and bought one in every color available. They are so comfortable, stylish, and can be dressed up or down. They are also so comfortable; the style fits really well, it's flowy and drapey but still seems fitted, and I'm just really into them.

Comfort is key, especially when it's hot and gross out, especially if you're at work trying to do your best, especially if you're commuting by subway.

What are your tips for staying comfortable all day long?
xoxo
B

Royally Planned: Brit+ Co x Target

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Brit + Co and Her Campus Media. All words and opinions are my own

I do so many planner posts that I think we may have to call these reviews 'Royally Planned'. You guys know how much I love a good clever series name...

Well, this weekend I had the honor of attending my 4th Her Campus Her Conference in New York City. The first time I went, I was a rising senior and it was such an eye opening experience (but more on that later) so I always jump at the chance to go back.

This year, I got to go in partnership with Brit + Co. They were a sponsor at the conference and had an activiation booth. They have been one of my favorite websites for years now and they're starting to really blow up. I don't remember when I first heard about them but I do know that it was a while ago.

I've read so many interviews and listened to so many podcasts with Brit Morin, the founder of this DIY, lifestyle, news website and it's always such an inspiration. I'm a sucker for a good business story and Brit + Co is just that.

*Mila Kunis even just jumped on board as an advisor and Disney just signed on to be one of their investors so you know it's legit.

That's why I was so excited to find out they were a sponsor this year at HerConference and that I was going to be able to partner with them to promote their new line of planners at Target.

A few months back, Brit + Co released a set of DIY sets at Target; everything from necklace stamping to calligraphy. They basically took their online DIY classes and gave them to you in person (Brit + Co offers online classes on a variety of different topics -- I highly recommend checking them out)

Well, they've now expanded that line into planners. It seems like the only natural direction for Brit + Co to go because all lifestyle gurus love a good agenda, especially one that is super fun, colorful, and customizable.

At Her Conference over the weekend, Brit + Co had their own little space. The activation was that you could take your photo (with Brit + Co props), post it on social media and enter for a chance to win your own agenda. They had artists there on Sunday, personalizing the agendas with your name (or however you please).

The booth was SO adorable and SO on brand, it was insane how you just knew it was Brit + Co.

But back to the planners... I knew I wanted one of these planners because I just couldn't resist the fun colors and all the different inserts. I was just waiting for the right time to head to my Target to get my hands on one and all the fun accessories.

I was in luck because Brit + Co sent me one of their planners (personalized with my name in gold lettering) and a bunch of inserts and accessories. I immediately ripped everything open and put my planner together.

The binder is strong, durable, and has 6 high-quality gold rings; the gold ribbon that binds the planner closed is super strong which is good because I hate when they stretch out and feel flimsy.

The inserts I got are daily to-do inserts which are perfect for my desk. I also got some fun fabric stickers that I put on the inside cover, regular daily stickers, washi tape (which I've been loving because I have never used any before), and binder clips.

Everything is bright, colorful, fun and feminine; they're are a lot of different binder covers to suit everyone so I know you'll be able to find something that fits your personality.

There are a lot of other inserts and accessories that I have yet to get my hands on but they're all currently in my Target.com cart so I'll definitely post an update on social media (or here on the blog) when I receive those!

PS: Each Brit + Co x Target planner product comes with a code for a FREE online class. I have a lot of classes already in my Brit + Co account because of past promotions they've done but I'm so excited to add even more.

There's everything from starting an online business, to photography, to social media marketing. Brit + Co are constantly adding classes so I recommend saving those promo codes for a class that really catches your eye!

I'm so excited to see what else Brit + Co has in store for us because I am sure it's wonderful.

xoxo
B
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Weekly Wrap Up: Week 24

This was such a short, weird week and I'm so confused LOL. I went to a Mets game yesterday with my office (it was our summer outing) and it was probably the hottest day of the year. I got so sick from the heat, I was out of commission all day. All day, it felt like a Saturday because my mom and my sister were home, and I wasn't going to work and I had off today. It really threw me off.

Today, I have a summer Friday so I'm taking it easy, may just go get a manicure and head to the gym. Tomorrow and Sunday I'll be at the Her Campus Her Conference and I'm actually really excited. Sometimes before these conferences, I get a little anxious and don't want to be bothered going into Manhattan, but this time I'm not feeling that.

The conference is going to be amazing this year with insane speakers, great sponsors, and a whole track dedciated to bloggers.

I'm also participating in a great campaign with one of my favorite companies (seriously, this is a dream collab) and I'm so excited to share that with you! Make sure you're following me on Instagram to follow along .. I'll be posting all weekend long and revealing tomorrow which brand I'm working with.

*PS: The Nordstrom Anniversary sale opens to the public today so be sure to check it out. Here are some of my favorite pics from when I shopped it.

How cute is this Macbook sticker? Get it here

Anyways.. below is what I loved this week:

• There's a lot of controversy surrounding a new movie starring Lilly Collins -- very interesting article about it
• Why working from home makes people happier
• The world's best concealer is getting a serious upgrade
• Really good advice on declining a job offer
• These new books about creative types look very interesting

Here's what you missed on Royally Pink:

• Wishlist Wednesday: Handbags
• Little Loves: Vol 2
• Beauty in Review: New Favorite Skincare Products

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo

B

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