It was another long week here in Briana's world and I'm so happy with the weekend arriving. Next weekend is a long, 3 day weekend so I'm even more excited about that.

Work has been keeping me extra busy and honestly, I really have been enjoying it. The days go by super fast and I feel accomplished, however it does mean I'm extra tired and extra lazy at night. All I want to do is lay in bed, all day and all night.

Does anyone else just lay in bed for hours and hours after work? I literally come home, eat dinner, shower, and then lay in bed. It's my favorite thing but it's also probably a little concerning.

I always want to do fun things but then my exhaustion hits me and I become useless. I know I'm always complaining about being tired, but there are reasons for that, that maybe I'll touch on in another blog soon.

Anyways.... I'm writing this on Thursday night and I simply cannot wait for the return of Will & Grace, along with Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away With Murder. It's going to make Thursday, once again, the best day of the week.

My rambling is over, here's everything I loved this week:



PS: Happy National Coffee Day! I'll be treating myself to a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte today! 



Here is what you missed on Royally Pink:
Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
B
I'm home from work today because I had to take my mom to the doctor's this morning. All is well and good, she just had to have a little routine procedure done.

Because of that, I switched up the editorial calendar a bit and what was supposed to be posted today will now be posted next week.

I didn't know what I wanted to write about because I have a lot of ideas but have been so scattered lately. I'm also fleshing out my entire October calendar so I wanted to save a few ideas for that.

So I figured I'd do a little random post...



If you didn't know, a few months ago I finally started to upload videos on my Youtube channel. I struggled at first with how to spilt content between the blog and Youtube but I think I've got it down pat, especially when I can make a blog post out of a video!

I don't post as consistently on the Youtube channel as I do here because filming and editing videos is a lot harder for me than writing a blog post. That being said, I am trying to amp it up a little bit and have at least a few ideas for more videos this month.

Last week I posted a video all about my Kate Spade accessories collection. Earlier I had posted a Kate Spade handbag collection and it has over 4K views (OMG) so I figured I'd see if lightning could strike twice and posted the accessories counterpart video.

Below is the video so take a watch & let me know what you think:



Also, below you can shop all my accessories (and a few wish list items)!


xoxo
B
I've been flying through books and I'm loving every minute of it. Even though I'm listening to books all the time, I've been reading books too and need to get into the habit of reading more, and not just self-care/career books.

I did find myself in a rut a few weeks ago and didn't know what book I wanted to read until I stumbled upon 'The Girls in the Garden' by Lisa Jewell.

It was an interesting book; not as suspenseful as others I've read but still kept me wondering what happened, until the end.



Here is the publishers' summary:

Imagine that you live on a picturesque communal garden square, an oasis in urban London where your children run free, in and out of other people’s houses. You’ve known your neighbors for years and you trust them. Implicitly. You think your children are safe. But are they really?

On a midsummer night, as a festive neighborhood party is taking place, preteen Pip discovers her thirteen-year-old sister Grace lying unconscious and bloody in a hidden corner of a lush rose garden. What really happened to her? And who is responsible?


You follow the story of Pip and Grace, and their mother... while also getting a taste of the other family who lives on the communal garden square.

There are family issues, trials, and tribulations and a few interesting twists and turns along the way.

I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't my favorite. It was a tad confusing at the beginning because there are a few different POVs and it switches between past and present, but once you're a few chapters in, it gets much easier. 

I think the character development was well and not too slow or too rushed, and the book went by very fast. It was a bit predictable and didn't give me a hugely satisfying ending. I think the ending was wrapped up nicely but it wasn't what I wanted.

It's not a thriller novel and I don't think it's classified as one, but it had a touch of suspense. 

I think it was a really well written, good, quick read and I think that most people will like it. Just know that it's not as dramatic and insane as other books, but still pretty good.

xoxo
B
When Sally reached out to me with an idea for a guest post, I was very intrigued. I am not one for homemade beauty DIYs even though I wish I could be, but if I'm being honest, I get lazy and am a little too squeamish for some of these.

*I tried to use canned pumpkin to bake something last week and literally had to have my mom throw it out because the smell made me sick...

Anyways, Sally had this really fun idea for unique homemade beauty treatments and a few of them (almost all of them) took me by surprise. I am probably going to try at least one, and that one will be the cocoa powder (you'll see when you get to it!)

Before we get into it, here's a bit about Sally and where you can find her!

Sally Mitchell began her career as a makeup artist, and after receiving a diploma in Clinical Dermatology decided to combine her passions for makeup artistry and skin care becoming a licensed beauty professional. Now she shares the latest cutting-edge skin care treatments with readers of Lumeskin 
http://lumeskin.com/
http://twitter.com/lumeskin/
http://pinterest.com/lumeskin/


Now, here are a few of her best DIY beauty treatments! 


  • PotatoesStarch is something we are told to stay far away from. Not when it comes to your hair though ladies. Raw potatoes make for an exceptional scalp renewing scrub. To make the scrub, mix equal parts of raw potatoes, some loose tea, you can get a Lipton teabag for this. Add olive oil and slowly massage your scalp with your fingertips in circular motions. Rinse out with warm water.
  • Bananas: Bananas work magic on dehydrated hair. Take a banana and mashed it with half of an avocado. Dampen your hair and leave it in 15 minutes, and at least 30 minutes as a deep treatment. Twist your hair into a bun, and relax out on the beach or doing errands without anyone being the wiser. 
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is a great exfoliant. Not just for below the neck, but also the scalp. To ensure a healthy base for your roots to grow from, take some brown sugar, coconut oil, lavender essential oils and mix equally. Massage into your scalp and leave for half an hour. Your hair will smell great and scalp will love you after you have washed it out with warm water. 
  • Honey and lemon: Not just good for the vocal cords but for the hair as well. Take equal parts honey and milk, stir and add 1/3 cup of lemon juice. Pour all over your head and massage it in. If you want to lighten your hair naturally while nourishing it, lay out in the sun with this in your hair. Killing two birds with one stone!
  • Cocoa powderIf you are a brunette and want to give you hair a little something extra in the color department, without all the nasty chemicals hair dyes come with, try using cocoa powder. A combination of cocoa powder, plain yogurt, honey and apple cider vinegar will give you a subterranean, richer brown color. 
  • Oh yeah, Purple Kool-Aid: Don’t worry blondes, I have a trick for you that avoids the chemical department as well. If you have brassy hair, rinse it out with grape flavored Kool-aid. Follow the instructions on the Kool-aid packet and drown your hairs in the purple goodness. Not just great for the taste buds but the locks too! A few Pinterest ladies have said that their hair has not gone purple and the brassiness in their hair disappeared.  
  • Aspirin and Baking Soda: With products, outside factors and different shampoos and conditioners, residue and product buildup can dull your hair. The cure is as unassuming as crushing an aspirin and adding it to shampoo. Once you have crushed the aspirin add a small amount of shampoo and lather your head. Apparently, the salicylic acid in aspirin helps remove buildup your hair gets from everyday doings and restores shine. You can do this every other two weeks. You can also try adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the shampoo as well. Lather and repeat as you would with the aspirin. 

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did!
xoxo
B



It's finally my season... it's my time to shine and I'm breaking out all my old (and new) favorites!

With the change of season comes a change of routine, whether that's your daily routine, workout routine, or more importantly, a beauty routine.

Usually, it's the skincare side of things that change up drastically once the weather chills out because, without a good skincare routine, your makeup routine means nothing.

I haven't figured out my new fall skincare routine quite yet because the weather is still in the 80s here in New York, but the day after Labor Day, I started changing up my entire beauty regime.

It's time to break out the dark colors, the matte foundations, and warm eyeshadows.. fall is here!



  • Laura Geller Iconic Baked Lipstick in Broadway Plum: This is one of my favorite fall lip shades and one that I am constantly applying and reapplying all season long. It's the perfect plum without being too dark or too vampy so I feel like it's pretty universal for everyone. Also, this is one of my favorite lipstick formulas EVER! Very creamy, very comfortable, and simply gorgeous.
  • Essie Angora Cardi: There's a reason this is the most popular Fall nail polish season after season on Pinterest... it embodies everything that is Fall. It's the perfect mix of mauve, plum, and brown and every year it's my favorite, most used shade. I'm rocking it now and I've never been happier.
  • NARSissist Loaded Eyeshadow Palette: I love a good warm shadow palette all year round but there are certain palettes that just scream fall and this NARS one is it. It has the perfect mixture of greys, browns, and golds with a few plum and pink shades thrown in for good measure. I have hardly worn it all summer because it's just too fall(y) for me! 
  • Too Faced Love Flush Blush in Your Love Is King: Once Fall hits I'm all about a full face of glam and I love a good plum blush. This shade from the Too Faced collection is one of my favorites. It's a nice mauve/purple/plum shade without being too much and it adds the perfect amount of color to the cheeks. 
As for foundations and concealers, I don't really change that too much. I do tend to put my tinted moisturizers on hold and opt for a more opaque foundation formula... below are a few of my favorites! 





What are your favorite beauty products for fall?
xoxo
B

Weekly Wrap Up: Week 33

in , , by RoyallyPink, 7:02 PM
This is a very late post as I'm writing it at 6:40 PM on Saturday night but boy, what a week! Work has been keeping me very busy and once I'm home, the last thing I want to do is jump on the computer, so I'm really running behind on everything lately.

The trains also have been a mess this week and it took me 2.5 hours to get to work and I ended up having to walk like 10 blocks anyway... so that was not good. I've also been getting home pretty late from work, due to staying late and train delays, so those are my excuses for the week!

I was so happy to see the weekend though and last night, I laid on my couch for hours watching Fuller House Season 3 and passed out comfy cozy in my bed at 11:00 PM. I woke up at 10:30 this morning and laid in bed for a few more hours before running out to do some errands.

Yesterday was the first day of Fall and I was thrilled! I had a Pumpkin Spice Latte and cheated on weight watchers & treated myself to a chocolate chip scone. New York didn't get the memo because the weather was a bit hot, as it was today too... we won't hit the 60-degree mark until late next week but better late than never!

I just want to wear booties and sweaters-- I'm having such a hard time finding shoes to wear this time of year, especially because the more I wear flats and mules, the more my feet hurt so I really need boot weather to come ASAP!

I want to do a video or post about all my favorite fall items (beauty, decor, fashion, etc) soon so look out for that.



Here's what I loved this week!

Here's what you missed on Royally Pink:


Have a great rest of your weekend! 
xoxo
B
I have only read one Karin Slaughter book before, and it was one of the most effed up books I've ever read in my entire life. I briefly reviewed Pretty Girls last year and it remains one of my favorite suspense novels ever.

When I saw that Slaughter had a new book out, I immediately downloaded it to Audible and started listening.

The Good Daughter book starts out in the past, and it starts off with a vengeance. It was so disturbing I almost stopped listening -- I like to be worked up into a twisted plot, not start off with it.



I stuck with it and the book turned out to be incredible.

Taking place in Atlanta, it surrounds a family that has gone through incredible trauma. The father in the story, Rusty, is a criminal lawyer and defends the worst kinds of criminals in their small town of Pikeville. Because of this, his family is a target of harassment and violence.

It spirals out of control and tragedy strikes the entire family.

Fast forward almost 30 years and Charlie Quinn is still living in Pikeville and is a lawyer working at her father's firm. Another tragedy strikes the town and Charlie is caught right in the middle of it. The events that follow bring up a lot of horrible memories and also a lot of clarity of what happened all those years ago.

There are so many twists and turns in this story, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. You couldn't really predict anything that happened in this book and it was a wild ride!

I didn't want to let go of this series once it was over (and it was a very satisfying ending for everyone involved) so when I found out there was a prequel to this story, I was thrilled.

I downloaded "The Last Breath" right after I finished The Good Daughter and it was a nice way to subside my addiction to the Quinn family. I don't think you have to read this before The Good Daughter, I almost think it's better to read it after because you'll be able to appreciate everything that happens in The Last Breath a little more.

I highly recommend 'The Good Daughter' to all you suspense lovers out there. I'm hoping to start Slaughter's other books and series in her library very soon!

What book have you read recently that you loved?
xoxo
B



The past few weeks I've been really down, mixed in with some utter happiness about fall starting, but nonetheless, I've felt off.

It kind of feels like when I graduated and everything was up in the air. There was a lot of change on the horizon and new beginnings... it kind of feels like that now expect that nothing is really changing.

I feel like things should be changing though.

I guess I have stumbled upon the true quarter-life crisis, two months early. My 25th birthday is on November 30th and it feels like things should be moving at a faster pace. I feel old, I feel like I'm behind. I'm single, in the same job I was when I graduated (which is FINE because I really love my job), and still living at home.

I never compare myself to other people but right now,  I am. I see other people moving out and doing different things and I don't feel like I'm moving as fast as everyone else. I've always been a late bloomer, in so many ways, and I think that I'm just running late, as per usual.

I feel like I don't know where I want my life to go. Do I want to stay in social media forever? Do I want to move into full-time writing? Will I ever finish the book I'm writing? Do I want a total change and go into publishing? Will my blog ever make it?



There are so many career-related questions because my career is the only thing I have a real control over. My love life is another story... while I have some sort of control over that, I don't really because it's all about emotions and I'm a rather shy girl so I've never had much luck in that department.

My living situation...I'm perfectly fine at home. It's just me and my mom right now so it's like living with a roommate anyway. I don't feel financially responsible enough to live on my own just quite yet.

I feel like I'm losing control of everything and it's really scary to be at this weird crossroad that I was at just three years ago. Back then, I had an excuse, I had just graduated college.

What is my excuse now?

I'm hoping that I'll feel better soon and that maybe with some reading, writing, and planning I'll get over this hump... that is until November 30th when I'm officially in my mid-twenties.


xoxo
B



About a month ago, I saw Nails INC post that they now had a limited edition line of caffeine-infused nail polish inspired by coffee colors. I was at a beach party but couldn't pull up Safari fast enough to order two colors.

The two colors that spoke to me the most were Chai Kiss and Afternoon Mocha. I'll probably have to purchase Espresso Martini because I can't resist a good, chocolate brown. I figured that the two I ordered were good starts to a new fall nail polish collection.

Now, I'm all for trendy, gimmicky items so I could NOT pass up caffeine-infused nail polish. I also love a good caffeine inspired beauty product (and I need as many as I could get) so this was right up my alley.

The nail polish is supposed to help with nail growth because of the cell regeneration that caffeine helps with. That's the main reason that it's a good thing to have coffee inspired nail polish -- it basically doubles as a nail treatment!

So, I  have already worn Chai Kiss (I'll do another Mani Monday with that color soon) and that was a beautiful color and a great formula. Right now I have on Afternoon Mocha and I don't know if I've loved a color this much since Angora Cardi by Essie.




First, let's talk about color. This is a really unique color in my opinion; I want to say it's a brown with a touch of plum undertone but it also feels like something a little more. On the website, it says it is a light brown but this is a deeper color, at least on my nails.

It's so beautiful and I truly never want to take it off; I haven't worn a dark nail polish yet so this is getting me in fall mode for sure!

The formula is beautiful. I have never used a Nails INC nail polish before and was very surprised at how smooth it applied. The brush is flat and thick so it allows for even coverage and application (it's my favorite type of brush), so that's a plus. Two coats give you a very opaque color and it's very shiny. I used my Essie Gel Setter Top Coat but I feel like the nail polish itself is very shiny.

I also don't know if it's my head but I feel like this nail polish almost has a protective shield over it (does that even make sense?). My nails feel tough, in the best way possible.

Also in the collection is an exfoliating caffeine scrub and I wasn't going to order it until I did over the weekend. It's advertised as a hand and foot scrub and I desperately need that, especially with cold weather coming.

What's on your nails this Monday?
xoxo
B

Another long week has come to an end! Did anyone else feel like this week dragged on? I swear I woke up on Tuesday and thought it was Friday. I think it had to do with the fact that it was the first regular work week I've had since before Memorial Day Weekend.

Getting back into the Fall groove of things is sometimes hard, no matter how many Pumpkin Spice Lattes I have (it was 4... I had 4 PSL from Starbucks this week).

I'm writing this rather late on Friday night because I was too lazy (not even tired, just pure laziness) last night and this afternoon after I got home from work.

Other than the long, stressful week, not much else happened this week that I could think of. I am excited to have a fall weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to bake a few Weight Watchers approved fall treats for breakfast, do some fall decor shopping, and on Sunday, I'm headed to my first brunch of the season.

Brunch, to me, is always better in the fall!

I hope the weather cools off again next week because this week was just a little too hot -- I mean, we are in mid-September already (that went by fast!) and I'm ready to wear booties and sweaters.

Spruced up my gallery wall for Fall with the help of my printer & Etsy!

I will stop babbling and get to my links!


I posted a new video this week!



Here's what you missed on Royally Pink:
*I didn't post on Monday in observance for September 11th. I usually do a blog post dedicated to it, but felt like I've said what I need to say about that horrific day.

Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
B

When I saw that there was another Ruth Ware book on the market and one that I had never read, I jumped at the chance. I immediately purchased it with an Audible credit and started listening.

Like other Ruth Ware novels, it takes place in England and revolves around the lives of Fatima, Thea, Isabel, and Kate. Back when they were in school, at Sultan, something happened that they have kept secret for years. They never talk about it and haven't really seen each other since they left Sultan... until Kate comes calling and needs them.

The three girls are brought back to Sultan and their lives are turned upside down over this secret that is coming to light.

The name The Lying Game comes in because the girls used the play a 'lying game' where they would lie to anyone and everyone, just because it was fun to make stories and see if they could shock people.



I can't really reveal more about the plot without giving everything away but I wasn't thrilled with this book. I liked the entire book and I liked the plot until you realize what the girls were covering up. To me, it seemed a little dramatic and it was slightly annoying. They were acting like children and I just kind of got sick of it.

Also, the main character and narrator is Isabel has a new baby (I forget her name because it was a little odd) and honestly, it just seemed like an unnecessary plot twist. She brings the baby with her everywhere and is constantly breastfeeding her (which also seemed like an odd thing to keep bringing up. I mean yes, breastfeed all you want but why is it a descriptor for like half of the book?) It was just a really weird thing and it put me off a bit.

Like all good thriller novels, this had a twist at the end. At first, it was something you could suspect and even the girls suspected it, but then toward the very end, it was a little mind blowing. That part was good, really good.

I personally think Ware has written better; this wasn't my favorite thriller novel and it annoyed me more than most. If you really love Ware, I recommend it but if you're looking for something to knock your socks off, there are better out there!

Have you read this book? What did you think?
xoxo
B
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When it comes to makeup, I've never been a full coverage kind of gal. My skin is not that bad and it's pretty dry so I lean toward more medium coverage, radiant foundations. However, during the summer, I usually don't wear any foundation at all.

It melts off my face as soon as I step outside and continues to annoy me as I sit on the hot subway. During the hot months (or even when I'm running super late) I tend to stick to light coverage 'foundations' and tinted moisturizers.

The thing I love about tinted moisturizers is that they can be applied quickly and easily. There is no need for a brush or sponge, using your hands is just fine.

They also provide just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy or tacky on the skin. I also think there is enough of a range amongst the beauty community that you can find a tinted moisturizer that fits your skin tone and type.

This summer tinted moisturizer was the only thing I wore with the exception of a few days where I went full foundation (or sans foundation completely)

These were my must-have tinted moisturizers of the summer *and pretty much of all time up until this point*




1. Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint: If you haven't figured out by now, I work for Laura Geller (I don't know if I've ever posted that on here but it's public knowledge). When I found out that we were releasing this product, I could hardly contain my excitement. This is for sure one of my favorite products we've ever released. It's a very, very light weight, almost sheer, but really evens out and hydrates the skin. You have to feel this to believe it (go to Ulta now and try it) but when applied, there is a release of hydration and it feels like you're splashing water on your face, and it's amazing. It was my most worn product of the summer for sure.

2. NARS Tinted Moisturzer: I don't know if I would classify this as a tinted moisturizer but I figured I'd mention it anyway.  I have talked about this before in my May favorites and it's stood the test of time. It's a fuller coverage tinted moisturizer but doesn't feel like an actual foundation. It's the only complexion product I've tried from NARS and it's definitely a favorite and must try!

3. Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue: This was a purchase from last summer and it's still a favorite right now. It has SPF in it which is ideal for summer (and all year round really) and is a cross between the NARS and Laura Geller. It has good coverage but feels incredibly light weight on the skin. This can 100% be applied with your hands but if you want a little more coverage, you can build it up with a sponge or brush. This was one of the first tinted moisturizers I really took a liking too and it remains one of my favorites.

What is your favorite tinted moisturizer? 
xoxo
B
This was a tough one for me, not going to lie. Even though it was a short week, I felt completely lost. I was anxious, angry, nervous, and just really confused. I don't know if it was because of the end of Mercury Retrograde, my allergies kicking in (I always get very confused and dreary when allergy season starts up), or just plain old PMS.

I'm really glad Friday is here and the weekend is upon me. I have no plans other than an engagement party Sunday night, but I'm looking forward to recharging my batteries after a strenuous, emotionally draining week!

It's Fashion Week here in New York and I'll be going to an event next week so that'll be fun, but the city is just abuzz with fun and excitement! The weather was also exceptional this week with lots of fall fun in the air so those are two bright sides.

I have a new article on Out of Office NY about slaying the day before 8 AM so check that out for some morning routine inspo!

I got my fall candles this week from Evil Queen and they're AMAZING
On another note, here is everything I loved this week!
Here's what you missed on Royally Pink:


Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
B
This post was sponsored by Her Campus Media, UNiDAYS, and REN Skincare

When I was in college, I knew that student discounts existed but it was not something that I took advantage of. Every time I went into a store, my first priority was not to ask if they offered a student discount but you'd be surprised at how many places do!

As a college student, money is tight and you need to cut corners however you can and there is a website that makes it so much easier...

UNiDAYS is a free service that gives you all the best student discounts and savings in one place. They have partnered with hundreds of retailers to help save college students money, and honestly, what is better than that?

Using this student savings service will help making back to school season easier... you can buy all your home items as well as a new Fall wardrobe.

Aside from the discounts (from brands like Apple, Urban Outfitters, Bed Bath and Beyond) they also offer weekly giveaways and a blog that is filled with career, social, and shopping advice. It really is your all in one college website, which to me, is always super helpful during the best four years of your life.



Now... onto another exciting part... I was able to get a few REN Skincare products from UNiDAYS since REN is a brand that offers a discount through the website.

I've had a handful of other REN products but I've been wanting to try more. The two products I chose have been a wonderful addition to my skincare routine and I'm so happy I was able to get them.

The Flash Hydro Boost is a moisturizer and a plumping emulsion to make your skin look fresh and beautiful. The interesting part of this product is that you apply it on dry skin and then massage a bit of water into your face to have it really absorb and supercharge the skin.



I've been using this for a few weeks (not regularly because sometimes I'm lazy) and I like the way it makes my skin feel. It is a bit awkward at first, wetting your face after applying moisturizer but it works out nicely.

The second product I chose was the V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream. I needed a new night cream desperately and this looked promising. It's really thick and emollient, locking in all the moisture your skin needs to heal and repair over night. This is going to be wonderful once the temperature drops and it gets freezing!

All in all, my experience with REN Skincare and UNiDAYS was super positive and I'm so happy that there is a resource like this out there for young college students.



UNiDAYS is a company that I wish I knew about when I was in college because we all know how much I love online shopping and I would've saved so much money (or spent more money because I was saving so much!)

Signing up is incredibly easy -- just use your .edu email and start saving! 

xoxo
B


When I heard that Amy Odell, editor of Cosmopolitan.com was coming out with a book, I nearly screamed. This was a few years ago, and  I immediately bought the book the moment it was available. However, I didn't read it until very recently.

I don't know why I kept putting it off. I don't have a good reason. I was just busy with other self help, career, and fiction books I suppose.

I wasn't missing much though. I finished this book a few weeks ago and it took me a while to get through it.

I'll be honest, I didn't really like it too much. I don't know what I was expecting but it was a bit disappointing.



This isn't a career book -- it's not going to give you knowledge of how to get into the fashion industry. The best way I could put it is a much less toned down (INCREDIBLY toned down) version of "How to Murder Your Life". 

Amy tells the stories that everyone wants to (or should want to) hear; what happened when she wore fancy sweatpants to meet her boyfriend's parents, or how she ended up at Fashion Week. She tells the story of what happened when she interviewed at Vogue and what it felt like to interview Adriana Lima at the Victoria Secrets Fashion Show.

There was nothing riveting about this book. It wasn't particulary exciting and I wasn't incredibly eager to find out what happened ... because it wasn't that kind of book. You didn't really know or care what was going to happen because it was just a bunch of stories looped together.

I'm sure that's the kind of book it's supposed to be and maybe that's on me for not being into those kinds of books but it was a definite miss for me. I love all things related to journalism and this was not a book I'd recommend.

It wasn't bad writing, it wasn't that her experiences weren't worthy of being turned into a book, I just feel like it missed the mark. It could've been really good and it just was kind of boring.

Did you read this book? What did you think?
xoxo
B
I was always a little self conscious about my sense of style. I really like to be comfortable and for my outfits to be easy. I don't wear heels, I don't wear items that don't make me feel good, I hardly even wear jeans anymore.

However, the Fall season instills something in me and I get the will to be stylish. I also have been really admirable of my favorite fashion bloggers, like Emily Gemma -- she's always been one of my favorite bloggers but recently, I've become even more obsessed. Her fashion sense is attainable, seems comfortable, but also fun and stylish. She is definitely my style icon right now.

I've also become more in tune to trends. I have to be on top of beauty trends for work (and also because I like too) but now fashion has kind of trickled into that realm as well.

The trends for Fall are very apparent right now; sometimes I feel like there's nothing 'on trend' because it's just sweaters and boots but this year, there is a noticeable shift in the industry and what you're seeing brands put out.


Credit


I rounded up my favorite trends of the season (so far) and what I'll definitely be rocking!



Velvet: During the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I noticed that everything was velvet. I gave into the trend and purchased a velvet bag and smoking jacket. No matter the price point or what item you're tempted to buy, velvet is going to be everywhere this fall and winter.





Leopard Shoes: Jenna Lyons once said 'As far as I'm concerned, leopard is a neutral' and I couldn't agree more. Ever since I was a pre-teen, leopard was my favorite print. I even persuaded my mom to accent my 11-year-old bedroom with leopard accessories. That's why I'm so excited that leopard shoes are having a moment. From flats to heels, everyone is wearing leopard. I already got a pair from J.Crew and am hoping to add at least one or two more different types to my wardrobe this season.


Bell Sleeves: This is a newer trend I'm noticing but I'm into it! I don't know how it's going to look on me but I just ordered this top from J.Crew so we'll see! Everyone is showing an accent sleeve, whether it's bell or ruffles and I think it looks really flattering. It's feminine without being overly girly but still looks very polished and put together.


Athleisure: This has been around for a while and I don't think it's going anywhere.. which I'm very happy about! Athleisure is becoming a little chicer instead of looking like you're actually going to the gym. I've been loving how Emily Gemma is styling all her athleisure clothes, and I really have my eye on this Nike Crop Top everyone has been rocking since the NSale!


What trends are you most looking forward to this year?
xoxo
B
It's over! Summer is O.V.E.R!!!! I've already broken out everything pumpkin, bought my pumpkin candles, took my fall clothes out of storage, and my allergies have started. That's how you KNOW fall is around the corner.

August was a fun month; I went to Boston, took a work trip to QVC, and was put to the test when some change was thrown my way. I was pleased with how my summer was; I had a lot of fun-- did a few different things with friends, didn't feel bored, and didn't have FOMO. It was really good, one of the better summers I've had in a while!

As pleasant as this summer was, fall is my time and I'm really excited for it. I have A LOT of fall posts planned from fashion to beauty to decor to general fall favorites... so get ready!





For now, here's what I LOVED this month!

1. Kate Spade Cat Phone Case: I am NOT a cat person but for some reason, I am really drawn to cat themed things, like this Kate Spade phone case. Once I saw it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Ever since going to a few Kate Spade shops, I've been wanting to purchase more in the store because I like the experience. That's why I held out to buy this case until I was in Boston and went to the store on Newbury Street. I love the silicone phone case and how it's light but makes my phone feel bigger. I've had it on my phone all month and I love it!

2. Louis Vuitton 'Wallet': I have the word wallet in quotations because it's not really a wallet. I've been wanting a Damier Ebene agenda to add to my mini collection for a while but didn't know what I'd use it for. Then, I got the idea to use it as a wallet. I did some research and saw how people on Youtube used the PM agenda as a wallet. I'll do a full post on this soon but I've been loving it!

3. Vaseline: This is a weird one but it's a must have lately. My lips have been really out of control; swollen, itchy, dry, chapped -- it's a real problem and I'm going to the doctor tomorrow but Vaseline is the only thing that has been helping me. I've never realized how versatile this product truly is. I've been using the original one at home but the mini Creme Brulee one when I'm on the go!

4. Laura Geller LASHBOSS: Ever since I got my hands on this mascara back in December (perks of beauty company life) I've been obsessed. I have not purchased a mascara in MONTHS because LashBOSS is the only thing I need or want. It has a really interesting, three sided wand that lengths and separates your lashes without being clumpy or spidery. It's my top 5 favorite mascaras ever.

5. Kate Spade Agenda: This should come as no surprise but I'm head over heels about my new planner. I talked about it in this Royally Planned post but it really is such a good planner; perfect size, enough space to write everything, nice hard cover, coated tabs -- you name it, this planner has it! I highly recommend!

It wasn't too crazy of a month with products but I do have some new things that were 'too new' to include in a favorites post so look out for them in the rest of September!

Enjoy your Labor Day everyone!
xoxo
B


IT IS SEPTEMBER 1ST! I am so excited that it's the start of my favorite season ever! I've been waiting for this since LAST September!

We've been having a bit of an Indian summer in New York the past two weeks or so and it's been a really great taste of fall. When I woke up today, it was 55 degrees and life was just grand! I've already ordered my fall candles from Evil Queen (read my post about the candle company here) and I'll be heading to Target today to get my hands on all my pumpkin favorite foods.

I will wait until Tuesday to have my first Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks but I will take out all my fall decor and clothes out this weekend and get ready. The first official day of fall is September 22nd but for me, it's today!

Anyways...

There was a lot going on this week and I've felt a bit off. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I feel like I can't really focus or concentrate on anything. I'm not nervous, anxious, or sad, there's just something off about me. I told this to my mom and she said "Briana, you have been 'off' for 25 years" -- which is funny because I'm only 24 years old...

I do think that it might be my allergies playing with my head but who knows, maybe I was just waiting for this long, glorious weekend! Maybe I was just excited for fall!

I don't have any exciting plans for the weekend, but what surprise is that? LOL I was supposed to go to the beach on Sunday but it's supposed to rain, and I might go to my aunt's house for a BBQ on Monday so we'll see!

For now, here are the links I loved this week:



PS: Don't forget to shop all the Labor Day sales this weekend! 

Have a great, long weekend everyone!
xoxo
B
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