If you didn't know, I have a Youtube channel and I've been posting (consistently????) for the past year. Over there, I talk more about handbags than anything else and the peeps who subscribe have been asking for a handbag collection video.



So last weekend, without any makeup on, because I was lazy, I filmed a very long, obnoxious handbag collection and realized I have over 30 handbags. I need so much help.

You've seen a lot of my handbags on the blog but recently I've sold a lot and gotten new ones so this is the most updated collection.



If you aren't subscribed to my channel, do that now ;)

xoxo
B

I can count on two hands the number of times I've worn jeans in the past 2-3 years. I wear leggings every single day, no matter what I'm doing or where I'm going. I wrote about my leggings obsession back in October 2017 but wanted to do an updated post, mostly because my favorite and most worn leggings are on sale.

Back in October, I said my favorite leggings were American Eagle and Beyond Yoga x Kate Spade. I've tried going back to my AE ones and didn't like how they felt, and Beyond Yoga x Kate Spade is no longer, which is super sad. I've tried to find some pairs online but no such luck. I still have my old pairs which I wear regularly.

However, because of these turns of events I have exclusively been wearing my Zella leggings. I live in the High Waisted Live In Leggings and they are a true obsession. They're thick, soft, but suck you in and make everything smooth. They're never too tight and don't lose shape after washing them -- I haven't even noticed that they lose their color after multiple washes.



I did find that for the summer heat, they are a little too heavy. I knew I wanted to keep wearing my Zella leggings but needed something a little lighter. I discovered that Zella had the same 'Live In' leggings but in a Lite Cropped Verison.

I was about to order the Lite Legging when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started and then I realized they were ON SALE for the NSale! I was so surprised to see the regular and Lite leggings on sale for around 20% off.

The Zella leggings run around $53-54 and right now for the sale they're $35. You can basically get two for the almost price of one pair so it's the perfect time to stock up. I placed an order the first day but for some reason, it didn't go through so I placed another a few days ago and I can hardly wait for them to arrive.

While the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is all about picking up some trendy new items or investing in something big like a pair of riding boots, a new handbag, or a winter coat, it really is the perfect time to pick up some staples that are constantly rotated through your wardrobe.



Shop some other Zella products that are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale below: 
What are your current favorite leggings? 
xoxo
B

I feel like I usually don't play into super trendy fashion; I've always kind of walked to the beat of my own drum and would only participate in a trend if I liked it. There are people that will wear something only because it's trending but I don't put myself in that category.

For example, a few years ago, kimonos were super in and I loved the look and idea of them so I've been wearing them nonstop since. I'm happy that they're still super trendy this summer. The same could be said for leggings and graphic tees. They're pieces of clothing that I always loved and would wear them even if they weren't 'in' but since they are in style, wearing them is more acceptable.

There are trends that I would never touch -- like the ugly sneaker trend. I don't care if it's what everyone is wearing, I don't like the way it looks.

However, there is one current trend that I never thought I'd be into and I feel like a lot of people aren't, but I cannot get enough. It's a little odd and the definition of trendy but it's so fun.

PVC.

PVC is the 'clear' trend that you've been seeing on everyone from KKW to your favorite fashion blogger. It seemed very weird at first -- why wear something CLEAR? What was the point? However, I think it can be done really great, especially with PVC shoes. My mom always wore shoes like this growing up and I'm excited to see the trend being relevant again.


Another great way to rock the PVC trend without being over the top? HANDBAGS.



This was pioneered by Chanel and their $3,000+ colored PVC bag -- soon after, there were replicas all over Amazon and everyone was scooping them up.

Including moi.



I picked up two different styles from Amazon for less than $20; a colorful one similar to the Chanel bag and a regular clear bag with black trim.

I haven't used the colorful one yet but I have been obsessed with the black one. It's so easy, so cool and I feel effortlessly chic when I wear it. I'm excited to finally particpate in a trend that is silly but that a lot of people are rocking.

Some may say 'clear bags? No way! Everyone can see my stuff" which is very true but if you conceal everything and are safe with where you're going, a PVC bag is the best summer accessory.



It's really cute to be able to show off your adorable wallets, makeup pouches, etc through the clear material but also, it just screams summertime. It's carefree, easy and a no fuss bag. It doesn't matter if you get caught in the rain, if you get some sand in/on it -- it's easy to take care of.

It's also perfect for baseball games (or any sporting event) because it's easy for security to check out what you're packing.

I recently brought one of my PVC bags to a Mets game and the security guard was jumping for joy so you're welcome, sir.

I don't recommend investing in the $3,000 Chanel bag, or any bag priced over $30 because you know this trend will be out as fast as it came in but if you're feeling like you want to rock it, head to Amazon and pick yourself up one of these fun bags. You won't regret it!

Are you in on the PVC bag trend?
xoxo
B

I was going to start this post while on the Amtrak, headed down to QVC for work but I got a little too train sick so I'm finishing from my hotel room.

We're staying at the Desmond in Malvern, PA and it's a really nice hotel! I'm kind of in love with it compared to the other hotel I usually stay at.

Anyway... I had to move a lot of editorial stuff around so we're throwing it back old school with a little wishlist.

Ever since my 'no buy' which I still wanted to do a post on, I've been doing a bit of shopping. Maybe I'll do a post or video on everything I've bought but yeah, it's been an issue.

However, there is a lot of stuf that I haven't bought and is currently on my wishlist so the point of this post!



I haven't bought a bag in a while (if you don't count my Neverfull MM) and I really want the Kate Spade Emerson Place Sam!

I apologize because I know every blogger is posting about this sale today and I swore I wouldn't, until I logged onto Nordstrom.com today and saw what was staring back at me.

This sale is SO GOOD. I think it's the best it's been in years.

I'm so overwhelmed right now, this may not even make sense. I'm so excited for this sale, there is so much I want, and I'm so excited for fall.




I already ordered this NARS Multiple kit and this diptyque Scented Candle set.

I don't really have a strategy for the sale but I do know that I like to order the beauty products first because those are the items that are exclusive to the sale and once they sell out, they're not coming back. Usually, the clothing will come back in stock after the sale is over but the prices are higher. So my go-to is grab beauty while you can!

There are lots of good beauty deals but I think I'm going to stick with clothes and accessories for the rest of the sale. I don't need any more beauty products but I think the one thing everyone should pick up is a Clarisonic. It's on sale for $86 which is a steal .. check out my Clarisonic post (I'm obsessed and I've had two different ones!)

I also really like this water bottle set ($50 is a bit pricey but for two of them, you could justify it) and I'm obsessed with my Laura Geller Just Blushing Palette. It's not avaialble anywhere else and it's the perfect travel palette with gorgeous, pigmented blushes so get it while you can.

Below are all my other picks and I'm sure I'll do a haul video on my Youtube channel once everything I order arrives!


What are you picking up during the sale? Give me suggestions!!
xoxo
B

*PS this is also just more of a wishlist for me so I have all the things I want in one place*  

Happy Friday! It was another long week at work and I'm very excited for the weekend, even though I will be headed to Pennsylvania for the day tomorrow for another work event. There are so many work things in the next few weeks, it's going to be a whirlwind.

Happy Friday! I'm very excited for the week to come to the end and for the weekend to arrive because I'm going to Florida on Tuesday! It's for a work trip but I'm so excited to travel SOMEWHERE. I'm also going to Disneyworld so YAYYYYYY. It's the first time I've been in 10 years so I'm uber pumped.

On that note, I'll try to pre-write as much as I could and I will have some downtime so I'll get in a few posts if I can't write this weekend.

Be sure to follow me on social media, all my handles are @bribrilukes, as I'll be documenting the trip. Also, I'll be vlogging (YAY) so you'll have some videos when I come back. If you haven't subscribed to my Youtube channel, subscribe now, please & thank you!

Now, onto the real reason we are here... let's talk about spring! Now, onto the real reason we are here... let's talk about spring! I was introduced to the excited team at iRazoo a few weeks ago and their paid surveys, games and video options, got me thinking about Springtime inspiration and all the things there are to do and try out; so here we go!

Spring is not my favorite season and I dread it every year, but once it rolls around I'm happy to have it. I love light jacket or no jacket weather, a mild breeze with 60-70 degree weather, and just being comfortable. Not hot, not cold, just right.

It's the summer I truly hate and I should stop lumping the seasons together because they are not alike.

We haven't had too much spring here in New York; there's been lots of rain and windy weather but I'm sure things will turn around soon.



On that note, there are many ways to make the most out of spring, even if the weather isn't ready to follow.

1. Revamp your makeup routine: I love to do this whenever the seasons change. I start to use more tinted moisturizers, lighter eyeshadow colors, more 'minimal makeup' and try out a bolder color lip, like pink or coral. My favorite thing to do is switch out my nail polishes. I'm currently wearing a hot pink that will hopefully make it's way into Manicure Monday at some point. After wearing so many dark colors, I'm really excited to wear hot pinks, neon coral, and bright blue!

2. Wardrobe Change: I love fall and winter clothes so much, but I do like not wearing a jacket. In spring, I like to break out light sweaters and ballet flats; it's pretty much my go-to. I just purchased some new clothes and shoes from J.Crew and finally bought a jean jacket so I'm excited for that. I think changing up your wardrobe and buying a few new pieces to add to your collection is a great way to ensure a good spring.



3. Plan a road trip/fun plans: The key to being 'happy' during any season is making plans, I'm pretty sure of that. Once spring rolls around I like to plan something, whether it's a baseball game, a brunch, or a small road trip to another state. Having plans throughout the weeks will guarantee peace of mine and a good spring season.

4. Redecorate: Ever since moving into my new house and having my own room again I've been really into interior design. I loved decorating for fall and Christmas and I've loved transitioning my room to spring. With lighter color pillows, and blankets, new candles, and a few other fun trinkets. It's a great way to put yourself in the spring mood!

Open the windows, throw on a denim jacket, and put on some pink lipstick because spring is here!

Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
B

I was never the fashion girl, says the girl who has been running a lifestyle blog since 2012. I wore simple things from simple stores, but always envied those who knew how to put an outfit together.

I've definitely gotten better in the past few years, since discovering the online world of my favorite fashion bloggers and taking inspiration from them. I still struggle, mostly because I think I'm too big to pull off a lot of outfits that I see but I'm more confident than I used to be. Well, so I think.

While I owe a lot of that to my fav bloggers, I owe so much of that to Nordstrom.



When I was younger, Bloomingdales was my favorite store ever. I mean, there was Juicy Couture for miles and my mom took a liking to legendary Bloomies more than Nordstrom. I also thought Bloomingdales was just more glamorous. I hated going into Nordstrom and didn't give it a second glance.

That is, until I discovered online shopping and the fact that Nordstrom had free shipping and free returns, and that there return policy was a thing from the heavens. When I started Royally Pink and started following other bloggers, I saw that the Nordstrom Anniversary sale was a huge deal, that's the moment I fell for the big time department store.

When I got my Nordstrom credit card in 2015, just in time for the big sale, I fell deeper in love and it's been the most intense relationship of my life.... that's a total lie but hey, it's up there!

Now, the Nordstrom app is a permanent fixture on my phone (I even have Touch Id to login) and I am constantly searching the New Arrivals Section.

The beauty and shoe department is some of the best in the business, and now Nordstrom even does price matching, so if something is for sale on Rebecca Minkoff, it's on sale at Nordstrom where you can use your credit card, Nordstrom Notes, and the return policy stands.

I love that Nordstrom has clothes for any price and any size. If you want a $30 LUSH shirt or a $600 Burberry Jacket, they have both and you can get both at the same time.

Nordstrom has THE BEST customer service I've ever experienced and the website is a true dream -- and I work in E-Commerce.

If you think Nordstrom is the kind of retailer that doesn't ever go on sale, you'd be surprised at how often items are on sale there.

I've already mentioned free shipping & returns, on any price point, right?

Nordstrom is my dream retailer; it's my one stop shop for everything and anything. I will shop there forever and ever and this post has been a longtime coming.

Besides American Eagle (for jeans) and JCrew, Nordstrom is the only place I shop for clothes.... or shop for pretty much anything.

I love you, Nordstrom. Thank you for feeding this addiction I have for nice, pretty things!

Below are some of my favorites & must-haves that Nordstrom is currently caring:


xoxo
B

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I have trouble with shoes. 

No matter which shoes I wear, I'm in constant pain (expect if I'm in Uggs) and no matter what shoes I wear, they get destroyed.

I have to buy new shoes once every season because the ones from previous year are ruined. It could be because I'm very hard on my feet, or because I am in the subway & walking in the city and the ground is rough and dirty. 

I don't know why my shoes (and good, expensive shoes) get horribly destroyed but more often than not my mom will look at me and say "Did you go mountain hiking? What happened?".

Combine that with the constant pain, and like I said, I have a shoe problem.

I'm not even talking about heels-- forget heels! I wore heel booties to GenBeauty (WHY) and my feet were numb for over a week. I wore another pair of heel booties to a work event that I was at for maybe 3-4 hours and I almost started to cry because I was in so much pain.

My feet do not take well to heels, therefore I cannot wear them & I pretty much refuse to wear them.

That is, until Sole Patches came into my life. I was gifted these by the company through BrandBacker and it came right after the work event debacle so I jumped at the chance. I tried wearing regular insoles I picked up from Duane Reade and they just didn't work, so I thought maybe these would be a good idea.




Sole Patches are just little adhesive pads that attach to your feet or to the inside of your shoe to relieve pain and make shoes a little more comfy. They prevent your feet from sliding forward and can withstand 24 hours of wear.

If you want to be able to wear these more than once, they recommend sticking them to the shoe instead of your feet because once the day is over and you remove from the bottom of your foot, there is no going back.

I have a pack of 6 Sole Patches and they're shaped like a little flower which I think is a great shape because it covers a larger circumference of your foot.

I've used these twice, both with boots. I haven't tried them on heels yet because as you read before, I'm just terrified of them. I tried them with my Jack Rogers booties which have a bit of a heel & a pair of riding boots that have a heel. I placed them on my feet, under my socks and it was a bit uncomfortable at first but you get used to it.

These shoes do hurt me if I'm wearing them long enough but with these patches, I felt like I had that extra layer of support. They worked really well and the next time I wear heels I'll be sure to try them out!

What are your feet solutions?

xoxo
B

For once, I think January went by rather slow & I'm very grateful for that. I always feel like January goes the slowest of the year. It's the first month of a new year and a fresh start; as sad as I am to see Christmas go, I am excited for the new year so January is one of my favorite months.

February? Not so much & it's pretty much downhill from here and I'm already counting down the days until September & Fall... is that bad? I just wish it was fall & winter year round; I think I need to move Iceland or Alaska or somewhere extremely cold.

Anyways... So far, 2017 has been pretty ok & it's a good feeling. There were lots of different kinds of favorites this month, not as many beauty items & a lot of fashion/accessories. As I've mentioned before, I'm not buying that many beauty products but goodness me, I want too. I've really caught the beauty bug again and have been stalking the Sephora website.

In the meanwhile, I've been obsessing over a few accessories and other things.



1. Louis Vuitton Pouchette: I talked all about this item in a post last week and I just have been loving it. I went to the Poconos this weekend and used this as my all in one wallet/bag & it was a pleasure. I'm not sure if I mentioned it the last time but this is a pouch that comes with the Neverfull MM. A pouch also comes with the GM Neverfull bag and is bigger than this one, since the GM is bigger.

2. Tory Burch Gemini Link Tote: I bought this bag on a whim in the beginning of the month & I'm head over heels. I wanted a new tote for work, something was structured but still had some give to it. I like to switch my work bags a lot and I thought this was perfect to add to the collection. It's a decent size, not too big or too small, has one interior pocket, and is a sleek canvas. It feels like a plastic covering but doesn't look or feel cheap. It's a perfect all in one tote for work, school, or travel.

3. Laura Geller Brighten & Conceal Concealer: Concealer is my #1 favorite beauty product ever & I'm always looking for the next best thing. I was getting bored with my collection & decided to take something from work that I haven't really tried. I've used this item in the past but I changed my color from Fair to Porcelain. I've noticed that when I don't wear foundation, my concealer is really dark (duh!) and I needed something lighter for days when I just want concealer. This bad boy is my new favorite. It's easy to apply, blendable, and really covers up the dark circles. It's not a full coverage concealer but it's perfect for no makeup makeup days.

4. First Aid Beauty Color Correcting Cushion: The moment I saw this I knew I had to have it. I love First Aid Beauty so much, I love cushion products, and I love color correcting; combine them and you have a winner. I'm not 100% sure how this product should work but I use it as a primer. It evens my skin out & just makes everything look better. I've never noticed such a difference of when I wear this & when I don't. It's my new favorite beauty product.

Hope you all enjoyed January!

xoxo
B

We're in the full throws of the fall season and this past weekend, I felt the true feeling of fall. Saturday, in NYC, we had shitty weather and it was very humid but Sunday & Monday it made up for it. It was raining Sunday but the perfect fall rain, with the perfect chill in the air...

I was so in my zone; windows open, candles lit, and I watched Halloween movies all day. It was truly the perfect fall day... and it got me thinking about this post. I have so many opinions about this lovely season, and I pretty much mention the fact that I love fall in every single post (I'm sorry!)

There are so many things that are my "favorite" on a daily basis, but particularly during the fall season, my love of items comes out to play pretty strongly.

I wanted to do a round up post of the best fall items to have for the season, and what my favorites at the moment are. Everything from beauty to home to fashion, these are my must-haves for the season.

A few special callouts:

ShopEvilQueen Candles (I mentioned these in my Monthly Muse post) Bath and Body Works Candles -- Pumpkin Pecan Waffles is my FAV right now Kittenish by Jessie James Decker Chunky Beanie Pumpkin Spice Granola Hocus Pocus

This post is brought to you by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners.

I attended Her Campus College Fashion Week in New York City over the weekend, and my goodness it was incredible.

I've been to a lot of conferences and "blogger" events over the years but I think this was my favorite. Clothes, beauty, food, and goodie bags... it was just the ultimate girls night out.

The event was held in Manhattan and I arrived at 5:45, escorted in by some HerCampus staff, along with other InfluenceHer bloggers who were covering the event.





The event venue was huge, and all white -- it was the perfect spot for a fashion show. I was inside by 6 PM and the show didn't start until a little after 7, so I had plenty of time to look through my goodie bag, and roam around to see all the sponsor tables.



There were a few tables set up: Maidenform, Insomnia Cookies, a candy table, Bertha Watches, European Wax Center, Boxed Water, and KIND bars. You bet your sweet butt that I got myself loads of candies & Insomnia Cookies, along with a KIND bar (I think it was a new flavor called Roasted Nuts & Honey -- SO GOOD), and Boxed Water, which I've never had.





I also got a brow consolation at the European Wax Center station; a gorgeous, lovely women named Natalie helped me out. My brows are pretty bold, but I never could seem to get them right, no matter how much I try. She transformed my brows with some European Wax Center products, and they looked super clean, precise, and perfectly bold. I definitely won't be able to achieve that on my own but ugh, they looked so good!

Soon enough I found my seat and the show started; they had 4 different sections: Rush, Festival, Study Chic, and Girls' Night Out: my favorite shows were definitely Study Chic & Girls' Night Out. They had REAL college girls modeling and the clothes were created by MySocialCanvas & Bow and Drape (one of my favorite designers). The looks were completed by FitBit, Vince Camuto, Perfumania, and Rebecca Minkoff, and honestly, I didn't even think a Bow & Drape sweatshirt could look THAT good. I was totally inspired to switch up how I wear my Bow & Drape sweatshirts a little more fashionably.







The show was over before the sloted 9 PM time, but I was more than happy to get home and dive into my goodie bag.

I got a VIP bag & special influencer gifts, and my goodness, this had to be the best giftbag I've ever received at an event.

The VIP bag had a FULL SIZE Triple Sec from DryBar (we all know how much I love that brand), a coupon for a FREE FitBit Flex 2, a PeopleStyle Watch Magazine, a bag of SkinnyPOP, some HerCampus swag, and lots of coupons!

The bag itself is adorable; usually the bags from these events aren't that nice, but how adorable is the winking face?

Now, the really good stuff -- I was so excited to get a 2nd goodie bag, specially from HerCampus. This was the jackpot: a Rebecca Minkoff makeup bag, a Lavendar FitBit Flex2, Essie Nail Polish, a free blowout from DryBar and a Vince Camuto perfume! Does it really get any better than that? I don't think so.












All in all, it was a fabulous event. I think if you're interested in fashion, beauty, and fun events like this, you would love it. It's just a great night out -- and don't be fooled, just because it's called College Fashion Week, doesn't mean you have to be in college to enjoy it, take it from me!

This post is brought to you by Her Campus Media and its College Fashion Week brand partners.

You may be looking at the title and be thinking, 'But Briana, you're not IN college anymore."

That is very true, but I still consider myself of college age, and my heart will always be in the college age. I grew up a lot in college and became a different person. I made life long friends, and have memories that will last me my lifetime.

Because of that, I am always partial to college based things. I want everyone to have the experience I did, and one of those things is taking advantage of everything around you. Whether it's the free pizza at a club meeting, or an intern event in Manhattan, do everything that relates to college students. It'll make everything that much better!

On that note, I want to tell you all about a special event happening this weekend, hosted by the fabulous, HerCampus (we all know how BIG of a fan I am of HerCampus!)

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I'm always a deep lover of handbags and buy them all year round. It's been that way since I was a teeny tot; I just loved carrying everything with me at all times, and loved having a variety of bags to showcase my belongings.

As I've gotten older, my tastes have changed and the addiction is worse than ever, with the discovery of new brands and different types of handbags: totes, shoulder bags, satchels, crossbody clutches, etc.

Like I stated previously, I buy handbags all year round; some are impulse purchases, some I've had my eye on for months, even years! The fall, however, truly brings out the handbag lover in me. Maybe it's the deep, dark colors, or the release of the fall collections but I become an obsessive madwoman and want every single bag in creation.

With the fall season fast approaching, I feel that familiar itch and I've been lusting after so many different styles:

Here are some of my top picks:

It's the 3rd day of the sale and I already shopped it... because I'm an overachiever when it comes to shopping. And I also don't want my favorite must-haves to sell out. Last year was the first time I ever truly shopped the sale and got some staple pieces. I knew this year wouldn't be so different.

For those who don't know, the sale comes once a year and starts in the month of July. They have incredible deals on designer items and exclusive items to the sale. The best part is that these aren't items from last season or summer items on clearance; they're fall items that are for THIS SEASON.

It's the perfect time to stock up on some great sweaters, or staple items like boots or coats. I wasn't that impressed with the shoe selection but I quickly racked up the items in my cart; some I was looking for and others were a surprise:

The sale is open for Nordstrom cardholders until July 22nd and then it opens to the public. If you are a cardholder, I recommend shopping sooner rather than later. I was looking at a sweater yesterday and it already sold out.








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I've been in a real Lilly Pulitzer mood lately. There will be times when I don't even browse the Lilly website and then other times when I am tracking the hashtag on Instagram to find out what new things people are wearing/buying/styling.

I can finally afford *some Lilly dresses and I treated myself to one at the start of the summer season. They're perfect for work in New York -- the bright colors make me feel slightly brighter & better on the gross, dirty, and dark NYC subway.

I've been lusting after a lot of Lilly: shirts, dresses, bags, and everything in between. I feel like the clothing prints have gotten a lot more tasteful in the past few years and are actually more wearable than those prints of the past. I'm really feeling it.

This is the dress I purchased a few weeks back. It's perfect for work or a daytime BBQ. It's not too short and it fits slightly loose so it's not uber tight & uncomfortable. It's a great dress to have in your arsenal in the summertime.

Purchase here

Here's everything else I want:


What have you been loving and lusting?

This post was not planned at all, I moved some things around but stay tuned for an exciting post (and possible giveaway for tomorrow!)

Over the long snowy weekend, I obviously did some window shopping on the Internet and stumbled across the retailer ILY. I have never heard of this online boutique before (let me know if you have) but I immediately fell in love with every piece of clothing on their website.

They have the most beautiful sweaters I've ever seen and they have the graphic sweatshirts that are very on trend right now.

I just had to share because I want/need everything!