I've always had an extensive jewelry collection and storing it has always been an issue for me.



I've had every jewelry box under the sun, and even had a small mannequin stand to house all my pieces. However, nothing ever seemed good enough for me.

When I moved into this new apartment almost two years ago, I knew I wanted to be able to see all my jewelry so I could wear it all. I have a hard time using things I can't see. I also have a hard time wearing all my jewelry. I always go through phases where I don't want to wear certain types of jewelry. Right now, I can't stand wearing anything but rings and earrings... but I still want the option of knowing what I have in my collection.





When I moved in, I had the perfect idea. In my little shelving unit, where I house all of my lipsticks, I have the first shelf as my jewelry shelf.

My necklaces are divided amongst the metals; so I have silver hooks, rose gold hooks, and gold hooks. I love this type of organization because it makes everything so easy.

I have all my necklaces hung up on the side of the shelf, hanging on clear command hooks. My bracelets are in one jewelry dish while my rings are in a few others. (I have a lot of rings). My earrings lay in  4th jewelry dish, and this ensures that I can see all my pieces and have them go in and out of rotation.

It's not a really unique organization system but it works for me. Everything is seperated, on display, and gets used (when I'm in the mood). It's working for me for now!

Shop more trays and organization systems below:



How do you organize your jewelry to make sure everything is getting used?
xoxo
B

This can be the brunch lover or the Champagne lover because I am both and as far as I'm concerned, brunch & champs go hand in hand.

My drink of choice is now a mimosa and I can always go for a glass of Champagne whether it's morning, noon, or night.

I think the reason I love brunch so much is that I like day drinking, food, my friends, and being able to come home early. I hate going out at night to a bar... who decided that it was a good idea to go out at 10 PM and come home at 2 or 3? I'd much rather kill a day and come home at 5 or 6 PM. At least you have the rest of the night to relax or do something, that is if you're not too drunk.

Brunch has really become a phenomenon in recent years and there is so much fun, brunch themed items. None of these are really big ticket items but are fun little gifts to get your friends or put in someone's stocking.

Brunch Charging Clutch Target Prosecco Shirt SOCKART Brunch Crew Socks Workout Brunch Repeat Sweatshirt Pinch Provisions Brunch Kit Pinch Provisions Hangover Kit Kate Spade Pop Fizz Clink Coin Purse Wake Me For Mimosas Sleep Mask Slip Silk Pillowcase Press for Champagne Button

xoxo
B

It's no secret that I love the winter and I love winter clothes. I've been blissfully happy that it's been so cold and I can wear my heavy winter coats. As I write this, it's snowing outside and I can't wait to wear a hat and gloves tomorrow.

The thing I love most about winter clothes is all the fun, festive clothing that comes out during the holidays. I don't mean Santa costumes or hats, but I mean the fun sweaters, socks, and other clothing items that come out to show off your love for this holiday.

As I write this, I'm wearing a Noel sweatshirt that I got last year from ILY Couture and it's so comfortable and I just feel very festive wearing it.

The trend of graphic tees has trickled over into the holiday season so there is plenty to choose from.

Kate Spade Santa Tee Target Fa La La Latte Target Kiss Me at Midnight  Hot Sox Merry & Bright Sox Target Holiday Sweater Target Reindeer Socks

*Clearly Target has a great selection of holiday stuff

Stars Hollow Winter Sweatshirt ILY Couture Morning Person ILY Couture Noel Sweatshirt

Another week is over, the first full week of December and we're one day closer to Christmas. Since I hit my twenties, I feel like Christmas has never felt like Christmas but I make the most out of it every year. I thought this year would feel different because I was REALLY looking forward to it, but I am feeling the same.

It just doesn't feel like Christmas. I don't feel like I'm in the Christmas spirit -- maybe because it's a little warmer than usual. I'm doing my best, watching Freeform 25 Days of Christmas & sitting by the Christmas tree, but I feel like I really need to focus on being in the Christmas mood.

Does anyone else feel like that?

The Newsette has a new website & it's so cool! Sign up here

Also, has anyone else been addicted to playing HQ? I'm in the middle of a game right now and I'm so competitive with myself. I've only gotten up to question 6 on all my games and I get so frustrated -- I just want to win!


Last weekend I went out for my 25th birthday and my goodness, was it a lot of fun. I also got very, very sick so you know it was a good time.



This week, Mercury went into retrograde and boy did I feel it. I've been getting more into astrology lately and I really like it, it's very calming and comforting.



Ok, I will stop rambling... here are my links for the week!

• Kylie is releasing concealers & I am READY
• I'm very curious about Hemp CBD capsules to help with my anxiety... 
• How to stay productive when working from home
• Gifts for the person who has a long commute... yes please! 
• The Harry Potter theories get better and better as the days go on... 
• Weight Watchers introduced Freestyle this week and I am so excited for it! Will report back! 
• If you haven't read my Weight Watchers article yet on POPSUGAR yet, go read it! 

With the entire blogosphere in the blogmas/vlogmas spirit, I figured I'd try to join in as much as I can. Most of my content this month will be Christmas & winter related so I figured I could name it blogmas and just do as much as possible.

In the past few months, I have not purchased that much makeup. Nothing was catching my eye and I was pretty much set with everything I had. The new collections weren't as exciting to me as past ones so I was sitting a lot of new releases out.

That is until I saw NARS was expanding their Orgasm collection. Orgasm is one of the best selling blushes in the world and when I first got my hands on it many moons ago, I was drinking the Kool-Aid. It's a gorgeous color that seems like it would be common enough but it is so utterly perfect. It's a shimmery, peach, pink, coral color that flushes your cheeks with the perfect amount of glow. It's an obsession, a lifestyle...

So, when I saw that NARS was releasing a liquid version of their famous blush shade, as well as a lipstick, I jumped on that train immediately.

My obsession with cream products is making a full-force comeback this summer, just as it did last summer, so I needed to get my hands on this LIQUID (not cream) product.

I ordered both products from Sephora the moment they were available and I've fallen in love.

The blush comes in typical NARS packaging; frosted glass bottle and a matte black cap. There is a handy little pump but I kind of like unscrewing the top and dotting the blush straight from the little spatula.




First off, this baby blends like a dream. I suggest blending fast and not leaving to dry on your cheeks but when you do blend, it's very easy. I take a stippling brush and just swirl and dab lightly on the apples of my cheeks and backwards. It leaves the most perfect flush of color and a very light luminous finish.

There is no glitter or real shimmer to the liquid verison of Orgasm. The color is pretty much identical to the powder verison though.




I haven't tried it yet but I think layering the powder blush on top of the liquid would probbaly look amazing.

My favorite way to wear this blush is with a no makeup makeup look; just a perfect flush of color on your cheeks with some mascara and concealer, and you're set!

I talked about the blush in my latest Youtube video!



All in all, I think this is a must-have for everyone. If you're not into liquid/cream products, I do think you'd still like this because it's very easy to work with and doesn't leave a sticky or tacky feeling behind. If you're not into Orgasm, NARS has a few other colors you can try out! If you're hesistant, ask for a sample in Sephora -- or buy from a place like Sephora or Nordstrom because their return policies are GOLDEN!

This is for sure my favorite product for summer!

What's your beauty product for the summer?
xoxo
B

Who is sick of book reviews? I'd apologize but I really enjoy writing these posts. I love talking about books and I'm a reader before I'm a writer -- reading has been my safe haven since I was a child and for not one moment has that stopped.

I've become addicted to audiobooks because it allows me to "read" books even when I actually can't read it.

Years ago I would've never guessed that I'd be one for suspenseful and mystery novels but here we are. Most of the books I read, aside from self-help, memoirs, and career books, are mystery thriller novels. If this isn't your first book review Wednesday, you know this about me.

I've talked about the most f***ed up book I've ever read, Pretty Girls, but I honestly think this one beats it.

The Roanoke Girls was just released in March and has taken the publishing world by storm. I saw it on a lot of must-read lists and book reviews from other bloggers I read and I was completely drawn in by the summary.



Lane Roanoke has never met her mother's family; her mother fled the family home when she was 16 years old and pregnant. When her mother commits suicide, Lane is brought back to the place her mother left... with a new cousin, Allegra, grandparents, and an odd, old family house, Lane feels slightly at place in Kansas.

She meets a boy, makes some friends, and bonds with her new cousin. That is, until she discovers a dark, twisted, and disgusting family secret, which causes Lane to flee.

Now, Allegra is missing and it's 10 years later; Lane is forced to come back to face the reasons she left and to help find her cousin.

In classic thriller fashion, the book is told from past and present. You're constantly switching back and forth between Lane first arriving at Roanoke (which is what the family home is called) and her coming back after Allegra disappears.

But that's what Roanoke girls do, they disappear. No girl has ever left Roanoke and came back, expect Lane.

Before I get into the twisted secret, I want to say how much I loved this book. I loved all the characters and thought the development was great; I thought the writing was wonderful and the story was really well thought out. I think this is one of the best books I've read in a while, in terms of how it was written.

There is obviously a love story thrown in here between Lane and Cooper (Lane's old boyfriend from when she first moved to Roanoke) and it's something really powerful and what I find really romantic.

I love the history of Roanoke and I imagined the house so clearly in my mind; a house so rich with history and stories, with hidden passages and rooms... it's so interesting to me.

Now, onto the big part of the story.

I won't reveal anything but I advise you not to read any reviews on Amazon or Goodreads because pretty much everyone gives it away in the first words.

If you pay attention, you'll immediately pick up on it within the first 3 chapters. As the book continues, you'll be trying to remember which Roanoke girl is which and you'll figure it out. I say you'll figure it out because I did. Even though you may know what's happening, you won't really know until midway through the book when you're just like HOLY SHIT I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT'S ACTUALLY TRUE.

The ending of the book, when the mystery is solved, it's so satisfying and so beyond what you thought was going to happen. It's incredible

The Roanoke Girls is SO WEIRD and SO SICK but it's so interesting. If you're squeamish, you may not be able to handle it and I'd be lying if I said there were times when I didn't want to gag but it's such a good book.

I promise you, you won't be able to put it down and you'll want to finish it within a few hours of cracking it up.

If anyone reads it and wants to freak out over it, please email me 'briana@royallypink.com' -- I feel like I really need to discuss it with someone!

Happy reading :) 
xoxo
B

I've been talking about BrunchCon since I purchased tickets at the beginning of February. When I heard the words Brunch & Con together I knew I wanted to go but I didn't think I actually go. It felt like the type of event I thought about going to but never would; it was not the case this time!

My big and I (big sister in my sorority) purchased our tickets on a whim after G-Chatting her at work saying we should get them before they sold out. This was a Tuesday... they were sold out by Thursday.

I'd been counting down the days, getting all my brunch stuff ready, and just couldn't wait to be in my element with all the other basic bitches in Manhattan.

I don't know what I was expecting from BrunchCon but I just knew it would be a day of eating and drinking and lots of brunch fun.

BrunchCon NYC took place in downtown Brooklyn at the Grand Prospect Hall. It's a catering hall that was decorated so incredibly gaudy (extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless) to the point where it almost seemed ironic.

YOOOO These donuts were so GOOOOOOOOOD

I arrived at Grand Prospect Hall around 10:40 and my big was already on line. We were in the doors by 11, which is exactly what we were told. 

We waited on a few lines and were then checked in, handed 1 plate, 1 fork, 1 knife, and 1 champagne flute to last us the entire day. I thought this was really weird -- how am I expected to carry these things around while trying to enjoy myself and take photos? It just put me off a bit.

We checked our coats and went upstairs to the main room where all the vendors were. The way this was laid out was that there were different sections with different vendors. Once you went into a section you tasted all the vendors; once you were out, you couldn't go back in. BrunchCon officials were checking off your sections as you entered so you couldn't go back in once you were done.

We were able to go to every vendor and I wouldn't say I was disappointed, but almost confused. All the vendors were just giving out tastings of their food, no where near full size food. Maybe it was just me being naive but I was expecting bigger portions. 

There was everything from donuts to nachos to pastries to mac & cheese. I will say there was some food I didn't taste and vendors we skipped because they just weren't up to our liking. 

My favorite foods were: cheddar stuffed sausage from The Vanderbilt, biscuits from Butter & Scotch, cold brew coffee from Cafe Grumpy , and empanadas from a place I CANNOT REMEMBER! 

I had 2 delicious mimosas from the Mimosa Bar, a Margarita, a DELICIOUS cocktail from St. Germain Liquor, and a classic Moscato Spritzer from Barefoot. I had a nice buzz going on and honestly was full by the time I left but it could've been that I had just mixed too much liquor LOL

There was supposed to be a speed dating event and a hangover lounge but I did not see either of these things; also, it was incredibly messy. There was garbage EVERYWHERE; on the floor, on tables, on food vendors' tables. It was kind of gross. 

I personally had a good time; the lines were long but I didn't feel like I was really waiting in line because you basically just ate your way through the lines. It was crowded but I've been to GenBeauty and other conventions and they're just as crowded -- that's what happens at these things.

The reviews online about BrunchCon are HORRIBLE. Literally, if you're part of the Facebook group event, you'll see people ripping them apart. I do agree with almost everything they're saying; it wasn't organized enough, the trash pile up was gross, there wasn't enough alcohol, and I thought the portions were a joke. I still enjoyed myself though and stayed until the end. I had fun with my big and talked to a few people about what food and drinks they were enjoying. 

I personally don't think it was a disaster like others are saying online but it had it moments; I wouldn't  buy a ticket for next year and I don't know if I can honestly recommend the event. I had a good time but knowing what I know now, I'm not sure if it was worth a $55 ticket.

*I don't like doing bad reviews but I was planning on doing this post despite whether I had a grand ole time or not so here we are!

*I did find my new favorite coffee -- the Cafe Grumpy Cold Brew was so delicious I need to take stock in bottles!

Have you been to a BrunchCon? Were any of you there on Sunday? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo
B

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!