Since the beginning of 2019, I have purchased at least four handbags. I've sold a few too, but mostly purchasing and if that doesn't tell you I have a handbag problem, I don't know what will. Maybe if I tell you there are at least three more handbags on my wishlist and I hope to procure before the summer begins.

We will see...

However, for today, I'm discussing one of the latest additions to my Rebecca Minkoff handbag collection; the Rebecca Minkoff Edie Flap Backpack.



I've already raved about my Edie Flap Shoulder Bag and now it's the backpack's turn. I was never a huge backpack lover when the trend first came on the scene, but like all good trends, it grew on me. I found a way to make it my own without going overboard and I think the Edie Flap Backpack is a great way to incorporate the trend into my style.

I chose to buy this preloved to save about 50% off the retail cost, and I loved the color. The shade is called 'Doe' and is exclusive to Revolve, but I thought it was a great contrast to some of the other bags in my collection. It is also a color that I would feel comfortable wearing year round and it's nice to have a lighter bag going into the spring months.

This backpack is by no means large but it is not as small as my Kate Spade backpacks. It's the ideal everyday bag, and would make a great travel companion but for me it's not something I would take back and forth to work or school... just because I carry everything and the kitchen sink.

It's a very comfortable bag to wear and doesn't get too heavy -- I pack it to the brim with my items when I'm out and about, and I don't feel weighed down like I might with a normal shoulder bag.

All in all, I love this bag and it's a great backpack -- it's not too big or too small, is super comfortable and the quality is amazing. I also love the quilted detail because it feels more luxurious and I think it adds to the comfort level.

You can see the bag and my full review in my Youtube video!

I've been doing better with my shopping, or so I tell myself, but I still cannot kick my handbag addiction. There are so many bags that have been coming out and I want them all; I can't get them out of my head and this was one that started it all.

The Rebecca Minkoff Edie Flap Bag was released in early Fall and when I saw it, I fell in love. I don't remember the last time I fell in love with a bag the way I fell in love with this one. I couldn't stop thinking about it and I logged onto the Rebecca Minkoff website at least once a day to stare at it. I'm not joking, I had dreams about it... that's how obsessed I was.

While the Edie comes in a variety of colors, I fell head over heels for the grey one. I didn't have a grey bag in my collection and grey is one of my favorite neutrals, so it was no surprise that this one sang to me.



The silhouette, the grey hue (grey isn't available anymore in the large but is available in the small), the silver double chain, and the quilting all drew me in. While I know this isn't necessarily a 'dupe' for Chanel, it definitely reminds me of Chanel and that is one of the reasons I needed to have it. I wanted that gorgeous, quilted bag so badly and I finally bought it for myself around my birthday.

I've been using it for a few months and I can wholeheartedly say, this is one of my new favorite bags. It's very spacious, comfortable to wear, and versatile. It's made of very soft material and looks just gorgeous with everything because like I said, grey is definitely a neutral.

I did a full review and what's in my bag video a few weeks ago to take a full look at everything this bag has to offer!



Rebecca Minkoff has expanded the range of Edie to include metallic finishes, backpacks (which I also have and a review will be coming soon), belt bags, mini shoulder bags, and clutches. I love the entire line because of the gorgeous quilting and the classic look and feel of the bag!

Will you be picking up one of the new Edie bags?
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!

There was a time when I was doing ok with controlling my handbag collection. I had sold a lot and wasn't buying any... I thought I had got it all under control.

Then, recently, something came over me and I just caught the bug again. I want all the handbags... I need all the handbags.

Everyone (cough Kate Spade cough) is coming out with their fall collections and I'm drooling hardcore. I also want to add a Louis Vuitton handbag to my collection so I have my eye on a lot of pre-loved items.



I've already given in to a want and purchased this gorgeous Rebecca Minkoff velvet bag from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I've always wanted one of her 'Love' bags and I thought this velvet one was just gorgeous. Velvet is super in so I'm ahead of the trend for once!

Here's what's on my wishlist right now:




Kate Spade Cameron Street Perforated Large Lane: I have the small lane from last year's collection but when I saw this larger version in the perforated leather with rose detailing, especially in the Dolce color, I almost lost my mind. I haven't been able to think of anything for the past few weeks and I'm surprised I haven't just gone off the deep end and splurged. I'm trying to be responsible.



Rebecca Minkoff Leo Nubuck Clutch: I've been seeing this all over my Instagram feed and I just found it on Nordstrom.com. I love the color and the embroidered roses -- so on trend and perfect for the fall and winter.



Kate Spade Olive Street Brigette: I've started following a lot of the Kate Spade sales associates on Instagram.. their accounts are popping up all over and I can't get enough of the sneak peeks. Well, the Fifth Ave Muses posted this over the weekend and I lost my shit. How stunning is this? The satchel shape? The big bow? The color? I did some research and I think this was part of an older collection and they're bringing it back. It'll be available in August online but may be in stores now!



Louis Vuitton Pochette Metis: I have not stopped thinking of this bag in months. I need it. I want it. It's so pretty. I saw it in person for the first time on the train yesterday and I almost fell up the escalator. I have a Speedy 30 and it's amazing but the Pochette Metis is modern and classic at the same time. Please go look up a review on Youtube because this bag is something everyone should have.

Below are a few more handbags I've had my eye on (just not as much as the ones listed above)




What's on your wishlist this Wednesday? 
xoxo
B
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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*  

Ever since I was young, I was obsessed with tech. I've been using a computer since I was around 5 years old, playing games and using AOL. I was the only one in my house that could fix computers, phones, and televisions-- since I was around 8 years old.

As I've gotten older I've fallen more in love with technology. It may be an odd thing to say but it's the truth. When I was 13 years old, all I wanted for my birthday was a Sidekick II; my parents played a mean trick on me and handed me a shoe box for my present. I thought I got shoes, but then I opened it up and inside was the Sidekick wrapped in tissue paper. I actually started screaming & crying as if my parents just gifted me a car. It was then that I knew my love of technology was real.

Since then, I've gone through countless phones, computers, tablets and cases. I've had everything from Nextel to Dell to Macbooks & iPhones. That being said, I love to accessorize those tech items.

Combining my love of accessories with my love of technology has always been my favorite thing. Now, it's even easier because so many brands are coming out with tech accessories & I'm giving them all the business.

Here are some of my favorites:

Kate Spade Portable Charger Henri Bendel Phone Case Kate Spade Selfie Button Pinch Provisions Screen Queen Kit Kate Spade iPhone Folio Rebecca Minkoff Charging Wristlet (The charging version is no longer available, just the regular one, here)

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend -- we had the first blizzard of 2017 in New York and it was glorious. I spent Saturday cuddled in bed, watching the first two seasons of Vanderpump Rules as the snow fell outside my window and I thought I was in heaven.

Anyways... what better way to start the week than a what's in my work bag! I did this post almost three years ago, and it was time for an update. I don't carry nearly as much stuff in my bag as I did the last time I wrote this post, mostly because I don't need to carry my laptop back and forth. Also, I just couldn't handle carrying such a heavy bag back and forth on the subway.



I do keep the essentials with me, and on a daily basis, add in my breakfast & lunch to the bag. I also switch up bags a lot... below are a few other of my favorite work bags. However, this is my current bag and it's one of my favorites. I want to use it as much as possible because of the felt material -- it's definitely not a spring/summer bag so I want to get as much use of it as possible.

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!

Does anyone else suffer from hayfever allergies? If so, I think this week was rough for you too. My allergies knocked me out, from making my eyes swollen, to making my body work overtime and making me beyond exhausted.

Dam you Springtime!

I'm currently sitting in my pajamas, on a Friday night, with eye gel masks on my undereyes and waiting for water to boil to make myself pasta. Ah, how times have changed in two years!

I'm slowly creeping up on 2 years since graduation and that is the most disgusting thought I've ever had. I can't believe it's been TWO YEARS since I was last a college student. Everything is still so fresh in my mind, and it's very scary how time goes so fast. I will do a post grad/adulthood (I guess I should call it adulthood now) very soon to talk about my feelings on that.

Tomorrow I have to wake up at 5 AM to go to a work event in Pennsylvania -- I'm driving down and then driving home in the same day. Almost 5 hours in the car? Sign me up! #sarcasm

Either way, I'll have a relaxing Saturday night & Sunday and then next weekend is my cousin's wedding. It's definitely been a busy month for Briana and it doesn't seem to be slowing down soon.

This week was also a turning point because I realized the severity of my shopping problem. It took a turn for the worst this week and it was a huge wakeup call.

I will not be buying anything frivolous anymore and I'm really going to get a hold on my finances. It's time.

But... the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale was this week and as a sendoff gift, I bought this beauty



It's still available as are other items so run, don't walk to the website!



Besides the sale, here's what else I loved this week:

Riley Curry is the GOAT

This season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians is the best yet... and this is why

Instagram beauty is the future'

I started drinking hot water with lemonthis week and it is life changing.

Got your 8-9 hours of sleep? Still feel like shit? This may be why.

Ugh, summer beauty is THE BEST

Too Faced is BAE

What did you love this week?

The weather in New York has been...well rather less than appealing. I love cold weather more than anyone I've ever met but to be wearing a jacket in May and having cold rain for a week straight is less than ideal.

That being said, I have not yet broken into my spring essentials. I switched my closet over a while ago but thankfully I didn't put all my winter clothes away... or better said, I didn't take all my spring & summer clothes out.

I'm hoping that the last of the bad weather is behind us because I can definitely get on board with nice weather (70 degrees & a light breeze is my ideal). If this is the case, I need some more spring clothes & accessories. I much prefer shopping for the winter and I always have more clothes for the cold months.

When spring & summer roll around, I do a nice amount of shopping for clothes and shoes. Shoes are something I'm always in desperate need of, no matter the season.

I've put off buying until now, waiting to see what I have and what I needed.

I'm looking more toward casual & chic this spring, especially things I can wear to work. Last summer was all about comfort, and I'll never let go of that, but I want to be slightly more fashionable.

We'll see if I end up getting any of these items!

I hate February almost as much as I hate March, April, and May. Today starts my utter hatred for the next few months. What a positive way to start off Monday morning!!!

I just really prefer September-January. Sorry not sorry.. I'm just a true winter type of gal and February signifies the end of winter and Spring is around the corner. UGH.

Anyways, January went kind of slow and kind of fast. That's been my conclusion of the past few months actually. Slow and fast at the same time, which I'm kind of ok with.

During the month of January, I tried so many new things. It was just something new everyday and I loved it, which is why I have quite a few favorites.

• PUR Cosmetics HydraFluid Water Serum Foundation: I won't get too into this because I ranted and raved about it in a review last week. It's an amazing foundation and the only one I've been reaching for all month. Great coverage, hydrating, and leaves my skin smooth and flawless. That's pretty much everything I look for in a foundation. It's my #1 right now

• First Aid Beauty Lip Treatment Balm: I've been on the hunt for a new lip balm that actually works. My lips are dry, cracked, chapped, and itchy-- really attractive, I know. I just needed and wanted something that worked and this bad boy has been that for me. I have a lip balm post coming because I've found a few that work great but this one takes the cake. It's minty yet hydrating, and thick but not too thick. I really have been enjoying it and it's helped a lot! 

• Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer: Concealers are my vice and this satisfied it this month. I was in the market for a new concealer and I just had to have this one. It's been raved about since it came out and all my favorite beauty bloggers adore it, so I knew I had to try it. It's very lightweight but full coverage so it covers all the darkness under my eyes. It blends out beautifully and it has a flat, wand applicator which is awesome. I wear the shade "Light Neutral" and I honestly can't get enough.

• HK Girl Topcoat: I raved about this top coat in a recent Manicure Monday but my love for it has just grown and grown. It's thick and it has a chemically smell but my goodness it works like a dream. My nail polish stays on for days and days without chips and stays very shiny. I used my Essie Gel Setter top coat one day this month and it chipped within a day. I immediately went back to this one and the difference is spectacular. I LOVE this top coat! 

• Rebecca Minkoff Medium M.A.B Tote: If concealers are my vice, handbags are my true high. I have a lot of handbags but I just always want more. A good handbag is everything to me and this month, I caught the bug. I always feel like I carry more things with me during the winter and my Kate Spade Cedar Street Hayden felt too small and I wanted/needed a new bag. I didn't want another Kate Spade because I wanted to try something different and then I remembered how much I lusted after Rebecca Minkoff. This gorgeous bag was on sale and Rebecca Minkoff was having an extra 25% off. I bought it immediately and haven't looked back. I get so many compliments on a daily basis and the bag is a lot bigger than it looks. I just love it so much and I'm so happy that I bought it.

• Henri Bendel Planner & Phone Case: I posted a photo of this in a recent post and raved about how much I loved the brand. These two items have not left my side. I usually change my phone cases a few times a month but I couldn't depart with this adorable one. I also already have a Lilly Pulitzer planner that I use on a daily basis and didn't think I'd get much use out of this baby, mini planner but boy was I wrong! It's perfect for throwing in my purse and just jotting down random things. I love it!