the social media inspired world of luxury

This post is mostly about Louis Vuitton … and how super easy it is to get sucked ALL THE WAY in. Instagram and YouTube are mostly the culprits that reel me in. One day I stumbled upon videos on YouTube of people showing off their collections (a cool way to refer to someone’s stash of designer pieces), what’s in my bag videos (what they carry on a daily basis), un-boxings (new product reveals), reviews (what they like  and don’t like ) and finally wear & tear videos (how a handbag is holding up after 1 year, etc.) Oh … you didn’t know? This is entirely a thing! I even made a couple of videos of my own (#WIMB Gucci Soho Disco, #Bag Swap … peep the actual view count from my videos… 👀).

There are hundreds of channels on YouTube (like tv stations) devoted to luxury goods. There’s one particular YouTuber, Minks4All, who produces a weekly Q&A answering all kinds of questions from users…  It’s a coordinated production! She talks about price increases, bag trends, compares bags across designers, all kinds of stuff (I watch it EVERY WEEK… she was 880k subscribers). BTW, one other term I learned watching YouTube is Small Leather Goods (SLG’s) – those are all the designer items that are not handbags (wallets, coin purses, makeup bags, key holders, etc.). And at Holiday time, you can almost always find shopping guides, like from the YouTuber Tracy Hensel. She will do about 3 videos in varying price points. JUST BEWARE OF CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS… IF YOU LEARN SOMEONE OVER TIME AND THEY ALL OF A SUDDEN START RECOMMENDING RANDOM PRODUCTS, YOU’LL KNOW ITS PAID AND TO #IGNORE IT.

Top luxury designers are Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior.

Then there’s Instagram… where one hashtag can change your life! Thinking about getting a certain bag? You can search for it and see how others are styling or wearing it, like the hashtag #lvneverfullmm for Louis Vuitton’s most popular popular tote, the Neverfull. This is how I ended up with my diaper bag, using the hashtag #totesavvy. Using social media platforms to RESEARCH before you BUY is a MUST! Long gone are they days of solely using stock photos from corporate websites to make purchasing decisions.

 

I must admit that I used to watch those videos and wonder how in the world they ended up with such large collections (so many pieces)! … until I realized that I had quite a large collection myself. The answer is either you’re rich … or it was developed over TIME (6 months to a couple of years). I’m actually thinking of posting a collection video myself 💁🏽‍♀️ 👛 (stay tuned to my YouTube Channel just in case something pops up). #pursequeen

Before I end this post, here is the complete list of YouTubers I follow: JerushaCouture (the OG), HappyStylishMommy, 408california408, Kristina BralyLuxMommy, LuxPurseLove, Just Jennifer, HaveLouisWillTravel You can find them all on Instagram as well.

2017 Favorite Things

My favorite post every year! Enjoy the spectacular items mentioned below for yourself, sister, mother, girlfriend, wife or BFF! As always I only recommend things I absolutely love and have purchased with my own coins! Prices range from $12 to $400+. (See also 2016, 2015, 20142013)

Bath & Body: All things L’Occitane! I am IN LOVE with this company and on my next international trip I will be making a serious extra effort to visit one their SPA’s. I personally use two of their scents: Shea Butter Body and Hand Cream – I keep one in my car, at work, in my handbag and on my nightstand. I also use the Almond line: Shower oil, Supple skin oil and Milk Concentrate. LOVE!!! LOVE!!! LOVE!!! 😍

Accessories: I found a couple of wonderful scarves (Gucci, Banana Republic), a black card holder (Saint Laurent), a black Apple watch band (Casetify) and a gold sparkly pen (Swarovoski).

Skincare and Makeup: These two categories deserve a post all by themselves (stay tuned…) because I WENT IT! For the purpose of this post – gift ideas- I will just mention a fancy compact mirror (Chanel), lipstick (Saint Laurent) and Lila Eyeshadow Palette (Natasha Denona).

Are you still with me? Good! Because this is year FIVE (5) of Bri’s favorite things I am going to do a giveaway!!! The gift will be a Shea Butter hand cream – my absolute favorite!!! To enter, send me an email and tell me your favorite item from this year’s FAVORITE THINGS. The winner will be notified via email on Christmas Day! Good luck!!!!

Bri’s Favorite Things 2016

So, beautiful people… it’s time for Bri’s Favorite Things 2016! Looking over my list, I can truly say that ACCESSORIES definitely stole the year! If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you already know the deal:

  1. Shopping is easy when you buy the things you love for the people you love
  2. I only recommend things I’ve actually purchased for myself ❤️❤️❤️

There are more than twenty-five items this year!!! 😳 All super fabulous, of course. ☺️ If you’re a guy and need ideas for your gal, this list is for you! If you’re a girl shopping for your mom, sister, neice, cousin, BFF (or for yourself 😉), this list is also for you!

Enjoy!!!

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Louis Vuitton Large Ring Agenda CoverMichael Kors Jeweled Keaton Slip-On Sneaker,   J. Crew Tippi SweaterPandora Shimmering Rose EarringsLouis Vuitton Pochette Felicie, Philosophy Just Release Me Makeup RemoverThe New Jim CrowKenneth Cole Nap PillowCole Haan Tali Bow FlatGucci Soho Discho Handbag, Chanel No 5 Eau de Toilette Spray, Ralph Lauren Slipper Bootie, EllandEmm Vogue Sweatshirt, Louis Vuitton Key Pouch, Pandora Alluring Brilliant Ring, Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch, Sticky Notes (Fancy, Marble), Banana Republic Moonless Night Long-Sleeve Cozy Top, Neutral T-Shirt, Nike Free RN Running ShoeNike Featherlight Baseball Cap50 for Your Future, Solange A Seat At The Table

See Also: Bri’s Favorite Things 201520142013

Fall Nails

I read an article in Real Simple this morning about the best nail colors to try now. It missed the mark completely and actually left me thinking, “Huh?” If you don’t believe me, check it out here. I’m almost certain you will be left feeling underwhelmed (ok, they did get one right). Anyhoo, that means there’s only one thing left for me to do – and that’s to share my own list! So here are The Top 5 Nail Polishes you will need for the Fall:

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Essie Leggy Legend

Leggy Legend by Essie is absolutely everything! It is an amazing color and is sold out almost everywhere online. People are raving about this color all over social media. Don’t believe me? #hashtag it! The “color” is also featured in Essence Magazine’s September issue – all the stars are wearing it! I managed to snag mine at Macy’s and am just waiting for the perfect occasion to pull it out! Essie’s entire Fall lineup is actually really great and you can’t go wrong with either one. (2nd fav in this lineup is In The Lobby ). $8.50 USD

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Nars Night Flight

Gucci’s Absolute Purple is next up and I’ve already told you before how much I love this color. $29 USD. You also need a vibrant bordeaux (as in wine) – I prefer Essie’s Bordaux ($8.50 USD). It’s a classic that sales out fast every year, good luck finding it. You also need a great navy. Honestly the jury is still out on this one but the next one I’m going to try is Nars Night Flight $20 USD. Finally, you need a great neutral / flesh tone / natural looking color. It could be in the nude, brown or gray family, whatever suits your taste. The one that fits my fancy is Dior’s Palais Royal $27 USD. Everybody’s skin tone is different so you must find the one that best fits you (just like with all other makeup). If you need some help, #hashtagit, look for pics of people who have similar skin tones similar to yours and try it out!

So there you have it! Spend $100 or so on a few staples for the Fall and rotate. You’ll be all set for the next 6-8 months (depending on where you live!).

PSA: images not my own