Last week we got a taste of Spring in Atlanta with temps of 70+ degrees. While the weather quickly shifted back to normal, that didn’t stop me from dreaming of a few new fresh items for Spring! Now, I’m definitely not saying I will purchase all these items…; but, they are “wants” and on my wish list. I stalk these websites regularly to check for sales. Hope you enjoy! Click the images to shop.
#nordstromeverything (mostly 💁🏽♀️)
Leather Slip on Sneaker by Frye – $200
Shoulder Bag by Saint Laurent (LOVE the color) – $3,150 😳 🤑
Fresh White Tee by Banana Republic – $30…. do yourself a favor and buy a couple of other colors as well.. black, gray, stripe, blue, red. #nowonsale for $17.70!
Tote Bag by Banana Republic – $60 Perfect for trips to the pool/beach. #nowonsale for $35.70!
Hair Ties by Slipsilk -$40
White Sneaker by Reebok – $70Red Roses cologne by Jo Malone… it’s PINK – $70
It’s that time again! For the 5th year in a row I’m publishing Bri’s Favorite Things, which can also be used a Holiday Gift Guide for your friends and loved ones. (See also: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Because it’s year FIVE, I’m going BIGGER and BETTER and offering you TONS of options, so…. BUCKLE UP!
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, 2014, 2013)
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 ButterBody 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!!! 😍
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!!!!
Everyday makeup. #NoMakeup makeup. #BestInBeauty. #HolyGrail. #RideOrDie. Or however else you want to call it! For 2017, it’s out with the cakey liquid and/or powder foundation and IN with Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Oil Moisturizer SPF 20. (there are three variations of this product – shown below). This stuff is the absolute very best for everyday use! I apply it with my fingers and top if off Laura’s Translucent Loose Setting Powderin my T Zone for shine /oil control. If you search for Laura Mercier on Sephora’s website and sort by best sellers, these two products are at the top of this list – and for good reason! The oil-free tinted moisturizer comes in 12 shades and contains vitamin C and E.
Laura Mercier’s original multitaskers perfectly blend skincare and makeup to give skin a healthy, no-makeup look with a soft hint of color and SPF protection. These lightweight formulas provide a natural appearance while adding a healthy glow to the complexion.
To top if all off, I also have Laura’s Original Eye Art Artist’s Palette (Sephora exclusive). SEE ALSO: Swatches on Dark Skin and Temptalia. I guess you can say this brand is a new favorite for me! And I ❤️ the packaging. Stay tuned for more beauty & skincare favorites.
Most bloggers share this kind of information on YouTube. I’ve watched many videos and I’m completely #over watching people take things in and out of bags. 😕
Over the past five (5) years I’ve taken at least fifteen (15) international trips and have had many more domestic excursions. Over time I have PERFECTED MY TRAVEL TECHNIQUE. It’s actually a fun experience for me! So I thought I would share all the fabulous items I take with me on trips (or on holiday as our European friends would say 😘). Before we start, let’s get one thing out of the way: I NEVER CHECK BAGS no matter where I’m going or for how long. I’ve made a carry-on suitcase and a tote/backpack work for two-week trips to Europe so I know you can do it for a weekend getaway or even a week-long trip (with a little a lot of planning).
Travel mantra: Organize! Everything has a place and every place has a thing.
This is my PERSONAL ITEM (something that will fit underneath the seat). I am currently using the Henri Bendel Jetsetter Backpack. I absolutely ❤️ it and it holds SO MUCH! How much? Everything you see in the picture above! (click the image to zoom in)
Now, let’s move on to the SUITCASE, also known as the meat & potatoes of travel. I use Bric’s Belagio 21″ Roller.
On one side I pack all of my clothes. Mostly solid/plain pieces that I can mix and match. For every 1 pair of pants I will take 2 shirts (remember to count the bottoms you are wearing!) The trip I’m currently packing for is only 3 days (Saturday – Monday) so I packed 1 additional pair of pants besides the jeans I wore on the plane, 2 shirts and 1 jean shirt. See below for the 3 outfits I made from this combination. (see also Meaningful Holidays)
day 1
day 2
day 3
pajamas, jcrew style 🙂
Side 1 of my suitcase was pretty easy. Side 2? Not so much! 😩 This is where my mantra REALLY comes into play (O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-E❗️). Take a look at side 2 below. This is where I pack everything else:
Looks nice and neat right? That’s because it is! ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE. ORGANIZE! On the left hand side:
Finally, there’s a sleep mask from J. Crew 🙂 This one is sold out but here’s another good option from Slip Beauty that’s also on my wish list.
non-liquid items
daily smaller-size go-to makeup essentials
tech stuff
On the right hand side is:
Get ready for this super travel tip: my Gucci Soho Disco Handbag serves as storage for all of my underwear, socks, comb, hair bonnet and my prescription glasses! (GREAT way to help the bag keep it’s shape while on the go!)
The Anya Hindmarch In Flight Case has all of my liquids: makeup, skin care, etc. ❤️❤️❤️ this bag and the contents EVEN MORE! This case has two sides: Take Off (deepest) and Touch Down (more shallow). I ALWAYS buy smaller sizes of the products I use everyday to take with me. #justsayno to those clear plastic containers that can all contain what can appear to be mystery liquid. #nobueno 👎🏽 I absolutely love all of my things and I want to see them in as close to their original form as possible!!! 😍
Finally, I have a Tory Burch umbrella (no longer available ☹️).
Did you notice there’s no jewelry mentioned? That’s because I don’t wear much. I usually take 1-2 bracelets and it’s on me at all times: a dainty necklace, my pandora thumb ring, michael kors watch, some form of studs for earrings and my wedding ring – that’s it!
White Sneaker by Reebok – $70
Red Roses cologne by Jo Malone… it’s PINK – $70
It’s that time again! For the 
Bri Alys, LLC 