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.

Spring Picks

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

Light Jacket by Member’s Only –  $85

Eyeshadow Pallete by Smashbox – $30

 

Sandal by Vince Camuto – $120

January Favorites

I LOVE watching favorites videos on YouTube! These are the things that people use on a regular basis that they absolutely love. Today I decided to share my January favorites in a simpler format – just a pic of all the things I’m loving and links! ♥ 😍 ♥ ENJOY!

NARS blush (Orgasm), Huda Beauty Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette (Mauve), NARS lip gloss (Chelsea Girls), Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, Sunday Riley Ultra Clarifying Face Oil, Saint Laurent Textured Matelasst Card Case (Black), Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores

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!!!!

Favorite Things 2015

It’s time! For the 3rd year in a row, I’m sharing my favorite gift ideas for 2015 – all of which are things I have purchased for myself this year (why give someone something you wouldn’t want??!) Whether it’s your mom, girlfriend, sister or maybe a special treat for yourself, these gifts will certainly make a splash!! Enjoy and Happy shopping!!! See also 2014, 2013

ft2015

Pandora Ring, Gucci Nail Polish in absolute purple, Fossil Watch, Sole Society Duffel/Weekend Bag, Converse, MCM Reversible Tote, Gucci Bree WalletKate Spade Ring Dish, Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Parfum, Astrology Cosmetic Pouch, Tom Ford Concealing Pen, Cara BeanieBurberry Merino Scarf