Spring Break and Packing

(Me on right circa 2001)

Over 10 years ago two of my college friends and I headed to Curacao for Spring Break. I remember the three of us decided we needed all new wardrobes for the trip and we brought so much stuff that our suitcases needed a separate taxi from the airport to the hotel. Ah, those were the days ;) If I had to do it again, I would love to pack some of the higher end items below: a luxurious designer towel, a great bikini, and some fabulous jewelry top the list.

Spring Break by briannelee featuring long strapless dresses

I am taking a vacation next week and here is what I am actually packing. Unlike college, I have been obsessed with trying to fit everything into a carry-on. To save space I am wearing items on the plane I can also wear once I get there. For travel I am wearing black "legging" pants(hybrid of sorts), a black tank to pair with my polka dot shorts, and a light sweater to be worn on cold nights. I am packing a bikini and a one piece suit, a striped dress that doubles as a beach cover-up, a cotton tunic that can be worn as a beach cover-up or as a shirt with my pant/leggings for dinner, two cotton maxi dresses (one can be worn as a beach coverup), a blue tank to be worn with the jean shorts, polka dot shorts, a pair of flip flops, a pair of sandals, sunglasses, and a clutch. Of course I will be packing TONS of jewelry, but I haven't decided what I am bringing yet.





PS. Happy almost weekend and don't forget the enter the Phoenix & Co. jewelry giveaway!!!

Exciting News + Giveaway

Hi guys! I am finally able to announce the exciting news I have been vaguely alluding to the past few weeks. I have started my own online jewelry shop named Phoenix & Co. Jewelry! My goal with the shop is to offer quality and trendy jewelry at wallet friendly prices. I will be adding new and exciting pieces in the next few weeks, and in order to kick-off the shop, I am offering a giveaway for one piece of jewelry of your choice. The giveaway is open to US and International readers and will be open until next Saturday March 10 at midnight.

In order to enter please:

1. Be a follower of the blog (you can also now follow me using Bloglovin)
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
2. Become a fan of Phoenix & Co. Jewelry on Facebook.
3. Visit Phoenix & Co. Jewelry and leave a comment below with the name of the item you will choose if you are the winner and your email address.

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each one completed):

1. Post about the giveaway on your blog and leave a comment below with the link to your post.
2. Follow me on Twitter

Good luck!!!!

Brass Necklace + Winner

Source: google.com via Brianne on Pinterest

Ever since I saw this Domino cover in 2008, I have been obsessed with the necklace Drew Barrymore is wearing. Lately I have been really into brass jewelry, and I came across this brass bead necklace that is reminiscent of the one she is wearing. Best part? It was less than $15.

Finally, the winner of the Alexis Russell earrings is Jessica! Congrats! I will be emailing you shortly for your contact information.

Tangerine Tango

Tangerine by briannelee featuring a blue necklace

This week's Friday's Fancies is "Tangerine Tango". I don't have too many orange hued clothes in my closet, but these pieces are definitely ones I would love to add. They are the epitome of my summer style... simple and easy. I love this color paired with the coolness of blue accessories.

Source: annechovie.blogspot.com via Brianne on Pinterest

I also love this image of oranges in a blue milk glass bowl. I actually didn't know milk glass came in this lovely shade of blue until recently. Now I have my eye on the look-out at thrift and antique stores for a similar piece.

Don't forget that today is the last day to enter the Diamond Earring Giveaway. I will choose a winner tomorrow!

February Purchases: How I Did

At the end of January I said that I wouldn't be doing any shopping in February. Whoops. Here is a breakdown of what I purchased/gifted this month.

Purchased:





Pictured: 4 tops for spring (2 from Old Navy and two from TJ Maxx) $46 total, vintage Longchamp coin purse from the antique mall $5, vintage necklace from the antique mall $10, large cuff with agate purchased with gift card $0, brass and horn cuff purchased from Ebay for my upcoming store (details to follow) $0, turquoise bracelet from Ebay (definitely an impulse purchase) $12.

Not pictured: Carry-on for upcoming trip to FL (currently in transit) $50, two scarves from Ebay $10 total, purse from Forever 21 $30ish (its all of a sudden not on the site anymore), sunglasses $10.

I sold all of my Stella & Dot samples on Ebay so I had some extra cash. Total spent $173. Woah, went way over budget. Putting all this down in my blog definitely holds me accountable and is making me realize how much I am spending.

Gifted:



Pictured: Bag from Handbag Heaven and necklaces from my sister in law.

Ok, in March I really need to buy a pair of black flats. Hopefully that is it, but you know me.... I can't resist a good deal ;)

Wardrobe Update

Wardrobe Update: What I Want/Need by briannelee featuring short sleeve shirts

Ok, I am getting excited for new Spring items now :) I am pretty happy with my Spring wardrobe so far, but I do need a new pair of black flats. In regards to wants, I would love to find a nice quality plain white tee, a sleeveless asymmetrical top, a neon and rhinestone nOir necklace, and a Kelly Wearstler scarf. Also, I might have already purchased the Forever 21 clutch and a pair of Karen Walker fakie sunglasses already ;)

Alexis Russell Diamond Earring Giveaway!

This contest is now closed.



Alexis Russell is a New York jewelry designer who studied fine art and design and uses recycled metals and conflict free diamonds in her designs. Two years ago I contacted Alexis about creating a pair of earrings for my bridesmaids. I ended up giving each girl a pair of gold hoops with rough diamond drops… I of course wanted a pair for myself ;) They were simply gorgeous and complimented their dresses perfectly. I couldn’t have been happier!

Today I have exciting news for you. One winner is going to receive a pair of Rough Diamond Stud Earrings from Alexis Russell. If there were any of my own giveaways I wish I could win, this one would definitely be it!

To be entered into the giveaway, please:

1. Be a follower of my blog
2. Visit Alexis Russell’s shop and comment on this post with your favorite item. (Please include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner)
3. Become a fan of her Facebook page

These three steps equal one entry. This giveaway is open to US and International readers. I will draw a winner next Friday. Good luck!!!