A trend I’m all about these days is all things SQUARE- square toe boots, square neck lines, square patterns.
It’s something I noticed when I began to think (and shoot) new pieces I’ve added to my wardrobe.
Here are two outfits I’m especially excited to share:
Look # 1 To me, this outfit is both on trend and classic. The boots are a throw back to styles of the 60s and Levis, well, CLASSIC.
top/ boutique in Amsterdam (sorry, no CLUE of the name) necklace/ Young Frank purse/ Elizabeth and James jeans/ Levis boots/ & Other Stories
The Levis are from their newer line, the ‘ribcage’. I have the worlds longest torso so for me, they are just higher than a typical high waist, but I do like how they make my bum look ;)
Look # 2 includes some of my current favorites! This Mara Hoffman blazer from Rent the Runway has been my daily GO TO. So much so, that as of Monday, I’ve extended the rental period to hold onto her a little longer. It’s lined with a thick fabric and has shoulder pads (!!!) so it’s surprisingly warm.
The belt is new. Picked it up at the Sezane shop in Paris. Didn’t know this but in-store they have a vintage section! It was too long so Dustin took out a portion of it which I’d like to turn into a bracelet.
Speaking of vintage (which I admittedly don’t seek or buy as often as I’d like these days) the purse is also! Spotted her on The Real Real for $65 and hit “buy now” before I even knew what was happening! Back in junior high I would have sold plasma for a Kate Spade purse. Consider this me fulfilling 12 year old Jess’ dream!
blazer/ Mara Hoffman (rented) top/ Anthropologie, belt/ vintage via Sezane, jeans/ Everlane straight, boots/ & Other Stories, purse/ Kate Spade via The Real Real, necklace/ Young Frank, lipstick and ring/ & Other Stories
Lastly, the lipstick I picked up in the & Other Stories store in Paris. I nabbed this nude and another nudish plum color. Both are in this gorgeous gold magnetic case that feels so classy.
I like that my style can’t be put in a box, or dare I say “square”!! I’m always evolving, wear what I like and what feels good in that moment.
Ever thought about med spa or plastic surgery services? I’ve done a little bit of both and have stories to tell, honey!! This post will cover my recent visit to Killingsworth Center for Plastic Surgery.
[Backstory] In March I shared on Instagram that I was trying Botox and filler for the first time at a practice that shall remain unnamed. What I didn’t go into detail about was that my filler bubbled under my right eye resulting in two separate visits to have it dissolved. On the second visit I added more Botox to my forehead and the doctor haphazardly injected me while I wasn’t even ready! Overall I didn’t care for the doctor or staff and was about ready to call it quits.
Then the Killingsworth’s office and I found each other and I discovered what quality med spa services look like!
Full disclosure, the first visit was a social media trade, but all opinions are my true, honest thoughts and I now call Lauren my new injector (and friend!). And if that’s not convincing enough, I’ve sent my mom there to get her first ever Botox, and I don’t trust just any one with my mama!
Before you scroll to see the before and after photos, I wanted to note that all images are UNEDITED. I would have liked to correct the splotchy bronzer in my ‘after’ pics, but I didn’t want to alter anything about the photos.
Now that the above is out of the way, lets get into my best, med spa visit to date!
After my check in, we got right to capturing the ‘before’ photos.
During any med spa visit you should expect to have your ‘before’ photos taken. This is for both you and the practice to have proof as to how you came in.
After my glamour shots, I sat down with Lauren to discuss why I had come in. Right off the bat, she was so easy to talk to! I took her through my journey with previous filler and Botox and together formed a game plan to address the early signs of aging.
My concerns: I wanted to address and fight signs of aging on my forehead, side of eyes, around upper lip as well as deflation in lips.
Game plan: Botox injection points in forehead, between brows, sides of eyes at top of cheek, and top of lip at Cupids Bow. Light lip filler in top and bottom lip.
The result: Smooth forehead, even when expressive, less wrinkling under eyes when smiling and more upper lip exposure. Botox will take around 2 weeks to settle in and then you’ll start to notice the muscles not moving as much. The first time things “relax” after botox, it is sorta weird! But you get used to it so fast and it’s the new normal. I don’t feel frozen or expressionless, trust me!
Botox pain level– On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst, I’d say depending on the placement, Botox (for me) is usually around a 5/6. Forehead is the easiest for sure.
On to the lips!
To be honest, I was afraid of the lip injection pain. I remembered my GF getting it done years ago and seeing the bruising and thinking “damn, that seems brutal!” Which I expressed to Lauren and she made sure to take into account my nerves and provided me with a few distractions in addition to the numbing cream, like the above vibrating face massager. I liked that she didn’t sugarcoat that it was going to be comfortable but went above and beyond to make sure I was doing ok. After the injections were complete and I iced for 30 min, there really wasn’t lip pain at all! They just felt swollen. I even had friends over that same night, and hadn’t told them about the injections, then pulled a “I think I’m allergic to peanuts” prank and had them both worried for a second!
Juvéderm lip filler pain level- same scale as above, I’d say this is a 7. Not a walk in the park, but with the right injector, it’s a quick 7 that you’ll forget all about when you’re applying lipstick to your new voluminous lips.
BEFORE // AFTER
For a more natural look, we went with half a syringe. Fast forward to a few weeks later and they feel like my same lips as before, but fuller. My favorite part of the outcome is that you can see my upper lip more when I wear lipstick. That’s both from the filler and the bit of Botox she did along the “Cupids Bow” aka lip flip.
Of everything I’ve gotten up to this point, I’d definitely say Botox is my favorite method of fighting signs of aging. It’s easy, lasts and makes a difference with my hyperpigmentation as well.
Thanks again to Lauren and team for opening my eyes to what a quality experience can look like!
For more information on Lauren, Dr. Killingsworth’s services and where to find them, click here.
Cleopatra’s Bling – handmade jewellery for bohemian, wanderlust and worldly woman created by Olivia Cummings in her studio in Istanbul
Mejuri – Handcrafted fine jewelry for the everyday
All of whom have sales going on till Monday!
The one I’m wearing here is extra special as the chain was a surprise on Christmas morning from Dustin who had gotten a hint or two and the charm from our recent trip to Amalfi, Italy.
I prefer to support smaller brands like the above mentioned and wearing pieces that have stories tied to them. Quality is also at the top of my list of musts, since I wear my jewelry daily through showering and working out, it’s got to last. One day, I hope to pass on my beloved pieces to my nieces so investing in long lasting items is important to me.
While shopping around Amalfi, I spotted the prettiest pasta I’ve ever seen! Take a look –
HOW GORGEOUS?! Almost too pretty to eat, almost ;) Few Sundays back we cooked up a version of this recipe. Only thing I recall leaving out was the heavy cream and cheese, to keep it a little lighter, instead used shaky parm.
Luckily, it yielded enough for two nights, glad we got to eat again because it turned out so yummy!
To make the Italian themed dinner even more complete, we made Lemon Spritz, which are so tasty and easy.
Divide limoncello and Prosecco between two glasses. Top up with as much sparkling water as you’d like. Give each glass a squeeze of fresh lime juice, stir, and add ice.
During our dinner we brought up categories from our trip and listed off our favorite memories – few examples – excursion, city, meal, souvenir, etc. it was so fun to relive the trip while it was fresh in our minds. I highly suggest this idea – grabbing something to cook on a trip, cooking with partner or travel friend or even someone who didn’t go but sharing the experience and reminiscing!
Getting our backyard the way we envision has been 3 years in the making, and is still continuing. Weekends at home are sometimes few and far between and most of our savings goes towards retirement (boring) or travel (now we’re talkin!) so we’ve just been taking our time and not stressing about it.
Recently we made a small update with a new umbrella that’s really elevated the space on our back porch- have a look!
Shopped around the web for the perfect vibe and fell for this canvas bohemian umbrella from World Market. It ended up going so well with current pieces I had like these vintage chairs and Ikea rattan ottomans.
Couldn’t wait for cooler temps so despite sweating our bums off, we set it up and popped open some bubbly with my bestie <3
With all the rain we get here, I currently have it stored away and the rattan is inside, but this setup is perfect for hosting guests until we get the stone area finished. Speaking of, Dustins’ working on that today. Next up, we’ll be working on a little fire pit area to the right of the above photo. One step at a time!
