This Easy, Virtual, Affordable Health Care Is More Important Now

This post is sponsored by SSM Health Virtual Visits. Find out more here.

At the start of the year, I shared that one of my goals was to make my health a priority (see that post here). I had no idea at the time that safeguarding our health would become a top priority for all of us. I’m so thrilled to have discovered SSM Health virtual visits when I did because it’s so convenient and affordable. That’s more important now than ever.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

SSM Health virtual visits is a service that connects you with trusted SSM Health providers via your computer or mobile device. You can now start a visit 24/7. Got a health concern? Connect and get answers! It’s as simple as taking 5 to 15 minutes to respond to a series of questions about how you’re feeling. During office hours, a healthcare provider will respond within 3 hours with a treatment plan and a prescription if needed.  After hours, you get a response first thing the next morning.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Allergies flaring up? Sinus infection? Cold symptoms? The virtual service is a go-to for non-urgent medical concerns like these. The service costs a flat fee of $25, which is lower than my copay for sure. If for some reason your health concern cannot be addressed online, you will not be charged that fee.

How To Start A Virtual Visit

Skip scheduling appointments. Definitely avoid waiting rooms. It’s so easy to start a virtual visit. From your computer or mobile device, visit the SSM Health site here. You’ll be asked to register and then indicate the reason for your visit. I love that you can now start a virtual visit 24/7!

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Sharing the reason for your visit is also easy. You simply respond to a dynamic questionnaire that asks the same kinds of questions you’d get in an in-person healthcare visit.

A trusted SSM health provider then responds with a treatment plan within 3 hours or the next morning if your virtual visit was after office hours. If medications are needed, a prescription is sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. Just like that, you can inch closer to feeling well.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Virtual Visit Benefits

Virtual visits have been my saving grace with my allergy flare ups and hyperactive skin this year. The flat fee of $25 is lower than my copay making it an easy choice. 24/7 access to care made getting help when I needed it so convenient. And, gosh, these past few months more than ever, I feel so much safer connecting with a health provider from the comfort of my home.

Sounds like a service that might benefit you and your family? Please bookmark the following link so you can be ready to start a virtual visit when you need it.

How To Wear Fall’s Favorite Shades of Brown

All black outfits for fall have a certain level of timelessness and functionality. But, if you’re looking for an alternative, shades of brown can deliver on both fronts. Brown is an IT color of fall this year. You can have so much fun styling your favorite hues in the color family, from chocolate to toffee. In today’s post, I’m sharing how I’ve been rocking the must-wear color.

Brown Fashion Trend

What I’m Wearing:

Coat (size M) | Turtleneck (size S) | Joggers (size M) | Sneakers | Telfar small shopping bag

Kendra Scott Mayra earrings, bracelet, and ring (c/0) | Charlotte Tilbury lipstick (Red Carpet Red)

Brown Fashion Trend

Nothing exudes sophistication like a monochromatic outfit. Whether you choose to block the exact same color or color block in the same family of hues, the result is sharp when done right. In this outfit, I’m rocking some basic jogger pants and a sleeveless turtleneck. The look comes alive, though, because of the colors, a little toffee mixed with copper mixed with chocolate. These rich, deep, complementary tones mix so well together. They also provide the perfect backdrop to pop a contrasting color, like the deep olive on my Telfar bag.

Since these hues are popular, the options will be plentiful. My joggers and top are from Zara (linked above). My coat is a beautiful Theory find (get it on sale here). It’s pricey for what it is (an unlined, wool/cashmere, one-button coat), but the quality and overall look are worth every penny. It goes with everything too (see it also worn here). I got it in a size medium for an even more oversized fit.

Taking Your Loungewear To The Streets

Chances are this year you’ve accumulated more loungewear than ever. Sweatpants, leggings, and sweatshirts all experienced a significant spike in sales. It’s panning out to be a loungewear all year kind of year. If it’s cozy and comfy, we’ve apparently been here for it. Of course, we believe that cozy and comfy could be chic too. So, here’s how I’m taking my loungewear to the streets. This set is from Tarjay (top | bottom), and it’s as comfortable as it’s cute.

What I’m wearing:

Sweatshirt (size S) | Joggers (size S) | Jacket c/o | Combat boots (option)

Wool fedora | Telfar shopping bag | Kendra Scott bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott ring c/o

To be honest, my main outings these days are to Target or the grocery store. So, when I have an appointment, even if it’s just with my dentist, I step it up a bit. Real talk, I wore this outfit to see my dentist last week.

Stepping it up, however, is super easy when your loungewear is chic all on its own. These joggers have so many features I love. They have a wide waistband, loose fit, and a tapered ankle. Still, I almost passed on them because the reviews are so mixed. I’m so glad I took a chance because I couldn’t love them more. Now, the soft fabric isn’t the most forgiving, so if a little jiggle might concern you, these might not be your favorite.

The sweatshirt packs a lot of flavor too. It has a swingy silhouette with slightly flared sleeves and an attached hood. I like to tuck it for a polished look. By the way, the set also comes in Moss Green and Dusty Peach. I’m wearing both pieces in a size small.

To add a little fall style vibe to the joggers, I caped my leather jacket, added a pair of combat boots, and grabbed a mini bag. And, yes, I finally got my hands on the sought-after Telfar Clemens Shopping Bag. I’ve been a fan of Telfar for a while (check out my 6 Black Fashion Designers To Know), so I’ve been thrilled to see how much attention the designer’s work has garnered. Well-deserved.

By the way, while this bag has been sold out for months. The brand has been doing special releases fairly frequently. Sign up for the mailing list to receive announcements of new limited releases. When I got the email about this dark olive bag, I set an alarm and got ready because releases sell out within seconds. Shout-out to the Telfar team because I got my bag a few days (as in less than a week) after ordering. That’s impressive given the demand and the times we’re living in.

Shoulder Pads: An Easy Option For Rocking The 80s Trend Now

I have the fondest memories of shopping my mom’s closet as a young girl. Every time, I’d encounter pieces with shoulder pads, though, I’d cut ’em out. Lol. Today, I love the architectural interest shoulder pads add to basics. My favorite blazers have sharp shoulders. My new favorite black shirtdress has accentuated shoulders. No matter your taste, the shoulder pads trend for fall could add a little pizazz to your style.

shoulder pads
What I’m wearing:

Dress | Sandals (now 40% off) | Fedora

Beltshazzar Jewels  Necklace (STL designer) | Kendra Scott earrings (on sale)

shoulder pads

As  you can imagine, the trend for fall is bringing options for every style preference, from subtle to square to over-the-top, voluminous shoulder pads. This basic dress from Zara (also available in blue and tan), which retails for just $25.90, is so simple but stuns because of the sleeveless, shoulder detail.

Sizing? I’m wearing the dress in a size Medium.

shoulder pads

To pull the entire look together, I added slide sandals, a fedora, and a long statement necklace. The result is a simple, yet infinitely chic combination. The sharp shoulders are largely responsible for that, of course.

For more easy and affordable options for rocking fall trends, go here, here, and here.

Favorite Kicks In The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Are you shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year? I had no plans to. But, I wanted a new pair of casual sneakers, and the sale has several stylish options that are priced right. I decided on a classic stylethe Nike Blazer Low SE sneakers. The White/ Pink Quartz-Pollen Rise colorway fits my style needs perfectly. And, anniversary sale pricing (plus an on-hand Nordstrom note) made the purchase an easy one. Today’s post shares one way I’m styling these sneakers (more inspiration coming soon) as well as the the other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale sneakers I deliberated.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

What I’m wearing:

Lime sorbet blazer (on sale) | Shirtdress | Sneakers (on sale) | Earrings (on sale)

When you have a closet filled with bright pieces, colorblocking is a must for expanding styling possibilities. This summer, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with new-to-me color combos. This peach and lime sorbet combination has quickly become a favorite. See here how amazing peach also looks with mustard yellow. Want more colorblocking inspiration? See here and here.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

Since sneakers add a cool-girl vibe to dresses, I had to mix my new pair into this coloblocked combo. What can I say? The shoes were a harmonious addition.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Sneakers

Here are the other Nordstrom Anniversary Sale sneakers I loved and considered:

Veja V-10 Sneaker

Veja Esplar SE Canvas Sneaker

Sperry Crest Vibe Slip-on Platform Sneaker

Ugg Chayze Platform Sneaker (white/black leather)