Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

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.

Review: Blissoma Solutions Skincare Products

I have finally found my skincare routine and it’s filled with products by Blissoma, a St. Louis-based, natural skincare company on a mission to provide holistic care for all skin types.

In late March, I received a couple Blissoma facial products in my swag bag during Saint Louis Fashion Week.  As someone with hypersensitive skin (easily irritated, reactive, dry, and allergic), I set them aside to be regifted because I have to be cautious about products I use on my face.

Luckily, a week later, I peeked at the labels of my Blissoma swag and saw terms (like certified vegan, 100% natural, alcohol and fragrance free, toxin free, and so on) that prompted me to investigate the full ingredient lists.  I found pure, potent, nutritive ingredients listed and knew then that I’d be keeping and trying these products.

Blissoma Free-Rejuvenating Herbal Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover,
Blissoma Refine – Clay Renewal Treatment
Blissoma Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex

I started using a couple Blissoma products (Free-Rejuvenating Herbal Gel Cleanser and Makeup Remover and the Refine – Clay Renewal Treatment) on an irritated face to see just how good these products really work. The next morning, I awoke to a smooth and calm face. That clay mask is serious skin therapy. After a single use, my skin felt renewed. I was so impressed with these products that I ran out to purchase a moisturizer (Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex) the next day. And, just like that, my new skincare routine was born.

Blissoma products have a unique look, texture, and subtle smell that seem to tell a story about their unique botanical base.  I may not be able to explain that story, but I do know that my facial skin has never responded so favorably to a product line.  Julie Longyear, Blissoma’s founder and creative chemist, used her formal training in chemistry and her over 10-year experience working with herbs and essential oils to formulate these products.  My skin is grateful!  My budget is thankful, too, because each product is under $30.

If you’re interested in trying these products, enter the code “ITRYBLISSOMA” to receive 15% off one item at IrieStar.com

Dislosure: I received a couple Blissoma products free of charge for review purposes as a VIP blogger during Saint Louis Fashion Week.  No monetary compensation was received for writing this post.  As always, all the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.

Linea Pelle Perry Woven Small Tote

Over the past year, I have had to discriminatingly eliminate handbags from my collection.  I suffer from contact allergies and I am particularly hypersensitive to metals.  So, my love of studs, zippers, and bold gold hardware on handbags was apparently complicating the health of my skin.

Last year, I fell in love with the Linea Pelle Perry Woven Large tote.  The soft washed Italian leather was perfect.  The woven detail was super chic.  The cognac color was divine.  Most importantly, the bag did not have any brass hardware (very rare on LP bags).  It retailed for over $400, though, so I spent a lot of time debating purchasing it.  Ultimately, I decided against the tote, even after it was voted ‘tote of the year‘ over at Handbago.  The bag (13.75″h x 21.75″l ) was just too large.

Photo of Perry Small Tote from LPCollection.com

Linea Pelle later introduced a smaller version of the Perry tote (12.5″h x 18″l) that retailed for $295.  It was now the perfect size.  And, my almost year-long love for this tote meant something, right?  Well, circumstances got sweeter a couple weeks ago when LP launched an online private sale and offered the Perry Woven Small Tote for $150.  I ceased the opportunity to buy one at that price and I have worn it everyday since.

Unboxing the Linea Pelle Perry Woven Small Tote

The signature long leather ties made the Perry tote too bohemian for my style.  So, I removed them.  There is no way I was going to waste four strips of fine Italian leather though.  I have been wearing the strips as a belt, necklace, and even a bracelet.