Fashion and Health Archives - Economy of Style

economyofstyle December 14, 2020

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

economyofstyle February 14, 2020

Practicing Self-Love With 3 Black Woman-Owned Brands

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope that wherever you are, you are feeling love (and warmth…because it’s freezing in St. Louis). I thought I’d do a fun post in honor of Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and women making boss moves in general. I’m sharing three amazing gifts by black woman-owned Brands that always make me feel loved on Valentine’s Day and every day.

Black Woman-Owned Brands That Are Perfect For Gifting (To Yourself or Others)

1. Golden Grocer Golden Box (Monthly Subscription, $25/month)

I was recently in Golden Grocer where I visit often to get my Adina’s Vegan Cuisine fix. Golden Grocer is a natural food, supplements, and beauty store based in St. Louis. I ran into the new owner, Jamila Owens-Todd, and she told me all about the new monthly subscription box. Of course, I had to try it. The image below literally captures my reaction when I unboxed the January box and saw that it was filled with vegan goodies that I already love or always wanted to try. The subscription is only $25/month or $20/month with a 6-month subscription.

2. Soaplife360 Skincare Products

I attended a life-changing women’s wellness event last year. I met Coco Kennell, owner and founder of Soaplife360, a natural beauty and skincare line. Y’all know my sensitive, dry skin woes. I bought a butter and soap that night, and my skin thanked me for it. So, I’ve been so excited to explore other products in the line.

I’m in the process of checking out the line, but I had to check in and shout-out the Rose and Aloe Hydrating Toner. I’ve used it EVERY day since receiving it, as a hydrating mist, as a toner in my skincare routine, and as a setting spray for my makeup. I’m also currently using the brand’s 360 Cleansing Ritual Beauty Set. It’s a perfect way to try top products from the line, and it’s TSA-approved for airplane travel. I’ll be sharing more about my favorite products and a coupon code from the brand soon.

3. Pat McGrath Lippies

No surprise, I found my PERFECT red lip in the MatteTrance lipstick collection by Pat McGrath. If you’ve been curious to try the line but not quite sure about forking over $40 for one lipstick, the minis below might be for you. You get to try 3 MatteTrance lippies for $25! The set below is my favorite and includes my go-to red lipstick.

I’m wearing Elson from Mini MatteTrance Lipstick Colour Blitz V2 set. There are 3 sets of the minis to satisfy everyone, even the neutral lovers.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

economyofstyle February 5, 2020

How Technology Is Helping Me Prioritize My Health This Year

This post is sponsored by SSM Health virtual visits. Find out more here.

Last year was a tough year for me healthwise. In June, I found out that I had to have an emergency surgery followed by an almost 2 month recovery time (read my surgery story here). It turned my world upside down. So, going into this new year, I recommitted to making my health a top priority by leaving no concerns, no matter how small, unchecked. But, let’s face it, it can be challenging to see a doctor right when you need to because their calendars get filled so quickly. That’s why I’m so thrilled to have discovered SSM Health virtual visits. This service makes meeting my health goals convenient and accessible.

SSM Health virtual visits is a service that connects you with trusted SSM Health providers via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The service is available all week long (9 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday). Allergies flaring up? Sinus infection? Miserable cold? The virtual service is a go-to for non-urgent medical concerns like these. And, the best part? The service costs a flat fee of $25. That’s lower than my copay, y’all.

How To Get Started With A SSM Health Virtual Visit

Want to see how easy it easy to start a virtual visit? From your computer, tablet, or smartphone, visit the SSM Health site here. You’ll be asked to register and then indicate the reason for your visit.

Breaking down your concern is easy and streamlined as well. You’d simply respond to a dynamic questionnaire that asks the same questions you’d get in an in-person office visit.

Now, get this. Usually within 15 minutes (and always less than an hour), a trusted SSM health provider responds via video visit or phone call to discuss treatment. If medications are needed, a prescription is sent directly to your chosen pharmacy.

My Favorite Features

Did I mention that this service costs a flat fee of $25? That fee is lower than my copay for most services, making it an easy choice for things like my eye allergies and hyperactive skin. I also love that during operating hours, I can receive care as soon as I need it. And, I’d always prefer to be video chatting with a health provider from the comfort of my home than sitting in a super cold and crowded office.

You all were so responsive to my health journey last year. So, I simply had to share this amazing service (explore it here) that’s helping me this year.

Find out how SSM Health virtual visits might benefit you and your family by going here.

Related: Technology and Fitness Goals.

economyofstyle March 20, 2014

Style & Performance: Sweaty Betty Workout Wear

I’m so excited to introduce you to Sweaty Betty, a fitness clothing retailer with a 13-year history of ensuring that style meets performance in workout wear. I was first drawn to this UK-based brand because of the fashionable look of the clothing. What kept me interested, though, was the line’s reputation of offering only the highest quality fabrics and the latest technology for workout wear.

Last year, I made major fitness goals. I wanted to be stronger and healthier than ever before my birthday in October. I sought help from professionals, including a personal trainer who assisted me in developing a workout plan that would get me to my goals. This plan included everything from strength training to conditioning to deep stretching. As a result, I started spending a lot more time working out; and, this new schedule placed particular demands on my workout wardrobe.

I needed fitness clothing that was functional. Items had to be stretchy, breathable, moisture wicking, lightweight, durable, and supportive. Reasonable demands, right? I also wanted my workout clothing to look good. My style says something about me and that doesn’t change because I’m in the gym. I primarily wear black at the gym because I’m a heavy sweater who doesn’t like to look sweaty. I’m always on the search, then, for black workout wear with super stylish details. Sweaty Betty’s offerings surpass my expectations.

Left: Halasana Yoga bra, Slider Training Tights

Right: Step Up Training Vest, Compression Distance Run Tights

These items are just a few of my favorites from Sweaty Betty. Super stylish gear that’ll get me through my workouts at peak performance. By the way, the line carries all kinds of activewear, including yoga clothing, running attire, and beach wear. So, if you’re shopping for fitness clothing, Sweaty Betty might have just what you’re looking for.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sweaty Betty. All of the opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

economyofstyle April 22, 2011

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.