#modafresca

                                                                Romper: Bebe, Blazer: LOTUS, Shoes: Jessica Simpson

, Watch: Michael Kors, iPad Case: Mobilexpressions from Target

I was so inspired by all of the red in the burning fall foliage around me that I busted out this blazer (you know… to pay homage to the seasons and all). Well…. that’s a lie. It sounded good though, right? Really artsy. Like I am one with my surroundings and tuned in to all of the beauty in nature. That’s all a little grandiose though, huh? I just wore a red blazer yesterday, took some blog pictures, and then realized that my blazer matched the leaves in the back drop. Bonus.

Couple of things:

1. I am wearing a one piece. Yup, pants and shirt in one. This little romper do-da is perfect for when you don’t feel like getting dressed (but societal pressures and laws against indecent exposure force you to). It is very comfy and convenient. It’s not so perfect if you don’t like having to get almost completely naked to pee. Not so convenient then.

                              Blazer: Vestique, Skirt and Earrings: The Limited, Tank: Nordstrom, Shoes: Guess, Watch: MK, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Planner: My Agenda, iPhone Case: Target

          This skirt was the best part of my day. Today kind of…how do I put this??? Umm…sucked. I know that I am blessed beyond measure, that life is good, and that I am incredibly fortunate. I know that it could ALWAYS be worse, and that my worst is more amazing than some will ever experience. I just had a crappy, Monday. So…I am going to shut up and spare you. I am going to breathe, go outside, get some perspective, and hit the “reset” button. Nobody likes to hear a girl with first world problems complain. At least I know I don’t.

Laurie told Brie, who told me, who told Theresa, Barb, AND Carrie about Alyson at Calabretta. Women like to talk about things, people, and places that they love. Well, some women like to keep that stuff to themselves, but I don’t trust those women…give it up girls, we are all in this together. That is how I found out about and started seeing Alyson. As you know (if you are a regular reader of this here blog), I have intentionally spent this summer OUT of the sun. I had some discoloration (a.k.a: hyper-pigmentation) on my face, it looked ridiculous, and I got scared of skin cancer, wrinkles, and of looking like a hoochie (in my humble opinion, too tan and too blonde…never good). So 2 months ago, I started seeing Alyson Lowe (an ahhh.mazzzzing esthetician) and going to Calebretta Cosmetic Surgery Center for treatment. She set me up with some products (face wash, bleaching creme, and retinol) and a monthly micro-peel. It has changed my skin completely. I now get lots of random compliments on how great my “make-up” is even though (up until my little trip to Laura Mercier last weekend) I hadn’t changed a thing about my make-up. She has also been a saving grace for some ladies I know who were battling breakouts/acne. I didn’t dish the dirt on Calabretta at first, because I didn’t really think you guys cared too much. Buuuuut…I have gotten a half a dozen e-mails asking me questions (about what I’m getting done, who is doing it, what products they gave me, etc.). So here it is…

Alyson Lowe

Calabretta Cosmetic Surgery Center

1918 Randolph Rd. Suite 850

Charlotte, NC 28207

704-444-5800

www.calabrettacosmeticsurgery.com

(In case you're in the Charlotte area)

A peel as part of treatment for acne costs about $75, and the peel I get to help with hyper-pigmentation is about $70 (and you really should go about once a month if you can swing it). The products that you can buy start to run up your tab, so be conscious of what you are buying. Ask what you really “need” to help you out, versus, what brands you can buy over the counter. Alyson will be honest with you. She is great. She is sweet, gorgeous, fun, down-to-earth, and has phenomenal skin to boot. She actually told me that if I referred someone I would get $25 off of my next service…so GO. HA! Just kidding. I’m going to give my discount to you (hold the applause, please). If you are a first timer there and you tell her that you were referred by me, or ModaFresca then you will get $25 off of your first visit.

ENJOY!!