July 16, 2021

Camp Beverly Hills, a sublime bra for summer and my thoughts after resuming filler injections after more than a year.

Camp Beverly Hills is back!

I love a good throwback and stumbling upon this Camp Beverly Hills reboot courtesy of Fred Segal totally made my week. With offerings ranging from tees and sweats to hats, towels and more, I ordered the iconic tee-shirt that has been made even cooler thanks to distressing that might have people thinking it was an original.

You know you want one, and then you can get ready for your parents or grandparents to ask, “You paid for a shirt with holes in it?” (If you really want to irk them, tell them you paid extra for them!)

Found: The perfect summer bra (even for me)

The last time I saw my plastic surgeon, I was told I could (FINALLY!) stop wearing a sports bra 24/7, as long as I wore something “supportive” in its place. I never planned on buying new bras for the few months between my mastectomy and expander/implant exchange, since I have no way of knowing if they’ll fit after surgery #2—I woke up one day and thought it would be kind of nice to wear something pretty to feel just a little bit better about my temporary, wonky-looking situation.

Obviously an underwire wasn’t an option (and thank G-d I’ll never have to wear one EVER again) so that narrowed down the options. Then I remembered I had an amazing Negative Underwear bralette from a few years ago that actually survived my pre-mastectomy bra-drawer purge. Even better, I knew I was a size 1, so there was no need to deal with figuring out my band or cup size—or ordering multiple sizes to find the right fit.

I ultimately decided on the Sieve Non-Wire Bra because it was described as offering great shape (although my current situation requires a bra that molds to me) and “surprising support.” The fabric is a soft, substantial, not-too-stretchy mesh, and its breathability makes it perfect for the hot, humid Florida summer. And as someone who’s never been into overly-femme, lacy underpinnings the style is so me.

With so many color options (with matching panties that I have yet to try), it was hard to decide—but I went with a three-pack so the choice was made for me. But alas, after placing my order, customer service reached out to apologize the “Buff” was sold out in my size, so I went with the “Slate” (which made me even happier about my purchase).

Buying these bras was the best move I could have made to get through the summer from a comfort standpoint and for feeling as positive as possible about my post-mastectomy/pre-implant appearance. I almost can’t believe that my second surgery is a month from tomorrow, so the countdown is on—and fingers crossed I’ll be able to wear these bras once this whole ordeal is over, and for years to come.

I'm ready to pucker up again!

How was everyone’s holiday weekend? Mine was great, and not just because we took an overnight trip to see our dear, dear friends in Miami for the first time in two years. What made it even better was that I FINALLY got Botox and filler last week for the first time since October 2019 and NOW everything is officially back to normal!

To celebrate my new-and-improved lips, a new gloss was in order—and Westman Atelier’s Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Balm was at the top of my list. Since I’m all set in the nude department with my Roen, a pop of pink felt oh-so appropriate for this monumental moment—and I’m in LOVE with “Ma Puce.” Described as a “raspberry lolly,” for the record it goes on much more sheer and looks way darker in the window of the tube. (The video on the website is accurate—at least on my skin tone.) All in all, it’s a lovely alternative to clear gloss when you want a hint of color. (It also amazing on top of all of the four shades in the “Les Nudes” Lip Suede palette.)

And as with all Westman Atelier products, the packaging is beyond luxe. I was truly surprised by the weight of it, and the doe-foot applicator is solid—as in it doesn’t bend when you apply the gloss. The aforementioned window on the side is a nice feature as well so you know when it’s time to get a backup.

Between the Squeaky Clean, Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, Super Loaded Tinted Highlight and Lip Suede, I’m four for four when it comes to Westman Atelier, and I’ll even say that although these products are on the pricy side, they’re worth every penny.