Just over one week ago, I did something that I have been thinking about and wanting to do for some time now - I got under eye filler. My under eye lines and discolouration have always been a big issue for me and have always been a major source of self consciousness. And the thing is, it's not like this is something new, I have always had eye bags. I remember going to the doctor when I was little and him asking my mother if I was there for my eye bags.. that day has stuck with me ever since and that was when I was about 6 or 7. Since then, I have tried pretty much everything to hide them - expensive eye creams, roll on treatments, concealers, you name it. Finally a couple years ago, after doing some research, I found out there was such thing as under eye filler that helps with correcting this issue. I had gone for a consultation last year to have this done but at the end of the day I chickened out. I recently visited The Vanity Lab for a microderm abrasion treatment, and decided to bring up the issue again with them. After talking with he was super informative, and was able to answer all of my questions and concerns, so I felt comfortable enough to go ahead.

BEFORE/AFTER

When I posted on instagram stories the day of the treatment, I could not believe how many messages I got from women who are suffering from the same thing. Whether it was dark circles or deep tear troughs, question after question came rolling in. It was crazy yet almost comforting knowing I'm not the only one and it makes me so happy to be able to share my experience and bring a bit of light to an otherwise shadowed topic. I wanted to share with you some of the most frequently asked questions I received and if there is anything I've missed or if there are any other questions I can answer please feel free to and I would be more than happy to help!

1. WHERE DID YOU GO?

I went to the Vanity Lab in Yaletown, Vancouver which I would highly recommend. Dr. Jalali is all about keeping things natural and highlighting your natural beauty. He was also super informative and ensured I was comfortable and confident going ahead with the procedure.

2. DID IT HURT?

No! Dr. Jalali applies a topical numbing cream to where the initial prick will happen, you will feel the tiniest pinch initially. He then uses not a needle but a thin titanium cannula to go through the initial hole and fill the area. It definitely does not hurt, it's just a little strange knowing there's a tube inside your face!

3. WHAT KIND OF INJECTABLE DID THEY USE?

They use a filler called Teosyal which is a bit of a more expensive option however it is the smoothest you can get and the best option for such a sensitive area like the under eye. 

4. HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

It can last anywhere from 7-9 months depending on how fast your body metabolizes the filler. For example, people that work out often, their bodies will metabolize the product a bit faster. So no problems here! lol

5. WILL IT ALSO HELP WITH DISCOLOURATION?

Yes! I noticed an immediate difference, but for some even darker circles they will fade overtime. 

6. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Depending on how much filler is needed you can purchase half a vile or a full vile. Half a vile is $349 plus tax, and a full vile is $649 plus tax. I did a full vile but there was a bit left over, so they will keep it in the fridge for me until I come back for my check up and if I need a bit more they will use that. You can also do the full vile and save it for your next treatment. 

7. WILL YOU BRUISE?

No! Right before getting it done I was talking with one of my girlfriends who has experience with lip fillers - she warned me that I will experience some bruising and to cancel plans for that day and the next day. However, I had not one single bruise, I even had people over that night with no problem!

8. WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE SERVICE?

1000% yes. Honestly this treatment has changed my life. The way I feel about my skin and the comfort I now feel without wearing makeup is amazing. The day I got it done, I came home and was looking in the mirror and could have cried I was so happy. It is a subtle difference, not a super drastic change, it simply makes me look and feel fresh faced, and beautiful. There's no better way to put it. 

I used to always have to use a photo smoother to smooth my under eyes in photos, but not anymore. The photo below is with absolutely no editing of my under eyes.

I cannot thank The Vanity Lab and enough for their amazing service and expertise. 

xx

Tessa

Skirt: c/o  | Sweater: c/o  - ON SALE and I wear it ALL the time | Bag: c/o  | Shoes: c/o Elpidio Trading

The end of summer is so bittersweet isn't it? It's sad that those care-free summer nights and days where you never take your bathing suit off are coming to a close, however, I'm so basic LOL and love everything Fall! Definitely ready to get into all the suedes, knits, and over the knee boots and pump my veins full of PSLs. I recently picked up this stunning suede skirt from  and I know it will become a fall staple - so cute with a slouchy knit tucked in the front. This sweater, also from just went on sale! I seriously wear mine all the time because I love the feel and the fit. So as bittersweet as it is to see those leaves start to Fall, I'm ready to embrace the Basic B that I am and step into the Autumn season in style. 

xx

Tessa

Thank you to Le Château for partnering on this post. 

Top: MACCS the label

1. Keep your space clutter free and organized.

I am SO excited about these gorgeous new playsuits from my line - MACCS the label. You can check out the white HERE, and the black HERE. I really wanted to make a lace playsuit and I loved the idea of having a fully covered chest and an adorable cap sleeve. This piece was definitely a labour of love but it turned out exactly as I wanted. 

Fashion is such a seemingly glamorous industry - people don't usually realize what goes on behind the scenes to create the pieces you see and wear. I wanted to share a bit of insight into my design process and the steps I make to create a new MACCS the label piece. 

Usually when I'm wanting to create a piece it's because of exactly that.. I want it! I've either had an idea in my head or pulled inspiration from pieces/items I've seen in my travels. If I have a rough idea as to what I want, I will start to pin images of colours, prints, details - anything I can to help pull the idea together. If I can't find images of what I'm wanting I will roughly sketch it out. For this particular piece, of course I had seen tons and tons of lace playsuits, however, I wanted one that was sexy yet slightly reserved, something girls could wear to bridal showers, brunches, date nights etc. Back when I was getting married and had my bridal shower, I no joke wanted something exactly like this and couldn't find it anywhere. I remember wanting something feminine and fun with a cap sleeve and I knew I wanted it to be a playsuit - so this is essentially that dream coming to fruition.

Once I have all my ideas and details together, I will send everything over to my manufacturer - they are pretty good at taking my direction and running with it and will often come back with questions to solidify the first sample. Once the first sample it made, it gets sent to me for inspection and revision. For this particular piece, we went through probably five different samples, because we couldn't quite get the fit right. My good friend Brit recently joined my team and now helps with design and sales, we would have meetings at Cactus Club and I would bring the new lace playsuit sample and we would pin and make alterations in the Cactus Club bathroom lol! With every new sample there was a new adjustment and everytime we thought we had it, we didn't. Finally, after almost pulling all my air out, we were able to get the fit we wanted and the piece went into production. 

One thing I've learned in this industry is that things take FOREVER. Something you think is going to have a super quick turnaround ends up taking weeks and weeks longer. This piece was scheduled to come out in March, and here we are, better late than never right?! What's nice about most of our pieces is that they can transition from season to season so this piece will be great on it's own for the end of summer, add a cardi and boots for fall, and wear it for holiday parties in winter!

MACCS is definitely not like many other fashion lines, and we for sure break most of the 'rules' when it comes to putting a line together. Instead of having pieces planned over a year in advance and putting together huge collections, we make pieces as the season goes along, one, two, or three pieces at a time. This is a big no no in the industry, however I find it works for us, because this way we can continuously offer fresh pieces to our stockists, also I don't stress myself out with trying to get inspired for something years ahead. I find when I create a piece, I'm so incredibly excited about it and it's awesome to be able to launch it right away.

I hope you guys love the new playsuit! As always, feel free to email me with any questions.

For more business related posts, check out:

How I Started My First Business

Moving Out Of My Home Office

How To Plan A Successful Pop Up Shop

xx

Tessa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #samsungtargettech #CollectiveBias

Even though I am not going 'back to school', it is always at this time of year that we start to refresh and refocus. Summer is over and it's time to get down to business! I know a lot of you know but for any fresh readers, I am not only a blogger but also an entrepreneur with my own fashion line - fall is crazy busy with the launch of a new collection and prepping for holiday. It's super important for me to keep organized especially when I'm on the go. With the new Samsung Galaxy S8 I can stay organized and on top of my day - with features like the advanced calendar, I'm able to coordinate my day and have my phone sync with me to know what I need when I need it. I can keep track of my schedule and get sent reminders for anything and everything - from meetings, to posting content. The S8 also has an expandable memory - hello never having storage issues! The expandable memory is such a lifesaver and timesaver - I can snap and post instantly without having to delete apps/photos first which is super important being an influencer and entrepreneur. I am always snapping pics everywhere I go and let me tell you - this camera is insane!! It has the worlds first infinity screen and will take your best selfie ever (the 8+ also has an even more expansive screen!). With the S8 you can also charge your phone wirelessly - I mean.. it doesn't get better than never having to ask your bartender to plug your phone in again! Now is also the perfect time to treat yourself to new tech because Target is giving you a $200 GC for every GS8 and GS8+ purchase! You can find more info as well as keep track of any future promotional updates for the S8/S8+ purchase HERE .

5 WAYS TO JUMPSTART YOUR 'BACK TO SCHOOL' SEASON

1. Clean and organize your space.

From home to office, clear out the clutter, and make space for fresh ideas and outlooks. 

2. Set goals.

Write them out, and post them where you will see them everyday. What do you want to accomplish this season/year? Set out ten minutes to evaluate where you are and where you want to be by next summer. Both personally, and in school/business. 

3. Refresh your work space.

Pick up something new! There's something about picking up something new that get's me excited and motivated to get organized and down to business. Whether it's gorgeous new stationary, a cool desk lamp, or the new Samsung Galaxy S8 - pick up something that will help to motivate you to stay focused and organized. 

4. Create a schedule.

 I don't know about you, but schedules are my best friend! When I create and stick to a schedule I accomplish much more in the day. Map out gym days, work days, personal days etc. - you will feel much more accomplished by the end of the day.

5. Set a reward.

The best part of reaching a goal is the reward right?! Aside from self appreciation and pride of course, you've worked hard all season/year - it's time to treat yo' self!! Book a vacation, a staycation, a dinner out - whatever will motivate you to keep going towards your goals.