Woodfield Mall

Hello and Happy Monday! I’m Jess - your new Simon Style Setter for Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois. I’m a graphic designer and copywriter by day and a blogger by night in the city of Chicago. I’m so excited to be sharing my first post with you today; I hope you enjoy and come back soon!

After living in Chicago for almost three years (and the Midwest for 25), I can attest to the fact that the weather here is never predictable. That means choosing the right outfit for the weather is usually next to impossible. Enter my secret weapon for uncooperative weather this time of year: the denim jacket. Just like that perfect pair of jeans or LBD, the denim jacket has the ability to go with almost anything. Depending on the style, it also has the power to transform your look in a snap. Given its popularity lately, there’s no shortage of style options to choose from. I snatched up this distressed boyfriend jacket (also below) from Nordstrom last month and have been wearing it nearly every day. Not sure which one fits the bill? Check out my favorite styles below and take your pick!

Classic. Needs no explanation; keep this one in your closet for years // Distressed. A trendier version that adds a little edge // White. I’m a big believer in white denim. It gives your look a fresh, summery vibe with minimal effort // Acid Wash. Everything old is new again, right? Acid washes are back and denim jackets are no exception // Colored. These bright hues might not go with everything, but they do give your outfit an extra pop when worn over neutral colors - perfect for cool summer evenings.

xx, Jess

I don’t know about anyone else, but summer weather presents an entirely new set of beauty-related issues for me. My hair is it’s own beast (though a recent Coppola Keratin treatment has provided temporary relief), but I’ve discovered that revamping my daily makeup routine is crucial when it comes to muggy summer temperatures. But why, exactly? Let me break it down:

• Certain foundations, concealers and eyeshadows are perfect for the winter, but become a sticky, slippery mess under the hot sun.
• If you’re anything like me, it takes an army to maintain a matte complexion when the temp rises above 70 degrees. I say goodbye to anything with the words “moisturizing” or “oil” in the product description as it translates to “shiny” and “greasy” after reaching my face.
• Even if you’re (hopefully) protecting yourself against the sun, you’re inevitably going to be a few shades darker during the summer months. Nothing screams “I’m wearing makeup!” more than a face and a neck that are three shades different.

Thankfully, I’ve discovered a few products that make my summer beauty routine a little bit easier. 

1) Primer

I’ll admit, I wasn’t a believer in the powers of primer until a couple of years ago. Since then, my two must-haves are Laura Mercier’s Foundation Primer in Radiance and Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer - I use both. For me, this step is non-negotiable. Since the Smashbox is more of a traditional, pre-makeup primer, I use it first to smooth out skin and protect against oiliness throughout the day. I apply the Laura Mercier primer next, focusing on the places where light naturally hits my skin - bridge of my nose, inner eyes, cupid’s bow, etc. The subtle tint of this primer truly lives up to it’s name and creates a natural-looking radiance on your skin.

2) Correct

A good concealer doesn’t need much explanation. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer do what they promise, which is miraculous in and of itself. If my face has a little color during the summer, I’m content to go without foundation - not concealer. These options both offer full, buildable coverage that last all day without creasing (the worst). Do yourself a favor and visit the store to find your perfect shade. Order online and there’s a 99% chance you’ll choose the wrong shade and end up in the store anyway. Or worse, you’ll wear the wrong shade. Just go.

3) Perfect Finish

I initially thought that the concept of HD finishing powder was a complete hoax. A translucent, super-light powder that you can’t even see on your skin...what’s the point? I quickly overcame my initial ignorance when I received a sample of Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish Powder and immediately incorporated it into my daily routine. Admittedly, it’s difficult to explain the skin-transforming powers of a translucent powder without seeing it for yourself. As a finishing powder, I apply it last with the HD Kabuki Brush to set makeup in place and mattify skin. The powder also softens lines and evens complexion to create a flawless, airbrush-esque finish. It’s that good, trust me.

Have a great rest of the week!

xx, Jess