Jackson Free Press

Sometimes it's nice to get away and indulge yourself. I tend to joke that living and working downtown, where I walk everywhere, makes driving to the suburbs feel like a trip to a whole other country. I decided to make an excursion of sorts out of the experience and do some pampering to get ready for fall.

You can't pamper yourself without a spa, and nestled on Jackson Street in Ridgeland is just the spot—Body Anew Medical Spa (113 W. Jackson St., Suite 1-A, Ridgeland, 601-605-0452). The facility offers a range of treatments ranging from facials, peels, microdermabrasion and injectables, to laser hair removal, waxing and weight management. As my friend Eddie Outlaw frequently declares, finding oneself a Youth Fairy is important—and after a visit, I think I've found mine.

Aesthetician Ryan Hodges started with a deep cleansing and detox treatment facial, including steam with aromatherapy. She followed that with a fruit-enzyme treatment and lactic-acid peel. Finally, she applied a soy mask, rejuvenating cucumber and caffeine eye treatment, and some vitamin serums (all comped for this column).

Hodges really knows what she's doing and loves making people feel good about themselves, and it shows. My skin felt awesome afterward, and I can't wait to go back for more. The lactic-acid peel was genius—really gentle (I could wear makeup right away), and I'm pretty sure that done regularly, it may stave off the Botox until I reach full-blown cougar age.

With my skin glowing, the next step was wardrobe. Enlisting my friend Maggie Middleton as an accomplice, I headed to Red Square Clothing (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Suite 9004, Ridgeland, 601-853-8960). This locally owned shop is one of my new favorites. Originally a men's clothing store, it recently expanded its offerings to women. It stays true to its focus—denim and things that look good with denim—and whether you're a guy or a gal, it's definitely worth checking out.

Someone once said that clothes make the man, but at Red Square, the staff makes the clothes even better. Owner Miles Harris and associate Jill Matheny make shopping an absolute pleasure. They will quickly pinpoint your style, find you the perfect jean, and expertly suggest tops you'll love so you leave with pieces you'll wear again and again.

For instance, while Jill quickly determined that preppy Maggie needed jeans, printed tops and belted dresses for Groving (Ole Miss tailgating), she knew just the poncho, skinny jeans and sequined pants (yes, that's a solid investment in my world) for me. They keep the experience laid-back and honest, never pushing anything on the customer. As a result, phrases like "I want to marry these boots" and "I'm obsessed with this top" kept falling from Maggie's and my lips. The best part? If you call and make an appointment to shop (not required, but I do suggest it), you'll get wine and a gift card in addition to their mad styling skills. What's better?

An afternoon of shopping works up an appetite, so to wrap things up, Maggie and I headed to Ruth's Chris Steak House (1000 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, 601-853-2734). The bartender guided us through the wine list and recommended something that was perfect for each of us. And the crab cakes were pretty perfect, too.

As you anticipate that first crisp note of fall in the air, I hope you take time to take care of yourself, inside and out.