Sometimes, Having Coffee with Your Best Friend is All the Therapy You Need

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A Personal Note

I’m finally back after my gallbladder eviction! It’s been three weeks since surgery, and while I’m still feeling a bit tired and sluggish, I’m incredibly relieved to be free of the constant daily pain. Recovery hasn’t exactly been glamorous, and let’s just say the digestive reset process is… an adventure (IYKYK), but at least I’m getting better, one day at a time.

Here’s to hoping the second half of 2025 brings a lot more joy and a lot fewer medical surprises!

About the Images

After a rough week, sometimes the best therapy is a little quality time with your best friend… something Serena and Ella Rose clearly understand in today’s post.

Serena is serving up bold summer energy in Ariana, a striking set by Belle Epoque, available now at Collabor88. The dress (which has halter straps covered by Serena’s hair) features a bandeau top with a central buckle detail and thin crisscrossing straps that wrap around her midsection and tie in neat bows in the back, adding a playful yet edgy flair. The matching miniskirt hugs her curves and shows just the right amount of skin, making it the perfect outfit for a fun girls’ night out. The dress comes in twelve color options, a gorgeous mix of soft pastels and rich darks, offering plenty of flexibility to match your vibe.

Also from Collabor88 is Serena’s delicate bracelet by Kibitz. Elsa’s Bracelet can be worn on either wrist or both and comes with a HUD to customize the metal and gemstones to suit your vibe.

Serena’s hair is Serenity by Faga, which is their current group gift. With a sleek, center-parted style that cascades over her shoulders, Serenity is smooth and polished. You can also add optional bangs, though Serena opted for the bang-free version. Four different color HUDs are available. Join the Faga group to make this style your own.

Ella Rose chose a classic favorite for her night out: the Janice skirt and top set from Belle Epoque, which features rows of daring, strategically placed cutouts. She paired her outfit with the stunning new Clea skin from Glam Affair. You know how some skins feel right the moment you try them on? Well, Clea was definitely one of those for Ella Rose! The skin package includes a variety of BOM makeup layers, and two versions of freckles; Ella Rose is wearing the Clea freckles along with her usual freckles and moles from WarPaint for that extra-personal touch. You can pick up a demo of Clea at the current round of Kustom9.

Full credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.

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The Story

Serena and Ella Rose dressed to impress for a much-needed girls’ night out, both ready to turn heads and shake off the stress of the week. Serena wore a bold electric blue two-piece outfit, the silky fabric hugging her curves and shimmering under the early evening light. Strappy accents crisscrossed around her waist, adding just the right amount of flair, while her matching purse swung from her wrist like a charm. Ella Rose, always one to blend edgy with effortless, wore a deep forest green ensemble with daring cutouts and intricate lacing. Her fiery hair was swept into a chic bun, her signature style for a night of adventure.

Their first stop was The Latte Leaf Café, a cozy plant-filled hideaway nestled between boutiques and vinyl shops. Serena sipped an iced latte—her go-to for evenings when she needed both caffeine and comfort—while Ella Rose opted for a cool matcha, the earthy green shade perfectly matching her outfit. The pair chatted about everything from fashion finds to dating disasters, laughing as they took selfies with the café’s roller skate decor and leafy backdrop.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they wandered to the boardwalk just a few blocks away. Street musicians played jazz under hanging lights, and Serena convinced Ella Rose to dance with her in the middle of the promenade, iced drinks in hand and shoes forgotten at the edge of the wooden planks. The moment felt magical—just two friends, caught in the joy of being young, bold, and completely themselves.

Later, they wrapped up the night at a rooftop bar with sweeping city views, sipping fruity mocktails and trading secrets under the stars. When the evening finally came to a close, Serena looked over at Ella Rose and grinned.

“Same time next week?” she asked.

Ella Rose raised her cup with a wink. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

CREDITS

Serena

Faga Serenity (group gift)
Angel Eyes Messy 17 Hairbase
IKON Possibility Eyes
WarPaint Muse Lashes
WarPaint Opaline Eyeshadow
Glam Affair Lune
Kibitz Samara’s Earrings
Glam Affair x Not Found Ethereal Essence Body Skin
AvaWay Letter Necklaces Set
Belle Epoque Ariana (NEW @ Collabor88)
Kibitz Elsa’s Bracelet (NEW @ Collabor88)
e.marie Sirena Rings
[DDL] Success Handbag
Hive Out and About Iced Latte

Ella Rose

TRUTH x LOGO Mood
Angel Eyes Baby Hair 18 Hairbase
IKON Daring Eyes
Amara Beauty Valerie Eyeshadow
Glam Affair Clea + Freckles + Lip Toner (NEW @ Kustom9)
WarPaint #IWokeUpLikethis (face/body freckles & moles)
e.marie Keylani Earrings
Velour Angel Body Skin
Kibitz Johana’s Necklace
Belle Epoque Janice Skirt & Top
Vibing Emily Rings
Hive Out and About Iced Matcha
MOVEMENT Petit Backpack