allglamnofilter

A PDX Based Style Blog by S.J.

Flatlay Fun

If you’re addicted to Instagram like I am, you’ve probably seen some impressive flatlays by your favorite bloggers and style influencers.  I’m by no means a professional at flatlay photography, but I do enjoy it. Today I’m sharing some flatlays I’ve posted on Instagram and tips (that are the result of trial and error) to hopefully make your flatlay attempt a bit easier.


1. Pick a simple background for your photos. I use a white faux fur rug, but a hard wood floor or marble countertop would work as well. 2. Natural light, natural light, natural light. I’ve found I get the best results when I shoot near an open window. In most cases I’ll still use a photo editing app to boost the lighting even more. 3. Decide what you want to photograph and build on it. What do you want people to see first when they look at your photo? Have a focal point in mind? Good! Now accessorize it. Think small details that add to (not take away from) your primary object. Be sure to choose items that coincide with each other. The best flatlays tell a story. 4. Now that you have your focal point and accessories, play around with placement. I’ll move objects around on my rug countless times before taking a photo. Things I keep in mind when shooting are : where do the items look most visually appealing? Is the photo over crowded and confusing? In my opinion,  space is really important. Be sure everything in your photo has some room to breathe. 

5. You don’t have to be a blogger or style influencer to have fun with flatlays, you just have to have a camera and some creativity! 

Shop my flatlays:
My Lashes aren’t perfect canvas tote /Cute swimsuit here, here, and here/ Oahu Sunset fragrance, Revlon Ulta HD matte lip color 

CATEGORIES // Shop

Let Them Eat Cake

A few Sundays ago I watched Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette for the first time after a coworker ( aware of my love for fashion and all things French) suggested I watch it. The following day at the office we recounted the fabulous dresses and of course the pastries. This conversation gave me a great idea…to turn a Marie Antoinette inspired dessert party into a reality. Last month I had the opportunity to visit Versailles and Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon and it was surreal . I’ve always been fascinated by history’s leading ladies. Today on on the blog I’m showing how you too can throw a dessert party inspired by “The Queen of Fashion” without spending a fortune. 


I’ve linked the cute paper products here: plates, scalloped napkins, three tier cake stand, pretty plates. You can either order them directly from the vendor or from Amazon like I did. Also, if you love Parisian inspired decor, Michael’s has a ton of cute items to put the finishing touches on your table top. Bon appetit ! 

My Style : 101

I love getting dressed up, whether it’s a day at the office or a weekend filled with errand running, I tend to do it in style. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed getting dressed and ready. Regardless of the day or season, I’m always drawn to ladylike pieces and feminine details. Even if I’m wearing  jeans on the weekend I’ll pair with delicate top and a cute pair of flats. I’ll admit, whenever I need style inspiration I tend to turn to style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. I have an entire Pinterest board  dedicated to these ladies, and a lot of their looks are completely relevant today. For more modern style inspiration I turn to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. I absolutely love her style, it’s no wonder everything she wears instantly sells out and most of her outfits are surprisingly affordable as well. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite (recent) outfits, that I like to describe as classic with a modern twist. 


Look 1 : skirt, top, pearl flatsLook 2: ruffle top , skirt old (Old Navy) nude wedges ( they’re on sale!) Look 3: sunglasses, pearl flats (also loving these) Look 4 : Nordstrom hat ( similar here ) Look 5 : top, skirt, hat box bag

Skin Care Products I’m Loving!

I’m so excited to share some new skin care products that have quickly earned a spot in my skin care regimen. Skin care is a topic I’m extremely passionate about (hence the long post). I have oily skin so I have to be very consistent with my skin care routine or I’ll start to break out. For the past month I’ve been testing the Olehenriksen Balance It All Essentials Set (complimentary thanks to Olehenriksen and Influenster for testing purposes ) and I have to say, this easy three step process has significantly improved my overall complection. I’ve struggled with acne for as long as I can remember and it’s only been within the last couple of years that I’ve finally been able to get it under control. That’s  why I was a little apprehensive to try these products, even the slightest change in my skin care routine can cause a break out. I’m honestly amazed at how well this product line worked! In a months time it reduced the look of pores and prevented breakouts. Combining this three step routine with the regimen I already have in place took my skin from good to the best it’s looked in a long time. This set completely exceeded all of my expectations. 


 Now that I’ve finally found the right products to control oil and prevent break outs, I’m focusing on another concern…aging. Sure, I understand aging is a fact of life, but why not do it gracefully ? I’ve been using the products pictured below for a few months now and I’ve been extremely satisfied with the results. My skin looks smoother and I’ve noticed small areas of skin discoloration have improved. Results may vary, but I definitely plan to purchase these products again when I run out.  What are some some skin care products you’re loving? I’d love to hear! 

Shop this post: 

Custom-repair serum

Dark circle corrector 

Youth activating eye cream 

Eye Illuminator

Spring Blooms 

Earlier in the week the weather forecast called for a dry Saturday, so you can imagine my disappointment when I woke up to rain yesterday . I know I shouldn’t have been all that surprised, considering it’s been raining for what seems like months in the Pacific Northwest, but I really like to utilize my time wisely on dry sunny days. Luckily the rain stopped and the clouds lifted, so I decided to venture out and enjoy the cherry blossoms that are currently in bloom. Given my affinity blossoms and blooms I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it. Since the dress is already so colorful,  I thought a nude shoe would pair nicely. These wedges have been a favorite of mine for a few years. I actually own them in quite a few colors because they’re so comfortable! 




Shop more from this post: sunglasses

Photography by Chanterrie Lee

Stepping into Spring 

It’s probably no surprise that my spring wardrobe essentials are feminine pieces . This spring I’m loving ruffles, midi skirts, pastels and of course all things floral.  Chicwish is my go to for feminine pieces with a modern twist. I guess if I could describe my style, it would be classic with a modern twist, so my love for Chicwish makes sense! 


Shop look 1 : skirt , ruffle sweater, sunglasses, earrings,  ASOS shoes

Shop look 2:  bell sleeve top, skirt, sunglasses, hat box handbag, earrings, Chinese Laundry shoes 

Parisian Moments 

Two years ago my fiancée and I took a trip to London and decided to take the train to Paris for a day. Yes, one day. We visited as many tourist attractions as possible before catching the last train back to London. One day in Paris is certainly better than never going at all, but it’s definitely not enough time to see everything there is to see.

This visit was much more relaxing, we actually had enough time to sit at cafes and enjoy coffee and croissants each morning before heading to the museums. 

Along with photos from our trip, I’m sharing some travel tips to hopefully make your Parisian vacation a little easier. 


1.Try to learn the language. A little goes a long way and you’ll discover most Parisians speak English. I used Rosetta Stone to prepare for our previous trip (and our most recent one) and it definitely helped .

2. Purchase tickets to all attractions in advance. Not only will this save you time, it will also ensure you’re able to see the attractions you came so far to see. We purchased attraction tickets through this site and they arrived about a month before our trip. 3. When we weren’t exploring on foot, we used The Metro. Transit passes can be purchased ahead of time or upon your arrival. FYI, don’t let your ticket make contact with anything metal (keys, your iPhone etc) you’ll demagnetize it and it won’t work. I learned this the hard way. 


4. Experience the city the way you want to. Whenever we travel internationally (and even domestically) we always stay at a hotel in a neighborhood as opposed to a busy tourist or commercial area. Not only is it quiet, but it allows us to feel more at home. We also usually pick a hotel near a transit stop which seems to make our stay easier.

5. Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore and get lost. You’ll always find your way back and you might just find yourself in the process (or a least more cute cafes). 

Perfectly Pink

I saw these shoes online at DSW the other day and knew instantly I had to have them. Luckily, a store near me had them in stock so I could try them on for size. They’re actually super comfy and they’ll make a great transitional shoe from winter- to- spring. 

I’m sorry this is such a short post, I just wanted to make these beauties easier for you to find. Happy Sunday everyone! 


Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s that time of year when the stores are filled with everything pink, red and heart shaped. Sure, Valentine’s Day is about romance but on February 13th (Galentine’s Day) we get to celebrate our lady friends and what’s more fun than that?! Today I’m sharing some great gift ideas (for the special gals in your life) and all of my picks are well under $50. 

First off, I’m loving this T-shirt, so much in fact, that I’ll probably end up buying it for myself. For the coffee loving gal in your life, this mug would make a great gift. You could always fill it with candy and maybe a gift card to her favorite coffee shop to support her habit. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the over the knee socks I recently purchased, so I’ve link some similar ones.

Some of you may disagree with me, but I think candles make great gifts. I’ve linked a couple here and here that I love. Lastly, these strawberries and cream white chocolate truffles are amazing!  Buy some for a bestie but be sure to buy some for yourself as well (trust me).  Hopefully I was able to make your Galentine’s Day shopping a bit easier this year. My gals now know what they’re getting but yours will be pleasantly surprised!!

Just a few more ideas…. ( Mom, in case you’re reading this I haven’t purchased any of these items YET haha)  Cute earrings , on the go tumbler , metallic pink sunnies, casual hat

Designer Inspiration 

I don’t know about you, but I love designer fashion. What I don’t love, is the price tag that often comes with it. I’ll be honest, I will treat myself to Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Gucci accessories once in a blue moon but certainly not all the time. What I can buy more often are designer looks for less! Today I’m sharing some of my favorite designer inspired pieces that are well under $100. 
I’ve seriously been looking all over for a bag that resembles the Mansur Gavriel hat box satchel (priced at  $1095) and I finally found IT!  I am beyond pleased with this bag and will definitely be ordering another. 



I love these Miu Miu embellished  kitten heels (priced at $890) , but  these are SO adorable and they’re just $25 (they do run big so I recommend sizing down)! While you’re at it, be sure to pick up these designer inspired loafers (also on Asos) and you’ll qualify for free shipping. That’s what did! 


I’m honestly always looking for classic designer inspired pieces to add to my wardrobe. I recently purchased this Zara blazer after falling in love with a similar one with a retail price of $1590.00. My blazer collection keeps growing simply because they’ll never go out of style and they’re my go to for creating a polished look.


Lastly I’m sharing some of my favorite pieces, resembling, one of my favorite fashion houses, Chanel. Whenever I think of Chanel, I think of tweed, add a cute flower pin to a tweed dress and you’ve got an outfit Coco would approve of. Chicwish has some super cute tops that have me dreaming of Paris more than I usually do…J’aime this one, this one and this one (just to share a few)! I’m also loving these dresses ( love and must have) for a Parisian inspired look. 

 

Thank you to one of my subscribers for suggesting this post, you know who you are!