A PDX Based Style Blog by S.J.
Last month I randomly stumbled upon these sweatpants on ASOS.com and ordered them almost immediately! Since comfort shouldn’t mean sacrificing style, these pants are a total win-win! Shop the look denim jacket //handbag // ruffle sweatpants
Photography by Shauna Dullanty @littlephotofox
I love red and pink year round, but I especially love it around Valentine’s Day! Over the past few years, this color blocking combo has become my go-to Valentine’s Day look simply because it’s chic and effortless. If you’re like me, you probably already have plenty of red and pink in your closet. So….try combining your favorite stand alone pieces to create the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit! For my look, I decided to combine pieces with feminine details, just to add a touch of romanticism. But, if you’re looking for something less frilly…. No problem! Basics also work here which is why I love this look so much!
Last but not least, heart shaped sunglasses are optional, but I highly recommend them!
Happy Almost Friday, everyone!
*Thank you to Emily Petri Photography! I had so much fun working with you!
Shop my look : paper-bag trousers , pink blouse (similar) , also loving this one !
Can you believe Valentine’s Day is a month away? I did some research on Valentine’s Day while drafting this post and I came across a couple surprising statistics :
1. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $19.6 billion last year on Valentine’s Day.
2. Millennials account for a third of all pet owners in the U.S., more than any other generation, and according to the American Pet Products Association, a quarter of celebrants under the age of 35 purchased Valentine’s Day gifts for their pets last year.
When I think about it, I’ve never really been a candy hearts and flowers kinda gal. Don’t get me wrong, I love candy and flowers, I just don’t expect my husband to buy them for me on Valentine’s Day. I guess what I’m trying to say is -love should be celebrated year round, not just 1 day out of the year.
But as much as I love an excuse to get dressed up and go out, I would have to say my perfect Valentine’s Day date would consist of making dinner at home. I love a quiet night in with my man, my dog and Netflix. As far as my perfect Valentine’s Day outfit is concerned, let’s just say it consists of pink, red, magenta, layers of tulle and heart shaped sunglasses (of course)!
*Thank you to Tulle on Lace for partnering on this post
*Photography by Karya Schanilec
Happy Saturday, friends! Since it’s officially the weekend, I thought a post about my weekend style essentials would be fitting.
When I’m not running around Portland in vintage dresses, sequined gowns and tulle skirts, you’ll find me wearing this – all of my favorite wardrobe staples combined to create an athleisure look that’s undeniably chic. Whether I’m on a flight or running errands, comfort is key!
These high waisted compression leggings, put out by Reebok, have been my go-to for years now. I almost always wear them with with a slightly oversized top and a comfortable pair of sneakers . Speaking of sneakers, if my husband had his way, I’d be wearing Jordans everyday! I have to give him credit though, because he picked out these kicks for me and I love them. I had no idea Anna Wintour partnered with Nike Air Jordan on a shoe until my man told me! I actually own 3 pairs of Jordans now and they’re really fun to to style.
I think it’s a common misconception that dressing comfortably means you can’t look well put together. If you’re like me, and genuinely enjoy the act of getting ready, then a sloppy appearance on the outside, makes you feel sloppy on the inside. Casual can most definitely be chic, it’s all about how you style and accessories.
Have a great weekend everyone!
In case you didn’t know, I got married in Las Vegas last month and this was the dress I wore!! Most women only get to wear their wedding dress once, I’ve already worn mine twice and I plan on wearing it again and again!! This might come as a surprise, but I was never “that girl” who had her wedding day all figured out. I didn’t have a scrapbook or even a wedding Pinterest board. When it came to our big day, I simply wanted us to remain true to ourselves and nothing screamed “me” like this gown. The minute I laid eyes on it, I knew it would be perfect for any glitzy occasion AND guys, there are so many occasions where sequins are highly appropriate! NYE included!
I was actually waiting until this very post to spill all the details on this dress. If you’re not familiar with Janelle James Boutique, you should definitely check them out! They’re known for having a selective style of dresses, tops, shoes, and accessories. They have so many gorgeous pieces!
This dress is one of those gorgeous pieces, it’s a rose gold dream and fully lined! On the day of my wedding, it was pretty chilly in Las Vegas but this wrap gown kept me warm! It was honestly the warmest piece of clothing I wore during my recent shoot with Karya Schanilec Photography too!! Every time I put it on this dress I can’t stop smiling, it really has a personality of its own that’s easy to embrace. Whether you wear it with heels or rose gold Nike’s be prepared to sparkle ✨
*Thank you to Karya Schanilec Photography
I hope you’re all are having a wonderful holiday season! Can you believe we’ll be counting down to the new year in less than a week?! As I look back on 2018, I can honestly say it was a year filled with fun, fashion and travel. 2018 was also the busiest year to date for my blog! Thank you all for your continued support, I honestly can’t thank you enough! If there’s anything you’d like to see on the blog in 2019, please let me know in the comments!
With 2018 nearing an end, I thought it would be fun to reminisce on the past year by sharing some of my favorite photos. So without further ado….
Thank you to photographers Lizzie Bell, Sara Wolfe, Shauna Dullanty, Karya Schanilec, JJean Portraits and @lazerfarmer!! You all are amazing!!
When it came down to picking a location for my final holiday shoot (of 2018) in Portland, Director Park was my first choice. Why? Because, the Paramount Hotel makes the perfect holiday back drop! Not only is it easily accessible in the heart of down town Portland, the twinkle lights and poinsettias that grace the building’s facade are so incredibly festive!
This holiday season, H&M had the cutest holiday sweaters and most of them were under $50! Can you believe I snagged this one for just under $10?! The minute I saw this off the shoulder sweater, I knew it would pair perfectly with this layered tulle skirt made by one of my favorite local fashion designers, Tulle on Lace! I love dressing up year round, but during the holiday season, I enjoy adding a little extra “oomph” to my looks.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Photography by Karya Schanilec
Skirt from Tulle on Lace
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Carrie Bradshaw, it’s “don’t be afraid to show some skin, even when the temperatures drop.” I absolutely love pairing my favorite skirts with go-to basics from my closet year round. I’ve mentioned before that Chicwish is one of my all-time favorite sources for classic feminine pieces. I recently add this skirt to my Chicwish collection and I LOVE everything about it; the texture, length, timeless silhouette and of course the bow. Although I’m excited to style this look for spring, I thought it would be perfect for winter as well! The light blue color reminded me of a snowflake and the bow added a festive touch.
To complete my winter look, I decided to wear one of my favorite pom beanies. I love wearing beanies during the winter months because they’re cute and they keep my head warm!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post.
Photography by Shauna Dullanty @littlephotofox
I’ve been adulting so much lately that I couldn’t be more thankful for this season to make me feel like a kid again! Growing up, there was always so much excitement in the days leading up to Christmas. I’ve never told anyone this, but I remember, as a child, always feeling sad as Christmas Day drew to an end. I remember wishing Christmas Day would last forever and before the day ended, I remember capturing memories in my mind like a photograph. It was never really about the presents for me, it was (and still is) about the magic of the season. Now that I’m older I realize, Christmases change over the years but the “Christmas feeling” remains the same.
Each year when we choose to welcome the Christmas season with open arms, we rekindle that feeling. So this December, bake those sugar cookies, listen to those classic carols, decorate the tree, hang the lights, watch all the Hallmark movies, put on an outfit inspired by Buddy the Elf & Mrs. Griswold and treasure those you love.
You can shop this look and more by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app or shop my sweater here and my skirt here (I’m wearing a size small and it fits perfectly!)
Lastly, points to anyone who can name the Christmas movie the title of this post comes from.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
*Thank you to Chicwish for sponsoring this post
*Thank you to Shauna Dullanty @littlephotofox for bracing the cold with me last weekend.
I just have to start off by saying , I’m super excited about this post because there have been some major changes to my beauty routine! A few of these changes, I never thought I would make and the results caught me by surprise!
1. // I recently traded in my prestige brand eyeliner for this budget friendly option priced just under $10 at Ulta. I was a little apprehensive at first, but my doubts quickly faded as soon as I began applying it! The easy application and rich color made a wonderful first impression! At the end of day, I was fully committed to the liner having put it to the test. The rich color I loved so much was still there, with zero fading or smudges. If you’re looking for an eyeliner that stays put and won’t break the bank, you should definitely give this liner a try!
2. // This setting spray was actually introduced to me by a local hair and makeup artist. I sent her a text the weekend before my wedding asking for a few product recommendations knowing I would be doing my own hair and makeup on my big day. This was the first product on her “must have” list. Spray on a fresh face (in a quick zigzag motion) prior to the application of concealer and fondation. For extra hold, spray lightly in the same motion after applying concealer and foundation. Once dry, apply the powder of your choice and watch your makeup last all day!
3. // I discovered this matte lipstick on an Ulta run a few months ago and it has quickly become my go-to! It’s available in so many gorgeous shades, stays put all day and it’s incredibly affordable!
4. // As someone who has sworn by prestige makeup brands, The Maybelline Super Stay line has me rethinking everything I once thought about drugstore makeup. This powder pairs perfectly with the Maybelline foundation mentioned later in the post.
5. // I was in the market for new makeup brushes and purchased this defined eye kit by Eco Tools at Ulta. When it comes to eye shadow I typically keep things pretty simple, however, on special occasions I love a defined eye. With a little help from YouTube, your favorite eye shadow palette and this eye kit, you’ll have people asking “who does your makeup?” in no time.
6. // Maybelline’s Super Stay Full Coverage Foundation has been a game changer for me! Again, I never thought I would swap my prestige brand foundation for Maybelline. This oil free, full coverage foundation rivals and out performs most (if not all) of the foundations I’ve used over the past 10 years. Why spend $50-$75 on foundation when you can spend less than $10 and get the same results? What I love most about this foundation though, is the barely there feeling of it.
7.// This gem of a product was also introduced to me by the local makeup artist I’ve mentioned a couple times in this post. This light weight, long lasting powder is perfect for reducing the visibility of pesky under eye circles. Did I mention it’s under $5 at Ulta?!
8. // Yet another Maybelline find that caught me by surprise! At first glance, this product looks exactly like a M.AC. paint pot. I went in search of this product after using the last of my M.A.C eyeshadow. It looked similar and the shade was almost identical to the M.A.C I had been using. I love a good dupe, especially when it saves me money and out performs. This 24 hour cream gel eyeshadow can be used as base or worn on its own. Long story short, it definitely out lasts M.A.C.!
9.// I discovered OXG shampoo and conditioner in the travel section of a Las Vegas Walgreens. My husband as I were only there for a short time and I had completely forgotten to my pack my hair products. Honestly, some of the best products I’ve discovered have been the result of me forgetting to pack an essential in my hair and beauty routine. I always keep these products on hand, especially the travel sizes!
10.// I also discovered this OGX dry shampoo in the travel section of a Las Vegas Walgreens. When I said I forgot to pack my hair products on this trip I truly forgot to pack them. This dry shampoo is perfect for daily or on-the-go use. It adds volume without leaving behind that white residue so many dry shampoos often leave behind.
11. // When it comes to smoother hair and taming fly always, this serum is one of my favorite Frizz Ease products. It’s suitable for all hair types and the Silk Protein and Seaweed Extract help seal split ends and repel humidity.
12.// A couple months ago I began taking these dietary supplement gummies. They’ve been formulated with vitamin E and vitamin C for contributing to your skin health, collagen production and formation so you can take care of the basics for a healthier body. They’re also formulated to strengthen nails and restore shine to your skin and hair.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!! I hope you love these products as much as I do!