Power Dressing

As human beings we can't help but rely heavily on our visual perception. It is perhaps this innate trait in human nature that gives substance to the  widely used adage that "first impressions last." We believe that both form and substance coexist, or at least, runs parallel in all things.

In 1975,  the book Dress for Success by John T. Malloy hit the shelves of bookstores far and wide. The book focuses on the concept of dressing for success, becoming an instant bestseller. Following its footstep was another book, The Women's Dress for Success. These two books popularized the concept of power dressing; which to date has become a guideline for every professional who wants to climb the corporate ladder. 

The concept of Power Dressing is usually associated with women, although this concept encompasses both sexes. Women have transcended beyond the housewife role, and have taken a big leap forward in the very realms of corporate world, and dressing up for work has evolved from power suit, to sophistication and femininity.  

One way to spice up your corporate outfit is by adding statement pieces.

Give your collared blouse a flair by adding a bib necklace. 

 

Choose pieces that will complement your office wardrobe. You can break the monotony of your outfit by wearing statement pieces ,with a choice of either necklaces or earrings. 

 

Start using accessories in neutral colors, and eventually experiment with colors to give life to a black and white outfit.

After catching their attention with your style, back it up with your personality, to communicate that you have so much more to offer than just being another rank-and-file employee.

 

Crystals and Linking

I haven’t done some serious bead linking for a while but in the process of making new accessories for Ms. Jean Garcia, I got to do so again. Here are some of the pieces we made for her which she will be wearing in the next episodes of Personalan. We can’t wait to see what outfits she’ll pair these accessories with!- PJV

Crystal galore chandelier and stud earrings and bracelets

In the meantime we’ve come up with a selection of wardrobes; from flirty sheer chiffon and printed dresses, elegant gowns, and casual jumpsuits and rompers to pair these swanky baubles with. 

Style Tips: 

1) Chandelier earrings are a great way to add sophistication to your overall outfit. Let the iridescent quality of the crystals work their charm to highlight your face. 

2) It is best to wear your chandeliers when your hair is pulled up or if you have short hair.

3) Wear a set of bracelets and earrings. Choose a balanced set. 

4) Coordinate your accessories.  For prints, pair them with subtle extras. 

5) Drop earrings and a touch of gold accessories can take you from casual to black tie.

Dress: Anna Sui Printed silk wrap dress; Stella McCartney Pleated Chiffon Dress ; Aliyah Strap Short Dress

Gown: Ellie Saab One Shoulder Sequin Gown; ELIE SAAB Chiffon Beaded Cap Sleeve Gown; ELIE SAAB Pleated Cap Sleeve Gown

Jumpsuit and Romper: Halston Silk-crepe wrap jumpsuit; Miss Patina Women’ s Brown Lace Top Jumpsuit 

Source: www.polyvore.com

All That Sparkles Gives Gold by Krizia Eleni Patrocinio

We met Kim during a two-day bazaar at the Asian Institute of Management, December of last year.  The very first items she bought from us were gifts for her cousins. Afterwards, she began purchasing our embellished necklaces, which she stylishly pair with her outfits! 

When you have no more time (or money) to shop, on a budget, with a wardrobe consisting of mostly blacks, greys and browns, and you suddenly find yourself receiving an invitation to attend a very special occasion with only 3 weeks to prepare, what do you do? You rely on your creativity, originality and pizzazz of course! 

" Everyone noticed my necklace and told me they liked it. No one even noticed that I repeated my outfit! It was a great and unforgettable fashion moment.  "

This happened to me in December, while in the thick of preparations for an office Christmas party, a family reunion, a block dinner, etc. I received a message from my high school friend informing everyone that she was getting married in three weeks! Because I already spent most of my money on gifts and I had no energy, or time, to go to the mall (or online) to look for the perfect wedding guest outfit, I resolved to recycle one of my dresses and wear it for her big day. Heck, if Kate (otherwise known as the Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge) can be photographed wearing the same dress twice, I can too!

Since wearing black was my personal faux pas when attending weddings, I decided to wear my beige dress. I was worried that it looked too plain, but I was running out of options. I figured that I can look for accessories at home that I can pair it with so I that I would look more interesting. Serendipitously, PJ of PalamutiStorytelling Jewels was at an AIM bazaar that week, selling her one-of-a-kind accessories! It was the perfect solution to my predicament! I immediately fell in love with her embellished necklaces, but I bought the clip-on earrings and the cocktail rings because I needed to give my cousins Christmas gifts. 

With 2 more weeks to go, I was getting more anxious. I didn’t want to spend more than PhP2,000 for a dress I will rarely wear, but I did not want to look plain at the wedding. As if fate was calling out to me, I saw a photo of Precious Lara Quigaman wearing an Amatullah necklace with her nude dress, on my Facebook news feed. It was Palamuti Storytelling Jewels posting her photo! It was exactly the look I was aiming for: classic yet sophisticated, subdued yet trendy, stand-out but conforming. The perfect look for a wedding guest. I took it as a sign and called PJ to ask for the availability of the embellished necklace. Thankfully, she can have one made in time for the wedding!

The rest, as they say, is history. I made my Amatullah embellished necklace the focal point of my entire ensemble. Everyone noticed my necklace and told me they liked it. No one even noticed that I repeated my outfit! It was a great and unforgettable fashion moment.

In the time of Facebook and Instagram, when photos are everywhere, and discerning people can tell if you repeated outfits or not, it is more practical to invest in accessories that redefine and recreate totally different looks. More than adding a bit more sparkle in a regular outfit, an embellished necklace provides added glamour and a lasting impression on the taste and style of its wearer.

The Enigma of a Tropical Beach Wedding

Gone are the days of traditional church weddings. Nowadays, soon-to-wed couples have the freedom to organize their wedding and to choose a setting of their choice. One of the top recurring themes is a tropical beach wedding. The elemental beauty of the beach, fresh sea breeze, music made by the waves, barefoot on the sand, and contemplative view of the sun at the horizon, appeals to many. So why not celebrate your big day with mother nature as your backdrop? Nothing is more romantic declaring your love to the “one and only” with the sea and sun serving as your witnesses. 

Here are some great ideas to help you orchestrate your very own beach wedding.

1) Break away from the "all white" theme by wearing a necklace, or a set of costume jewelries made from mother of pearl in blue. Have your entourage wear flowing long dresses in shades of coral and aqua. Add an embellished necklace with mother of pearl components to complete your mood and ensemble. You can give your female godparents mother of pearl brooches as tokens. 
 

Source for Bridal Gown and Maxi Dress: www.polyvore.com 

Accessories by Palamuti by PJ Valenciano

 

2) Encourage your guests to lose their shoes and enjoy the sand between their toes. You can give linked accessories such as this ring anklet to the members of your female entourage for them to wear at the beach.

  Source for Photo (Lose Your Shoes): http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/273379/destination-wedding-anne-and-josh-turks-and-caicos/@center/272506/destination-weddings#/278505

3) Use shells, mini-parasols or mother of pearl wired into flowers as place-holders for your guests' name cards placed at the reception table. They can also serve as take home keepsakes.

 

 Sources for Photos:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228724/beach-wedding-ideas#/104424

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228724/beach-wedding-ideas#/98066

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228724/beach-wedding-ideas#/178362

   

 

4) Incorporate elements that remind you of the sea into your bouquet. Most common of which is combining shells with the flowers. Another option is to put shell hangings at the base of the bouquet. You can replicate the shell hangings that can be given as souvenirs. You can use it as a multipurpose accessory, which can be used as a bag tag, key chain, and door knob chime long after your special day.

  Sources for Photos:

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228724/beach-wedding-ideas#/167697

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228724/beach-wedding-ideas#/105215

 http://beautiful-bridal.blogspot.com/2011/05/starfish-inspired-wedding-bouquet.html

We have a new blog focused solely on weddings and debuts.  

Visit http://www.weddingsanddebutsbypjv.blogspot.com