Smart & Casual

What I miss most in my time during with a corporate career was the possibility of dressing up in office attire. One of the things I really looked forward to everyday was expressing my individuality through fashion. I was lucky enough to be part of a company that allowed their employees to dress up. From  hardcore power dressing, to smart casual, I was able to enjoy the smart casual look, especially when I utilized denims to the full. For me, what really puts smart casual look together is the right choice of shoes and accessories. Add the classic pumps and jewelry accents over a plain blouse or polo shirt to complement your whole ensemble. As for the hairstyle, a slick pulled back look should do the trick. Anyway, here are some fashion styling photos from Kim Basa of Amaya and her team. 

" At most companies, however, the "smart casual" dress code is a step up from "business casual," but not as formal as "boardroom attire." It's neat and professional — but still informal. "

Read more:  http://www.businessinsider.com/what-smart-casual-dress-code-means-2014-8#ixzz3hj0qD8vx

Which of the above is your favorite smart casual look? :) 

Keeping it real.- PJV 

Hiraya Scarf Necklace Tops This Year's Gift List

The big holiday rush has started! It's time to scout and hunt for that perfect Christmas present. However, I simply don't have the time and energy to visit malls and bazaars. Luckily enough, Palamuti has an array of wonderful gifts that I can choose from. Topping my list is this season's bestseller, the Hiraya scarf necklaces, which are embellished with a variety of stones, pearls, shells, and beads.

This is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection, as most people are fond of using plain scarves for the most part. I love the idea that it's a necklace and scarf in one, which gives a much-needed boost to a plain-looking wardrobe style. The fabric is very lightweight and soft to on skin, and it doesn't encumber me, unlike other wool or cotton scarves that my Grammy used to give me.



Hiraya comes in different colors and lengths, and you can even create your own design, since Palamuti accommodates requests for customization. It boasts the best quality, as the materials used came from excellent sources and manufacturers. It became a very popular gift item, even gaining some attention from the local press.

Hiraya can be worn over formal dresses and it is perfect to wear for work. If you're looking for a gift to give your boss, clients, or office colleagues; this item is a perfect choice. See how they manage to work this versatile piece with their office attires:

Hiraya is available online at palamutishop.com. For wholesale or bulk orders, send us a query at the following email addresses:

Philippines: kimph@palamutishop.com 

United Arab Emirates: marivic@palamutishop.com 

US/Canada/Europe: michelle@palamutishop.com 

Hong Kong: aileenhk@palamutishop.com 

Power Dressing with a Scarf

 Rosalina Scarf by Palamuti

If you're the type who's not fond of wearing fine or costume jewelry, yet still a person looking for ways to tweak your office look, you may want to consider wearing a scarf to upgrade your office wardrobe. A simple scarf can achieve a "dress to impress" look, and you can definitely incorporate your personality by choosing the right scarf design.  It doesn't have to be winter or cold outside to wear a scarf. Since there a lot of designs based on material, usage and functionality, scarves can be worn several ways besides the classical drape. So if you're bored wearing scarves the traditional way, you can experiment with bunny ears, waterfalls, and other ways of wearing a scarf.

LOOK # 1

Photo lifted from Baudilich.Com

LOOK # 2

Photo lifted from 15 Minute Fashion About.Com

LOOK # 3

Photo lifted from Merle Fashion Blog

LOOK # 4

Photo lifted from Work Chic

LOOK # 5

Photo lifted from The Kit Beauty and Fashion

LOOK # 6

Photo lifted from India Times

Add Some Sugar and Spice to Your Office Attire

Hello women of the new world! From her very own household to the corridors of power in the corporate world, the role of women has truly changed dramatically, and so has the concept of power dressing. There was a time when "office colors" such as black, charcoal, and gray dominated the workplace dress code. Nowadays women are exerting their own style even in the office setting. If you're stuck with the old ways and it's taking you longer to embrace and incorporate the season's trends, you can always start out by accessorizing.

Here are some accessories we recommend:

1. Wear  brooches
TIP: Pick a brooch that's in contrast with your office outfit. Simply put, choose one that will stand-out! 

2. Invest in pearls (faux, fresh water or south sea)
TIP: Buy a set of pearls; earrings, bracelet, and necklace. Pearls will give you your money's worth, since they can be used not only in the office, but for other attires in other  formal gatherings as well.

3.Acrylic Crystal Bracelet and Earrings
TIP: Buy accessories  made with high-end acrylic crystals. They still may not be as valuable as the real thing, but when used in wise, fashion-savvy ways, they are sophisticated in their own rite as well.

4. Fashionable I.D. Laces
TIP: There are many I.D. laces being sold and provided by the company you work for, but a creative way to set yourself apart is to have one that functions not just as an I.D. lace, but as a  fashionable necklace as well.

5. Wire Art Necklaces
TIP: Choose a design which you can also use with most of your office wardrobe.

6. Daily Palamuti Earrings
TIP: They may only be studs, not too big and not too small, but these stud type earrings makes a bold fashion statement!

7. Changeable Watch Straps
TIP: Do you have an old watch with old straps? Have them customized! Choose designs that can adapt from office to casual.

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.

 

A Girl's Guide To Necklace Length

Necklaces are fine accents to clothing and every girl surely has one in their jewelries. These pieces vary in length, suggesting different clothing for different occasions.

To accurately measure where each necklace will drape on your neck, Palamuti by PJ Valenciano suggests to try wrapping a ribbon around your neck to find your desired length, and then measure it end to end against a ruler, yardstick, or a measuring tape.

Now here are the seven categories of necklace length:

Collar (12"-13")

This type is very suitable for formal occasions, best with a strapless ensemble but can also be paired with boat necks, V-necks and off-the-shoulder tops. It’s quite a snug but very sophisticated if you manage to pull this off. One should have a thin neck as this is worn tight and high up on the neck.

Choker (14"-16")

This is less snug than the collar type and is ideal for females with thicker necks as it falls just above the collar bone. You can show off your love long neck with this type.

Princess (17”-19”)

The most popular length, worn just below the collar bone. It is perfect for pendants and it works well with clothes with either low or high necklines, but best not to let the clothing and the jewelry meet at the same spot.

Matinee (20”-24”)

A good choice for office, casual, formal, or business occasions. This length drapes over the breast bone.

Opera (28”-34”)

This can be worn in many ways and is very elegant as it draws attention away from the neck. Can be worn with double loop for a more dramatic effect.

Source:

http://www.delamina.com/content/tips-info-links/jewelry-basics/necklace-lengths/

http://poshcityjewelry.com/measurements/

http://www.xagejacrystaljewelry.com/necklacetypes