Break & Make

Let me start off our first blogpost for January by thanking those who have been following and reading our blog. It's been a joy to be inspired in creating, sharing, and living stories. Let us start the year on a positive beat by committing to something we feel passionate about. For me in particular, I will strive to commit in blogging; speaking from a first person perspective about design, fashion, art and life, and my insights as a designer and a social entrepreneur.

Last year has been a wild, bumpy ride which has helped me to grow by giving me experiences that have made me wiser. I have never been more motivated and determined to be a social entrepreneur and jewellery designer. I needed to step back to see the bigger picture.  I needed to welcome change. I spent the holidays reflecting on what I have lost and gained; learning to let go and accept. And so, I welcomed the New Year with intimacy, solitude and honoring simple traditions, sharing the moment with the people I treasure the most; my family, friends, and people I will meet on my journey of art, beauty, hope and change.

My everyday accessories consist of watches and bracelets. The perks of being a costume jewellery designer is being able to make one for myself. As a holiday treat, I made a charm bracelet out of T'Boli Brass Bells. I owe my friend Cherry for getting me these brass bells during her travel to Davao, Philippines. 

STYLE PHILOSOPHY TO LIVE BY THIS 2015 

(1) "Back to Basics"
For the past years I have been designing bold statement bead embroidery jewellery necklaces. Part of the process of my growth and goal to become a better costume jewellery designer,  is to look back and review my past designs. This helps me determine how to channel creativity to my work. A look back can be a surprising experience, sometimes giving me more inspiration than expected.  For this year, I have decided to incorporate minimalistic elements to future collections.

(2) "Embrace Change"

In terms of my personal style, I gear towards the bohemian and mod look.  I love A-line dresses, square pants, boot leg jeans and wedges. My style icons include Stevie Nicks, Farrah Fawcett and Twiggy among others. However, for this year, I will commit to experimenting with more elements outside my existing fashion sensibilities. First on the list: wearing skinny jeans! I never really gave it a chance because I love to wear loose and comfortable bottoms. Last December, I stumbled upon a treasured find. I found a pair of comfortable, "ripped style", stretchable skinny jeans; which felt like my yoga leggings when worn. And so, I promised myself to give different styles a chance as long I can tweak it to be my own. 

In the Philippines, we are encouraged to wear polkadots during New Year's Eve. According to tradition,  the polkadots symbolize good fortune and wealth. I chose to wear a simple polkadot red top and accented it with a chain necklace by Kim Basa of Amaya Accents. I have always loved chain jewelries and with so many polkas going around my top, a simple gold necklace did the trick to elevate my style from casual to chic. 

I believe that fashion is not just about trends; it's about who you are. Though I am going to experiment on different styles, rest assured I will always add "me" into the equation. 

GET THE LOOK 

Style Me Polka by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring House of Adorno and Rated PG Clutch Bag

Keeping it real. - PJV

Style Inspiration: Bow Collar Shirts

Style Inspiration: Bow Collar Shirts by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Hiraya Scarf Necklaces 

There is something quaint about the bow collar shirt! Whenever we see one, we get flash backs of Princess Diana! Going with this vision, we'd say it's quite fun to dress up using this look as an inspiration. Make this style your own by throwing in your favourite staple pieces; like the boyfriend jeans, a skater skirt or a wide leg high waist pants. It's all a matter of mixing and matching your favourite staples and owning the look.

Let your personal style shine! Take inspiration from style icons, trends, and bold statements; but keep in mind that at end of the day, the look should be all about you!

 Instead of the typical bow tie, we opted to add a handmade embellished scarf to complete this look.  There are so many things you can do with the versatile scarf necklace. You can play around with it's length and tie it like a ribbon to come out with a large fluffy bow tie.

OUR HANDMADE PICK: HIRAYA SCARF NECKLACE

Palamuti Hiraya Scarf Necklace by Marites Dulce 

Our Hiraya Scarf Necklaces are our current best sellers. We have recently started supplying these scarves to resort boutiques abroad. Hiraya means “the fruit of hopes, dreams, aspirations, imagination, or wishes". We gave the scarf a new twist by embellishing them with beads, shells, crystals and seed beads. Depending on their length, you can wear them in several ways; from a traditional scarf, to a belt, and into a cover-up. The embellished portion are all hand stitched by our women beaders. Only 3 pieces of this design can be handmade per day. As part of capacity building, we assigned mothers who participated in one of our training workshops for an urban poor community in Metro Manila , to produce some of these handmade pieces. Proceeds from the sale of these pieces are used to train more women artisans from similar poor communities, to develop their artistic skills for a sustainable livelihood.

Look # 1: Not so Clueless

Skater skirts are the "in" thing nowadays. This look returns us to an era of Alicia Silverstone outfits, which she rocked in her hit chick flick movie "Clueless". Throw in a skirt with a collared top, plus a scarf in place of the bow tie to get this look. Instead of the high heels however, you can opt for a pair of Mary Janes and knee high socks.

Look # 2: Blast from the Past

Flared pants were the rage back in the 1970's, but that doesn't mean that it's not due for a fashionable comeback today. Wide legged pants give the illusion of height and length. Just be sure to balance the waist area, since wearing pants high-waist may not work for everyone.

Look # 3: Modern Day Chick

The hallmark of classic jeans is that they never never go away! We've seen the diversification of the humble garment over the years. Originating with a " for men only" taboo, this staple has evolved into a must have in every girl's closet. For this look, we take the boyfriend jeans; a simple cut top with collars. To get the bow tie collar look, we replaced the actual bow tie with a scarf. Throw in a pair of high heel boots to complete your casual chic look.

Keeping it real. -PJV