Palamuti's Women of Empowerment Presents "Rescued by Raza: The No-frills Dress Solution!"

After a day of tirelessly conquering the entire mall, you finally manage to get a hold of the perfect dress; and it fits you flawlessly! You start to feel like a total babe, strutting your stuff while embracing your new supermodel attitude! It was an all too perfect fashion moment, until you caught sight of a little surprise- a patch of hideous beadwork that somehow manages to ruin your ‘heaven-sent’ dress. It's the perfect time to quote Miss Morisette, “well isn’t it ironic?” Yup, just like that black fly in your Chardonnay; except it's worse: it's a tacky flower on your evening gown!

That's why Palamuti wishes to pay tribute to a simple yet edgy design aesthetic that's daring, yet wearable. If you're looking for that perfect dress that will sincerely highlight your beauty, then Raza is your 'go-to' shop. There's a "no-fuss, no embellishments" rule at Raza. Structure and femininity is clearly its high point: different textures are used moderately while sparkly beading is applied wisely. The brand aims to promote individuality and creativity through couture. Women of all ages will surely appreciate Raza; aside from their signature 'no-frills dress solution', prices won't hurt the budgeting teen or practical bride as well!

RAZA is the fashion brain-child of RAchel Flameno and IzZA Lambino, two ladies who simply loved to play dress up. Having had difficulty searching for stylish yet affordable quality dresses had lead them to creating their own; so RAZA's first clients were technically its inventors!

Learn more about the couture duo through an 'inquisition' that puts the spotlight on this fashion fortress!

What is the style persona of the woman wearing Raza?

She's the fashion forward woman who's not afraid to take risks. She's that show-stopper who avoids blending in with the crowd; an effortless class-act who never fails to look her best during all occasions.

Have you come across any design challenges due to your very 'direct' aesthetic approach? If so, what are some of the different collaborative efforts undertaken to come up with design solutions?

Our design aesthetic does not include any beadwork; but since ornamental adornment appeals to a wide array of Filipinas,

clients who request for some type of embellishment cannot be avoided.

We cleverly conquered this design dilemma by coming up with a win-win fashion solution: instead of applying beadwork on the dresses, we teamed up with Palamuti Storytelling Jewels- a unique brand of costume jewelry that can certainly play up a simple ensemble. Palamuti allows us to stay true to our design aesthetic; being able to wear the jewelry separately is a great perk for the client too!

Why have you chosen to focus on formal wear as a prevailing fashion category?

Formal events allow women to glamorously express their individuality and taste in fashion. A woman loves to get all dolled up, though there are but a few moments in her life wherein she is accorded to do so. A wedding, prom, or debut allows her to escape the drabness of her daily outfits.

Every woman wishes to be like Cinderella; to

be dressed like a queen, and to feel like royalty. RAZA aspires to be your fashion 'fairy godmother.'

Granting 'cinderella' wishes is what RAZA does, as its designers strive to create

******memorable fashion moments that sparkle. :)*****

Wedding Belles are Blinging

For the blushing bride, dreaming of the perfect ensemble for her big day would probably count as the most exciting part of planning a wedding; princess fantasies have never left the 'little girl' in her. Every girl dreams of looking like a queen, and that one special day certainly gives her the opportunity to fulfill that worldly fantasy.

Detail is key: from the dress, down to the jewelry, hair, and makeup; every little feature is crucial when orchestrating that final look. Add a little 'frosting' to your fashion-cake and you're good to go. Shopping for the appropriate jewelry can too be a challenge; one thing I want every bride to know is it need not break the bank! The fashion world has had its democratic transformation. Fashion no longer equates itself to labels; creativity has triggered the burgeoning of indie style and D.I.Y. Palamuti has attracted a wide range of admirers by using an assorted mix of mediums to craft its jewelry, as the brand ably caters to a variety of style personas- which includes the blushing bride.

Fashion awakens the artist in every woman, more so the dreamy belle.

Beach Wedding Al Fresco

Go 'au naturel' with your makeup

while you balance it off with a sweet and pretty statement necklace!

Bold and Beautiful

Paint a red lip

and dare to wear an art piece.

Whether you're a classic princess or a queen sophisticate,

you decide your fashion fate.

Palamuti Storytelling Jewels

There's something for everyone. :)

Both jewelry pieces are available at the Themes and Motifs Store located at the Makati Shangrila Hotel.

Photo Credits:

Photography and Make-up by Palamuti's very own fashion blogger- Nikki Valenzuela

Maruja

Jewelry designer PJ Valenciano's penchant for all things romantic certainly emanates in her accessory creations. For her most recent collection, the jewelry artisan derives inspiration from 'Maruja,' a story of transcendent love created by Filipino komik novelist Mars Ravelo.

Fanciful star-crossed lovers Maruja and Gabriel are a testament to love's sublime nature. Maruja's indefinite love for Gabriel leads to her demise, as she immediately decides to take her life after her forced marriage to Rodrigo, captain of the Spanish civil guards; bidding Gabriel goodbye with the promise that love will reunite them someday. Their love story is consequently reawakened with the reincarnation of Maruja's spirit; a bittersweet culmination: for although true love is realized, it is with an aged and dying Gabriel.

A nostalgic romance novel is paid tribute to.

Dreams of vintage whimsy are expressed

through the use of antique Brass material and muted tones.

Loving Palamuti's Maruja Collection?

Unearth other jewel treasures on Facebook.

Img Source: http://komiklopedia.wordpress.com/2009/09/08/maruja/

A National Gem

Diamonds may be a woman’s bestfriend, but pearls can always be the second-best, for they are simply classy and very timeless. Pearls are always a staple part of every woman’s closet. It’s such an exquisite fashion accent that exudes a taste of prime elegance. I actually have been keeping a couple of pearl sets myself because they are perfect accessories for formal and smart casuals.

For a very long time, numerous pearls are retrieved by divers in many parts of the world. The catching of these sea treasures are popularly done in Japan and China. Before, Many oysters, mussels and other types of mullusks are being hunted in order to gather pearls ut today pearls are reproduced through cultured pear farming.

In the Philippines, very large pearls are found especially around the Sulu Archipelago. Some call our own pearls the “finest of the world.” Because of this popularity, the Philippine pearl was declared a “National Gem” on October 15, 1996 through Proclamation No. 905 in order to promote the cultural heritage of the country and support its national development efforts.

In the global scene, a different variety called “fresh water pearls” are rapidly gaining its appeal because they appear in a wide range of shapes and natural colors, plus, they are less expensive than the saltwater pearls. In addition, they are more solid and resist chipping and degeneration.

To add this variety to my collection, I’m considering getting one for myself. Take a look at Palamuti’s piece which is made of fresh water pearls. This is the very first wedding pice they have made for a bridal collection and by the looks of it, this piece is just stunning. Crafted by local artisa PJ Valenciano, this artwork exudes with class and elegance. Perfect for formal gatherings and parties.

Jumpstart Your Own Wedding Season

A wedding is always dreamed to be perfect. Without photography, catering, gowns and dress entourage, invitations and stationers, venue, music, flowers, cake, or rings, a wedding ceremony will be deemed incomplete. Surely, any future bride feels anxious with preparing for their special day. But no worries, a wedding resource center is available just around the corner to help Bride-To-BEs.

In celebration of yet another wedding season, Themes & Motiffs, with participations of Pan Pacific Hotel and the Wedding Essentials Magazine, conducted a wonderful night of gathering accredited wedding events experts and suppliers for an evening of food, drinks, and collaboration.

The “Bridal Kick-off Party,” which I’m lucky to attend last Tuesday, September 06, 2011, at the Pacific Lounge in the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila, is very stately and dashing. Many guests, including Palamuti by PJ Valenciano, have attended the event and I have seen numerous bridal and wedding business professionals exchanging ideas and discussions about the bridal events industry.

A wedding preparation is generally not quick and easy. That's why we have experts to help us fine-tune every detail of our special day. Thanks to them, our dream weddings are just a few arrangements away.

So for all soon-to-wed brides out there, you may start checking out the best bridal packages with the help of these experts. You may come in contact with them by reaching Themes and Motiffs Wedding Resource Center in Makati Shangri-La and explore great possible wedding arrangements you could find. Just a heads up, you could also find us there as one of their accredited supplier.

Yule Like!

For us Filipinos, the pre-celebration traditions for the Yuletide season can come as early as the first "ber" month- we welcome September with excitement. Some of us would like to avoid the whole Christmas rush, which leaves us dizzy amongst all that mall madness. We start making our lists and checking them twice- early! Aren't we so lucky to be living in the age of the internet, where online shopping serves to be the solution to a lot of our gift-giving dilemmas? Searching for that perfect gift for your loved one can be a real challenge, most especially for the female-kind.

"What will mom appreciate?" "Which presents are considered romantic?- because I want to make my wife or girlfriend feel special." "I have no idea on what to give my daughter! What are the current fashion trends? What do young girls find hip and stylish?" - these are just a few of the prevailing questions that never fail to pop into our minds come Christmas time.

Worry not shoppers! Palamuti Storytelling Jewels is here to provide solutions to your Yuletide qualms. :)

1. Watch out for our upcoming Gift-Guide blog, as we come up with appropriate gift suggestions for different types of women.



2. If the perfect present doesn't exist, Palamuti will lovingly create it for you. We accept orders for customized accessories and costume jewelry, with a personal consultation with Palamuti's jewelry designer- Ms. PJ Valenciano.



3. Palamuti, which never fails to take care of its valued customers, has a special promo for today's pre-holiday season! We are giving a 20% discount on all bulk purchases made on or before October 31, 2011- packaging included! Choose from our wide array of accessories, ranging from simple and classic designs to the most glamorous and elaborate.
   

We also supply corporate giveaway goodies during holiday events! All Palamuti jewelry pieces made by PJ Valenciano are guaranteed 100% special- items supplied (even in large quantities), all go through an intimate design process and are rigorously manufactured by hand.

To request for quotes and a pricelist, email palamutishop@gmail.com or pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com.

*Terms and Conditions Apply

Palamuti Storytelling Jewels- there's something special for every woman.

Add us on Facebook :)

img sources- http://thedigitaltrekker.com/labels/Travel.html, http://www.asiatatler.com/hong-kong/asia-tatler-christmas-gift-guide-him

Filipino Debut Your Way

Debut here in the Philippines is celebrated by girls as they turn 18. It is an important event and the family of the debutante try to make their daughter's 18th birthday special. Turning 18 means being legal and it gives you more responsibility in terms of making decisions.

The debutante invites 18 male friends and relatives for the presentation of 18 roses. The guys hand their rose to the debutante and dance with her. The father is included in the 18 roses and is the last one to dance with the debutante.
Another part of the debut is the presentation of candles. It is performed by 18 female friends of the debutante. They say their short speech and light up the candle, which the debutante will eventually blow.
Also, there's the 18 treasures where friends give the debutante gifts and explain why they gave that kind of gift to her.

My celebration of my 18th birthday was just a simple one. It's not a grand debut but it was memorable. My family just had a small gathering. But if I could turn back time, I'd want a, not that luxurious, but still wonderful party.

Oh, and another exciting part of the debut are the souvenirs. Speaking of which, if you are looking for custom -made souvenirs for your debut, then Palamuti by PJ Valenciano is my bet.

We are extending our pre-holiday promo of 20% discount on all bulk purchases made on or before October 31, 2011 to debutants. Choose from our array of accessories, from our simplest to the most elaborate designs. Packaging is included!
We are now accepting orders for customized accessories and
costume jewelry starting this September!
Accessories for the Debutant starts at PhP500.00!
To request for quotes and pricelist, email palamutishop@gmail.com or pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com.
*Terms and Conditions Apply

For FAQ's:
http://palamutibypjvalenciano.blogspot.com/p/faqs.html

Add us on Facebook to view our most recent designs!
http://www.facebook.com/palamutibypjvalenciano

Two in One

I was on my way home when I passed by Papemelroti near the LRT station in Gateway. Not in too much hurry to get home, I looked around.

I remembered the first time I've seen Papemelroti. I was roaming around AliMall and the store really got my attention. I'm a fan of paper products and Papemelroti's are just the best. Papemel's paper products are made from recycled paper, doing their fair share of saving the planet!

I'm a nature lover, so that's two thumbs up for Papemelroti!

A few years back, my sister bought this little box of Biblical verses from Papemelroti and I used to shuffle the mini cards and read one piece each day. It was fun and I went to Papemelroti to see if there are more of those "little box of insights". Sure enough, there was this one entitled Query. It's a fun game to play.My professor in English brought his Query cards and we played it during his subject.

Sometimes, when my classes end early, I invite my friends to go to SM Centerpoint. The first shop we'll go to---- you guessed it----Papemelroti. The store is easy to spot beside the escalator on the mall's second level. We spend a couple of minutes just looking and planning to buy whatever we may fancy.

My classmate knowing that I like Papemelroti a lot, and I mean a lot,  gave me a small notebook with ring binds as a gift. I loved it and I even named it "my handy dandy notebook." I really like the design and as it was handy, I bring it with me all the time and I jot down important notes on it.

Another product from Papemelroti that I like is their scrapbook. I used to make a scrapbook and I buy the scrapbook decorations at Papemelroti. Not only are they pretty but they are also cheap!
There was also a time when my Photography professor told us that we're going to create a portfolio of photo assignment and it's up to us how to present it. The first thing I though of was to go to Papemelroti to look for handmade stuff  I'll use on my portfolio. Even though I was on a tight budget, I managed to make a beautiful portfolio!

Now, Papemelroti doesn't just sell paper products but also Palamuti by PJ Valenciano. These are the accessories from Palamuti that you can see in Papemelroti Vintage Corner at their main branch at Roces Ave., Quezon City.

Sayuri Kanzashi brooches

Two of my favorite things, paper products and accessories, all in one store!

Greek Chic: Channeling Calliope

Introducing Calliope

Romantic, artistic, and elaborate- these are just some of the words that come into mind when beheld with Palamuti's most recent line of costume jewelry, the Calliope Collection. Inspired by Homer's muse as well as Greek architecture, the Calliope line of jewelry transports us into a world of gods and mythical magic. Channel some Greek-chic into your closet and play the role of goddess, muse, or seductress. Calliope's line of goddess-worthy jewels are fit for a queen like you, considering each piece painstakingly took four to six days to hand-make. I say, divine!

Summon the fashion gods with dress-up tips sent from the heavens!

Seduce in a Grecian inspired dress on date night.

What I love about costume jewelry is its versatility! Unlike fine jewelry, costume ornaments can be worn on almost any occasion, depending on how you orchestrate your final look. We'll show you how the Calliope Collection, which broods of earthy and jewel tone colors, can take you from day to night.

Soak up some sun in Santorini!

From Meetings to Cocktails

Corporate warriors need that feminine touch!

Feel like a lady (and command attention!) by dressing up your pantsuit with a

glamorous statement necklace.

Add a bit of flavor to your outfits by mixing contrasting inspirations.

Greek gladiators + dainty ballerinas

Who would've thought? :)

You may inquire about this special Calliope collection piece at HG Studio,

located at Torre Venezia Hotel, 1003, Quezon City

Like HG Studio on Facebook

Loving Palamuti's Calliope Collection?

Unearth other jewel treasures on Facebook.

Img sources- http://br.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restr:Simon_Vouet_-_The_Muses_Urania_and_Calliope.JPG, http://quantumpranx.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/imf-suggests-greece-sell-the-parthenon/, http://nikki-ocean.polvore.com, http://www.sierratradingpost.com/blue-ice-pinstripe-pant-suit-european-stretch-woven-for-women~p~1199n/, http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Courtenay-Womens-2-piece-Pant-Suit/4512035/product.html, http://www.christianlouboutin2011sale.net/christian-louboutin-high-boots-c-27.html, http://missylovely.com/blog/?cat=11&paged=5

Multipurpose Accessories – More Value For Your Money

A girl’s gotta love fashion accessories! Current fashion trends are everywhere and they kept on multiplying from time to time. I haven’t got much time and, to be honest, enough cash to purchase each and every lavish designs. No wonder, multipurpose accessories appealed so much to me and I can’t keep from turning away if I find one.

Multi-function custom-made jewelries have streamlined a woman’s closet for centuries already. From detachable multi-chained necklaces to interchangeable brooch pieces — any female can be imaginative and may conceive different looks with various possible uses of these versatile pieces. I know it’ll take a bit of creativity and guts but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be marvelous! Not to mention that they are great investments for they can truly come a long way.

If you didn’t know, multipurpose accessories have dated back from the Victorian age or earlier. During this time, these articles of clothing have been very practical and useful for women. Marion Cohen’s book, Costume Jewelry Variations: A Collector's Identification and Price Guide (2003) mentioned that women who were economically affected by the Great Depression could not afford glamorous designer dresses and diamond jewelry, but they could afford custom jewelry to brighten up their wardrobes. These jewelries were priced for everyone’s budget and the industry went even further to give the customer more for her money and increased its sales.

Soon, many ornaments have been created with unique craftsmanship and genuine purposes. Clips, brooches, and pendants were used to accentuate dresses, gloves, belts, and even hats! Pins that can be changed to earrings, necklaces that can be divided to bracelets, interchangeable ring designs —these pieces have been popular for they are very convertible, ideal for traveling, and saves big space to a closet.

Filipina artist PJ Valenciano created various versions of multipurpose accessories available in the local market and surely, you will find one that will suit our taste and serve us in many ways. And come to think of it, Christmas time is just a few months away and these pieces are good gift ideas — either personal or corporate giveaways. Well, you’ve been lucky! Palamuti by PJ Valenciano is giving 20% discount on all bulk purchases made on or before October 31, 2011. You may pick from any of our collection: from our simplest to the most elaborate designs and the packaging is on us! So get ahead and avoid the last minute gift-shopping dilemma most people have every holiday season. You may request for pricelist by emailing palamutishop@gmail.com or pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com. Here are some of the items we offer:

Sash with removable brooch design

Necklace with detachable bracelet

Necklace with detachable bracelet

Multipurpose doorknob keychain

Necklace and brooch in one