A Not so Ordinary Bridesmaid

I made this mood board to show how one can play around their bridesmaid gowns. The chiffon dresses are from Weddington's. I then added costume jewelry and artisan clutches to complete the look. 

Tell Your Story by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Weddington Chiffon Bridesmaid Gowns

For myself, the most enjoyable part of a wedding is the moment when the bridal entourage first walks down the aisle. This moment triggers and builds anticipation towards the highlight of the entire occasion, which is seeing the beautiful bride enter the church. I have seen plenty of my girlfriends walk down the aisle, and I have been part of some of their entourages as well. 

My sister loved this pair! Who wouldn't? So I was thinking, maybe I  can add these as accessories to a "Goth Inspired" or "Black & White" themed wedding. 

For whatever opinions you may have on marriage, a wedding is a chance to take a peek at a couple's personality. Whether they prefer an intimate or large wedding,  the event should be about the couple, and the purpose of everything that goes into the occasion should reflect that. Some opt for a traditional affair, while others like a twist that's truly their own. Themed weddings are the best for me, because they add a bit of drama and fun! It's quite an experience to see people scramble about to make sure that every detail is perfect, even though it won't. Because marriage, much like a wedding, is about trying even though things don't always go according to plan. This particular day is symbolic for a commitment to celebrating love with people who matter most. 

In the Philippines, where there is no shortage of talented and creative designers, it is common to have gowns custom made. The rise of bridal fairs and expos attests to a growing market for "anything to do with" weddings. It's a very profitable business, with soon-to-weds  setting aside a chunk of their income for their dream wedding. 

Green is in! They say for the Year of the Sheep, green is the lucky color. 

Palamuti specializes in designing customized jewelry for the bridal entourage. I love clients who love exploring different possibilities. Sometimes it can get very difficult to visualize how one can pair handmade pieces to a formal gown; but all it takes is a bit of creativity, imagination and style. So whenever I get commissioned to make jewelry for weddings, I always ask for the gown designs, since the type of costume jewelry should blend and connect with how the bride looks. Part of the process of designing customized jewelry is tailoring the personality of the bridesmaids and secondary sponsors to their pieces. I even ask for their pictures, because as they say, images are worth a thousand words. Their photos help me in determining their personal style. Being fashionable is one thing, but being comfortable while doing so is another matter entirely. 

Ending the blogpost with a Cinderella moment photo by my good friend Zoe! Though she wasn't a bridesmaid, she gave her ensemble a handmade twist pairing our Rose Glass Necklace & Paola Germar's Art Clutch. 

Keeping it real. - PJV

5 Days of Flow Jewelry

People ask me why I still buy handmade jewelry from other artists even though I am perfectly capable of making my own. My answer is plain and simple: I love jewelry! I've always had a thing for collecting trinkets from travels, especially pieces that were created from a place where the creativity and experience of the artist can be seen. I wear them and keep them in my jewelry box which I call my "Box of Happiness." I am happy for the good finds but most importantly, I am happy to cross paths with these artists.

One of my favorite wire art jewelry by Stephanie Lopez. Her teardrop collection will be sold on our website for Spring! I can see myself wearing this necklace on a daily basis! Can you? 

"Usapang Babae" by Stephanie Lopez at the Pinto Art Gallery  

My appreciation for seeking aesthetic beauty extends beyond clothes, bags, jewelry and shoes. I love the arts. I may not have the theoretical knowledge  about "Art", but I can spend a lifetime going to art exhibits and museums twice over. Space filled with creative wonder and visual treats is a calming, thought-provoking experience for the soul. I guess I truly have an inclination for supporting other artists, especially those who have widened their horizons and do not limit themselves to a particular medium or discipline.

One of my favorite wire art jewelry designers is Stephanie Lopez. She also happens to be a sculptor by trade! I think the way she balances both facets of her art is so cool. You can feel a burst of creativity emanating from every jewelry piece. She is definitely an artist that makes me keep a few of her necklaces in my "Box of Happiness". 

The place was such a visual creative treat. It looked like a retreat house turned into a gallery; such a great place to ponder with paintings and sculptures to challenge the mind and imagination.

Stephanie Lopez at the opening exhibit for "Stigmata and Dancing Suns". The exhibit runs until January 20, 2015 only but I recommend you still go as the rooms in Pinto Art Gallery exhibits different artworks by various artists including Steph's. 

So many art pieces! An hour wouldn't be enough. Make sure to take your time and revel in the vastness of art exhibition. :) 

Last December 2014, Steph invited us to her opening exhibit at Pinto Gallery Art Gallery situated in Antipolo. 

Did you say statement necklace? :) 

One of my pet peeves is shoppers throwing away trinkets once a new trend surfaces. Upon reflecting, I realized that there are bound to be other women who would keep costume jewelry as a treasured item, rather than a disposable trinket every season. I think the secret for selecting these classic pieces is finding its inner beauty beyond the aesthetics; such as quality, originality, and a meaningful story of how that piece came about.

This necklace is part of Steph's Autumn Collection which is exclusively designed for PALAMUTISHOP.COM. I've been getting a lot of compliments whenever I wear this necklace. It's a great conversation piece. I promise! 

STYLE INSPIRATIONS 

5 Days of Flow Jewelry by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Flow by Stephanie Lopez

P.S. Stephanie Lopez Jewelry are on sale!

Keeping it real.- PJV

Everyday Love Affair

My love for jewellery was influenced by my mother. During our childhood, my mom would let us wear fine jewellery, opening my eyes to my fondness not only for jewellery.

In all my years of designing and selling statement costume jewellery necklaces; clients would always ask me how to wear them. It is a notion that my designs "can only be worn for dressing up" during special occasions. To be frank, there are certain pieces which I design specifically for clients to wear on momentous events. However with a little bit of imagination and willingness to expand your fashion palette; you can wear a statement necklace on any casual outfit when going out for a cup of coffee or hanging out at one's favourite hole-in-the-wall cafe.

I'm a big shorts fan. I also have plenty of denim mini-skirts and jersey type square pants in my closet. But----- I never leave the house without wearing a matching necklace or bracelet to complete my look. Usually, I wear simple statement necklaces to complement my daily casual ensemble. Adding a twist to your outfit starts with getting the base details of your clothes, then matching them with accessories afterwards.

Hanging out with Kerin at Crepeman Cafe on Maginahawa Street in Quezon City, Philippines. 

Last Wednesday,  I had an impromptu meeting with a good friend at this delicious crepe place. It was a great opportunity for me to take a photo of my outfit, and to show you how you can pull off a casual look with statement necklaces.

Shoutout to my mom, who kept that genuine leather bag in remarkable condition all these years. Now that I'm all grown up, it's such a privilege to get this timeless piece as a hand-me-down! I remember the fights my sister and I had over it, and being the eldest, I won! It was definitely a "woohooo" moment.  

I wore my ever-so-favourite and reliable black collared top, since this is a versatile staple piece. Ladies! You need to keep one in your closet since you can easily pair them with almost any bottom; from leggings, to a long maxi skirt, or your plain old denim jeans.

For my "impromptu look",  I paired my black collar top with a pair of white ripped shorts;  adding a brown belt and a comfy pair of sandals. I usually wear customised statement necklaces with my collared pieces, because when they blend with the top, it makes it seem as though it's part of the blouse instead of being a separate piece. Since most of my Palamuti statement necklaces are beaded, they look like embellishments on the blouse!

Here's a close-up of the necklace I wore. 

MORE FROM MY CLOSET 

Chambrays are pure love. I've been hanging on to those striped minis for years. It's been one of my thrift shop all-time good finds! The bag on the other hand, used to be my grandma's: something borrowed and vintage. Then of course, jewellery is always a must, so I added a handmade statement necklace from my last year's Fall Collection. 

Vests are among the staples I keep in my closet! For me, it just adds that "oomph" to a simple look.  And of course for shoes; wedges. I recently painted my nails with "something close to" marsala,  to get into the "Color of the Year" mood.  

STYLE INSPIRATIONS 

Bring out your boyfriend jeans, high-waist skinnies, denim shorts and your favourite collared top and greet each day with a smile on your face! :) 

Everyday Love Affair with Statement Necklaces by palamuti-storytelling-jewels featuring Palamuti Statement Necklaces 

Keeping it real. - PJV