Off to Santa Barbara, California with The Velvet Dress

The Internet has played a great part for me to able to reach out and collaborate with individuals who share passion in fashion and art. I am lucky to meet Danielle Gold of The Velvet Dress, based in Santa Barbara, California. Unlike any other bloggers, I think Danielle's style is very unique that you can find artistry in her fashion styling documented in her blog. We also share the love for thrifty clothes! How cool is that right? Please visit her blog as she showcases our art jewelry and bag through her knack for fashion styling. 

Danielle wears our Maximina Autumn Inspired Necklace 

Encrusted Clutch by Paola Germar of Rated PG 

" I have been an active thrifter for years and managed to utilize different styles and incorporate them into personal fashion statements. As well as creating my online vintage store, I am working on personal jewelry designs which will be featured on my etsy shop soon. I am currently studying business and marketing after switching from focusing on nutrition. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, photography, traveling, yoga, beaching, vintage shopping and spending time with my friends, family and dog. 

- Danielle Gold, The Velvet Dress

Photos from The Velvet Dress 

Keeping it real.- PJV

Spring Jewelry Trend: Layering

Spring Trend: Pastel, Florals, Denim Outerwear & Layered Necklaces 

Layering necklaces to match your outfit can be challenging for most women, even though they have good taste in fashion. It’s a skill to mix-and-match items, and quite a few have the inclination to master this subtle art. Experiment by combining individual pieces to form a cohesive layered design. If you’re thrown off keel at any point of your creative exploration, here are some beacons to guide you back to shore...

Necklaces by PJ Valenciano, Stephanie Lopez & House of Adorno 

Length: Take stock of the measurements of necklaces you’re planning to layer, in reference to your neckline. A neat trick is to thread a necklace with a piece of plastic straw or tubing to keep them from getting entangled.  

Bring out your one-strand necklaces and layer them to get the look. 

Colors: Choosing the correct color combinations can become quite a harrowing task. Some colors just don’t go together, or they simply don’t go with your style. In this case, always keep the light in mind! Just as lighting affects the ambience of a room, the light can highlight, or diminish, how your accessories can compliment your attire.

And lastly... 

Material:  Are you going for the bohemian beach look, or the evening debutante? It doesn’t matter if you’re choosing from wide array of pearls, beads, shells, or metals; always make sure that you have a theme that goes with your outfit. Creativity is both a blessing and a curse, so tread lightly, look both ways, and have fun!

Photography: Steve Calma 

Make-up Artist: Nikki Valenzuela 

Model: Charina Marquez 

Jewelry: PALAMUTISHOP.COMhttp://palamutishop.com

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