The Day The Silk And Denim Unite

GMA NEWS 11, Good News with Vicky Morales Interview with the couple

Let’s admit it. One of our biggest worry whenever we attend weddings is what to actually wear on that special occasion. Many of us cringe at the thought of finding that perfect suit or that wonderful dress. That’s why the recently married couple, Jayvee and Laarni Valenciano, decided to just make it easier for their guests to be present on their wedding day. So they came up with a very unique idea – a “Silk and Denim” wedding theme – to make sure that everyone invited won't pass up the opportunity to witness their marriage.

“That desire of wanting all the people who are dear to us to be present on our big day, without the usual worries and excuse of having to go through the fussy, uncomfortable, and anxious circumstance over spending on an expensive outfit just to be able to attend to our wedding was the brainchild behind this,” says Laarni. “We assume each of them has a piece of denim in their wardrobe or if not, they probably own a piece or two that has silk in it.”

The couple said they wanted something unique and modern to be worn as formal attire. With denim in mind, they thought it would be best to incorporate it with something a bit traditional, like silk. “It’s like fusing two different things together, each complementing the other, without looking chaotic,” Laarni pointed out.

SDE: Florante & Laarni - 11/11/11 from Ariel Javelosa Photography on Vimeo.

All wedding symbols at the venue were adorned with silk and denim highlights. The female entourage had corsets made of silk while the male entourage wore denim ties. Both entourage sported their own black denim pants to go with the occasion’s theme.

For wardrobe accessories, Manila’s newest custom jewelry venture, Palamuti by PJ Valenciano, created stylish denim brooches that accentuated the ensembles for the female entourage. Moreover, adorable flower girls marched to the altar wearing blue gowns with embellished beads and had silk and denim belts to match, also made by Palamuti. And to top it all off, the bride and the groom walked down the center aisle in their favorite denim shoes.

“We are inspired by no less than our own personalities,” Laarni added. “We very much wanted to express our characters over two things, being two fabrics in harmony with one another – one that is simple and one that is fancy. Me being represented by denim, laid-back and free-spirited, as denims are worn comfortably in casual occasions, and silk, representing Jayvee as somewhat old school but sleek and pleasant.”

Surely, this type of wedding theme is very easy on the pocket for the attendees. No one needs to overspend in order to appear plush. This pleasingly deviates from the conventional wedding where most people have to shelve out money in order to be extravagant for the occasion. On the couples part though, they made sure that they’ll be able to buy the best denim they can have, even if it meant spending more than what they have originally set on their budget.

Their family and guest were also amazed on how everything turned out. Laarni said that at first, some of them were a bit cynical on the idea, as they are used to go in accordance to themes set on typical weddings. But they eventually loved it and realized that they all were able to pull it off without having to look stiff and uptight.

Creativity and inspiration will truly turn any wedding to a remarkable moment. It doesn’t have to be super posh and costly at all. When everyone is comfortable and unruffled, the joy of celebrating the occasion is certainly doubled.

We have a new blog focused solely on weddings and debuts. 

 Visit http://www.weddingsanddebutsbypjv.blogspot.com  

Buying and Caring for Costume Jewelry (Part 1)

Last Friday, I was with several girlfriends when one of them began rummaging through her giant shoulder bag, looking for a pen.  She began to empty the contents of her bag unto my lap and, the next minute, I found myself browsing through a direct-selling catalogue (a sideline of hers).  I nonchalantly flipped through pages showing makeup, fragrances, and underwear before I found myself looking at a picture of a celebrity in silver costume jewelry.  At first, I was surprised that such a high-profile actress would be modelling for a mass retail brand, and for fake jewelry nonetheless!  But we are living in modern times, after all.

Gone are the days when it was scandalous to wear costume jewelry—we’ve come to terms with the fact that not everyone can afford real diamonds, what with bills to pay and mouths to feed.  We have our priorities in order, and we have accepted the fact that it is quite unintelligent to blow all one’s savings on improving her appearance.  And there are also the few who choose not to buy real jewels because of human rights issues.  In any case, buying and wearing costume jewelry is the new norm.  They are not only more affordable, but are also available in a wider variety of styles and designs that are sure to fit every girl’s unique taste.

Here are a few tips on selecting which pieces to get for yourself:

1. Although you can’t expect costume jewelry to be as durable as the real thing, you should still consider quality.  Even though Php 350 might not be a big amount to pay for something that looks real, it can get expensive if you have to keep replacing the item every month.  Some brands cost a bit more than others, but these usually last longer.  Invest in good quality costume jewelry because they can become wardrobe favorites as well!  Look at the joints and hinges, the quality of the stones and beads, the stitching/glue/welding, etc.  Even though they’re cheap, you never want people to think that they are cheap!

2. Do your research!  Since costume jewelry is relatively inexpensive, the different brands usually come up with large collections every season.  Make sure you check as many as possible before selecting your favorite in terms of design, quality, and price.  There are a lot of collections in mall stores, department stores, bazaars, specialty shops, and online shops.  I find that reading newspapers and magazines reveals insider secrets as well i.e. favourite costume jewelry sources of stylists and celebrities.

3. With costume jewelry, you can get the classics and still follow trends.  Look for real-looking basic jewelry such as pearl necklaces, diamond earrings, and gold hoops (to name a few).  Then add to your collection by getting long dangling earrings, a chunky statement necklace, a moderately bold neckpiece, a cuff, and a cocktail ring or two.  Use the classic jewelry for traditional and low-key affairs such as meetings, then use the statement costume jewelry for engagements that require high impact.

4. Have fun! Most likely, you’re only spending a few hundred or thousand bucks, and not two paychecks’ worth of cash.  When rewarding yourself, always go with your instinct, with what makes you feel all warm and giddy inside.

Now that you’ve read this article, go ahead and pamper yourself with a nice piece of costume jewelry, minus the guilt!  Stop by a local store on your way home from work. Palamuti by PJ Valenciano offers a unique, show-stopping array of designs at very reasonable prices and is available online and at the following locations:

*Supladita Fashion Style Gallery Boutique - 79 West Ave., QC, Philippines
# (02) 496-4005

* Papemelroti - 2nd Floor, Korben Place, 91 Roces Ave. Cor. Scout Tobias St. , QC
# (02) 374-2442

*Themes and Motif- Makati Shangri-la 
Makati Shangri-la Promenade, Ayala Ave. (beside 6750), Makati City

* HG Studio - Torre Venezia Hotel, 1003 Quezon City, Philippines
hazelgonzalesstudio@yahoo.com      332-3577/ 0905-2797187

You may also contact the designer, PJ Valenciano directly via email at pjvalenciano@palamutishop.com or via mobile phone at 0917 8607193 or via landline at (02) 9641997.

Stay tuned! Next week we'll teach you how to care for your beloved costume jewelry pieces (as if they were the real thing).