must-have

Sep

2021

Fashion Items To Buy During this Pandemic

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The fashion industry is one of the biggest hit industries by COVID-19. The lifestyle of people changed. And this in turn led to a shift in consumer buying preferences. Many fashion brands already closed stores. But this does not mean that people have stopped buying clothes altogether. There are still fashion items that are still worth your money even during a pandemic. Let’s face it. Fashion is still a part of life even though many people prefer to stay at home. So, what are the fashion items to buy during this pandemic?

1. Activewear

People used to buy activewear to work out. But almost a year and half into the pandemic, people are now using it for everyday activities from going to the grocery, ordering take-out or even just by simply lounging at home. It is now the favorite work-from-home outfit by many.

2. Flats, Sandals and Slippers

Since work-from-home is the new trend, there has been a shift to casual dressing. Dress shoes, heels and stilettos are now taking a back sit as people prefer wearing comfortable footwear. Flat heels, sandals, slip ons and of course the slippers are now the fashion essentials when it comes to footwear.

3. Masks

Whether vaccinated or not, masks offer an added layer of protection in the new normal. Yes, you can choose to wear a regular surgical mask but you can also opt to use the face mask as a statement piece. By choosing to wear a non-disposable mask, you are not only making yourself fashionable but also doing your share in helping the environment.

4. Sleepwear

Gone were the days where sleep wears are used solely for sleeping. Thanks to the pandemic, pajamas and other forms of sleepwear have been part of the new normal. What was used to be considered a luxury item has now become an essential item as more and more people use pajamas at home.

5. Sling Bags

Aside from wearing face masks, a hand sanitizer has become an essential item in the new normal. Because of this, we need to have a type of bag wherein we can easily access our hand sanitizer, tissue or wallet without touching too many surfaces. Sling bags are the perfect accessories. They are practical, ergonomic and user-friendly.

6. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is one of the must-have items in any person’s closet. It is chic, simple, classic and goes well with anything. It is a closet staple for every fashionable celebrity, fashion icon and stylish person. During this pandemic where people prefer wearing casual clothes, the white sneakers are your go-to shoes.

7. Zoom Tops

With so many travel restrictions in place, video conferencing has been the new norm. Companies now resort to virtual meetings. However, as much as we are comfortable with our pajamas and loungewear, they do not exactly complete our “professional image”. Thus, we need tops that will give us that polish and professional look yet at the same time comfortable enough to wear at home.

Feature Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

May

2021

10 Power Dressing Must-Haves In a Woman’s Closet

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Clothes are an important part of projecting an image of confidence, power and success. It influences how others see you. Although we should not judge a person based on appearances, it is a fact that people always have and will always judge a person by his or her appearance. That’s the psychology of dressing. That’s why if we want to become more successful, we must start with projecting a powerful persona. If you think that money is an issue in power dressing, think again. You can actually achieve that power dressing fashion style even when you are on a budget as long as you have the basics. All you need are these 10 Power Dressing Must-Haves in a Woman’s Closet.

With power dressing, you can strengthen your image. You can also boost your confidence level. When you look good, you feel good. This will ultimately lead to better performance. Yes, studies have shown that you can actually dress yourself up for success .

In an ideal world, you will have tons of suit ensembles and gorgeous outfits from great brands. However, for most of us, starting our day thinking of what to wear to work had become a part of our daily stressful lives. Here’s a short list of power dressing must haves that every woman should have in their closet:

1. Well Made Blazer

A well made blazer is good for topping off your shirts, dresses and pullovers. Every woman must have one that is flattering to the silhouette of your body.

2. Button Up Shirt

Definitely own a white button up shirt and a few other shades that compliment your skin tone. They never go out of style.

3. Crew Neck Top

In replacement to your button ups, this shirt cut makes you look smart. Yes, even a crew neck t-shirt will do. Just throw on your favorite blazer.

4. Little Black Dress

One of the legacies of Coco Chanel, the little black dress is one an essential part in a woman’s closet. Ideally, it should be in a decent knee length. It comes in handy when you are on a rush and cannot think of what to put together. You can wear it for a day in the office to a night out with friends. It is so versatile that you can never go wrong with a little black dress.

5. Pencil Skirt

A pencil skirt is another piece of clothing that never goes out of style. You can pair this with almost anything.

6. Cigarette Pants

Definitely, not skinny! It should be one that falls just above your ankle. They’re more flattering than the usual office / suit slacks.

7. Pumps

Every woman should have a black or nude pumps. They give a sharper look and elongate the legs. Wear something with about 2.5 to 3 inches heels to let you move around all day. You can also opt for a blocked heel for added comfort, unless of course you can do with the towering ones.

8. Tote Bag

When you are always on the go, find yourself a chic and roomy tote bag that would fit your work and personal essentials.

9. Scarf

To give your outfit a different look, throw over a scarf. Wrap it around your neck or tie it onto your tote.

10. Jewelry

A stud earring in diamond or pearl, a necklace with a pendant or a simple dress watch can be use to complete the look. Keep it simple and elegant.

Tip: Stick to clothes in Plain and Basic colors. They’re less noticeable when you use them on repeat.

MIX MATCHING IS THE KEY!

Fashion Advise given by Elisa Antonnette B. Locsin. Ms. Locsin is a wardrobe / fashion stylist for Filipino celebrities. She has been putting outfits for celebrities for their appearances on print ads, television, movies, concerts and other public appearances for 11 years now. She is also in-charge of putting together a particular look or theme for specific projects based on the celebrities’ roles or characters being played on television or movies.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 09.03.2018.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

May

2020

Must Have Items in a Man’s Wardrobe

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Fashion changes. It changes fast. Every season, there is a new trend. It is hard to keep up with trends unless you have the means and the closet space to do so. But style is different. Style is all about you. Style is constant. It does not follow the trend. Style is forever. If women has a list of must have items, there are also must have items in a man’s wardrobe.

If you want to look stylish at all times, there are certain pieces that you must own to help you achieve that classic, timeless and stylish look. It is easy to build any outfit from these essential items.

1. Plain White T-shirt

If you will have only one t-shirt in your wardrobe, it has got to be the classic plain white t-shirt because It never goes out of style. It is timeless and so versatile that you can pair it with anything. In other words, it is so simple yet so stylish.

2. Jeans

Denim jeans are a must have in a man’s wardrobe. However, not all jeans are created equal. You should choose the correct fit, cut and color to achieve that classic stylish look. They will only look good if they fit you perfectly. If you will only have one pair, get the slim in dark blue.

3. Dinner Jacket

A dinner jacket is known as man’s best friend. Also known as a tuxedo jacket, it is a type of jacket worn on formal occasions matched with tuxedo pants. Yet, you can also use them for smart casual events when paired with jeans or even shorts. The most important aspect to consider in buying a dinner jacket is that it should be tailored fit to your body. Get a black or a navy blue jacket.

4. White Button-Up Shirt

Every man should have a white button-up shirt. You can wear it in any dress code. Buy something that has good quality. That way you will not only look cool while you are out with friends, you can also exude confidence while in the boardroom.

5. Black Trousers

Any man should have black trousers in their wardrobe. They are classic and timeless. Black is the colour that is most dependable. It is an integral part for any business look. You can wear them on formal events. You can also wear them on your day-to-day activities.

6. Polo Shirt

If the button-up shirt is too formal and the t-shirt is too casual, then a polo shirt will do the the trick. Choose basic colours like blue, black or white to achieve that simple yet classic look.

7. White Sneakers

A pair of white sneakers is an essential item for your everyday casual look. They literally go well in almost anything. Opt for the minimalist look. Just make sure that they are always clean.

8. Black Oxfords

Oxfords are dress shoes with shoelaces. Although it is a must-have for formal wear, you can also wear them for business and smart casual wear.

9. Wristwatch

A wristwatch is a necessary accessory for men. There are many kinds of watches available out there. Choose something that you can wear with any outfit. Look for something classy and timeless. Invest in a luxury watch if you can because it can also serve as an heirloom piece.

10. Black Dress Belt

Most of the time, your outfit will not feel complete without a belt. Choose a belt that you can wear on a formal event, a job interview or in your everyday casual wear. A black dress belt is the perfect finishing touch to complete your outfit. Buckles should be clean and simple. As for the colour, pair it with your wristwatch. For example, if your watch is silver, go with a silver buckle.

First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 07.24.2019

Feature Image by R A from Pixabay

May

2020

10 Must Have Items in a Woman’s Wardrobe

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Our world is now getting used to the new normal, where more people will be working from home and less people will be going out unless truly necessary. Consumers’ spending habits are also changing. According to a New York Times report, retail sales plummeted on apparel goods. People would now rather buy essentials such as health, self-care and grocery items. While shopping for the latest fashion and trends now took a backseat, it does not mean that you should no longer care about how you dress when you go out. Dressing up is still part of success. There is no need to buy new outfits. All you need are the basics. For ladies, all you need are the must have items in woman’s wardrobe.

The must have items in a woman’s wardrobe never go out of style. These pieces are classic and timeless. They may not be trendy but wearing them will always make you look stylish and effortlessly chic. You can create polished outfits if you have these 10 essential items in a woman’s wardrobe:

1. White Button-Up Shirt

If you still don’t have a white button-up shirt, then it is time to purchase one. It is simple and classic yet you can use it in any occasion. You can pair it with anything.

2. Jeans

No other garment is as popular and well-received in the world as jeans. They are comfortable, easy to use and durable. You can wear them for years and still look good. It does not matter whether they are skinny, straight, cropped, flared or any other style as long as it is the perfect fit for you. You can have them in black, dark or light. It is all up to you. What matters is that you look great on them.

But if you only have to choose one pair of jeans, choose a dark washed skinny or jeans. They are the most flattering. They are also the perfect jeans for dressing up of dressing down. If you find skinny jeans too uncomfortable, you can opt for slim straight jeans.

3. Black Trousers

Gone were the days were women were not allowed to wear trousers. Today, black trousers are essentials in a woman’s wardrobe especially for a career woman. Obviously, you can’t show up in a job interview wearing jeans. Black trousers are comfortable and easy to pair with.

4. Crew Neck White Shirt

Everyone should have a white crew neck shirt in their wardrobe. It is the most basic piece and essential piece of all. You can build any outfit from it.

If in doubt, anything looks good with a white shirt.
Victoria Beckham

5. Knee-Length Pencil Skirt

If you will only have one skirt in your closet, make sure it is a knee-length pencil skirt. You can wear this skirt in the workplace. You can also wear it in formal events just by pairing it with high heels. In the same way, you can wear it on casual occasions by pairing it with sandals or flats.

6. Little Black Dress

7. Classic Black Blazer

Every woman should invest in one classic black blazer. You can wear this blazer with anything from jeans to dress, trousers, shorts, skirts, etc.. The colour black will go well with anything. The classic cut will make it look stylish yet elegant at the same time. It does not matter what brand. What is important is the fit.

8. Classic Black Pumps

A classic black pumps is a must have shoes for women regardless of age. The classic black pumps will go well in any occasion whether you are going to a party or simply going to work. You can wear them with gowns, dresses, jeans, trousers, shorts and skirts.

9. Ballerina Flats

Ever since Audrey Hepburn was seen wearing ballet flats in the movie Sabrina in the 1950s, the ballet flats became a must-have in a woman’s wardrobe. It is simple, elegant and never go out of style. It is also comfortable that you can wear it all day long.

10. White Sneakers

For your everyday comfort and casual wear, a pair of white sneakers is a must-have. Sneakers are classic and will never go out of style. They can be worn not only in jeans and shorts but also in skirts and dresses if you want to look cool.

Edited Version. Original first published in Pinoy Smart Living 07.23.2019Image Credit: Photo Mix from Pixabay Images