Wedding Outfit: Grecian Dress and Wedge Shoes

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. And I know that in able to achieve my best look, I had to make sure that I am comfortable with my dress and shoes.

The Dress:

I opted for a simple Grecian inspired wedding dress, which was light and easy to manage. And since the design was Grecian, there were ruchings and the waist was cut high. Hence, my unwanted tummy bulges were all hidden.

I could just imagine how hard it  would have been to smile and project for the camera if at the same time I had to hold my stomach in, if ever I did choose a fitted-on-the-waist dress.

The high waist of the dress also made my legs look longer—aside from the fact that I wore a  pair of five-inch heels.

The Shoes:

Of course they had to be wedges. Wedges are the most comfortable type of high-heeled shoes there are. They may not look as formal, but they can still be stylish. And who will actually look at your shoes? Your dress is floor length anyway. Four- or five-inch stilettos are the ultimate in style; but if you are not used to them—then do not risk it. I can only stand in a pair of stilettos for 30 minutes, then you will start to see on my face that I am not happy anymore.

When choosing your wedding shoes, find a pair that you can easily walk in. Remember that you will be doing your bridal march, dancing with your father and groom, going around greeting your family and friends, and posing a lot for the camera. All these you have to do while most eyes are on you. 

Photos by Jonel Batino of SuperPandaPresents

Dress by Gaygay Gowns and Barong, Lopez Avenue, Los Baños, Laguna

Shoes from Oro Nero

My Should-Have-Been Thank You Wedding Speech

Our wedding may not have gone as planned—I think only 50% of our plans were followed and the remaining half had to be changed on the day itself—but I still loved every minute of it. The only thing I wish I could have made better and more complete was my thank you speech because this is something I could control. 

This is my advice to soon-to-be-brides: prepare and write your thank you speeches way  before the event. I thought I had my speech memorized but I still missed a detail or two. 

Here is my speech, the way it should have been:

Good evening, everyone. thank you so much for spending this night with us and for going all the way to Antipolo despite the bad weather. Seeing you all here reminds us of how lucky we really are. 

First of all, I would like to thank God for all of the blessings. This would not be possible without You.   

To our friends: Liz for doing my make-up; Bats for coming all the way from Singapore to be our photographer; Marc Soong for providing our bridal car; Steph and Ray for singing the bridal march song; Grace and Abi for being our hosts; SunDownMuse for the music later; and my brother Marc for sponsoring wines and spirits.

My friends from JobStreet.com: you have been my family for four-and-a-half years. You guys will always be family to me.  

My friends forever: I have known all of you for years and we have shared and experienced life lessons together. Looking forward to more years with you all.  

My relatives from the Querubin and Jaranilla sides, most specially to those who came all the way from the province and abroad.  

My siblings: Kuya Ashley, Ate Donna, Kuya Bogs and Marc: my ultimate kakampis for life. Thank you so much for always being for there for me—most specially during my not-so-nice days, which can still happen every now and then. My nephews and nieces: Kevin, Nini, Gia and Jared. You guys never fail to bring me joy. 

Undoubtedly, I have to thank my parents for giving me more than what I needed. I know I haven't always been the best daughter, but I am trying to be now. Mommy and Daddy: Thank you so much for the guidance and honing me to be a practical, fair, respectful and hardworking person (I'd like to think I am). I wouldn’t be the person I am right now if it were not for you—if it weren’t for all of you. 

So you see, I am a very lucky and blessed person already. Then came Paulo; and now I am even luckier. 

Thank you to the Subidos for easily accepting and welcoming me into your family. I now have three new sisters and two brothers, and of course another mom.  To Ate Joy, Ate Faith, Ate Grace, Kuya Raul, Chino and Mom: You have all been so sweet and awesome, and I am looking forward to getting to know more of each and everyone.   

And of course to Paulo: Thank you for the overflowing understanding, care and love. I don’t really know what will happen to us. One of the many things we learned in this wedding is that life does not go the way we planned it. We may not be perfect people, but together, I know that we can make it perfect. Let’s just continue on doing what we are doing—respect, trust, and love each other. I love you more right now, Pau. We can do this!

Photos by Jonel Batino of SuperPandaPresents 

Old yet New

When I was growing up, I searched my parents’ closets and bauls for the perfect wardrobe. I am charmed by what people wore in the ’60s and ‘70s. These decades brought flared pants, pointed and big collar blouses, flowing bohemian garments, shiny and skin-tight disco outfits, maxi dresses and skirts, and psychedelic prints which are all very stylish up to now. 

I know I can’t resist a vintage dress—especially if it belongs to my mom. If I can’t find a way to wear it, I’ll probably use the fabric for my home decor, or simply keep it close by. I’m sure I will make use of it one day, some way.

Photo shot in UP Los Banos.

This skirt is one of the nicest pieces in my closet. I love it because it has an ethnic Philippine flavor.

Lydia Jaranilla-Querubin

That’s my mom back in 1974. And my skirt used to be part of the dress she is wearing. It won’t fit me as is because I am three inches shorter than her. I almost cried when my trusted modista wasn’t able to alter it properly.

Good thing we were able to salvage it as a skirt. I am a big fan of maxi skirts. They look dramatic yet are versatile enough for use in almost any occasion. I wore this ensemble at a wedding.

Photo by Icee Palomo

Throw on the proper top and mix the right accessories, and you can strut anywhere.  

Reviving your mom’s old clothes is practical. A brand-new maxi skirt can cost up to Php3,000 (USD71) nowadays, more or less. It depends on the brand. 

By the way, this outfit cost me Php2,849 (USD67).
(Dollar conversions based on US Dollar = Ph Peso Exchange Rate of USD1=Php42.54 dated Feb 8, 2012.)

Breakdown of costs: 

• Headband - belt from another top
• Bead Necklace - bought from a bazaar, Php250
• Bangles - two sets; one bought from USA, Php350; another one from a bazaar, Php100
• Watch - a gift (Seiko 5)
• Chiffon Blouse - bought from The Ramp, Php799
• Maxi Skirt - used to be mom's dress, alteration cost Php150
• Mary Jane Shoes - bought online from www.GoJane.com, Php1,200   

 

Find out if your mom and dad still have their old clothes. If they do, then rummage through their stash. You might find something pretty and for keeps.

Just Soap and Water for Face

When I was about nine and my face would show one or two signs of acne growth, my 11-years older brother would continuously prod me to wash my face with just soap and water. I am glad I followed his advice and have been since then. For one thing, I think it really made sense; the lesser chemicals (compared to the facial creams the dermatologists usually gives) that I put on my face, the purer and then the better.  

I am not saying that I haven't visited the derma ever. I do get my quarterly facial cleaning, but that is just about it. I have been sales-talked to try the diamond peel once or twice, though I just end up looking like a sun-dried tomato the day after. This was done in a popular and posh clinic so I don't think the quality of products was the culprit.

I use Dove, Oil of Olay or Pond's. All those always make me feel great after washing my face. That moment after I wash the soap away, then look at the mirror; and feel and look so clean, so fresh and sometimes so pretty is just priceless.

Taking care of your face need not be expensive. For the longest time, I have been using just soap and water and it has proven to be the most effective. And the cheapest, for that matter. And not to forget, very hassle-free.

Outfit: in Black and White

Last Thursday marked a new milestone in my career--I signed an employment contract with a digital advertising agency. As always, I was very thankful that I was given another chance to improve myself--that is to grow and learn more about myself, my craft, the corporate world and a new industry. Those are more than enough to make me very excited with this new challenge. 

For the contract signing, I chose an outfit that is professional-looking yet stylish enough to pass for my creative and eclectic side.

I guess in the corporate world, choosing the proper attire and grooming yourself ready are as important as choosing the right words to say during an interview or meeting. It is actually one of the reasons why Steve Jobs ended up wearing his signature black long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and rubber shoes; as opposed to his flowing orange robe and shoe-less ensemble. 

I love tights. 

The good thing about wearing tights is that I am able to move freely and feel secure even though I am in an above-the-knee dress or skirt and high heels combo. Aside to the fact that tights can easily make an outfit look more "professional". 

Total outfit cost without the bag is P2,640 (USD58.67). 

Breakdown of costs:

• Dress- Space, P350
• White sleeveless top- Plains and Prints, P750
• Tights- Gap USA, P450
• Shoes- SM Department Store, P990 
• Silver necklace- bazaar, P100 

Chorizo and Shrimp Pasta

Tired of serving the usual pastadishes: tuna in olive oil, creamy carbonara or meaty tomato sauce? Thenwhy not try the Chorizo and Shrimp Pasta. Easy, yummy, and affordable, it won'tbe long until this dish will be part of your list of what to prepareduring get-togethers. 

The thing I like most about thisdish is its lightness despite the distinct flavors of the chorizo andshrimp. The two main ingredients mix so well, making every mouthful taste and feel so heavenly. 

I am also a big fan of cilantro. For me, most dishes with cilantro easily becomes a refreshing viand. 

This dish will cost less than P500, take 30 minutes to an hour to prepare andfeed a group of 10-12 adults.

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup olive oil 

- 1 head large garlic, slicedbased on preference 

- 2 pieces medium-sized onion,sliced based on preference

- 4 pieces medium-sized tomato,cut into half-inch cubes

- 2 cans Purefoods ChorizoBilbao-style, sliced diagonally at about 1/4 inch thick 

- Chili powder or flakes, quantitydepends on preference

- 1 bundle of cilantro or wansoy,minced

- 1/4 kilo shrimps 

- 1 cup shrimp stock

- 500 grams pasta (spaghettini,angel hair, twists)

Steps:

Shrimp and shrimp stock:

1. Add shrimps to 1 cup of boilingwater. Add a pinch of salt if desired.

2. Remove shrimps once it turn redand peal. Set aside the shrimps' meat and heads.

3. Pound the heads using a mortar.

4. Put pounded shrimp heads in astrainer and pour the created stock. Repeat this step for two to three times.Set aside stock once done.

Pasta mix:

1. Sauté garlic and onion in 1/2cup olive oil.

2. Add the sliced chorizo and stiruntil its own oil renders.

3. Add the tomato cubes, immediatelyfollowed by the shrimp meat. Stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4. Add the shrimp stock and leaveuntil it reduces. Add salt if needed and chili if desired.

5. Mix the pasta. Sprinkle minced cilantro before serving.

Bridesmaids Dresses: BYOD (Buy Your Own Dress)

So all my best friends will end up wearing an outfit they truly love on my wedding day, I gave them the liberty of choosing their preferred styles by buying their own dresses. I call this BYOD--Buy Your Own Dress. I am currently meeting with each of my friends to hand out their dress money. I, together with my fiance, want to make the wedding as hassle-free as possible for all the guests, and so I don't want my bridesmaids to spend for their dresses. Their company--which are priceless--during the wedding are all I ask from them.

I only have two requests for the dress: length is above the knee and color is any shade of cream--off-white, ecru, flesh, dirty white--but not white. Of course, I will be the only one in white. On the fabric, anything goes. I just reminded them that it will be a garden wedding; therefore, no air-conditioning. Any footwear will do, too. 

Making your bridesmaids buy their own dresses is practical and a good alternative to the can-be-too-tacky matching attires that we are used to. It also serves as a souvenir that will probably end up being kept and used again.