SMART INVESTMENTS

Photos by: Dan Douglas Ong











(as published Sept. 9, 2009, Wednesday in Cebu Daily News)

The hustling day life still exists. There’s more to modern living than for-party-only dresses & covetable sober-sided sellers fit just for party hoppers. Come holiday season, we will be dressed up in strict code: from sharp-lapelled tuxedo jackets down to provocative yet basic pumps. In the corporate world, where every little bit counts towards success, it is proven time and time again that a professional appearance raises confidence levels in both customers and clients.

Fashion trends are fun, but the problem is relying on everyone’s individual tastes in the office to dictate a “professional appearance”. With today’s Gen Y’s preferences, even the riskiest trends could slip right through the office walls – the gal wearing fishnet stockings under a pencil skirt? The guy wearing a gangster-style outfit for casual Friday? These off-tangent choices could affect one’s or the company’s ability to grow.

The despondency of trends in the office isn’t that terrible after all either. There are new pieces one can wear for a special day, and there are pieces that go beyond seasons. These are smart investments one can combine effectively to channel authority. They’re style savvy and work wisely against the clock. Soigné comes in naturally when these are matched with the right disposition.

Going thru today’s privations is an easy feat. Take cues from modern corporate wear brand MEMO in their five outstanding features from their new collection.


· CONTEMPORARY FIT
Choose new to boost you. The nineties have been (stylishly) lurking around alright, but don’t let this decade ANYMORE mess with your business attires’ shapes. Today’s corporate wear fit is TAPERED (narrowed measurements almost close to the body) and SLENDER-looking – so you don’t have to worry paying a tailor to trim or pucker your purchase. Reserve those roomy blazers and tank dresses for casual errands.

· FLEXI-FIT PANTS
Now this is sartorial magic. When eating, ever distracted by the thought of uncomfortable tightened pants in minutes? And then, perhaps you release a button or unbuckle a belt to loosen up? The FLEXI-FIT pants have built-in elastic bands positioned at the sides of a waistband, in line with the side pockets that expand (for about 2-3 inches) and adjust to your stomach bulge after eating.

· FLAT-FRONT DRESS PANTS
Not that pleat-front pants (they’re looking urbanely chic now) are to be shoved, flat-front pants are the most fashionable strides known to man today. Worth wearing, these pants also give the illusion of worked-out, strong regular thighs giving a streamlined and sharp look to the lower torso. But for thighs like that of a weight lifter, they’ll probably need trousers with a bit more room; sticking to traditional single- or double-pleated pants or slacks would be recommended.

· MULTI-WAY TOP
You’ve had those days when you want the simplest top but wish for its versatility. This might be your answer. Coming in dark taupe or olive, the cotton-knit hybrid multi-way top comes with a twist – quite literally. The 3-inch wide and 2-meter long neck bands twist, stretch, go over, overlap to form a halter top, a cowl scarf, a dangling scarf, a ribboned neck sash or a waist-cincher. Beyond the office, this is also a casually appealing topper that goes with just about anything.

· COATDRESSING
Feel comfortable and look stylishly smart in two-for-one dressing: a cover-up from the wind or rain, and a very upscale dress to lunch or dinner. You might as well wear this symbol of our current times to corporate after-8 soirees. Cinch that belt and voila! The perfect ensemble for the women of power. Finish the look with a simple clutch.











ALL clothes & accessories from: MEMO

Direction & Styling: Yves Camingue
Styling Asst.: Brylle Quirante
Hair, Maquillage & Grooming: Gari Son
Models: Lulu Malolot & Muhammad Sun of BLANK Models (blankcelebrations@ymail.com)