Pinoy All Occasions

And since ’tis the best time to throw parties and get together with friends for a summer getaway in the countryside, it is but imperative for all girls out there to have the following summer time staples at hand.

So prep yourself for a possible summer romance.  Get ready for a road trip with your ever trusted bandana and slip into your sexiest bikini while the sun us up, and then don your favorite silk mini dress in the evening and turn the music up. Remember, it’s summer, make everything hotter.

SUMMER WEDDINGS. Aside from chilly weddings during the months of December to February, weddings during summer season has also been a favorite among couples. Destination weddings like beach or garden weddings are best during the season of the sun. Summer garden wedding, especially in the evening, is generally a lovely sight to behold. With all the flowers in bloom, hanging string lights and lanterns adorning the garden, you would want to be as equally stunning as the evening without going overboard.

Although there aren’t any general rules when it comes to dressing up for a garden wedding, you must always bear in mind that it is still not advisable to dress too casually or don your sequined and beaded dress for this particular wedding setting, lest you want to compete with the lights beautifully enveloping the plants and trees.

Always remember that the key to dressing up is to always err on the side of elegance. After all, casual or not, a wedding is still a wedding. Opt for bright colored clothing like sunny yellow, calm green, flirty pink dress or choose any color that’s flirty but modern and choose the perfect shade of lipstick and bag to match your outfit. If you are more comfortable with LBDs, then by all means wear it. Black is OK for weddings just as long as you know how to accessorize and play with colors. Wear your dress with red pumps or gold stilettos with a chic pashmina or shawl and you are good to go.  Bear in mind that although it is a summer wedding, some evenings tends to be breezy so having a shawl handy is always a wise idea.

On the other hand, dressing up for beach wedding is a lot easier. Look for a light sundress or maxi dress or any elegant dress that feels beachy enough.  Although the dress code may be casual, don’t be tempted to wear shorts or jeans. Before shopping for dresses, always refer to the invitation to check if there’s a note about the formality or attire needed for the wedding since beach weddings can actually go from extremely casual to black tie. Lastly, don’t forget to put on a sun block for protection and a shawl in case it is windy.

SUMMER GETAWAY.  One important element of traveling is choosing the right ensemble that can last you for a whole day in case your flight gets delayed or the car’s tire suddenly gets busted.  Making your way to the check-in counter dressed to the nines, complete with five-inch heels looks fabulous, alright. But can you really pull all your suitcases, laptop bag and find your passport while wearing those killer heels?  Choose something that is easy to move around with. Pick clothing that are wrinkle and spill proof, think dark colors and knits.

Although it is advisable to wear comfy clothes during travel, especially when it’s summer, don’t ever think of wearing summer shorts and tank tops not unless you are headed straight to the beach.  Jeans or leggings are safe so you can choose to wear any of the two. Stay comfy but at least look presentable, and yes, skip the flip flops please. Since airport security advises to remove shoes when passing through the screening machine, go for mary jane or ballerina flats instead of rubber shoes to avoid causing long line at the machine. You can wear sleeveless tops or sheer clothing but don’t forget to bring a pashmina to keep you warm and toasty during the flight.

Going on a road trip with family or friends, with your favorite song on the player, window rolled down, is probably one of the most liberating and thrilling thing in this world. And since you are in your own private VIP mode of transportation, then anything actually goes when it comes to choice of clothing. But again, choose something that is wrinkle proof and easy to move around with. Go for loose fitting jeans, chic leggings, summer shorts, tunic tops or layer a tank or tee under a roomy button-down shirt. Choose a pair of trusted sneakers or flats and yes, flip flops is allowed.  Always keep a scarf handy to help cover your hair to prevent it from getting messy and sticky or better yet put your hair in a pony tail. Though a floppy sun hat looks adorable too if you’ll ask.

If you are heading to the beach, don’t forget to bring  a pair or two of your best bikinis, an oversized pair of Jackie O’s, sun block lotions, easy cotton tank dresses, at least two glamorous-island-night-outfits, sundress, flip flops, sandals and sarong. Beach parties at night are very popular so be prepared at all times. There’s no other option but to look your best and glowing if Mr. Surfer guy tries to strike a conversation.

SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS.  Nothing is more heart warming than having early Sunday chit chats with your closest buds on a sunny Sunday morning.  The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and plate of comfort foods like bacons still sizzling when they reach the table, French toast, omelette and freshly squeezed orange juice while catching up on each other’s lives is a luxury that anyone can actually indulge in nearly any day of the week or season.

But admit it or not summer is the best season for brunching because it seem as though food always tastes a little better when you eat outside while a good dose of sunshine is gently touching your skin. Now that being said, even when it’s a Sunday and you have an excuse to dress down a little bit and take a break from being glamorous, it is still necessary for you to mind your wardrobe and ask yourself if it’s appropriate for the occasion.

Match the season with a billowy maxi dress in a gorgeous floral print together with a pretty pair of ballet flats or thong sandals. An adorable romper is also a nice choice since it’s a perfect blend of sundress and shorts, not to mention it’s airy and comfortable when worn. I f you feel a little boyish, a cotton sleeveless tank top or button-down shirt matched with Bermuda shorts or Capri pants is the way to go. And even if it’s summer, always bring with you a cardigan and a scarf for your hair in case it becomes a little humid. To complete your get-up, bring along a big tote, you’ll want plenty of space just in case you decide to drop by in weekend markets and buy yourself some organic products. Lastly, don’t forget your shades, the bigger the better.

HAWAIIAN TROPICAL LUAU PARTY.  One of the most popular themes for parties, especially during summer, is Hawaiian luau party.  And since this party is associated with summer, it is but necessary and fair to hold it out in the open. Think of grass skirts, leis, tiki torches, palm fronds and tropical fruits with Hawaiian music playing in the background and you’ll know it’s going to be one of your most memorable parties ever.  Bring sun and fun into the party by donning your best Hawaiian party dress, tuck a hibiscus flower behind your ear and you’re all set to make heads turn in awe.

Dressing up for a luau party is actually just a walk in the park considering there are lots of shops and boutiques nowadays that offer a complete ensemble to make you instantly look like Lilo.  First off, think something floral. It is advisable to wear flower print shirts for men and dresses for women.  Floral print polo can be worn buttoned up or open over a plain tee.  Add oomph to your outfit by accessorizing with leis, sea shell jewelries, colored beads or anything that looks festive enough for a beach party.  Grass skirts looks best when matched with bikini tops for women but men can also wear grass skirts too although most put them on for performance reason only.   Proper bottom attire for luau parties, especially for men, is shorts, however, if you are not keen on wearing an over-all floral attire, then sporting a board shorts isn’t a bad idea at all.

Aside from floral dresses and grass skirts, consider adding more flowers like hair garland for girls and pinning some flowers on the gent’s shirt collar or pocket. Lastly, to complete your over-all look, don’t forget to wear your most comfortable flip flops or sandals that best match your outfit, not only they are convenient but also perfect for a laid-back summer look that luaus are all about.