***The MAGIC of MIX n MATCH***

Hey Lovelies,

I just want to share with you my outfit the other day and how I mix and match this ensemble. 

Actually there is nothing new about this one aside from my sunglasses which I bought at Mint, Glorietta 5.

Although new fashions are unveiled every season, most people simply add a few new items to their wardrobe rather than replacing it entirely. Learning to mix and match your new and old clothing will help you create many outfit combinations that will be interesting and varied even if you repeatedly wear certain items.

I decided to wear my Kamiseta top with my green pencil cut skirt and fuchsia pink pumps and purse and then Voilà!!!

Here are some of the tips:

Take an inventory

Before you go shopping, take a stock of your current set of clothes. Discard what you are never going to wear. A simpler way would be to see what you haven’t worn in the past one year and just give it away. If you haven’t worn it last spring, you are not going to miss it this next spring!

Separate out neutrals

Of the pieces that you have left, separate out the ones in neutral color – this would be all the solid or lightly patterned blacks, whites, khakhis, greys, navys and browns. These will form the foundation of your wardrobe. You are going to buy or build your wardrobe around these pieces.

Create Outfits Now start pairing the other non-neutral pieces with the neutrals you have. Almost all the colors can be paired with any of the neutrals. Be creative. This season’s hot trend is to pair light pink with beige. Ever thought of that?

You can also pair one neutral with another – though, personally, I would avoid brown and black together. I think it’s too dull, unless you have some bright accessories to go with the outfit.

You will be amazed at the number of outfits you are able to create just by using the pieces you had in your wardrobe.

Shopping for new clothes

You should always look to buy clothes that will go with your existing wardrobe. If you buy something that is drastically different, you are never going to find an occasion to wear it. Unless you are starting afresh, always look to buy stuff that will blend with your existing wardrobe – the key to keeping up the illusion of a new outfit each day.

You should invest in some good classic pieces. Pieces that don’t fade with changing fashion trends.

I personally believe, every woman should have the following:

Formal pieces:

- A black straight-leg trouser

- A black skirt

- A grey skirt / trouser

- A beige / khakhi skirt or trouser

- A pin striped suit (preferably dark gray)

These are the basics. You can then add other neutrals – navy, brown, white, depending on your personal preferences.

Casual:

- A pair of perfect fitting bootcut dark wash jeans

- A smart short jacket (denim, cotton or corduroy – your choice as long as you don’t pair denim with jeans!!)

Party:

- A little black dress – always a savior!

You should be careful about buying stuff that’s currently in vogue. These may be out of fashion in a couple of months. So you don’t need to spend a great deal on them. Just make sure they don’t look outright cheap.

Mixing patterns

This can be quite tricky. The general advice is to not mix too many patterns. If you are wearing a flowery skirt, keep the blouse simple, preferably one solid color. Don’t mix horizontal stripes with vertical. You can mix plaid with stripes only if both the patterns are very subtle. Never mix 2 bold patterns.

Accessories

Once you have the outfits in place, you can look even more stunning by using the right accessories. They don’t cost a great deal but give just the extra touch your outfit needs. 

Summary

- Before you head out shopping, take a stock of your current clothes

- Create outfits by mixing neutrals with colors

- Buy pieces that you can mix with your existing clothes

- Invest in classic pieces – they never go out of fashion

- Be careful when mixing patterns – never mix 2 bold patterns

- Use accessories to take your outfit to the next level

All you need to do is dig your closet and find something you can mix and match together.

Thank you for reading!

xoxo

BarbieJhaki

Reference:

http://www.fitnchic.com

EMPRESARIO 2011 TRUNKSHOW

Hey Lovelies,

The Empresario Manila with Erzullie: Fierce Fashion for Plus Size Ladies Event is so ON!!! (This is the live exhibit and fashion show and commercial launching that we in Erzullie have been preparing for a month now)

Details of the event is in the poster! For tickets, kindly LIKE the Empresario Manila page and click on the e-ticket tab ♥ Payment will be made on that night upon presenting your ticket! It is only Php350, so what are you waiting for? Reserve now!

See you there!

xoxo

BarbieJhaki

AN INTERVIEW with a PLUS SIZE BARBIE by ERZULLIE

Hey Lovelies,

I just want to share with you my answers during an interview by my favorite plus size brand. The questions are mainly about my experiences as a plus size and how I deal with it.

I also attached the link to their blog,  I hope you like my answers. ^_^

Thank you!

xoxo

BarbieJhaki

ERZULLIE ICONS UNDRESS! JHAKI DAVID ON HOW HER CURVES EMPOWER HER

SEPTEMBER 28, 2011
11:17 PM

"I love myself more than ever... I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF ERZULLIE
to inspire other plus size women."- Jhaki David, Erzullie Icon, on what Erzullie is all about

"On the day of the interview, I saw this beautiful, hot and sexy plus size woman. I was praying to the Divine that she'd be one of the girls that I will be interviewing. If not, I am going to approach her anyway. Thankfully... she was one! She looked so different in the photos that she sent. Although she looked heavenly in the photos, she was sultrier in personal. It was that magnetism and charisma that made her perfect for the Holiday 2011 collection. The theme was Girls Night Out and usually, that is where all the girls are so undeniably sexy in their own right. Jhaki (David) was that. She's sexy and she knows it. It's a good thing we knew it too. Getting her as an Erzullie Icon really propelled the brand to the next level." 
--- Aries De Guzman, Owner/Designer of Erzullie, on the day that she saw Jhaki

1. Name, Age and Erzullie Size 

Jhaki David- Calanoc
Age: 28
Erzullie size:  2L

2. Current Occupation: 

Sr. Account Executive/ Business Unit Head

3. Favorite Erzullie Icon and why:

Are you and Berna included sa choices? hehe

If yes, well both of you are my favorites because aside from being creative, confident and professionals.
I love how you treat other people with kindness.

4. What's your journey as a plus size woman? How did you come into terms with your body?

I was always on the chubby side since I was a little girl. I also went through the bullying stage from others and being insecure of being fat plus I also suffered from anorexia nervosa and iron deficiency anemia during my teens.

Luckily,  I am blessed with a partner, a family and best friends  that believes in me and supports my dreams, they are the ultimate source of both inspiration and confidence. And as my perspective grows I decided to accept myself and embrace my curves.

Instead of letting them put  a good spirit down, I look at the brighter side of things with the help of positive attitude.

I love feeling good, taking care of myself and wearing what I want.

5. Why did you apply as an Erzullie Icon? What happened? (Tell us  briefly, the story form application to acceptance)

I never thought that I will have a chance to be an Icon however when I was younger my grandma predicted that someday I will be a model.

But, I knew that it was far from happening since models here in Philippines as often thin.

Until a rare opportunity presented itself, Erzullie is searching for a new Icon and a plus size model. I took advantage of the opportunity and out of the hundreds of applicants I was picked.

6. When you were selected, what were your thoughts?

I love myself more than ever and I have no regrets about the weight issues as I see it as a blessing as long as you keep your curves in right places and to stay healthy.

On the other hand, in my opinion Erzullie is one of the most amazing brands that supports diversity in the Philippines.

I am proud to be part of Erzullie and to inspire other plus size women to be confident and believe in themselves.

ERZULLIE ICON, JHAKI DAVID, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

7. You were also working with a new Icon, Khriselda, how is it working with her? Why do you think she deserve to be an Erzullie Icon?

She's lovely plus she also has her own unique qualities that an Icon should have.
 I'm glad because aside from the experience and opportunity I also gained a new friend.

8. You have also worked with Marian Beltran, Erzullie Icon Resort 2011, How was it working with her? 

It was a pleasure working with her, Marian is approachable, smart and professional.

9. During the shoot, what were the obstacles that you have faced? How did you overcome them? Did you feel insecure with the other Icons around you?

I didn't feel any insecurities towards my co-Icons. Because I believe that Erzullie has chosen women with different qualities and each has unique personality. I had fun and I really enjoyed the photo shoot. I can't wait to work with them again one of these days.

10. You are a blogger right? Can you tell us something briefly about it? 

My blog is barbiejhaki.blogspot.com and I started it last March 2011.

I named it Barbie Jhaki because I want to change many people’s perception that you should look as artificial as a Barbie doll before you can be fashionable, beautiful and feel good about yourself.

This is my campaign for a change about the standards of beauty and the images of allegedly perfect bodies.

The ideal women should have a well balance life with family, friends and a career to have a healthy, worthy and happy life.
I would love to inspire others that a real woman has her own individual shape and should embrace her curves.

11. Any message to all the plus size women out there?

Perfection isn't fixed and diversity is beautiful. Keep in mind that everyone is unique and all of us still have room for improvements.

I believe that God blessed me with a full figured body and large structured bones for a reason and that's my inspiration to love myself.

I looked at the physical differences on a broader spectrum, that sizes must not limit you from reaching the dream and it doesn't make you any less to anybody. Keep your spirit up, be kind to others, accept and love yourself.

JHAKI DAVID, NOT YOUR ORDINARY BARBIE

ERZULLIE -- Fierce Curves!: ERZULLIE ICONS UNDRESS! JHAKI DAVID ON HOW HER CUR...: SEPTEMBER 28, 2011 11:17 PM "I love myself more than ever... I AM PROUD TO BE PART OF ERZULLIE to inspire other plus size women." - Jha...

***My Marce Vina's 27th Birthday***

Hey Lovelies,

It was one of my best friend's birthday yesterday,October 16. She decided to have a simple dinner with her family and closest friends on her 27th and we had a super fun and great time together with our other best friends.

She wore  blue Venus cut dress with belt and gladiator flats. I love her dress, that's her signature color since we were in college.

I wore a floral dress by Erzullie and a brown with light pink heels.

With Maricel, Jaydee and Roxanne

Thank you for viewing!

xoxo

BarbieJhaki

BTS and Rehearsal of Erzullie and Empresario Manila Event

Hello Lovelies, 


We had our initial runway practice yesterday for Empresario Manila event  next month. 
This is my first ever runway project that's why I'm a bit nervous and excited at same time. I also felt the same when we had our shoot for the event's video commercial which will be seen on the event. 
The AVI is about confidence and self acceptance isn't it inspiring? ^_^

It reminded me of the plus size model  Crystal Renn on her transition from anorexic to ‘plus-sized' and healthy she said, “Women have come so far in the past 100 years...but what holds them back is lack of confidence and self-hatred.” Talking about herself at size 0, she said “I was at the lowest level you can be.” “It was only when I accepted myself that I managed to achieve [my goals] in life and work.” 


By the way, my outfit for the day is a Moss green tank top Erzullie's Maxi pants plus and Janilyn wedges.

However, during the practice I had to change to wedge slippers for safety purposes due to my sprained ankle injury.

Well back to the main topic,  I had super fun meeting new friends and working with other plus size models. 
All of them are nice and bubbly just like Erzullie's owner's Aries and Berna  plus my first co-models Marian and Khriselda. 
I met Caroline, Karen, Loren, Kat, Coy and Andrea.
Being part of Erzullie is like you're in a family where you'll meet your long lost sisters  and where you'll share the same experiences and goals as a plus size.

Because of this experience I have a whole new respect for models.  
Seriously.  Anyone who says, “It’s easy, all you do is walk down a runway” has never done it before. 

Needless to say, I was incredibly honored to be asked by Erzullie.  And, although I love posing for pictures and I don’t mind getting up in front of crowds to speak, there’s something about all eyeballs on you, while walking down a runway in heels, praying you don't fall. 

So please help me pray. ^_^

I'll keep you posted and thank you for reading!

xoxo


BarbieJhaki