Closet rule: Quality over quantity

Dear Lucy,

Where do you buy your crisp white shirts? I see you wear them often, sometimes long sleeves, other times short sleeves. And how do you choose your shoes?

Lucille

I rotate among different brands. I do not scrimp on white shirts because I feel they have to be sharply and well made at all times, regardless of the brand. I make sure the fabric is nice, the cut a perfect fit. And if it isn’t, I have no qualms about getting it professionally altered. I also have a few good tailors, and I have shirts custom-made at times.

My philosophy is that everything hanging in my closet should fit me well. Quality over quantity always. It’s saves me precious dress-up time. It will be a nightmare to have a closet full of clothes, half of which you cannot wear anyway because they don’t fit quite right. It’s an easy step towards simplifying the many choices we make every day in life.

Shoes — quality and comfort, always. Thankfully, there are so many choices that marry both with style.

Lucy

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Nailing it at your job interview

Dear Rissa,

I’ve read several times that you love to get manicures. I also love nail polish. Do you think it’s okay to wear colored nail polish for a job interview?

TRISH

Well-groomed nails say so much about a woman. I personally feel unkempt when my nails are not done, my brows aren’t properly groomed, and when the re-growth of the uncolored roots of my hair is showing. Go ahead and wear nail polish to your job interview, but I suggest you avoid bright, distracting colors. Choose a shade that will lend you authority and give you femininity at the same time. Neutrals in the family of pinks and berries are a good choice. Red may be powerful, but it can also make you seem unapproachable. Nudes and pale pinks are great neutrals. Elegant grays have also become a new classic. If you will be working in an industry where hands will be in contact with food, medicine, or customers, best to keep your nails polish-free and clean. If you will be in the art or fashion industry, nail polish is an expression of personal style. For these industries, go ahead and play with color.

Do try the recently launched Solique x Agoo nail polish. With three colors curated by beauty editor and style maven Agoo Bengzon, Solique x Agoo perfectly fits the needs of the modern woman. If you want something clean and neutral for a more traditional job interview, go for the shade called Cloud, a barely-there mauve with barely-there hints of micro glitter. This shade makes hands look clean, polished, and professional. If you’re aiming for a spot in the fashion, beauty, or art world, the shade called Smitten is a vibrant and posh magenta. This eye-catching color is an instant stamp of style, fearlessness, and fun. If you want a more elegant shade, I like the shade Posse, a dark deep blue that appears almost black, depending on the lighting. I love the mystery and versatility of this rich color.

Solique x Agoo Polish is available in Girlstuff kiosks/carts at SM Megamall, SM San Lazaro, SM North, SM MOA, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center. Girlstuff is also available online at www.girlstufforever.com and beautymnl.com.

Apart from nail color, nail length is crucial. I personally prefer a rounded square shape. Avoid long nails and keep them at a reasonable length which allows you to still use your hands in the workplace. Good luck with your interview!                        

Rissa

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.