It’s never easy to switch up the way we dress especially when we’re pretty comfortable with our choices, but that’s why we call it a fashion challenge, huh? The idea came about when our creative director, who never wore color, was tasked to don pink pants to work just because we just wanted her to step out from her comfort zone. As a result, she would now wear it on the regular, even if it were the lone pair of pink-colored pants in her closet. Baby steps.
With that in mind, we asked moms (and honestly, wonder women) Samantha Godinez-Valenciano, Jackie Go, and Lyca Puno-Roa to give up their closets for a day and try out looks they never really tried before. One used to avoid white pants like a plague while the other never thought plaid was a print she’d ever try, but will they be wearing these new looks again? Let’s find out.
Samantha Godinez-Valenciano
Mom of one
Artist and businesswoman
What is your personal style?
It’s comfortable and not very girly. I barely follow what’s “in” unless I super like the look.
Describe your new look.
[I tried] mommy clothes. Joke! [Laughs] Well, I am a mom already but still dress like I’m in college. For one layout I was styled in an all-white outfit with a beige scarf. The other layout was a white top paired with salmon-colored pants. I do wear white, but never white pants. And pink is a color I super don’t use; usually I just use it as an accent color.
How did you feel?
I was conscious. [Laughs] I have big thighs from my college soccer days, so there’s a reason why I love black leggings and avoid white pants. The looks are good, but just not me.
Would you wear it again?
The white tops, yes. The white pants, maybe, but with a top that’s more casual. The salmon pink bottoms? No! [Laughs]
Which item would you like to take home?
I actually took home the pink velvet heels from Parisian. Super loved it! And the pearl rings!
Look 1: White bare-shoulder top, P899.75, white pants, P899.75, both from SM Woman; Pearl drop earrings, P149.75, rings, P179.75, pearl ring, P149.75, nude scarf, P299.75, all from SM Accessories; Velvet sandals, P899.75, Parisian. Look 2: Off-shoulder white top, P899.75, salmon-colored pants, P999.75, all from SM Woman; Pearl rings, P149.75, bracelet, P199.75, necklace, P179.76, choker, P179.76, all from SM Accessories; White pumps, P699.75, Parisian.
Lyca Puno-Roa
Mom of one
Freelance writer and businesswoman
What is your personal style?
I would say my personal style is understated, put-together, constantly changing. I don’t dress over-the-top, but I love to try new trends that I feel will work with my dress sense.
Describe your new look.
I wore a silky slip dress and a lacey camisole and pencil skirt combo, topped off with strappy booties and lots of accessories.
How did you feel?
Vampy and a little uncomfortable, to be honest! But I was up for a challenge.
Would you wear it again?
Yes, but I would probably wear the shoot pieces separately and styled differently. I like to balance off my looks. If I do wear something sexy, I would tone down the ensemble with very minimal accessories, simpler hair and makeup, and sleeker footwear.
Which item would you like to take home?
The black camisole and the fringe earrings, they were fun!
Look 1: Silk dress, P999.75, SM Woman; Earrings, P199.75, choker, P349.75, both from SM Accessories; Strappy heels, P1199.75, Parisian. Look 2: Black top with lace trimming, P799.75, lace pencil skirt, P899.75, both from SM Woman; Tassel earrings, P279.75, necklace, P249.75, bead bracelet, P199.75, all from SM Accessories; Booties, P1299.75, Parisian.
Jackie Go
Mom of two
Homemaker, businesswoman, and lifestyle blogger
What is your personal style?
My personal style is always centered on comfort and how confident I feel with what I wear. I tend to stick to basic pieces that I can easily mix and match (I’m more of a black and white kind of girl), but once in a while I inject trendy pieces to go with my look. I don’t really have a particular style per se—I can be all flirty and feminine today or be comfy in my athleisure tomorrow.
Describe your new look.
I wore a white button-down long-sleeved top and a white knit skirt, both with black details accentuated with a white bomber jacket. And the other outfit that I wore was a matching plaid top and blazer paired with a tan straight cut pants.
How did you feel?
The first outfit made me feel edgy, it’s not something I would style myself, but I found it interesting enough to consider. The outfit makes me stand out from the crowd because it’s mostly in white. Surprisingly, it made me feel feminine even if it gave off an androgynous look. The second outfit was unexpected chic. It was also a bit boyish, but for some reason it made me feel like I was a girl boss. Never thought plaid and tan pants can do that!
Would you wear it again?
I feel like I would style it differently. I haven’t attempted to wear almost all-white outfit or would wear plaid unless it’s because of a dress code. So yeah, the fashion challenge was definitely interesting and I could see myself wearing these outfits again.
Which item would you like to take home?
I want to take home the white button-down top, white jacket, plaid top, and blazer. I can totally see them complementing my wardrobe. They’re key pieces that can make a simple outfit stand out.
Look 1: Plaid blazer, P1499.75, top, P1099.75, trousers, P899.75, all from SM Woman; Necklace, P279.75, bracelet, P199.75, all from SM Accessories, Oxford loafers, P999.75, Parisian. Look 2: Bomber jacket, P1499.75, white top, P1099.75, white pencil skirt, P999.75, all from SM Woman; Necklace, P249.75, ring, P149.75, both from SM Accessories; Loafers, P799.75, Parisian.
All items are available at The SM Store Premier in Makati, Aura, and Megamall.
Photos by Cholo Dela Vega
Creative direction by Nico Ortigoza
Styling by Randz Manucom
Makeup by Cats Del Rosario
Hair by Rudolf Davalos
Produced by Sharm De San Jose
Sittings by Gela Velasco
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