The Return of the Terno + what bag to use with it

Mrs. Imelda Marcos popularized these butterfly sleeved gowns back when we were just wee kids. No, they’re nothing like shoulder pads *thank God*. They’re remarkably easy to wear and they add some volume to the outfit. So if you’re like me (pear shaped), then this would work soooooo well with our body type. We end up looking more proportioned *hehe*.

But there are others who can carry off this outfit very well (and they are not pear shaped like me *bawl*). Case in point, Cong. Imee Marcos. At the launch, she wore a beautiful fuchsia terno long jacket (I loooooove the updated look!)which had beautiful intricately woven lace appliques on the side. This was the wonderful creation of Choc + Yvette Religioso.

Here’s another terno cocktail dress with that updated terno look worn by YRI (in the white dress). The skirt had beautiful black swirly design that contrasted very nicely with the white of the whole outfit. Also by Choc + Yvette Religioso.

For more details on the “updated terno”, you may reach Choc and Yvette Religioso at (632) 631-4200 or via mobile at (+63920) 907-9455, with the atelier located at 8 San Manuel Street, Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City. If you hags are interested in something less dressy, go check out their pret-a-porter line at RELIGIOSO boutique on the 3rd floor of the Shangrila Mall at Edsa. They have shirts with those same nice “terno” sleeves. And those sleeves are so wearable! Go check them out if you are in that area 🙂

Sooo, I was asking myself what bag would be perfect with the updated terno, and I couldn’t really come up with anything overly creative. I think for something like this, I’d rather carry something understated and less ornate, at least that way I don’t detract attention from the detail of the sleeves.

Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch. I would gladly take this crocodile clutch with me when I wear a terno jacket. It’s tasteful and understated in that it does not scream out designer *so very unlike me!!* Priced at US$1,150 at neimanmarcus.com

Gucci starlight evening bag. This is the bag I will so NOT use. It screams designer too much! Understatement is the key to making the terno jacket/ dress work. Remember, the details are all in the sleeves. Carrying a screaming “look at me” bag is not gonna do it. Use this bag with another outfit and it could work. Priced at US$840 at saksfifthavenue.com

Michael Kors rattan clutch. What better way to express the “Filipino” in you. A terno jacket would look great with a rattan clutch. And hey, it’s a designer clutch too 😀 I love that Filipino element in this mini bag. I think it would look super with a solid black terno top. Affordably priced at US$395 at saksfifthavenue.com

We can’t complete this clutch category without featuring one of our own “export” designers, Tina Maristela- Ocampo. Celestina ash green shagreen minaudiere box clutch is rather structured, but is equally beautiful in my eyes 🙂 Add to that is the exotic factor (shagreen is stingray “skin”). Priced at US$995 at vivre.com

Have a happy weekend, hags!

xx