Monday, April 6, 2009

Graduation and Recognition... Wear it right, please?

Mid-March and early April are the most anticipated time in the school calendar. This is the time when each student would finally say "Hooray!" for their accomplishments. A time for those who worked hard all year round and finally reaping the fruit of their labor. It is also a time for parents to be proud and feel happy because they too, feel that they have accomplished something.

I'm very proud to say that two of my kids, though not in the graduating class, were also called for their school's Recognition Day. My eldest received two gold medals, one silver and one bronze, all for the singing contests that he have won. My second child received her Fourth Honor medal. So, even though I hate attending these kind of ceremonies, I am forced to get up and get dressed for the occasion. Reason why I hate it? I hate the part when I have to stand up in front of my closet and think of what to wear for the day (this actually happens everyday). It takes me two to three days for planning what I should wear and everything that has to go with what I'm going to wear. See? It's as hateful and exciting.

I am excited not only for the reason that my kids are going to receive awards. I like the part when I can take photos of people who has a unique fashion statement. And this is gonna be EXCITING!

One thing that I noticed, most moms who attended the ceremony are wearing --- TA-DAH! SLIPPERS! All kinds, colors, shapes and sizes! I am not kidding. I am serious. And I am annoyed. Yeah. I've been trying to keep it to myself for years. Every year, I am privileged to go up that stage because every year my kids are called to receive some academic awards.

Why am I annoyed?
Look at it this way. The teachers worked hard to prepare for the occasion. The students worked hard the whole year for them to at least get something on that day. You, as a parent worked hard for the tuition bills and all. So what could be your reason not to get dressed accordingly for the occasion? Money? Well, it doesn't have to be expensive or overly fabulous. Would it hurt to wear heeled shoes? Well, then wear flats. OMG! I just don't get the point!

Let me make it clear. I know I'm not good in explaining. Let me just share some photos so that you can understand what I'm trying to point out.

To protect the identity of each person in the photos, i decided to crop the facial area or at least cover them. I do not intend to humiliate them. I used these photos just to make an example of what not to wear. I also would like to stress out that I myself is not as perfect as it may seem. I just believe in one thing: I wear the right thing for each occasion. Not overly done but never under dressed.

Please... Try to avoid wearing denim pants on occasions like this. Same with the slippers.




Do not wear something that would make you look like you just got home from your night out and forgot to change your clothes.





Spaghetti tops are not right, same with the backless tops. Save them for summer getaways. It also look like you are just going to pick up your kid at school. Don't you feel embarrassed with these kinds of outfit? People see you everyday in these clothes. Wear something special. It's a special occasion, anyway.






Your kids deserves some attention too. Don't let them wear something that's so unacceptable. Backless bubble top and denim mini skirt with flat slippers? Are you kidding me?! Ugh! You're not just going to the mall or the wet market, baby...



This is my daughter. She's wearing a simple dress i bought from "Nanno"... It's a little pricey but I think it's worth it. It is simple yet elegant and just right for the occasion.

I also fixed her hair. This took us almost an hour to finish. It's kinda hard for her but I wanted her to look different, so she had to bear with me.


After looking at the photos, how do you feel? Did i make sense? I hope so.