Hi Leyn!

Kumusta? I’m 23 years old at bago lang ako sa pagtuturo. Isa akong propesora sa isang catholic university sa may u-belt at mga 3rd and 4th year college ang aking mga eschudents. Ang aking problem ay ganito: medyo nahihirapan akong magpaka-itsurang propesor sa school (ilang beses na din kase na hinahanapan ako ng registration form ng mga guards kase napapagkamalan akong estudyante). Sa college namin hindi naman masyadong strict sa dress code lalo na meron kaming laboratory subjects na kelangan talaga eh cowboy ako kase medyo pisikal magturo ng lab. Gusto ko kase maging mukhang teacher naman kahit papano, pero ayoko naman magmukhang thunder at uber pormal. At the same time, ayaw ko din naman maging hippie hippie, na tipong pupunta lang sa gimikan. Kadalasan din, pakiramdam ko sobrang casual ng suot ko as compared sa mga ibang kasama ko sa faculty.

Ano bang magandang style kaya ang babagay sa isang batang guro katulad ko? Pati na rin sana ideas sa shoes. Ang liit ko lang kase kaya gusto ko sana mag-heels sa school kaso parusa naman sa binti sa haba ng klase. Gusto ko sana magmukhang fashionable, respectable at friendly all at the same time. Hehe.

So there. Thanks Leyn!

xoxo,

Teacher Z

Dear Teacher Z,

I’m fine, thanks for asking. :> It’s good to know that you want to improve your everyday wear at school. No offense meant but you’re right, some professors tend to look conservative, old school and very formal – parang thunders (matanda) nga kumbaga. And with your age, you need to go with the hype of trendy fashion so you’d feel good about yourself.

Start upgrading your under construction wardrobe with the following styles:

Collar Shirt Dress

Plain dresses are fine but if you want to wear something smart-casual (na hindi mukhang pupunta lang sa gimikan) then collar shirt dresses can be an option.

High-waist Slacks

The style can make you look sophisticated with any kind of top- 3/4 blouse, long-sleeves, polo shirt. Tuck in your top and add simple accessories and tadaaa, mukha ka nang kagalang-galang.

Wide Skirt

For a young professor like you, I’d recommend something that’s up-to-date and youthful. Try wearing wide skirts to achieve an hour glass body shape.

With shoes naman, gayahin mo nalang yung ginagawa ng mga taga-bangko (lol), magbaon ka nalang ng mid heels shoes then change them flats when you need to relax your feet or when you’re commuting. Closed shoes looks more formal and appropriate. Stick to basic colors so you can match them with different clothes in your closet.

Good luck… with your students! Lol.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi leyn. i’ve been keeping a pair of vintage brogues and since it’s considered “in” nowadays, can i ask for suggestions on what kind of outfits would go well with brogues? thanks so much and more power to your blog!

veebee

Dear veebee,

I have to assume you’re a girl so I can answer this correctly…

Brogues (pronounced as browgs) are classic low-heeled shoes that usually have decorative perforations or holes on its leather surface. You’re right, brogues are really in trend now, and if you’re a flats person who’s allergic to girly shoes, brogues can be your friendly pair that can replace your sneakers. The key is to counterbalance the boyish feel of brogues. Aside from the shorts and t-shirt outfit, you can wear brogues with other styles like the following:

Jersey Dress
Particularly minimal styled jerseys, plain colored or printed mini dresses are good with brogues. Remember that not all dresses look good with these classic shoes so you have to be careful when choosing the right dress.

Playsuits
Playsuits are just the ‘more stylish’ version of shorts + tank top. Perfect fashion for this summer or if you simply want to go out for a weekend date with friends.

Cigarette Pants
Wear cropped or cigarette pants for your bottom to show off those brogues.

And here are some Hollywood celebrities’ lookbook for fashion inspiration:

Hope that helps!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Ms. Leyn,

I want to start a fashion blog. pero ayoko magmukhang trying hard. haha. Can you give me some tips on how to start it?

Thanks

MM

Dear MM,

Hi, you are the third person to ask me this kind of question. So I guess I need to write something about it.

One thing I learned in blogging is that if you want your blog to be interesting, don’t talk too much about yourself. Almost every online person is a celebrity wannabe who publishes everything on the internet and we have enough of that. If you really want to start a fashion blog, then focus on writing fashion-related posts. Yes you can relate your entries with your daily experiences but make sure you still share your ideas instead of collecting stalkers.

For example, a personal blogger will just post pictures and write about the latest bag she bought while a fashion blogger reviews the bag – mentions the price, where she got it and what outfit should go with that particular bag.

Second, make sure that you really are into fashion. Assess yourself if you dress fashionably on occasions and if you’re familiar with even the basic fashion terms. Your blog will definitely sound trying hard if you’re just one of those fashion victims who copy-pastes entries from other fashion sites.

At first, I thought fashion blogging would be expensive but it actually depends on how you manage your content. Luckily, sosyalera.net doesn’t even spend a fortune just to look for things to blog because I have a different approach. But IMO, a typical fashion blogger should include the following on his/her blog to have sensible contents:

• Review products (beauty products or fashion items and write details about your personal experience with the product).
• Share your opinion about the latest fashion trends which requires a bit of research and reading.
• Attend product launchings and fashion related events and blog about it (so you have to be constantly interacting with other active fashion bloggers to be updated with events).
• Lookbook!

Basically, invest on the contents of your blog instead of worrying if people are reading it or not. And lastly, ‘wag ningas cogon sa blogging.

Aight?

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi leyn!

i found your blog very entertaining, funny, and informative. unlike other blogs (-gers), it’s not “trying hard” to be what they are not. you struck me with your observations that are so true but we dont even admit or pay close attention to. i am not really a blog reader, so spending 20 mins browsing and reading really made me chuckle.

since im writing u an email, I might as well ask you for a fashion advice. I  browsed through advice you gave, and I love the section where you feature those cocktail dresses. for me, elegance is the way to go. the dresses are not showing too much skin, but just pure femininity with a bit of playfulness. I love those! would u mind telling me where to buy or where u get those?

ok here it goes. I need some advice regarding everyday wear. I am 5′3″ and I have a skinny frame. I am 24 already but I look 16. Probably because I wear too “comfy” clothes. My everyday get up is vintage shirts, jeans, and my ultra-reliable converse. I am not comfortable with high heels, though I manage to wear them during events. I do wear dresses, but not for everyday because I can’t move easily. I tried doll shoes but I don’t like the feeling when my feet gets sweaty, so I always end up wearing sneakers. How do I achieve a combination of comfort and style?

hope u will answer this email. more power to your blog.

regards,

corrie

Dear corrie,

Thanks for wasting 20 minutes of your precious time just to read my blog. Yun talaga ang gusto kong mangyari, ang aksayahin ang mga oras nyo. Lol.

Anyway, based on your email, your style is a combination of hipster, relaxed and casual fashion. A typical person who wears this kind of outfit is labelled either a musician, an artist or a call center agent. Kung hindi ka naman musician, artist or call center agent, then I think you’re lost. Lol. You need to have a style that matches your personality or let’s say, you must carry your own fashion statement.

First, if you want to change your style, make sure your fashion approach matches your profession. (If you’re still a student, then no worries.) Second, find alternatives of your casual pieces:

Why not replace your vintage shirts to jersey tops; your regular jeans to jeggings; and shift from converse shoes to flat espadrilles. From there, you have already upgraded your usual style to something trendy yet comfortable. You mentioned that you look 16, and I assure you changing your style can make you look your age. Accessories also matter. Quit those fancy friendship bracelets and wear what’s in trend – layered bangles, shiny beads and laces.

I will no longer advise you to wear dresses because I know you can’t change your everyday wardrobe in an instant. I know a lot of girls who just can’t let go of their jeans and sneakers but adding a little flair like shiny bracelets and dainty earrings can do the trick. As I always say, upgrade your basic clothes, accessorize and fixing your hair can do something.

In addition, all the dresses I feature here are actually designer clothes. I just don’t want to mention the prices and where to buy them for my readers to be resourceful.

That’s it!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Miss Leyn,

Thanks thanks po sa paggawa ng iyong blog! Sobrang nakakatulong po sya sa mga clueless fashionistas na katulad ko. Di lang informative, masaya at nakakaaliw pa syang basahin. Super kudos!

Share ko lang ang problema na ‘to. Nagsimula po ako magmake-up last year. After a lot of trials and errors, parang napansin ko na ayaw ng skin ko sa powdered foundation. So a friend of mine suggested I use liquid foundation. I tried True Colors Foundation in Honey Beige ng Nichido. I liked the effect. Sobrang ganda nya sa skin at parang natural yung look.

That is, before recently. Nung una ko pong bottle, ang ganda nya sakin. I’m on my 3rd bottle na, kaso lang, nung mga bandang pangalawa, parang meron problem. After application, there’s a point na parang natatanggal sya in ugly clumps. Tapos when I sit down in my desk after travelling to work, ang daming clumping na nagaganap!

Nagtataka naman po ako kung bakit, e dati, ang ganda ng effect nya. I changed nothing in my regimen naman. Same facial cleanser, sunblock and powder. Would you recommend I change na lang to another form of foundation (like paste or powder?) or ibang brand kaya? Di ko kasi alam kung may ginagawa akong mali bat sya nagbebehave ng ganun.

Thank you po for your time. Sana po matulungan nyo ko. More power to you and your blog!

Sincerely,
Chacha

Dear Chacha,

Hi! Ang haba ng problema mo. Haha. But yeah, I get your point. I cannot cite all the best liquid foundation products because of course I haven’t tried them all, and for sure, some brands are pretty expensive. So might as well share nalang what I use and do. With your case, I think you need to switch to a friendlier foundation brand. Avoid cheap foundation sticks because it feels heavy on the face. Choose a product that doesn’t “cake” easily. Here are the products I use. I consider them as my light-daily-base-make-up. Though I don’t use these all at the same time:

1. 1. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Mineral Powder Foundation
2. 2. Covergirl Oil Control Anti-Luisance
3. 3. Maybelline Pure Makeup Shine-Free Foundation with H2O
4. 4. Covergirl AquaSmooth
5. 5. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation SPF 20

As much as possible, apply liquid foundation ONLY on darker spots of your face (don’t use it on your entire face). First, I use water based foundation then apply a thin layer of pressed powder. Just a tip, spend on buying face sponges to avoid uneven application of the powder. If you put too much make-up on your face, there’s a bigger chance that it will look melted and sweaty.

Syempre ‘pag nasa bahay, ang ganda ganda ng make-up mo pero oily ka na ‘pag dating mo sa office. So make sure to have the friendly oil film with you. When doing retouches, it’s better to use a kabuki brush for even application. I use Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Mineral Powder Foundation with brush to remove the shine on my face.

Also, applying sunblock and cream before make-up may not be suitable to your skin. It can also be a cause why your foundation looks cake-y after a few hours. Isipin mo nalang – sweat, cream, foundation and powder all mixed up? Medyo chaka na yun.

Cosmetic brands may have a good effect depending on the skin type, so don’t just rely on what your friends use (or even what I suggested. Haha). And take note, less looks natural.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hey Leyn!

I came across your blog just this december and i must say na na-hook na ako sa mga nakakatuwa and very helpful mong tips.

Anyway, I decided to send you an email kasi i want to ask if you have any suggestions for LAPTOP BAG or any bag na kasya ang 14” laptop ? yung sturdy at matibay at syempre fashionable. I don’t want to bring the original  bag kasi mainit yun sa mga mata ng mga magnanakaw e.

THANK YOU and God bless!

Dawn

Dear Dawn,

Because laptops and netbooks are now considered a necessity, a lot of stores were now put up just to sell mobile gadget cases like luggage for cameras and laptop bags. You can check the following stores: Brat Pack, Halo Mobile Clothing and Powerbooks that sell laptop bags with funky designs. I personally use Golla Bag for my camera. Golla also has a line for laptops and cellphones. The reason why I use the brand is because of the floral designs and their bags don’t look bulky.

Kung ayaw mo namang sobrang obvious na may dala kang laptop, then I’ll suggest my technique. I just use a laptop sleeve to protect my laptop then use an ordinary tote bag to carry it.

This sleeve was bought from Power Mac Center and I’ve been using it for 2 years na and it still looks new.

Perhaps you’ll just have a problem on how to bring the charger, mouse and other accessories. But using an ordinary bag is practical, cheaper and safer.

Tip:

• If you prefer a real laptop bag, prepare at least 2,000 pesos because you need to pay for its quality and durability.
• Choose a neutral color of the bag so you can match it with any of your clothes. A black mobile bag looks more professional.

Ok? Alright!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hey there!

I know that you have already posted an article about possible outfits for the Prom.  However, the outfits you suggested were for students.  What about for teachers like me?  Dressing up for a school event is hard for us because we have to look great without overshadowing the stars of the party – the students.  Thus, I am sure that your suggestions would be appreciated by the myriad of teachers in the country since the Prom season is about to begin.

Thank you and more power to you…

Sassy_Miss

Dear Sassy_Miss,

For a middle aged high school teacher, here are my suggestions:

Some teachers tend to be conservative, especially with their clothing, so they usually wear coverups like a shawl or blazer when wearing spaghetti straps or tubes. But blazers, jackets or coats are not for prom fashion so shift into wearing dresses with artsy sleeves instead.

For women who want to maintain a classic look, look for plain evening dresses that can emphasize your curvy figure. Accessorize with a set of pearl jewelries, ala Lily Vander Woodsen.

For those who want a youthful style, flowing and balloon cocktail dresses are suggested.

These are just suggestions IF you don’t want to outshine the students in wearing long gowns. Basically, prom fashion for teachers should not look too conservative nor revealing. But always remember that whether you’re dressing up for a casual event or a formal prom night, choosing the right outfit should also depend on a body type of a person. Para hindi mukhang lousy ang fitting.

Tip:

• Avoid wearing dresses with prints. Plain fabric look more formal and sophisticated.
• Any plain dress can look fab with shiny high heels.
• Aside from your dress, plan on what hairstyle and make-up that suits you. Choose a style that can make you look younger.

You plan to go shoe shopping and decided to try designer shoes. Since you are the kind of person who simply cannot resist great pairs of shoes, you want to get a pair of Prada shoes. Here are the best reasons why Prada is one of the top brands to consider when shopping:

Because Prada is a brand of high fashion, the name is known worldwide. People resist the thought of buying anything that does not speak fashion. Since prada shoes shout fashion, it guarantees that a pair of Prada can turn heads. We usually want attention from people who look up to those who recognize high fashion and style.

Buying Prada is also considered an investment. You can be assured that your pair will last for years. For convenience, most shoppers usually do their shopping online. There lots of website that sells Prada Shoes that indicates each shoe description to guide the shoppers.

Hi ms. leyn,

Isang sosyal na new year para sayo! I am an avid reader of your blog for quite a long time na rin and I am getting really good ideas in how to dress up not to mention how you really make me laugh with your funny way of answering all those inquiries of women in need like me.

I am already 27 years old, a typical office girl. The thing is I was invited to attend a rave party this coming saturday and needs to dress up for that. I am totally clueless on what to wear especially given with that short time to prepare.

I just feel that my Little Black Dress might not be appropriate. Please help, I need something that would not require me to look at every ukay-ukay in town, thanks a lot and more power!

anne

Dear anne,

Isang sosyal na new year din sayo. From what I know, ang rave party ay tipo ng party na may inuman, strobe lights at ecstasy. Lol. Actually, you can be in your LBD naman when attending parties like this. Perhaps you just have to style yourself ala rave party look and not like you’re attending a formal event.

I haven’t discussed this yet but 2011 will be influenced by punk fashion. So shift from a classic look to something liberated. How? Choose the right shoes, accessories, hairstyle and even your make up.

Buckled / Studded Shoes

As I’ve posted before, you can choose from the 2011 shoes trends but I think a pair of buckled boots is the most appropriate style for the party.

Metallic Accessories

Metal, silver and gold accessories are a good combination for a black dress. Thin layered bangles can make your outfit fab without spending too much.

Hairstyle

I assume there will be drinking and dancing at the party, so style your hair that it will stay in place until the end of the night. If you choose to let it down straight, make sure it’s ironed and groomed with hair cuticle. Yung tipong kahit magsasayaw ka ay balik-ayos parin sya. You can also tie your hair up like a bun, which is one of the trendy styles this year. Just a tip, just fix your hair differently from your everyday hairstyle.

Night Make-up

Accentuate your eyes with thick eye shadow but watch out with the colors. Avoid the racoon eyes effect by just applying eye shadow on the upper lid of your eyes.

At kung nagkaroon ka naman ng oras mag ukay ukay, look for a jersey top with longer side or back hem then pair it with a flashy skinny jeans or printed leggings. Actually, hindi mo naman kailangan mag effort sa clothes, kasi madilim naman sa party. Lol. Focus on your hair and make up instead.

Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

I am an avid reader of your blog, and as what your other readers say, I have also read all your entries here. I like how you give fashionable tips to different kinds of your reader’s concerns.

So, I would like to ask if you can also provide me with the same tips? Our company christmas will be on the 17th and I still don’t have any idea on what to wear. We will be having a Rock and Roll theme, a not so new theme, but I would like to ace this as they will be providing a prize. Haha!. I don’t want to have an outrageous costume though, an outfit that will really stand out as THE best rock and roll outfit. I would really, really, really appreciate your help.

Thanks Leyn,

Clueless Rocker

Dear Clueless Rocker,

Just a hunch, I bet the winner on best costume will have to put on fake tattoos and exaggerated rock and roll outfit. I will have to suggest an outfit that carries a rock theme na hindi ka naman magmumukhang cheap na EMO.

When you say Rock & Roll, fashion-wise, things that come into your mind are color black, metallic, untidy hairstyle and a bit of hipster fashion statement. Here’s a looklet inspiration for you:

If you’re not into minimalist style naman, you can add a black fedora hat too. You could also google Taylor Momsen’s fashion statement because she’s a hollywood young star I know who could pull off a rocker chick attire. Kung gusto mo talagang manalo, magdala ka na rin ng electric guitar. Haha. Basically, just focus on styling yourself with dark / grayish clothes, night make-up and studded accessories. Follow the party’s theme but be fashionable at the same time. And please, don’t wear something like this.

Enjoy the party and happy holidays!

Love Lots,

Leyn