Hey there!

I just found your site this week and let me tell you, I love it already! Your advise about everything is super helpful and fashion forward that I can’t stop reading all of the articles.

I was hoping you could help me with my problem. I really need a wardrobe change so I’m planning on shopping soon before school starts. Can you give some places and shops that are unique and fashionable? I am so sick of buying clothes in the mall because several people might be buying the same thing as I am. I hope you can give me some stores around here in Metro Manila.

Thank you so much in advance and more power to your blog!

Lei

Dear Lei,

If it’s a school wardrobe you’re concerned with, I assume you have already browsed this entry about must have school attire closet. This can also help.

It’s quite vague, of course, I’m not sure what’s your fashion style and shopping budget. So for the benefit of all, I’ll be suggesting some places you might want to check out depending on your taste; not the ordinary department store or every teen’s boutique like bench and kamiseta.

Ukay-ukay
Don’t raise your eyebrows, I’ve already tried this once. I’m not a fan of ukay-ukay but it’s actually fun especially if you shop there with friends. If you’re not that picky, you just need a whole day looking for good finds because there are only few trendy clothes in good condition under the pile. I never thought 500 pesos can already buy more than 5 tops!  Some ukay-ukay strores in Manila sell old-fashioned clothes so the only place I can suggest is in Anonas Quezon City; the ukay stores right down the LRT2 Anonas Station.

Mid-class Bargain Stores
I know, school is about to start and students might be running out of time to shop. Though if you’re tired of the same old stuff in malls, try going to bazaars and events if you want to have a shopping adventure even during school months. I’d love to suggest upcoming bazaars for this month but as of now, there are just store sales in the malls.

High-end Tiangge
It won’t hurt if you buy clothes in Tiangge as long as you buy things that are not so everywhere. Take in consideration that one clothing design is mass produced; even those pieces they sell in mall stores. Check out the Fashion Alley in Tiendesitas. Also, I think I already mentioned this before but, the stores in Serendra sell unique clothes and most of the time, the dresses have limited stocks per design.

I can’t tell specific stores because it really depends on your shopping budget. Here are just some of my bets:

Backstage, Serendra. BYSI, Podium. The Ramp, Crossings Trinoma. Chocolate Clothing Co, Leading Department Stores. CRU Accessories, Powerplant. Culte Femme, Rustan’s. Peppered Cherry, Serendra. Souk, Serendra. Ruth & Esther, Powerplant.

Actually, mentioned above are still everyone’s brand. I’m no concierge so I can’t direct you to a lot of stores. Perhaps, you’re already familiar with the places I suggested. Hehe. In my humble opinion, if you want to be unique, I think you have to be more particular with how you match and choose clothes regardless of where you buy them.

So I’ll leave you with the season’s suggested back-to-school style. Pop culture is in, you might want to go with the trend!

Flip Flops are usually prohibited in schools so pay for a pair that stuns; give some color to your toes.

Comfy yet fashionable tops.

Quit the hoodies and the usual call center jackets; look for a more different style.

Remember to buy dresses that are appropriate for schooling yet you can still use for night outs and dates. It’s cost effective.

Most of the students are already in jeans, be different with colorful capris and printed trousers.

Belts don’t have to be that expensive, collect at least 6 belts that can match any of your clothes and you’re ready to go.

I hope my simple guideline helps and not too late. You only have a week for shopping, so break a leg my dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Miss Leyn,

Siyempre naman, hindi puwedeng hindi ko banggitin dito sa mail ko na super nalilibang ako magbasa ng blog mo. As in mula noong nasa blogspot ka pa sinusubaybayan ko na ang mga entries mo dahil sobrang nakakaaliw. (BTW, trip ko din ang mga page designs mo.;)) Pero ito, may problema ako, hindi ko alam kung sinong tatanungin dito na may sense ang isasagot sa akin.=( Ikaw lang ang alam kong may saysay na makakausap ko tungkol dito sa problemang ito. — Seryoso ‘to ah! Di kita binobola!!!

So ayuuun, bago ako sa job ko kung saan hindi kami required mag – corporate attire. Okay na isuot namin yung gusto namin as long as hindi naman kami mukhang kabastos-bastos or mukhang untidy.=| Pabor na pabor sana ito sakin, kasi, hindi ako comfortable na gumalaw sa corporate attire and mas naii-express ko yung sense of style and individuality ko through my clothes. Dito ngayon papasok ang problema. Super naloloka ako sa boss ko na mga 4 years lang ang tanda sakin. Lahat yata ng nasa wardrobe ko, literal na nagaya na niya! As in halimbawa na pumasok ako nung Monday, naka suot ng pucci print na dress, tapos pag dating mg friday, siya din, naka pucci print na dress in almost the same color!!! At binili niya ito and take note, hahanap din yan sa kung saang ukay-ukay ng sapatos na kahawig ng ini-match ko sa damit ko. (Minsan nga, may mga articles of clothing ako na kahit may kamahalan pipilitin niya bilhin kahit hindi na siya kumain ng lunch and dinner dito sa office!!! Ganoon siya ka-hardcore!). Hindi lang niya ito ginawa ng isang beses, ginawa niya ito by immitating my jeans, my shoes, pati accessories at mga tops ko and wow, buti na lang nakapagpa-gupit na ako dahil ngayon naman ginagaya niya yung haircut ko noong unang pumasok ako dito sa office na ito.=( Nahihirapan ako tanggapin na may copy cat ako dahil hindi naman ako fan ng kasabihan na: Immitation is the greatest form of flattery — and I guess that’s got allot to do with the fact that she really couldn’t pull off most of the things that she copied from me. Bukod sa ayokong may nakikitang nagpapaka-clone ko, naiinsulto ang style ko kasi talaga naman hindi niya keri!!! Ay, karumaldumal talaga.

Ano kaya ang magandang gawin ko, ayoko naman na i-downgrade ang style ko para huwag na niya ako gayahin.=(

Thanks a lot Miss Leyn.=( I would really appreciate it kung mabibigyan mo ako ng kahit na anong suggestion.=)

–littlemissagitated

Dear littlemissagitated,

You know what, hindi ko palalagpasin na sagutan ito because we share the same sentiments. I already had an experience like this but of course I won’t mention details anymore ‘coz from what I heard, my copycats are also my readers. Haha.

I understand that you’re not flattered being imitated so that makes you frustrated about the situation. However, most of our feelings are all in the mind. If you put yourself in the copycat’s shoes, don’t you think seeing someone better or prettier makes you feel kind of frustrated and down (to the extent that you don’t eat lunch anymore)? So as for you, take this as a point of being superior and not the one being pitied for.

One thing I love about chick flick series or movies is how fashionable, hated, mean girls can actually be lovable. In times we have to accept that underdogs are in fact the weaker ones. You have to think like Blair Waldorf that you are no longer affected by copycats and wannabes; instead you treat them as fans. It’s really a part of life where you get to have competitors, which in a sense, means that you are worth contending with…

…and of course, part of a competition is not telling your secret. If your boss asks where you buy your clothes, then don’t tell or lead her to a generic brand. But if she’s extreme that she checks on your brand tag, show that you’re trying to avoid her. Without any words, it will reflect that you are not comfortable with what she’s doing.

I bet you can’t tell it directly because if so, you won’t take this as a problem. It is just so unreal to tell in her face that she’s nothing but a second rate blah blah blah…copycat, tapos whooosh, buhusan ng red wine! First, it’s not a good move to confront your boss about this concern. She might take this personally and can affect your work relationship. So I really advice that you avoid any verbal encounter or pagpaparinig that might lead to a more serious problem.

So if you can’t do it, let your girl friends do the bashing. Haha. I hope you can make friends with other people who are frank enough and can defend you. If you bring up the issue straight to your boss, you will be more like a kontrabida. If other people can help you address the problem, then this boss will think that you are the bona fide fashionista and everyone else sees her like an imitator.

You don’t have to downgrade your style, instead, it will be a reason for you to be more conscious with your fashion taste. So overall, I advice you to change your mindset about the situation. As what you’ve said, hindi nya keri ang panggagaya nya. But for sure, you have been an Eye Opener to her that she needs to make herself feel better through fashion. Hindi nga nya keri, but in a way it’s helping her self-esteem. Unless she’s bragging her clothes – ibang usapan na yun. If I were you, I’ll just do one thing – dress MORE, style MORE, be MORE. Kahit kasi anong gawin natin at kahit i-confront ko pa sya dyan personally (lol!), she might be doing a little research na rin like reading magazines, browsing through fashion sites and window shopping. It might have become a new interest for her, minus the originality.

I assume you’re a stylista by heart because you have the eye to at least know that this or that fashion doesn’t fit this girl. So I think you should be laughing at the issue. Though she works in the higher department, fashion-wise she’s no match with you. Tell that through body language.

Please do understand that I’m just trying to be honest and I’m no pa-righteous person. I might sound mean or judgemental but I’m just answering based on experience. And if you have no more choice and feel like bursting, why not try wearing our lifesaver statement shirts, this might help…

Thank you for supporting my blog. I hope you’re not one of my girl friends setting a prank on me because your story is very similar with what I encountered before. Haha!

Cheers and good luck my dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn