Hi! I just saw your blog and all i can say is that i’m super happy because i have someone to ask for advice regarding my problem..

The thing is my friend is having her party at a bar and her theme is dress to impress. I know I should dress to impress just like anyone else but i want it to be the best-est (if there’s such term) this time. I want to dress perfectly for the occasion.

I stand 5′2 and have an okay body. Not too thin and not too fat. Also my friends know that I’m not that kikay type so i want to impress them this time.But the big problem is I am only a student and i don’t think i can afford to buy expensive clothes since i won’t wear them occasionally. Also, i want to wear something that is comfortable and would look the same throughout the night because there would be a lot of dancing and drinking.

I want to look simple yet elegant with all the make-up and all and not to look trying hard at the same time. I am also scared that there might be someone else in the party with the same dress as mine so i want to avoid that.

If it’s not too much, i also want to ask your help regarding make-up; on how to apply eye shadows that would fit perfectly for the occasion and not look too dramatic.

Looking forward to your advices.

-frustrated fashionista

Dear frustrated fashionista,

You won’t have hard time choosing attire for the party given that you have a good figure. From what I understand, you also want to dress differently this time without neglecting comfort and budget. Actually, I just have two styles in my mind after reading your e-mail so I hope my ideas will help you a bit.

Since bodycons are one of this season’s trends, the style would be perfect for an evening party – cocktail, dance or dinner. Buying a piece won’t even hurt your pocket because mall boutiques have them in stock or even your friendly ukay-ukay. The secret is just to look for the perfect one that fits you well.

To look poised in a bodycon dress, make sure you’re wearing a fitted undergarment. This is to avoid noticeable flabs and sagging of dress. I’m suggesting solid-colored or less-printed fabric so it won’t be that obvious if you bump into someone with the same dress (well, I hope that doesn’t happen). A Little Black Dress would be elegant and safe for any occasion.

Dress to impress theme doesn’t require showy or sexy clothes to catch attention. I actually want to suggest a tutu plus stockings style but as you’ve said; your friends think you’re not the kikay type so it’s somewhat OA if they see that you made so much effort with your clothing. Baka kantsyawan ka nila for life. So it’s better to stick with a classic outfit yet looking glamorous. How can you do this? Wear a simple cocktail dress but have a hair make over and accessorize with hair dresses. This tip is cost effective.

You will be dancing and moving all night so it’s better to either have an up hairdo or curls – low maintenance than straight ironed hairdo because you don’t have to frequently comb your hair. Curls style can feel sweaty so if you have time, try to fix your hair upstraight. You can even add details to your crowning glory by wearing headbands, flower pins or an artistic tiara.

Shoes. This will do the trick. I know you want to feel comfortable throughout the night but if you really want to stand out then you have wear high heels. No pain, no gain. Below are pairs of Christian Louboutins and Jimmy Choos but there are cheaper choices with same style. Check out People Are People or any Department Store. I just want you to have an idea what shoes look good for a party.

If you’re uncertain that you might not enjoy the night in high heels, then go for Style # 2: Dress and Boots. Killer boots are so last season so I’ll suggest the Fringe Boots. They’re more comfortable and hip. However, the style looks laid-back because you need to pair it with a loose-fitting dress instead of a bodycon.

Lastly, don’t bring oversize shoulder bags. Use a clutch bag or purse. If you decided to wear a dark shade then match it with a purse with contrasting color. At least you won’t worry where to leave your things since you can carry a small bag anywhere… hassle free.

Don’t be intimidated with the items I suggested. You have lots of cheaper options like department stores, bargains or your mom’s closet. I also experienced being a student and it’s not easy to be broke in times of fashion emergencies. Plan for your party style to avoid wasting time in shopping or borrowing things.

Regarding make-up, any neutral shade for the eyes will do. Apply glittery color of eyeshadow over the neutral shade para hindi ka magmukhang EMO. Just please don’t combine blue and pink para hindi ka naman mukhang kukunan ng grad pic. It’s quite hard to give words regarding make-up because I have no idea what’s your complexion. Youtube make-up tutorials can help.

I hope you enjoy this event and don’t you think it’s about time to bring out the kikay side in you? You will be attending more parties in the future and rely with your sense of style.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hello leyn

am browsing on the net looking for the right fit for small girls. i’ve come to noticed your blog and its so amazing. i believe you’re a model icon, I DO HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. im only 4′8″” in height :-< which i find it as a disadvantage plus medyo malaki yung braso ko.

can you help me out on what to wear? well my boobs are pretty nice should i have to flaunt my asset ? pls help me out. thank you and more power.

lil_lady

Dear lil_lady,

Thank you for appreciating my blog. I’d be glad to give you tips but as I always say, all fashion advices here could just help out with what’s really your personal choice. I believe you can still think of better options for yourself. Most e-mails sent to me are concerning style for chubby and petite girls so you might want to browse some of the answers here. You can also refer to this post for basic fashion that flatters smaller height.

First, you should be aware of what’s your figure type – Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hour Glass or Straight? Based with how you described yourself, I assume you have the Inverted Triangle figure. Not bad at all. You just have to know the ABCs so you’d have an idea what type of clothes you should be wearing, next time you go shopping.

For a recap, just take in mind:

• Dark colors compliment petite girls.
• Learn to wear high heels but avoid ankle straps.
• V or U Necklines for tops.
• Avoid narrow belts, big accessories, oversized bags and baggy clothing.

Dress:

Try not to make your upper part (shoulders and bust) look fuller so your body as a whole can maintain a balanced look. It’s not that bad to wear strapless dresses as long as you keep a good posture. Have more definition on the waist and hip part to compliment your arms and bust. Below are examples but clothes are shown in light colors.

Tops and Blouses:

For a casual look, you can stick with the 3/4s sleeves instead of the short cap type. If I have the same figure as yours, I’d prefer to wear sleeveless tops than short cap sleeves. Short sleeves can create a fringe illusion of your arms unless you choose for the loose sleeves type like illustrated below.

Skirts:

To keep a balanced appearance of the upper and lower part, it’s better to wear fuller skirts or with pleats. In fact, it’s a trend nowadays so no worries with this fad. The skirt length is also a factor – above or below the knee and knee-length skirts are recommended. Mini-skirts can expose the short extent of your legs so you may avoid them to flatter your height.

Pants:

It’s better for petite girls to wear dark colored pants. Skinny jeans are okay as long as you have slim legs. But if you want to make your hips and thighs look thicker, pants with pocket details or tapered trousers can be your choices.

Regarding your asset (which is your bust line), if you feel like flaunting them, that’s good. Because if you’re timid with your shape, you’ll tend to be picky with what you wear and will always have limitations with clothing. Just make sure that you also outline your hips and torso to obtain a curvy hour glass look. (Example: low neckline sleeveless dress with bottom pleats).

We know that taller girls have wider range of style preference but that shouldn’t lessen your enthusiasm for fashion. Take this as a challenge instead of a disadvantage. There are still tall women out there who don’t even take advantage of their height. So it’s still a matter of having interest for good taste.

I hope simple words can inspire you to start organizing your closet. Tc lil lady!

Love Lots,

Leyn