Dear Sosyalera,

Hi Leyn! I am one of your blog’s avid reader even my husband is reading it with me. Enjoy kasi kami sa mga articles mo especially sa mga not-so-pang-ookray mo sa mga bagay bagay.

Anyway, I just want your suggestions because I need to upgrade my wardrobe especially now that I am working again as Receptionist in a Construction Consultancy here in Dubai. I want to try something different and I want to look simple but smart. I am chubby, my tummy is round. (hahaha) that’s why I prefer to wear dark colored clothes to hide my “bilbil”. I want to wear clothes that is comfortable because I can feel the Summer heat right now. Please suggest also the right shoes/sandals, accessories, hair style (I have a straight long hair). FYI I’m not comfortable wearing high heels but I could try mid-heels shoes/sandals because most of the time I am wearing flat shoes. I am planning to go for a shopping end of this month so I hope you could help me on this.

Thanks Leyn!! Looking forward to your reply. More Power! Ingat.

Ang Iyong Tagasubaybay,

Jhanna

Dear Jhanna,

Wow, may reader pala ako sa Dubai. Now I want to cry. Wenk. Anyway, thank you thank you.

I just hope that the clothes I’ll recommend are wearable within your taste. Basically, your main issue is how to hide your stomach flab. Again, here are the basics before choosing the right style:

• Pick dark colored clothes.
• If you want light colors for your base clothing, the fabric should be crisp and avoid spandex.
• Minimize styles that shows division like wide belts or contrasting colored tops and bottoms.

Tops & Dresses
I guess you already know that wearing empire cut tops and dresses is the best way to hide abdominal flabs; though if you think that this style will just make you look pregnant, there are tops that have ties or ribbons that can be knotted around the waist. For tank tops, sleeveless hem tops are better than the semi-fitting ones. Be particular with the prints and design but stick to these tummy flattering clothes:

Dresses can be worn alone but just for the sake of mixing and matching, pair them with leggings or black slacks.

Cardigans
Tops and dresses may look casual so always keep a smart blazer/cardigan in your locker. I know they’re not weather friendly but cardigans can make a casual dress look formal. Try on white or any light shade for this summer.

Shoes
Fashion-wise, mid heels pumps are better to add up height. Kung nahihirapan kang maglakad then be in platforms or wedge. It’s okay to wear flats but as always suggested, make sure you buy the latest styles. Flats with detailed designs like straps and fancy stones can brighten up a plain outfit.

Accessories
As a receptionist, you should always look elegant in front of the clients. So for accessories, a simple set of jewelries are way better than big necklaces or earrings.

Hairstyle
Always tie your hair to look neat and fresh all day. Practice doing a half up do style like these:

Good luck to your work and Happy Shopping this weekend!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi!

I got a peek at your blog and since I’m desperate, I decided to email. Anyway, my college graduation is coming up, this Sunday to be exact. I already have a dress and my problem is with the hair and makeup. Due to some school traditions, our graduation won’t be held in airconditioned places and it will be held only in our field. My problem is that with the weather these days, I’m afraid my hair and makeup will be completely ruined and melted once I get up on the stage and I’m one of the last to be called. Any tips and suggestions? I love the natural makeup look suggestion in one of your posts by the way so I’m opting for that one. Much love and thanks in advance.

Areej

Dear Areej,

So all in all, your concern is how to maintain your hair and make-up during the graduation rites, right? I’m gonna make this short for you. I’ve already answered an email about graduation hairstyle and just like what I’ve suggested, go with an up hairstyle but make sure you can still wear the cap. If you’re gonna be able to fix your hair neatly with spray or mousse, it will be in place even for long hours. Come up with styles like these:

For make-up, (though I’m uncertain which post you were referring to) I always advise simple and natural looking make-up that will blend with your true skin tone so the colors won’t look smeared when you perspire. The secret for fresh looking face all day is to use quality make-up. So test the brands you’ll use and practice your look. Mineral make-ups are better and skin-friendly. Avoid stick concealers and use liquid foundation as base make-up because sticks are more prone to melting.

Bring a small pouch in handy with oil film, face tissue and blush brush. When you do retouches, use a brush instead of a sponge for an even application of powder.

Just make your aura simple and tidy so you can easily maintain your look the whole day. Congratulations!

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi Ms. Leyn!

good day! hello, sobrang fan mo ako at lagi ko sinusubaybayan ang site mo.

anyways, tulad ng ilan na nag email sayo, gusto ko rin sana humingi ng tulong, di ko kasi alam kung ano ang mga damit na babagay sa skin tone at shape ng body ko. i am 21 years old, morena, 5′2, 43kg, flat-chested. anu-ano ba ang make-up na babagay sa skintone ko? ano rin mga simple style ng damit ang babagay sa akin? before kasi, pag nagagandahan ako sa damit, sinusuot ko nalang.
i dont mind na kung hindi bagay. i want to change my style na.

salamat! more power!

-Keneisha

Dear Keneisha,

Good day! Well, girls with fairer skin don’t have much problem with regards to fashion because any color or shade suits them. Yes it’s true that being morena is not an issue but not all colors complement darker skin. So basically, start with knowing what shades are right for you.

Avoid bright colors like shocking yellow, bloody red, orange, neons and start collecting clothes with earthy shades and pale hues. If wearing light colors is really your thing, you can be dressed in ivory, off-white and beige. Black is okay but it might just make you look darker.

I don’t think your skinny built is really a problem. Remember that other girls spend a lot of time and money just to be thin. So despite of being flat-chested, enjoy your thin body and wear any clothes you want. Your height is even on the average side so any dress is fine. Give attention to your other assets like your shoulders or long arms then flaunt them by wearing halter tops and tube dresses. But for the sake of updating you with fashion, here are my picks:

Tops

• Razor Back Tank Top – to emphasize your shoulders and back. Also recommend this summer.
• Ruffles – if you’re uncomfortable with your flat chest then buy blouses with details and ruffles.
• Embelished Design – same with ruffled tops. Designs like bow and ribbons could add up shape to your straight body.

Dresses

• Flowing – instead of body fitting type switch to flowing dresses.
• Volume Dress - adds up shape.
• Tulip Skirt - can give you an hour glass figure.

With make-up, it’s just the same with clothes – stick with natural or earthy colors. Avoid make-up with a hint of pink, blue, fuchsia or purple unless it’s needed for an occasion. With everyday use, my picks are brown, beige, tan and the most daring you can use is gold. On cheeks, it’s better to use bronzer or brown contour instead of reddish blush.

I remember several years ago that I wear anything that I think looks good on me. I now regret on that attitude because looking back at my fashion statement, I wasn’t stylish at all. So before you shop, try to check online what are the latest pieces so you can wear what’s the trendiest and at the same time feel good with what you wear. For example, make it a habit to check the TOPSHOP website then find cheaper alternatives (with the same styles) if you’re budget conscious.

So go, now is the time to change your style.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello! I’m currently a college freshie at UPM. So sadly, walang uniform. Uwian ako so I have to look at least a bit presentable pag nagcocommute. Pero I’m sick of the ordinary t-shirt/jeans get-up. Yun na ang parang uniform ko eh. I want to try new clothes that are comfortable enough but still fashionable. Any advice po ate?

-Zelley

Dear Zelley,

Hi there! My iskolar friends told me that UP doesn’t require dress codes, good for you. It seems that the usual shirt-jeans is boring you already so let’s rather change your fashion statement. Personally speaking, I have my own way of looking fashionable during casual days without overdressing. Here are some tips:

Dresses
You have to start with collecting casual dresses. Oversized tops and jerseys are recommended to feel comfortable even when commuting. If you’re a keen shopper, you can find affordable tunics with the same price like the shirts you wear. Choose simple colors and prints so you can easily accessorize. Check these samples on how to bring together an entire outfit:

Jumpsuits
Dresses may be a bit girly so jumpsuits are your second option. Same as the dresses, buy pieces with minimal prints. Whether you prefer dresses or jumpsuits, basically choose styles that are relaxed, made of thin fabric and flowing.

Shoes
You should collect at least 3 shoes for schooling: Strappy Flats, Canvas Sneakers and a pair of Ballerina Shoes. These everyday flats can go along with any kind of outfit. Make sure the shades you pick for your footwear match almost all of your clothes.

Bags
As much as possible, give up on the boyish back-pack to improve your school outfit. You can keep 2 bags for everyday use: a body-bag type and a retro-ish tote.

Accessories
One key to upgrade your simple outfit is to pick the right accessories. Para hindi takaw-holdup, just wear fancy long necklaces with charms that tone with solid colored dresses.

The fashion I want you to achieve may look simple but you can start from there. I advise smooth clothes so you can freely move and it won’t feel sweaty when you commute.

Thanks for dropping by on my blog.

Love Lots,

Leyn

dear miss leyn,

ikaw na. ikaw na ang savior ng mga jologs at naming mga hirap pumorma. ga-graduate na ko from college sa march 24 at pinoproblema ko ang isusuot ko sa gradball on march 22. black and white cocktail yung theme at wala pa kong isusuot hanggang ngayon dahil wala akong idea kung san tamang bumili. problema ko din yung sapatos, kasi naiilang ako maglakad pag naka-heels. 5′3 ako, long hair, at mas maputi ng konti sa ordinaryong pilipina.

p.s. may pagkabalbon ako. ibig bang sabihin nun e aahitin ko legs ko?

Dear A,

Ikaw na. Ikaw na ang gagraduate. Hehe. Anyway, you only have a week before the grad ball and hopefully you have already shopped for a dress. You didn’t specify what style you’re eyeing for so I’ll answer this shortly. In case you still haven’t decided with what to wear, then choose a simple dress with black and white color combination.

Your height isn’t that bad so you don’t have to wear super high heels. You can wear 2″ heels and just pick shoes with flashy design like ribbons, gems and stones. Bright colors like cobalt and cerulean shoes look good with the classic Little Black Dress.

I know your main concern is where to buy the dress so I’d still go with the stores I always mention on my previous posts [1,2,3]. (Calliope, PRP, Zara, The Ramp, Promod etc.) It actually depends on your budget and the type of dress you want to buy, simple LBDs are available on most girl stores.

And with your legs, use wax strips instead of shaving. An effective waxing set costs about 500 so if you’re on a budget, use Veet cream for as low as 100 pesos.

Congratulations by the way!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Leyn,

I am Mark, 24 years old stands 5′9, kailangan ko ng tulong sa isusuot ko sa wedding ng friend ko. I will be a guest and the dress code is formal afternoon gagawin ang wedding. My friend told me that I can sport a smart casual attire, my only problem is I am on the stocky or chubby side type. Lagi akong disaster pagdating sa fashion, di ko alam ang tamang isusuot. Nakita ko yung mga previous posts for smart casual attires and medyo for lean guys yun. I attached here the photo na nakita ko sa web, dyan ako kumuha ng idea. FYI di ako fan ng tucked polo or shirts.

Thank you very much and I appreciate the time and effort. Goodluck and God Bless.

Dear Mark,

I hope my response is not yet late in time for the wedding. Well first, I’m unsure with the venue of the wedding (air-conditioned or open area) so we’ll just prioritize fashion instead of comfort, ‘k.

Buti nalang tucking in of shirt is not your thing because it will just show a division between your upper half and legs. I think your prospect outift (image attached) is all right and can go together with your fuller physique particularly the folded up sleeves. The idea of wearing a polo with front pockets is better if you plan to wear a skinny tie. It won’t make you look too corporate or an encyclopedia agent. Pick soild neutral colors (gray shades) aside from white.

For an added flare to your plain looking top, use a skinny tie with textured colors with the same color shade of your shirt. Just in case the wedding will be held in closed halls, then you can consider wearing a slimming blazer and plain shirt as undergarment. The fabric of the blazer should be crisp to avoid folds and bulkiness. The style is apt for formal events without looking too geeky. Whether you decide to wear a blazer or shirt, stick with the 3/4 style of sleeves.

Match your attire with a pair or loafers or plimsolls. Black is classic but I suggest a lighter color like brown or taupe.

Your built may look heavy but your tall height balances it off. So focus on emphasizing your tall height with clothes that outlines your height.

Good luck too!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Good day leyn!

I became your avid fan ever since I learned your website. I always read your post and try to become updated.   But if I’m not mistaken, there are only few articles which talk about hairstyles specifically for students. I want something fashionable but would not resemble the trendy ones. I believe that hairstyles and fashion should not be seasonal that’s why I look forward to hip look but classic one for my hair makeover.

I wish you could suggest and make articles regarding hair styles which have low maintenance because most college students like me commute in public jeepney. Anyway, I have a diamond-shape face, with dark complexion. God Bless! Hope you can help. thanks a lot.

-Mea-

Dear Mea,

Thanks for being an avid reader (let’s just put it that way, hehe) of this site. And yes, there are only few posts about hairstyles since most e-mail senders have issues with clothing.

You’ve mentioned that you prefer classic hairstyles that’d go with your student lifestyle. I hope the suggestions will somewhat help you because I’ll be naming the usual hairdos though low maintenance for commuters like you.

As I always mention on my previous posts, you should first think if your hair type can manage the hairstyle you desire. Again, short hair is better with fine strands unless treated. To being with, Bob hairstyle is recommended for short length. I know that’s one “in trend” hairdo but the layered form of bob cut will make you look younger instead of the straight trimmed.

If you choose shoulder length hair, add texture to the ends to avoid it looking buhaghag. Ask the hair cutter to trim from the inside and make the ends thinner but maintain the volume from the top of your head up to the lower ear. This cut fits your diamond shaped face. Though for me, shoulder length is more prone to fly away ends and your hair tends to shape by itself especially when you use pony tails.

Well I think the most low maintenance hairdo is still the down straight style. Yes, long hair may tend to get messy when you commute but you can tie it and style on occasions. (This applies to girls with naturally straight hair).

I’ll give a tip on how to tie your hair – instead of just using the usual pony tail, practice teasing up the front part of your hair and clasp it with a clipper. I use a hair spray/mousse to hold the teased part and it’s effective in maintaining my hair to look tidy all day. Because I got used with this style, I can do this in less than 10 minutes.

Dye your hair after you have decided on the type of cut if you really want to have a “hair makeover”. To go with your morena complexion, avoid hair color that has copper, red and rusty shade and pick natural light brown. Ensure that the color will turn out right because most hair color products have a tendency to look rusty. Just stick with these colors instead:

Anyhow, I only cited a few because I always want to give realistic advices. Hehe. It’s really hard to keep a clean and prim hair (particularly for commuters) so also invest on improving the hair quality so you can effortlessly fix it.

Oh well, I hope you you’ll have a successful makeover!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Leyn,

Hi! First time kong magsulat dito. Well I’m not really into fashion or looking good but recently medyo nabobother na ko sa itsura ko and sa figure ko. Unproportioned kasi yung body ko, maliit sa taas and mataba sa baba. Lalo na yung balakang ko. I just wanna ask kung anu bang mga klase ng damit yung dapat kong isuot. I’m a college student and sa school namin mas madalas kaming nakacasual kesa nakauniform so I want advice on clothes that I can wear to school. Thanks a lot. ^_^

Rosette

Dear Rosette,

According to your description, I think you have the Pear shaped figure. Just a recap, there are 4 common female body types:

• The Banana or straight type is typical with skinny girls. This body type doesn’t have too much problem with regards to clothes. The shape can wear almost any style from volume dresses to fitting skinny jeans.
• The Apple shape is the body type where your shoulder to bust line looks heavier than your bottom part.
• The Pear shape is the reverse Apple where the hip and butt part looks fuller than the upper half.
• The Hour Glass is an ideal body shape because of the proportioned figure and balanced curves. The hour glass is like the Banana body type because any clothing complements the shape.

But let’s focus on the pear shaped body type. The key for pear shaped figures is to draw attention to the upper half of the body in order to divert attention from the hips and thighs; the result is apparently a balanced body.

Bootcut Pants
Bootcut style is recommended for pear shaped women. The cut is flattering because it widens below the knee and slightly broadens at the bottom. This cut makes an appearance of slimmer thighs and hips.

Flared Skirts
Pear shaped women will find the skirts to be comfortable and pleasing. The skirt should fit well at the top and flares out as it goes down – which gives a minimizing look for the hips.

Detailed Blouses
Wear detailed, colorful tops then match with simple, dark colored bottoms. Details such as beading, an intricate sleeves or neckline on a colorful top draw people’s attention to your top half.

Mid-Heels Sandals
Heels can add up height so practice wearing (at least) mid-heels as casual wear.

Basically, your bottom (jeans/skirt) should be dark colored then apply pear-shaped-flattering clothes on your top. Avoid trousers with back or extra pockets and pick the simple style. The fact that you’re starting to get conscious with your appearance means that you need to upgrade your everyday look. Start from the basics and sort out your current clothes that don’t tone with your figure.

Now worries dear. Right clothing can rescue you.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi ms Leyn!

im going to attend a wedding this coming april. medyo ngayon palang nagpe-prepare nako kasi kapatid ng boyfriend ko yung groom. kabado kasi ako dahil may mga relatives sila na first time ko mami-meet. and yung bride kasi, first time ko rin mami-meet.

medyo paranoid na ko ngayon pa lang kaya naghahanap na ko ng dress na isusuot. sa dami kasi ng choices ko, hindi ko alam kung anong bibilhin. sa online shops palang naman ako tumitingin-tingin. pero i prefer na sa botique ako makabili para masukat ko muna at makita kung babagay sa kin. i really want to look nice on that day yet simple. i stand 5′2 in height. morena ako and hindi naman ako masyadong payat. im only 20 years old.

advice naman kung saang botiques ako pwede maghanap na hindi gaanong pricey pero unique yung styles na hindi pang-oldies yung dating at hindi cheap tignan, yung accesories din na dapat ko gamitin. pati yung itsura ko sana from top to toe. hindi kasi ako pala make-up eh. pati ano bang magandang gawin sa buhok ko, since summer yun? *btw, yellow and gray ata yung motif nila.

thanks so much!!

<3lots,
innah

Dear innah,

I get that you’re planning to buy a dress for a wedding event and you’re scouting for stores where to buy. Well, I don’t want to have duplicate answers so you might want to check this link, which I’ve already recommended for prom dresses. (Let me just add the stores, People are People and Calliope.) I won’t suggest something bongga and attention catchy so a simple cocktail dress is a good choice. Be particular with the design so the dress would fit a formal party and won’t seem to prom-y. Just like meeting the parents, leave a good impression and avoid overdressing.

With your skin tone, yellow can complement morena complexion depending on the shade you choose. Pick light yellow (close to off-white) and avoid too much prints. Take a dress with solid color or simple design then if you want more details, add a black or dark gray belt. Assuming that you don’t have problems with your figure, then any shoulder/neckline style will fit you.

On shoes, wear a mid-heels sandals. If your dress or accessories don’t have the “gray accent”, then you can apply the color with your shoes. Come up with an entire outfit like this:

And as I always advise, a simple jewerlry set can make you look classy despite of wearing a plain dress. Borrow a set of golds or pearls. Also, everyone draws attention to your face first so make sure you have the right make-up colors – bronze, beige, and brown.

Lastly, style your hair up with a tidy knot instead of pony tail.

You still have a month, good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn