Dear Ms. Leyn,

Hi Ms. Leyn! Kamusta po? I hope you’re doing fine. I emailed you because I want you to know how helpful your page is. I’m a long-time reader of your blogs and ever since I first visited your page, it’s been my habit to check just to see if you have a new post! Haha. Yes, it’s true. I really enjoy reading this blog, I find it very interesting and helpful.

I’m a college freshie and we have this event on Friday. It’s the first event which will be held outside the university and we’re all invited. At first I thought we’ll wear our uniforms but yesterday they announced the dress code and it’s semi-formal. They indicated that girls should wear cocktail dresses. No miniskirts, plunging necklines, t-shirts, shorts, and slippers. My problem is that I don’t have an idea on what to wear on this event. I’m pretty sure that everyone already has an idea on what to wear for the theme “dress to impress”. I don’t want to stand out that much but I don’t want to look manang either. Another thing is that I don’t know where to buy the dress. I’m also on a limited budget so I guess my budget for the dress is just up to P1,300.

I hope you can help me with this, Ms. Leyn. I’ll be waiting for your response.

Sab

Dear Sab,

I’m doing great. Thanks for asking.

Anyway, I think someone already asked me the same problem but it’s for a prom event. First, I advise you to do a bit spying on your friends’ outfit this coming friday. Hehe. So you’d have an idea what are their styles. From there, think of what fashion you’d like to wear: something classy? young? or fab?

Classic & Sophisticated

Wearing something classic and simple is safe, cheaper and won’t go out-of-date. A Little Black Dress can save you on that day. Then wear some bold accessories for an updated look – like bangles, stoned necklaces, layered necklaces or fringe earrings. An affordable black dress can cost from 800-1500 pesos.

Hip & Young

Since this is for a school event, I think it’s okay for you to wear something youthful and colorful like bright colors, patterned prints with flowing skirts. If you choose to be in a printed dress with bold designs, you’re good to go with just a simple set of jewelries.

Something Fab

Well in case you’re not satisfied with the classic or teen-y style, then you have to shift to an updated fab dress. The style may sound vague so it’s still up to your taste what looks good on you – it may be a mini dress with leggings, a shoulder padded dress, a cocktail dress with black blazer, etc. Just don’t forget to wear high heeled platforms and layered bracelet cuffs.

It would be better if you already have a desired look in your mind before shopping. It will save your time and energy when you plan your style ahead. I cannot suggest specific brands you can check because dresses are available everywhere (kahit sa department stores and thrift shops). You can also browse some of my previous answers for store reference. I believe it’s not about the brand but your taste in clothes. Always remember that your dress color should complement your skin tone and its fabric must flatter your figure.

Good luck and enjoy your weekend!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Good day Ms. Leyn,

I know that you already have a lot of queries asking for tips on  clothing for petite people, but I always find that the description of these petite people differ from my body type. I don’t exactly know what body type I am so I attached a few pictures that I hope could help you.

I’m around 5 feet tall (give or take 1 inch) and skinny like most people around my age.

Any tips on dressing up would be of really great help because I will be entering college this June and since I come from 13 years of schooling with uniforms, I don’t exactly know how to dress myself continuously every day as i’m used to usually wearing house clothes after school and just the plain t-shirt and pants kind of clothes when I’m out. Hopefully you can give me tips on what would look nice on me and what to stay away from.

Thank you for taking your time to read this, and I hope you choose to reply to this e-mail through your site

-collegedazed

Dear collegedazed,

Hey there, I saw your pictures and you’re actually cute. Can you date my single guy friends? Lol. Just kidding.

You know what, if ever I’ll be given a chance to change my body built, I’d choose being petite because small girls look cute when dressed up. Looking at your pictures, I believe you can be in any type of clothing because you’re long-legged regardless of being small. If you didn’t mention your height, I’d actually think you’re 5′3.

First, always remember these clothing tips for petite girls.

Second, check what’s in your closet. Set aside your old ‘junks’ and gradually switch to stylish clothes instead of the usual jeans and baggy shirt outfit. These are the basic must-haves in your closet:

Shirts and Tank Tops
Collect all plain colors and style for your basic top. Kahit bili ka nalang ng mura like Get Laud or plain shirts from Department Stores. Tipong 150 pesos each.

Jeans
Use your favorite jeans but I suggest that you put them on like twice a week lang. This year, skinny jeans and semi-fit pants are still in trend.

Blouses
When you’re in jeans, wear dainty blouses instead of plain t-shirts. And when I say be dressed in blouses, that doesn’t include boyish shirts with prints, okay?

Dresses and Skirts
You can wear dresses as is. With skirts, floral, geometric prints and detailed designs are perfectly matched with plain tops.

Shoes
Always have with you at least 2-3 pairs of shoes. From what I know, college schools are strict with dress codes so replace your flip flops with strap sandals or ballerina shoes. Just wear your sneakers during PE Class.

Once you’ve started organizing the clothes mentioned above, you can survive wearing different styles everyday:

So make sure that you buy clothes that you can mix and match. The key is to be particular with colors. Don’t just buy something because you liked it, isipin mo if you can also match it with your other clothes.

There you go, 1) start from organizing your closet, 2) keep aside the outdated garbs and 3) buy yourself the basic school clothes mentioned above.

Welcome to college!

Love Lots,

Leyn

first time ko lang magsulat dito, and i’m really hoping for your help para sa js prom namin. i’m very short, almost 4′8” lang height ko, medyo chubby din ako pero ok lang naman. i have my curves and di din ako flat chested. i can’t decide about the style, those dresses i found in the net are all appropriate for model-like girls. what type of dress can help me look taller, and how many inches of heels should i wear? i also want  to show off some skin, i don’t want to look so conservative. thanks in advance, more power.

-xoxo, F

Dear F,

I get that your main issue is your height but good thing that you’re willing to wear any style for that night. I’m going to make this short for you. Take in mind some helpful hints about fashion for fuller bodies when buying the dress:

• Mini length skirts/dresses can highlight the shortness of your legs so pick the 1-inch-above-knee or knee-length style when you plan to wear a short dress.

• Wearing high heels is the most convenient way to make you look taller. I just have to warn you that heels may feel uncomfortable after a couple hours so buy cushioned shoes to avoid swelling feet. Some girls can stand wearing 5-inches heels, which is better, but you can wear at least 3″.

• Avoid fabrics that are prone to creases and folds particularly on your bust and abdomen part.

Dress
You have to accept that 4′8″ height is really short and even though you’ll be particular with the gown’s length, that’s not enough to make yourself seem lofty. So I recommend that you simply have to think of a fashion that’d make you look catchy and classy instead of pressuring yourself to appear elongated. Why not try balloon gowns like the ones I’ve mentioned on a previous post.

Since you’re cosy wearing any sort of dress, a tube dress would be fine especially if the skirt is flowing, ruffled or layered. Wear a girdle inside your gown and flaunt your curves and bust line. It’s acceptable if you wear a long gown but I think a short cocktail dress is better to expose your legs and high heels shoes.

Shoes
Instead of trying hard to be tall, just concentrate on selecting a fashionable pair. Wearing 5″ shoes is okay but you might not enjoy the night if you’re not used with wearing super high heels. Avoid ankle shoes because it gives a division between your legs and feet. Pick flashy colored mules like red or cobalt. Below are sample of stunning heels though they measure 5”.

Don’t get intimidated by the gowns worn by models on the internet because they may possibly look good on you when you fit the pieces in actual. The best way to find the right dress is window shop. You can also check some of my past answers for Prom Dress ideas.

More power din. Hehe.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms.Leyn,

Hi! It’s my first time to see your site and after I’ve read some of your blog entries, I think you just got a new fan. Hehe. No doubt, you’re really good. No wonder many people like you and your webpage. You’re page is really interesting and it has certain informations that could really help us in our daily lives, not just a typical fashion-blog.

I emailed you because I love your page and your fashion taste. I came to ask you some questions Ms.Leyn. I’ve read your 2 blog entries about prom and I still have some questions in my mind, if you don’t mind me asking. Hehe. I’m 15 yrs. old and currently a senior HS student. I’m 5′6 tall, quite chubby and has fair skin complexion. Our prom will be on February. Last year’s prom theme was a ‘masquerade ball’. We’re not really allowed to wear short dresses for prom because we’re in a Catholic school, so I wore a long gown last year. But on this year’s prom, we’re already allowed to wear cocktail dresses maybe because of the recession thingy, or for us and our parents to save money and be more practical. They do have a point, don’t they? So here’s my question. Can you suggest some stores/boutiques with pretty and affordable cocktail dresses for prom? My budget will range from 2,000php – 4,000php. I’m not really a girly type of person and I personally don’t like pink and florals. Some people say I’m boy-ish and I got no problems with that. But despite those things, I love fashion. I love Gossip Girl and I also love wearing dresses and heels. But not those pink and floral stuffs. Hehe. So on our prom, I like to wear something simple but elegant. Or maybe something glam with a little bit of drama.. I have a dress in my mind and I really love it. I hope you can still remember the yellow dress that Serena wore from Season 1 on Handmaiden’s Tale. Do you think it’s appropriate to wear something like that for prom? And can you give me more suggestions on what to wear and where to have my hair/makeup done for my last prom?

I’ll be waiting for your response, Ms.Leyn.
God bless and more power!

-ShimMinHyo

Dear ShimMinHyo,

Hey thanks for taking time to browse my site. I really wanted to maintain a serious fashion blog before but I can’t get rid of my kengkoy side so my blog ended up like this. Haha. Anyway, I hope I can help you with my suggestions but I won’t admit that I know all the stores in the metro so pardon me if I can only give a few.

One thing we usually fear is that someone might be in the same dress we’re wearing on the prom night. That’d be a total disaster. Ang dyahe diba. So I think you should be looking on stores that aren’t “too mainstream” and check for boutiques that sell dresses with only few stocks per piece. As much as possible, don’t buy in common stores UNLESS you’re planning to alter or re-construct the dress. But of course, that takes effort, time and additional budget for extra work.

Anyhow, here are my picks:

Serendra Shops

• Shops in Serendra like Peppered Cherry, Souk and Backstage sells unique dresses with price starting from 1,500 pesos. There are other stores but I forgot the names. Yun nga lang, these are smalls boutiques so your choices are limited unlike when you shop in malls.

The Ramp Crossings

• This shopping street has different brands like BYSI, French Kitty, Salsa Trend, Ilaya Couture, Dressing Room, Lucca etc. Crossings department store is located inside Trinoma and Shangrila Mall.

Rustan’s

• Some people get intimidated going inside Rustan’s but there are affordable clothes available here. Check out stalls like Culte Femme, Sinequanone and stores by local designers naming Luna by Jojie Lloren. There are also mid-class brands for shoes like Substance and Lady Rustan’s, a pair can cost you from 900-2500 pesos.

Basically, I’m recommending stores where people rarely shop. I bet you’ve already gone through these stores but this time you need to be patient in looking the dresses one-by-one. There are also good designers in town but the idea might cost you expensive.

The yellow gown Serena wore from GG Season 1 is a good choice, I commend you for that. You can copy the Yellow-Black combination. You’ll look like a beauty queen because the gown is appropriate with your curvy figure and tall height. That dress is a Valentino but a keen eye when shopping won’t give you a hard time looking for a gown with the same style.

And regarding hair and make-up, honestly I cannot cite the best places because I no longer hand over my styling with public salons. One thing more, I’m not sure where you reside so it also depends on your location para hassle-free. I heard good remarks about Piandre so check their reservations and packages (quite expensive though). Menage Salon sucks at styling (price starting at 1000 pesos), I tried there once at nagmukha akong butterfly with Goldilocks curls. But partly it was my fault because I entrusted everything to the stylist. Before someone do your hair and make-up, you should have already planned what prom look you’d like to achieve so they won’t just experiment on you. Concentrate on your eyes because natural shades are the latest trend for cheeks and lips (peach, bronze and pale pink).

You know what, 2k-4k budget is not bad na. I remember my first prom, I wore a 900 pesos worth of gown. Hahaha. But as I’ve mentioned before, that was a decade ago. Lol. Anyway, I hope you find one like Serena’s. Really pretty pretty choice. ;P

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn!

February is fast approaching. I’m a hs junior so that means it’s time for promenade. It’s actually my first time to attend this and I still have no idea what to wear that’s why I’ve decided to email you to ask for some of your advice, hoping you could help me

Our principal has decided that we’re going to have Cocktail Party as our prom’s theme. I’ve started getting some ideas on Tumblr. FashionFever’s got a collection of awesome pictures of girls with great fashion sense. I just love their style. I also think this looks wicked awesome. Neutral colors are awesome. I think metallic blue, black, and/or white look great.

I’m kinda short and I’m not really thin so it would be nice to wear a dress without showing off too much skin. What do you think? Also, I think off should dresses are nice, but I don’t know. I really need your aid regarding this problem.

And I’m wondering if you have any ideas on hair styles for prom? I don’t want to have my hair get tied up since I have a round face. I think soft curls are great.

I’m pretty sure you’ve already experienced prom and you’re a genius in fashion that’s why I’ve no second thoughts in sending you this email, hehe.

That’s all   Will be constantly visiting your site to check for your response.

- mika

Dear mika,

Uh, yes. I experienced attending a prom night but I think that was a decade ago when everyone was still baduy and there’s less internet for a neat fashion research. Haha. That’s why you’re lucky to have resources by this time. Anyway, I checked the tumblr account you included and the pictures are great. By this time, you should have already decided on what color you’ll wear but for the meantime, let me give further tips about the cocktail dress styles.

Honestly, I don’t have much to say since I’ll just be repeating your ideas lang (off shoulder and soft curls hairstyle) which I have already advised with a past entry. You just need to be particular with the details of your off-shoulder gown like its skirt, color, laces etc. You mentioned that you’re not that thin but it’s for you to decide what fit suits you best because I don’t know your body type. Here are my picks:

Off-Shoulder Dress

I assume most prom goers are into tube and spaghetti strap dresses so an off-shoulder gown is not a bad choice. Be particular with the details and design then pick bright colors that match your skin tone. An Off-shoulder dress is perfect for curvy hour glass shaped bodies.

One-Shoulder Dress

Another style that you can consider is the one-shoulder dress for a sexier feel. Pick a pleated type of skirt if you want a flowing dress or a pencil cut for a classy look.

Assymetric Dress

Its assymetric cut, ruffles and drapes can conceal your flabs and unproportioned figure. Plus, its design adds a glam factor and is more fab than the usual straight gown.

Sounds cliché but the perfect dress for your prom night depends on your confidence so pick the right gown and enjoy the night without thinking too much about your appearance. I can’t specifically suggest colors but I assume you already know the basics.

Stick to the soft curls hairstyle. Long loose curls to be exact. There are curly styles that look awful because of too much hairspray so they end up looking like Goldilocks. So use a hair mousse instead of the strong sprays. I just hope you have already grown your hair long enough for this hairstyle.

Then for the final touch, add a jeweled hair clip or thin headband (CRU in Powerplant Mall and ALDO Accessories sell pretty accessories). Don’t buy the plastic ones so you won’t look cheap. Hehe.

Enjoy your first prom night!

Love Lots,

Leyn

I’m writing to you again, I’m here because of my prom-problem, grad-ball nadin. I’m planning, during prom that I’ll be wearing a gold and black dress, a tutu dress perhaps or whatever fits my figure, then a leather jacket or blazer, would that be inappropriate? For grad-ball, I don’t have a clue. Suggestions? I don’t like too girly dresses, as in flowy flowery and flashy, i think that’s too casual. HAHA. More on gold and canary yellow ang plano ko kasi I’m dark.

And 2010 fashion forecast?

Plus shoes pa pala, hahaha. I have scars pala sa legs kaya I’m kind of insecure about it although I have the height and the proportions to go for the short dresses. And I love short dresses.

I’m desperate for an attire since this is technically our first prom since it got canceled last year.

xo,
-mich.

Dear mich,

I saw the photo you sent me and it’s a good thing you were able to come up with a Christmas party attire (though I think black jeans should’ve been better) and thanks for updating me. Moving on, I suppose I get what look you’d like to achieve on your prom-slash-grad ball. It’s not the usual pink and princess-y style so a Taylor Momsen style will be a good inspiration.

A tutu dress or an ostrich skirt is a good choice. Although the tutu looks more glam than the ostrich design so it still depends on your choice or what’s available on stores. You can pick a black skirt then add the touch of flashy gold with your top (in case you’re planning to wear a 2-piece clothing).

Having scars on legs can make you feel uncomfortable so I suggest lace leggings. As I’ve mentioned before, laces are making a comeback this 2010 so consider this idea.

Wearing a jacket or blazer will just make you look casual and overdressed. I don’t recommend too much layering of clothes. As a top, you can wear a corset to match the tutu skirt if you’re not wearing a 1 piece dress.

For accessories, I still recommend elegant jewelries for earrings and bracelets since a prom is still a formal party. Complement your gold-black attire with a black bib or layered necklace.

And for the shoes, a pair of ankle style shoes (whether boots or sandals) can match the rest of what was mentioned. Classic Black pumps could be your second option.

To help you picture the idea, here’s a looklet example:

The skirt’s quite exaggerated and there’s no available corset but imagine something like that. The suggestions above are based on the 2010 fashion forecast. I just wish you won’t have a hard time looking for these items when you shop.

Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

I’m Patricia and I’m 15, I’m a Junior. Gusto ko po sanang humingi ng tips sa paghahanap ng prom dress. Kasi malapit na po yung Prom namin. I’m petite, not really chubby but my triceps are big and no, they’re not muscles. Haha. Ayoko po sanang too formal and casual. So, that would be all.

Thank you.

Patricia

Dear Patricia,

Hi! I’ll just add some tips nalang since my previous post about Prom Dresses may already help you. I’m recommending ruffled or balloon skirts fitting your body type.

Just an advice, don’t feel too conscious about your arms because you won’t stand out if you try to conceal them with a shawl or blazer. Remember that this is your first Prom Night so you have to surprise your friends (well, of course in a good way) with a new look. Your shape is just second priority. Think of what style you want. The ruffled or flowing gowns mentioned on the link are your first choice. Here are the others:

Short Flashy Cocktail Dress

Even though you’re not wearing a long gown, you’d still catch attention with shiny cocktail dresses with details. Make certain to wear a nice pair of high heels for an elongated look.

Long Gown

If showing skin is not your thing, then to shift to a long-length dress. Be particular with selecting prints so you won’t seem casual. I don’t recommend solid black because shocking colors like orange and cerulean look better. You can complement the vibrant shade with gold accessories like layered necklace and purse.

Bodycon

Bodycon dress is another option in case you’re not the girly type or not comfortable with long gowns. If you can’t wear a tube or sleeveless dress, off-shoulder sleeves can also be the answer.

The key to have the perfect dress is to be meticulous with the fabric, fitting and quality. You might follow the suggestions mentioned but if you don’t pick the right colors and texture, baka magmukha kang aattend ng santacruzan. Reading magazines and window shopping with friends can also help find your prospect gown.

Lastly, by this time, you should be researching for the best hair and make-up artist because your dress will just go to waste if you don’t look good and your hairstyle is a disaster. Or better yet, start practicing your Prom style by yourself.

Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Leyn

Im only 15 and 5 feet tall at medyo chubby ako, ano po ba ang magandang fashion ngayon para sa shorts dahil laging shorts ang suot ko tuwing aalis ng bahay at ano po ang mababagay na sapatos at damit. Mag bigay ka ng magandang store sa SM at bigay ka ng fashion tips para sakin.

Thank you and God bless you.

love lots
Kath

Dear Kath,

Oh hey kid. Hehe.

The tops/blouses appropriate for shorts depend on the shorts’ length, prints and style. You should be collecting different kinds of short pants so you have a variety of options. For example, if you wear knee-length shorts, a casual shirt fits better than a dainty looking blouse. On the other hand, if you prefer a girly outfit, most chic blouses look better on mini shorts unless you wear the high-waist style.

Plaid Shorts
Match it with a loose casual top for a laid back look. This fashion is suggested if you just want to stroll in the mall, play sports or tamang chillax lang with barkada (lol. wattaterm). For shoes, match it up with slip on sneakers or the friendly flip flops.

Mini Shorts
A safe fashion because any type of top/blouse will do. Just be careful with how you pick colors and prints so there won’t be too much going on. To look fashionable with mini shorts, I advise Hem Vest style, off shoulder or a ruffled blouse then wear the latest ankle cuff sandals.

High Waist
Just like the mini shorts, you can wear any blouse with the high waist cut depending on your figure. With your shape, I recommend a butterfly sleeved blouse then tuck it in on the upper waist part to emphasize the shorts’ style. You can pair it with ankle cuffed heels or ankle boots if you’re comfortable with high heels.

Regarding the stores, mid tier brands like People are People, F&H and BAYO sells good pieces especially the latest style of tops. Save on your preferred shorts and foot wear because they’re always available in department stores in cheaper price.

That’s it, these are just basics.

Love Lots,

Leyn

dear sosyalera,

madalas akong nakatambay sa site na to. ang ganda kasi eh. . pero nung nakita ko yung dear sosyalera, sumaya pa ako ng lalo dahil halos pareho lang ang problems ko sa mga humingi ng advice sayo. ). and dami mo nang natulungan pero ngayon, ako naman ang may kelangan ng advice.

kahit malayo pa ang prom, nagwoworry na ako. gusto kong magulat ang lahat pagdating ng day na yun dahil sa appearance ko. simple lang ako at hindi ganun kakikay. medium ang height ko pero gusto ko po sana na ma-emphasize yung long legs ko 8-). maganda daw ang likod ko pero medyo flat chested ako ). hindi naman ako over weight or under weight pero chubby ang cheeks ko. naturally tan ang skin ko plus mahaba ang buhok ko. ang problem ko naman ngayon is kung anu ang susuotin ko plus shoes, hair, make-up at accesories. nagbrowse ako sa mga magazines pero wala akong makita na gusto ko lalo na yung afford ng budget ko.

hoping for your reply.

-sweet16

Dear sweet16,

JS Prom is a much awaited High School event aside from Graduation. It’s good that you’re already looking forward to this day and by now planning on your prom dress. First, you have to know what the ‘usual’ prom dresses are so you can make a difference. Try to consult friends with their fashion ideas because prom themes also depend on your school’s culture. Some themes might require you to look modern, and some schools only allow the conservative type of party clothing.

Second, I don’t recommend black. It’s because as what you’ve said, you want to stand out so it’s better to be in flashy neutral colors to flatter your tan complexion. Try something like peach, light beige or off white… just don’t make yourself look dark.

To emphasize your legs, I advise a short type of gown. Long dresses look gorgeous and princess-y but showing some skin won’t hurt. So to flaunt long legs without overlooking the glam aura, consider short gowns with balloon structure, ruffled layers, tulle or tutu kind of skirt.

Fabric is a major factor in selecting your gown. Silky and shiny textures will look good on you. Avoid printed fabric so it won’t seem like you’re just in an ordinary sun dress (unless the prints look embroideries). Even if your gown is solid colored, its design, ruffles and accessories will help do the enchanting-look trick.

Also ensure to shop for the right accessories and hairdress. Like illustrated below, the gown was accessorized with a small brooch but still, it stood out like an important accessory. Try to add details like this.

And lastly, the shoes! Be like Cinderella and wear a glittery pair or pumps. You don’t have to be particular with the brand but know the latest styles. Everyone wear high heels during Prom to add height and sophistication. This is a must have since more likely, you’ll be in a short dress so your shoes absolutely matter.

Just in case you worry that you might have the same style of clothing with other prom goers, then you may want to consider customizing your gown. Whether the gown is just bought in a boutique or hand downs from other people, you can ask a seamstress to alter or add more details to your garb. In this way, you’re not just limited with the style that you see in stores but you can add personal touch of styling to your outfit. Again, it’s cost effective.

Furthermore, you’re not forced to go to a stylist or make-up artist to groom you on that day. You can do it by yourself so you can manage your make-up colors to match your dress. Avoid putting too much dark eye shadow or pinkish shade. Baka magmukha kang magsasagala. Stick to neutral shades and concentrate on 1) putting on lipstick, 2) even application of concealer and 3) eye mascara. These three cosmetics can noticeably enhance your features.

Ideally, I recommend a type of balloon gown with ruffled skirt, haltered sleeves and low back-line to compliment your described body-type. Have a wonderful prom day and don’t forget to bring a cute date. Hehe.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi,

I’ve been reading your blog and the letters that were sent to you and this inspired me to ask mine as well.

I’m going to ask about fashion, balak ko kasing gumastos ng 3k for clothing this month, like a super belated birthday gift for myself. I want to maximize my budget so I don’t really care about brands and I’d go for ukay. Though, I don’t know what is appropriate for me, I’m 15 and I usually just dress up when I go somewhere and I MIGHT be studying in a ‘no-uniform’ university next year so I guess this is a start.

I’m interested in those, I think stockings?, yeah, those. But I can’t find cheap enough pieces so I could buy at least three.I’m also inlove with heels at this moment.

To give you a gist of my style, Little J’s outfit nung binigyan siya ni Serena ng party. The dress, the dark stockings and pink heels. But I think walking in the streets of Manila, I’d be the center of attention. GAH.

So I need, a list for a 3k budget.
Where to of the stockings, I think?
And what style is age-appropriate.

So please, help?

-ohblackstars

Dear ohblackstars,

Cherish your youth and teen years. Your age is actually the best time for you to start exploring fashion and girly style. I also adore how Little J dresses but with my mid 20’s age I’m quite hesitant to be in her teeny fashion – unless I want to achieve a pa bagets look. ;(

Anyway, 3k budget is a good start for your basics. For this entry, I’ll focus with the stockings. If you’re looking for printed and textured type, I suggest Leg Love by City Lady designed by Kate Torralba. They’re retailed in SM Department Stores or Watsons for 299-399 pesos per pair. Though the Leg Love Limited Edition designs are most likely available in its main store in Greenbelt 5.

If you prefer leggings, I recommend ZARA. I personally have a pair from the store and the quality is nice – still stretchy after several laundry tortures. These clothing type ranges from 750-900 that makes them cheaper than TOPSHOP. If you’re lucky enough to shop during a ZARA sale, they’re down to 400 pesos.

If you’re not that particular with brands, you can try in Landmark at the accessories section. I bought some panty hoses (which I also use as black leggings) before and I still use them without any runs. I’m not referring to the plain black stockings but the ones with thicker texture than the usual. Bought a plain black and dark brown for only 150 each.

In case I have your 3k as my budget, I think I’ll use it for shopping in different price range. I might buy 1 from a boutique, 1 from a department store and try my luck in ukay. This doesn’t just apply to the stockings but also to your tops, shoes and accessories. In this way, your money will be maximized and you get to try different qualities. You will learn from here about what’s good and not-good-enough brands.

I bet you’re already familiar with mall stores but just to mention a few, it’s cost effective to shop at People Are People, Schu, and some stores like MANGO and (again) ZARA will be down to 50-70% for the midyear sale. But of course, it’s not about WHERE to shop but HOW you pick your clothes. It’s really helpful to read magazines and watch chick flick series. They won’t fail you about the latest trend. If you don’t have enough moolah to buy the exact clothes in certain places, you might as well copy them through good finds.

If you’re concerned with what style is age appropriate, honestly, I can’t tell because it actually depends on your choice or how you handle your age. Some older women tend to dress like early adults and they’re successful on how they carry themselves. Some teen agers dress like manangs so they tend to look mature and stressed. Think for yourself. What kind of personality would you like to portray through your physical appearance? It’s up to you. But of course, just take in mind some stereotype reminders like not looking too sexy/bitchy and avoid overdressing.

And coming from you, it’s quite peculiar when you style ala Little J in an ordinary day here in Manila; so know when and where to have this fashion if you don’t want some holdapers eyeing at you. As I commented here, chances are, you might take effort on how you look on the first day then years after, you’ll just be on jeans and shirt… unless you study in Constance.

Break a leg! Study hard but stay kikay.

Love Lots,

Leyn