Category Archives: teens

Grad Ball/Prom Rocker Look

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Filed under teens

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

Prom Dress Ideas

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Filed under teens

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

Shala Shorts

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Filed under teens, women's clothing

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

JS Prom

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Filed under teens, women's clothing

dear sosyalera,

madalas akong nakatambay sa site na to. ang ganda kasi eh. :P . 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. :D

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

Styling Your Legs

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Filed under teens, women's clothing

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