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

Hi!

I really find your site helpful especially in the fashion section I just want to ask what type of clothing can I wear in meeting “the parents”? Thank you.

Trx

Dear Trx,

Good day!  Basically, meeting “the parents” should leave a good impression so stay simple, that’s it. Although, your outfit should also portray your personality. For example, if you’re a girly gal, stick with a light sundress or any dainty clothing. Then if you’re the casual type of person, wear a blouse and slim jeans.

Pick light colors like pastel shades, white or peach. For an updated fashion, tulip dresses are all the rage this season.

There’s nothing wrong if you’re in flip-flops or rubber slippers but you’ll look more prepared with flat sandals that can go along with any outfit. Same with tops. Choose your best blouse instead of your regular boyish t-shirt.

Avoid using too much make-up and dark shades. Don’t apply lipstick and use a lipgloss instead. Cover dark circles using a concealer and give a final touch with a light face powder. One more thing, I just assumed that this day will be a simple gathering but upgrade your outfit to a simple cocktail dress if you’re going out for a formal dinner.

Break a leg and always flash a smile!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Sosyalera,

Hi, hope everything’s well with you. I’ve started browsing your site a week ago and now I can proudly say that am a BIG Fan of yours just like the others. I found your advices and opinions very useful to your readers which inspired me to write also some of my concerns regarding my so-called-fashion-and-everything. haha.

ganto po kase, i’m working as a secretary in one of the prestigious universities here in manila i’m 22, standing 5′6″, fair skin and medium built. My problem is not that malala. meron lang kasing mga tao na pumupuna sa daily outfit ko. (BTW wala kaming uniform.) I’ve been working for three years of having no permanent outfit so mejo mahirap nuh? sinasabi nila na maganda daw ako magdala ng damit and kahit anu daw isuot ko bagay. on my part, its flattering and at the same time. nakaka ilang or nakaka pressure in a way na hindi ko na alam kung isusuot ko pa ba yun ulit dahil sa napansin na nila? waaa I hope am making sense here. pasensya naman if am not much into proper construction of words. haha my bad. so yun nga. anu kaya dapat kong gawin para hindi masyadong halatado yun pag ulit ko ng tops aside from pairing it with different types of bottoms such as jeans, leggings or skirt. problem number 2. lulubus lubusin ko na to Ms Leyn I’ve mentioned earlier na medium built ako & proportioned naman po yun figure ko. the problem is yun braso ko. feeling ko, anlaki nya yun na lagi kong pinoproblema kaya as in super seldom nako mag sleeveless feeling ko, am carrying a pair of troso, pwera exaggeration pero yun talaga feeling ko. huhu. nu kaya pede kong gawin para mapaliit yun braso ko. hope you have some idea.

lastly, yun hair ko   I got my hair done for 2 weeks from now. maiksi sya but its layered. nakakainis lang, kase merun syang sariling mundo.. pumupunta kung saan nya gusto. haha. nu ba dapat kong iapply para maging manageable yun maliit kong buhok?

ayun. am hoping for your response even if this letter of mine is quite senseless. nyahaha. any advice will be highly appreciated

CONGRATS PALA FOR THIS GREAT SITE AND MORE POWER

lovelovelove

Thea

Dear Thea,

Hey there, thanks for discovering my blog. Frankly, your issues are quite vague so I’ll just post the ABCs and I hope they will help you a bit.

First, about the mixing and matching of clothes. I get that you might be on a budget but you shouldn’t just focus on your clothes. Make sure you also have enough pairs of shoes, bags and accessories. Also, next time you shop, pick simple clothes without too many prints so you can match them up easily.

Try wearing blazers or cardigans. Though you may feel uncomfortable because it’s summer and if you’re working in non-airconditioned rooms. But if you’re willing to wear blazers, tiis-ganda nalang. Hehe.

Honestly, it won’t be a problem if you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. I actually understand your sentiments because I also had that “image” where co-workers keep on commending my fashion taste so it urged me to buy more clothes just to maintain my fashionista status. Ayun, naubos pera ko. Lol. So instead of spending too much on garbs, I thought of different styles for my hair and collected accessories. Don’t feel restless because it’s okay to repeat clothes. Everyone does that.

Second, about the fatty arms. You’re still lucky because of your tall height. I know a lot can relate with this but fatty arms are more noticeable when you’re shorter. Fashion-wise, you can still wear sleeveless tops but pick styles with ruffles and butterfly sleeves to camouflage your arms. According to my gym-instructor friend, the only way to make your arms smaller is through dieting. Working out those arms won’t totally reduce the fat but will develop muscles.

Lastly, about the hair. Mentioning that your hair isn’t manageable, I assume that your hair is from medium to coarse thick type. I already had a blog post about the same problem that you can check. To summarize it, here are your options plus their pros and cons:

• Undergo a relax treatment –long term but costly depending on the salon
• Apply conditioner daily then iron your hair –may dry your strands
• Apply hair mousse – feels sticky and strong hold

Remember that not all hairstyle may fit us. Shorter hair won’t be high maintenance for girls with fine/thin strands of hair. So as of now, the best way is to have the treatment or have patience ironing and applying hair mousse.

I hope you won’t get frustrated with my honest response. Haha. But I believe you can handle your look naman knowing that your officemates are noticing your sense of style. Anyhow, thanks for liking my blog.

Good luck!

Love lots,

Leyn

In the competitive industry of fashion, internet savvy consumers will be one that takes advantage of every opportunity available to them and stays ahead of the updates using the latest and most innovative method of communication – the Internet. Through the web, consumers may be able to check the latest news regarding beauty, wellness and lifestyle advice.

A fashion blog is also a way of presenting everyday reviews in forms of articles, images and videos. Fashion chicks is one example of a site that caters substantial reviews about apparel, beauty products and brands.

Hello Leyn,

Good day!!

I’ve been reading your blog during the past week and I’m proud to say that I’ve read all your posts. Hahaha! Very informative at nakakaaliw yung mga banat mo. Natatawa ako dun sa friendster pose dahil sa totoo lang, guilty ako dun. Good thing, sa Starbucks pose ay hindi, dahil bihira ako magpunta dun at di lang naman Starbucks ang may masarap na kape. Hehe! I hope regular ka pa rin magpost at tumagal pa lalo ang domain mo.

Anyway, here goes my problem. This is Ann nga pala at ang aking simpleng pangalan ay kasing simple rin ng aking personality. I’m pretty much the shy kind of girl. Very simple lang rin ako manamit. Natutunan ko nga sa post mo na kung simple lang yung clothes, you can still make it fasionable by accessorizing. So right now, I’m thinking of improving my fashion sense through accessories. I’m on a tight budget kasi kaya di ako makakabili ng new sets of clothes for a make over. Usually bumibili lang ako ng damit kapag Christmas, may special occasion o kapag may nakita ako na gustong gusto ko talaga. When it comes to accessories, I usually buy earrings and bracelets. I also have 2 watches. Di ako masyado mahilig sa rings. Di rin ako masyado mahilig sa necklace dahil di ako kumportable around the neck. But I still might consider necklaces if you suggest it. ^^ So ayun. Gusto ko sanang humingi ng tips on how to pick the right kind of accessories for me and on which setting would it be appropriate. By the way, I’m chubby, 5′2 and fair skinned.

I hope you can help me with this Leyn. It will be very much appreciated. Thank you and God bless you always.

Love lots,

Simple Ann

Dear Simple Ann,

I can’t believe you read all my posts. Seriously? From 2008? Lol. I hope you’ll visit my blog regularly. Thanks dear.

Anyhow, here it goes. Even though you wear plain blouses or dresses, accessories can do the trick on improving your look. So for the benefit of everyone, I’ll give simple tips on how to pick the basic accessories:

1. Buy a kikay box or necklace holder where you can put all your fancy accessories. Designating a small space for your things can urge you to collect baubles and use them daily. You should also have a jewelry box for more valuable accessories.

2. Next is to know the different accessories that don’t get laos so you can use them anytime. Avoid buying things that can only match one clothing. Example, inside your box, try to at least collect the following:

3. If you’d notice, these are classic accessories that you can wear with any mood. Once you have already collected the basics, that’s the time you can buy accessories that get popular every now and then. As of the moment, layered and ribbon necklaces are in.

4. Be particular with the color. Since you’re fair skinned, any color will do. (For morenas, avoid shocking colors please.) Think of the clothes inside your closet so you’d know what shades will match your usual outfit.

5. As you have mentioned, you’re already collecting bracelets and earrings but I suggest that you keep aside those are of poor quality. Personally speaking, I’m not a fan of funky and big plastic accessories because they look cheap/overrated. So make sure you check the quality. Also prioritize simplicity and elegance.

6. Invest on a set of fine jewelry (when you have already the budget). Kahit isang set lang. Pearls/Gold/White Gold doesn’t go out of date.

7. Keeping two watches is enough. But ideally it would be better if 1 watch looks casual and the other one would be the classic watch that you can wear on formal days. Okay din yung mga watches na mukhang charm bracelet.

8. I also don’t collect rings because I usually lose them. But try to have at least have a simple trademark ring you can wear everyday.

Buy one at a time. Don’t just buy accessories for the sake of piling up your box. Spend on things that you can use for years.

Good luck and keep up the good start!

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi leyn,

hi! i know u’ve been receiving mails about graduation, mine is one of those but pls help me.

my graduation is coming (masteral graduation) & its one of the occasions i hate most! I don’t want to wear dresses. i’m not comfortable but since its graduation no choice. i must wear dress.

but this is the problem, i’m not comfortable because i dont have the body, legs & skin to show. wala talaga akong confidence to wear dresses more so with a cocktail dress! i have a terrible shape of legs & kelangang itago. so i chose to wear long dress, off white daw color namin. i’m not wearing sleeveless kc ang laki ng braso ko and uneven ang tone. (huhuhu. wawa naman ako no? dmi problem. =(

kaya im begging you. pls help me choose the right one for me & the one that i will be comfortable & confident. i’m 5 feet & medyo malaman (120lbs). pakisama na rin ang babagay na shoes for that dress.

thank you so much in advance & God bless you always so you could help/enlighten more people.

it’s me,
Cel

Dear Cel,

I know this is kind of bit hard for you but don’t worry, every problem has its matching solution. Obviously, you seem very conscious with your figure so I won’t force you to wear clothes that you might not be comfortable with. If your first choice is a long dress then stick to the idea, we can consider this a formal event anyway.

Since you have already set boundaries with the style of dress you want (not cocktail and no to sleeveless) then you only have limited choices specially that you’re required with a color theme. The challenge now is to look for a quality dress with quality fabric and fits right on your body.

When we say long dresses, first thing we think of are straight styles that may not be appropriate with your shape and balloon skirt gowns don’t fit the occasion. So I recommend dresses with volume, drapes and asymmetric cut – a flowing dress to make it simple. Go with thin fabric/texture but make sure it doesn’t have too much folds and creases.

I understand that you don’t plan to wear sleeveless but the dress’ design cited below is a good sample of flowing dress.

Drapes and pleats can hide flabs. Avoid plain straight maxi dresses.

You may be weirded out by asymmetric clothes but their shapeless style doesn’t require perfect curves.

So your next problem is WHERE to buy the dress. I suggest you should do your window shopping by now. There are mid-class stores that sell different formal dresses in department stores (try to browse some previous posts, I don’t want to mention too much brands because I’m not paid to endorse. lol.)

About the shoes, wear at least mid-heels sandals or platforms. Spot for black or any neutral colors like these:

Remember, you may not have the ideal shape but that shouldn’t be a reason to limit yourself with fashion. Try to update your clothes little by little, don’t be in a hurry.

And don’t panic okay.

Love Lots,

Leyn