Dear Leyn,

Nagbabasa ako ng blog mo. Hehe. At natutuwa talaga ako. Tatanong ko lang sana kung may alam kang murang mabibilhan ng LBD (preferably yung online o kaya eh nasa Quezon City). Yung hindi sosbra ng 1thou. Ang mga nakikita ko kasi sa magazine eh halos 2thou na. Kumusta naman yon.

Tsaka kung ok lang ba na mag-black stockings and black dresses? Di ba sya magmumukhang masyadong dull?

Sige. Yon lang. Maraming salamat in advance sa reply.

Aisa

Dear Aisa,

Sorry for not answering e-mails lately, I was busy with my “B” day.

Anyhow, hindi ako nagppurchase ng mga damit or accessories sa net because I’m too lazy to money transfer. But I made sure you can rely on these multiply sites because some of my girl friends have already ordered from them:

Black & White Style, Frou Frou Fashion, Glam Fab Frenzy, What 2 Wear, In Style Bazaar, Tangerine Clothing, Milky Creamy

Most of Online Shopping Stores cater affordable items since they’re not paying for mall space or expensive ads. I’ve checked some of these multiply sites and their dresses cost 400-1000php which is reasonable. The links above don’t just sell LBDs but different kinds of clothing and accessories. Enjoy THE online window shopping!

With regards to LBD + Leggings, it’s okay if you match these two. Just make sure you’re wearing them at the right place and right occasion. Pero para hindi magmukhang plain and dull, you can check out some lace- inspired leggings that can go with your Black Dress. Laces became a sensation on the runway because of Prada’s A/W collection last year. This trend also became a hit in Manila. I’ve seen a brand called Leg Love by Kate Torralba available in SM Department stores and its price ranges 300-500 per pair.

Happy Shopping!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Sosyalera,

I am one of your million fans here sa net. From blogspot plang, you already got my full support. I am happy that you got your own domain na. Apir! Long live sa iyong dotnet.

Since model ka, I assume na biniyayaan ka ng tangkad and wala kang problem regarding clothes. Hay buti ka pa. Yan kasi ang problem ko, I only stood 4 feet and 11 inches lng kasi. My body is quite proportion and I dont have any problem about that.Yung height ko lang tlga nakakasira. Super hirap ako maghanap ng right clothes kc nga I am short. Sa petite section na ako nagsho-shop pro nightmare prin ang mga jeans -especially ung mga skinny-jeans. Halatang short ang binti ko. lol. Sa ngayon, I try to run away from jeans and look for other options. Any suggestions leyn? thanks!

Alea

Dear Alea,

Thanks for supporting! Wish ko nga lang eh million talaga ang readers ng blog na ‘to at nagiging piso sila lahat. Haha! Anyway, much appreciated!

Actually, I’m not über tall. My height is 5′6 lang. Fair enough compared to other *giant* ramp models. Though my thin and long arms make me look skinnier so I expose this asset. Basically, you have to be conscious of your lean parts and know how to flaunt them. I’ll just give some general tips for Petite Fashion:

1) If you’ll be layering clothes or dress in two pieces, you have to stick in one color. Dark tones like black, navy blue and maroon can make you look slimmer.

2) Since you don’t have any problem with your shape, shop for semi-fitted clothes which are suitable for petite bodies.


3) For shirts, pick V or U shaped necklines.


4) I bet you weigh lighter so high heels are recommended. It’s the easiest technique to add up height. However you have to avoid ankle straps and lace up sandals because these kinds of pair will make your feet look shorter.


5) Mini Skirt or Shorts will just expose the thick part of your thigh. You can be in a knee-length pencil-cut skirt if you’re too conscious exposing your legs. Also, high-rise bottoms add inches to legs.


6) 1 piece clothing like dresses and jumpsuits can replace the usual tee & jeans outfit.


7) As much as possible, I don’t suggest belts especially the thick ones. Narrow belts are okay but those bright and noticeable types can divide your body outline and emphasize how short your lower part is.


8 ) Pass over your flare, wide or bulky pants because skinny jeans or straight cut trousers are better. If you can’t easily spot for a perfect pair of jeans, you can just go to the nearest altering shop. At least they can measure your size and fix the pants according to your small frame. You can also wear leggings instead.


9) Avoid thick fabric to outline your figure. Stretchy clothes with thin textures are recommended.


10) Like belts, avoid big accessories and oversized bags.

The X marks don’t actually mean that small girls cannot wear such items. It’s just that they’re not petite flattering. Besides, you still have other options so your small physique won’t be much emphasized. Basta, remember that whatever you dress, no matter what hairstyle you want or accessories to bring, make sure that you create a vertical illusion. We can’t cheat height that easily. Simply maintain the cute and sweet fashion instead of trying hard to be sexy through daring style – which looks better on taller women.

Try to browse some websites about Hollywood fashion and notice that in fact, a lot of celebrities are petite like Eva Longoria and some Disney Channel rising stars. Fashion poise is just how you carry yourself and know how to walk in high heels.

Stay kikay!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Sosyalera,

Dahil expert po kayo sa Fashion, sa inyo na lang ako hihingi ng advice about it. Hehe.

Nahihirapan ako pumili ng damit na babagay sa akin. Ang get up ko lang po madalas ay tee, jeans, flip-flops/sandals – which I know is baduy na lalo na sa panahon ngayon. I’m 17 year old, medyo skinny with curves ang katawan ko. Can you tell me what clothes will fit my body and the best store to shop for those? I also love layering clothes and I want to ask advice of what clothes are best for layering. College student po ako at nag-aaral sa school na walang uniform kaya nagi-struggle na talaga ko kung ano susuotin ko.

As much as I want to wear shorts outsides, I can’t. Kasi may mga scars ako na nakuha ko nung high school which are visible lalo na sa kulay ng balat ko (maputi). Can you also recommend any medicines/lotion na pwedeng pang lighten ng scars that really works?

And kind of unrelated: Magkano dapat budget whenever magsa-shopping?

Thank you so much Ms. Leyn and more power to Sosyalera!

- Den

Dear Den,

As you can read, a lot of full sized people are having problems with choosing their clothes as sizes are limited. With your case, you might be feeling uninterested with the tee & jeans usual outfit however having skinny built isn’t a big problem. Diba nga, models almost starve themselves for thinner bodies so they can fit in size 0. So enjoy, you can wear almost everything!

As what I’ve mentioned here, dressing up isn’t necessary when you go to school. You can just gradually replace your plain t-shirts with simple yet girly blouses. The key is to mix, match and complete a closet of school attire. In relation to your fond of layering clothes, I’ll be criticizing a kind of fashion I often see with skinny people who mismatch garbs. Yung masikip lahat ng suot. Tight camisoles doesn’t look good when also matched with a fitted shrug especially if you’re uber thin. You might be mistaken as walking stick.

Tips for Layering Clothes:

1) Be certain that your clothes are made of different fabric material. For example, your inner tank top is cotton and your outer cardigan is knitted.

2) Like cited above, avoid layering various tight clothes at the same time. The inner piece can be fitted and your above layer can be loose.

3) Layering is for you to experiment colors and patterns. If the required fashion is retro, bright colors are okay but make sure they’re in trend. If you want styling casual and fresh-looking, match up clothes with neutral or pastel colors of different shades.

4) Wearing 3-4 clothes at the same time becomes baduy when it’s not apt with the weather. Certainly, it’s sweaty and inconvenient. So you need to know when and where to have this style.

5) Be careful with selecting bangles and necklaces to put on. Bright colored clothes complement with big and vivid accessories might exaggerate your look.

With regards to your scar problem, I have to be honest but I have no idea. Google is my friend but I don’t want to recommend products that I haven’t tried personally. I’m no pretentious fashion blogger that bases all facts and updates on the net. Though with whitening dark spots, lotions that contain licorice extract works for me but from what I know, it won’t thoroughly lighten scars. The most effective I believe is scar removal done by dermatologists but of course a student allowance can’t afford the expenses. Wenk.

Fashion-wise, alternatives like long day dresses and pyjama trousers can at least hide your scars without the sweaty feeling. This style is applicable when you’re going out with friends; more fashionable than the typical jeans.

Then with shopping budget, know your favorite boutiques first. If you have 3k in your wallet, it can only buy 1 dress in TOPSHOP compared with 4 tops in BAYO or Freeway. But since you’re still a student, 2k-3k a month is enough to shop in People Are People or F&H plus accessories from bargain stores. If you want quality clothes that can last for years, at times you have to ignore the price. Costly clothes with high quality tend you to be cautious with keeping them. Based on experience, I still wear a shirt I had 8 years ago. It’s Calvin Klein and still alive.

To end this, just think you’re blessed with a slimmer figure. There are no particular clothes for the thinner ones because any style fits. A way to enjoy this asset is experiment with looks and improve your timid way of clothing.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hello ms. leyn,

ngayon ko lang poh nakita ang blog n’yo. pero it gives me happiness kasi meron palang ganito na pwedeng mapagkunan ng mga tips about sa fashion trends. madami kaming makukuha na information about sa mga new style ngayon 2009. at dahil dito hindi na kami mahihirapan sa paghahanap kung kanino pwedeng makahingi ng mga advice.

gusto ko sana itanong kung ano ang tamang pagpili ng mga damit according sa place or occasion na pupuntahan? at anong mga damit ang dapat suotin?

gusto ko rin poh sana malaman kung anu-ano ang mga kulay na uso ngayong 2009?

thank you poh. wish na sana masagot nyo ang mga question ko. thank you poh.

meiko

Dear meiko,

Hello din POH! Wehehe. In fact, you have a good question. Some people typically over-dress themselves  because they might not know appropriate fashion for a particular place or they do not have any  idea what sort of people they’ll be socializing with. Kaya there are chances that they dress jologish unconsciously. I’ll be giving certain places where people often hang-out and what I believe the acceptable proper clothing.

Mall
Definitely depends on the type of Mall. SM-shoppers are different with the people who shop in  Greenbelt 5. If you try dressing-up in high-end malls like you’ll going to party, no one will gaze at  you (except if you really dress horribly). Although if you’ll be making an effort to dress yourself in our friendly maka-masa na SM, that’s quite adverse.

Shorts/mini skirt/capris/jeans matching with your casual blouse “style” is simple yet appropriate. Flip-flops and flat sandals are better so you can leisurely walk freely. Do not over accessorize though make sure your minimal fashion doesn’t look pampalengke.

Movie Night
Same as above. Pero may posibilidad na pagkatapos ‘nyo mag-sine  magbabarkada ay mag bar pa kayo or go to someone’s place. So in some cases, it’s suggested to be in a Day Dress – at least you’re prepared for further plans.

Bar
But if you really plan to go bar-hopping with friends, this is the time you can dress to kill. Style yourself with a touch of the latest trend. Not the arab scarf or shutter shades fashion. I always mention in my previous posts what are the not-hot and what’s-hot. To be safe, you can be in a simple LBD, bring your flashy purse and walk in high heels.

Coffee Date
Nerdy casual outfits are better unless you drop by Starbucks or CBTL after a gimick. Authentic coffee tambays easily get annoyed when they see people dressed like party animals just to hang-out for hours in coffee shops.

Cocktail Party
Not all dresses define cocktail party attire. With formal gatherings, know the right fabric to wear. It’d be classier if you wear with silk material and accessorize with a set of jewelleries. Same goes with weddings, binyagan and formal family reunions. The styles below show two different personalities and it’s up to you which mood accordingly fits you.

Those are just my basic examples since you didn’t mention any specific occasion or place. As fashion forecasts say, neutral colors are in and these shades complement the morena skin of Filipinas. Neutral colors don’t have to be beige or gray – try hunting for gray clothes with a touch of old rose shade. In addition, yellow and citrus colors are highly recommended by designers this summer.

I hope simple ideas help. I’m thankful you discovered my humble blog. Stay shala, girl.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Sosyalera,

I am one of your readers, from the moment that I saw your link from greenpinoy’s blog, I was hooked. I even read all your past entries. I would like to seek for your help regarding the effective way of losing weight. Medyo stubborn kasi ako at palaging hanggang umpisa lang at sana rin po matulungan nio rin ako sa mga pwedeng masuot pag nasa office at kapag casually hanging out with friends lang. I’m 21, a young professional, chubby and is seeking for your advice.

Thank so much Ms. Sosyalera! Your insights are greatly appreciated.

dearie04

Dear dearie04,

Honestly, I never got chubby in my entire life so I don’t want to give false hopes with diet advices. Napansin ko nga na wala pa yata akong kilala personally na talagang pinapayat instantly ng slimming pills, work-out, vegetarian diet etc. I bet if you know a friend or someone who really did get slimmer with the use of certain products, you wouldn’t ask for this advice. Though meds and exercise work naman, it takes time, money and determination.

Let’s just observe what’s happening in reality. If you really want to lose weight effectively, your food intake might not be that healthy (o diba rhyme). Totally skipping a meal isn’t required but just reduce either breakfast, lunch or dinner. Kumain ka na tipong “pang laman tiyan lang” like 2 slices of wheat bread replacing a rice meal every breakfast. Oo nakakagutom, but of course you have to sacrifice. When you start eating small amount during meals, you’ll really get used to it.

As much as possible, fast food meals should be avoided. You can prepare a home-made sandwich and just heat it on lunch. Uber malakas makataba ang softdrinks kaya you have to get used with cold tea or water.

If you work-out, your body will be toned and muscles might be developed. So there are tendencies that you have muscles but apparently you still have fats. Therefore, you have to concentrate in doing cardiovascular work-out like jogging, jumping with the jumping rope (redundant!) and boxing. These exercises are really practical especially if you don’t have time and enough budget for gym maintenance.

Diet pills and laxative drinks (like Fitrum and Biguerlai Tea) work but you’ll feel side effects such as headache and stomach reactions. I don’t think this idea is right for you since you’re working everyday but you can try drinking those laxative teas during weekends.

Mentioned above are diet essentials that people usually do when they start losing weight. It may take time to burn fats because our body built depends on our genes, metabolism and lifestyle. Personally speaking, when I have this “I feel fat” syndrome, I tire myself by commuting when going to school/work. Don’t take short cuts and do a lot of walking. The thrill of public transportation is really tiring, sweaty yet slimming.

Well, i’m no dietician but I can I help you with fashion.

• Instead of wearing the usual formal top and black skirt for office, why not try shopping for 1-piece suits slash smart dresses. Also, avoid layering clothes.
• Slacks are must-haves but avoid trousers with butt-fitting style.
• Wear pumps with heels.
• And Lastly, plastic earrings are for teen-agers. Young professionals are way better with simple baubles like pearls, gems and gold/silver jewelleries.

Those are my usual basic pointers but you can also check my previous answers regarding plus size fashion and casual clothes for chubby people. A lot of L-sized girls close themselves with plain, boring and safe style. Thus, I encourage you to choose girly clothes and kikay designs as long as the fabrics are not stretchy.

Thank you dear!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn!

Nag-aaral ako ngayon sa isang Catholic school at ipinagbabawal sa amin ang magsuot ng mini shorts, mini skirts at sleeveless sa school. Anong dapat kong suotin?!

Tulong naman, Leyn! )

Isa sa mga naging batayan nang gusto kong college  school ay dapat walang uniform. Naging alipin kasi ako ng Prim & Proper uniform noong elementary and high school. Feeling ko, nakawala ako sa aking shell noong college at bonggang bongga ko nang masusuot ang aking mga maaarteng damit.

Wrong!

Nakapag-aral ako sa mga paaralan na pang-conyo. Like, I know right. Wahaha! Akala ko noong una, ang mga estudyante sa mga mamahaling paaralan ay dapat naka pang-rampa lagi ang damit. Hindi naman pala.

Actually, may sequence yan. Pag freshman ka, maporma ka and you make sure you have new clothes. A lot of freshmen in our school wear dresses, boots, high-heels… mga ganon. Of course you want to look good since this is your first year in college and it’s a different environment where you meet new people. But as semesters go by, students prefer to wear simple and comfortable clothes. So one indication you’re just a noob in school - you dress a lot.

I suggest that you have to complete your School Attire Closet. For example:

3-4 pairs of Jeans

Alternative to Jeans like Capri Pants and a Knee-Length Skirt

Collection of Casual Shirts and Blouses

A Jacket and Knitted Cardigan

A Pair of Sneakers, Pumps, and Sandals. It’s more comfortable to wear flats especially if your classes are buildings away.

A Girly Shoulder Bag and a Casual Tote. Purses aren’t practical and you need bags that allow space for your books and personal things.

Colorful Accessories and a set of simple Jewelry

Kung mapapansin mo, this simple set of clothes can be worn for several days na. The secret is to know how to mix and match them together. You don’t have to wear bongga dresses na pang-night out or mga damit na halatang may effort. Believe me, magsasawa ka rin to dress up yourself especially if you go to school everyday. Stick with the neat kolehiyala look. But when you shop for tops and shirts, choose flair designs like simple sequins, puffed sleeves, ruffles etc. If you have a collection of not-so-plain blouses then chic clothes will just be your normal attire without even thinking at all.

Don’t panic if house rules don’t allow certain clothing. I assume you can abuse naman up to 3 offenses. Wahaha! Kidding.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello Ms. Leyn!

Una sa lahat, nais ko pong sabihin na idol ko kayo! I encountered your blog months ago when I was still a blogger under the name of Miho La Eksplorada. From then on, lagi ko nang sinusubaybayan hanggang sa magka-dotcom na kayo.

Itatanong ko lang po sana kung anong mga uri ng damit ang maari kong suotin. Isa po akong dalaga, 15 years old, at medyo chubby. Pero ang weird ng body ko kasi hindi balanced yung fats. I mean, medyo malalaki lang yung arms and legs ko, while the rest of my body parts ay katamtaman lang ang size.

I can say na may curves naman ako pero medyo alangan parin ako sa pagsusuot ng mga damit. I tend to wear dresses because I find them very fashionable and unique – a trend which my classmates got from me. I don’t feel comfortable wearing t-shirts and jeans kasi feeling ko mas mataba ako dun, tsaka masyado na siyang common.

Yun lang po, I need your opinion po. Thanks in advance and more power!

-Miho Octobergloom

Dear Miho Octobergloom,

You know what, we have something in common, I also love dresses. I tend to slouch kasi when I’m in jeans kaya teknik talaga ang pagsuot nang mga pambabaeng damit para mag-asal babae ka rin. Wahaha. Anyway, with your case, I’ll be citing recommended clothing suitable for your figure, fashion taste and young age.

As you’ve mentioned, you have fuller arms so you need to know the different types of sleeves that suit you. Try to check out the Butterfly, Bishop or Kimono style sleeves when shopping for tops and dresses. You won’t just look sophisticated but you could also hide your arms with its loose fabric form. Since you don’t have much problem with your waist part, you can choose flowing blouses with a light belt or ribbon that fastens your waist.

BUT I don’t discourage chubby girls to wear sleeveless dresses. The thing is, you just have to know the style that won’t make you look suman or feeling sexy. For casual days and summer months, you can be in Ruffled dainty tops with empire cut. SO WHAT if your so-called fatty arms are exposed? As long as you have taste for lovely clothes, you won’t feel that conscious anymore.

Since you’re not the jeans type of person, you can wear your dress as is. If you have fuller legs, avoid matching your long top with knee-lengthed shorts or capri. They will just make your legs look shorter and plumpy. You can actually wear tights or leggings but make sure the colors are dark or neutral.

With dress colors, since you’re not particular on how to hide flabs on your mid part, you can wear Pastel colors for a youthful glow. Also, belts are must-haves in your closet. High-waist belts are still acceptable but those uber thick ones are no longer in season.

Lastly, it’s really gurly and sexy if you’re in Mid-heels Shoes or Sandals. For girls with bigger legs, better practice walking in heels (mid-heels lang naman) to at least cheat your height.

It’s a good thing that you don’t hide your figure with the usual shirt and jeans. I know I lot of chubby girls who have been so preoccupied with their figure so they just end up not wearing their preferred clothes at all. It’s a matter of how you carry yourself with poise and know the appropriate fashion. Being a trendsetter to your classmates is a good start. If you maintain your fashionista image, you won’t feel uneasy with your flaws any longer. No worries.

Thank you for supporting my blog, much appreciated!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Leyn,

Ako ay isa sa mga bajillion readers mo. From JS to Sosyalera hehe. Anyways, hihingi lang sana ako ng mga idea sayo.

#1. Kung ikaw ay isang balikbayan at balak mong umuwi ng pinas this summer, and may budget ka ng 100k, how would you budget it for 2 weeks. I-budget na rin ang beach, gimiks, mga kain kain sa labas, at shopping. hehe.

#2. Ano ang tamang fashion sa panonood ng concert (ex. Journey). Gusto ko kasi pag nag pa pichur pichur ako with Arnel Pineda, medyo presentable naman ako. Considering na winter season dito. I’m in shape din naman, diba round is shape? =)

Thank you ng super advance sa sagot mo. More power..

Camille

Dear Camille,

Actually, malaki na ang 100k na budget for 2 weeks. Hindi naman ako isang bonggang traveller pero magbibigay nalang ako nang mga practical suggestions:

Una, since gusto mo nang beach, kadalasan ang unang papasok sa isip natin ang Boracay. Actually, afford mo ang Bora pero ang presyo nang damage ay depende sa package na kukunin mo. So, magrerely parin ang budget kung ilan ang kasama mo sa iyong beach trip. The more, the cheaper syempre. (Sorry pero hindi ako makakapag-bigay ng saktong presyo, pero sosyal na ang 15k per head – fare, room share, water activities).

Kung mas trip mo naman ang isang ma-aksyon na bakasyon, bakit hindi mo i-consider ang Water Sports sa Camarines Sur. Mas mura, mas adventurous… minus the white sand beach. Buhay ka na sa halagang 3,150 php (Basic Expenses). Check mo nalang dito ang iba’t-ibang rates.

Gimik ba kamo? Malamang ay dalhin ka ng mga kaibigan mo sa Ascend, High Street. So last season na daw kasi ang Emba. One gimik night can cost you at least 1,500 if you just pay for yourself. Payo ko lang na Friday night kayo gumimik kahit saang bar. Either mga sosyal pero teenagers or mga kabataang pa-conyo wannabe kasi ang crowd kapag Sabado. Haha. Peace!

Kung trip mo naman ang kumain-kain sa labas, mas mabuti pang samantalahin mo na ang mga Pinoy Restaurant at ‘wag kakalimutan mag-Videoke Bar. Kadalasan sa mga Eat-All-You-Can Resto ay 250 pesos at sa Vid Bars naman ay 500 per head. With regards to shopping, I suggest that you buy clothes and accessories not available there, abroad. I’m not sure where you’ll be coming from so I can’t name brands but I assure you that your shopping spree is already included in your 100k. Philippine made products aren’t that expensive anyway.

Btw, lahat nang nabanggit ko ay expenses lang for 1 person. If you’ll be treating family or friends, pasok pa naman sa budget but you’ll have to watch out for the prices and better go with promo packages. Do the math.

Regarding sa tamang pananamit kapag concert, madali lang yan. Unang una, siguraduhin mong naka-closed shoes ka. Since winter dyan, kering-keri mag-Boots pero wag yung high-heels. Maari kasing magka-stampede o tulakan at dyahe naman kung matapakan ka, right?

Kung may choice ba naman ako ay pipiliin kong magka-winter sa Pilipinas para makapag-suot ako ng coat. Kaya magsuot ka ng Coat dahil frustration ko ‘yun. Haha. Kidding aside, kung magsusuot ka nang Coat or Parka Jacket, make sure to button it up during concert. Hindi rin recommended na maglagay ka pa nang scarf dahil baka mawala o lumaylay lang habang nagtatatalon ka.

Leggings, para i-match sa iyong hip-length Coat/Parka Jacket. Mas makakagalaw ka if you’re in a pair of leggings rather than jeans. Also, better put your things in a Body Bag instead of shoulder bag or purse. At least you can move freely and avoid losing your valuables.

Lastly, if you really want to stand out a bit with your attire, wear clothes with vibrant colors. This time, we won’t have to be particular on how you’d look slim since everyone will be in their bulky wintry clothes.

I hope you enjoy your short vacation here in the Philippines and welcome back to our jologs yet colorful culture. At kung gusto mo talaga makapagpa-picture kay Arnel Pineda, manood ka nalang nang live sa ASAP ‘pag uwi mo dito. Wahaha.

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi leyn,

good day!

just started reading your blog and i noticed that you are good in noticing the latest fashion do’s and don’ts, runway looks and don’t-try-this on your next nightout look. Which brings me to why im sending this letter. Call me PICKY-EATER. I’m 22 y.o. Gay male from cebu, a nurse turned billing adviser for a telecommunications company abroad (outsourced-callcenter baby), and im borderlining chubby vs. obesity. I tried to lose weight but i still got a long way to go. Which now brings me to this email. I would like to ask you stuff regarding Clothes that would look good, err great on me, as you know the fashion industry is not that Kind to people who are plus-sized or a bit too JUICY. please indicate trends that would TRY to complement me, my body in general.

thanks… Ü

jeRemiAh

Dear jeRemiAh,

Actually, plus size figured bodies can also wear the latest trends but you just have to know the cut, style and colors. Like it’s recommended to wear a cardigan instead of an old school bulky jacket – though its design should be vertically inclined. The tips below are mentioned in general because fashion trends change every now and then. You just have to know the ABCs of plus size clothing:

Avoid wearing two contrasting colors like blue jeans and an orange top. Pairing such colors emphasizes your middle part. Stick with dark pants and go neutral with your upper body. Looks boring, but at least quite effective.

It’s really not good for plus size people wearing solid bright colored apparel. Aside from the fact that it shows more fabric stretches, it doesn’t camouflage your figure as a whole. And speaking of bright colors, avoid soild purple. Big purple shirts look so Grimace.

Lines and stretches can show off your flabs so it’s not recommended to wear anything spandex. Shop for clothes with substantial fabrics that stay in shape. If you wear shirts a lot, try to be particular with texture and thickness. A polo shirt in Lacoste is a good example, though you don’t have to spend like 3k per garb. You just have to be keen with quality.

V-Neck tops show some chest and neck part and 3/4 sleeves are recommended than shorter sleeves to hide unwanted fatty arms.

Everyone already knows that horizontal stripes make us look wider. If you really dig for prints when buying clothes, just be picky and look for chevron patterns with V shaped graphics.

Inclining style with your profession, it won’t hurt if you put some corporate touch with your clothing. Buy hip length blazers that perfectly fit on you. Wearing blazer adds lining on your chest-torso part and buttoning can hide bulges. Vests and waist length jackets aren’t plus size friendly because it will make your body look “boxed type”. Hooded cardigans are also good replacements for your huge-looking sporty jacket.

With pants, skinny jeans aren’t that big-sized-figure flattering so you have to stick with the straight-cut style. Choose trousers with vertical linings that exactly fit without flare.  With shorts, buy the knee-length ones and avoid Capri pants.

Quit the manly jordan rubber shoes and square tipped loafers. Since lace-ups are in, these kind of pair complement a heavy figure. The slim structure of a lace-up/plimsoll shoe doesn’t make your footwear part bulky.

Let’s admit that whatever apparel we’re in, it doesn’t totally cheat our figure. As I always say, I suggest that you have to invest on quality clothing and look sophisticated as much as possible. Citing locally, Raymond Gutierrez dresses well regardless of his big built. Rumors say he’s gay, but we don’t care. It’s obvious that he’s plus sized BUT people are more excited to see what he’s wearing. You need to have this kind of intuition. Love your body and just add vanity. Also, good physical impression starts with a light aura, smart posture and a contagious smile.

Thanks dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

Magandang araw!

Minsan akong hiniritan ni Mariano na itanong ko daw sayo kung ano ang maimumungkahi mong maaaring gawin para ang neck collar/brace ay maging fashionable. Kaya eto na nga ako, nage-email. Haha!

Just a backgrounder, I have a (not so serious) cervical spine problem. My doctor advised me to wear my neck collar/brace religiously so that it won’t get worse, or else, I might need to undergo surgery (please, God, no.) to correct it or whatever (di ako nakikinig eh. nanay ko kausap niya so kebs ko hehe!). However, I seldom wear the neck brace for the following reasons:

1. MAINIT.
2. UNCOMFORTABLE.
3. OUT OF PLACE SA WARDROBE.

So there. I rarely wear it. But lately, because of work, the stress brought about by it, is causing my cervical spine to hurt once more and I feel the need to wear the neck brace daily to support the spine. Though my email is nagmamarunong@post.com I admittedly do not know everything, so can you suggest ways to make the unfashionable neck brace/collar fashionable?

Thanks thanks thaaaaaaaaaaanks!

-superboi (babae po ako, not bading, btw. girlaloo all the way. hehe.)

Dear superboi,

Alam mo bang ginagamit ka lang ni Mariano para pahirapan ako. Hahaha Wenk. But kidding aside, madali lang naman ang solusyon dyan. Ang sagot lang ay ‘wag mong pilit itago ang pagsuot nang iyong neck brace at mamili nalang nang mga damit na babagayan nito.

Though I’m not sure if your neck brace looks like this…

Just in case ito nga, try to be choosy with your tops and it’s recommended to wear high neckline blouses. Wearing spaghetti straps that show your chest makes it more obvious that you’re in neck braces. I know it’s uncomfortable and sweaty, but if you really want to at least match your clothing with your neck support then you have to sacrifice my dear.

As you’ve noticed, the shades are quite pale and safe. This is to complement the light color of your neck brace. Imagine if you’re in a shocking red or royal blue, the bulkiness on your collar part will be more noticeable. Also, picking light hues will somehow camouflage the color of your neck brace. Never try to use scarves to hide it, panget yun.

In case you’re into accessories, avoid wearing layered style necklaces. You can just be in a simple jewelry with a small pendant. In other terms, accessorize but not too much.

Lastly, we have to accept that wearing such braces isn’t usual and to some extent conflicts fashion. It’s for your health anyway. As recommended, just try to minimize the obviousness of your cervical support. That simple. Kadiri naman siguro kung isa-suggest ko na lagyan mo nang embroidery o sequins ang iyong neck brace diba. So there, I hope your pain lessens ’cause I bet it’s really hard to be in a collar brace everyday. Take care of yourself.

Love Lots,

Leyn