Dear sosyalera,

Good day! Reading your blog is very entertaining. Natatawa ako at the same time very useful ang mga tips and advices mo sa mga readers. I tried searching your blog if may advice ka with regards to whitening the underarms but I got zero results. Truth is I love dancing kaya lang dahil sa dark underarms ko… I shyed away. It is frustrating dahil hindi naman nagwowork yung mga whitening cream na nilalagay ko. I was hoping na sana mabigyan mo ako ng advice tungkol dito. Thank you for reading.

-tin-

Dear -tin-,

Hey there. Thank you if you find my blog entertaining. I always try to be spontaneous and serious but I end up making fun of myself. Lol. Anyway, you’re the first one who asked this kind of concern so you cannot find any inquiry about UA whitening.

Honestly, I don’t have the perfect underarms. Syempre may lines but I’m quite lucky they’re not dark. Lines and bumpy hair follicles are normal unless your skin is really perfect or “polished”. If your underarms have mild lines then whitening creams / deodorants will work. But if the darks spots are obvious then you should undergo underarm whitening treatment. Unfortunately, derma treatment is the most effective and fastest way of lightening dark armpits. Do not believe in the promises of whitening creams because it’s better to undergo skin bleaching to make sure the dark outer skin peels.

As you’ve mentioned, you’ve been using whitening creams. Have you tried using peeling solution instead? (For example Kate Jones underarms peeling solution for 400php.) But please do a research before trying products without consulting a derma, ok? I don’t want to recommend brands I haven’t tried before.

That’s it, to sum it up, do not depend on creams and try an advanced treatment instead. It may be more expensive but the effect is long-lasting. At least you’ll have more confidence especially on doing things that you love. But for the meantime, just be choosy with the clothes you wear while you decide for the right solution.

Cheers!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

I always visit your site and read about those interesting articles. I learn a lot from your blogs, so thanks for that.

I just want to ask for your help about those what they call vintage accessories. Cause i have few of those accessories and I don’t know if I’m wearing it with the right clothes. So please help me find the right clothes for those accessories

I attached a picture of one of my vintage accessory, just to help you picture it in your mind

ANNA

Dear ANNA,

I’m not sure if you sent an e-mail twice but sorry for this super late reply. I hope you still read my blog. Lol.

Anyway, vintage accessories are really in right now. And these lovely pieces can be matched with almost any type of clothing so the style is versatile. So that everyone knows what I’m talking about, here are the necklaces I’m referring to:

As I’ve mentioned, you can wear them with any style – jeans, dresses, casual shorts, but i think you need to match your vintage necklace with the right colors. Actually, any color will do but basing on my taste, here are my picks:

For example, check out some cute dresses with peach or pinkish colors. Florals and small prints are trendy.

If you’re the jeans type of person, you can wear a loose-fitting tank top (or jersey) and skinny jeans. Upgrade your casual outfit from the usual plain shirt and wear something sleeveless.

Vintage charm accessories are better off with simple dresses (without so much details and intricate designs).

Vintage-looking necklaces like shown above are available in department stores for 150-200 pesos. I saw a stall named Funky Chic (not sure) in Robinson’s Place Manila that sells necklaces like these. The one with a camera pendant costs 180 pesos. It’s actually cheap compared to genuine vintage accessories sold in vintage stores.

Anyhow Anna, thanks for frequently reading my blog.

Love Lots,

Leyn

So I haven’t updated this section lately because I’ve been busy offline and I can only maintain the main page. Also, I discovered that I just received all the emails today that were sent in like a month ago so I have a number of unread mails as of now. Blame my email host perhaps. Lol.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for your continued support. I will try my best to answer them all. Much Love!

- L

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

Hi Leyn,

I’m Cleo and I’m 24 y/o. I’ve been a follower of your blog since time immemorial :p Charos lang. Basta since blogspot days eh reader mo na ko. Pati nga twitter & tumblr mo eh pinatos ko na rin sa pag-follow =)

Anyhoo, I’m writing you an email to ask your help about fashion. A designer friend of mine invited me to attend the Philippine Fashion Week on the 28th at the SMX Convention Center because she will be showcasing her designs on the said event. Problem is, I haven’t been in a fashion show before. I do watch some on TV but never attended one in the past. I don’t want to look like I’m trying so hard to be a fashionista. Ayokong magmukhang I’m overdressed. We also plan on going out for some drinks after the event. What can you suggest for me to wear on the 28th? Okay lang ba mag-dress?

Btw, I’m only 5′1, fair-skinned and medium built.

Thanks so much for the help and stay pretty

Thanks,
Cleo

Dear Cleo,

Thanks for your continued support even though my blogspot is already dead. Hehe.

For the upcoming Philippine Fashion Week, it’s better to put on something from the S/S collection since this year’s PFW theme is ‘fashionable chic’. If you’ll be present as a guest and will merely watch the show, a simple cocktail dress and open-toe high heels is the safest outfit you can wear. Wearing a party dress with inflated designs and atypical style can make you seem overdressed. It’s not necessary to be in a super fabulous dress unless you’re one of the front-row guests. Remember, most people who attend such events are fashionistas so be careful with your get-up.

Little Black Dress
A simple yet sophisticated LBD doesn’t go obsolete. Whether you choose a tube dress or with sleeves, the style is apt for the said event.

Cocktail Dress
If wearing black is not your thing, then you can switch to a cocktail dress. You can choose from either a plain tube, bondage or bodycon. The simpler the prints, the better. Tulip skirts are still trendy nowadays.

Black High Heels
Your shoes can carry your entire outfit. Still, black high heels with cut-out or strap design can make your simple dress fashionable.

Relaxed Get-up
I might be attending the PFW but I’m gonna be there to take pictures. So in case you’re planning to go there to do a lot of walking just like me, you can consider wearing a playsuit or something laid-back. Like a clean white top and black harem pants. Match this outfit with a pair of detailed flats.

Lastly, don’t forget to wear the latest accessories. Layered chains, black studded necklaces and thin layered bangles are hip this season.

Basta don’t catch too much attention and stick to the updated but classic styles. Good luck and enjoy!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello Ms. Leyn:

Hope this email finds you well.

I have been a long time lurker in your blog and this is the first time that I mustered the guts to ask for your advice. You see, I’m attending a friend’s wedding next week and bought some items on line. Now that I have them I’m not so sure if the shoes can be paired with the dress. I am attaching them both for you to see. Kindly give me ideas on the accessories to use, as well as the kind of shrug/bolero that I have to wear during the church ceremonies.

Thanks in advance!

Rowena

Dear Rowena,

Hello there another lurker.

I already checked the attached picture. The dress looks wedding appropriate naman and the shoes look stylish but I don’t think they look good together.

For the dress, I think you should pair it with black open-toe sandals, though it’s still up to you if you want to change your shoes. Your current strap shoes won’t get easily noticed because you’ll match it with a long dress. Kaso, I just think black sandals are more fitting. The shoes you have there are way better with a shorter dress.

As for your shrug, buy the kind with short sleeves. A long-sleeved shrug can make you look super covered because of the maxi dress. I think the most appropriate color you should pick is black.

For accessories, wear a simple set of silver or white gold jewelries. Avoid big accessories because your dress have bold prints already.

Hope this helped you a bit!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hello Leyn.

First time kong mag-email sayo and tong problem ko is about swimwear. Alam ko nakapost ka na about swimwear pero here’s my problem.Magsswimming kami sa May 8 pero hindi ko alam yung susuotin ko maliban sa tshirt at shorts.

Ito kasi ang problema:
- mataba ako.
- i have dark ua. so hindi ko talaga siya pwedeng ibuyangyang sa public. hindi rin naman ako pwedeng hindi magtaas ng kamay.

So, may ma-isusuggest ka ba sakin (at sa ibang girls na may same prob) na pwedeng isuot pag lalangoy. thanks. And sorry kung ngayon ko lang kita naemail regarding this, tapos sa sabado na pala yung trip.

Love,
beachbeach

Dear beachbeach,

Ayan, medyo rush response ‘to kaya maikli lang. Hmm, if you define yourself as “mataba”, you still have to classify yourself whether you have an hourglass, apple or pear shaped body type. This is if you plan to be in a swimwear under a shirt or cover-up.

Since your issue is about your dark ua, you might not be comfortable wearing sarongs or anything sleeveless. On the beach, you can wear flowing ponchos, a white tunic or handkerchief dresses instead. Its shapeless style can conceal your figure and then just show some legs para hindi ka super covered.

When swimming, you can use a silk like cover-up na parang kulambo instead of a plain shirt. Shirts tend to become heavier when wet so silky fabric are more comfy and stylish. Clothes like these are mostly available on department stores for about 250-500 pesos each. Invest on the cover-up instead of the swimwear. (Below is an example but it doesn’t have to be that long, just something like that.)

You can wear a tube swimsuit under your cover-up. For a more “summer” look, the colors of your top and under swimwear should be contrasting. (For example: Fuchsia tube and white poncho).

Preparations for the beach are really stressing. But don’t worry, once you’re at the beach, you’ll no longer think of these body problems because you’ll be enjoying most of the time.

Happy weekend!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Leyn,

It’s 2010 and the month of May’s coming quick. As an early start, can you give fashion picks for guys that are trendy now? As for my age, im 17. And the business-y, older look doesnt really work for me. Can you give me, us a down-low on whats in for spring? Im more of a pants guy so it’ll be great if pants are features more.

BTW. I usually shop at Zara and Topman. Thanks a lot!:)

DarrenDynamite

Dear DarrenDynamite,

I usually base my taste for the latest trend from foreign designers and most recent runway collections. But because we don’t have the same season with US or Europe, I just check the pieces that are wearable and appropriate with our climate and culture. Anyhow, since you shop at my favorite stores Topshop/Topman and Zara, it’s easier for you to know the most up-to-date and hippest get-up.

First, I’ve sorted out some of my favorite outfits from the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection of different designers. You can draw inspiration from them. Here are my picks:

As you can see, most of the pieces exhibit dull colors of gray, earth, black and white. I know you’re young and hip, so most likely you’re into colorful and contrasting clothes but if you want to look more sophisticated then follow the pattern of these shades.

Second, I have no idea what’s your physique so I might be suggesting styles that won’t look good on you. But basically, you have to be particular with the right fitting:

Jeans
As mentioned on a previous post, I am still recommending Twister Jeans, Straight and Boot Cut. Then with trousers, pick the Slim style para hindi mukhang formal and you can match it with your shirts or use it during casual days.

Shorts
Quit the super baggy shorts and try the slim type from Topman. This style of shorts is usually knee-length with no extra pockets.

Tops
Based on the pictures from 2010 runway, fine/thin fabric is suggested. My most favorite get-up is from Y3 because the model sported a simple yet young looking fashion. If you’re into printed shirts, make sure to pick light designs with toning colors.

Shoes
Canvas sneakers are must haves this summer. Unlike the high-cut sporty rubber shoes, you can use them with smart-casual trousers or polo shirts. Also, canvas shoes are usually cheaper and lighter.

That’s it. Always remember, less is more.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Leyn,

Hi! Gusto ko po ilapit sa inyo ang problemang ito dahil alam ko pong ikaw ang makakatulong sa akin. I’m 16 years old incoming college freshie. Iniisip ko pong magpasemi-kalbo. Babae po ako. Hindi tomboy as in straight girl po ako. Hirap po kasi ako ihandle ang buhok ko. Babagay po kaya sa akin kung magpapakalbo ako? oval po ang shape ng  mukha ko. medyo malaki po yung noo ko. gusto ko po talagang magpakalbo. if ever bagay po sa akin, saan pong salon kaya ako pwede magpakalbo? maraming salamat Miss Leyn! More power to your blog.

Sincerely,
sanakalbo

Dear sanakalbo,

I even e-mailed you to ask if you’re serious. Lol.

I’m not in favor of your idea because I’m a sucker for long hair style particularly for girls. So to make this short, I’ll suggest the side shaved style instead (just like Rihanna’s. See image below). With this hairdo, all you have to think of is to manage the upper part which is easier than maintaining a long hair. You just need gel and hair mousse for maintenance. Also, this hairdo is in this 2010.

But if you insist to make yourself look bald, I think you can try any salon. There’s no specific place that specializes in shaving people’s heads. Lol. Shaving your hair will be easier for the haircutter than styling it.

Oh well, good luck.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn!

I consider myself a person who can design. I do visual art (photography and graphic design) but I think I cannot do good when it comes to styling myself. I have been reading GQ and August Man for a while now and they do help when it comes to clothing a man. But the models there are, well, good looking and slim/lean/whatever. How about for a guy like me? Ehe.

I am sort of biggie on the midsection (gah! big tummy and thigh!). I have been trying to cut that down but as of now, what are the styles you can advice? Thanks much! I trust your style that’s why I asked you. :s

If you need reference, i have attached a pic. :s

Dustin

Dear Dustin,

Basing on the picture attached, I think you pick the right clothes naman. But not the right colors. You may not be as lean as those guy models on magazines but you don’t look obese naman. I bet you already know these but as a recap, here are the basics for men with fuller bodies:

• Wear dark-colored clothes to avoid noticeable folds and creases.
• Avoid spandex-like material.
• Choose fabric with minimal or small prints.
• When layering clothes, make sure that the prints are harmonized with the other pieces you wear.

Actually, any style of top or bottom is okay. Since we’re talking about Men’s Fashion, it’s not as meticulous as Women’s style. The pieces that will look good on you depend if they are well-adjusted to fit your body (not too small nor oversized).

Tops
Wear 3/4 folded up sleeves as your basic top for an everyday smart casual wear. Collect the basic colors first before buying shirts with prints. You can wear these tops together with a pair of slacks, jeans or even shorts.

Pants
Wear darker jeans (gray or black) instead of denim because you can use them as an alternative for formal trousers. Skinny jeans don’t match your body type so buy the straight cut, boot cut or twister style. If you are a slacks person, do not wear the pleated type.

Layer
You can wear thin cardigans instead of bulky jackets. Knitted vests are okay as long as its color go with your base clothing.

Accessories
Invest on long lasting accessories like a formal watch and white gold bracelet. Pandagdag pogi points din yan.

Shoes
Stick to basic colors like black, gray, tan and a pair of white sneakers. If you think pointed lace-up shoes are too gay, then try boat shoes or desert design instead.

I am recommending neutral colors (tan, khaki, taupe, beige), gray shades, black and white. These colors look more professional and smart. It’s better if you always make yourself look presentable especially if you have clients as a visual artist. So basically, I am suggesting that you upgrade your wardrobe with smart-casual clothes that can help you with your profession. Artists don’t have to be ragged and dressed in pop culture shirts, if you get what I mean.

I hope my advice gave you an idea. Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn