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

-xoxo, F

Dear F,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More power din. Hehe.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms.Leyn,

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

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

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

-ShimMinHyo

Dear ShimMinHyo,

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

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

Anyhow, here are my picks:

Serendra Shops

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

The Ramp Crossings

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

Rustan’s

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

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

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

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

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

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear leyn sosyalera,

Hi I’m tet and I’m a public school teacher. Nabasa ko ang mga emails sayo sa net, well accidentally nagsurf ako sa net to look for  a dress not only dress but also designs and the in colors for this year. I’m a grade six teacher and its a problem to decide what color and design to choose. My co-teachers now are planning for our dress and we want it simple but elegant since we’re grade six teachers we want it to be stunning on that special event. Last year dress ang suot namin and the color is magenta, with shawl nga un eh kaso were not comfortable at isa pa mejo may kamahalan. Gusto namin ay magagamit namin in any occassion or events sa school namin. So now we decided to use pants and blouse but the thing is we don’t know what kind of design that fits on us especially I’m fat. I hope you can help me in this problem, because graduation is fast approaching so we need to decide before the time comes.

Aside from that, ilang kasamahan namin ay matnda na and sana makapagbigay ka ng designs that is really suits to us. Even for boys also, can you give suggestions dress for them.

Thanks and I hope you can help me in this problem.

More power to you.

tet

Dear tet,

Since we have to take in consideration the age range for the outfit, the style should be simple and can flatter any shape. As you have experienced before, using a shawl feels uncomfortable and old-school so don’t do the same mistake. Just in case you decided to stick on wearing a dress, come up with styles that are not body fitting (like bodycons and pencil skirts). Here are some examples:

What’s good about these styles is that they fit any body type, hide flabs, big arms and straight figures. Hindi rin tatagal ang paggawa for bulk orders because of its simple design.

Include 3/4 Tunics on your list if it’s okay for everyone to wear tops with longer sleeves. A straight or empire cut top can be matched with black leggings instead of slacks. Just add accents on the neckline like ribbons and ruffles. The downside is, this fashion is seems ordinary and doesn’t look that formal.

The blouse & pants attire may be too casual so I suggest that you concentrate on designing details on the blouse’s sleeves and neckline. Allow some space on the chest part for jewelries/necklace. Here’s sample of a chic design:

For boys, all I can think of is a semi-formal shirt with mandarin collar.

I remember that we were assigned to design our graduation blouse for the Baccalaureate Mass few years ago. We searched for a prospect blouse that we can use as a pattern then bought 1 sample for the seamstress. If you’re running out of ideas then do the same. Looking for styles in actual can help you easily decide than starting from scratch.

I hope this helped a bit.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hey everyone,

I’ve been piled up with emails regarding prom/grad ball dress ideas for weeks. I hope you understand that I can’t answer them all especially if someone has already asked the same advice. I’ll have to pick a few emails for the benefit of all. And by the way, thanks for some letter senders who are attaching some pictures, it helps actually.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn!

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

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

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

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

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

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

- mika

Dear mika,

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

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

Off-Shoulder Dress

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

One-Shoulder Dress

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

Assymetric Dress

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your first prom night!

Love Lots,

Leyn

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

And 2010 fashion forecast?

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

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

xo,
-mich.

Dear mich,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Sosyalera Leyn,

Hi! I hope you’re doing great.

I’m, yet again, one of your many fans. I love how you mix your amazing wit and humor with fashion advice and observations about our culture. I looooove your site, more power, and i hope you never get sick of it.

Anyway, enough na sa pagfafangirl ko sa yo. I’m here to seek your advice on fashion. Recently lang kasi ako talaga naging interested sa fashion kasi medyo tomboy-ish at nerdy ako(di lumalabas ng bahay), not to mention na sa uplb ako nag-aaral, wherein people go to class in their pambahay, and go to exams in their pantulog (minsan nga some guys boxers lang XD). So, never ko pa naging problem ang fashion, until recently, na marami na akong papalapit na formal presentations at job interviews, kasama pa mga org parties. Gusto ko na rin kasi magkaroon ng sense of fashion para sa buong buhay ko. Gusto ko na kasing i-shed ang pagiging wallflower ko, kasi hindi maganda sa career cheverlu. Pero wala akong ibang nalalaman other than sa mga advice na nasa website mo.

Eto pa, the bigger problem talaga is my body type. I have Cushing Syndrome kasi. Meaning, i’m obese pero exempted mga limbs ko.(san ka pa?) I stand 5 feet tall with medium fair complexion. I have broad shoulders, short neck, somewhat long-ish torso, short forelegs, huge thighs and belly, medium boobs, flat butt, small hips, somewhat kuba na likod and sort of skinny forelimbs. Ang gulo di ba? And to prove i’m not just pulling your leg or anything, i even enclosed some pics.

Pasensya na po if you feel like i’m asking for too much. I hope you can help me with my problem. If anything, thanks for reading my letter.

Much Love,
Joharah

Dear Joharah,

Thanks for appreciating my blog. Whatever’s posted here is all spontaneous, no proof read and badly written so I’m quite surprised that people still read my blog. Lol.

Anyway, you know what, based on the image you sent, you don’t even look obese. Perhaps you just lack the perfect body proportion (which is a common problem to many people including me of course) but in a way you still look in shape. The skinny models fad we see on TV shouldn’t be the norm for being stylish. I’m not sure if you have already browsed this previous post but I believe it will help you too. Going back to the issue, you have to improve your fashion sense bit by bit. It’d be awkward for you to suddenly shift from jeans to pink dresses, right?

First, buy the essentials for your formal attire needs – a pair of black slacks and a black ruffled skirt. You can never go wrong with this color and match any style of top and accessories.

Instead of the usual polo shirt, pick tops with attention-catching details like ruffles, laces, or ribbons which are considered the trends for 2010. Your top doesn’t have to be in shocking colors and I suggest white, ivory or pastel colors to maintain a clean look.

You also have to try wearing 1 piece like jumpsuits and dresses. You can wear them on org parties.

And as I always say, your accessories matter. Elegant baubles like thin silver necklaces and pearl earrings can add elegance to your simple clothing. A set of thin chains (like layered necklace) can give life to a plain colored dress.

Even though you’re wearing the common black and white hues, your shoes can do magic. If you’re wearing a white top and black skirt, a pair of red or light mid-heel pumps will carry your entire outfit. High heels can just make your feet swell so don’t force yourself.

So basically, I’m recommending simple pieces with a twist of details. Then invest on accessories like jewelries and quality shoes. You don’t have to overdress on formal events but start perking up your everyday look by wearing strappy sandals instead of flip flops and change your hairstyle from the usual short hair to a layered bob. Plus, make sure you update yourself with the latest fashion rage with magazines and websites.

In fact, improving one’s fashion taste is simple. You just need to save up your allowance to start changing some old clothes in your closet. A lot of girls seem nerdy and conventional but deep inside, they also want to do something new with how they give that physical impression so it’s also a matter of confidence and enthusiasm.

Thank you very much for reading my blog! I also hope you won’t get tired of visiting my site.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi Leyn,

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

Thank you.

Patricia

Dear Patricia,

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

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

Short Flashy Cocktail Dress

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

Long Gown

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

Bodycon

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

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

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

Good luck!

Love Lots,

Leyn

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Leyn,

Hello idol! Avid reader here! I hope you’re fine. Anyway, I am quite in trouble. I bought a like-new jacket from a thrift store. Before I use it, I washed it and totally forgot to wash it with care. Now it is messed up. (Please check the attached picture.) I am wondering if you have any idea to make it still look presentable or cute without people noticing that I messed it up. Thank you. More power.

P.S. Happy holidays!

Tutubi

Dear Tutubi,

Hey there, thanks for reading my blog. I’ve checked the attached image of your duffle jacket and I noticed that the leather strings’ surfaces were peeled off. Based on experience, one of my leather bags was also damaged like your jacket. I tried coloring the white parts with a pen but it just made my bag look gross. Haha.

I understand that you bought it from a thrift store (perhaps to save money from shopping) but if you really want that jacket, there’s no other way to fix the dented parts but ask a seamstress to repair it for you. It’s either you remove the strings completely or replace them with the same style. At least you still have the chance to change the color, buttons and its material so you won’t encounter the same washing difficulty. I really suggest you remove the scraped leather because the damage is obvious. Detailed sewing might have been done to attach the strings and if you’re not careful enough, the damage will just turn worse. If you think you can remove the strings by yourself, then that’s okay.

Well I know this is frustrating but just let your creativity work by refurbishing your jacket. Light gray or white looks better than brown strings so now it’s up to you if you want them replaced or not. It could cost you a hundred for small repair of ropes and toggles. You can come up with something like shown below:

Happy Holidays my dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn