Beautifying Brooch

August 7, 2009 – 8:14 pm
Filed under pinoy jologs culture, women's clothing

Hello Leyn!

Uh… Sorry about the screaming subject headline. But anyway, I think you’ll give me the best advice on what to wear next week—August 14. My organization is about to held this ‘awards party’ where we award org. people for their outstanding work in the org. (Durrr.) Haha.

And the sub-theme as what they’ve indicated is “Brooch”. And the main theme as fashion show…. So any outfit as long as there is a brooch! Dammit, as I know brooch are usually used by old/adult people. Yeah. My perception.

But anyway… there! I really need help. I want ideas. Well, I actually have ideas in my mind but I want more. I know brooches can be either pinned on the outfit or basta anywhere near the neck…or whatever. I don’t really know how to best place it WHERE.

And also.. fashion show. Daaaamn. Well, it’s a challenge ’cause I usually wear just the normal good dresses paired of with the right accessories. I just don’t know how to go out with a BANG!

Thank you very much! I would appreciate your fast response ;P

- aileen

Dear aileen,

I think this is the first time I’m answering a concern promptly so pardon if my response might not be that useful. Anyway, reflect on this – what do you usually see on a regular fashion show?

Couture. High heels. Glam Hairdo.

Quit the usual party dress this time. Be in something different. Everyday is not a runway day so this event comes once in a blue moon. First you need to spy on other people’s planned outfit. The occasion might be kind of formal, or maybe funky. I have no idea but you still have time to figure out because I bet you don’t want to end up looking bizarre among the crowd.

For the brooch, the usual designs are flowers and big gem stones. Try a different taste – like pinned charms and animals.

I don’t suggest that you just pin your chosen brooch on your dress or top like everybody else. So to add style to that brooch thing, fasten it on a flower corsage so it won’t look plain, dull and as is.

Well other event goers might have already thought of attaching a flower on any side of their chest and that’s so 2005. So wear it as a neck accessory instead so you’d look sophisticated and different.

Looks familiar? Yes, these are Serena and Blair dresses. You probably get the idea by now.

Brooches are small so they’re actually not the first thing that will be noticed that’s why you also have to think of your dress. This is an event so in a way, formality is observed but I believe this is a school thing so don’t make yourself look old and bitchy. Buy or borrow a dress with ruffles or full skirt. Avoid too much accessories because your jewelries might not match your brooch.

And lastly, whether you wear a short or long dress, make sure you’re in high heels.

Enjoy shopping this weekend. Need to catch some ZZZs now. Hehe.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dress to Impress

July 29, 2009 – 6:36 pm
Filed under women's clothing

Hi! I just saw your blog and all i can say is that i’m super happy because i have someone to ask for advice regarding my problem..

The thing is my friend is having her party at a bar and her theme is dress to impress. I know I should dress to impress just like anyone else but i want it to be the best-est (if there’s such term) this time. I want to dress perfectly for the occasion.

I stand 5′2 and have an okay body. Not too thin and not too fat. Also my friends know that I’m not that kikay type so i want to impress them this time.But the big problem is I am only a student and i don’t think i can afford to buy expensive clothes since i won’t wear them occasionally. Also, i want to wear something that is comfortable and would look the same throughout the night because there would be a lot of dancing and drinking.

I want to look simple yet elegant with all the make-up and all and not to look trying hard at the same time. I am also scared that there might be someone else in the party with the same dress as mine so i want to avoid that.

If it’s not too much, i also want to ask your help regarding make-up; on how to apply eye shadows that would fit perfectly for the occasion and not look too dramatic.

Looking forward to your advices.

-frustrated fashionista

Dear frustrated fashionista,

You won’t have hard time choosing attire for the party given that you have a good figure. From what I understand, you also want to dress differently this time without neglecting comfort and budget. Actually, I just have two styles in my mind after reading your e-mail so I hope my ideas will help you a bit.

Since bodycons are one of this season’s trends, the style would be perfect for an evening party – cocktail, dance or dinner. Buying a piece won’t even hurt your pocket because mall boutiques have them in stock or even your friendly ukay-ukay. The secret is just to look for the perfect one that fits you well.

To look poised in a bodycon dress, make sure you’re wearing a fitted undergarment. This is to avoid noticeable flabs and sagging of dress. I’m suggesting solid-colored or less-printed fabric so it won’t be that obvious if you bump into someone with the same dress (well, I hope that doesn’t happen). A Little Black Dress would be elegant and safe for any occasion.

Dress to impress theme doesn’t require showy or sexy clothes to catch attention. I actually want to suggest a tutu plus stockings style but as you’ve said; your friends think you’re not the kikay type so it’s somewhat OA if they see that you made so much effort with your clothing. Baka kantsyawan ka nila for life. So it’s better to stick with a classic outfit yet looking glamorous. How can you do this? Wear a simple cocktail dress but have a hair make over and accessorize with hair dresses. This tip is cost effective.

You will be dancing and moving all night so it’s better to either have an up hairdo or curls – low maintenance than straight ironed hairdo because you don’t have to frequently comb your hair. Curls style can feel sweaty so if you have time, try to fix your hair upstraight. You can even add details to your crowning glory by wearing headbands, flower pins or an artistic tiara.

Shoes. This will do the trick. I know you want to feel comfortable throughout the night but if you really want to stand out then you have wear high heels. No pain, no gain. Below are pairs of Christian Louboutins and Jimmy Choos but there are cheaper choices with same style. Check out People Are People or any Department Store. I just want you to have an idea what shoes look good for a party.

If you’re uncertain that you might not enjoy the night in high heels, then go for Style # 2: Dress and Boots. Killer boots are so last season so I’ll suggest the Fringe Boots. They’re more comfortable and hip. However, the style looks laid-back because you need to pair it with a loose-fitting dress instead of a bodycon.

Lastly, don’t bring oversize shoulder bags. Use a clutch bag or purse. If you decided to wear a dark shade then match it with a purse with contrasting color. At least you won’t worry where to leave your things since you can carry a small bag anywhere… hassle free.

Don’t be intimidated with the items I suggested. You have lots of cheaper options like department stores, bargains or your mom’s closet. I also experienced being a student and it’s not easy to be broke in times of fashion emergencies. Plan for your party style to avoid wasting time in shopping or borrowing things.

Regarding make-up, any neutral shade for the eyes will do. Apply glittery color of eyeshadow over the neutral shade para hindi ka magmukhang EMO. Just please don’t combine blue and pink para hindi ka naman mukhang kukunan ng grad pic. It’s quite hard to give words regarding make-up because I have no idea what’s your complexion. Youtube make-up tutorials can help.

I hope you enjoy this event and don’t you think it’s about time to bring out the kikay side in you? You will be attending more parties in the future and rely with your sense of style. ;)

Love Lots,

Leyn

Petite Flattering

July 28, 2009 – 5:40 pm
Filed under women's clothing

hello leyn

am browsing on the net looking for the right fit for small girls. i’ve come to noticed your blog and its so amazing. i believe you’re a model icon, I DO HAVE A BIG PROBLEM. im only 4′8″” in height :-< which i find it as a disadvantage plus medyo malaki yung braso ko.

can you help me out on what to wear? well my boobs are pretty nice :D should i have to flaunt my asset ? pls help me out. thank you and more power.

lil_lady

Dear lil_lady,

Thank you for appreciating my blog. I’d be glad to give you tips but as I always say, all fashion advices here could just help out with what’s really your personal choice. I believe you can still think of better options for yourself. Most e-mails sent to me are concerning style for chubby and petite girls so you might want to browse some of the answers here. You can also refer to this post for basic fashion that flatters smaller height.

First, you should be aware of what’s your figure type – Triangle, Inverted Triangle, Hour Glass or Straight? Based with how you described yourself, I assume you have the Inverted Triangle figure. Not bad at all. You just have to know the ABCs so you’d have an idea what type of clothes you should be wearing, next time you go shopping.

For a recap, just take in mind:

  • Dark colors compliment petite girls.
  • Learn to wear high heels but avoid ankle straps.
  • V or U Necklines for tops.
  • Avoid narrow belts, big accessories, oversized bags and baggy clothing.

Dress:

Try not to make your upper part (shoulders and bust) look fuller so your body as a whole can maintain a balanced look. It’s not that bad to wear strapless dresses as long as you keep a good posture. Have more definition on the waist and hip part to compliment your arms and bust. Below are examples but clothes are shown in light colors.

Tops and Blouses:

For a casual look, you can stick with the 3/4s sleeves instead of the short cap type. If I have the same figure as yours, I’d prefer to wear sleeveless tops than short cap sleeves. Short sleeves can create a fringe illusion of your arms unless you choose for the loose sleeves type like illustrated below.

Skirts:

To keep a balanced appearance of the upper and lower part, it’s better to wear fuller skirts or with pleats. In fact, it’s a trend nowadays so no worries with this fad. The skirt length is also a factor – above or below the knee and knee-length skirts are recommended. Mini-skirts can expose the short extent of your legs so you may avoid them to flatter your height.

Pants:

It’s better for petite girls to wear dark colored pants. Skinny jeans are okay as long as you have slim legs. But if you want to make your hips and thighs look thicker, pants with pocket details or tapered trousers can be your choices.

Regarding your asset (which is your bust line), if you feel like flaunting them, that’s good. Because if you’re timid with your shape, you’ll tend to be picky with what you wear and will always have limitations with clothing. Just make sure that you also outline your hips and torso to obtain a curvy hour glass look. (Example: low neckline sleeveless dress with bottom pleats).

We know that taller girls have wider range of style preference but that shouldn’t lessen your enthusiasm for fashion. Take this as a challenge instead of a disadvantage. There are still tall women out there who don’t even take advantage of their height. So it’s still a matter of having interest for good taste. :)

I hope simple words can inspire you to start organizing your closet. Tc lil lady!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Styling Your Legs

June 29, 2009 – 3:58 pm
Filed under teens, women's clothing

Hi,

I’ve been reading your blog and the letters that were sent to you and this inspired me to ask mine as well.

I’m going to ask about fashion, balak ko kasing gumastos ng 3k for clothing this month, like a super belated birthday gift for myself. I want to maximize my budget so I don’t really care about brands and I’d go for ukay. Though, I don’t know what is appropriate for me, I’m 15 and I usually just dress up when I go somewhere and I MIGHT be studying in a ‘no-uniform’ university next year so I guess this is a start. :)

I’m interested in those, I think stockings?, yeah, those. But I can’t find cheap enough pieces so I could buy at least three.I’m also inlove with heels at this moment.

To give you a gist of my style, Little J’s outfit nung binigyan siya ni Serena ng party. The dress, the dark stockings and pink heels. But I think walking in the streets of Manila, I’d be the center of attention. GAH.

So I need, a list for a 3k budget.
Where to of the stockings, I think?
And what style is age-appropriate.

So please, help?

-ohblackstars

Dear ohblackstars,

Cherish your youth and teen years. Your age is actually the best time for you to start exploring fashion and girly style. I also adore how Little J dresses but with my mid 20’s age I’m quite hesitant to be in her teeny fashion – unless I want to achieve a pa bagets look. ;(

Anyway, 3k budget is a good start for your basics. For this entry, I’ll focus with the stockings. If you’re looking for printed and textured type, I suggest Leg Love by City Lady designed by Kate Torralba. They’re retailed in SM Department Stores or Watsons for 299-399 pesos per pair. Though the Leg Love Limited Edition designs are most likely available in its main store in Greenbelt 5.

If you prefer leggings, I recommend ZARA. I personally have a pair from the store and the quality is nice – still stretchy after several laundry tortures. These clothing type ranges from 750-900 that makes them cheaper than TOPSHOP. If you’re lucky enough to shop during a ZARA sale, they’re down to 400 pesos.

If you’re not that particular with brands, you can try in Landmark at the accessories section. I bought some panty hoses (which I also use as black leggings) before and I still use them without any runs. I’m not referring to the plain black stockings but the ones with thicker texture than the usual. Bought a plain black and dark brown for only 150 each.

In case I have your 3k as my budget, I think I’ll use it for shopping in different price range. I might buy 1 from a boutique, 1 from a department store and try my luck in ukay. This doesn’t just apply to the stockings but also to your tops, shoes and accessories. In this way, your money will be maximized and you get to try different qualities. You will learn from here about what’s good and not-good-enough brands.

I bet you’re already familiar with mall stores but just to mention a few, it’s cost effective to shop at People Are People, Schu, and some stores like MANGO and (again) ZARA will be down to 50-70% for the midyear sale. But of course, it’s not about WHERE to shop but HOW you pick your clothes. It’s really helpful to read magazines and watch chick flick series. They won’t fail you about the latest trend. If you don’t have enough moolah to buy the exact clothes in certain places, you might as well copy them through good finds.

If you’re concerned with what style is age appropriate, honestly, I can’t tell because it actually depends on your choice or how you handle your age. Some older women tend to dress like early adults and they’re successful on how they carry themselves. Some teen agers dress like manangs so they tend to look mature and stressed. Think for yourself. What kind of personality would you like to portray through your physical appearance? It’s up to you. But of course, just take in mind some stereotype reminders like not looking too sexy/bitchy and avoid overdressing.

And coming from you, it’s quite peculiar when you style ala Little J in an ordinary day here in Manila; so know when and where to have this fashion if you don’t want some holdapers eyeing at you. As I commented here, chances are, you might take effort on how you look on the first day then years after, you’ll just be on jeans and shirt… unless you study in Constance. ;)

Break a leg! Study hard but stay kikay.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Back to School Style

May 25, 2009 – 5:47 pm
Filed under teens

Hey there!

I just found your site this week and let me tell you, I love it already! Your advise about everything is super helpful and fashion forward that I can’t stop reading all of the articles.

I was hoping you could help me with my problem. I really need a wardrobe change so I’m planning on shopping soon before school starts. Can you give some places and shops that are unique and fashionable? I am so sick of buying clothes in the mall because several people might be buying the same thing as I am. I hope you can give me some stores around here in Metro Manila.

Thank you so much in advance and more power to your blog! :D

Lei

Dear Lei,

If it’s a school wardrobe you’re concerned with, I assume you have already browsed this entry about must have school attire closet. This can also help. :)

It’s quite vague, of course, I’m not sure what’s your fashion style and shopping budget. So for the benefit of all, I’ll be suggesting some places you might want to check out depending on your taste; not the ordinary department store or every teen’s boutique like bench and kamiseta.

Ukay-ukay
Don’t raise your eyebrows, I’ve already tried this once. I’m not a fan of ukay-ukay but it’s actually fun especially if you shop there with friends. If you’re not that picky, you just need a whole day looking for good finds because there are only few trendy clothes in good condition under the pile. I never thought 500 pesos can already buy more than 5 tops!  Some ukay-ukay strores in Manila sell old-fashioned clothes so the only place I can suggest is in Anonas Quezon City; the ukay stores right down the LRT2 Anonas Station.

Mid-class Bargain Stores
I know, school is about to start and students might be running out of time to shop. Though if you’re tired of the same old stuff in malls, try going to bazaars and events if you want to have a shopping adventure even during school months. I’d love to suggest upcoming bazaars for this month but as of now, there are just store sales in the malls.

High-end Tiangge
It won’t hurt if you buy clothes in Tiangge as long as you buy things that are not so everywhere. Take in consideration that one clothing design is mass produced; even those pieces they sell in mall stores. Check out the Fashion Alley in Tiendesitas. Also, I think I already mentioned this before but, the stores in Serendra sell unique clothes and most of the time, the dresses have limited stocks per design.

I can’t tell specific stores because it really depends on your shopping budget. Here are just some of my bets:

Backstage, Serendra. BYSI, Podium. The Ramp, Crossings Trinoma. Chocolate Clothing Co, Leading Department Stores. CRU Accessories, Powerplant. Culte Femme, Rustan’s. Peppered Cherry, Serendra. Souk, Serendra. Ruth & Esther, Powerplant.

Actually, mentioned above are still everyone’s brand. I’m no concierge so I can’t direct you to a lot of stores. Perhaps, you’re already familiar with the places I suggested. Hehe. In my humble opinion, if you want to be unique, I think you have to be more particular with how you match and choose clothes regardless of where you buy them. ;)

So I’ll leave you with the season’s suggested back-to-school style. Pop culture is in, you might want to go with the trend!



Tired of the same ‘ol stuff? Then give away your boyish back packs. Colorful bags can give life to plain clothing.

Flip Flops are usually prohibited in schools so pay for a pair that stuns; give some color to your toes.

Comfy yet fashionable tops.

Quit the hoodies and the usual call center jackets; look for a more different style.

Remember to buy dresses that are appropriate for schooling yet you can still use for night outs and dates. It’s cost effective.

Most of the students are already in jeans, be different with colorful capris and printed trousers.

Belts don’t have to be that expensive, collect at least 6 belts that can match any of your clothes and you’re ready to go.

I hope my simple guideline helps and not too late. You only have a week for shopping, so break a leg my dear. :D

Love Lots,

Leyn

Pages: Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next