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

Copycat

May 13, 2009 – 3:48 pm
Filed under personal

Dear Miss Leyn,

Siyempre naman, hindi puwedeng hindi ko banggitin dito sa mail ko na super nalilibang ako magbasa ng blog mo. As in mula noong nasa blogspot ka pa sinusubaybayan ko na ang mga entries mo dahil sobrang nakakaaliw. (BTW, trip ko din ang mga page designs mo.;)) Pero ito, may problema ako, hindi ko alam kung sinong tatanungin dito na may sense ang isasagot sa akin.=( Ikaw lang ang alam kong may saysay na makakausap ko tungkol dito sa problemang ito. — Seryoso ‘to ah! Di kita binobola!!!

So ayuuun, bago ako sa job ko kung saan hindi kami required mag – corporate attire. Okay na isuot namin yung gusto namin as long as hindi naman kami mukhang kabastos-bastos or mukhang untidy.=| Pabor na pabor sana ito sakin, kasi, hindi ako comfortable na gumalaw sa corporate attire and mas naii-express ko yung sense of style and individuality ko through my clothes. Dito ngayon papasok ang problema. Super naloloka ako sa boss ko na mga 4 years lang ang tanda sakin. Lahat yata ng nasa wardrobe ko, literal na nagaya na niya! As in halimbawa na pumasok ako nung Monday, naka suot ng pucci print na dress, tapos pag dating mg friday, siya din, naka pucci print na dress in almost the same color!!! At binili niya ito and take note, hahanap din yan sa kung saang ukay-ukay ng sapatos na kahawig ng ini-match ko sa damit ko. (Minsan nga, may mga articles of clothing ako na kahit may kamahalan pipilitin niya bilhin kahit hindi na siya kumain ng lunch and dinner dito sa office!!! Ganoon siya ka-hardcore!). Hindi lang niya ito ginawa ng isang beses, ginawa niya ito by immitating my jeans, my shoes, pati accessories at mga tops ko and wow, buti na lang nakapagpa-gupit na ako dahil ngayon naman ginagaya niya yung haircut ko noong unang pumasok ako dito sa office na ito.=( Nahihirapan ako tanggapin na may copy cat ako dahil hindi naman ako fan ng kasabihan na: Immitation is the greatest form of flattery — and I guess that’s got allot to do with the fact that she really couldn’t pull off most of the things that she copied from me. Bukod sa ayokong may nakikitang nagpapaka-clone ko, naiinsulto ang style ko kasi talaga naman hindi niya keri!!! Ay, karumaldumal talaga.

Ano kaya ang magandang gawin ko, ayoko naman na i-downgrade ang style ko para huwag na niya ako gayahin.=(

Thanks a lot Miss Leyn.=( I would really appreciate it kung mabibigyan mo ako ng kahit na anong suggestion.=)

–littlemissagitated

Dear littlemissagitated,

You know what, hindi ko palalagpasin na sagutan ito because we share the same sentiments. I already had an experience like this but of course I won’t mention details anymore ‘coz from what I heard, my copycats are also my readers. Haha.

I understand that you’re not flattered being imitated so that makes you frustrated about the situation. However, most of our feelings are all in the mind. If you put yourself in the copycat’s shoes, don’t you think seeing someone better or prettier makes you feel kind of frustrated and down (to the extent that you don’t eat lunch anymore)? So as for you, take this as a point of being superior and not the one being pitied for.

One thing I love about chick flick series or movies is how fashionable, hated, mean girls can actually be lovable. In times we have to accept that underdogs are in fact the weaker ones. You have to think like Blair Waldorf that you are no longer affected by copycats and wannabes; instead you treat them as fans. It’s really a part of life where you get to have competitors, which in a sense, means that you are worth contending with…

…and of course, part of a competition is not telling your secret. If your boss asks where you buy your clothes, then don’t tell or lead her to a generic brand. But if she’s extreme that she checks on your brand tag, show that you’re trying to avoid her. Without any words, it will reflect that you are not comfortable with what she’s doing.

I bet you can’t tell it directly because if so, you won’t take this as a problem. It is just so unreal to tell in her face that she’s nothing but a second rate blah blah blah…copycat, tapos whooosh, buhusan ng red wine! First, it’s not a good move to confront your boss about this concern. She might take this personally and can affect your work relationship. So I really advice that you avoid any verbal encounter or pagpaparinig that might lead to a more serious problem.

So if you can’t do it, let your girl friends do the bashing. Haha. I hope you can make friends with other people who are frank enough and can defend you. If you bring up the issue straight to your boss, you will be more like a kontrabida. If other people can help you address the problem, then this boss will think that you are the bona fide fashionista and everyone else sees her like an imitator.

You don’t have to downgrade your style, instead, it will be a reason for you to be more conscious with your fashion taste. So overall, I advice you to change your mindset about the situation. As what you’ve said, hindi nya keri ang panggagaya nya. But for sure, you have been an Eye Opener to her that she needs to make herself feel better through fashion. Hindi nga nya keri, but in a way it’s helping her self-esteem. Unless she’s bragging her clothes – ibang usapan na yun. If I were you, I’ll just do one thing – dress MORE, style MORE, be MORE. Kahit kasi anong gawin natin at kahit i-confront ko pa sya dyan personally (lol!), she might be doing a little research na rin like reading magazines, browsing through fashion sites and window shopping. It might have become a new interest for her, minus the originality.

I assume you’re a stylista by heart because you have the eye to at least know that this or that fashion doesn’t fit this girl. So I think you should be laughing at the issue. Though she works in the higher department, fashion-wise she’s no match with you. Tell that through body language.

Please do understand that I’m just trying to be honest and I’m no pa-righteous person. I might sound mean or judgemental but I’m just answering based on experience. And if you have no more choice and feel like bursting, why not try wearing our lifesaver statement shirts, this might help…

Thank you for supporting my blog. I hope you’re not one of my girl friends setting a prank on me because your story is very similar with what I encountered before. Haha!

Cheers and good luck my dear.

Love Lots,

Leyn

By Boutique

April 8, 2009 – 6:07 pm
Filed under women's clothing

Hey Leyn ^_^

Your articles are fun! It keeps me from dozing off at my work place. Geez, I am bored here. Haha. Anyway, I have a problem. Could you please advise me where to buy nice dresses? Not the type of dress na pang party or pang formal, mga casual dress lang.

Thanks!

- J

Dear J,

I assume you work 8 hours a day sitting in front of your PC. I feel you. Wenk. Anyway, your concern actually depends on your budget and clothing preference. For example, if you’re willing to sacrifice the thrill of window shopping, you can refer to my previous post about online purchasing. As you can check, the prices are very affordable and according to my friends, the quality is reasonable naman.

But of course, I have my personal choices…

If you shop in mid-level bargain stores, I preferably recommend Plains & Prints. I was supposed to work there before because I’d love to and I also wear the brand. It’s also fun to explore and check out their famous local artists’ designs like Rajo Laurel and Celine Lopez.


Why wouldn’t I mention, my favorite stores TOPSHOP, Mango and Zara. If you’re eyeing for nice dresses, the price ranges from 2000php to 4000php. The quality and style could tell the difference.

I’ve also discovered one shop that sells pretty tunics. It’s The Ramp, located in Shangrila or any Crossings Department Store.


Peppered Cherry, Serendra

If you’re quite worried that you might see someone wearing the same dress, then I suggest you go to certain stores where they have limited stocks for each design. Try to visit boutiques at Serendra like Backstage, Peppered Cherry and Souk. If you’re a “mall” person, have fun fitting some clothes in Chocolate Clothing Co.

Of course, there are hundreds of shops to choose from. But as what I’ve said, these are just my personal favorites. Before you pay at the counter, make sure that you have strolled almost all boutiques you see. I believe you know how it hurts when you regret buying something in the end.

Thanks for reading! ;P

Love Lots,

Leyn

Online Shopping

March 28, 2009 – 5:19 pm
Filed under women's clothing

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! :D

Love Lots,

Leyn

Petite Problem

March 18, 2009 – 7:13 pm
Filed under women's clothing

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. :D

Stay kikay!

Love Lots,

Leyn

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