Dear Leyn ,

Happy holidays nga pala! Matatapos na ang 2008, kagaya ng nakaugalian sa mga magazines, baka makabuti sa mga tumatangkilik sa blog mo na bigyan kami ng iyong fearless fashion forecast for 2009. (Kahit yung first quarter lang) Ano ang magiging hot at not-hot? Sayo ako nagtanong dahil naniniwala ako na mataas ang kalibre ng taste mo sa fashion.

Side question pala! Kung bibigyan ka ng chance na baguhin ang style ng isang Pinay o Pinoy celebrity, sino ito at bakit?

Thanks Sosyalera.

Sosyal na sumusubaybay,

V

Dear V,

Tumambling naman ako sa term na mataas ang kalibre, para lang akong baril. Nyeeeh! Anyhow, marami na rin ang nag-fail sa mga fashion forecast sa mga nagdaang taon dahil karamihan ay hindi naman naging trend. Bumabasa lang ang ibang reports sa forecasts ng western o european fashion pero dahil iba ang klima at kultura nila ay hindi naman lahat nauuso sa Manila. So it’s better to just tune up the entire basic fashion trend from Q4 of 2008 instead of totally shifting from another vogue dimension.

Pin-up Girl Look: 2008 was mixed with 70’s and 80’s retro style. For this year, say hello to the seductive stylish 50’s pin-up girl look. This style adaptation can be achieved with a neat hairstyle and bloody red lipstick; patterned prints, skirts, heels and anything femme. Featured at Preview Magazine’s December ‘08 issue, the fashion carries over this year.

Clothing: 2-in-1 piece Playsuits, Pencil skirts, Ruffled Blouses and Boyish Blazers.

Colors: According to fashion designers, Yellow will be hot for 2009. Though fashionistas, will also adapt Purple from what’s hit last Q4 of ‘08. Either way, I’m not wearing any of these flashy colors. Good news for people like me who appreciate dark hues because Black’s never out in the trend. So never give-away your classic LBD (little black dress) because it can cope with any occasion. Other predicted voguish colors will be dark citron, sea green and bright orange.

Design & Prints: It’s a year to be girly! Shop for tops and dresses with ruffles and sequins. Polka Dots might trend up again or anything vintage-y. Checkered and big prints of bright colors will rock again. Just be careful with matching so you won’t end up dressing like Ugly Betty.

Accessories: I’m a fan of Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass’ closet so I’d still stick with the Gossip Girl look. Feathered headbands, bows and ties will remain but it’s better to know when and what occasion to wear them. With scarves, ZigZag prints might fad up.

Footwear: Gladiator flats are already everywhere so fashionistas will be gradually shifting their taste to the T-strap sandals. If you love heels, then Gladiator or T-Strap Pumps are this year’s must-haves.

I have so much ideas and researches in my mind but so little space to elaborate. To point out, these are just general forecasts and I bet more fashion will come our way. And regarding the Pinoy celebrity I want to change style? I think it would be Iwa Moto, in my opinion she looks like a cheap Starlet rather than a Sexy Actress… i hope you get the difference.

I’m sure most of you are looking forward to what’s hot and what’s not. And as for me, I’m just waiting what’d be the next craze after the Emo style. Lastly, thanks for this Buena Mano letter for 2009 V!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Ang bilis ng panahon at lilipas nanaman ang isang taon. Excited na ako para next year dahil for the first time ay mae-experience ko na ang Year of the Ox nang may muwang. Taon ng Ox kasi ako pinanganak.  Anyway, dahil nauuso ngayon ang mga Year-end report sa balita, documentaries at blogs, kailangan ko rin mag recap sa mga So Everywhere Trends for 2008. Iba’t-ibang porma ang nauso at malapit nang malaos - mapa-baduy man o sosyalin. Pero ano nga ba ang mga umangat na japorms sa panlasa ng masang Pinoy?

Nawala sa limelight ang OPM Rock Bands (pwera sa E-Heads) at mas kinanta ng mga Pinoy ang music ni Rihanna at Chris Brown. Na-adik din ang iba sa pagtatagalog ng mga kanta nila. Naging R&B era ang taong ito kaya hindi nawala sa fashion trend ang mala-Rihanna Hairstyle. Ang iba, kahit hindi bagay sa kanila, sige parin. Ano nga namang paki ko, buhok nila ‘yon?

Naging makulay ang taong ito, parang rainbow ang mga tao kapag nag-stroll ka sa mall dahil sa colorful fashion of Bright and Neon Clothing. Nangunguna na dito ang Colorful Jeans, Shutter Shades at Scarves. Nagkalat rin ang mga mala-gift ribbons na Gossip-Girl-inspired Headbands at parang naging mandatory accessory ng mga teenagers.

Umusbong din ang pagiging makabayan sa pamamagitan ng mga Patriotic Designed Apparel. Simple pero catchy ang drama ng mga Ninoy Shirts at Clothing by Francis M. Kadalasan ay makikitaan ang mga shirt na ito ng Philippine flag, National Heroes o mapa ng Pilipinas.

Para sa pormang retro, mapapansin na naging mabenta ang mga Jackets with prints all-over. Makulay, trendy at useful during cold season. ‘wag mo nga lang teternohan ng iba pang colorful na damit kung ayaw mong magmukhang optical illusion na nagkatawang tao. Ito ay nababagay sa mga funky, kikay, rockers at call center agents na nilalamig sa aircon.

At ang 2008 most popular fashion craze? Ang Emo Style!

Kung last year ay naging hit ang mga rakista, ngayong taon na ito ay shining moment ng mga Emo. Ang Emo ay isang music genre na nahahanay sa Rock. Unfortunately, naging term na ito para sa mga jologs sa tabi tabi na nakikigaya lang sa unique na pananamit at identity. So, ano nga ba ang pormang Emo?

1) Black-or-any-dark Outfit
2) Emo Bangs (na tinatakpan ang isang mata) effect
3) Black Eyeliner make-up
4) Coffin Bag accessory
5) Skinny jeans, Flashy belt, Black beaded bracelets (optional)
6) at syempre, hindi makukumpleto ang get-up kung wala ang kanilang makabagbag damdaming Emo Hand Signs…

Maaaring ang iba sa inyo ay pinagtawanan o nakigaya sa mga nabanggit na trend. In fairness, naaliw ang mga mata ko sa fashion epidemic na naidulot nila. Marami sa aking mambabasa ang guilty sa aking mga random bashing at naguilty rin ako dahil kung sino pa ang 90% na bumubuhay sa aking hits ay sila pa ang tinatamaan pero nag-eeffort na magcommend sa akin sa e-mail. Hahaha. Inulan ako ng kumento mula sa mga kabataang minsan nang nagpapicture sa Starbucks at mga miyembro ng Parokya ni Edward. But in the end, everyone just learned how to laugh at themselves.

To all, salamat sa pagdaan sa munting space ko sa internet ngayong 2008, at tumagal pa sana ang pamamalagi ng Sosyalera.net!

With Manila’s normal 19°-21° temp this Holiday season, it’s better to have your fashionable wintry attire on. Introducing Hole Gear, an indie brand providing sweaters and jackets (w/ hoodies) perfect for the current cold weather.

For Prices, Availability and Terms of Payment:
HOLE GEAR
Email: holegear@yahoo.com
Text/Call: +63.906.2020.918; +63.918.6324.188

This is not another advertising rip-off. The owner is my personal friend who also came up with the designs together with his business partner. And I hope I get freebies from this. *Cough*

Leyn,

Isa ako sa mga libo-libong (hehe) fan ng blogsite mo. I’m so happy to know na ngaun ay mayroon ka ng sariling domain. I hope magtagal ka pa sa blog industry (hahaha diba! parang showbiz industry lang) bukod po sa pagbabasa ng blogs ay mahilig po akong magbasa ng magazine. sa katunayan nagco-collect ako ng cosmo mags. by the way i’m 21 years old and i’m proud to be a gay. napansin ko lang di rin maxado nakakatulong sa akin ang cosmo when it comes to fashion. puro kasi pang girl ang mga fashion advice na nandoon. at bilang isang fashionista sayo ko naisipang mag tanong ng advise kung ano ang mga type ng out fit ang maganda sa paningin ng ibang tao.

As for my body built matangkad po ako, medium built, at may shoulder lenght na hair, hindi naman ako panget kasi as a matter of fact madami naman nagkakandarapa sakin (joke!). sa ngayon kuntento ako sa nakasanayan kong t-shirt, pants, rubber shoes attire since nasa liblib na parte lang naman ako ng parte ng laguna. pero xempre ndi pa rin ma-iiwasan na gustuhin kong sumunod sa trend lalo pa ngayon na nagtatrabaho ako sa isang botique as sales supervisor. sana you can give me advise in what to wear during working days, nigh-outs, and ordinary days at kung anu-ano pa…..

Thanks in advance and God bless you!!!

Jazzie P.

Dear Jazzie P.,

I’m happy that you made effort to send an e-mail. Much appreciated! So far ay pang-3rd gay ka nang nafi-feature ang sulat dito, hulaan nyo nalang kung sino pa yung dalawa. Actually, I have lots of gay friends so I’d base my answer from their preferences. Basing from your profession and fashion statement, I assume that you’re not the Baklang Parlor type and the following suggested outfits suit your lifestyle. To start, I advise that you complete your “basic” closet first.

The items above are cost effective. If you’re practical and think Aldo or Topman is pricey, it’s fun to stroll the malls and look for  good finds with almost the same style. With trousers, I suggest you need to collect the basic colors black, gray and brown. Also make sure to take care of your favorite dark jeans; specially if you’re not as vain as some gay people who apply credit cards just for a pair of Viktor. Hehe.

For Working Days: You can layer the garbs. Wearing light colored-shirts as undergarment won’t hurt a semi-corporate style because the Coat or Cardigan will do the drama. At least you can remove your Coat after work and still look casual.

For Night Outs: Everytime I shop, I always take in mind to buy clothes I can wear during night-outs and at the same time appropriate with our work dress code. This tip can save money. You just need to accentuate if you’re going to a party - like wearing accessories, flashy belt or hat.

Casual Day: Still make yourself look decent during casual days with a pair of jeans, light shirts, aviator shades and sneakers. Avoid wearing Chuck Taylors if you’re too gay for a rock-band-member look. If the temp is going negative, be in a jacket without looking dull because of your light colored shirt.

Lazy Day: Have yourself a pair of sandals. You can match it with jeans or long shorts.

If you’d notice, I suggested pieces of clothing that you can mix and match together. In that way, you’d have a variety without piling junk apparel in your closet. So try to think of the colors and style - does your prospect top fit almost all your trousers and jeans? It’s also helpful to have a trademark bag you can use anyday.

Gay fashion doesn’t always have to be colorful, glittery and everything nice. As what you’ve mentioned, you’re currently working in the town of Laguna. I’m sure you want people to admire your fashion statement instead of being mistaken as a frustrated cosmopolite. Stay gay as you are and look neat, professional, sophisticated but upbeat. With regards to magazines, I honestly don’t collect Cosmo. I’m about to suggest Icon Mag but unfortunately it’s already pulled out from the market according to my gay friends. Your only hope are GQ Magazine (International) and METRO Him (local).

People get bored when I say too much without bashing something. So this ends here. Merry Christmas and wishing you more boys to come. Hahaha. ;P

Love Lots,

Leyn

I’m not the Jeans type of person. You’d often see me in my dainty dresses and trademark leggings so I don’t have to invest on pants. Unlike my friends who spend a lot for a perfect pair with ‘that V mark’ on its pocket. Gas is also expensive; and if you infer to it as crude oil, you’re dumb.

Notice how popular the 80’s Colorful Jeans are? Yes they’re back! And so everywhere. Hindi pwedeng hindi ako makakita nang nakasuot neto sa 1 oras lang na nasa labas ako ng bahay. To the extent that some color combinations bug me. Be careful with how you match the colors, or else magmumukha kang promoter ng mga sumusunod:

If you think black is safe, well think again. Matching Orange Jeans with your Black shirt looks very Halloween and alternating Yellow can be your trick or treat costume as a Bumble Bee. If you hate Miss Ganda (the singer behind the tagalog version of Umbrella), but you match a black top with your Fuchsia pair - I’m sorry but you’re no different from her fashion sense.

Why not complement flashy jeans with neutral colored lengthy tops. Half of your body is enough for the contrast look. PRP or MNG printed shirts are okay. Topshop Petite tops are pretty too.

But since I’ve mentioned that these colorful garbs are already everywhere, I have no plans of buying one… unless my friends form a Bioman group and designate me as Pink 5, then I’ll consider.

Na-experience nyo na ba na: Umagang papasok ka sa trabaho/school, bagong ligo ka’t amoy baby cologne, malinis ang iyong mga kamay, sasakay ka ng jeep o bus at pag-abot mo kay mamang drayber ng bayad mo ay makikita mong napaka-dumi ng kanyang mga kuko at kulay grasa ang kamay!

Yak… Ew… Bleah… Alcohol please!

Pero hindi tungkol dyan ang sasabihin ko. According to A/W Runway Reports, uso na ang Reverse French Manicure for nail care. At dalawang klase sya…

Personally speaking, hindi ko trip ang pausong ‘to. Yung una, mahirap gawin. The second one, it’s just like manong driver’s dirty nails - with style. Pero syempre, kanya kanyang trip lang ‘yan. Ano nga namang pakielam ko sa mga kuko nyo?! Nagbibigay lang naman ako fashion update.

BTW, for girls who are tired of the same old Caronia brand, Sosyalera picks Guerlain or Paul and Joe nail enamel available in Rustan’s Department Store. Don’t expect them to be cheap because the price ranges from 800-1000 pesos. The packaging is nice though, but expect some nagging from your kuripot boyfriend - spending bucks for a little amount of coloring for your dead cells.

Tag-ulan na! Malamig. Idagdag mo na rin na BER months na ngayon. Sa mga ganitong panahon, masarap ang may kayakap. Eh pano kung wala namang yayakap sa’yo. Walang magpapa-init ng iyong mga gabi. Ang solusyon ni Sosyalera - mag-scarf ka nalang, bitter!

Actually, cool na sana’t tanggap na ng Manila Fashion ang paggamit ng scarf knowing na mainit naman talaga sa Pinas; ang kaso, sinusuot nalang ‘to ng ibang tao for the sake na pamporma. Nangunguna na dito ang Arab Scarf. Currently, ito na ang uniform ng mga EMO-slash-JJs* people na nakikita ko sa mall, sa EDSA, Grand Central, at kahit sa schools. (Pasintabi nanaman sa ibang walang kamuwang muwang dyan).

At ang laging tanong ko, “ano bang meron” sa scarf na ‘to? Anong dahilan at sikat sya sa mga EMO kids ngayon. Umatake nanaman ang pagtataka ko kung bakit ganyang design nalang parati. Hindi ba pwedeng polka dots naman para siguradong konti lang ang katulad? Sa bagay, wala naman yatang Arab style na polka dots.

SPOTTED!

May 2 blogger friends ako na naka-Arab Scarf. Alam kong wala silang muwang. Ginawan ko nalang sila ng Emo bangs for anonymity. Sa mga bloggista dyan, hulaan nyo nalang kung sino…

Sosyalera in a conference, talking to an Atenean and Lasallian friend.

FYI, my friends Macoy and Angela came from the 2 rival universities… and they’re actually a couple. Haha.

Hindi ko alam ang history ng school rivalry ng Ateneo at La Salle. People have the perception that these two giants are opponents in different fields - contests, work, showbiz, sports, money. Though in real life, sila sila rin naman ang magkakaibigan, magbabarkada at magso-syota. ‘Wag ka nang magkaila, kung isa kang Atenista ay malamang kahit isa ay may kaibigan kang taga-La Salle and vice versa. Ironic pero cool.

Bakit hindi nalang ibang eskwelahan ang pag-awayin… tulad ng UST at CEU. O kaya Adamson at UE. At mas malupit kung MCU at Fatima University. Wahaha! Nahihirapan tuloy ako kung anong Adidas jacket ang bibilhin ko. Months ago, the Ateneo-LaSalle collections were realeased. At tulad ng shutter shades, malamang ipa-customize ko nalang din.

Ayan, para walang magalit sakin.

Call me outdated pero lately ko lang napansin na nauso pala ang Shutter Shades dito sa Manila. Ang mga shades na ito ay may Retro look because of its flashy colors and big size. This accessory originated in California year 2007 and was also featured in different magazines and runways.

Sorry pero dahil wala na akong oras mag window shopping, hindi ko alam ang feeling kapag suot mo ‘to. Ibig sabihin ba e magiging stripes din ang paningin mo or still the same eye view? Kung parang stripes man, ang lungkot naman nun!

Para ka lang nakatingin sa bintana na may window blinds. O kaya eh para ka namang nakakulong…

Kaya kung pwede akong magpa-customize ng sarili kong Shutter Shades, ganito para malinaw…

Ahahahaha. Parang tanga lang. ;P

Hi Leyn!

Found out your blog because of greenpinoy, nung ma-feature kang Pilipinong Makulit of the Month. I’m really into blog hopping kahit ang tanging blog ko lang naman e yung sa Multiply na super seldom ko pa i-update. Haha. Anyway, nakakatuwa kasi yung way ng pagsusulat mo, at na-e-entertain ako kapag binabasa ang entries mo. So girly! La lang, kikay na kikay. J

We also have something in common kaya siguro di ako tumigil hangga’t di ko nababasa lahat ng enties mo. Haha, adik. A un nga, we both value our friends a lot! At fan din ako (before) ng WWE, I love John Cena nga e. Kaya lang di nako nakakanuod ng TV ngayon, tuwing weekends na lang. So di na updated. L At yun lang, dahil atswali di naman ako sosyalera kundi isang plain girl lamang na ni hindi mo tatapunan ng second look kapag nakita. Naks, drama mode. Buti na lang may gwapong boyfriend. Ahahaha! Yabang e no. Tsk.

At dahil isa kang sosyalera na model type and katawan at pwedeng pang-FHM just as what I’ve read on one of your entries, and I’m pretty sure you really got that genius taste on fashion, ano bang bagay sa kin na may malapad na katawan sa kasamaang-palad e napagkakamalang mataba/chubby kahit di naman? Yeah, right. Lagyan mo ng baby fats si Vina Morales, ako yun. Kaya ayokong mag-gym e kasi baka ganun maging hitsura ko na muscle muscle ang katawan. Errrr.

Yun lang po, salamat!

Mimi

Dear Mimi,

Nagpapasalamat ako ng über sa sulat mo. Akalain ko ba namang may mga sumeseryoso pala sa pagbabasa ng blog ko hahaha. Dahil natuwa ako sa iyong mensahe ay uunahin ko na tong sagutin. I have no idea what’s your body type at kung gaano “kalapad” ang iyong katawan like the way you define it, so my tips would be in general. Lumang advice na ang wag magsuot ng clothes with big prints, with horizontal stripes and sleeveless tops. These are the basic DOs:

• Stick to empire-cut tops
• Wear neutral to dark colors. Maroon, mint green, dark brown and navy blue can be alternative to black. Just accessorize for the flashy effect.
• Use small to medium sized shoulder bags. Over-sized bags will make you look bigger.
• Switch from flats to wedges or mid-heels particularly on occasion

And these are the DONTs I usually see worn by plus size girls.

• Avoid wearing belts, specially the high-waist style.
• Don’t be too colorful. Lines due to flabs are too obvious with light colors.
• Don’t wear flair skirts.
• Choose your fabric, avoid shiny and silky ones.
• Don’t wear waist-length top that exposes your hips.
• Avoid Halter-tops.
• NO to slouchy undergaments.
• And lastly, don’t wear fit clothing. Just the right size with enough allowance.

I can’t elaborate them one-by-one, but believe me, they’re OFF. There’s this cliché that says always be sexy whatever figure you have. True. Pero kahit anong gawin natin, hindi tayo makakatakas sa mapanuring mata ng iba. Kultura na sa pangkaraniwang Pilipino na mas maganda ang sexy, mapatingin sa mga trying hard manamit at laitin ang mga may imperfections sa katawan.

Genes is a major factor with our body build so most of us have no choice. I get pity for some girls who are VERY insecure with skinny models that being like them is a BIG frustration. Phuuleez, you’ll never be on VS runway. Just think of your Plan B which is - to decide on the right clothing. Look sophisticated, classy and neat; quit the cheap, colorful, over-designed outfits especially if you’re already a working girl. You’d gain respect from the eyes of fashionistas if you dress elegantly rather than try hard.

Suggestion to Mimi, try to eat 2 cups of 0% fat free yogurts a day with regular meal. That was my brother’s secret diet when he needed to get slimmer for a commercial shoot. Costly but effective. If you’re really having a hard time making yourself slim, try to improve your hair and skin first. I bet you’re pretty naman, you won’t have a good catch guy if you’re not. ;P

I hope you get the point of my senseless answer. Hahaha. And by the way, ang peborit ko nga palang WWE wrestler ay si Shawn Michaels.

Love Lots,

Leyn