DEAR RISSA,
Can you suggest a hassle-free but figure- flattering wardrobe for a career woman with kids like me? DIANNE
I’m so in love with the clothing brand Harlan + Holden right now! To me, their clothes spell easy elegance, are figure-flattering, and command attention and style. Their garments are so beautifully made that I first thought Harlan + Holden was an imported brand. Even with the boom of production outside the Philippines, I learned that the brand’s design team and manufacturing are kept locally, as it guarantees close monitoring of quality. Unlike other fast fashion brands whose clothes seem to lose their shape and quality as fast as the trend dies, wearing a Harlan + Holden makes you feel so in trend not just the day you bought it but even seasons after. Consider it like the Hermes of RTW clothing minus the heavy price tag!
Every time I wear my favorite Harlan + Holden mint jumpsuit which I bought months ago, people always compliment it and ask where I got it. I noticed PR maven, style icon and mom Apples Aberin is also a fan of the brand. She and her stylish daughter Sam share clothes all the time, too! I’m now excited for their latest summer collection which features featherweight materials perfect for our weather but are figure-flattering at the same time.
To create the illusion of an hourglass figure, defining your waist is essential. I love how the white Linchuck shirtdress allows you to accentuate the waist while hiding flabby arms at the same time. The cowl wrap Damaris in rouge and magenta is another favorite! I actually have this in my closet and it’s a lifesaver for muffin-tops or days you feel bloated. The uneven hemline also makes heavy hips instantly disappear and the bright color draws the focus upwards and wonderfully flatters the face. Pairing it with muted pebble grey trousers or darker colors is the recipe for camouflaging heaviness. Lastly, the Giedre white blouse and Tilda purple skirt are lovely season must-haves. The Giedre blouse easily opens up into a V-neck beautifully elongating the neck. The wrap detail on its torso cinches the waist, too! The purple flowy skirt hides a multitude of sins while lending a breezy spot-on summery look. On your last summer getaway, try pairing it up with a swimsuit or bikini, too!
RISSA
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Tight is not sexy; Chic is sexier
DEAR LUCY,
I am slim, but my midsection is big. I can neither tuck in my top nor can I wear those Herve Leger dresses that are so pretty. What are my style solutions?
TAMARA
I’d say the best thing for you to do is to embrace your shape. Celebrate what is flattering in your body instead of dwelling on what is not quite perfect. Show off your legs, your shoulders, your back when you wear slouchy tops and dresses. If you are tall, then you can highlight that, too. Don’t be trapped in the idea that tight is sexy. Chic is sexier. You can always go that route. Wear lipstick that is beautiful and bold, accessorize. The key is to draw attention to all that is beautiful about you. Have fun with fashion.
LUCY
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Let there be light armpits!
HI, REGINA!
What do I do about my dark underarms? I hate how they look so much that I can’t even wear sleeveless shirts. It sucks! CARA
Dark pits can be due to a number of things. The roots of your hair post-shave are still under the skin, so they can be casting a shadow that’s making your underarms look darker than they are. Your skin may be sensitive to an ingredient in your deodorant/anti-perspirant, or you could be wearing too-tight clothes that chafe against the skin in that area, both of which cause inflammation or irritation. And inflammation always leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which basically means: The skin gets dark.
Skip the shave; waxing is better, but laser hair removal’s the best option. (It can be pricey, but it’s an investment.) Wear looser clothes to minimize chafing, or if you think sensitivity’s your issue, switch to a gentler deodorant/anti-perspirant that’s free of irritants.
As for whitening the area, don’t risk strong bleaching agents. See your dermatologist and get his or her suggestion to be absolutely safe. After all, you don’t want the area to get darker, right?
REGINA
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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.