Handy tips on how to make things fit in your bag

HI, REGINA!

I have a bad habit of always bringing tons of stuff in my bag on nights out. I want to start using cute clutches, but how do I make sure I have everything I need? How do you make everything fit?

LESLIE

I’ve always been kind of a girl scout myself (you know, laging handa), and for the longest time, I’d go out with a huge bag hanging on my shoulder that would always be bumping into people in crowded places — such a hassle! Even worse, I almost never used anything in the bag anyway!

I’d keep it down to the essentials: Your phone, some cash, a debit or credit card in case the cash you have on hand ends up not being enough, your keys for your car, if you drive, and for your house if no one will get the door for you, perfume (if you have any of those tiny samples, those are best), oil control film (only if you need it), and maintenance makeup.

The makeup you put in your purse will depend on the look you do, but since I’m assuming you’re going to prep at home, you’re not going to need to bring everything. If it’s a smoky eye, I’d suggest bringing eyeliner pencil with you. If you wore falsies, throw the glue in there in case of emergencies. Toss in your lipstick, and you’re good to go. If you’re going for a bold lip, even easier: Just bring the lippy. (I pop concealer in my purse, too, just in case.) All of these items are small enough not to take up too much space in a cute clutch; just pare down as necessary if your purse is really tiny. (I’ve got this absolutely beautiful one that only fits my phone, money, cards, eyeliner, and lipstick; I survived. I mean, wouldn’t you rather be carrying a lovely — not to mention handy — bag when you’re getting your groove on?)

If you need a little more room, envelope clutches are also really pretty, not too bulky, and typically manage to fit more than those tiny box-like clutches. (I stuffed a football jersey in one once when I was planning to catch a Barcelona match after going to a party. Very roomy!)

Process of elimination! You get used to going out with less eventually, and you won’t even miss having your entire house slung over your shoulder. Just make sure to keep your clutch close; they’re easier to snatch in packed places.           REGINA

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And now, dry shampoo

DEAR RISSA,

My hair seems to be oilier than usual. I’ve switched to a shampoo for oily hair, but I don’t see any effect. Is there a proper way to shampoo my hair to make it less greasy?

NIKKI

Our hair doesn’t produce oil or sebum. People dealing with oily hair are actually complaining about an oily scalp. To control oily hair is to remove sebum sufficiently from the scalp. When shampooing your hair, apply a coin-sized dollop of shampoo to your crown. The key is to focus on your roots where oil tends to build up. Use your fingertips (and never the nails!) to massage your scalp and work the lather toward the front of the scalp. Don’t forget to target behind your ears since those spots get greasy, too. Skip the ends of your hair to avoid drying them out because the residual shampoo will run through them when you rinse. Don’t be afraid to wash your hair every day for frequent oil removal. But skip the conditioner if you can because it will add to the oiliness and make your hair look limp and greasy.

Dry shampoo is a quick-fix in cleaning the hair without the use of water. Usually in powder form, it absorbs sebum and is brushed out, leaving your hair cleaner and lighter. It’s a great way to manage and refresh oily hair throughout the day. It used to be hard to find dry shampoo here, but now you can get Toni & Guy’s Dry Shampoo (available at select Watsons stores). With dry shampoo, you don’t just control oil on your scalp, it allows you to also clean your hair without water especially when you don’t have access to water such as if you’re camping in the wilderness, you’re on bed rest while sick or after giving birth, or if you’re just in a big rush.                                               RISSA

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Dressing up should be fun

DEAR LUCY,

Three questions:

1. Will I look like a cake topper or a little girl if I wear a lace dress with a full skirt? I am 38 years old.

2. Sequins? Can I wear it even if I am not a celebrity? Won’t I look over-the-top or, worst, a guest in a Vegas-themed costume party?

3. What is a nice jacket to get?  What brand?  How to wear?                     

BEA

 1. Not necessarily.  It will depend very much on the cut and style of the lace dress.  You may consider a sleek cut, nothing too frou-frou — maybe an A-line skirt, 3/4 length slim sleeves, a boat neckline.  Or a high-necked sleeveless number.  Let the lace material be the star, and opt for sharp tailoring — so precise and strategic that the dress will fall perfectly on you.  If you really want a full skirt, then check out the style of the ’50s.  There are many styles that are age-appropriate and not debutante-looking.  Lace is a beautiful classic, and nowhere does it say that it can only be worn to weddings and other such formal occasions.  To make it look current, avoid wearing pearls.  Go instead for a bold color for your ears and fingers.  Nude shoes to elongate the legs, a tasteful clutch.

2.  Of course.  Sequins are fun, and a hint of it is  even acceptable nowadays, even during daytime affairs.  You can dress it up or down.  And take away that thought that you have to be a celebrity or a personality to be able to pull off sequins.  Dressing up is supposed to be a fun experience.  Make your look your own, ask your stylish friend for tips, experiment.  At 38, keep the look together.  Don’t wear too many trends in one look.  Know what you want.  If you are not comfortable with something, don’t push it.  What is important is that when you step out the door, you should forget about what you are wearing.  No more fidgeting, no more wondering if you should have taken this one out, wore that instead, etc. 

3. A jacket can be any brand you want, depending on your budget. But get a good one. Tailoring has to be perfect because the beauty of any jacket is entirely dependent on that. Fit is very, very important. How to wear? Many ways, depending on the kind of jacket you have.  With denims to dress it up when travelling, with a soft dress to give your look more texture.  It is also a quick cover-up, something you can keep at the ready in your car just so you can throw it over a shift dress.                                         LUCY

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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.