HI, REGINA!
How do you get natural-looking wavy hair? The results I get with a curling iron look so artificial! MAUI
Your curling iron’s barrel might not be big enough, hence the ringlets. A big-barrel curling iron’s the best tool for getting big, loose waves. Curl small sections of your hair, but make sure to alternate the direction you curl your hair in so that it looks more casual. Then, after curling with the iron, bend over, toss your hair over your head, and comb out the curls with your fingertips to loosen them. (This is the secret to getting that natural look!)
Also, if your hair’s the type that can hold up a style sans hot tools, you might not even need a curling iron. Just apply a palmful of mousse to damp hair (though mousse is totally optional; skip it if you’re not a fan of the product), let your hair dry, and then twist your hair up into a bun and secure it with an elastic. Leave it for 20 minutes while you prep, or for however long your car ride takes, then let your hair down and comb through with your fingers like you would if you had curled with an iron.
REGINA
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Happy new wardrobe
DEAR LUCY,
Please help me spice up my wardrobe. From today and even after the New Year, I have several get-togethers still, and I want to look nice and chic. My husband says I wear too much black, but I like how easy it is to dress up and down. Being a creature of habit, I think I have a tendency to stick to the same tried-and-tested formulas that work for me. What are some items I can consider treating myself to?
RICA
Instead of black, try gray in most shades but charcoal. Gray comes with a quiet, built-in elegance that is easy to dress up or down. You can use gold or silver accessories with it very easily, too.
Another thing I would like to recommend is the One Night Stand Nars Cheek Palette. It has all the shades you need to sculpt your features in a most subtle way. That way, you can really make a go for bold lips which is quite the trend now.
Always have a focal point, you cannot have too many things going on all at once. In terms of accessories, try layering necklaces. Delicate chains with bespoke details (like your initials) worn together with other such chains and stones. Do not be afraid to experiment, it will be difficult to make a mistake when you are guided by your gut. Wear what feels right. For the season, how about some full skirts and frou frou (like Cinderella skirts made of layers of tulle), but always keep the top sleek and wear sexy stilettos. No pearls please or headbands, so you do not look like a sweet debutante.
Enjoy the holidays! Make sure that once you step out the door, you forget about fidgeting or overanalyzing your outfit and just have fun! LUCY
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Where to find great outfits in an instant
HELLO, MS. RISSA!
Sorry, if I am sending you an e-mail at this late hour. It’s because I need your help in finding a dress, which my sister in London needs to wear on her friend’s wedding. I have been to all the boutiques at TriNoma and Megamall, but I didn’t find any suitable one. My brother-in-law is in town for only two weeks and I need to rush things so I can send the dress through him.
Hope you could help me with my problem ASAP.
CHERRY TY
Since you’re in a rush, your best bet is to get a dress off the rack. I highly recommend The Ramp Crossings (located at Glorietta, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma). It boasts a good selection of local brands and designers, and offers everything, from casual wear to occasion wear. I’m confident you’ll find a stunning long dress here for your sister at a reasonable price. Here, you don’t need to spend a lot to look great. I’ve bumped into several friends with awesome head-turning dresses only to find out many of them have turned to The Ramp as their secret shopping haven! They confess that whenever they need great dresses at great prices, The Ramp never fails them. What they love most about it is they hardly bump into anyone with the same outfit because the selections are so unique. Every time I need a great outfit in an instant, I turn to The Ramp. It’s my go-to store, too! My favorite is their in-house label also called The Ramp (fashion-forward pieces at incredible prices) and the brand called Florence Fling (for its figure-friendly and ultra-flattering jersey dresses). I won’t be surprised if you also find accessories for your sister there, too! They have an amazing selection of shoes, bags, and accessories.
RISSA
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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.