New kids on the blog
With the rise of fashion blogging, checking out the latest looks across the globe is now within reach at the click of your mouse. And just like everything else in the fashion industry, there are bloggers who have risen to fame, like our very own Bryan Boy (bryanboy.com) who has fast become friends with no less than Marc Jacobs. There is also Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast fame (fashiontoast.com) whose American-Japanese beauty and California style has garnered legions of fans around the world.
Now enter Chictopia (chictopia.com), an online fashion community that lets you browse photos and connect with users who have a passion for fashion. Think of it as Facebook injected with style. Most start by looking through the style gallery of other Chictopians, but once you register for free, don’t be surprised if you get hooked and start posting your own photos along with a blog entry.
Though initially started by a group of Asian-Americans in California, Chictopia now has thousands of users from all continents, and many Filipinos have become standouts in this worldwide community. Check out their thoughts of fashion philosophy and what they have to say about personal style, and you’ll understand why they’ve created such a buzz on Chictopia.
KRISTINE KIRONG
Her blog: www.chictopia.com/classytrash
How would you describe your personal style?
Thoughtfully disheveled. High-end, low-end. So many inspirations rolled into one.
Who are your style inspirations?
Mary Kate Olsen and all of the women on Jak & Jil (jakandjil.com/blog), they are independent women that dress for themselves, not for anyone else, and most importantly, not for a man.
What is your shopping philosophy?
Buy a little, spend a lot. It’s all about investing.
What are you favorite trends this season?
Ah, that’s hard. It’s hard for me to really name trends mostly because the things I like never turn out to be the “trend.” For me, it’s about interesting shapes, fabrics, and textures. In general, I like really dark sort of asexual collections — none of this ruffly, fluffy crap. And I guess if I do like anything sexy, it’s because it’s done in a powerful way; in a way that portrays women as powerful and sexy because they want to be, not because someone says they have to be.
KARL LEUTERIO
His blog: www.chictopia.com/inKARLcerating
How would you describe your personal style?
Gender-bending and standing out without looking outrageous. In addition, I’d prefer looking a bit grungy since I don’t want to appear as if I’m trying too hard. I call it “Kate Moss Factor” and a slight imperfection can do the trick to one’s style.
Who are your style inspirations?
Surprisingly, I am enthused by Mary Kate Olsen, Lindsay Lohan, and Kate Moss’s nonchalant fashion. For guys, it would definitely be the quirky yet classy style of Bryanboy. In general, I adore Japanese and Swedish men for their “rule-breaking style” philosophy.
What is your daily uniform?
More often than not, you can catch me wearing chic eyewear, an oversized plaid shirt or drapey tees, skinny jeans or drop-crotch pants and, of course, boots!
Best decade for fashion?
I think every decade has its own inimitable story, but I would say the now decade since today’s fashion is about reviving and translating past trends into something modern and friendly.
KOOKIE BUHAIN
Her blog: www.chictopia.com/deathbyplatforms
How would you describe your personal style?
I would want to throw in some fancy descriptors to describe my personal style such as “mannish chic” or “edgy-grungy but sophisticated” but the truth is, I don’t know how to define my fashion style. What I do know is that I’ve always looked and would always want to look put together in whatever outfit I’m wearing.
Who are your style inspirations?
I must say that my current style inspirations are the fabulous ladies and men of Chictopia. Chictopia is just this one big fashion look book. You get to see women in wicked street-style ensembles, in tomboy-chic outfits, in totally ’50s-mode dresses and other fabulous fashion styles. You’ll never run out of inspirations from Chictopia or from any other fashion blog.
What was your most recent purchase, and what are you planning to splurge on next?
My last purchase were three different dresses from The Ramp Glorietta. Mind you though, they were all on sale so please don’t raise your eyebrows on me! Haha! The next on my checklist of “Things to Buy” is this really awesome paperbag, painterly hi-waist skirt from an online store, shoes from Zara and, uhm … the list goes on forever!
What are you favorite trends this season?
I’m loving ruffles for spring as well as faux leather pencil skirts. And oh, I’m dying over Balmain’s crazy padded jackets for Spring/Summer 2009!
LORIS PENA
Her blog: www.chictopia.com/dizzyrizzy
How would you describe your personal style?
Anything goes. I can go from preppy to punk in a heartbeat. I usually take a look and make it my own which could be bright, bold and cute or dark and rough. Either way, I top that off with an I-don’t-care-what-you-think attitude and I’m good to go!
What was your most recent purchase, and what are you planning to splurge on next?
My recent purchase has got to be a black slouchy beanie from Zara … and I’m scheming my way to a Balenciaga bag. I hope my dad is reading this!
What would you never be caught wearing?
Fashion has a weird way of doing comebacks and making you eat your words. So I say: Never say never!
What are you favorite trends this season?
I love the different pants trend right now ... harem pants, tapered jeans, acid wash, and ripped jeans. It just gives us so much to play with. I’m also digging tribal prints on dresses and on polo shirts! There’s something about them that makes me want to scream — in a good way!
JOANNA LADRIDO
Her blog: www.chictopia.com/joannaladrido
How would you describe your personal style?
At the moment, bipolar because I can wear a girly tutu one day, then an all-black rocker outfit the next, depending on how I feel or what my iPod says. And I love wearing basic pieces and adding a bit of drama with a pop of color or fabulous accessories!
Who are your style inspirations?
I wear a lot of vintage stuff I get from my mom’s old clothes and accessories so her style always inspires me. I love Jane of seaofshoes.com after being linked to her site by a friend and I look up to other Chictopians like Zana, Ester, and Starrgirl. I adore Edie Sedwick, Alexa Chung, and Agyness Deyn as well.
What is your shopping philosophy?
Before, it was “shop till you drop,” But since I recently launched my own line, Glitterati (shopglitterati.multiply.com), I find myself not buying clothes anymore but designing them myself. I refrain from buying too much trendy stuff and invest in basics that I can reuse over and over again.
What defines your everyday style/ what is your daily uniform?
I don’t really have one, but I can live in my tutus and ballet skirts. I rarely wear jeans so I guess it would have to be a tank top, a statement belt, leggings or a skirt and high heels. I always, always accessorize.
