LOOK GREAT FOR THAT HOT DATE

Finding Mr. Right is hard enough, so why should dressing for the hunt be? I asked a good friend and fashionista Celine Gabriel, PR of L’Oreal Philippines to help me put together some looks that will answer all your fashion woes and keep you looking great for that all-important date. And just to prove this was a cinch, we found everything in one store – the ultra-fab MIX Boutique in Greenbelt. Now if only the search for the right man was as easy but that, my friends, is another story!

I love wearing sporty clothes. Is there a way I can put together something fashionably sporty that’s date-worthy and feminine?

Maybe it’s because a chunk of their clientele have developed an interest in healthy living – from macrobiotic dieting to hybrid yoga – but recently, many designers have acquired their inspiration from the local gym. Sporty clothes and spa wear are out there and in fashion once again and thank goodness for that! With all the colors, cuts and styles to choose from, putting together an outfit for a date is not a problem. The idea is to mix authentic sporty items, such as rubber shoes and terry drawstrings with something that’s either casual or dressy like a cool numbered jersey worn with a designer mini and sandals, or drawstrings paired with a dressy tank. Just be sure the look meshes well and the fabrics complement each other.

For this look, we put together something for the body unconscious by following the general rule of dressing up: Choose a body part you feel good about and show it off. In this case, we chose to flaunt our models’ never-ending legs with pink Adidas hot pants but chose something conservative for her top. She is wearing a black turtleneck sweater by Max Studio and a pair of Adidas sneakers.

I’m going on a trip and would like to bring something great for a night of partying that’s simple, chic and not the typical "little black dress".

When packing for a vacation, pick clothes that don’t easily crumple and which can be rehashed to go from day to night with just a change of accessories. Stretchy fabrics containing Lycra or spandex works well in this case. We loved this black and white Asian-inspired halter dress by Vivienne Tam. Its cut is simple, its print is not overwhelming, it’s stretchy. And did I mention black and white is the new black? Pairing it with these red Kors sandals completes the look.

I have way too many pairs of jeans and would like to try something that’s just as comfortably casual but with an updated, slightly trendier look for an afternoon movie date.

Cargos are hot this season because of their versatility. Some designers stripped off their functional aspects, but surely kept their form by making them out of silk and other luxurious fabrics and adding all the bows and trimmings to the ankles and waists! But for something casual and trendy, stick to the real deal by wearing those made of denim. The new styles are given a sexier look by cutting them lower on the waist and giving them a less boyish form. Top it off with something fun, funky or flirty and you’re ready to rock. For casual days, you can wear them with flip-flops or jazz them up with stilettos for a hot date. Here, our model wears military green cargos by Joes and a printed long-sleeved top by Kenzo.

How can I dress up my white, summer capris?

Extend the life of your favorite summer staple by pairing it up with a pretty and dressy top like this bold, orange silk halter by Vivienne Tam. This look can work for an afternoon date as well as a night out in town just by playing around with accessories – like strappy stilettos and baubles.

I’ve been dating this guy for a couple of weeks now and I’m finally meeting his parents. What should I wear that’s conservative enough for the parents, but still smashing for my date?

When it comes to first impressions, go for something safe, meaning "not too anything." Opt for something pretty and fashionable and save the revealing ensemble for your next date. It really depends on the occasion, but for a dinner out, casual chic is usually the dress code for the evening. If the venue is fine dining or in celebration of something special like grandma’s birthday dinner, or the brother’s graduation dinner, then treat it like something important by dressing up a bit more. Here we dolled up our model in something which is not too short, not too tight, not too low and not too frou frou but still contains the right elements to make the overall look ultra feminine and trés chic. She wears a black dress by Max Studio and shoes by Kate Spade.

Makeup Look

We kept our model’s skin clear and dabbed on a gel foundation like Maybelline’s Clear Smooth foundation in certain areas of her face and blended well. We played up her eyes with shimmery shades from Maybelline’s Color Contrast Mono Eyeshadow collection. We used Velvet Grey, Blue Lagoon and Pearly Snow and defined it with a thin liner drawn along the upper and lower lashes. Maybelline’s Line&B Design eyeliner in Velvet Black lasts long and applies well. We finished off the look with a coat of Maybelline’s Lash Discovery mascara, Pure Blush and pink lip gloss.