Style — anyone can have it but it should neither be defined by brand nor the price tag. It’s that “X factor,” that intangible thing that differentiates these three girls in very different styles they call their own. We look into the personal style philosophies of three women of different ages: a glamazon, a street wear devotee and one who makes the Gossip Girl wardrobe look so passé.
Agoo Bengzon, 32
Preview editor-at-large /wife /mother of two
What is style to you?
Style is your way of showing the world who you are at the moment. Like life, my style is constantly evolving, it becomes more enriched as I get older because of my travel experiences and encounters with different people.
How would you describe yours?
I would say I’m the feminine type. I love anything pretty and girly. I also never care if I’m overdressed — I think it’s better to be overdressed than to be underdressed. You’ll always look better than everyone else.
How did your style evolve to how it is right now? Any inspirations?
I’ve definitely learned to love dresses more. I used to wear pants a lot, and would only really wear a dress if the occasion was somewhat special. As a little girl, I always looked up to my mom and her love for prints. These days, I wear prints a lot more often. I’m trying to master the art of wearing clashing prints à la Dries Van Noten spring/summer ‘08 but I must say, it takes a lot of trial and error (and guts) to pull off such an ensemble!
Top 5 essential items this season?
A bodycon dress, platform heels with a unique design either on the platform itself or the heel, a top or dress with exaggerated sleeves or shoulders, a jumpsuit, and the Diligence leather bag of Roger Vivier.
Top 5 classic items every girl must own?
A little black dress, black satin pumps, a long gold chain necklace, a pair of dark rinse jeans, and big statement earrings.
Where do you shop?
Rustan’s, Zara, Topshop, Adora, Firma and Stella Luna. Online, I visit sites like Forever 21, Shopbop, Bakers Shoes, Go Jane, Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Topshop and Old Navy. For local designers, I go to Ivar Aseron, Joey Samson, Rajo Laurel, Richie Ortega and Louis Claparols.
What has been your cheapest thrill? How much did you get it for and where?
It would have to be this gray tailored Ann Demeulemeester vest I got from a Mix/Black Shop inventory sale something like seven years ago for P50!
What’s been the most expensive purchase to date?
Most of the luxury items I have were gifts from Andy, the best hubby in the world! I think the most expensive thing I’ve ever gotten with my own money was a pair of Yves Saint Laurent shades.
What is your personal style philosophy?
I wear what I want, when I want — I don’t dress up for other people. I dress up for myself. Whatever I end up wearing is a direct interpretation of my mood for that particular day. Oh, and I also believe in wearing something that doesn’t just make you look fab style-wise, but body-wise as well. I would never wear something that emphasized my imperfections. It’s always important to look great but it’s also a must to feel comfortable in the clothes you’re in.
Boop Yap, 21
Incoming fourth-year fashion design and merchandising student, College of St. Benilde /stylist /designer
What is style to you?
The distinctive representation of a person’s individuality by way of fashion. It is the façade that one exhibits to the world and the characteristic that makes each and every one of us unique.
How would you describe yours?
Youthful and fresh yet classically chic.
How did your style evolve to what it is right now? Any inspirations?
Ever since I was a kid, I already loved dressing up. It was my thing to experiment on trends while injecting my own style. Every outfit reflects my personality and as I’m changing, my style changes along with me. Just like the Olsen twins who have been an inspiration, an evolution in style can be seen as one grows up making one’s personality more pronounced in every outfit.
Top 5 essential items this season?
Statement shoes, acid wash vest, drop crotch pants, bodycon skirt and oversized earrings.
Top 5 classic items every girl must own?
A great-fitting pair of dark-washed jeans, a little leather jacket, black patent pumps, pearl earrings and red nail polish.
Where do you shop?
I shop everywhere! But my favorite stores would probably be Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters and Zara. For everyday basics I love American Apparel. Forever21 and Cru for accessories. Renegade Folk for shoes. For formal events, I usually go to Randy Ortiz and Dennis Lustico. I also like to shop and find hidden treasures in unexpected places because sometimes you get to find the rarest items there.
What has been your cheapest thrill? How much did you get it for and where?
A couple of $5 rings that I bought from Forever21.
What is your personal style philosophy?
There should be no boundaries when it comes to fashion. It’s all about personal style and adding whimsical touches whether that means playing with color, mixing and matching, or wearing high heels and high hemlines.
Peewee Reyes-Isidro, 30
Meg editor-in-chief /wife
What is style to you?
It’s is a form of self-expression — it’s the special way you put things together to make an outfit or look so you.
How would you describe yours?
A mix of everything. I like infusing trends in my existing wardrobe but generally, I’m always looking for something that’s unique, fun and “me.”
How did your style evolve to what it is right now? Any inspirations?
Well, as they say, change is the only permanent thing in the world — so I guess in terms of “change” I can say that my style has grown up a little and I’m more of a conscientious shopper. You also get inspired with the constant turnover of fashion, it’s so cool that they just repeat trends, but every time it comes back, they have a different way of presenting it. So there’s always something new and different. There are lots of sources of inspirations: traveling, interesting people you meet, music, movies, etc.
Top 5 essential items this season?
Dhoti or harem pants, jumpsuit, distressed and bleached denim, nude blazer and statement shoes.
Top 5 classic items every girl must own?
Little black dress, black pumps, great fitting jeans, a basic white tee and red lipstick.
Where do you shop?
Zara, Forever21, H&M, Topshop, Mango, Aldo, Bakers, Archaeology at Power Plant Mall, Granville in Hong Kong, outlets in California, bazaars, tiangges, etc.
What has been your cheapest thrill? How much did you get it for and where?
A cool cocktail ring for 99 cents from Forever 21.
What’s been the most expensive purchase to date?
A designer handbag.
What is your personal style philosophy?
Never say “never”!