Schooldaze

Stripes, leopard print, plaid, tribal, psychedelic- patterned prints always make any outfit a tad or a whole lot interesting. 

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Ecks Abitona

Ecks Abitona | ID 109 | BS Advertising Management

How do you describe your style?

"A little edgy, a little boho, a little glam, basically a little bit of everything."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"I have this intense affection for any clothing item that is black. First off would be my black satchel. It's incredible how easily I can pair it with any top, any shoe or any skirt. Second would be my favourite LBD (little black dress). Not only is it a must for women but it's also something very versatile that you can wear at any place or any occasion. You can just simply wear it with a kimono or a slender sweater, subtle accessories and you're good to go to school or even a dinner date. Last and definitely not the least would be my trusty black combat boots that often brings out the androgynous side of me." 

What are your all time favorite trends?

"I can and will probably never get enough of maxi skirts, bodycon dresses, color blocking, combat boots and THE leopard prints that we're oh-so fond off." 

Who are your style icons?

"The goddess of minimalism and grunge: KATE LANPHEAR. It astonishes me how she can be androgynous and glamorous at the same time. No one does it better than her. I also look up to Carine Roitfeld, Rachel Zoe, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Kate Moss and Rumi Neely." 

Can you give some tips to your fellow Lasallians on how they can dress up for school without compromising both style & comfort?

"Stock up your closet on basics! It's a necessity because you can never go wrong with it. At the same time, just be yourself and don't be afraid to take risks. Fashion doesn't have rules. Translate your personality into your own style and with confidence, you'll be the talk of the town!"

Check out Ecks' blog- http://ecksssy.tumblr.com/

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Cristina Decena

Cristina Decena | ID 110 | AB International Studies- Major in American

How do you describe your style?

"I've always had a fancy for dressing up. I make sure to add eccentricity to my outfits, something that would set me apart from the crowd, say a pair of heart shaped sunglasses or eye-catching statement rings. I have no style in particular because fashion fads are ever so changing but something that I can say about my style is that it is whimsical. Today, I can either be Mary Kate or Ashley, donning braids and a maxi. The next day, I can be Lady Gaga, rocking a studded leather jacket and sultry red lips."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"One of my school must haves are my Ray-Ban sunglasses. We only have one set of peepers so we gotta protect them from the scorching Taft sun. Also, my favorite wedges as they make me voguish without having to sacrifice comfort."

What are your all time favorite trends?

"I am very ecstatic about the color blocking trend hitting the runways once more because I adore playing with colors. This trend along with animal prints, over-sized sunglasses, statement necklaces and sexy tousled hair."

Who are your style icons?

"The ever so stylish people on Lookbook.nu plus local and international fashion blogs I follow serve as my inspiration when dressing up day to day."

Can you give some tips to your fellow Lasallians on how they can dress up for school without compromising both style & comfort?

"It helps to invest on key pieces such as plain tops, well-fitting jeans and dainty ballet flats. Wear breezy fabrics and stay away from sweaters as you will feel like an oven. Embellish dull colors with striking accessories. The goal is to look chic and feel carefree at the same time."

Check out Cristina's blog- http://struttingonsunshine.tumblr.com/

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Tina Malabanan

Tina Malabanan | ID 108 | BS Psychology

How do you describe your style?

I would describe my style as eclectic. I’d like to keep an open mind; it’s more exhilarating that way! Although I’m a mood dresser, I don’t plan my outfits ahead of time. The joy of mix-matching trinkets, garments and just getting my closet all messed up minutes before heading to an event is a routine for me. Scouring for the perfect top or trousers in a pile of clothes is my quirky way of relieving stress.

What are your staple clothing items for school?

I think, especially for the cold rush of the “ber” months it’s a must to keep yourself warm with cozy knitted piece of clothing that you can wear with classic items or you can go for its dressier alternative, a tailored blazer. And to get through the day, you can always depend on your trusty pair of flats that is very versatile. It would certainly please your hardworking feet that have been bringing you from one class to another, building to building.

What are your all time favorite trends?

For now, I’ve been leaning towards more feminine articles of clothing like nude colored dresses. I love this new trend because you can accent it with statement necklace. These chunky necklaces is one of my current splurge items, it can significantly change your look. They say it’s a lazy girl’s go-to piece to enhance a simple outfit to get a more chic effect, if so, why not do it in excess. Aside from that, I think the perfect shade or lip color is enough to send the message.

Who are your style icons?

Locally, I love the work of the very sophisticated stylist Liz Uy and entrepreneur Divine Lee. Internationally, I love Rachel Zoe’s style and how she manages to mix timeless pieces with present trends. Anna Della Russo is another well-known name in the fashion industry that links her to eccentric and unconventional style; she is a good source of inspiration.

Can you give some tips to your fellow Lasallians on how they can dress up for school without comprising both style & comfort?

Comfort does not have to mean sloppy, know your silhouettes and proportions. Just don’t be afraid to play with colors and textures. You don’t have to combine bold pieces and extravagant prints to get that “wow” outfit. A clever mix of soft colors and textures can both be refreshing, confidant and enough to make a statement. And of course, create your own fashion story and go ahead and share it.

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Patricia de Leon

Patricia de Leon | ID 109 | AB Communication Arts

How do you describe your style?

"In a nutshell, it would be Parisian chic, edgy minimalism, casual cool downtown, and grunge. My style is constantly changing but I always keep in mind to keep it balanced, clean, tasteful, youthful and sophisticated. Currently, my outfits revolve around neutrals and basics."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"HIGH HEELED SHOES AND BASIC CLOTHING! You could never have enough high heels and different variations of basics. I’d wear anything black, grey, white, taupe, beige and trusty black high heeled booties."

What are your all time favorite trends?

"The androgynous look, A/W 2010-2011 New Minimalism, Alexander Wang’s 90’s grunge, structural, Herve Leger Fall 2009 body-con, Gucci Fall 2007 50s Glamour, Proenza Schoulder’s Spring 2008 utilitarian. I love wearing body-con skirts, structured blazers, loose shirts, black leather booties, platforms and gold accessories."

Who are your style icons?

"I draw inspiration from fashion icons Kate Lanphear, Kate Moss, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Victoria Beckham, and Rachel Zoe. As for the bloggers, I look up to Victoria Törnegren, Rumi Neely of fashiontoast, Andi Torres of Style Scrapbook, Kookie Buhain of Death by Platforms, Sabrina of afterdrk, Sandra of 5 inch and up, and Camille Rushanaedy of childhoodflames. Model-off-duty looks also appeal to me!"

Can you give some tips to your fellow Lasallians on how they can dress up for school without comprising both style & comfort?

"Invest on basics instead of splurging on trendy items because it’ll just end up hanging there in your closet while quality basics would last you a life time! Then play up your outfit with some amazingly beautiful shoes and finish it off with the right accessories. And lastly, when in doubt, WEAR BLACK. And always have great hair."

Check out Patricia's blog- http://www.patricia-deleon.blogspot.com/