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/

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Yuki Tansengco

Yuki Tansengco | ID 109 | BS Marketing Management

How do you describe your style?

"I believe nothing is completely original - they are products of certain "inspirations". With my clothing choices, I look for inspirations in print and online. If I like something, I will use it as my "peg" then tweak it to mirror my taste. I choose comfort over style - ALWAYS."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"Staple items are very essential so make sure you invest in these pieces. Mine are dark jeans, black flats and a brown leather bag. So when I am pressed for time, I just thrown on the first top I see and wear these items - they always go together."

What are your all time favorite trends?

"I don't really follow trends since they're temporary/seasonal but since fashion always repeats itself, there are some pieces that I would store in my closet and always be game to wear. My favorite trends are the wide-leg pants and pieces with animal prints on them. I am a comfort over style person so I need to wear clothes I can move with. I love leopard and zebra prints but make sure they are worn in moderation or else you'll look like an old lady who has 46 cats."

Who are your style icons?

"For style icons, I like browsing the looks of Karla Deras and Doina Ciobanu. Their outfits range from casual days to dress-up events but their picks are always tasteful." 

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

"I am one of those people who go through at least one day of the week just death staring the closet thinking of what to wear. Even though faced with a packed closet, I deny every piece and somehow convince myself of not having anything to wear. The truth is, fashion is always an option. Whether you're just submitting a paper or staying in school for 6 classes, you have the choice to look good. You don't have to be very stylish but make sure you look presentable and you feel good in what you wear - may it be a simple top and jeans."

Check out Yuki's blog- http://mywearabouts.tumblr.com/

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Vern Enciso

Vern Enciso | ID 109 | AB International Studies- Major in European

How do you describe your style?

"I would describe my style as something very classic and girly mixed with trends. I love incorporating trends and mix and match it to make it look classy and girly. I love lace, nudes, heels, nice bags and blush colors. I like looking clean and polished. However, I like colors as well, I love electric blue, deep violet, orange and red."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"A good pair of jeans, my LV speedy bag, stand out accessories, a good pair of nude and black flats, a black and nude blazer and plain sheer tops and polos." 

Who are your style icons?

"Liz Uy and Whitney Port. I personally think that my style is a mix of both of them. Liz Uy is very structured, trendy and classy which is a big part of how I dress up but Whitney Port's style is my inspiration to make it a bit more of my age. Her girly prints and soft colors makes me look 18 still. haha"  

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

"Invest on good jeans, comfortable flats in different colors, a pair of gold or silver gladiators, plain skirts and plain tops. You can mix and match all of them and just make it more of your personality by pairing it with accessories that you think makes it you. Show your personality through your clothes and be yourself. Dont be pressured by the different people in school, you should always remember to dress for yourself and nobody else. We're in a university wherein diversity is one factor that makes us unique. So just wear what you want, smile and work it." 

Check out Vern's blog- http://www.vernenciso.com/

DLSU's BEST DRESSED: Renzo Navarro

Renzo Navarro | ID 109 | BS Civil Engineering- AB Multimedia Arts (CSB)

How do you describe your style?

"Nothing too flashy. I try to stay boring. Frankly I don't know how to describe it but people have said the way I dress (recently) is hipster. Sometimes, maybe. All I really know about hipsters is that they can be phony. Do consider looking it up. Whatever looks nice, I like. Same goes for what I wear, I guess. I hate to admit it but I can be preppy sometimes."

What are your staple clothing items for school?

"Big shirts, jeans, slip ons. It's been hot lately. I wear lots of t-shirts also."

What are your all time favorite trends?

"I love pieces with weird or uncommon details. I'd love to wear Dr. Martens if I could afford them. Sneakers are really comfy! I'd get a bunch of Air Force 1s and a couple of sneaks from Puma and Adidas too if I could afford. Let me tell you what I don't like: overly preppy get ups. I can get preppy myself but I never go for tacky (well tacky is how some people wear them) accessories such as blazers and bowties and tucking in my shirt. With a weather like ours, we're given the opportunity to play with colors and silhouettes. Leave the layering to the people from the cold places. But if you must, don't overdo it."

Who are your style icons?

"Some would be Prince Pelayo of katelovesme, Susie Lau of Style Bubble (How could anyone not love her??), and my friend CJ Cruz who had recently been photographed by Scott Schuman (of The Sartorialist) in London. Bloggers all. Please do look them up. CJ will be amused to read this. Oh I love the Japanese as well!"

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

"Forget the match. It's all about a good mix. Also, start by following trends. You'll soon discover your own style. Be what you feel like, not what you see. Don't forget to be practical and don't wear anything stupid. Never ever underestimate basics. Being fashionable is not a physiological need so there's no need to be pressured."


Check out Renzo's blog- http://renzodemenzo.blogspot.com/