Pins, Needles And Staple Wires

Erika Jan Abituna

Anyone can immediately assume that that striped top is either from Topshop, Zara or a high-end store and what not. But let me surprise you that it isn't, it's from a thirft shop and she just sewed on those appliques! Take it from the queen of everything DIY, Mary Kate Olsen went out with a DIY-ed stapled top, so bring out those pins, needles and staple wires! Always think that you have nothing to lose in experimenting, make any old dress new again by chopping off and shortening the hemlines, make your old pair of pants into rock n' roll chic cut-offs, the list is endless. But don't forget, any DIY piece will look good if you wear it with confidence. And that perfect splash of accessories, of course.

Style tips:

Believe it or not, guys should DIY too! Style-blogger Izzy of The Dandy Project is one perfect example. Visit his site and see more of his DIY projects such as a painter jacket, slashed pants and nuts & bolts necklace for example.

Mr. Brightside

Mik Fernandez

It really does take a bold person to wear a very loud and bright color, on a pair of pants at that. Guys veer towards the neutral and safe colors but having that one item in your outfit which provides the zest of color makes you stand out in a good way. Improper combination of colors and an overkill of technicolored items must be avoided at all costs.

Black Leather

Locks and Keys

Femme Fatale

Jill Tanig

Red Lips? Check. Eye-catching clothing? Check. Sexy high heels? Check. Great permed hair? Check. This look is for the certified femme fatale but with a modern twist thanks to those studded heels. First seen in the Givenchy Fall 2009 Shoe Collection this studded trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Be absolutely glam and alluring while wearing this get-up.

Minimalist

Sid Jang

Feeling lazy to dress up everyday? What I can suggest is stick to the minimalist style, the safest, chicest and laziest style to go to school. Stick to greys, whites and blacks to get that minimalist and monochromatic look, if that's not enough, throw on some accessories to get that Kate Lanphear's sophisticated look. Or if you like color, you can wear a bright colored outfit with clean lines like what Camille of ChildhoodFlames did here. As for inspirations from known brands, take a cue from the lookbook of A/W 2009 Collection of Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony.

Style tips:

If a monochrome ensemble doesn't feel that good to you or might sound to boring, just put on some simple, classic accessories like a good old watch or a statement shoes.

A/W 2009 Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony

Sketch Sunday: The Korean Fad

You can't deny that a country with their own Vogue and Nylon is simply influential to the global fashion industry. Jump starting their influence here in the Philippines with their music, now the Koreans are influencing how we dress, a perfect mix of classics and pops of color. Want more korean fashion goodness? Visit: THEXOXOKIDS, a blog dedicated to everything  korean from partying with a perfect splash of fashion, or check out this nautical inspired spread of Anja Rubik by Nagi Sakai for Vogue Korea, styled by Ye Young Kim.





A mega post on Koreans spotted on SDA next time!Illustration by Lorenz NamalataPhoto via The XOXO Kids

The Highs and the Lows

Stilettos, Pumps and Gladiators

Style Tip:

Heels give that extra "oomph" to your outfit but walking to and around the SDA building with super high stilettos will kill your feet. Plan on wearing heels to school? Better stick with either a low stiletto heel or a pair of comfortable platforms.

Featured On Philippine Daily Inquirer

We can't thank Ms. Rosanna Aranaz enough for choosing to feature us in her weekly column in 2BU! in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. This is a huge leap for us as this blog is only sixteen days old! The four of us would like to thank you for your time, checking out our blog daily and we hope that, little by little, you have been inspired by our features and photographs and that we've contributed towards a better outlook on personal style. Thank you so much! -Bjorn, Esme, Lorenz and Lyka

Sweet Sophistication

Regg Macasiray

A pair of Penny loafers, a vintage print and lace top and a silk skirt are three pieces one cannot easily pull off. An epitome of Chloe's Fall 2010 RTW Collection (consists of beige, browns and other neutral, earth colored pieces) this vintage top with lace accents paired with a neutral skirt is a formula for a perfect lazy school day outfit.

Style Tip:

Going to wear a vintage printed top? Balance your look by pairing it with neutral or plain pieces. Or if you don't want to play it safe, pair it with an equally loud print with the same design or color scheme so not be too over the top.

Battered and Bleached

Karlo Hernandez

The trend coming from the 80s, the bleached/faded denim is a living proof that trends do come and go. Wear this to school in either a contrasting color with some same color accents as accessories (shown above) or wear it with anything black and grungy

Style Tip:

Wear it with black ankle boots and a simple top to balance off the look and make it look grungy but appropriate for school.

Preppy Like Me

H.H. Lee and Paolo Salgado

Most guys nowadays have a general style. A crisp looking polo shirt or oxford long sleeves paired with cropped pants or bermuda shorts plus, the final touch, topsiders or penny loafers. The best thing about this trend is you can mix and match your choices, you can add your own accessories and it is very easy to pull off! You still end up looking polished and not overdressed. This may seem like the new uniform whichever college you attend, but who's complaining when at least guys look more decent now more than ever? The era of baggy and tacky clothing is already obsolete and we like it that way.

Lace Ups

Sneakers, Converse, Boat Shoes and Oxfords