Fashion mini-round-up: From slimming shapewear to trends for teens

It's a common concern and doesn't discriminate according to sex, age, race or nationality: the unsightly bulge or, in Pinoy jargon, the bilbil—pronouced body fat in regions like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms.

It sometimes comes with age, said former model Isabelle Roces. “I noticed when I was younger, losing the weight of that extra chocolate I’d eat was easier. Now, the calories of the chocolates seem to overstay in the body as resident fat.”

Sometimes, it comes with the kids. “After having two kids, it is impossible to go back to my pre-motherhood weight,” said MEGA Magazine executive editor Peewee Reyes-Isidro. “Yes, I may have a tiny frame, but believe me, I do have certain areas that need hiding.”

While proper diet and regular exercise remain the most efficient and highly recommended ways to a better physique, the modern woman is also in a constant quest for instant solutions to these body woes, especially if they have no time to hit the gym.

“Optical illusions like vertical lines can only do so much, so we need help from shapewear to do the trick,” Peewee added.

Foundation garments or shapewear are designed to slightly alter the wearer’s body shape for a short time. The corset is probably one of the earliest form of shapewear, but these days bodysuits, control panty hose, garter belts and girdles are also types of such undergarments.

In recent years Spanx has become a top brand. With celebrity users like Oprah and other Hollywood stars, it is probably the top-of-mind label when it comes to shapewear. In the Philippines it is exclusively sold at Rustans.

But Assets by Spanx, the recently introduced value line exhibited recently at a runway show, is also available in department stores like SM and Landmark and claims to offer the same control at a fraction of the cost.

Other brands offering shapewear include Maidenform, Wacoal, Jockey, Triumph and local brands like Barbizon and Lady Grace.

Depending on the compression level the wearer needs, these garments range from moderate to maximum: the higher the level, the greater the contour... and for some users, the harder to breathe.

In her book “Beauty Queens,” best-selling author Libby Bray described it as “discomfortwear”—“shapewear designed to eliminate rills, ripples and muffin tops. In some cases, known to eliminate circulation and breathing...”

Perhaps these foundation garments do cause discomfort, but for those in need, what’s a little “tiis ganda” in exchange for that coveted silhouette?

Aeropostale store opens

Meanwhile, US brand Aeropostale opened its first branch in the Philippines last month. Its store, at Glorietta Mall in Makati City, houses its casual, activity-friendly and age-appropriate collections for teens.

The clothes and accessories available should be no surprise to those familiar with the Aero (as it is commonly called) line, which principally targets the 14- to 17 age group and introduced its latest collection in a runway show.

Colored pants, a Spring-Summer 2013 trend, made their appearance in red, green and neon. The denims come in a range of styles, from straight-cut to classic to distressed, and—with a starting price of around P1,500—are comparable cost-wise to other imported brands available on the local market.

Aeropostale being a company primarily for adolescents, T-shirts abound, along with button-down shirts, tank tops, dresses, vests and accessories, belts, bags and footwear.

Aeropostale just offers the basics. However, the striking colors, up-to-date graphics and contrasts make these ordinary wardrobe items contemporary and appealing. — BM, GMA News