confessions of a commuter fashionista (entry #1)

The twenty-first century has seen the democratization of fashion. Access to trends has become if not cheaper, then at least easier due to the onslaught of foreign brands and local chains and labels creating edgier designs. Nowadays, anyone can afford to look good.

But special challenges are presented to a particular kind of stylish person – the commuting fashionista. She deals with many dilemmas that are simply disregarded by those who can drive or are chauffeured around town. These include going the distance on foot where public rides don’t pass, weather changes, carrying the day’s luggage, and changing outfits within the day. Not to mention sneering dirty old (and young) males and snickering envious females and the threat of pickpockets and other criminals.

I count myself among those glamour gluttons who are humbled by transportation restrictions. Even if I can save up for the most fabulous Kenneth Cole 3-inch heel pumps, I simply cannot afford to take a cab daily, nor will I torture my feet into bunion hell. Besides, ugly feet are also a fashion don’t. Even more so as I marched on my university graduation day with a month-old raw blister as a souvenir for all the job interviews I attended in pointy-toe pumps. The trauma of walking three commercial blocks in Makati eventually led me to a job with a casual dress code where pumps are optional, but with enough fieldwork to be a bane in my existence.

All the style authorities will tell you: propriety is a key consideration in putting together an outfit. So what is appropriately stylish for today’s urban trekker? Here are several essentials and tips for braving the busy highways.

· CINDERELLA SHOES. Not in glass, silly. And not from the retail store of the same name either. I mean shoes that are comfortable, stylish and fit perfectly. With no chance of flying off your foot while running after your ride. While kitten heels are a classic, the comeback of flats is a godsend to many commuters. There are now many styles to suit any affair: pointy and round toes for work, open, strappy ones for weekend, and embellished ones for evening/party. Flat boots, boxing shoes, designer sneakers and customized Chuck Taylors are perfect for moshing in concerts but still sets you apart from the ordinary punk.

· FOLDING UMBRELLAS. They will keep you dry if the monsoon suddenly decides to cross your path (which they love to do without warning). They range from itty-bitty three-fold ones that will easily fit a skater’s oversized pocket, to two-fold double-automatic ones that open and close with all the grace every fashionista needs. Try to score one in a solid, neutral color. Why? Because a magenta bougainvillea and matching latticework print would ruin any look. I personally favor Umbra for sturdy umbrellas that last at least three years.

· BIG BAGS. Because there’s no place to leave your things. I have purses that can carry a make-up bag, a pencil kit, a wallet, phone, a folding umbrella and a pocket book, no sweat. Don’t overstuff, however. Carry a second tote in a neutral color and basic style if you have other items like ready-made-lunch, another outfit, a jacket, or a pair of shoes. Look for compartments that can organize all your essentials to prevent fumbling and make sure your bag isn’t gaping or easily opened by thieves. Auztralian makes stylish but affordable bags that feel like you’re carrying a bottomless pit.

Here are other tips to remember when commuting:

· Stockings are your friend! They can prevent injury to your feet if you otherwise went bare. Unless it’s part of your style statement, make sure that they’re a) the correct color, meaning the same color as the rest of your body, and b) the correct length, meaning their ends aren’t visible through any of your clothes in any position you may take.

· Don’t turn down that invitation to an after-work party! You CAN be the belle of the ball even if you take public transportation from the office. If you need to change within the day, try to use as many common pieces as you can, most especially shoes & jewelry. The reason being shoes are the bulkiest item to bring and jewelry the easiest and most heartbreaking to misplace. Ditto for jeans. Case in point: I conquered a Caribbean themed party last holiday season by bringing a slinky minidress and a woven cowboy hat to complement the coral jewelry I wore during the day against a canvas of work basics, emerging “best dressed” with a little grace and chutzpah.

· Change into a different outfit upon arriving at your destination. Your entrance to the hotel may not be as impressive in your grubby jeans with no make-up and undone hair, but it beats doing damage control if your party ensemble is blown to bits by the speeding jeep. Wearing a relatively sexier evening outfit is also a security risk if you have to commute.

· Minimize luggage by wearing weather-bender clothes. On a cold day, instead of wearing a short-sleeved top and bringing a jacket, try wearing a lightweight sweater, turtleneck or long-sleeved top that’s comfortable enough for walking and warm enough for braving air-conditioning units at work.

· If you have a penchant for hats (like I do), don’t be intimidated by stares from other commuters. Remember, your bucket hat functions in the exact way that the kanto boy’s baseball cap does – by protecting your hair from the elements. Just make sure you match the hat with the element/ environment: bucket hats, trucker caps and newsboy caps are adaptable to both heat & wind, but only use berets, ski caps, and beanies during cold weather. Reserve wide-brimmed & straw hats for trips to the beach. If you have ones that are purely decorative (like skull caps, fedoras and cowboy hats), try bringing them along and wearing them only where you want to impress.

· Always know where you’re going. Research your destination and possible routes if you are headed somewhere unfamiliar. Remember that no matter how fabulous your outfit is, you will still look stupid walking around aimlessly, and will only attract the wrong kind of attention! Try buying a Citiatlas available at major bookstores.

Most of all, do not wear anything that overtly calls attention to yourself. The idea is to be comfortable and pulled together in order to avoid fidgeting, adjusting and any other habit that makes you an easy target for pickpockets. With some effort and sense, the fashionista in you can shine as bright as any chauffeured brat. After all, class and elegance are difficult to hide.