All dolled up

MANILA, Philippines - When I was a kid, buying paper doll sets in the local sari-sari store was my all-time favorite after-school habit. The dolls weren’t modeled after a specific starlet; rather, they were just generic girls complemented by a limited selection of dresses and different colored Mary Janes. They were 2-D Barbies and unlike the plastic toy alternative, the price for these dolls was definitely little girl-friendly.

This week, taking our cue from pop culture authority Vulture’s paper dolls based on HBO’s Girls, we’ve decided to bring back an old school past-time and scrap the generic girl molds; replacing them with faces the local fashion-blogging scene has grown accustomed to.

These five fashion bloggers have inadvertently changed the way kids go about style in these parts. For a lot of tweens and teens, they’ve become style icons — and for good reason. It used to be that fashion inspiration was limited to celebrities and the monied set. But having someone relatable and almost ordinary to look up to? That’s something else entirely. They’ve been lighting up the blogosphere with their day-to-day fashion tidbits and have taught us that style isn’t limited to the international scene and premium labels, but is accessible to every person who lets their individuality shine through. This is style that might not be too adventurous or directional, but is, more often than not, easy and comfortable — exactly what kids are looking for.

So let your inner kid loose with these makeshift paper dolls. These fashion bloggers have been showing you the ropes on how to go about putting outfits together for a while now — it’s about time you show them what you’ve learned.

BUBBLE, POP, ELECTRIC COLORS: Camille Co, 24, http://itscamilleco.com/

Camille Co is not one to stay in the monochromatic shades. The winner of Mango’s international It Girl contest and designer of Coexist has style that’s as electric as her lifestyle. Check out her bright pink heels, bright neon yellow clutch and her electric blue pants.

WATCH AND LEARN: David Guison, 21, http://davidguison.com/

Most guys can’t pull off the sando look. College student David Guison, however, is not most guys. His notable accessories include man-clutches and a wide array of wristwatches.

GIRL ON THE EDGE: Patricia Prieto, 21, http://itspatriciaprieto.com/

Mixing dainty pieces with tough accessories is SOFA student Patricia Prieto’s style. More often than not, you can spot her in her favorite black rounded sunglasses and her staple black heels.

PANTS AND PRINTS: Kryz Uy, 22, http://www.kryzuy.com/

While most people opt to go short on an ensemble, Kryz Uy, the creative director of the retail brand What A Girl Wants, shows you how to properly rock the loud floral numbers and the favorite relaxed cargo.

TRIBAL COLORS: Lissa Kahayon, 22, http://www.lissakahayon.com/

While most settle for soft and subtle prints on their outfits, Lovevintagemanila co-owner Lissa Kahayon shocks and awes with zigzag patterns and animal-themed designs.