Style That Lets You Cheat Genetics

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Let’s face it—not all of us look like Natalia Vodianova, the Russian supermodel who is all: legs-up-to-here, willowy, and so perfectly proportioned that even a garbage bag would look ridiculously good on her.

Natalia Vodianova Magazine Scan

My beef against my body?

  1. I am not tall enough, but I am not tiny enough so my proportion is weird
  2. I am not thin, but I am also not voluptuous
  3. I have stretch marks
  4. I have uneven skin tone
  5. I don’t have the best complexion

And let’s just stop before I fill in this entry with a few more of my complaints.

Since these are things I can’t change unless I resort to drastic means, I try to make do with well,dressing techniques. My golden rule? Invest in clothes that fit properly–clothes that flaunt the best assets and hide the flaws.

Anyway, i wrote an entire article about “cheating genetics” for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I don’t think it’s out yet though.

When it all boils down to it, you just have to be confident. What about you guys, what are your biggest physical frustrations? :)

Dominique Tiu Cheating Genetics outtake 1

Dominique Tiu PDI Cheating Genetics outtake 2

Dominique Tiu PDI Cheating Genetics outtakes 4

Dominique Tiu PDI Cheating Genetics 3

Dominique Tiu Cheating Genetics outtakes 6

Dominique Tiu Cheating Genetics outtakes 7

Slouchy white top: Nectar | Zebra print skirt: Forever 21 | Aviator eyeglasses: Sweet Pitaya | Wedge gladiators: Michael Antonio | Black and Beige oversized top: Topshop | Bandage Skirt: Topshop | Cross Necklace: Forever 21 | Wedge Shoes: Custom-made (for more details, leave a message through my contact form)

Photo by: Tricia Gosingtian | Makeup by: Tricia Gosingtian | Styling: Tricia Gosingtian (most of the items were from her closet but, lol, we have lots of similar clothes, but for more details on her clothes, please view her site) and Dominique Tiu for Philippine Daily Inquirer

Also, my contest is still standing. You have a few more days to win a pair of precious earrings here!

  • Pax

    you said you don't look good in jumpsuits–you do!!!:) so gorgeous:) and love the 2nd to the last ensemble with the shirt. Where is Nectar? And loooveee your shoes! Is it too pricey? I want!=)

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Haha, I really don't! I feel like i look awkward in jumpsuits! Also, Nectar is in Crossings. You can get the same one from Topshop (I have it in Black and Blue als0). Also, which shoes? :) The ones from Michael Antonio?

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Ngaw, thank you! I don’t know! Usually, people think I’m the least approachable amongst the three (or four, if you add Crissey into the mix). Even my friends think I’m either super serious or… super serious–but I’m always ready to goof off (and I do, 90% of the time).

    Also, well, her interest in photography started from back when she was in High School? Though I’m not so sure, she’s in a better position to tell you about how she got into photography. Fashion-wise, I think it’s only as of late–like probably two to three years ago? :) Also, you totally should! I mean, of course, you have to make sure that you’re doing it primarily for fun and not for anything else cause, then, suppose if what you wanted to happen, didn’t happen, where does that leave you? At least, when you have fun, nothing’s lost. <3

  • Alix

    Crissey! Oh yeah! She has amazingly cute drawings :) ) and, maybe most people think so because you look like you’re too far off. I mean, you’re white… like, porcelain white, and you dress really well that gets people down. Not everyone dresses like a superstar like you guys and some people feel… insecure and super shy? ha ha

    I think I remember reading one of her posts about her first camera. A kodak camera that she got for free from her mom/dad’s credit card? (omygosh, i sound like a fan girl :( the ugly truth) Major changes in life! I wonder when I’d get my turn in the rollercoaster… and, THANK YOU! That’s the best advice i’ve gotten about the whole fashion “shoot” thing. Like, most people would just go, “Are you sure?”. It sucks to think that some people make those other people feel off just bec we aren’t as chinita or mestisa as them other fashion-forward people. THANK YOU :)

  • http://allthejaay.blogspot.com Jayrin

    It's good to know I'm not alone with the stretch marks and uneven skin tone! :) Never would've guessed that about you though.

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Haha, well my body is a tone darker than my face. I don't know why, honestly, I don't even use whitening products. Also, I have SO MUCH stretch marks as I used to be slightly bigger, then super thin, then idk, somewhere in between. :)

  • Alix

    They’re not evil eyebrows! They’re pretty and tamed (and NOT short eyebrows, as compared to mine which are practically cut half way bec of some genetic reason) and they don’t get in the way at all. ha ha. That just proved that I am a fan girl who’s been wanting to meet one of the three of you, just like how a little kid would want to meet her superhero (in my case, Cinderella’s fairy godmother!). This makes me really excited. Like, prelims week is going to take forever to end. And I can’t wait for the week after since we’re planning on making a shoot, before the fun-fun-fun shoot, about “The After Math of Prelims: Where Would You Go?”. I think we’d be doing that in Eastwood.

  • Alix

    I never thought that you would be as normal as the rest of us. ha ha. You're so pretty and great(!) at dressing up that people almost never notice any of those imperfections :)

    Btw, how did you start the whole blog thing? I'm very curious…

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Oh Gosh, I'm super normal and so uncool. Haha, I mean, I get up everyday in the morning with knots on my hair, and I hardly ever go out on Friday nights. When I turn on my laptop, I log into y8.com to play tower defense. I do shop almost every weekend but out of the 20 pieces that I choose, only three or four will look good on me. Also, there are days when I pig out and days where I feel like I'm going to rip my clothes because I stuffed myself too much, it seems like I'm going to have to be rolled home after said meal.

    Hmm, what do you mean @ blog thing? I mean, I've always had a blog back when I was in college. It surprised me that people actually read my rants regarding whatever. Apparently, they were amused that I swore a lot and had the most radical opinions regarding whatever (I also had a blog where I store my literary works, which I had since I was in High School). Then I decided I wanted to blog full-time and bring Fashion into fore, since it was one of my primary interests. I opened a blog two years ago in Blogger and it did well, honestly, I just somehow lost interest and got too busy. So I deleted that blog, then when I was ready, I opened this one a good month or so ago. :)

  • Alix

    No kidding… You don't fit your description at all. ha ha. I mean, with what you bring up in your blogs, you seem like the most perfect of perfects who have the best of THREE worlds (German, British and Chinese). I've been following you in Tumblr for a couple of weeks now and, just now, i've realized that you're not like a chic ninja from outer space, but more of a cool ninja from this planet.

    The fact that you got so big in the blog world so fast is fascinating :) ) You, TriciaG. and KryzU. I had a blog during highschool too, but it was more on the funniest things my classmates would say. They all loved it, but after I graduated, it's shelflife decreased. And now, I'm stuck with my oh-so-lowly Tumblr. :|

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Ngaw, I think I like being the “cool ninja from this planet” versus “chic ninja from outer space!” I'm actually more fun online than I am in real life because, well, I'm nosier here and less timid. Outside, people think I'm a snob, hur hur, but that's mostly because my eyebrows are knitted 80% of the time.

    Also, tbh, I don't know how it started. I'm actually surprised that you think I'm “big” on the internet. If I am, then I'm certainly not going to deny the fact that I got my “following” through my friends. Mostly Tricia, I would say, because she'd invite me to shoots and post about me and I guess her fans trickled down on my page. Haha. Tricia's fame is built by, well, intricate marketing on her part. I guess it super helps tht she's marketing herself, and since she's such an awesome person, it's not really hard to “not” like her. As for Krystle, I knew her longer than I knew Tricia but I've never, until recently, talked to her. Historically, I don't know how she got so big but I wouldn't say I'm not surprised. Back when we were in High School (she's a batch lower), I've always thought she was super pretty and definitely going somewhere. ;)

  • Alix

    Most people are more fun online :) ) ha ha. Why would people think that you're snobby? You look FAR from snobby. I'd say you'd look like a perfectly nice person, if I'd see you in the flesh. Most of my friends say so too.

    I heard that Tricia started it all during college, yes? She's like Wonderwoman with her camera, it's fascinating. And, those shoots you guys have, they're purely for fun? Because it definitely looks like it. You, Tricia and Kryz look so natural on cam and it's as if you're having the time of your lives (excuse the cliche). It's pretty cool too. My friend, Aly and I, are planning the same thing. But it wouldn't end up as good as what you guys have. haha.

  • Alix

    Oh yeah! Crissey! Her drawings are amazing. :) ) and, maybe it's because you look so high off or like the most unreachable because of your somewhat-Caucasian features and porcelain skin. Goofing off is the best kind of fun there is.

    I think I remember her posting a picture of her first camera during highschool… the Kodak camera she got for free? (Omygosh, i totally sound like a fangirl :| ) We're supposed to go for the “shoot” after our prelim exams. I'm excited! And that's the best advice i've gotten about fashion, since… ever. :) ) Most people go like, “Go for it, then maybe you'd get into fame and shit and you can go buy us stuff with the money you earn!” and stuff like that. THANK YOU :)

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Haha, I think it's the evil eyebrows. XD Also yes! I try not to take myself too seriously because if I do, then it won't be fun.

    Also! Wow, I didn't know that! I mean, I knew she took photos with a digicam but that was it.

    Haha, well, I mean, fame and recognition is I guess, a welcome product of doing what you love but it shouldn't be the main reason to drive you. I mean, i don't want to be pretentious and go: “Oh, passion is important, etc, etc”–what's important I guess is doing what you want to do and genuinely liking it because anything you don't enjoy? It's a waste of time. <3

  • http://bydetails.blogspot.com GillianUang

    I love your wedges domz! been looking for wedges for myself.. can't seem to find the perfect pair! :(

    http://bydetails.blogspot.com

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Me too! I love wedges and I agree, they're super hard to find but you know what? Drop by SM–Idk why but they have attractive shoes. Lol. I found super cute wedges there once, just wasn't able to buy them.

  • http://bydetails.blogspot.com GillianUang

    I did! been in SM for 2 days! I can't find my size , I'm a size 5! SUCKS -.- I just ended up buying other things and Etude house products! hahahaha

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Haha, I'm a size 5 but I weirdly fit in shoes that are size 6s and size 7s! Hurm, when you drop by Manila, checking Crossings out? :)

  • http://frostgravity.tumblr.com Rommel

    You too will look ridiculous with a garbage bag on LOL Wow Never thought that you needed techniques like that… It's like impossible to think you would cheat because you look so good on any given shot taken of you xD

  • http://deathbyplatforms.blogspot.com Kookie B.

    ack! i am loving both looks! i thought the second outfit was a dress. my favorite piece would have to be the white cropped shirt though. i'm a sucker for basics!

    by the way, saw the comment you left on my latest post. gosh… i'm flattered, Domz (can i call you “Domz” or do you only reserve that nickname for close friends? eep!). Didn't really think you'd be reading my blog, haha. Anyway, i already placed your blog on my blogroll even before you placed the comment!

    Cheerios,
    Kookie B. :)

  • Kookie Buhain

    by the way, i'll change my post settings so that you don't have to use your old blogger account in order to post a comment!

    deathbyplatforms.blogspot.com

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Ngaw, thank you. :P And hahaha, well, I’m flattered you think that way but just so you know, I can be your friend too. ;)

    I wish you the best of luck–I’m sure you’re going to have a blast with your friend and I’m sure you’re going to look awesome. :) Send me a link once you’ve finished so I can see too. :)

  • Alix

    A lot of people think that. ha ha. Srsly. And, really? Yay! A dream come true! ha ha. THE Domz Tiu, one of Manila’s fashion icons, saying that she can be my friend. !Eep! /fangirl mode.

    Will do :) And we’d try our best to get ozum shots. Thanks Domz! :)

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Not if you're Natalia Vodianova! XD Also, thank you Rommel!

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Thank you Kookie, and sure, you can call me Domz! Haha, I'm not strict with names so as long as people don't randomly call me “Marie” or “Nikki”–not that they're reserved for anyone but it's just strange.

    And, yes, I read your blog! Been reading your blog for the past year–or well, your chic blog, that is. I've only been acquainted to your blogger blog early this year! Will add you up now! Thank you! <3 Will definitely comment more now!

  • http://www.facebook.com/kickwithnoshadow Jeremiah Lawrence Tuble

    I like the dorky domz on picture 2. XD

  • Theonlyfashionprincess

    Love the outfits! Every piece of these outfits is amazing. Hope you will become a follower of my blog too?
    xoxo

    http://theonlyfashionprincess.blogspot.com

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Am always dorky!

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    I'll check it out. :) I can't follow though as I'm not a blogger user but I'll keep tabs on it. :)

  • http://fashionistafortunecookie.blogspot.com/ Lloyda

    your custom made wedge shoes!!! i want!!! and the wedge gladiators too! hahaha. you girls (you & tricia) are always too adorable for words you know! ;)

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Thank you Lloyda! <3

  • Stylistamie

    Where did you buy those customize wedge? Super nice! and how much is it?

  • Anastasia

    My biggest physical frustration? I’m a size in 9 in footwear. I absolutely hate it, because I have chicken legs, my bottom half looks like ski poles. I’m short (5’2″) so that also adds to the weirdness. I never wear skinny jeans or pointy toe shoes (or any long shoes) because of this, and I hate that it gets in the way of what I want to wear. There’s a lot of criticism for big feet and I just can’t deal with that. I’m with you on the stretch marks (but thankfully they’re on my upper thighs where no one can see them) and I do not have the best complexion either. I guess we just have to enhance our natural beauty.

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    They are customized for around 2,000 pesos. :)

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Hi Anastasia! Well, I have a friend who’s 5’1 and size 11 and that’s never stopped her! Personally, I don’t think people will notice feet unless you’re wearing awesome shoes. I used to be embarrassed by the fact that I was size 5, that was back in High School, and so I wore size 7s. Since my feet are slightly wide, the shoes will hold up. But I keep on tripping so I figured, who cares if people think my feet are too small for my frames. XD Though I do get where you’re coming from. <3 I mean, I’ve long stopped caring if people judge me for my flaws–I mean, we all have flaws we wish we can rid ourselves of, right? :3

  • http://domzistumbling.tumblr.com/ Dominique Tiu

    Had it customized by my uncle for 2,000. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/michmariem Michelle Marie Faustino Manese

    I have fresh stretch marks on my legs, and they are crazy red as of now, I hate it. So I have to wear either knee socks or tights, which is cute, until it gets boring. That’s about all I can say about my flaws before it gets depressing. :)

    Love the shoes, is it restricted for simple designs?

  • http://twitter.com/april_jhine Regine Gapasin

    HI Miss Domz!Can you post an entry about cheating genetics in your blog?