WE’RE BLOGGED: You Are What You Wear

South Sartorial Girl #4: Bag Designer turned Jewelry Designer, Lala Garcia

When I meet people with great style and personality, I almost always compulsively want to know their story and feature them as our South Sartorial Girl. That’s exactly what happened when I met Lala of Lala Garcia Manila and saw her gorgeous jewelries. Her young, bubbly and classy vibe reflects on her every piece of jewelry. We instantly clicked and I can’t wait to share with you what this lady has to say about her brand, inspirations and philosophy (they’re so good, they’re “tweetable”)!  

Tell us something about you and how you came up with your brand. 

I graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Major in Organizational Communication at De La Salle University. Soon after, I worked in the banking industry for about 5 years. In between those employments, and even during each stint, I found myself enjoying some business on the side. 

In 2010, when I was already full-time in business, my husband enrolled me in a Bag Making course at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines to achieve my bag-designing ambitions. I felt I wasn’t yet a bona-fide bag designer until I had formal lessons. I wanted to hone my creative skills and be able to execute more of my ideas without the pressure of mass producing each design just to comply with my manufacturers’ minimums. By the year 2011, I was already selling my very own creations under my self-named brand. 

Then came 2012, and I was restless to pursue yet another passion/ambition in life in as much as to fulfill a childhood fantasy of becoming an “alahera” (jeweler) just like my mom back in the days. Though she did it only as a side-line while she was in the corporate world herself, as a young girl, she adorned me with her jewelry, as well as taught me how to make different fashionable pieces out of beads, yarn, etc. Since then, I just could not leave home without wearing one. With that, I realized it was something closer to my heart and would perhaps make me a happier businesswoman! With each piece still being uniquely and carefully handcrafted, I could also continue to take pride in the Filipino talent. My evolving and free-flowing (yet reasonably priced) designs would also allow more ladies to actually acquire and wear some bespoke jewelry of their own.  

In barely 2 months from launching the line, I became one of ZALORA Philppines’ first retail partners… And soon after, with its sister company LAZADA Philippines too. As you might already know about them, both are now amongst the most well-known and reputable e-commerce sites in the country. So, boy am I just glad to have grabbed such opportunity as early as then! They carry most of my best-selling designs and a few more select pieces which are unique and exclusive to each only. I guess my family and close friends were right about talking me in to pursuing this career then, especially when THE Ms. Tess Prieto-Valdes invited me to her house some time last year as well and bought a total of 16 hefty pieces all to herself! It was only then actually, that I realized the true potential of my brand. I was so happy she liked a lot of my designs, I gave her the last canvas bag I sewed as an instant freebie! 

Lala with Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdez after her 30-min shopping! :)

Hands down, best professional advice you ever got.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius 

Lala with husband Jeff.

Your working girl essentials? 

My working girl essentials have always been my DSLR cam, laptop, & pocket wifi… Until I just recently discovered that my Samsung Note 2 alone could do as much the job & more for all those 3 combined!  

What moments on your business do you find most rewarding?

Seeing my designs come to life with more and more ladies wearing them & knowing that they automatically think of me for gifts they need to give their fashionista family & friends, make the most rewarding moments in doing this kind of business. 

Who’s your working girl inspiration or icon/s?

Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Regine Tolentino, & Anne Curtis Smith 

What’s your work philosophy?

I make sure to always add some personal touch to any task, no matter how simple it is. 

What’s your style mantra?

“Everyone of us has a story to tell, and sometimes, all it takes is a piece of accessory to make a statement.”

“As unique as every girl is, so shall be her accessories!” – (Just two of my quotable quotes!) 

Lala wearing our Shirt Dress in Peacock.

When I’m not working on Lala Garcia MANILA…

I’m either catching up on me-time at a nail spa/salon or would rather be spending quality time with my husband, family, &/or friends.

What’s your favorite South Sartorial piece/s and why?

An instant favorite South Sartorial piece of mine is the haltered maxi dress! I just love how elegant it looks (be it with the Floral or the Peacock prints) & how easy & carefree it can be worn from day time to date nights.

Here’s Lala obviously feeling torn between our Maxi Dresses.  She even posted this on her page and got great responses. The winner was our Floral Maxi Dress! ;)

To keep you in the loop, Like Lala Garcia Manila on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram! 

Photos courtesy of Lala Garcia.

SUMMER IN FULL BLOOM: Summer 2013 Collection

SUMMER 2013: In Full Bloom this Easter

Before we go off for the next three days to observe the Lenten Season, we just want to remind everyone to watch out for our SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION this coming Easter! There’s no better way to launch our latest collection than the day celebrating the resurrection of Christ.  Also, our first ever collection, Summer 2012, was also coincidentally released last year’s Easter! :) So go ahead and mark your calendars, set your reminders and even tell all your friends about our launch on Sunday!  We’re all excited to show you our latest pieces! See you on Sunday!

May we all have a peaceful and meaningful Lenten Season! ;)

South Sartorial Girl #3: First love never dies for Makeup Artist, Kay Arias RM,RN

We plead guilty for loving fashion and for not updating our blog for a month now. On a brighter side, we got a new girl crush we’re sure you’ll all love! She’s a sweetheart and we’ve worked with her in our previous collections.  She’s basically a friend of the brand and we’re proud of her! Talk about helping a pregnant woman deliver her baby during a shoot! This registered nurse turned makeup artist was there to the rescue! Love her yet? Check out what this girl has to say and you’ll love her more! Meet Kay Arias of The Makeup Rum! 

Tell us how you got your job.

I’ve always wanted to be someone in the beauty industry. At first I thought I was gonna be a hairstylist. But it was the makeup that fascinated me. “Love at first applies.” So I aspired myself to become one after high school, But I was told to get a degree first and I’ll be able to get whatever I want after college.  And so I’ve decided to take Nursing, I know it’s quite popular back in the days. Though I think it’s the only excuse for the answer, “Coz I’m not good with Math.” Haha! Kidding aside, I finished the 2 degrees BS in Midwifery and BS in Nursing. Then I got my first Nursing job in a government hospital then after 8 months I enrolled in a makeup school, working and studying for 3months every day. Started to do part time makeup job in 2011. Then finally took the risk of quitting nursing career over makeup in 2012, by far best career decision I made. But hey, I loved nursing 2nd best job ever, it’s just that I loved makeup first.

We’re in love with this shot! :)

What skill or habit do you think is vital for success?

Eat healthy as much as possible, coz if you do, you can work more efficiently. 

Sleep, when you have the time.

Listen attentively.

Be very very patient.

 Getting all giddy on her interview! 

Hands down, best professional advice you ever got.

Never stop learning. 

Your Working Girl Essentials? / Technology of choice?

I wanna say my iPhone, but I broke it. =)) So any smartphone would do.

A small planner, good camera and mobile wifi. 

What moments on the job do you find most rewarding?

When people recognize my work then it gives birth to another project then another one and it goes on.

Who’s your working girl inspiration?

My friend Pia Reyes, she’s the lean and mean makeup machine. Haha! 

What’s your favorite thing to wear to work?

For weddings, I wear a dress and a cardigan.

For photoshoots, sometimes I wear shorts and a comfy top.

On the set, a pair of pants to get rid of mosquitoes and a comfy top.

 Here’s Kay on set in the indie film, Ang Nawawala.  I remember her talking about her experience as one of the official Makeup Artists of this film.  This girl has indeed a long way to go! :)

What’s your favorite South Sartorial piece/s so far?

The Barbara top is so comfortable to wear, that’s my fave top right now. Then I’d also love to have the Adriana dress, but I don’t when/where to wear that yet. =)

Did we mention we get really kilig when girls wear South Sartorial on their special occasions? Yes, this is one kilig moment! Haha!

She’s currently working closely with one of the greatest photographers in the country, Niccolo Cosme. Check out Project Headshot Clinic and let’s all support the campaign!  

Wanna know more about our current girl crush? Like her on Facebook at The Makeup Rum or subscribe to here updates here. Below is one of her recent published works for PhilStar. Click on the photo to see the full article.

Photo Credit: Kay Arias (@themakeuprum)

South Sartorial supports amazing women from different fields who we believe embody the characteristics of a true South Sartorial girl, who is chic, fun-loving, passionate, knows what she wants, and is an inspiration to others! If you’d like to be featured or want someone be featured in our blog, don’t hesitate to contact us! We can’t wait to meet you! :)

We’re glad to have Tyrene Orais as our latest South Sartorial Girl of the Week mainly because she’s a wonder woman and definitely one of our girl crushes!  When she’s not working as a makeup artist, she can usually be found taking care of her cute little kids and running around errands as a full time mom!  Somehow she found a second to answer a few of our questions for this feature.  She’s that good in juggling things!  We think it’s safe to say that that’s the power of “The Ellis Effect”. ;)

Tell us how you got your job.

- It all started with the husband who is a photographer, Heinz Orais (check out his portfolio here). Just tryin to help out, then people started asking/inquiring. My mentor Jim Ros from Maybelline opened doors for me in this business.

Hands down, best professional advice you ever got.

- Present your self well, dress up, put on your lipstick & always remember people’s names. 

Tyrene, wearing our Black & White Miranda Bodycon Dress! FAB!

Your working girl essentials?

- My shades - makes me feel invisible.  Oh & my lipstick, [it] saves me from being pale :))

What moments on your profession do you find most rewarding?

- Ooohh, the special mention during wedding receptions! Hahaha! But seriously, it’s my weddings that I love most. It’s being part of their most memorable day.

Who’s your working girl inspiration or style icon/s?

- Jennifer Lopez & Heidi Klum

Yes, we can see that! :)

What’s your work philosophy?

- Passion, adaptability plus a hundred percent effort.

When I’m not on a hair and makeup gig, …

- mommy duties!

This is by far the cutest photo in our blog, don’t you think? LOL!

What’s your favorite South Sartorial piece/s and why? 

-Gotta love the bodycon [dress]!

KATE Black Bodycon Dress with Sequined Sleeves

Photo Credit: Tyrene Orais

South Sartorial Girl #1: Fashion Stylist, LEAH ROUS

We’re ecstatic to start off the year with more updates on our blog and way too ecstatic to announce our first SOUTH SARTORIAL GIRL OF THE WEEK!

Every week, we will be featuring amazing women from different fields who we believe embody the characteristics of a true South Sartorial girl, who is chic, fun-loving, passionate, knows what she wants, and is an inspiration to others! We’re excited for this journey of meeting and sharing with you what these girls have to say about career, fashion and life in general!

We’re stoked to have Leah Rous, the stylist who featured our Tribal Shorts Suit in the last Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 Ford Supermodel Show, as our first South Sartorial Girl. Our stylist-brand relationship started out from her first purchase from us and she’s still one of our most favorite stylists to date (mainly, for her being sweet, responsible and easy to work with).

So here’s the scoop on how she got her job, girl essentials, style philosophy, her icons and the things she can’t live without!

Tell us how you got your job.

Hands down, best professional advice you ever got.

- Just stay focused… nothing beats your passion on doing something you really like doing.

Your working girl essentials?

- As a stylist I really need to bring my styling kit. Always! Especially on gigs. But for my everyday “working” essentials, I never forget to bring my kikay kit that has all types of make-ups that I use everyday! Also, my daily planner and a pen so I won’t forget to write down my schedule and won’t forget the things that has to be done! And of course, my phone. LOL!

What moments on styling do you find most rewarding?

- Most rewarding moment as a stylist is when people notice what you did and they really liked it and you get credits everywhere. Super nakakakilig! :)) Then they start hiring you on regular basis. Meaning, I really did a great job dahil gusto nila ako kunin paulit-ulit.

Who’s your working girl inspiration or style icon/s?

- I really look up to a lot of people when it comes to style. The Olsen twins are my favorite but I also like Rachel Zoe. She’s my inspiration on making it big in this industry. Also, Kate Moss, Carrie Bradshaw (of Sex and the City), and Blair Waldorf (of Gossip Girl). All of them have different fashion statements, but they are all classy, sophisticated, fashionable, glamorous and their styles are very fun to wear and to look at.

What’s your style philosophy?

- I call my style as “The Undecided” one. I wear anything I feel like wearing. People say my style is very unpredictable. Sometimes, I can go as girly and preppy as I want and sometimes when I’m lazy to dress up, I just go for my usual street style [which is] laid back rocker chic. I can be edgy sometimes, but I still stay as minimal as possible. Ayoko na di ako naiintindihan. “Edgy, but understandable!” - that’s me! :))

When I’m not styling…

- I’m at work.Regular office work! I’m a Talent Coordinator to an agency accredited by GMA7. We provide/handle artists and talents for GMA7.

What’s your favorite South Sartorial piece/s?

The Adriana Sequined Bodycon Dress. Since I don’t like showing my arms, this dress is so perfect for me! Haha! I like showing my legs more and I love anything that sparkles! :))

Check out Leah’s blog here to see more of her work and #ootd’s! ;)

BELTED FLORAL DRESSES : Thanks to K-Mid and her numerous royalty appearances last year that inspired this trend especially the belt part. 

GET GRAPHIC : Florals did their part on the ramp, but we also saw amazing graphic prints all-over in megawatt colors that took over on head-to-toe suiting, separates, and even evening dresses. 

STRIPES & BOLD BLACK AND WHITE : Paris made it official, stripes are the print for SS13 according to both designers and consumers. Also, there’s something for the faint of heart (meaning those who can’t live with bold prints) as the bold black and white trend has also been seen on the runways like Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Moschino in the form of stylish stripes.

PEEK-A-BOO MIDRIFF : We’re sure it’ll be warm enough in our tropical country to rock this trend! We found some subtle and more sensible bare midriffs this season! 

BOLD SUNGLASSES : Of course, the best part of summer is having all the reasons to rave for statement-making pair of sunnies, though you can still wear one any season! The edgy eyewear will add a final flourish to any outfit, just like it did on the runways at Marni, Anna Sui, Rachel Roy, Jason Wu, Erdem and Fendi. 

SPARKLING HOLIDAY COLLECTION 2012

OUT NOW! http://www.southsartorial.com

PARALLEL UNIVERSE: The Mini Dress

What Happened In Blogopolis Philippines?

Last Sunday, November 18, 2012, bloggers came together to witness #Blogopolis, a “conference put on for bloggers, by bloggers” held in Makati Shangri-La Hotel .  It was a one whole day (and evening) event about everything related to blogging and man, it covered a lot of hot topics from famous bloggers, blogging content, advertising, photography and a lot more!  Check out some of the photos from the event.

The great man behind YugaTech and now the Country Manager for NuffNang Philippines, Abe Olandres.

The line up of speakers & panelists included Tippy and Anthony Go of GooglyGooeys, Christine Dychiao of manila Fashion Observer, Divine Lee, David Guison and more.

Of course, NuffNang Philippines know how to treat their guests right with sumptuous food!

Some of the snapshots of guest bloggers and sponsors from the “networking night”.

Several cool gadgets were given away to very lucky participants who are now ending their 2012 with the latest iPhones and iPads and other cool stuff! Nobody left empty handed though, as loot bags from sponsors were generously distributed to all guests. Til the next #Blogopolis!

Photo credits to Joey Abiog of DaddyJoey and Tippy and Anthony Go of GooglyGooeys.