About
The Reluctant Stylista is a fashion and lifestyle blog written by Alex Lapa--a once tomboyish girl who suddenly discovered the joys and perks of dressing up. Original illustrations by Paolo Lazatin.
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If you're looking for my styling work, you can browse blog entries tagged "work" and other related keywords. Drop me a line and let's see if our schedules will allow us to collaborate! It may take me some time to reply, though, as usually there's a lot of other things I juggle and I need to be doubly sure about my availability and resources before I commit.
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We won!
The Reluctant Stylista is proud to be a finalist and winner for two categories at The Philippine Blog Awards 2010: Best Beauty and Fashion Blog and Best Blog Design. Thank you to all who rooted for us!
Twitter Updates
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Running on 2 hours of sleep over 48 hours x_X
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Red bull and Toblerone. Sleep is for the weak!
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Walang magawa sa dressing rm so instagram nalang. #xfactorph I look like a totoy. Carmi looks girlier than I http://t.co/3ABRDJM6
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Networks and Affiliates
When I was first asked to style for a pre-debut shoot, my first thought was, “People hire stylists for that nowadays?” Not that I’m complaining. I’ve been getting some inquiries for some styling gigs outside of ads, TVCs, shows, etc., and I’m liking it a whole lot! Granted, when you style for pre-debuts and pre-nups, first and foremost on my mind is the budget. I haven’t done a lot of pull outs, honestly, and I’m used to shopping clothes for a client. The budget for the wardrobe and my fee are usually separate. I haven’t had much limitations budget-wise in my line of work so far, but now that I’m getting solo projects that aren’t quite showbiz-related, I’ve been having trouble estimating the overall cost. Of course, I want to deliver a really nice output for these clients, and photoshoots are my favorite. So sometimes, I get carried away and end up just breaking even. I think I’ll get the hang of it more, soon, and I’m always open to suggestions. So if you’re one of them guys who have already inquired, don’t be too shy! Let’s sit down and talk and maybe we can collaborate on something wonderful and within budget.
So anyway, this is my first try styling for a debutante. When I was first told about the concept, my eyes literally lit up. I am totally into the 60s pin-up girl look–even this blog started out with a pin-up girl design. But of course, Jenica was just turning 18, and as much as I wanted to go ALL OUT, there were a lot of things to consider. We settled for a sweet Katy Perry-inspired look for her that would suit an equally sweet young girl like her (obviously, we’re crossing out KP’s California Girls look). This meant candy colors, bows and really girly silhouettes. At first I wanted to go crazy candy sweet, but I had to remember in time that I was styling for an actual person, not a fashion show or a product, haha!
I was so busy with other projects but I really wanted to do this one, so I asked my friend Nio to assist me. I also worked with Rae Venturanza whom I’ve been with forever (like, since we were kids haha) and Noel Salazar (for the first time).
For our lovely client: Jenica Kabigting
Venue: Bulb Studios, Makati City
Photography: Noel Salazar of Imagine Nation Photography
Styling: Alexandra Lapa of Reluctant Stylista
Assisted By: Nio Manzano
Hair and Make Up: Rae Venturanza
Man, I have got to say, if there was one thing I spent a lot of time in preparation for this shoot, it was making those cat masks. I made them all from scratch, down to drawing the cat face pattern (“Does this look like a cat? Or Batman?”). Okay, fine, I did ask Pao for help on the second mask when I started getting desperate, wanting to finish all 3 in time. I thought of doing everything entirely on sequins, but on the third one, I decided to take an easier route, slapping the mask on a bed of purple glitter. Sequins are pretty but they’re too time-consuming.
I wish I had a full body shot of this one, because it’s a cherry-print dress I borrowed from a friend that I really love! I’ve always wanted my own cherry print dress. 
Would you believe most of the props are just stuff from home?
Well the two pink boxes are actually some of my stylist kits with all the clamps and other tools.
More photos at the end of this post! Just click on the thumbnails to view the rest of the pictures.
Such a pretty girl to work with, no? I really enjoyed this shoot, I wish I had more to dress her up with!
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super pretty, Alex!!:) Amazing job!
Thanks Ava!
Good one! You were able to squeeze in other styling jobs din pala. I haven’t seen you work in an official photoshoot setting pa noh?
Yeah, I’m trying to get other stuff for variety in my portfolio.
Wow! I want to see what she looks like in all her debutante regalia!
Agree! It looks like a fun theme for a debut.
Impressive Alex! Congrats!
xoxo
MrsM
Thanks Michelle!
great job! and i love ImagineNation din
Alex, please make more of those cat masks. LOL. I think I want one.
When I get a better glue for the glitters maybe, so they’re more durable. I’m researching about it! Apparently, a lot of girls really like the cat mask and have been asking where I got it. I don’t know what they want to use it for, haha!
wow ang galing nmn talagang lumabas yung ganda nung model mo.
Thanks!
It was a collaborative effort, and Jenica’s really pretty to begin with.
She looks gorgeous!!! nice job
Love it! Yes it’s about cretivity and imagination…. galing!
I see “Alex” written all over the last quiptych. Nice!
Really?? Haha! That’s my favorite layout!
Grabe sa tiyaga, Leki! I love how you, Rae, Noel, and everyone else came together to create a great shoot. I love the final outfit most of all.
Awww, thanks Chris! The final outfit is my favorite, I’m waiting for the hi-res.
It makes me wish I knew more debutantes to whom I can introduce you.
I love the looks you came up with! Candy colors are so sweet and feminine to look at. Haha I had the same reaction as yours; I was a debutante not more than five years ago and it didn’t even cross my mind to try hiring a stylist.
Pabongga na ng pabongga these days, haha.
I know! But come to think of it, it makes sense din eh. Kasi photos are forever! Sa weddings especially, parang it’s smart to invest on your photographer cos how it will be remembered will rely on his skills. Good styling goes hand in hand with that I suppose.
Thanks again Te, for considering me every time you’re short-handed, he he he. Had a blast during the shoot AND after the shoot!!!
Anuva, I should be the one thanking you
Thanks so much for always helping me out. 
Hi alex!
i super super love this! it’s sweet but not saccharine sweet, tamang tama lang!
gujab!
one more thing: GANDA!!!
Thanks Ira! Shoot naman tayo ulit!