SWEET GIVEAWAY!

New year, new wardrobe. This resolution goes for little girls, too.

Don't fret, Mommies!

Here's a delightful update from Candylane -Couture Confectionery.

Print advertisement by Meg. All rights reserved.

Almost all sizes have been SOLD and we only have a few dresses left. 

Before we unveil our new designs, we invite you to take another look on our 1st collection as we call out 

one BIG SALE for LITTLE girls!

We’re taking P100.00 off the original prices from today until January 31, 2012. 

This is one sweet giveaway you should not miss! 

Fill up the order form our Facebook page, complete with all your contact details. 

Details on payment and pickup will be sent via SMS and email.

Visit our online store at http://www.facebook.com/candylane.coutureconfectionery.

THE MARTHA IN ME

When it rains, it pours.


The past rainy weekends found me taking the role of Mary Poppins and bonding with my 4-year old daughter. I shied away from the night scenes and opted to stay on dry land. 


A new past time was in demand as I knew peace and calm won't prevail or last long with the never-ending frustration and battle over pigs and monkeys. Angry Birds make us angry ourselves.


To save us from insanity (we were already hearing pigs snorting in our heads), I got my old origami files and did some paper crafts. 


Nostalgia poured over the rain-stimulated emotions in me as I remembered my childhood, working on origami with my mother. I had a love affair with paper and I used to beg my mom to take me to Papemelroti for a fresh supply of art materials. My childhood was infused with arts and crafts, and much of what I learned back then came in handy at work.


And now, they help kill boredom and keep the brain machine alive and working.


As my Tatiana got busy with her new discovery on paper, so did my mind. I skipped the chapter on paper a bit, and moved on to interior design and fabric. I mentally noted some sketches and plans I could do with our apartment and some strips of scrap and old fabric from Candylane - Couture Confectionery's 1st collection. 


Yes, I was channeling the Martha Stewart in me.


I was hooked to the ideas and inspirations I got from magazines and blog sites. And, for about two months now, I have been cheating on fashion with house decors and sewing.

Here's a summary of what I have accomplished so far.

(1) Our L-shaped sofa is everyone's favorite spot. We assembled the white square tables ourselves, and the zebra-print storage seats fit perfectly underneath! (2) Wall and (3) shelf are flanked by images of happiness and love. (4) I love this vintage-inspired mirror! (5) My daily read. Yes, that black thing standing is a wine glass turned instant decor. (6) Ikea stools we bought from a bazaar.

Since I couldn't find the curtains we wanted, we resorted to buying cloth and making a set of three ourselves! 

Our apartment now is a mix of black and white --- from furniture, decors, kitchen ware, etc. There's still a lot of breathing spaces left in the living and dining room, and I intend to keep it that way. I found space saving stools and chairs for company, and I turned some illustration into an accordion-type display for visual appeal.

Floral Fabrication. My first attempt in making fabric flowers. Practice makes perfect. On to the next try.

Planning a wedding can be a bit overwhelming. THE date is still months from now, but I wanted to start early with the fabric neckpieces I'll be giving out to my bridesmaids. After all, I haven't done any in the past and being a first timer, and a perfectionist at that, I wanted to try different techniques until I get it right. I reviewed the basics in paper crafts and tested them on fabric. Good thing we have lots of old fabric at home which I can work on for the meantime. 

One day at a time. Project: Favor Boxes. Day 1 was dedicated to drawing out the pattern on all the sheets of board paper.

My daughter is turning 5 in February. How time flies! Mommy Meg, as always, is cramming on the preparations for her little patisserie themed celebration. When it comes to my daughter, I am very hands on. That same attitude extends all the way to planning her birthday, designing her invitations, party dress, and tags, editing the video presentation,  and mapping out the itinerary and program for the party. And so the usual grind continues and I am now on Day 1 with the party planning. 

My friend found it impossible that I get to do all these things with the amount of work I do in the office and for my clothing line / cyber store. I say: Anything is possible. Life is too short and we should make the most out of each moment. There is a great amount of self-worth and fulfillment in being able to use the gifts you are blessed with. 

While single parenthood is a big challenge, I make sure I live my life to the fullest. I still work on my personal and professional growth. Weekdays are dedicated for work and mommy duties, while weekends are for fun and quality time with my daughter, family, and friends, This kind of balance and time management allows me to discover more about myself and the joys of living.

As a parting note, I'd like to share this text art I saw on line which helped me in my daily tasks and challenges.

AND YOU CAN TOO!

Always believe that you can make a difference. Learn something new every day. It is never too late. Knowledge is a life long process, so take it one day at a time. Miracles don't happen over night. 

Just like what the TVC slogan said: Great things start from small beginnings.

RUNWAY FASHION PREVIEW 2012

Saturday, January 7.

My afternoon nap lasted longer than I planned. At 5PM, I was rummaging through my closet to find the right outfit. I was running late. The event in Abreeza-Ayala Mall was scheduled to start at 6PM, and there I was, trying on different clothes and shoes at 5:45PM. Finally, a test shot on the camera convinced me to stick to the orange, black, and blue ensemble. 

Test shot with Little Miss Attitude

I made it to the venue in no less than 20 minutes. Whew! 

It was a fashion show to open the year 2012. Produced by M (Life and Living in Mindanao) Magazine,  Runway Fashion Preview 2012 is a celebration of Davao's homegrown talents. 

The invite sent to me by the M Magazine team.

A good lineup Davao brands were being featured alongside fashion designers Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Aztec and Popoy Barba, and Edgar Buyan. These 5 have gained greater recognition in Manila during the Philippine Fashion Week last year. Aside from the fashion show, there was also an exhibit of M Magazine's memorable stories and photos from old copies dating back from the time they began publication in 2008. 

After exchanging pleasantries with friends, I sat on the front row and set my camera on multiple shutter speed. The show was about to begin. 

Seen and scenes:

I missed the cocktails but, at least, I got my chance at the photo wall with M magazine's Editor-in-Chief Ian Garcia, Mindanao Times Editor-in-Chief Amy Cabusao, DOT Reg.XI Director Art Boncato, and my colleague from the hotel, Boodie.  

Generation X. The new blood of writers otherwise known as bloggers. I have to give it to these fab looking bloggers who have put their fashion sense and creativity to good use. They have, in their own way, spurred interest throughout the nation that helped boost Davao City's fashion retail industry. Davao brands are now crossing borders and we should give due credit to the bloggers for their widely read fashion reviews online.

Speaking of bloggers, here's one! Cheyser Pedregosa (left), author of The Walking Recessionista,  was also in the audience together with pinkmother  Mimi Tupas. Cheyser is a one of the loyal supporters / customers of Mimi's clothing retail brand, SOUL. I have the highest respect for Mimi for her creativity and impeccable taste. 

Runway Fashion Preview 2012

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AZTEC BARBA

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Brand: MAGS
Styled by AZTEC BARBA

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DODJIE BATU

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CHIMES SPECIALTY STORE
Styled by DODJIE BATU

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This one already on my shopping list.

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EMI ENGLIS

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THE MAZE
Styled by EMI ENGLIS

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EDGAR BUYAN

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THE MAZE

Styled by EDGAR BUYAN

______________________________________

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POPOY BARBA

______________________________________

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SOUL

Styled by POPOY BARBA

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The Finale

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Emi Englis. I enjoyed taking photos of his set. The fabric and design incite fluidity and grace as each dress swayed to the movement of the models.

Popoy Barba

Mimi Tupas of SOUL takes her final bow. You're one inspirational SOUL, Mimi. 

The designers' shining moment with the brand managers and M Magazine's Editor in Chief Ian Garcia.

I just had to have a closer shot of the models. I was impressed with the marionette-inspired look done by makeup maven Otoi Mercado. This reminds me of our collaboration with Paul Borromeo in 2007, when we did a doll-themed photo shoot for a Christmas Catalogue.


As always, Otoi does great work.

Great clothes. Wonderful artistry. Inspirational works.

Congratulations to the M Magazine team and to everyone involved in the event. 

'Til the next one.

The latest issue of M Magazine is now out and available nationwide.

Cover Story
Erich Gonzales: Davao's Star Shines Bright.

A CHOCOLATE COVERED REMEDY

I've been a night owl for the past days watching over my sick daughter. Sleep has become a luxury for this working mom. My body feels like it's glued to the bed every time I get up for another busy day.

In times like this, when you feel worn out, one ad slogan comes to mind.


"Have a break. Have a Kitkat." 


Not that I succumb to promotional plugs... In a wider sense, the message is supported by a fact: Sugar stimulates the mind and gives you a quick energy boost. 


To others, they translate it into simple logic. Like: 
The opposite of STRESSED is DESSERTS.
DESSERTS are for the STRESSED.


A dreamy chocolate ice cream sandwich came into mind.

No way.  I'm on a diet. I must fight temptations. Pig-out's are only allowed on weekends.


Thirty minutes passed.


Brain squeezed. Tired and sleepy. No sign of locomotion happening. 


My inner self tells me I gotta get some quick remedy to make me last through the day. This calls for desperate measures. 


So, I walked a few paces to the nearest sugar refuge and gave my undivided attention to the following:

Sinful delights that brought heaven back to my spirit. 


Here's my take on the prescription formula STRESSED = DESSERTS:
Tried and tested. Approved with therapeutic claim.

To hell with calories. 
I'm loving every bite of these.

SWEET LITTLE MISSES

As a mommy, you adore your girls. You can dress and doll them up, and watch in fascination at the ways they try to mimic a little woman. Dressing up Barbie dolls is nothing compared to styling up your own kid. 

Fashion drew me closer to my daughter. We both love it like most girls do. Tatiana, at age 4, has shown a natural flair for fashion and personal styling. I take pleasure in watching her dress up, express her own individuality, and enjoy each moment of being a little girl.

As a self-proclaimed stage mom, I always made sure she'd look her best. Her birthday parties, for one, are special occasions when I'd go the extra mile and design a dress for her. I'd make a sketch from my own imagination, give it to the tailor, and then, voila! A dress that is one of a kind, made with much love from Mommy dearest.

The dress I designed for her 4th birthday celebration became a hit among our guests.

The last party frock I made for Tatiana was a pink and black ensemble which was inspired by her Parisian theme. Everyone kept telling me how impressed they were with the design, and that gave me the idea of putting up my own clothing line for little girls.I decided to channel my so-called eye and talent for styling into something beneficial, productive, and, hopefully, profit-earning.

So, I got my creative juices working and dug into my think tank. Months passed and finally, I got my light bulb moment.

I envisioned a brand that can bring out the sugary sweet qualities and beauty of every little girl. I began with 10 designs which I originally patterned after impeccably cut fashion details and fabrics I came across with from our recent trip in Manila.

I pegged each dress as a limited edition. I didn’t want to make twins out of every girl in the city. I, myself, like any other woman, dread being in a situation where I'd be caught wearing the same outfit with someone else. So, I decided to keep only a few in stock for each size and design to make sure girls won’t experience with such fashion cloning mayhem. Besides, my clothing line is basically an online specialty store. I’ve just launched the first collection a week ago. I have yet to see how the market responds to this small venture, and if there is a need to add more stock and sizes in the future.

During the production period, I made sure every design is unique and shows the sweet innocence of little girls. The style is a cross between young and lady-like. And, as little girls always adore and dream of princesses, I added a special touch to the dresses by sewing in petticoats to give the dresses more volume, similar to those that are worn by princesses.


Soon after I got the clothes from the tailor, I got into my DIY (do it yourself) mode once again and styled Tatiana and her cousin, Julia Angela, for a photo shoot. I went knocking at Leadfoto Studios and got help from photographer-extraordinaire / friend Paul Borromeo. He willingly stood behind the camera as I called out directions to the kids.

Stand in for test shot.

Directing my models.

DIY mode went on with one whole afternoon spent working on Photoshop to edit the snapshots and layout the ad billboards. 

Then came MATH. No pain, no gain. I breathed in courage as I dealt with pricing, making sure my practical-mom-instincts were intact. I know the financial difficulties in raising kids. Being a single mom, I, oftentimes, have to resort to being resourceful when it comes to styling. I want to give parents this option of a budget friendly clothing line. My dresses may look expensive, but they are even cheaper than some of those mass-produced children’s wear sold in some department stores. I have always believed that fashion doesn’t have to be too costly. It all depends on how you carry the dress the comfort it gives you.

I hope my clothes will bring more bonding moments for you and your child. I have great confidence that my brand can give you the same level of contentment, as a parent, as much as I had in creating it. There is so much to be discovered in every child, and I encourage you to make each moment a milestone by allowing them to shin with confidence, love, and optimism. Enjoy your daughter while she’s young. Doll her up, take hundreds of photos, and sneak in a thousand kisses on her cheeks. A stage mom is not exactly a bad mom. It means you only want the best for your kid. And that what we hope to give her, too.

Visit our Facebook page Candylane - Couture Confectionery for a complete list of our products, information, and updates. Interested buyers may fill out our form and contact me at 0933- 9274426.
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All Rights Reserved.
2012