Woman of Style: Rorie Carlos is in a class all her own

MANILA, Philippines - Where Rorie Carlos goes, people look. The Town & Country fashion editor, who helmed posts at Preview and Marie Claire as fashion editor before joining the society mag, has a knack for always dressing up for any occasion, a sartorial signature that’s become known to pretty much everyone who recognizes her. Trends rarely play a part in Rorie’s life. Instead, the young mom (she has one daughter, Max, who is 13 years old) always looks as though she stepped out of a vintage photo — her hair immaculately coiffed, and her dress and all other accoutrements perfectly put together.

Confession: I’ve been friends with Rorie for a while now. We make it a point to lunch regularly, along with our friends Anna Go and Maureen Disini, whenever we can. In the years that I’ve known her, she hasn’t veered once from her habit of always looking polished and classic. (Well, there was that one time we played paintball a few years back, and she showed up in a T-shirt and track pants. I almost collapsed from shock.)

I sat down with Rorie to talk about her most memorable fashion moment (it involves the Chanel closet), the perfect pair of shoes and her biggest shopping regret.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: You’re always dressed in vintage stuff. Do you have a magical closet that never fails to empty itself or is your mom just a major hoarder?

RORIE CARLOS: I’m lucky that I even have some of my mom’s clothes from the ’70s and ’80s — she gave a lot of them away! A few friends have also given me some pieces as gifts. Other items in my wardrobe are merely vintage-inspired and not necessarily old.

Clearly, you’re not a sweats-and-slippers kind of girl. Do you even own a pair of jeans?

I have about five pairs of jeans. Personally, I prefer wearing dresses and skirts because they’re more comfortable and stylish.

How come you never dress down?

It’s not only part of my job to look put-together, but it’s also how I am. Even if it’s a family lunch at home or a quick trip to the grocery, the most casual I can get is wearing jeans or a day dress, beaded slippers from India or China and least one piece of jewelry.

How did you get into publishing/fashion?

I’ve been interested in fashion ever since I was in grade school. I’d always spend my money on magazines and read them over and over. After college, I heard there were several openings at Summit so I went for an interview, got the editorial assistant position at Preview and, as they say, the rest is fashion history.

What is the most unusual/unlikely place you’ve found inspiration for your work?

In my line of work, anything can be a source of inspiration. One of the most fun things I did I was to use the macaroons that I bought at a café as the background for one of my stylized pages because I loved the colors and texture.

What is the most rewarding — and challenging — thing about working for Town & Country?

I love it when people compliment us on the pages we’ve done. Putting together a magazine like T&C is hard work because we are constantly looking for people who are not only privileged or well-known but are accomplished and philanthropic as well. It’s also a challenge finding new houses and establishments to feature every month.

What do you remember most about your time at Preview?

I was with Preview for about four years and I will always remember it as the time when I was able to hone my skills as a stylist. I was also able to meet a lot of incredibly talented designers.

What’s your favorite getaway spot? 

Any of the Aman Resorts! And my province, La Union, where my relatives and I just eat and play cards all day.

One thing you do before going to sleep? Keep it PG, please.

Read a book or watch downloaded shows.

What’s on your bedside table?

Hand cream, Kleenex and a stack of magazines and books.

When are you happiest?

When I’m at home bumming around with my fiancé and daughter.

What is your favorite piece of art?

A painting of a vase with flowers that my daughter made in art class a few years ago.

What are TV shows are you obsessed with at the moment?

The question is what am I not obsessed with? My top 10 would be True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Glee, Supernatural, Modern Family, Brother & Sisters, Dexter, Fringe, The Mentalist and How I Met Your Mother.

What never fails to make you cry?

Elderly people who are miserable and in pain, scenes of poverty and remembering my Pop.

What do you like most about living in Manila? 

That my family, friends and relatives are all here.

What gives you a sense of fulfillment?

Seeing how my daughter has grown up to be such a smart, loving and creative individual.

Now on to the really serious stuff. What’s the one beauty product you can’t live without?

Benefit’s Benetint lip balm. I can’t stand it when my lips are dry. Plus, it has SPF 15.

What kind of jewelry would you love to inherit?

I’m quite happy with the pieces I have from mother, but I also wouldn’t mind inheriting pieces from JAR, Verdura, Van Cleef, Tony Duquette and David Webb. I love designs that are antique-looking, oversized and unusual.

What’s your idea of a perfect pair of shoes?

Something that’s feminine yet whimsical and comfortable enough to wear the whole day.

What is your favorite recent purchase?

Jewelry and tunics from India. So pretty yet unbelievably cheap!

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

The couture closet at Chanel’s Rue Cambon apartment. Seeing all those gorgeous gowns up close was one my most memorable fashion moments.

What five pieces define your everyday style?

Pearls, A-line skirt, printed dress, oversized ring, chandelier earrings.

Your fave shopping haunts?

Rustan’s, Zara, Topshop and The Ramp. I also love TC Alvarez’s Two Chic store in Rockwell.

Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?

A vintage Leonard halter dress from my mom. It’s so beautiful and flattering that at least six people have borrowed it.

Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?

Have fun with fashion. Life’s too short to be wearing the same old shirt-and-jeans combo. Before you head out the door, take a quick look in the mirror and see if your outfit works. Sometimes, you may need to add or edit out something. And it’s always better to be overdressed than the other way around.

What was your style as a kid?

I pretty much wore what everyone else was wearing in grade school — jeans and an oversized shirt. It was only in high school that I started experimenting and raiding my mother’s closet. I would wear her padded jackets, silk tops and Chanel charm bracelet to our dances! Now I stick to what I like and what works for me. I don’t feel the need to follow trends.

What do you regret buying the most?

Doc Martens in high school. Definitely a major lapse in judgment.

Most unforgettable present you’ve received?

My engagement ring. And this amazing handheld steamer that my daughter bought for me online when she was in NY. I use it all the time at shoots and when I travel.

Most outrageous purchase?

A Chloé bag I bought at Le Bon Marché. It was crazy expensive but I just had to have it.

Best sartorial advice from your parents?

When packing for a trip, it’s always better to have plenty of options. Hence, we never travel light.

Who, in your opinion, is emblematic of classic style?

I admire women who are always polished and consistent with their look: Coco Chanel, Wallis Simpson, Jackie O and Dita Von Teese.

If your life was made into a movie, who do you think should play you?

Not because we look alike but I would pick Winona Ryder. I’ve always loved her beauty and that she would favor wearing vintage all the time even when the rest of Hollywood wasn’t into it yet.

What would you never be caught dead in?

Like you said, I’m not a sweats-and-slippers kind of gal. I would also never wear anything too skimpy or head-to-toe designer.