Stylin’ songbird

Karylle

Age: 25

Job title: Singer

Claim to fame: Before she hit it big, performing on shows like SOP, Karylle was like everyone else – except that she called Zsa-Zsa Padilla mom. Showbiz vet Zsa-Zsa used to shop for Karylle, but these days her stylist Rosario Herrera does the shopping for her. "A stylist can help you define your style and give you some suggestions on how to improve your wardrobe," says the well-dressed singer. "Plus they can suggest certain cuts or styles that can accentuate your assets and hide your flaws."

Define your personal style.

I love clothes with texture, like embroidery, reverse stitching, patches or anything that adds depth like pockets. I don’t really know how to define my style – I’m pretty casual. Except when I have to dress up for SOP in formal gowns or stuff like that.

Do brands matter?

Not really, but it makes it much easier to shop if you have favorite brands. You’ll know which stores to go to.

Where do you shop for cheap finds?

Ukay-ukay in Baguio at Beverly Hills, Session Road.

What kind of shopper are you?

I just leave it all up to my stylist now. She’s able to budget money better since she knows how much stuff costs since she’s constantly in stores. Plus she has access to all the new stuff.

How come? What were your shopping habits like?

I used to always shop last minute for the stuff we were required to wear on Sundays for SOP.  It was hard because I had to get a dress or a top of this color or of that design so I ended up buying whatever I found first – even if it wasn’t the best buy. So now I entrust all that to my stylist Rosario Herrera and her team at style lab. So now, whenever I’m shopping, I try to control myself because I might end up buying something trendy that’ll only last a few months. I just try to buy basic stuff and invest in expensive but really great jeans. When I was in Las Vegas last week, the first thing I bought were these pair of jeans. Super mahal but worth it. Because even while I was fitting it, two girls shopping in the store were giving me compliments. And since they don’t sell this brand in manila I figured it was worth the money.

What do you wear in your downtime?

When it’s a gym day, I wear jogging pants and a cotton tee. But on a normal day, I like to wear bitin pants/jeans and a nice cotton tee plus a hat. I love hats.

One thing you can’t live without?

White sando.

Any style icons you look up to?

I like Lindsay Lohan’s style and also Mischa Barton’s.

Local celebs whose style you admire?

My mom. Ha-ha…

Did you glean any fashion tips from your mom?

Well, my mom loves to shop a lot and for the longest time she always bought me clothes.

What’s you favorite red carpet moment?

It was for the MTV Pilipinas Awards 2005. I was dressed up by Celine Lopez and designer Ivarluski Aseron and they gave me a makeover at Toni and Guy. I was with my boyfriend. Later in the night, we were in a Jaguar and the weather was stormy and we got bumped! Oh my gosh. The sad part is the Jag was just borrowed.

Latest trend you love?

I love skinny jeans but not on a fat day. It’s kinda unforgiving for a big tummy.

Trend you hate?

The new high shoes. I dunno what it’s called. It’s high even at the front, not just the heel part. (They’re called platforms–Ed.)

What’s the best accessory a girl can have?

Charms. I love them because they tell a story. But instead of charm bracelets like Mariah, I have charm necklaces. I think it’s a great gift to pass on to your daughter.

What should women look for in an outfit?

Something they can mix and match with other outfits that they can dress up or dress down.

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Catch Karylle with musical director Marvin Querido and his band Sipol at Ratsky’s, Malate on Aug. 11, 18 and 25 at 11 p.m.