Mane 1-on-1 with Lauren Bates

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Such a pleasure to meet Scottsdale-based Lauren Bates, a talented hair stylist and image consultant, behind most major runway shows in AZ.  Her success is powered by her creative artistry and her passion to help clients project their inner beauty.

Putting Lauren in the spotlight is a long list of accomplishments and collaborative projects with several big names in fashion and entertainment industry, such as Gretchen Rossi, former Real Housewives of Orange County star; Michael Costello, Project Runway designer who has dressed Beyonce, Celine Dion, etc.; Jordan Wessel, Miss Arizona USA 2014; and Academy Country Music Awards, to name a few.  Most recently she has been appointed to join the Oribe team to assist backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS15 in New York this coming September.

To no surprise, Lauren remains refreshingly humble and down to earth. I am lucky to be able to shadow and chat with her during her fashion show behind the scenes stints with Brave Wings Fashion Show and Summer of Fashion (photo credits Desert Rh1no Photography).  

Prepare to be surprised about her secrets, favorites and helpful hair care tips.

Model: Brittany Brown
Make-up: Jessica Fierro
Hair: Lauren Bates
Headpiece: Karla Medina

CS: How did you get started in the art of hair styling?

LB: My hair stylist of many years encouraged me to seek out beauty schools my senior year of high school, I had been accepted to every college I applied to but didn't feel I belonged.  Once I visited the beauty school, it immediately felt so right.  On my first day of [beauty] college in 2007, I knew I made the right decision!  I was born for this!

CS: How old were you when you realized that this is what you would like to do when you grow up and how did you know?

LB: I was a competitive dancer since the age of 3.  We were required to take make-up classes in order to get ourselves ready for the competitions.  I fell in love with make-up and originally went to beauty school to pursue a make up artist career but fell in love with hair!

CS: If you were not a hairstylist today, what field would your career be in?

LB: If I were not a hairstylist today I would have pursued a career in wardrobe styling or clothing design.  I am SO obsessed with following every fashion week! I work on editorial photo shoots at least once a week and I am not only styling hair but coming up with wardrobe.  I've found that I prefer styling a look from head to toe; I feel that if the same creative mind does the complete look then the goal of the shoot is more easily interpreted!

CS: If you could style one person who would it be? And why?

LB: In this current moment, I would love to do Kylie Jenner's hair!  I truly believe that she is carving the direction of where fashion in general is headed.  I would love to pick her brain on the inspiration behind her hair right now.

CS: What is your favorite - cutting hair, coloring hair or styling hair (i.e. up do’s, bridals, events, etc.)?

LB: My favorite part of hair dressing ALWAYS changes; I would have to say that today it is styling.  However, a few months ago I completed the intense and famous Vidal Sassoon Cutting Academy!  Ever since, I have been obsessed with evaluating everyone’s face shape and deciding what combination of cutting would suit [them] best!

CS: What would you advice us who are always wanting to have gorgeous hair?

LB: I have a close friend that has helped develop some major hair care brands such as Bumble and Bumble, Oribe and Living Proof.  He meets with master chemists very often and just recently shared something so interesting with me.  My friend was asking this master chemist about sulfates and the chemist replied, "Would you like to know what the worst ingredient for hair is?" He responded yes and the chemist told him, "Water! The most harsh thing that hair goes through is the dehydration of H2O whether it is done with a blow drier or just air dried."  So my secret is, STOP washing your hair so much! :)

CS: What is your favorite product and why?

LB: My favorite product without a doubt is Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe!!!  It is Oribe's version of a "dry shampoo" but it really is so much more!  It adds an insane amount of volume without doing any backcombing!  Dry is always my base of any up-do or even an every day style!

CS: What is your favorite hair equipment and why?

LB: Hmm, my favorite hair equipment...All of my favorite tools are made by different companies.  Blow Dryer: Paul Mitchell because it is lightweight, quiet and lasts forever.  Round Brushes: Touché because of the dense bristles and perfect grip.  Flat Iron: Croc for its smoothing factor.  Curling Irons: Enzo and Hot Tools because of their huge range of options, quality and longevity. Styling Products: Oribe I can't even begin to explain how amazing these products are, try it once and you'll be hooked!

CS: Since this is a fashion event, describe to us your fashion style.

LB: My fashion style...I feel like I have two sides to my style.  Half of me loves structured contemporary pieces in strictly black or white that work with angles, but then I have days of loving the loose boho/free people style; and some days is a mix of the two!  I love combining soft and hard in the same look, meaning structure and flow or shine and matte in the same look!

More on Lauren’s personal preferences ~ she is obsessed with Green Tea and always hated coffee; can be a morning or night person, always available; still trying to figure out who her favorite super hero is, but has too many to list fashion icons! And finally, not publicly known fact a second ago is.... Lauren loves to research aliens!

Like I said, Lauren is such a doll!  Mark my word ~ this sweet gal is primed to achieve more successes!

Remember to leave a comment to receive a FREE Lauren Bates Hair gift certificate.

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings.

XOXO,

Sheila

Philippine Fashion Week - Holiday 2014

Like other major fashion capitals of the world, Philippine Fashion Week’s 5-day event hits the runway twice a year for Spring/Summer Collection in October and Holiday Collection in May.

Born 17 years ago at Glorietta Activity Area in Ayala Center, Philippine Fashion Week (PhFW) was mostly participated by commercial retail brands in its younger years. As it gained popularity with local emerging designers, Joey A. Espino Jr. and Audie J.A. Espino, brothers and both PhFW Executive Producers and Directors, decided to migrate their fashion ramp to its current home at the SMX Convention Center & SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

And for the PhFWHoliday 2014 line up:

The much-anticipated launch of Shoe Mart (SM) Department store’s latest brand, SM Woman, on May 29 at PhFW Holiday 2014 did not disappoint. This premier collection is very much on point, as they showcased 6 different trends:  

Neoprene – fresh and chic effortless luxe that can go from desk to dusk very easily.

New Age Digital – randomly positioned colorful geometrics for a hint of edginess. 

Windowpane Checks – a classic effect of simple black and white graphics. 

Floral – bold blooming print is never out of season in a tropical country.

Industrial Graphics – strong marble patterns feminized in lightweight fabric.

And the Resort – eye-catching bold patterns perfect for cruising or beach lounging. 

Overall, SM Woman exudes sophistication, confirming that it is a one-stop shop for any occasion, not to mention affordability with prices ranging from PhP799 to just over a thousand. My only disappointment is SM’s choice of foreign models for their poster promotion, glad to see that they opted for local models to walk the ramp.

Celebrating its 125^th Anniversary Archive Tour at the MOA main atrium, Lee Denims presented its limited capsule collection on May 30 at the PhFW Holiday 2014 fashion show with high beat dance performance in between sets.  Hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, the show started with the Lee 101+ anniversary collection that offered looks for every lifestyle and denim enthusiast.  The models donned different shades, forms and designs including noticeable details like double layer and flap pockets, embroidered signature labels, and unique S-branding on the rear.  

Meanwhile, the Lee Stretch Deluxe targeted to embrace and flatter a woman’s curve with super versatile jeans engineered for stretch, comfort and recovery yet, precise in fit. No doubt that denim will continue to be a staple in our closets for who knows how many more decades.

Fifty of the country’s top couturiers were crammed into one day of back to back fashion shows to unveil their collections on May 31 at the PhFW Holiday 2014. For many valley locals, 2 of them would be familiar from these designers’ previous Estilo Filipino affair held at Mekong Plaza, Mesa AZ:

Richard Papa who set the tone with leather and sheer panels in striking crimson hues... 

And Edgar San Diego who brought in true holiday spirit with amplified sleeves and dramatic floral headdresses.... 

Here are my personal faves:

I have been following Happy Andrada's young signature style.  Her "Incantation" A/W'15 collection is no different as she tapped into the aboriginal cultures and gave it a modern twist.  I love the way she played with the texture, solid and stripe earth tones of the "t'nalak" fabric without sacrificing the tailoring of these original Benguet cloth. The skeletal headdress gave this native RTW exhibit some drama on the ramp.

Inspired by Pacudos of the Mangyan tribe, Ditta Sandico debuted her "Camisa" A/W'15 collection, redefining the traditional Barong for the contemporary Filipina.  The black and white checkered-like pattern and pop of colors modernized each look and gave a fresh appeal to the audience. 

Jaki Penalosa, also showcased Philippine grown and locally made materials like silk, pina and abaca fibers.  Her choice of colors, sheer fabric and feminine cut brought youthful sophistication to the versatile hand-woven, used-to-be-oldies' textiles. 

Chasing Sheila claims NO ownership to Philippine Fashion Week photos. Images on this post are copyright to its owners.  Photo credits Philippine Fashion Week. 

For two years in a row, Arizona’s Phoenix Fashion Week, (PHXFW…not be confused with PhFW) has brought in Philippine Haute Couture by Furne One and Rocky Gathercole for its event finales. Let’s hope to see more of our creative “kababayan” designers grace the fashion stage in Phoenix.

On a related topic – Are you an aspiring model? Come and get discovered if you are female, 5’8” or taller with a slender build or male 5’10” or taller with slender to athletic build. PHXFW is seeking 34 men and women to compete for the title of “Model of the Year 2014,” to be featured in PHXFW this fall.  The Male and Female “Model of the Year” winners will each receive a modeling contract from The Agency Arizona. Come to Studio 3D at 1625 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix AZ 85034 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21^st. Don’t miss this opportunity…see you there!

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene.  Visit and LIKE Chasing Sheila on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Happy Philippine Independence Day!!!

XOXO,
Sheila

Mom - Superwoman!

The Mother’s Day bouquet arrangement have wilted, she will have to wait another year for her annual breakfast in bed, and kitchen help has slowed down or non-existent just a week after the grand celebration of honoring our moms.  Does this sound like the situation in your home? 

The first lady of our families deserves more than just one holiday.  While officially marked only once per calendar year, we can always make every day Mother’s Day.  After all, moms are on non-stop super hero duty 24/7, and without pay may I add. I do not mean to give them flowers or mimosas daily (although they may like that!).  There are many ways to show genuine gratitude for her tireless devotion, like helping out more with the daily chores, being less “pasaway,” writing short notes of love and appreciation, opening the door for her, or simply put your arms around her and say you love her more often.

In this day and age, it is not easy to universally define what a mother means due to her many roles influenced by religion, culture, society and personal circumstances - she may be single, married, separated, divorced or widowed; she may be with children or without; she may be straight or gay.  

Paying tribute to some of the “supermom” figures I know, here are their photos:

I, too, promise to be more thoughtful and expressive and let my mom know that I am forever thankful to her for everything that I am today.  She is strong, she is my rock…my superwoman!

On a related topic, as I write this and ponder about my mom’s innate powers, I was asked by my good friend, Bri, to answer 3 questions about being a woman. Let me share with you…

        1)What does it mean to you to be a woman?

Being a woman, for me means, to be imperfect yet beautiful, to be tough yet graceful, to be vulnerable yet strong, to be challenged yet unbroken, innately nurturing, tirelessly passionate, and forever devoted. Complicated…oh, for sure! And I love every moment of it

2) When do you feel most feminine?

My guy friends tell me that I am one of only very few women who belong to a “small circle,” whatever that means.  I have many masculine traits – love all sports, fast cars and anything military, hate chick flicks, shoot guns, lack drama, out-eat my hubby… I know it does not sound feminine at all. But believe me, I can turn sexy on when I want to! LOL!  Seriously, I feel most feminine when my man holds my hand or puts his arms around me in the most protective way.

3)  What is your favorite thing about being a woman?

I know it’s a cliché, but getting away with hundreds of pairs of shoes and calling my “handbag collection” an investment is a definite perk of being a woman! It has been reported that I once said that I want a bedroom with my closet!

In closing, let me share what my brother, Sheldon, thought of women.  He summed it perfectly – “Women… you love them, you never hurt them!”

Women today have more options than ever.  How would you answer these questions? Visit BriSeeley.com/blog to read what others said.

XOXO,
Sheila

That's a Wrap! DVF's "Journey of a Dress"

Featuring her classic Wrap dress designs, Diane von Furstenberg’s "Journey of a Dress" exhibition, has travelled all over the world, Moscow in 2009, Sao Paolo in 2010, and Beijing in 2011.  And for its 40^th anniversary celebration, the exhibit landed in the 20,000 square foot museum-transformed historic Wilshire May Co. department store building, adjacent to Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). 

Like a little kid in a candy store, it was truly amazing to see and learn more about the iconic Wrap dress that is now a huge part of fashion history.

My relaxed stroll became quick strides when I saw the “DVF 40 Journey of a Dress” sign in the former May Co. display window.

Welcomed by the brand's signature black and white chain link patterned floor covering, the pink-walled hallway with photo timeline, started with von Furstenberg’s very first editorial in 1970, with no other than Vogue, featuring an Erte print inspired wrap top and skirt.

Here’s a factoid:  The Wrap dress happened by accident in 1973.  It was first a little wrap top inspired by what ballerina’s wear, paired with a matching skirt, which von Furstenberg made into what we now call a Wrap dress.  This put DVF in the global fashion footprint.

The walk down memory lane chronicled DVF and the Wrap dress’ epic 40 years, including its appearances in Hollywood movies and red carpet events -- from 1976 when Cybil Shepherd wore the dress in Martin Scorsese’s film Taxi Driver and Newsweek cover that legitimized von Furstenberg’s signature look, to 2013 when costume designer Michael Wilkinson brought DVF 70’s glamour to American Hustle characters played by Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence.

More portraits of celebrities, models and dignitaries (Madonna, Amy Winehouse, Coca Rocha, Michelle Obama, etc.) dressed in DVF, lined the walls as a bright neon sign blared at a distance.  It read “Feel like a woman, wear a dress,” the very first advertisement tag line she coined in 1972. 

Fittingly displayed beneath the sign is a three-dimensional glass collage, made of multiple layers of glass incorporating hundreds of images and altogether shaped just like a floating wrap dress, created by New York based contemporary artist Dustin Yellin.

Do you know that Diane von Furtenberg sold 5 million Wrap dresses at the beginning of her career, between 1973 and 1976?  Fascinating four decades of history celebrated underneath one roof and I haven’t even left the hallway yet!

Past the gallery, in to the dress exhibit itself is a wall-to-wall familiar DVF colorful bold patterns…what a scene!

To witness a retrospective of 200 mannequins, modeled after von Furstenberg’s own face, in precise formation dressed in vintage, contemporary and anniversary pieces was truly magical!  With dresses from 1974 thru 2013, it was hard to tell which ones are old and which ones are new. From when it first retailed at Bloomingdales in the 70s to the time it was revived at Saks 5^th Avenue in 1997, the designs, fabrics and patterns remained amazingly relevant and timeless. The innovation from a jersey knit to a jumpsuit wrap to a cocktail dress to an evening gown was impressive! And recently out this month… a romper wrap! The dresses were simple, yet figure flattering.  One historian described it as, something quick to put on and even quicker to take off!

The DVF wrap dress is a legacy of a strong woman, classic beauty, and femininity. It symbolizes women empowerment. A wrap dress continues to be a staple piece in every woman’s closet, proving that its creation was no accident.

I told myself before hand that I would select my top 3, however I loved them all and found it very challenging to pick only a few.  So let me share with you the ones that I spent the most time staring at.  And yes, each is from a different era...see if you can tell the difference.

I could have spent more time and taken more pictures, but for now..."that’s a wrap!" as the cliché goes, ending the exhibit in Los Angeles on May 1^st. What’s next? Will the exhibition make it to Phoenix, we’ll see, we hope. The journey continues…

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene.  Visit and LIKE Chasing Sheila on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

XOXO,
Sheila