Rose Paul: From Bangkok to Bohol & Beyond

Sassy. Fabulous. Stylish. In. These are some of the words we use to generally describe the clothes we would want to purchase, and eventually wear. Moreover, with our advancing technology today, it is an undeniable fact that we seek for the comfort of home as much as possible. Shopping in the comfort of our own homes is now possible with online shops. And here's one online shop I have been wanting to feature.

If you're a Boholano, then I bet you have heard of the famous online shop Rose Paul Bangkok. Quite a unique name for an online shop, you say? The shop's name is a combination of two names, Rose and Paul - the lovely couple who owns the said shop.

I did an online interview with Miss Rose to find out more about her shop. Well, I would've wanted to meet her in person, but I'm here in US now, and she's been travelling to and from Thailand. So read on and learn more about Rose Paul Bangkok, or simply RPBkk.

FROM BANGKOK

It all started with Facebook. Miss Rose, the shop owner, is a university lecturer in Bangkok, Thailand. Every time she posts her OOTDs or "outfit of the day" (since according to her they do not have teacher's uniform), a lot of her FB friends would ask for her dresses and ended up giving them away. Until, one of her former students suggested an idea saying, "Why don't you turn it into a business?" It was when she realized, "Yeah, why not?" And so came the birth of RPBkk, October 1st, 2009.

The first collections featured on the shop was of Miss Rose's pre-loved clothes and new ones which were her personal choices. Later, they opened to more variety -- such as jumpsuits, maxis, long gowns, cocktails, prints and everything new in fashion -- to cater to everyone's needs. "The clothes we have now are not just what I prefer to wear but what others might want to wear," Miss Rose states.

When asked about their clothes and if they design some of them, Miss Rose answers, "90% of our clothes are RTWs made and bought in Bangkok. However, we also design for special occasions like debuts, weddings, beauty pageants (production number, playsuit, casual wear segments)."

Rose, Paul and their kids Huey and Harl (plus a baby girl on the way!).
They usually model the RPBkk clothes.

TO BOHOL

Rose, or Roseth Mascariñas Ranara, hails from Booy, Tagbilaran City, Bohol. And while their online clothing shop business was taking off, she, together with her husband Prince Paul Ranara, decided to build a customer lounge right in front of the Mascariñas residence. "We call it RPBkk lounge where the customers can claim their orders personally," she marks.

And even if they already have the RPBkk lounge, they basically are still doing online transactions. They just cater to offline clients by way of appointment basis.

RPBkk customer lounge at Booy Dist, Tagbilaran City.
And yes, it is Thai-inspired ;)

BEYOND BOHOL

I asked if they have a lot of customers outside Bohol and asked what places they are from. This was Miss Rose's response: "In fact, 90% of our clients are from outside Bohol. Locally we have clients from almost all parts of the Philippines. Internationally, the bulk of our clients are from Norway, Denmark, Spain, New Zealand, Iceland, Italy, Canada, Qatar, Dubai, Taiwan and Japan." Now, this makes RPBkk world-class! :)

One of their profile photos, which I find very creative.



However, like many other businesses, they too have teeny-tiny trials on their way to success. According to Miss Rose, every now and then, there are joy reservers and bogus buyers but she accepts these as part of this kind of business.

Of course, I also asked her about their secret/s to a successful business (which is no longer a secret now. hehe). And she gives me this list:

•  up-to-date stocks
• reasonable prices
• family owned and managed (her mom, dad and sister manages RPBkk Bohol)
• high quality photos
• lenient on delayed payments
• no bogus buyer album
• accumulated orders until one month or so (so that customers can save on money transfer charges and shipping fees)

Of course, I also purchased a RosePaul dress myself!
Worn last January this year (explains the boots, it's winter season).
Photo by R. Saria

So what are you waiting for? If there's a dress you've fallen in love with, just say "mine" and it's yours! Happy shopping! <3

Photos of RPBkk were grabbed with permission.

So Lovely & Nyce! (A Giveaway)

02/25/12

It's been a while since we had our previous giveaway. And if you can remember, I wrote HERE that I'll be having giveaways for this year 2013. And I won't break that promise. The first for this year is finally here!

But before I give you the mechanics, lemme ask you first this: How was your February? Or, should I say, how was your love month? :)

Well as for me, I honestly admit that I got a bit sad. However, I'm just super thankful that there are people who cares for me and that they care about my happiness as well. Talk about the little gifts you get -- enjoying the tiny bits of sweets, pinks, and pretties. Minus, the cough and colds I got. Plus, the beautiful places I went to (which wouldn't be possible without, again, the people who loves me). For a total of still, happy love month! Well, that should have a 'so far' because it's not the end of the month yet.

 

Another reason for all of us to be happy about this love month is our GIVEAWAY! This is lovingly sponsored by an online shop from my province, Bohol. I know the shop owner personally. She's my batchmate (nursing school) and friend, as well. The shop was named after her. Our sponsor for this giveaway is no other than, Nyce Finds!

 

The prizes, as seen on the photos, are:
* the "love" necklace; and
* cross bracelet
* PLUS! rings (photos to follow)

These are from the Nyce Finds February Accessories Collection. As for the mechanics.. Unlike last giveaway where I enumerated the mechanics in words, this time I'll just let you follow what's on the Rafflecopter widget (because they're the same anyway). Should there be any questions/clarifications regarding the giveaway mechanics and entry options, please feel free to send a private message to the So Sweet Suzette fanpage. So please wait for the rafflecopter to load. And submit your entries here:

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

This giveaway will run from today until March 25, 2013 (at around 12 noon Philippine time), which is basically month-long. This giveaway is open for Philippine residents only, regardless however of age or gender. No dummy accounts allowed. I will check your entries, so NO CHEATING PLEASE. :)

 

There will only be 2 LUCKY READERS who'll win these accessories. One will get the love necklace + ring. Then the other will get the cross bracelet + ring. I will announce who the lucky readers are  few days after the giveaway ends (after validating the entries, etc). The announcement will be made here on my blog. However, updates will still be posted through our So Sweet Suzette fanpage (be sure to like & subscribe). The winners must contact me within 48 hours after my announcement. Failure to do so would mean another winner/s will be picked. Nyce, the shop owner, will be the one to ship the prizes to the winners, since I'm out of the country.

 

So, submit your entries now!

Goodluck sweeties!

<3



Victoria's Secret Lotions & Creams

Note: Please do not read this if you haven't read my previous post yet, PocketBacs for your Bags & Backpacks. This is somewhatlikea continuation of that post. *grins*

Aside from having those PocketBacs for handy disinfection purposes, we, especially the girls, tend not just to  mind our hygiene. We also want to have that smooth and young looking skin as ever. The boxes (as what I was talking about here) did not just come with the PocketBacs inside. Together with those cute gels are some items I know ladies would surely love. Here they are:

And oh yes, they're lotions and creams! Lotions/creams are actually a basic and integral part of every girls' closet or dresser. Well, maybe some girls do not really consider putting on lotions everyday, but I know most of us do. And I don't see it as vanity or kaartehan. I see it as a desire in a good way. Who wouldn't want to have smooth, soft and moisturized skin?

And what I have here with me are actually products of a truly trusted brand known worldwide. What girl wouldn't know what Victoria's Secret is?

As they are presented individually, please take a look at the different "flavors" (Haha! I still fondly call them flavors, though I know we're not talking about food here). Perhaps, you might as well consider the labels, because they're kinda funny, but very interesting! :) And if you are into colors, then take a look at what colors they have.

PART 1: The Ultra-Moisturizing Hand and Body Cream

200mL/ 6.7 Fl oz.

Lost in Fantasy - blue
Mama's pick! :)

True Escape - green

Passionate Kisses - pink

Be Seduced - purple

Secret Charm - indigo

Secret Craving - Redviolet

PART 2: Hydrating Body Lotion

250 mL/ 8.4 Fl oz.

Be Seduced - purple

Romantic Wish - pink

Midnight Mimosa - green

Berry Kiss - lilac

Before you can say anything, I again admit that I am not good at photography. Neither am I any better at photoshop or photo editing. So, bear with the pictures please. *smiles*

These babies aside from being skin moisturizers, are also scent providers (sorry for the terms used. lol)! Talk about being skin-friendly plus nose-friendly at the same time. So, again if you are in any way interested to buy and to bring home some of these babies, just contact me thru my Facebook accounts, send me an SMS, or simply leave a comment below.

Visits are still welcome. Stocks are limited. Prices are given upon inquiry. Thank you sweeties! :)

PocketBacs for your Bags & Backpacks

AntiBac is a short term for anti-bacterial hand gel, and for any anti-bacterial stuff. Also, PocketBac has been the label for anti-bacterial hand gel made handy and convenient, to the point of having it hung on your very own bags and backpacks. Because of their cuteness (small size), they are considered to be pocket-friendly, as the name suggests.

I did some photoshoot with the PocketBacs! Weeeee! :)

It was last year, 2011, when the PocketBac craze went wild here in the Philippines. And those selling the stuffs can really say that the PocketBacs sell like hotcakes on the street! And because Bath&BodyWorks PocketBacs are a bit expensive (prices range from 80php above), those who couldn't afford just resort to buying the "imit" (imitations, not the original) ones priced at around 30php or less each, already with holders. Very affordable, aren't they?

However, even with the price difference and accessibility which really favors the cheap ones, I still go for the original and expensive (ouch!) PocketBacs. Yes, you can save about 50php or more when you buy the cheap ones but you can't really be sure of its quality. My point here is, you are buying the PocketBac because you want to use an ANTI-BACTERIAL hand gel. You do not just want to have a scented gel or a bag accessory, but one that can clean your hands even at times when water and soap aren't around.

So much for the intro (haha! Intro pa pala yun? lol), I made this post because my Sissy from the U.S. sent PocketBacs for me. The boxes, containing my Mama's shopping stuffs when she was in the U.S. plus my Sissy's padalas, arrived here last Friday. And because there are lots of PocketBacs, which I know for sure are just too many for me, Mama and I decided to sell some of them to you, my friends!

I can guarantee you that these PocketBacs are 100% authentic Bath&BodyWorks products. They are bought in California, United States. They're fresh and clean. And most of all, they are on-hand. So, here are the photos.

They come in different scents. The one in the middle is just too cute! It's the Pink Bloom PB.

Funny how they (the manufacturers) can also think of turning food flavors into hand gel scents! lol

Sorry for the not-so-good quality of the other photos... poor lighting and unprof photographer took them (referring to yours truly. hihi).

These are perfect not just for your personal use. PocketBacs are also perfect gifts for Christmas or for any occasion. They are suitable for both boys and girls, and for all ages! If you are interested in buying one or some of these, you can come by and have a "smell test" for the PB scents. And if you really are sure in buying PBs from me, then please leave a comment or try to reach me (thru FB, SMS, etc).

PBs with holders

Bath&BodyWorks products

Me and my PB.The colors! Hehe.

Peace and Love! <3

Christmas-themed PB!

As for the selling price, contact me first so I can advise you about it. Happy viewing, smelling and shopping! :)

Feature: White Poppy Wishes

This online shop will cater your accessories needs! At one glance on the photos of its Facebook account, you will surely fall inlove with the products!

The best feature of this online accessories shop is the fact that they have handmade products, carefully made and crafted by the owner herself. The shop I am talking about is no other than, White Poppy Wishes.

I conducted an online interview with the owner of the shop, Mommy Aine. And with the interview we had, I learned more about her shop and her love for accessories.

According to her, she has been selling personally handmade accessories for 6 years now. But it was just recently when she decided to bring the products online. She also thought of adding a couple of ready-to-wear accessories. She was inspired by other online shops and thought, "if they can do it, why can't I?" She was thankful that she loved joining giveaways because it truly opened her eyes about online shops, that there is indeed a big potential of earning at the comfort of one's home.

When asked about why accessories shop, she answered with this: "Accessories, because it's the fastest item that you can cater to all ages. However, I've been also doing a lot of thinking on adding new and pre-loved clothes, and some baby items too. I simply wanted it to be a one-stop online shop for ladies, mommies, little ones.. and even for daddies too!"

From her Elegant Pieces collection

Upon hearing (or  reading) of the shop name, curiosity came into me. It isn't a common name for online shops. So I asked Mommy Aine why the shop is named White Poppy Wishes. Mommy Aine answers, "White is my daughter's birth month flower color and Poppy is my birth month flower. Wishes is simply my hope of becoming successful with what I am doing right now!" And she puts a smiley. :)

Handmade Earrings

 The photos shown above are just some of White Poppy Wishes' most loved items. These handmade earrings are the best sellers and they're even the highly recommended items of Mommy Aine. This is so, because according to her, a handmade accessory can be your best gift to someone because it is carefully handcrafted with love.

Some of her items from the RTW collection

And because I know different online shops abound the Facebook world today, I asked Mommy Aine what makes her shop different, or perhaps special. Her response:

"The heart and soul I put in every accessory I make. And of course, for the ready-to-wear, I personally do a thorough quality check of the items before I send them to my buyers."

For more of her items, please add White Poppy Wishes as your friend on Facebook. Just click here.

Get the lovely accessories at affordable prices, with the comfort of staying at home. Browse through White Poppy Wishes albums and you will surely have that item shipped with love and care straight to your doorstep.  I've already picked my orders, how about you sweeties?

Photos were grabbed with permission from the owner.

Online Shops, Soon at SSS

One thing I've noticed in the cyberspace now is the fact that there are already a lot of online shops. Again, A LOT. Before, the online shops used to dominate Shop Multiply. But right now, the best place (I think) for online shops to operate is on Facebook.

Considering the fact that there are millions, or billions, of FB users in the world, the online shop owners took advantage of having that comfort in posting their shop products, plus advertisements on Facebook for free. Also, they can easily add friends to "become friends" of their online shop's account. Those who use the fanpage method, simply invite their friends to like their fanpage.

I can also see that people are also very interested about online shops - that includes me.Who would reject that chance to just shop at the comfort of your home? People patronize online shops and their products, that is also if they have seen the credibility of the shop owners and also the quality of the products they are buying online.

So, from now on sweeties, I will be featuring online shops. Sounds interesting, isn't it? And rest assured, I will only feature online shops which I know are "worth-featuring". This means, I already know how credible the owners are and that their products are loved by the buyers. Please watch out for my shop features here in SSS.

I am currently drafting a blog feature for an online accessories shop! So, please stay tuned! :)

Photo by my friend, Longski.

P.S. The photo does not have any relevance with the article written. I just want to post it here. Hehe :)