Balancing Family And Fashion: Xandra Padilla

Now here’s a woman who can read the clothes and wear the books!

I ran into Xandra Ramos-Padilla last week at Greenbelt, and was just struck by her glow! One of the country’s most inspiring women, Xandra is a mom and a business woman like many other moms out there. Many moms tend to get ngarag from taking many roles (aminin! Even I get these days)… well, here is a woman who would not tolerate such a thing! She looked so great with her dashing smile and an even sexier physique! What’s her secret? Read on, ladies!

Xandra’s style = Leather jacket + Sheer blouse + Denim jeans + Designer bag + Designer shoes + Designer sunglasses + Minimal makeup + Well-groomed nails

What’s your job description?
I have three jobs: I run Crossings and the Ramp Crossings, which means I oversee our collections for fashion, men, kids, and home working with our talented team of in house designers. I also curate the brands that will be featured in the Ramp, by assigning spaces in the stores. We constantly update the merchandise and brand mix in our stores to give customers something new and exciting each season.
I head the purchasing department for books for National Book Store, and we choose the books that will be sold in all National Book Stores, Power Books and Bestsellers. Occasionally, I interview authors during book events.
And most importantly, I’m a mom. I arrange the kids’ schedules and activities such as Chinese class or ballet class. I pick them up from school. I read to each of my two kids for 30 minutes a day…
What’s a typical day for you?
I start the day with oatmeal and a cup of Nespresso. I check Facebook and Twitter. Then my schedule depends on whether I’m required to do National Book Store or Crossings tasks. On one recent fashion day, I went to a store to give a pep talk to our staff about our mixology concept. I met with potential accessories designers who can create unique lines at the Ramp. I interviewed potential consignors to gauge their manufacturing capabilities and to see if their brand profiles complement the merchandise mix at the Ramp. Then, I reviewed the shoe and clothes samples with the designers. At night, after my kids are asleep, I review the blogs for design trends and fashion news.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I like women’s fiction like Before Ever After, by Samantha Sotto, the Filipina who got published by Random House in New York. I’ve been reading Jane Fonda’s Prime Time, which has been inspiring, candid and full of tips for making the most out of your life. I also collect fashion and decorating books and I’ve been perusing Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Inspiration Dior, Hue by Kelly Wearstler and Harper’s Bazaar: Greatest Hits by Glenda Bailey. I write about the lifestyle books I’ve read on my blog www.excerptsandcoversations.blogspot.com.

What types of books sell best in your experience?
Nicholas Sparks, who will be visiting end of October has a huge fan base. His new book is entitled “The Best of Me”. Paulo Coehlo is another big selling. His new book, “Aleph” will be out on September 27.

How do you balance family and fashion?
I’ve learned that the trick is dressing appropriately for the occasion. I bring layering pieces, accessories or an outfit change to go from PTA meetings to office presentations to evening events.

Where do you shop?
The Ramp collection has been so strong that I bought so many pieces this season and I’ve had fun mixing it all up. With The Ramp clothes, I am able to find dresses that match the theme of events I’m hosting or attending. The clothes are so affordable I can create many looks for the price of an imported designer dress.
I also shop in Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Neiman Marcus in San Francisco and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. Locally, I also buy from Itsie Bitsie and Homme et Femme Universe.

Do you have a current fashion obsession?
Jackets are my current obsession. When I put one on, I feel more confident.

What are your beauty essentials?
Shiseido Gentle Cleansing Foam, Darphin Predermine Cream and La Roche-Posy Anthelios 45 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

I noticed that you lost a lot of weight. What’s your secret?
I just followed the tips of Dr. Oz in his books “You: An Owners Manual” and “You: On a Diet”. There’s a handy guide to the diet portion in paperback called “You: Losing Weight: The Owner’s Manual to Simple and Healthy Weight Loss”. The diet is basically replacing rice and pasta with vegetables, not eating anything white, which also means no dessert. I think I lost weight healthily. I’m not starving and I still have the energy to be on the go.
For exercise, it made a huge difference when I increased the frequency of my workouts. Doing aqua aerobics 3x a week, pilates 2x a week and yoga 1x a week has helped me lose 28 inches overall. It’s a great excuse to buy a new wardrobe.

You’ve been traveling a lot lately. Where’s your next destination? What are you looking forward to?
I’m obsessed with going to Paris to follow the shopping guide of Ines de la Fressange in “Parisian Chic”. I’m still convincing my husband to go with me.

Could you give my readers a list of new must-have books that National Book Store will be bringing in the next few months.
“Design*Sponge at Home” by Grace Bonney, “Preston Bailey Flowers”, “Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations”