Chapter 2 STYLE CHALLENGE

• “Shall we start?”
• I nodded at Noah and we began to do his vlog content. He showed me the brand VIP room. He grabbed his camera and began shooting. 
• He introduces me to the manager and he did some spiels for his vlog. 
• This VIP room is no joke. It's much bigger than the luxury brand VIP room in the Philippines. I’m not surprised though, we are in the United State. 
• If you are a fan of luxury brands, you are familiar with the brand VIP room. It's a special room designed for their VIP clients. In this room, you can shop in privacy. The manager or the staff will prepare the clothes or styles that you might like, and those are already in your size. 
• I couldn’t help myself but be amazed at how luxurious this room is. From the walls, furniture, and displays. 
• When Noah finished his spiel, he zooms out his camera again to show us both on the screen. 
• “As you can see, the clothes and accessories were already there. They are all according to my size. Are you ready?” Noah said then he zooms in the camera to me. 
• I nodded and smile at the camera. “I’m ready,” I said in full confidence. 
• Noah will give me a scenario and I will pick the style that I think will fit those scenarios. 
• “First scenario. I was on my way to the gym where I do my usual workout. But I got a call from the office and they need me to attend a quick meeting. What style or outfit do I need to wear where I can do both, attending the meeting and then going to the gym.” He said then he move the camera on me to show my response. 
• I nodded and I look at him to give myself time to evaluate him and think of a good outfit for him. Then I went to the area where I will pick the outfit for him. 
• After I pick the outfit, I gave it to the staff and Noah went to the fitting room to change from the outfit that I chose. 
• I smirked when I saw him coming out of the fitting room. I patted my shoulder on my mind and told myself. ‘You did a great job, Alli.’
• “I honestly love the outfit that you chose for me. It gives you style and comfort. Care to explain why you chose this outfit for me?” Noah said while he was flexing the outfit I chose for him.
• One of the staff was holding the camera. He was zooming in and out the camera for a better shot of the vlog. 
• “When you gave me the scenario, Athleisure pops on my head,” I told him. 
• Noah nodded at me. 
• “Athleisure is a combination of casual wear and athletic wear. Three key factors define athleisure style- material, fit, and functionality.” 
• Noah continuously asks me about the athleisure style. I elaborate more on my explanation of this style and I tried to promote the brand since that is what he was paid to do. 
• “Wow! I am now convinced that you’re a stylist. You know the fashion well. I can’t wait to see more style that you’ll give us today.” Noah said. 
• Then he gave the second scenario and I did the style that he asked. And I also did in the last challenge or scenario. 
• I feel so proud of myself after the challenge. It only proves that my hard work in studying fashion is not in vain. 
• But most of all, I am thankful to Noah because of his sudden offer, I was able to forget Andrew even for a short while. 
• And as an appreciation gift of the brand, they gave me a special gift. It was similar to the gifts that they are giving to their VIP clients. While Noah invited me to have dinner with him as his way of thanking me. 
• I was planning to reject his offer but I change my mind. I need anything that will help me divert my attention.
• Noah brought me to a luxurious restaurant. The staff leads us to one of the private rooms of the restaurant. I am sure that Noah is not just a simple model. Dining in this restaurant already costs a fortune, what more if you will eat in their private or VIP rooms.
• “How long have you been in this industry?” I can't help but ask Noah after we settle on our seats. 
• “I have been in the industry for almost ten years now. But I guess I still need to work hard for you to be able to notice me.” He joked. 
• I felt my face heated from what he said. I am not really into international stars, what more with international models? 
• “I’m sorry?” The only thing I can say to him.
• Noah chuckled then he shook his head. “It’s not really a big deal. But I must admit that I’m kind of shocked when you ask me if I’m a celebrity.” 
• “Is that the first time you were asked that kind of question?” I asked curiously. 
• Noah nodded. “Hell yes!” Then he laughed. 
• I don't know if I will laugh with him or what. I just chose to lower my head because of embarrassment.
• “Don’t think about that anymore. But at least you know me now, right?” He said then gave me a warm smile. 
• I smile back at him.
• “You were really good at doing style. But why are you doing it only as a part-time job?” Noah curiously asked. 
• “Styling is not my line of expertise,” I told him.
• Noah's eyes widen in disbelief. “I beg to disagree. You are great in this job.” 
• “I’m not sure. All my life, I work with sales and marketing, though my greatest dream is to work in media.” I told him.
• “What happened? Why did you not pursue your dream?” 
• “It’s a long story,” I told him then shrugged. 
• Noah smirked at me. “I will give you all my time tonight. Feel free to share with me your story.” 
• I heaved a heavy sigh before I finally decided to share with him my life story. 
• “I’m an adopted child.” I started my story. 
• His eyes widen but he remains silent. 
• “My adopted parents are not rich, but not poor. I can safely say that we are in the middle class.”
• “In the Philippines, you need to have a strong backer or work experience to be accepted in a TV network. If you don’t have a strong backer or experience, then you must graduate from a prestigious university or graduate with flying colors. I have none of those. So I decided to pursue marketing and sales.” 
• “Two years ago, I was finally reunited with my biological parents. And guess what? My dad owned one of the biggest magazines company in the Philippines.” 
• “Wow! That is the answer to your dream.” Noah can’t help but give his reaction. 
• I chuckled and nodded at him. “Yes, but the line of media that I want is entertainment. And it so happens that my cousin is friends with Vince Concio- the heir of the largest TV network in the country, and he was also an actor.” 
• “I asked Vince to hire me as his assistant or any available jobs for a month or so. I can’t ask for a full-time job because I need to work in my dad’s company. So that’s where I became Vince’s assistant stylist. I enrolled in a short course about fashion as preparation for the job and the rest is history.” 
• After I told Noah about my life story he didn’t say anything. He looks at me intently. 
• I swallowed hard. Why is he giving me that look?
• “You have a talent in the fashion industry.” He said in a serious tone. 
• “If you search my name on the internet you will find out that I rarely give compliments to people. That is why you must believe me when I told you that you have a talent. You should pursue this career.”
• “Why don’t you start with vlogging?”