Furry Friend

Outfit details

Suede jacket - Banana Republic

Silk top - Banana Republic

Skinny jeans - Guess, Gift from Pearl

Fur stole - H&M

Suede boots - Old Navy, bought for $9.99, less 15% off!

Suede gloves - H&M

What and Where

I haven't been into fur or animal print or any of the wild stuff before BUT call me a convert! This season, I am loving the look big time! I know a lot of blogger friends have the same exact fur stole that I have and I know the very stylish Jen, who is currently hosting a brilliant Lanvin + H&M give-away (oh, you better head on there asap!), recently rocked this look as well!

Pardon me lovelies but I'm getting old! I meant to link y'all who has this furry friend but I can't seem to find my list, so if you do have this great buy from H&M and posted about it, can you please let me know?

I am having a terribly challenging time at work these days and its making me unhappy which is a hugely upsetting thing, with Christmas and all! Why do people feel the need to back stab others and step on them to get ahead? I hope and pray that all of you are doing well - in love, at work and in your personal lives!

Big hugs from Canada!

Friendship is a Two-way Street

Outfit details

Oxford white button down - Banana Republic

Sequin skirt - Banana Republic
Men's watch - Longines, Gift from J

What and Where

Before I launch into today's post, let me just tell you how weird it was to be so disconnected to the world of technology! I apologize for missing your posts but for some odd reason (it's 2010, this shouldn't happen anymore!), my Twitter account wouldn't authorize my log-in and when we crossed over the border, AT&T wouldn't provide me a data network so I had no Internet so no following my Tweety Birds for Black Friday deals, oye!

On to today's fashion tip's - the versatility of the white shirt! This first outfit was completely inspired by my fabulous blogger friend Naina, a professional career momma who manages to always look great in every outfit she puts on. I usually reserve my sequins and blings during nights out but paired with a crisp button down shirt, you can take this ensemble to the office on a casual Friday, a city brunch with friends on Sunday or a movie matinee in the afternoon. Simply keep the top simple by choosing less feminine shirts, e.g. a tank top with a denim jacket, a lace cami with a boyfriend cardi or any form fitting or flowy black blouse will surely do!

Outfit details

Oxford white button down - Banana Republic
Floral applique skirt - Banana Republic
Men's watch - Longines, Gift from J
Fingerless gloves - Banana Republic
Style tips

I'm still mortified to recall the time I walked in into a meeting, with black trousers and tucked in white button down... my colleague turns around and jokingly (not funny!) said, here's our waitress for the day! Ugh! Since then, I've never worn that combination together but I've found a chicer alternative: the white button down over black skirt combo!

The colour palette on this is very simple, you can definitely pile on the statement accessories: from necklaces to bracelets to bold earrings and look at me scarves. And this, you can wear anywhere! I say, go to a restaurant and stand beside a server, let's see who's calling you a waitress now? Okay, who am I kidding, someone may still say - excuse me, can I have the bill please?

Beautiful floral details on this silk crepe skirt.

How would you style your crisp white button down my lovelies? Happy, Happy Monday!



How Much Do I LOVE Thee? 150!

Ariel Braid and Chains Necklace

Overview:

• Poly-satin ribbon.
• Base metal setting.
• 12k gold plated.
• Spring ring closure.
• Measures 18" end to end.

I really should be learning more about html and sidebars and blogger design right now. Some of you are very much aware of my struggle in re-designing my blog and so far, all attempts have been futile. I don't even know how I did my own header in the first place! I'm so afraid to touch it as it may just look worse than it is now.

But this post isn't really about that. It's about saying thanks and saying a lot of it. Running on the same painful vein of blog design, I want to thank a lot of you who tried helping me virtually (Ashley and Rebecca) and to someone who's been there all along, she painstakingly e-mailed me step-by-step instructions on how to re-do my sidebar. Alas, this case is worst than teaching a monkey how to drive (I'm pretty sure they can achieve that given the right kind of Porsche or BMW), I am a complete dummy when it comes to this and so bless her patient and gracious heart, thank you my dear JoAnn!

Still, you guys come and visit and surprisingly, you even come back each and every time! I cannot tell you enough how much I love receiving your comments and if I can pause a meeting to write a witty reply to you right away, I would! Much more than the number of followers and page views, I value the friendships that you so kindly forged with me, the inspiration that you constantly provide and the unwavering support that we all share to one another. I am just full of thanks, am I not? Remember this last post?

So, in the spirit of this friendship and the American Thanksgiving (Canadians test-drive the turkeys that are being sold in US stores hence, we celebrate it a few weeks earlier - you're welcome!),  I am hosting this Banana Republic Statement Necklace give-away! It is beautiful as it is edgy, it is feminine with the touch of satin and rocker chic with mixed metals.



To enter, all you have to do is:

* Follow Twenty York Street!

Google Connect Button is at the very bottom.

* Be my friend, Tweety Bird!

Twitter: @20YS.

* Blog about it or place this give-away on your sidebar!

Please leave separate comments for each entry.

Give-away is open WORLDWIDE, ends: midnight of December 5th.

p.s. I would ask you to grab my button but the only ones I have are on my clothes, so please don't grab those!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends!

Grey is The Colour of Platinum

Or is it - platinum is the colour of platinum? Either way, this post really isn't about platinum anyway, though I wish it is! It is about loving my newest pea coat from United Colors of Benetton! As some of you may recall, I had to unfortunately return a recently purchased wool coat at UCB as the fibers started piling a lot that it aging the item rather quickly. The staff at the store, especially the sweet and chic Lasha has been fantastic and has provided me this pea coat in exchange, how brilliant is that?

This is my first time wearing it and I can tell that this is going to get a lot of cameo role here at Twenty York Street! Thank you again Lasha, you have been incredibly helpful every single time!

On another note, I am boarding my train in half an hour to go back to Montréal! But before I go, I want to send my warmest greetings to someone who is celebrating a special occasion. She is one strong, confident, generous, thoughtful, talented and absolutely hard working woman and without her, I wouldn't be here today. Thank you for everything and...  

Happy, Happy Birthday Mother! We wish you all the best in life as you more than deserve it!

Maligayang Bati Nanay!



The Thomas Crown Affair

I have to admit, I'm not much of a necklace person as I do love earrings, big time! I would be amiss if I don't have a pair on during any given day and when I do, it's a constant battle whether I should wear a necklace with it, a belt or bracelets. Biggest sartorial fear? Looking like an overkill! I find that as I grow older (yay, I know...) I tend to follow Coco Chanel's rule on accessories and go for the simple and elegant look. It's a bit of an un-negotiable matter too considering the conservative industry I work in. That's not to say I no longer have my days of more is more is more! (There's a very good reason I have 4 shelves for accessories alone!)

Orion Gems Bib

Diedre Gem Chained Necklace

In Gold

Since starting this blog however, I came across many incredibly accessorized stylistas that its making me re-think my take on necklaces. Plus, I also realized over watching many Hollywood films, no self-respecting organized crime ever orchestrate a sophisticated heist for earrings or bracelets (save for the occasional ring). They almost always go for that ubiquitous magical necklace, don't they? So, here I am trying to jump the statement necklace wagon and recently got these two beautiful pieces above.

And... I'm currently coveting these but I can only pick one and I need your help to pick The ONE:

Stepping Stones Necklace

Saffron Paisley Necklace

Gala Brooch Strand Necklace

Hard to choose now, ain't it?

Merci Beaucoup Mes Amis!



If you remember awhile ago, I started a post about inspiring everyone to take a moment, pause to think about the people and things that we have to be grateful about. We are blessed in so many ways aren't we? Case in point, we all have the ability and resources to blog and to therefore have the privilege to belong to a community of like-minded, supportive and of course, stylish individuals. And if we are fortunate, we forge friendships that may transcend beyond URL and HTML, I know I have. 

Side note: Please do click on these highlighted words, I may have tagged you - surprise!

So, just before we get to the spirit of Christmas (Hanukkah, Eid and other Holiday traditions included) and American Thanksgiving, let's get into the spirit of gratitude. Here's five things I'm thankful for these days:

1. Friends. In Real Life, In Blog Life. Thank you to every single one of you (yes, you too Ikram!) who takes the time to visit Twenty York Street. Thank you to friends who are far-away and those who are near and dear.

2. Electronic seat warmer. Incredibly valuable in Canadian winters.

3. Strong legs. You may not see underneath these warm tights but I do have strong legs that can pump a huge amount of weights that may surprise you. Please God, let them be fit and toned forever. Without me having to slave at the gym of course 'coz then this plea is moot, ain't it?

4. Blogs without word verification. Yup, I'm grateful for them too! (What can I say, it's pretty easy to please me!)

5. E. 

So my friends, what are you thankful for these days? If you've been tagged, I want to see your gratitude list too!

E's first ever premiere at Twenty York Street:

p.s. He doesn't exactly know I posted this and if he does, I'm sure he'll be red mad. More for choosing this photo (he's a little sensitive with the salt and pepper hair) than actually posting it. I think he is absolutely gorgeous, don't you?

Office Space (and Yola Couture Winner!)

Outfit details

Little black dress - Banana Republic

Floral blouse - Costa Blanca

Patent leather belt - Banana Republic

Jewel earrings - Melanie Lynn

Rings and bracelets - Generous gifts from love ones

Patterned tights - Tristan, one of the best tights I own

* Style note of the day - Outfit inspired by Matt, thank you. Jewelleries inspired by the Queen of Accessories herself: Collette

What and Where

My greatest fear justified, ack! While J (alright me too, just in case he reads this!) thinks the photos turned out very well today, it vindicated my narcissistic anxiety of high definition anything. I mean what's wrong with blurry, out of focus photos once in awhile? That's the beauty of Polaroids and black and white TV, they were incredibly forgiving.

Case in point: the very first photo is a direct by-product of this new acquisition of his Nikon SLR. As you may know, we usually take these photos either during a quick coffee break (forgoing nicotine high in exchange for blog glory, what can I say, I'm a martyr!) or just before I teach a class at noon, which gives us about 9-11 minutes at best. When he texts me that he's down and ready to shoot, I usually just grab my gym bag and scramble down. But not this morning, I had to slap on some powder and swipe my lips with some lipstick! Ha! You see that mother?!

Some of you have notice that I've taken some office photos and that now today, the building lobby. Why you may ask? Well, while there is a Holt Renfrew across the street with a gorgeous holiday display window, when you have 11 minutes or less to shoot, prime location is not exactly in the a la carte menu.

On more exciting news! For the winner of the Yola Couture Callie Dress Give-away, Yolande Deschenes, the designer herself has picked the name of one lucky Twenty York Street follower!

Drum roll please...

And the winner is:

Viktoria

of

Viktoria with a K

***Congratulations and thank you very much to Yola Couture for sponsoring this fabulous give-away!



Tag - You're It!



Outfit details

Grey tweed blazer - Banana Republic

Skinny jeans - Guess, Philippines

Animal print blouse - Banana Republic

I Love Paris earrings - Dorothy Perkins, Gift from Pearl

I Love Paris necklace - Dorothy Perkins, Gift from Pearl

Men's watch - Longines, Gift from J

Ankle booties - Gift from Maria

What and Where

I promised you the second part of the Seven Confessions post yesterday but before that, I just want to share with you these photos. I love them for a few reasons: one, this was taken in my office (we had to close the door and be really, really quiet during the shoot); two, these were the first shots taken by J's new Nikon dSLR and three, don't you just adore this I Love Paris necklace with the tiny replica of the Eiffel Tower? My very sweet and gracious Bestie from Dublin recently sent me a surprise that turned out to be a pot of gold (the leprechaun got lost in the mail, Sweetie! Sorry guys, I can't resist the Irish joke!)...

Thank you so much Miss Pearl!

Alors, following the uber-chic Ashley's lead (Thank you again for tagging me! Check Lions Lace Lattes blog here), I believe the protocol is that I tag SEVEN fab bloggers to do the same Seven Secrets post I did yesterday. Let's see what my friends (I wanted to share the feature-love to those whom I have yet to tag here at 20YS so you can get to know them too!) are hiding up their frilled sleeves, shall we?

Ashelle of Pink Beautiful Love

Kileen of Cute and Little

Jodi of Day 2 Day Wear

Maria Rosaria of Venus Loves Virgo

Len of Orange and Banana Mondays

Candy of Curves Ahead Make-up

Marcela of Times Like Mine

Last chance to enter, win the Beautiful Callie Dress! Draw is scheduled for tonight:

Yola Couture Fabulous Give-Away

Sept Confessions

Outfit details

Ruffled dress - H&M
Wool coat - United Color of Benetton
Black studded belt - Banana Republic
Statement necklace - Banana Republic
Suede gloves - H&M
Silver cuff - Le Chateau
Ankle booties - Spring
Men's watch - Guess, 'Gift' from E

What and Where


Though this post is long overdue, I believe anytime is a good time to spill secrets, ain't it? The uber-stylish Ashley of Lions Lace Lattes is a true Canadiana, not just with her sartorial choices, her practical yet brilliant take on daily ensembles but her easy going nature is an easy give-away! She takes fantastic photos in a very unique way and the girl got some serious smarts - hello psychology and neuroscience, your everyday ordinary ice-breakers!

So, here's the first part, ML's SEVEN Confessions:

1. I have way too many clothes. (Please don't show this post to E, he'll feel totally vindicated in his recent comment that a linen closet is no space for a grown man's suits and trousers! I say think outside the box, dude!)

2. I take it back, I don't have that many. I have to confess I was under duress in making that first statement. Your honour, please strike that off the record.

3. I have a love/hate relationship with my skin hence, my horror (sure, excitement too) when J announced, I bought my Nikon dSLR, Oy!

p.s. Some of you have been very sweet, thank you for the nice comments about not needing make-up, you
are too kind.

4. I love cards, greeting cards that is (alright, if you really want to be picky, let's count credit cards and gift cards too!). I have boxes and boxes of all I've received for birthdays, Christmas and other special events. It appalls me to no end that people do not bother with thank you cards anymore, what's next, anarchy?  =)

5. Used to hate 'em but now can't live without 'em - I love you Whooga boots!

6. I wish I was always fashionable but even bloggers need a break from dressing up right? Hey, they never even noticed I was wearing yoga pants instead of suit pants with my blazer last week!

7. I looove sales tags! You'd be better off taking a five-hundred dollar item to the back and slapping a 50% off red sticker on it than hawking me some regular-priced twenty-dollar great buys. I'm just sayin'!

There's a second part to this Seven Confessions tag so watch out for tomorrow's post. In the meantime my dear readers, what have you got to confess?

Flower of Distraction

Outfit details

Wool coat - United Colours of Benetton

Flower brooch - Ardene

Purple tights - Esprit

Belted booties - Spring

What and Where

It seems so long since I did an outfit post and I know you guys have missed it and I realized, I do too! Don't you just hate it when work and life gets in the way of your blogging? I've had a very hectic last several weeks, it's been stressful and terribly exhausting for the body and soul so I've decided to take some days off and do nothing! Well, almost nothing. I finished two books and sort of organized my closet. By that, I meant, took some of  E's clothes in the closet, moved it to the linen cupboard and put some of mine as temporary holding space.

None of my list of to-dos have been crossed off but let's not focus on the trivial, shall we? This post is actually double-sided, Side A: to show you this beautiful coat and to also say good-bye to it and Side B: to tell you about a certain fantastic customer service I've received recently. Backtrack about two months ago, I was getting ready for Fall and visited one of my favourite stores when it comes to high-end coats and apparel.

I visited United Colors of Benetton's flagship store at the Rideau Centre and was given the most excellent service (as always) and valuable shopping advice by the chic and stylish store manager, Lasha. I was torn between this tweed-like coat and UCB's classic pea coat but was enlightened about its unique details. The cut, the over-sized lapel, the quality of the fabric and the versatility of the design. I trust Lasha with all my heart, just one look at her (and her informative fashion video!) will tell you she definitely knows beauty and style and if anything, she knows coats and jackets.

So, home I went with this beauty and I've only worn it on several occasions as I don't consider it my daily outerwear. All is good in my world until one day, I noticed the little fur balls accumulating on different sections of the coat. The fabric was starting to pile a lot, it was starting to 'aged' my coat beyond its years. Alarmed, I immediately went to UCB to see what can be done to protect the coat from further degeneration?

Let's just say that Lasha and her staff were beyond incredible! Though we tried to see if we can brush it off with a lint remover, ultimately, the coat will continue to rapidly age due to its high acrylic content. I was offered a coat replacement, any coat/jacket my heart desires, of the same value for a straight exchange! If that is not a commendable, superb client service, then what is?

Thank you very much again to the fabulous and gracious girls at United Colors of Benetton, merci beauoup!