Every Movement... Every Moment

Yesterday I posted about craving colours and I don't just mean adding a pop in between my blacks and greys but actually style it up in living colours. Why have I been living in the darker range of the colour family you ask? Well for one, I've always bought into the notion that black is slimming. But - if I have to be really honest with you (and with myself, sucks when I have to be honest to me), it's the absolute easy way out to dressing up. You put on black and call it a day! Yes, you can never go wrong with it yet, you're not pushing any boundaries with it either.

You know I'm all about testing boundaries, getting out of comfort zones and trying something new these days! I suppose reading Chas' post (the chic and talented blogger of From Denim to Dessert) couldn't have come in a better time as she featured a company that I am very pleased to hear about:

Zobha (meaning grace, beauty and brilliance in Sanskrit) is a yoga and fitness apparel company that offers a wide range of exceptional active wear. Form + function is the best way to describe designs that use superior performance fabric and details that marries effortless movement with classic cuts and fashionable style.

Zobha is currently running "How Would You Use Free Yoga Gear in 2011?", a contest open to all bloggers. One lucky winner can win a starter package that includes the following apparel:

• 1 yoga tank of your choice
• 1 pair of yoga pants of your choice
• 1 pullover or hoodie of your choice
• 1 yoga mat carrier
• 1 eye pillow

As you know, I have been teaching Yoga and teaching fitness classes for over 8 years now and looking back at some of my photos of me either teaching, practicing on my own or performing on stage, I have been in nothing but black.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Apparently, yesterday's declaration: Stop being afraid of colours! I'm a grown woman for orange's sake! resonated with a lot of you, so let's take this one step further now, shall we? Wouldn't doing yoga, walking, working out or just doing just about anything look and feel so much better in these?

Exhibit C:  No More Black!

Marilyn Tank

The colour-block is a fantastic silhouette-enhancing design which, doubled with a criss-cross back detail, provides you with the ultimate support in any imaginable pretzel position!

Evolve Pant - Petite

A perfectly flattering and leg-lengthening cut that features smooth style lines, flat lock inseams and fitted knees. As a Yoga Teacher, I have to be able to execute yoga poses with precision so these pants are perfect for me!

Asymmetrical Zip Hoodie

Made of 97% Organic Cotton French Terry, this stylish and uniquely designed hoodie is the best way to warm up before and after a yoga class. Don't you just love the black piping details, the rich colour of the fabric, the two-way zippers and of course, the cute thumb holes to keep your sleeves in place? Now, you can dance like no one is watching!

City Bag
 
Heavyweight cotton canvas fabric? Check! Multiple pockets for your various accessories? Check! Plastic zip for wet and sweaty (I know, I know!) clothes? Check! This City Bag is a fantastic versatile bag that you can take anywhere and everywhere!
 
p.s. did I mention that I need a new Yoga Mat?
 

Silk Eye Pillow and Case
 
Anything that promises me an experience that simulates Savasana, meditation or relaxation is a very easy Yes! This silk eye pillow gives the benefits of silk cooling against your skin, the aromatherapy of the lavender to release tension and uplift your mood. We can all use one, yes?

Now, going back to the bedrock of Zobha's question - How Would You Use Free Yoga Gear in 2011? Since we've all declared this year to be the year of being fearless and trying new adventures, I would use Zobha to inspire others to hold that tree pose a little longer, soar to that eagle pose and lift your prayer up a little higher. I would use Zobha as a reminder to myself and hopefully to others to always be true to myself, to move freely and fearlessly but also with grace and compassion!

Are you interested in joining this contest? Click here for details and be sure to read the company's mission and philosophy. I'm sold.

Good luck and namaste.

I Need Colours

Blacks, greys, charcoals and everything in between is what you see when you look into my closet. I told myself, it's 2011 and it's high time that I stop being afraid colours! I'm a grown woman for orange's sake! Though I know I won't be able to get all of these (a girl can always dream, yes?), here's my current Banana Republic craves:

Brigitte Double-Knit Ruffle Dress

Solid Ruffle Shirt

Super Skinny Hot Pink Leather Belt

Sascha Patent Sachel

Floral Tie Neck Shell

What do you think of these coloured choices? Do you have any wish list in anticipation of spring?



Summer Dreamin'

Outfit details

Maxi floral dress - Gift from cousin Nomer

Satin camisole - Banana Republic

Pearl bangle - La Baie

Chandelier earrings - Road Trip, Gift from EM

Whooga boots - hidden because J refused to photograph 'em

What and Where

Sometimes, I like to pretend that I'm somewhere else and it's generally to places that are sunny, tropical and hot, not warm - HOT! Like tonight during downward dog at a sweaty Power Yoga class, I dream about lounging on the beach, sipping cold margaritas and digging my toes on the grainy, white sand while ceremoniously applying sunscreen.

Oh, they say I'm a dreamer... but I'm not the only one!

After what seems to be days of grey clouds (side note: you guys left me wonderful comments that I, if I may quote, "rock grey!" like in this post and that post. What a fine way to make a girl feel so good!), what better way to get out of the funk than to put on a cheery, floral dress and pile on the pearls!

Yesterday, I posted about something that I thought was so personal and intimate that after I hit publish post, I hesitated and thought, maybe I shouldn't have. I've always wanted to keep the tone of this blog very positive and uplifting and yesterday's post wasn't quite that.

But then again, if I said I was just so deliriously happy, that would be lying now, wouldn't it? Ah, woes - to post or not to post! One thing for sure is that you have all been generous with your love and support and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

Merci, merci beaucoup!

As for The Easiest Blog Project Ever, I know you've asked for a little more details and so here goes: It will be the comfiest and coziest post you've ever done! I know, it's that easy! 

So, if you haven't yet, sign up here! 



Positive Thoughts For Me

Outfit details

Wool coat - Kenneth Blake, Fairweather

Chiffon dress - Banana Republic

Suede leather boots - Banana Republic

Sparkly balls earrings - Guess, Gift from E

What and Where

While I am always generous with my love and compassion (forgive me if that sounded pompous but I was told it is sickeningly true) towards others, today, I ask you to please send positive thoughts and prayers my way. As you know, I have been going through a rough patch these days. A surprising and unfortunate turn of events have left me in deep worry and anxiety that I am frankly disappointed at myself.

I always thought I am one of those who can roll with the punches - face it and fight it kinda gal. I thought I can go through this and come out on the brighter side, unscathed. I was wrong. I realize I suck at confrontation and even when people have blatantly done something horrible to me, I still hesitate and think (and think some more) about how they would feel if I do something about it. Sounds weak? Absolutely.

Tomorrow, that will change. There are so many moments in one's life where you pick your battles but there are also times when you say, basta! Enough is enough and you have to stand up for yourself, yes? Tomorrow, I will do something brave and I need all the courage and prayers I can get. I admit I can use a lot of pep talk these days. Will you send me some, friends?

While you're at it, why don'tcha sign up (if you haven't already!) for The Easiest Blog Project Ever! I promise you, this is going to be your comfiest and coziest blog post ever!

Thank you for love and prayers!

Annoncement Annoncement



It's Friday and what's a better way to wrap up the week than to give away some happiness! Alright, money may not buy happiness but pretty things certainly paints a big smile on my face! Oui?

Another thing sweet note that makes me grin is the fact that Twenty York Street's Mystery Project has over 50 fashion and style bloggers signed up! Now, that's what I call happy pills!

I also have a few announcements to make so, shall we declare some lucky, lucky winners now or let's hold on to that suspense a little longer?

I'll take your silence as a deafening Yes!

So, our first business of the day is one of the sweetest posts I've read recently! I received a very pleasant surprise post from Fashion Momma that not only mentioned my name and 'my style' (I know that is pretty debatable. Nonetheless, I feel cool!) but also spoke of me in a very heart-warming way that whatever troubles it is that I am facing right now, I feel more courage to go on. Thank you so much for these kind words my dear Kimberly (I call her KP!):



If you are not already a reader, you should head over to ML's blog, now. Her style is impeccable, the photos are top-notch, her writing is soothing and inviting, and above all, she is a genuinely caring and real woman. Behind the gorgeous clothes, beautiful skin, silky hair, and perfect make-up, ML is a deeply considerate, loving, giving and supportive friend. I truly hope that you are blessed with people like this in your life, too.

Kim, you may not know it but you have been a source of inspiration and love. I would love for you to stop by and say hello at Fashion Momma (I have a feeling you will be seeing more of her at 20 YORK STREET.), better yet, take her very informative blog tour. I guarantee you, you'll feel right at home!

Second in line is a fabulous give-away that you DO NOT want to miss! Truth be told, I am pretty picky about what contests or give-aways to enter that I rarely enter them. I never really win anyways but wait... maybe that's why I don't win the lottery either, I don't buy the tickets!

Hence, trust me that you'll like this give-away from a lady who seems to do it all - she works hard and blogs hard! Head over to Curls and Pearls to enter Elaine's Dara Dot Designs Give-away for a chance to win this beautifully luxurious scarf:

Blue Grey Ruffle Scarf - Luxurious and versatile bamboo and organic cotton ruffle. scarf with leather detail can be worn so many different ways!



I've checked out Dara Dot Designs and the quality, design and colours are impeccable. So run, don't walk my friends! Go and enter now!

Last but definitely not the least, I'm sure y'all know by now (I mean who does not know about Statements in Fashion?)about this latest news from one of the most popular blogger friends I know. The 2011 ELF Model search has been launched and I can't think of anyone more perfect than Collette to be the face that represents timeless beauty. What is but the right thing to do, you ask?



Why, let's all band together and VOTE for Miss Collette Osuna, of course! Remember, you can vote all day, everyday!

I know I said I will announce the winners, yep, TWO winners of the Banana Republic Statement Necklace Give-away but I don't suppose you can take any more happiness now, can you? Alright, I have to admit it's past my bed time and I realize more and more that blogging and linking is not that easy for me.

I owe you a rain check, okay? Sunday will be a good day!

love love,

ML
The Easiest Blog Project Ever

The Easiest Blog Project Ever!

Outfit details

Grey dress - Banana Republic

Moto jacket - Aerospostale, Gift from JoAnn (Thank you, thank you!)

Fedora hat - Forever 21

Leather wallet - Nine West, Christmas gift

Suede boots - Banana Republic

What and Where

Last night was my cousin's LJ's birthday celebration. (Here's a beautiful coincidence - it's my darling friend, Joann's birthday too!) It was a couple days late but a celebration is a celebration, isn't it? Especially when you go all the way to biggest Casino this side of the continent, wait in line for over an hour (and here I am thinking I'm too cool for school!) to feast on an enormous amount of food from the endless buffet selection. Special moments like this calls for an almost military-like strategy on how to dress according to the pounds and calories you plan to consume for dinner.

Hence, choose a loose non-clingy dress, preferably in dark colours or something in the black family. Oh you know there are variations of black, don't be smart with me! Everything else doesn't matter really as by the time, they bring out the candles, everyone is too full to notice your chandelier earrings, sweetheart neckline or reindeer sweater from Christmas past. Common sense tells you, my dear friends, that the belt is a mere pretense of creating a silhouette to the outfit but here's one piece of wisdom I feel compelled to share with you because I care. In times like these, any self-restricting items such as belts are a big no-no!

On a very related matter and on to the subject title of this post, I have been collaborating on a blog project idea with the fierce fashionista behind The Farmgirl Fashionista and I am so excited to let you know that YOU are going to love it! All I can tell right now is that is going to be the easiest blog project you will ever do. It is not restrictive, punitive or tasking to your creative spirit. In fact, it is far from that. Another fact is that all of you and I mean ALL of you, my dears, can sign up and this project!

I say, sign up without knowing anything about it! Just be adventurous and throw caution in the wind! Even better sign up and co-host it with me and other blogger friends! It's 2011 and it is time to shake things up a bit! I promise you, I am not going to send you in a furious frenzy choosing your best 17, 45 or 618 pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories you can mix and match for 28 days. Though we can call it a challenge, there is nothing really challenging or difficult about it. It's more a project that will be fun, cozy and more importantly, it will showcase YOU in your all your comfortable glory!

Now, let's see who lives their lives on the edge and just dance like nobody's watching! If you want to join "The Easiest Blog Project Ever", please leave me a comment below!


Happy, Happy Birthday Love Joy and JoAnn!

Fotografia de J

He's back and he is bolder than ever! Barring the many studies and scientific evidence done to cover this subject, all I know is that personally, a time away - away from it all - is good for the spirit, it feeds the soul! When life is wearing you down and you don't know which path exactly you want to take, you step back and if you are J, you go fly to Colombia!

After almost 10 years of being away from home, he left Canada in December to be reunited with his beloved familia in Cali and Santa Marta. I was very happy for him that finally, he had to chance to his Mom, Dad, sister, brothers and all the nieces and nephews who have grown so much since the last time he saw them. Let's try to ignore the fact that he left me with virtually no photos to post but that's another story!

Looking back and reading J's first ever post and photos here, I am reminded of the simpler times when all we had was a point and shoot. When all we did was take a photo, download and post. Everything was untouched and pure of technological magic. Today, all the photos are still unedited (alright, that may be more because I'm lazy and not at all tech-savvy) but you should see J during a shoot, he has taken things to a higher level with expensive SLRs, fancy lenses, accessories, a new attitude and a fresh dose of inspiration and creativity!

Over the years, I have developed a passion for photography (fotografia) in general. In the past few months, I have took photos of Gen whenever we were bored at work, then I told her hey, I would like to photograph you, go change! I never thought how good they were, in fact, I still think they are just nice photos of her. Then ML comes with the crazy idea of making a blog to give people some ideas on how to put things together, how to dress nicely. Since her sense of style is endless from chic to elegant, from fun to serious, from office-like to street-like. All extremes but great. We decided to take some photos and try this idea out and it's working out very well and we both are enjoying this work. Great photos, great style and super writing!


This is my very first post, and I would like to share with you some of my work, something I could have not done without ML's inspiration and encouragement.

Twenty York Street wouldn't be what it is without him and if it were left to me, I would be cutting People's Magazine, taking celebrity outfits and pasting my big 'ol head on top of it! The horror, I know!

I would love for you guys to go and visit J's blog and become his friends too! We would love to hear about what you think of his work!

To follow J, click here.

One Elegant Winter Day

  

Outfit Details

Wool jacket - Banana Republic

Little black dress (worn as top) - Banana Republic

Ruffle scarf - H and M

Gold floral skirt - Forever 21

Studded leather belt - Banana Republic, Christmas Gift

What and Where

Guess who's back and shooting? J is! After more than 4 weeks of hiatus, which included his much needed and long-awaited trip to Colombia, he is finally back and eager to shoot! So, come snow or high waters, shoot we did!

Barring frost bite and numbing fingers, we did it fast and furious where we ran outside, point and shoot and ran back as quickly to warm and do it over and over again! As I've mentioned in last week's post,  winter makes this whole blogging business a greater challenge (well, I'm sure to my friends in California and sunnier parts of the world - this is such a foreign concept. Oh you know exactly who you are, you lucky tanned and sunned person you!) and I had this brilliant idea of just posting other people's outfits and claiming them as my own. I realized it is going to be a tedious task copping their heads off in Photoshop so considering I don't even know how to run that software, I decided I might as well suffer through this pain of posing while shivering in this cruel Canadian winter - all for the name my craft.

Pretentious, much?

The truth is, I just want to be able to give you something remotely good when you come by visit. Otherwise, I may have to start bribing you with home-made chocolate chip cookies and I'm not about to start learning how to bake anytime soon!

Hot off the Press:

Please do check out my interview feature at one of my favourite blogs, Isabel's Walk of Fashion's Girl of the Blogosphere, out today!