The Pajama Project

I know, I know... It has been a long time coming and so many of you have called me on this and I have to apologize - to you and to my partner in this project - my dear friend Shawnette! I meant to create the suspense and the excitement but I did not intentionally plan for it to be this long before the big reveal. It has been an extremely (but exhilirating) time for us here at 20 York Street! But I do hope you, yes all 109 lovely YOUs, are still with me and Shawnette on this very exciting project:

The Easiest Blog Project Ever!



Without further ado, let us officially welcome you to... drum roll please...

The Pajama Project!

In honour of those days that you just don't feel like dressing up, you don't know how to dress up or want to bother and those moments when all you want to do is be cozy and comfortable! Put on the fleece, cottons, plaids, slippers, sleep masks, tank tops, yoga pants - it could be breezy and laid back or sexy and made up!

As illustrated above, you can keep it as real and as comfortable as possible! This is to showcase that other dimension of you, the one without the high fashion, fancy shoes and matching purse and accessories! You could be lounging on your couch in front of the television, snuggled with a good book or your favourite magazines! You could be right at home half-tucked in your bed, with your hair on a messy bun and wait, what's that on your nightstand? Is that a half-full pint of Ben and Jerry's? You could be relaxing on a hammock at the beach with a margarita in one hand or out in the porch wrapped up in a blanket and a steaming hot cocoa...

Or

As illustrated below (she looks amazingly FAB, doesn't she?), you can take this exciting opportunity to play dress up! Put together your fantasy pajamas complete with silks, satins, pearls, champagne, diamonds and laces - the whole nine yards! Why you ask?

Why not! 



The rules are pretty simple! Feel free to be creative and let your imagination run wild! We promised this is going to be EASY!

All you have to do is that every first and third Monday, you submit your post to The Pajama Project (TPP)! A button, courtesy of the very talented Kimmie of Blue Paper Lanterns, is required to be displayed at your blogs to be an official member of the TPP!

To make everything trés simple, a linky tool will be added to the post on Monday so you can link your TPP Blog Post! (Ahmn... Mel, a little quickie tutorial on this please?!)

Are you excited? Yes, we are too!

So, you have 7 days for your first post my dears! We are eagerly awaiting for your very First entry on April 4, 2011!

Administrative details:

First Mondays of the month - please post your TPP entry here at 20 York Street. 

On Third Mondays - please post it at Shawnette's The Farmgirl Fashionista Blog! 

p.s. I almost forgot to mention one little rule, while we are all for sexy and artistic - you do need to have some sort of clothing on!

=)

 

A preview into the world of OFW

No words today, just a glimpse into de world of haute couture

Girls Night Out



Attention brides-to-be, bridesmaids and any beauty who loves all things wedding.  On March 26th, Splendid Events will be producing the show ROUGE: Ottawa's Ultimate Bacherlorette Party, which will be held at the Mansion.  Proceeds to this amazing "un-wedding" show will go to support the AIDS Committee of Ottawa. 

AIDS Committee of Ottawa is a wonderful local organization who's mission is:

"To provide support, prevention, education and outreach services from an integrated anti-racism anti-oppression social justice framework that promotes the holistic wellbeing of those living with, affected by, impacted by and at risk of HIV/AIDS in Ottawa. (ACO)"

Anyone who lives in Ottawa, knows that the Mansion is a great place to dance the night away.  Besides dancing ROUGE will be offering delicious cupcakes, mini-makeovers, hairstyling touch-ups, paparazzi photographs, limo rides, bridal fashion show and much, much more.

 Auntie Loo's Treats will be providing some delicious free cupcakes!

 Westboro Spa & Hair Studio will be providing free makeup & hair touch-ups.  Getting touched-up by professionals is nice treat after a few dances with your girls and before hopping over to get your pictures taken. 

Shutterbug Photo Booth will be there with a free photo booth for you and your girls to get a little crazy in.  The best part about these booths is that it'll give you the memory throw-back to when you were little and would cram into the small picture booths at the mall with your BFFs... but Shutterbug Photo Booths are "adult size", so minimal squeezing is required.  

What's a bachelorette without pole dancing?! 3Sixty Dance and Fitness will be there to give some free demonstrations.  

One sweet (personal) favourite will also be present at ROUGE, Geek Sweets, the amazing pictures of the cakes & cupcakes and cookies speak for themselves. Beyond Yummy!

 Tyler Labine, a YTV Canadian Celebrity more than adoring the yummy Genie Awards cookie. 

Presented by four of the leading wedding + events + photography specialists in the city:

~ Splendid Events: creating celebrations that are fresh, fun, modern, and polished

~ Luxe Bridal: providing the much-anticipated cutting edge bridal fashion show

~ Cloud in the Sky: proving the papparazzi photography and videography

~ Vanessa Dewson: providing high-fashion shots of brides with their girls post-hair & make-up

Other great businesses involved with ROUGE are:

~ Robinson Limousine: providing free rides in luxury and style
~ Tuesdays: The Romance Store, providing candy & demonstration of toys

~ Icicle Treats: signing up guests for free popsicle tasting event

~ Lush Cosmetics: providing free hand massages and toiletries in washrooms
~ Blumen Studio: for intricately beautiful flower arrangements

~ KISS FM's Jenny from the block: the MC for the night

 And of course, your ticket purchase gives you a chance to win beautifully unique pieces from Frash/Bel Bridal Elegant Jewellery Designs. Fresh from her extremely successful debut at Ottawa Fashion Week's Walk the Truth Charity Gala runway show, Isobel Walker, once again proudly donate to such a fabulous event, to support such an important cause!  

Did I mention the raffle prizes?  Oh, the raffle prizes are worth over $1,000 each! And there are 3 in total!  

1. "I'm too Sexy" - boudoir photography, pole dancing lessons, treats from Lush, and more 
2. "Date Night" - NAC tickets, a couples massage, a Sephora gift basket, dinner out, and more 
3. "Fashionista Bride" - Wedding SOS kit, an engagement shoot, a how we met video, jewellery, an exclusive discount for modern wedding furniture rentals, and more

Now the best news: 

There are two tickets to give away courrtesy of Splendid Events!  If you are in the Ottawa area for March 26th, 2011 and interested in attending this awesome event, you can enter to win 2 Free tickets to ROUGE OTTAWA!  Just leave a comment to enter with an email contact. 

Sweet and Simple!

For more information on ROUGE: Ottawa's Ultimate Bachelorette Party, check out:

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Editor's Note: 20 York Street would like to thank Ashelle of Pink Beautiful Love Blog for putting together this brilliantly-written blog post for Rouge Ottawa! Merci!

For My Closet's Sake

Hey Twenty York Street readers, my name is Ashelle and I'm here to do a guest post. Many of you don't know me, but there's no theme to my blog it's anything from fashion, family, friends, nights out, to emo and everything in between.  I was taken by surprised and extremely honored when Marilou asked me to do a guest post.  After my initial blushing faded, an anxious thought set in, "what will I write about?!".  People who read and love ML's blog, do so because she's fashionable and witty. 

ML kindly responded to my anxious text, giving my the idea to write about what I'll wear to Ottawa Fashion Week.  Not only was this a good idea but it was a kind reminder to start thinking about outfits.  A part of me thinks her suggestion was not only for this guest post but for the safety of my closet. You see, I'm the kind of person who thinks of what to wear at the very last minute and will usually tear apart my closet looking for the perfect outfit.     

The above is just one of the many playing dress up scenes that occurs at my place.  This one was right before the last Ottawa Fashion Week.  I will probably always continue to raid my closet just before events and on the occasional work day, leaving piles of clothes littering the floor of my bedroom.  But this time I hope that things will be a little different.  So I've done some research on the "top spring trends" and looked through a book ML gave me called "What to Wear for Every Occasion".  Now my mind is full of: feathers, white, bold patterns, punk, and flowers. But what to do with all of it?

Above pictures from http://www.dynamite.ca/ / cut & pasted by me

Channeling my inner fashionista requires searching through a few of my favorite fashion blogs.  It's not about what you are wear, it's how you wear it.  One of my favorite fashions blogs is Alicia Fashionista.  This beautiful fashionista is from Vancouver, BC and has one of my many dream jobs, which is working in fashion.  Alicia has an amazing sense of style.  Pretty much any positive descriptor you can think of to describe a fashionista, Alicia matches it perfectly.  Some of my favorites are when she is wearing hearts or bows, I'm amazed at how she pulls of these girlie items with such grace. It takes talent to wear things that we loved in our childhood and look great while doing it as an adult.   

Above pictures from http://www.aliciafashionista.com/ / cut & pasted by me

Tiffany from sunny Florida has a fashion blog called "A Reason to be Fabulous".  I don't just follow this beauty because she happens to live in my dream state, but because her style is a lot of fun.  It's a joy to see when she pairs up different colours in ways I wouldn't think of.  Tiffany always looks well put together and original.  She also has a many DIY talents such a sewing and crafting which encourages me to venture into my craft room more often. 

Above pictures from http://areasontobefabulous.blogspot.com/ / cut & pasted by me

Of course I must include the gorgeous Marilou in this list of favorite fashionistas.  You all know and love the style of ML.  She is always looking chic.  Every outfit she posts is perfect for both work & any semi-casual event.  I must confess that there may or may not be a plot to sneak into her closet and steal her clothes for myself... but don't worry, eventually I'd return them :)  In one post she mentioned that she has too many dark clothing, well personally I never noticed this. Maybe it's how ML pairs up her outfits with hints of colour or bold patterns that adds dimension to what she wears.  Or it could be the beautiful statement pieces that she wears.  ML doesn't necessarily wear a lot of accessories but wears bold and complementary pieces. 

Above pictures from http://twentyyork.blogspot.com/ / cut & pasted by me

So, do I know what I'll wear for Ottawa Fashion Week? 

Nope.  No clue.  

But at least I have some great inspiration at my fingertips.

The real question is... What would you wear?

 

Code Red: Peekaboo Red

Outfit details

Moto jacket - Aeropostal, Generous gift from JoAnn

Striped asymmetrical tank - Bluenotes

Animal print belt - Nine West, Thrifted

Skinny jeans - Guess, Gift from Pearl

Leather tote bag - Roots Canada

Laced brassiere - La Vie En Rose, Gift from E

Black booties - Browns, Gift from Maria

What and Where

As much as I'd like to make you think that the thing peaking under my asymmetrical tank is a well-paired camisole, sadly, I can fool no one, can I? In that case, pardon me for flashing you today!



This is not my normal weekend casual outfit, let alone my Friday office attire but I was feeling tough and cool that I thought, why not leave the blazer at home and rock this fantastic leather jacket from my dear friend, JoAnn. Thank you my darling!

I have to say, I am loving it! Do you?



Do you wear normally relegated to the weekend type of outfits to work? Tell me more!



Outfit inspiration credit: The Architecture of an Outfit Expert - Mae Lu of thereafterish.

Fuchsia Madness

Outerwear first, of course!

Outfit details

Little black dress - Banana Republic

Purple scarf - Jacob, "Borrowed" from Sister

Grey blazer - Banana Republic

Gold earrings and necklace - Foxy, Won in Silent Auction - Gift from E

Gold cuff - Club Monaco

Pearl bracelets - Rings, Gift from LJ

Jewelled clutch - Banana Republic, Gift from Cham

Nude vernis - Chanel, Gift from Rebecca

What and Where

Guess who's back?

Me, Me, Me!!!

I know J will probably kill me for posting these photos as they have not been submitted for J approval but I thought the outfit really came together with my new super bright fuchsia lips, yes?

I have to tell you however that the special event that I went to with this outfit on is, sadly, a funeral for a family friend. My Mom's friend, Tita Nida, passed away from cancer and hundreds gathered together, along with her dear husband, Tito Lito, to say their final goodbye and to celebrate her wonderful life. May she now rest in peace...

I initially hesitated on posting these, not just for aesthetic reasons as these aren't the normal J-approved high quality photos (these were actually taken - 'willingly' - by my sister's husband, Ray) but also because it speaks of death. Perhaps the first time ever discussed here at 20 York Street.



But such is life, isn't it? There is that cycle of life that we all have to face - when there is a beginning, there is always an end. If I only posted about the Pollyanna happy times, that wouldn't be an honest reflection of my life now, wouldn't it?

I am back! If you haven't seen my (I'll say it again... stop me!) pretty li'l head in your blogs, please be cross at me and tell me - "Hey ML, where have you been? I've baked some cookies and chilled some milk for you! What time are you coming?"



p.s. I heard cookies can be mailed!

Mae Lu darling, this is for you!

The 31st GENIE AWARDS

Since the inception of Twenty York Street Blog, we have been privileged to be invited to so many exciting fashion, lifestyle and charity events in the city! Today, I woke up giddy beyond words as I have been invited to the much publicized event in Ottawa - the 31st Genie Awards!

It is not everyday that you receive an exclusive invitation from Starfish Creative Events + Inspiration to a media tour of the Celebrity Gift Lounge: a gifting and pre-show beauty services lounge set in an intricately designed whimsical space at ARC the hotel.  A few unique features in the lounge include entertainment by The Goodluck Assembly and a vintage film screening by First Kiss Films.



Hosted by an iconic legend in the industry, Captain James Tiberius Kirk himself – William Shatner, the 31st Genie Awards will be broadcasted live from the nation’s capital on Thursday, March 10th at 8:00 pm EST on CBC. The magnificent National Art Centre will welcome special guests attending the 31st ANNUAL GENIE AWARDS, which include Canadian screen legends Gordon Pinsent (Away From Her) and Rémy Girard (Incendies), Bruce Greenwood (Barney’s Version), young stars Jodelle Ferland (Twilight Eclipse) and Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield), CBC’s George Stroumboulopoulos and Jian Ghomeshi, Zaib Shaikh (Midnight’s Children), Genie Award Best Actor nominee Jay Baruchel (The Trotsky) and many more.

I am looking forward to hear the Canadian-born media heavyweight Bonnie Fuller speak as she will also take part in the celebration with an exciting live presentation of the User’s Choice Award winner.

Do you want to know what’s in the coveted celebrity swag bags valued at over $1200? I’ll be sure to take lots of photos to share with you! Canadian brands such as We Vibe, iStyle Originals, CLAIM, Kania, Zip.ca, Photobook Canada and Lisabel Art will have on-location gifting stations and we are also looking forward to see Barbados Tourism Authority, Pook, Valley Girl Naturals, Mont Source, M·A·C Cosmetics, Dermalogica and John Frieda! A book by Lesley Blume, Let's Bring Back, a beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of nostalgia, is being given away to reminds us what we are missing from the delightful trappings of bygone eras. 


I won’t lie to ya, I am personally excited to see the sweet creations of these highly regarded specialty dessert and chocolate experts: Green & Black’s Organic, Little Cakes and Geek Sweets!

 

Here’s a li'l sneak peak into the world of the Genie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge:

 

Stella & Dot

Stella & Dot is celebrity-coveted boutique style jewelry designed in New York and San Francisco by award winning trendsetters! The irresistible jewelry has garnered rave reviews and massive media coverage. Their statement pieces are the ultimate outfit maker and will turn every head in the room!


www.stelladot.com/sandrabutler        Twitter: stelladot

Bodé Spa

BODÉ Spa is giving the gift of luxurious relaxation to Genie Awards celebrities and VIP guests.  With private in-room and gift lounge spa services all Genie Awards presenters will have a chance to un-wind upon their arrival to Ottawa before the red carpet events. 

www.bodespa.com           Twitter: BodeSpa

Valley Girl Naturals

Valley Girl Naturals creates 100% natural body and fragrance products using pure ingredients and plant oils, which nourish, heal and help make our environments a healthy living space. Created by Tammy Prescott who lives in Pembroke - the Ottawa Valley, all creations are handmade in small batches with the purest ingredients to ensure freshness and quality.

http://www.valleygirlnaturals.com/


Pook



 Canada’s newest and coolest winter fashion line. The Pook Toque has been proudly worn by fun loving people and celebs of all ages (from Justin Beiber to Danny Glover). Known as the thousands of toques in one, always have a Pook Toque on hand for whatever occasion may arise. For the Genie's, black tie affair, we suggest the reversed "executive" style, for the after party, the "Classic" look for the gentlemen, and perhaps the "Princess Lea" for the ladies.



www.Pook.ca         Twitter: POOKTOQUE

 
Photobook Canada





With the enclosed gift card, celebrities can turn their Genie Awards memories into a beautiful album by Photobook Canada. It's latest Pro Series collection of books will showcase your beautiful photographs across high-end lasting paper, finished with your choice of imported material and title stamping on your cover.

www.photobookcanada.com          Twitter: @PhotobookCanada

Lounge Contributors of the  2011 STARFISH Celebrity Gift Lounge are the following generous sponsors:

Beverage                                Vitamin Water

Catering                                  Kinki/Mambo

Entertainment                       The Goodluck Assembly


Event Design Rentals            Details Ottawa


Flowers                                    Flowers Talk


Interior Design                       Blu Dot interiors


Swag Bag/Signage                 Billings Bridge


Vintage Cinema                     First Kiss Films

It has been an extraordinary year for Canadian cinema - Canadian films and filmmakers have garnered critical acclaim, accolades, and awards from around the world that the 31st Genie Awards is the perfect occassion to honour them. I will be tweeting live from the Red Carpet tomorrow and will be sharing with you all the fun and fashion so stay tuned for more! 

Twenty York Street would like to wholeheartedly thank Samantha Moonsammy of STARFISH creative events + Inspiration for providing us with this opporunity and CBC Entertainment for giving us access to the Blogger Bar at the Red Carpet!