Be Tough

Outfit details

Silk orange top - Banana Republic

Skinny denim jeans - Banana Republic

Navy blazer - GAP, Gift from EM

Gold chain necklace + matching earrings - Foxy, Gift from E

Gold statement ring - BCBG

What and Where

They say when it rains, it definitely pours purses and shoes, tops and dresses and bangles and stilettos! It is also true when they say, you can't have it all! Sometimes you think you can but somewhere, somehow - some thing's gotta give.

We here at Twenty York Street ('coz you know it just ain't me right?), have been very, very fortunate to have been given so many opportunities to explore a lot of the things we want to do and venture into other things we didn't we can do or achieve. But that's the beauty of human nature, isn't it? There is that certain sense of tenacity and perseverance that no matter what, YOU will always prevail.

While we have been getting a lot of recognition and street cred these days, there are also those who are not quite happy about that. You know when people are so (or so it seems) supportive of you when you're just starting out but when things actually start to happen, that same support is not quite hot as it used to be. Yes?

So, as my friend Grace (the Media Guru, the + force + mind + energy behind the very successful Within Essence Production)always say... it's all about PERSPECTIVE.

And it is.

Do you agree?

much love.

ML



Back to Basics

I know... it is indeed a beach bag but hey, it's stylish, right?

Outfit details

Bustier dress - American Eagle, Gift from EM
Wide leather and raffia belt - Banana Republic
Short sleeve cardi - Banana Republic
Striped beach bag - Chapters Indigo
Men's gold watch - Michael Kors, Gift from Sissy
Studded suede wedges - Ireland, Gift from Pearl

What and Where

Sometimes, you just have to remove all the fluff and get back to basics! You may or may not know this but when J and I first started Twenty York Street not too long ago, we used to sneak out during my coffee breaks (sometimes during lunch) and shoot my outfit of the day. We'd barely have 15 minutes so we literally shoot for 5 minutes or less most of the time.

Styled by the brilliant Pino: One of my favourite shots of the day.

It came to a point however that Twenty York Street has became something we hope but not expect it to be. At least not during such a period of time. But it did grow and boy, grow it did! We've been so busy in the last several months doing editorial/portfolio photoshoots, working with fashion designers, covering fashion and lifestyle events (I knooow... I will tell you more about this soon!) that we actually now  have to schedule our shoots otherwise, you'll never see any of my OOTD.

Gold and teal earrings, gift from my Bestie Pearl.

This time, J and both decided to just wing it like we used to, shoot in 5 minutes or less like we did before and in the end, upload the photos straight to the blog. No edits, no boob job, no botox.

Old School.

The way we were before...

So what do you think?
Too bad there is no 'LIKE' button here as I'm sure you would sooo hit that thang!

Special Preview: THANN

Dear Friends of Twenty York Street,

As I have alluded many times in the past, there's been a lot of growing and changing here at 20YS and I couldn't be more happy to share them with you! Some of them are either on the works or the project has wrapped up but we can't disclose until the actual official announcement. All I can say however is that I/we are very, very thankful for all these super fun opportunities and that we are grateful to each and everyone who has helped or been with us all throughout this journey!

Let me share with you something that is so exciting and huge I don't think I can keep it a secret any longer! Twenty York Street has collaborated with a well-known world brand of skincare and body products that are manufactured using the earth's most powerful and exotic ingredients. Manufactured in Thailand, these products are made 100% paraben-free, packed with natural antioxidants, botanical extracts, and exotic organic ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, each formula is blended with natural essential oils, featuring neutral and subtle scents, with no artificial colors or fragrances.



So, why is Twenty York Street posting about THANN? Well, there is no better way to say it but when something just click, it doesn't have to take a long time for a partnership to get created organically. When someone whom you know, the man behind this revolutionary line, who is from the same city as you makes it to the big league, you can't help but feel the pride and to ultimately, feel inspired!



On that note, we are very proud to be part of this very important milestone, a major undertaking by the world's leading name in eco-luxury skin care and body products! It is with utmost pleasure that we announce that THANN was welcomed by the major retail giant ShopNBC into its exclusive family of the best brands and products. With its unique formula and ingredients, THANN will undoubtedly revolutionize the way North Americans care for their skin and body. The two-day ShopNBC premiere will debut on Wednesday July 27 at 1:00 am and 11:00 am ET.

Exciting? Absolutely!

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THANN

Established in 2002, THANN is available in over 22 countries worldwide. The North American headquarters of THANN is located in Ottawa, Ontario. With its unique products and imaginative packaging design, THANN won the prestigious 2005 Thailand Prime Ministerʼs Export Award, the 2005 G-Mark Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization, and the 2006 Design for Asia Grand Award from the Hong Kong Design Centre.



The Art of Flying High

 

Outfit details

Floral blouse - Banana Republic
Dark wash skinny jeans - Banana Republic
Men's watch - Michael Kors, Gift from Sissy
Patent leather shoes - Guess, Gift from E
Studded purse - BCBG, Gift from Love Joy
Scarab ring - frAsh by Isobel Walker

What and Where

Have I mentioned how hard it is to be in-demand these days? I kid.

Okay, maybe just a little bit.

No, no worries, we haven't gone all Hollywood on you (yet) but we have been very, very busy lately. I've got so many things to share with you that I honestly don't know where to begin! 

There are also a number of very exciting projects in the horizon that it's been overwhelmingly hard to prioritize which ones to do first. Isn't it kinda funny that we chase after something we always want to do, always want to achieve and then we actually get there - we stop and pause for awhile...



The infamous fashion blogger style to tie a belt.

I tried not using my MK watch ALL THE TIME...

But I can't.

We stop and we ponder the next steps. If we hustle hard, we might actually achieve all that we have dreamed of... and maybe more. But then fear sets in.

At least for me, it does.

I ask myself, Oh My Goodness, what have I gotten myself into? Can I actually do this?

What if I can't actually do this?

And then you gently smack yourself silly and you say -

Just go ahead...

Let go and FLY!



“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Marianne Williamson

A blazer is a career girl's best friend... but you already know that!

Get frAsh!

Agate stones, studs and leather boldly mixed together to create the much talked about line called frAsh.  Using new and vintage materials, each piece is handcrafted and original.  Most recently the line by Isobel Walker has been seen at I AM FASHION: Rip the Fab Lane but here at Twenty York Street, we know that there are more and great things to come for frAsh.      

frAsh at I AM FASHION: Rip the Fab Lane 

We are excited to share that recently frAsh was featured in Vancouver's Assignment Fashion, "Photo Editorial: Sticks and Stones".  What makes this feature even better is that Twenty York Street's very own, Jose, was the creative man behind the lens for this shoot.   

If you like what you have seen, you'll love the exciting news to come.  In celebration of our blog-anniversary, Twenty York Street will be having a giveaway.  The prize?  An original, handcrafted frAsh piece.  So be sure to keep checking in for the details.  

Post written by Ashelle

Thinking...

Satin Top, Jeans and Accessories - Banana Republic. Silver Clutch - Calvin Klein.



You know those days when you wake up and by some freak of nature, you get out of your bed with the most perfect hair day, ever? Well, this is not one of those days!

It is however, close enough.

After an amazing weekend in Montréal, where I was so fortunate to be amongst the over 160,000 spectators who went to see U2 perform al fresco at the ultra massive Hippodrome, I again, had a repeat EUREKA moment where I have to fully enjoy life, no matter the ups and downs!

One of my favourite quotes during my times of sorrow is - This too shall pass. But it holds true not only during the bad times but even the very good times as well! Just take for example the last couple of weeks... On it's 144th birthday, Canada hosted the Royal couple, William and Katherine in their first official tour of North America and Twenty York Street is within the vicinity of these history makers! We hosted a good number of family and friends in our Annual Canada Day Rooftop Party and this year was especially fun and memorable! The weekend after that, Bono and the Edge were several feet away, rockin' the entire stadium with unbelievably amazing sets and leaving us inspired with their sense of purpose and tireless humanitarian work.

On top of that, Twenty York Street has been incredibly blessed to be getting so much support, exposure and recognition that I am still in awed! I owe it all to you my dear readers, my family and friends who believed in me, J - who didn't really have a choice but to believe in me and of course, all our sponsors and colleagues, and of course, the Twenty York Street team!

Wait, did I not mention 20YS is NOW an entire team?

Bad Kitty!

I suppose that's for another post, isn't it?



much love,

ML




 

Of Duke and Dutchess on Canada Day



In honour of Canada's 144th Birthday, what better way to amp up the celebrations across the country but by hosting the world's most famous Royals and darling newlyweds. On July 1, the Parliament Hill was the venue for hundreds of thousands of adoring fans of the Monarch and the press from all over the world. Twenty York Street is very fortunate to be located steps away from the Parliament Hill and therefore, privy to all this excitement and magic!

Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are on the Royal Tour of Canada from June 30th to July 8th, 2011.

With her always impeccable hair and warm welcoming smile, all eyes are on Katherine from the moment the royal newlyweds left London's Heathrow Airport Thursday morning to the minute they arrived in Ottawa. On Day Two of the Canadian Royal Visit, Kate Middleton paid tribute to Canada by wearing a maple leaf brooch and donning red in all her accessories, from her fascinator to her purse and down to her choice of shoes.

Accessories:

Red fascinator from Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co.

Red straw fan clutch with tassel from Anya Hindmarch.

Red square cut court shoes from Albini.

The Canadian snowbirds soaring above the Peace Tower of Canada.

The young and talented Filipino-Canadian singer, Maria Aragon, opening up the ceremony with the national anthem: Oh Canada! 

The magical and graceful performance at the Opening Ceremony.

Masters of Ceremony of the Noon Show:

Olympians Alexandre Despatie and Jennifer Heil.

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, delivered a wonderful speech (in both English and some adorable French) to a thunderous applause by the crowd.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and First Lady, Laureen.

All these gorgeous photos courtesy of my friend Arne, Ottawa's Photographer to the Stars.

Shooting the Who's Who of Hollywood, Politics and Music, Arne is always privileged to get up close and personal to these celebrities.

You can find more of his portfolio at:

Flickr

and follow him on Twitter at:

@OttawaArne

Worn by the Queen on her first official tour of Canada in 1951, Katherine added a stunning maple leaf broach from the Queen's personal collection.





Launching Adrain Wu Resort 2011

 

About a year ago, Adrian Wu taught himself how to sew.  Since then, his work has been at fashion shows in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa.  If that isn't enough, he has been featured in Flare magazine and Style Diaries.  There's no slowing down for this young artist.   Now he is taking his art a step further by teaming up with the talented guys (Twenty York Street got MAD LOVE for these Cuties!) from Cloud in the Sky Studios to create "mini films".

The launch of Adrian Wu's first "mini film" showcased the collection, Resort 2011.  Held at one of the city's hippest club/lounge - The Lobby, Cloud in the Sky helped launch AW's Resort Collection 2011. They did a brilliant job producing the film which was inspired by Adrian Wu's fascination with conspiracy theories of 2012 dooms day and the Mayan civilization.  The film was beautiful, eerie and mysterious.

For inspiration, I looked through Adrian Wu's website: www.adrianwu.com  His work cannot be described in a few sentences as there is so many wonderful, creative and different pieces.  When people ask me, "Who is Adrian Wu?", my response is "an artist".  Pure and simple.  His collections cannot be defined by fashion trends or expectations.  Each collection is clearly inspired by the imagination of Adrian Wu and nothing else. 

He is the one to watch. 

Marilou & Adrian Wu

Samara, Eric, Marilou, Ashelle & the lovely Ottawa Fashion Week Social Media Interns.

20YS team plotting on how to acquire one of Adrian's creations...

The Resort 2011 collection is fabulous.  The dresses vary in dynamic shapes and patterns.  From single patterned, sleek and structured dresses to multiple patterns with dynamic shapes at the skirt or top.  There's something for everyone who wants to make a statement. The 20YS team had a difficult time picking out  only one favorite as we all liked different dresses. 

The steal.

Photo above courtesy of Tania (T!) from The Taste of Fashion. 

Marilou definitely has big plans for this magnificent master piece.  She has teamed up with major talents in the city of Ottawa and the shoot has been scheduled.  But I can't spill any more secrets.  So be sure to keep checking in.  It's going to be big!

HUGE!

I want to say a special "thank you" to Cloud in the Sky Studio for providing 20YS with the video. These guys did an amazing job, as always.  The guys behind Cloud in the Sky Studios come from a variety of educational backgrounds but are all very creative.  This video production team can be seen around Ottawa (and they are absolutely on the fast track to expanding in Canada and the United States!) filming for many different things such as weddings, fashion events and corporate functions.  

More pictures and coverage of the Launch can be found at:

Taste of Fashion "The Launch of Adrian Wu's Resort 2011..." & "A Pretty New Arrival... Adrian Wu"

OWF Blog "Interview with Adrian Wu"

Cloud in the Sky Studios "CSS Update: Adrian Wu Resort 2011"

 

Post written by Ashelle