Ottawa Fashion: Big Sexy Sale Alert

The biggest sale to hit Lilac Lingerie since it's opening last year is coming... Starting September 1st to the 30th, 2011, Lilac Lingerie will mark down items from the Spring/Summer 2011 collection and older by 50%.

Amazing, yes? 

{Sea of Dreams by Pleasure State, also available in bra and full bottom set}

Finding that perfect bra was once thought to be an impossible mission by yourself truly.  The last time I was measured was when I "graduated" from a trainer bra to the real deal.  My usual bra shopping experience consists of finding a cute pattern, having a friend take a sneak a peak at the size tag on my back and skipping the change room all together.  

Sound familiar?

The bra ends up fitting well enough... but it's maybe a little loose, too tight or just a bit awkward. I'm going to take a wild guess that this is a familiar experience for a lot of you lovelies?

{Linda Black Chemise & Bottom by Affinitas Intimates & Helix by Pleasure State}

At Lilac Lingerie, each shopping trip can turn into a personal fitting experience to find the best fitting bra possible.   Now, reading the words "personal fitting" may be a little intimidating to those who are more reserved or shy... But letting the professionals do what they do best, will leave you feeling satisfied with your newest lingerie purchase.  

 {Spectrum by Pleasure State & Sarah White by Affinitas Intimates}

Since it I felt like I was overdue for a fitting, I was more than pleased to take on this Twenty York Street assignment.  From my experience, which was overall fun & enjoyable, I would like to share some tips when going bra fitting:

1) Bring someone for moral support.  It's helpful to have a friend or spouse tag along to break the ice, give encouragement or a second opinion.  

2) Forget all expectations in regards to sizing... Seriously.  I went in wearing a 34-B and came out a 30-D.  So let the ladies at Lilac Lingerie pass you that unexpected size and just try it on, you might like the fit better than your usual.

3) Let go of modesty.  My initial question was "can I wear my shirt during the fitting?".  Of course I could wear my shirt but it makes things a lot more difficult and lengthy.  So I went all out and it was a comfortable experience.  The ladies are sweet, helpful and professional.  

4) Have fun!  With so many different styles, designs and options you can not only find the best fit but something for all occasions. 

{Linda, Lilac by Change & Coral Chemise by La Fee Verte}

Now, the best part you ask?

A lucky 20 York Street reader could win a bra & panty set from the sales inventory.  To enter, you must be able to come to the Ottawa area between September 1 - 30th in order to visit Lilac Lingerie to pick out your set.  

To enter, leave a comment with your email address.

For an extra entry tweet "Win a bra and panty set from @LilacLingerie! Enter at @20YS www.twentyyork.com cc: @loveashelle" 

#LILACat20YS

Let the Lilac Lingerie Party begin!!!

Post written by Ashelle

Photographs taken by Lee of Moose Photography

The Fashionable Women of Music – Today and Yesterday

The Busy Neighbour here, dropping in for 20YS while she’s off for a weekend of birthdays and family entertainment in Montreal. I was inspired for this post at an outdoor music fest this year and thought I’d write on some of my favourite fashionable women of the music world.

Emily Haines – Metric

Emily Haines rocks and exudes sexiness like no other. The insanely talented frontwoman of Canada’s Metric always owns her shows and leaves the crowd’s mind blown. Her style it outstanding, and her voice and talent leave me in awe.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe first caught my eye (and ear) when I saw her video for Tightrope. Her signature style is gorgeous, feminine tuxedos and her voice and album The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III) was one of my favorites of last year.

Karen O – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Karen O is known for her voice, stage presence, rock star style and outrageous/awesome fashion that has given her tons of notoriety and has made her a fashion inspiration.


Debbie Harry

Considered one of the greatest front women of all time, she’s also one of the music industry’s most fashionable women of all time. With a list of albums as long as my arm, and a former face of MAC, Debbie Harry is an icon.

Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu (TIE)

Picking between these two would be like picking my favourite child. Both insanely talented women of R&B/soul/jazz, their voices, beauty and style have made them eminent women of their fields.

Gwen Stefani

Since the days of No Doubt, Gwen Stefani has been a music and style phenomena who is often compared to Debbie Harry. Launching her fashion line L.A.M.B. solidified her role as a multi-talented and diverse fashion leader.

Madonna

When thinking of Madonna’s fashion, my brain goes right to my favorite videos – Like a Prayer, Papa Don’t Preach and Vogue to name a few. She defined late 80s-early 90s style and has left a legacy for female musicians for decades to come.

Jenny Lewis

Jenny Lewis’ solo work has made a regular appearance on my play list over the last few years. She’s talented, gorgeous and her music suits all my moods.

This gorgeous and talented Swede has music that gets me dancing. She’s also a face of Levi’s and no stranger to hard work at a super young age!

Florence Welch – Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine has a haunting voice that hooked me the first time I heard “You’ve Got the Love”. Their album Lungs was one of my best discoveries in recent years and still hasn’t gotten old. Florence was also selected to be this year’s face of Gucci.

That’s it 20YS readers! Who do you love that I missed?


Signed,



The Busy Neighbour

Gaga Over Yoga

Outfit details

Floral dress - Old Navy
Pink 3/4 cardi - Banana Republic
Sunshine leather wallet - Banana Republic, Gift from EM
Gold men's watch - Michael Kors, Gift from Sissy
Nude pumps - Aldo
Gold earrings - Foxy, Gift from E
Friendship bracelets -  Philippines

What and Where

 Hello, my name is ML and I'm a Fashion Blogger.

Well, aside from being a Policy Analyst, a PR Director, Social Media Manager, Fitness Instructor and Yoga Teacher... to name a few.

It's funny when I get introduced to friend's friends or at events and I get to be mostly introduced as the Fashion Blogger. As flattering as it is (yes, I still do giggle when I hear it), it is a little bizarre sometimes and I feel the need the add the disclaimer that says -- uhm, amongst other things.

Not that I don't like being called a Fashion Blogger (although this has been a subject of contention amongst friends and colleagues) but I am so much more than that and I know you are too! Would it be cool to work completely in the fashion world? To be immersed in the world of designs, haute couture, runway shows, editorials, etc. every day of my life would be superbly exciting!

But I think I wouldn't really want it that way.

All these different background, interests, disciplines make up my entire personality and how I live my life and interact with others. I believe we all have multiple dimensions within us and that it is important that we cater to all the different passion we have in life, don't you think?

It is with this profound thought that J and I decided to have Fitness and Yoga-inspired shoot from time to time. That way we get to combine both Fashion + all the other things that move me in this life, whatever that may be.

So go ahead, introduce yourself!

Hello, your name is _____ and you are a Fashion Blogger. And what else are you?

Sideview

As far as I can remember, I always liked my side profile, any side profile picture. I thought it looked better from just one side, which may or may not be true but I (okay, I've never admitted this before so no judgment, alright?) thought it made my nose look better. A  little more prominent if you will.

Like any other culture, I came from one where they value of certain physical attributes rate higher than others. I came from one where white and fair skin complexion is regarded as 'higher class' than darker, tanned ones and where aquiline noses are deemed much more appealing and superior than flatter, button or stubby ones.

What's aquiline you ask? Well, simply put... it's generally attributed to Caucasian noses or as per Wikipedia:

"An Aquiline nose (also called Roman nose, hook nose or beak nose) is a human nose with a prominent bridge, giving it the appearance of being curved or slightly bent. The word aquiline comes from the Latin word aquilinus ("eagle-like"), a reference to the curved beak of an eagle."

I was teased as a child that I didn't have that desirable, more attractive and superior nose. It didn't make me hate it, it just made me wish it was better, higher, slimmer. My sister can probably tell you the sometimes stupid, at times comical strategies I employed to prove my 'detractors' otherwise. Let's not get into those details right now (they are that embarassing to say the least) because the main thesis today is that - what a silly endeavour that was for me - as I actually do like my nose. If someone was to offer me a superb nose job, for free, I would absolutely say - thanks but no thanks!

Now if somebody offered me a FREE boob job...

I kid.

The point of today is that we all have insecurities and sometimes, the unfortunate fact is that these insecurities are not makings of our own. Culture, media, family, friends... sometimes they are not good for one's self-esteem. That's why we need to take a good look at ourselves, our bodies and all of our physical features and tell ourselves and truly believe - we are beautiful, YOU are Beautiful!

Don't you agree?

GAP and Give-away

Outfit details

Brown lace camisole - Banana Republic
Cuffed shorts - Dublin, Gift from Pearl
Short-sleeved cardigan - Banana Republic
Printed scarf - Banana Republic, Gift from EM
Cross-over bag - Coach
Straw fedora - Banana Republic
Scarab ring - Frash by Isobel Walker
Summer wedges - Aldo


What and Where

Yesterday's hot topic at #FashionUnfold (hosted by @MissSly on Twitter is - Fashion Magazines vs. Fashion Blogs - who will rule the future? While the responses were varied and the votes were not surprisingly split between the two, it also not surprising that there was a considerable argument in favour of fashion blogs leading the way of the future of fashion.

Let's not discount the fact that most of the participants on Twitter is from the fashion blogging side of the world therefore, the strong sentiment was towards fashion bloggers having a major influence in shaping the fashion of tomorrow. Instead of rehashing the exciting conversation on Twitter, I want to know what you think. Do you think bloggers will have a stronger influence on mainstream fashion in the future or will fashion magazines are here to stay?

On that note of deep contemplation, let me help organize your thoughts by telling you how you can WIN TWO TICKETS to the Ottawa's most-talked about fashion event - the Beauty and Fashion Charity Gala 2011 hosted by Top Pro Make-up Artist: the beautiful Ariana Assadi!

With years of experience in the industry, Ariana is ambitious, artistic, and constantly evolving that she is paving the way for a fresh and new generation of creative makeup artistry. Contemporary and chic, the Beauty and Fashion Gala will bring a new twist, an original and modern concept to Ottawa's beauty scene. On August 26, 2011, Ariana will showcase her exquisite work alongside some Canada's finest fashion designers and models from Angie's Models and Talents International at the city's top national land mark - the National Arts Centre.

A look at the night's Featured Designers: frAsh by Isobel Walker, Jana and Emilia Designs, Rachel Sin, Anomal, Kania Couture, Sukhoo Sukhoo and Elephtheria Xenos! The Gala will also feature fashion and style by the city's top boutiques: Poised, White Satin and Growing Kids. Door prizes to be won are $300 professional MAC makeup package, $100 ticket package for 2 any show at the NAC, as well as many, many more!!!

This event promises to be a night of fashion, beauty , style and music - don't miss this spectacular event!

So, take my number and give me a call if you want to win these RED HOT TICKETS!!!

I kid.

All you actually have to do is make sure you are my friend (now that is not a joke!) here at Twenty York Street and on Twitter: @20YS and follow Ms. Ariana Assadi on Twitter at @BeautyFashGala! Leave a comment here on which designer you are most looking forward to see at the Beauty  and Fashion Gala 2011 and Good Luck! 

See you next Friday  with my gold shoes on!

 

Contest ends: Tuesday, August 22, 2011.

Ottawa Fashion: Chic Bike Fashion Show

Gorgeous as ever, Julie, sporting Sweet Pea from Kania Couture.

Sunnies from Coach and Peep-toe heels from Taryn Rose.

If there's one thing that fascinates me about France aside from the famous landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the Champs Elysee, the stunning architecture and the incredibly delicious cuisine, is that women (and men for that matter) can look incredibly chic while riding their bicycles around town! We're talking full-blown dresses, pencil skirts, three-piece suits on bikes and not the just-got-out of yoga sweat pants that I often see in this city's streets!

That's about to change. Finally.

Hosted by the award-winning journalist and a good friend, the famous Julie Beun, the Rideau Canal Festival launched its very first Chic Bike Fashion Show this year and chic it was!

Led and organized by Michel Gauthier- Festival Director, Bernadette Salame - Special Events Coordinator and their team, the Bicycle Chic Fashion was held on July 31st at the Confederation Park fountain. There was a great mix of style and fashion from the active lifestyle, urban chic and all the way to haute couture!

Richard Robinson (representing haute couture), Westboro's Green Tree Eco Fashion and Kunstadt Sports (active wear) will show an mix of fashions to see and be seen in, demonstrating that urban cycling can be fashionable and trendy.

Frump is no longer the fashion of the day for bikers as this unique fashion show put the sexy back in urban cycling!  

Some of the fashion forward pieces were by Sarah Barr of Green Tree Eco Fashion from the heart of Westboro! Turning 3 years old in September, Sarah has worked for some impressive names such as Chanel, Escada and Holt Renfrew. Made of Bamboo, organic cotton, silk, soy, hemp, cashmere, her pieces are deemed to be adaptable fashion - looking absolutely fab running errands on bike!

Hardware (these beautiful bikes!) provided by Kunsdadt Sports.

SPORTS AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

Special thanks to Carrie McCallum, a triathalon athlete and ski instructor, who donated all the bikes for the show. A leader in equipment sales and service and also a leader in organizing tennis tournaments, Kunstadt Sports have three locations in Ottawa.

Doesn't he remind you of Moby?

The always chic: Julie Beun and Canada's legendary designer: Richard Robinson.

ABOUT THE HOST

Julie is a well-respected journalist in the city and a foreign correspondent for GoodHealth magazine in Australia. She is a regular contributor to Canadian Living, Marie Claire and Homemakers magazines. She also writes on a weekly basis for CanWest newspapers, including the Ottawa Citizen, and is the marketing consultant for a British business intelligence company.

HAUTE COUTURE AND URBAN CYCLING

Chic, Colourful and Controversial!

Richard Robinson founded his academy in 1972. He studied in montreal and la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and has worked for the world's biggest fashion houses: Christian Dior and Yves St Laurent. Known in Canada and the world for his unique take on fashion, he has also worked on pieces for Brigitte Bardot, Elizabeth Taylor, Catherine Deneuve, Aline Chretien, Governor General’s wives and Canada's Former Governor General, Michaelle Jean!

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Launched in the Summer of 2010, Moose Photography  was created by the young and rising star photographer - Lee Mousseau! He has the passion for photography and has quite the portfolio for someone who just started last year!

Lee is now a proud member of Twenty York Street as 20YS's Associate Photographer! He covers amazing fashion and lifestyle events all over the city and is also the Event Photographer for one of my fave fashion bloggers: Miss Sly, a Fashion and Arts Blogzine!

What's High Fashion without the luxury of Sailor Chauffeurs?

Always bringing the unexpected: Richard Robinson's Muse.

The city has now seen chic bicycle fashion...

There is no turning back!

Photos courtesy of Twenty York Street's Associate Photographer:

Lee Mousseau of Moose Photography.