Welcome 2013: THANN, Resolutions And NYE Celebrations

Just because Christmas has come and gone with every present unwrapped and we've all eaten ourselves silly, it doesn't mean the festivities are over.

In fact, one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year is the one that ends it and welcomes in the new one - the New Year's Eve party.

The beauty of NYE celebrations is that there's plenty of options on how you can ring in 2013. 

Here at Twenty York Street…

Joy To The World: Smart Set Christmas Give-away

What other season in a year gives you an excuse to wear a liberal amount of sparkle and apply quite a dash of shimmer to finish off your look?

Christmas isn't just a season for giving but also for fabulous holiday dressing! 

Christmas Gift Guide: Gifts For Her

'Tis the season of giving and if there's anything Twenty York Street loves the most (aside from, evidently, her birthday), it's Christmas.

Aside from all the bright lights from Christmas trees and the promise of festive times with friends and family, this also gives us the perfect excuse to show someone how much they mean to us. 

For The Love Of Gap: Adorable Black Friday

Post Disclaimer: This post is completely laden with the most adorable photos that will spark your imagination and make  your heart melt. 

Guaranteed.

More Disclaimer: I will try my darndest not use the word ADORABLE as much but don't say you haven't been warned. 

Special Feature: MAISON MIKAZA

Housed in a massive 5,300 square feet industrial feel showroom, Maison MIKAZA is home to beauty, form and function.

Established in 2008 by a husband and wife team, MIKAZA has quickly become the go to place for high quality designer pieces and unparalleled customer service.

Welcome to Twenty York Street Design

Once upon a time, I met a young man who, unbeknownst to me at that time, would change my life as I know it. 

Brilliant, talented and no doubt skilled in many different professions, Eric Meloche was and is one very ingenious industrial designer/custom furniture maker.

Special Feature: The Annual Chicks'mas Bash

When the season changes from summer to fall, temperature drops and store windows display twinkly Christmas lights, we know 'Tis the season.

Get Kinky at KINKI for Charity

Once in a while, if you're lucky, you find the perfect combination of flavours that not only excite the mouth but wakes up all your senses.

If you've been to Kinki and have tried the new menu developed by new Executive Chef Pablo Robaina, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't, then let me tell you why you should absolutely go. Today.

Ottawa Fashion: Brunch Sunday

One thing I really love (and now miss) about the summer is Sunday morning (morning used very loosely) brunch with friends and family. Not that you stop having brunch when summer is over but Fall and Winter brunch is just not as exciting and free for me.

Just the thought of removing layers after layers of sweaters, scarves and thick coats, make my eggs hard boiled instead of the usual sunny side up.

Guest Post: TOP 5 Beauty Products by TO Beauty Reviews

When ML asked me what my top five favourite products were I had trouble answering…

Just 5?!? 

Being a beauty product junkie and a beautyblogger I’m always trying new products out and finding new favourites. 

So here are the CURRENT top five products by Elaine of To Beauty Reviews.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

If you wake up tomorrow and re-invent yourself to whoever you want to be, if money is no issue and you can just pick a profession - any profession - what would it be?

They say if you do what you love, what you are passionate about, you will never have to do a day's work in your entire life.

Is this true?

Deja Vu OFW: Ottawa Fashion Week S|S 2013

Said to be its best season yet, the whole city is buzzing with excitement in anticipation for Ottawa Fashion Week SS 2013. With it's new location at the heart of Little Italy - Sala San Marco - the city's fashion lovers will congregate for 3 nights of spectacular runway show.

Check out at last season's OFW but expect to see something BIGGER and BETTER this season.

JACOB REVIEW: Ponte Side-Detail Shift

A month ago, I received news and invitation to a fabulous blogger and fashion event - that's apparently due to the fact that I'm one of the city's Top 5 Fashion Bloggers - a distinction that is definitely so cool and yet so unexpected.

A thank you is not enough to express my gratitude, I am humbled. In the same way that I am humbled by every single view and comment when I publish a post.

Twenty York Street Featured at Style Profile

Describe your personal style. 

Love Bohemian and Rock ‘n Roll style but as much as I try to channel these genres, I just can’t seem to pull it off. I have to stick with what I know and what I think flatters my figure. I’m more of a classic, clean and elegant dresser.

What about you, what's your personal style?

JACOB REVIEW: Sunshine Yellow Collar Dress

I think there's no other colour that can instantly brighten up your day, make your smile shine brilliantly and makes you think happy thoughts than yellow. If you really want to pack up a punch and command attention to your outfit, choosing this colour in the right tone and share will guarantee a statement like no other.

It's no coincidence that my Twitter profile photo is yellow, isn't it?

SUZY SHIER: Special Shopping Event and Blog Give-away

Perhaps one of the most recognized stores in Canada, Suzy Shier is definitely one store that is a go to source for something that is trendy and what's hot for the season.

I can't believe its actually been around for over 40 years. The very first Suzy Shier store opened its door in 1966 and now, there are almost 200 stores across the Canada. 

THANN REVIEW: Shiso Body Butter

What beauty and skincare product gives you that luxurious feel of a rich cream deeply and quickly penetrating your skin giving you that nourished and restored elasticity? Helps heal inflammation and most of all, smells so heavenly that you will swear to God, you just can't stop smelling your own skin?

Intrigued, much?

JACOB REVIEW: Pleated Emerald Green Goddess

One of the brilliant things about having multiple line of work is that you have so many opportunities to dress up in many different ways. You  get to dress up, dress down and during special occasions, you really get to glam it all up.

The not so brilliant thing about it though is the fact that your closet(s) may be overflowing with clothes.

Wait, maybe that's not such a bad thing after all.

I Love Butter, I Love London (Butter London Trustafarian)

Picture a golden holographic finish with a delightful hint of sage green and the tiniest speckles of gold that sparkles even more under the sunlight.

TRUSTAFARIAN by Butter London.

Nail colours as fashion accessory? Oh I absolutely think so.

4th ANNUAL I AM FASHION IS BACK - ARE YOU READY?

The glitz, the glamour, the spotlight and the endless parade of beautiful designer pieces.

These may be the elements that lures the press, media and fashionistas from all over to a fashion show but what makes them keep coming back for more is far deeper and more significant than that.

I BLOG, YOU VLOG

Call it voyeuristic, call it vain or simply call it as living vicariously through someone else’s life, or in this case, shopping experience is, whether we admit it or not, something that we all enjoy doing once in awhile. Why else would vlogs (video blogs to you dear neophyte) of shopping hauls after shopping hauls get millions of hit in YouTube? 

The Tale of The Ten-Dollar Dress - Part 1

Outfit details:

Floral summer dress - H&M
Gift from E
Canvas shoes - TOMS, Gift from E
Gold watch - Michael Kors
Gold studded cuff - Club Monaco
White leather bracelet - BCBG
Pearl bracelets - Rings Etc.
Carry on luggage - United Colours of Benetton, Gift from E

City Love: Canada's National Capital

Situated between the border of Ontario and Quebec, the fourth largest city in Canada is its capital - Ottawa.

It may not be the first city that comes in mind when people think of Canada but it should be.

Why?

It has everything an old/new vibrant global city has to offer.

Reflections: Fix You

When you try your best but you don't succeed…
When you get what you want but not what you need…
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep…
Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face…
When you love someone but it goes to waste…
Could it be worse?

Mercedes-Benz StartUp 2012: Ottawa Semi-Finals

These names may not necessarily be household names at the moment but looking through the mirror ball, these may be the brands that would dominate world of Canadian fashion very soon.

Caitlin Power
Pure Magnolia (Patty Nayal)
Christopher Bates
Anastasia Lomonova
Elise Bourque
Angelique Chmielewski

FALL FASHION: JACOB CHIC SUITCASE

One of my most coveted, most beloved, most versatile fashion item when I was a struggling University student was the classic beige trench coat from JACOB.

Sure enough, as soon as I received my first ever pay cheque,  I literally ran to the store and bought it.

Mercedes-Benz StartUp: Ottawa Edition

A few days ago, this Press Release came out: Robin Kay, President of the Fashion Design Council of Canada (FDCC) and Executive Director of World MasterCard Fashion Week, announced, that Fashion Week is now owned by IMG Canada and operated with IMG Fashion, global leader in fashion event production.  IMG will work with local fashion consultants, in order to further elevate the event to the international stage. 

Ottawa Fashion: KISS THE CANADIANS

Outfit details:

Summer dress - Banana Republic
Pendant necklace - BR Trina Turk Collection
Stud earrings - Family heirloom
Summer tote (not seen) - H&M
Cork wedge - Old Navy
Multi-strand bracelet - Banana Republic

THANN Review: The Amazing THANN SHISO Facial Serum

Though not a subject I am particularly fond of talking about, aging is a very natural process, all of us - rich or poor, regardless of where we are from and what language we speak - have to go through. There are so many wonderful things that come with maturity yet, there are also those rather unpleasant side effects like slowing metabolism and why worst nightmare - dull, lifeless and wrinkled skin.

Unlimited Options: Why More is Less

Outfit Details:

Bandeau dress - Costa Blanca
Statement necklace - Banana Republic
Gold cuff - Danyka Collection, Gift from Mr. Fadi Ghaby, THANN

Amber cocktail ring - Treasure, Gift from EM

I Basic sandals - ZARA

Hair - Courtesy of THANN Hair Mask

50 Days of Summer

Top Picks for this summer:

Bustier dress - Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection
Black and gold cuff - Banana Republic
Gold drop earrings - Stella & Dot, Gift from Natalie
Yellow flower cocktail ring - BCBG, Gift from Ikram

Ottawa Fashion: Naked Silk

Outfit Details: 


Silk dress - KOPA Limited
Sequined clutch - Banana Republic, Gift from EM
Gold and black cuff - Banana Republic, Gift from EM
Cocktail ring - Banana Republic
Gold strap heels - ALDO
Hair - Courtesy of THANN

Opera Lyra Ottawa: A Garden Party Like No Other

You may not think of India when someone says Opera but one of the most famous arias of all time is the world-renowned Sous le dôme épais or the Flower Duet from  the opera Lakmé. Written in 1881-82, the Opera Lakmé's score was first performed in Opera Comique in Paris, it’s about a love story of a daughter of a Brahmin Priest and a British Officer set in nineteenth century India during the British Raj.

NAC: Lord of the Rings in Concert

Just when you thought some things are only a distant memory in the past, there’s a certain kind of amazement that comes in realizing some feelings or memories can be brought back just by whiff of a scent or a playback of a sound. 

Art in any form is still art and that’s how I feel about most of the things that have been rendered obsolete by many. 

Ottawa Citizen Style Feature: Ruffling Feathers

In addition to celebrating such a huge night of achieving a major accomplishment, the Forty Under 40 Awards Gala Ceremony for Mr. Fadi Ghaby, the thrill continues on as Ottawa Citizen, one of Canada's well-respected national newspapers, features Twenty York Street.

This time, it is for (if I may borrow the phrase published) ruffling some feathers that night.

"Marilou Moles, the bright light behind Ottawa style blog 20 York Street who goes by the Twitter handle @20YS, resembled an elegant ballerina at an awards’ gala on Thursday night."                   

       - JANET WILSON

I have to admit that I was in quite a tizzy trying to choose what to wear to such an important evening and I'm very pleased that I waited for the right frock to come along. Though a complete coverage of the night is coming up at 20YS, I just can't keep this exciting thing to myself - another media feature! 

I don't know about you but I think that the novelty that comes with getting recognized publicly will never wear off, no matter how many times it happens. 

The FAB COLLAB: Denim Edition

Following the wildly successful launch of the much-anticipated special collaboration between Twenty York Street and Acquired Taste - 

The Special Launch: The FAB COLLAB - we are so excited to publish our second edition!

When the sun gets brighter and weather gets hotter, jeans may not be the first thing that you'd want to grab out of your closet but you know very well, sooner or later, denim, even in the summer, is sometimes just the way to go.

There is something so effortlessly chic about, so casual yet it can be both sexy and elegant at the same time.

On a non-aesthetic note, jeans/denim have always been one fashion item that seemed to have etched itself as part of a lasting memory: a special date, a rockin' concert, a weekend by the beach or maybe even the summer of '69.

Fashion Tips: What A Colourful World

One of the things I admire most when I see an outfit put together is the brilliant use of colours. You might have heard my love for colours before yet my aversion to wear is another matter.

It's pretty magical how editors can pile up reds, yellows, oranges on top of purples and blues on fashion magazines but it's quite one thing to wear them out on the streets or let alone, wear them to the office.

When it comes to accessories and colours, I veer more towards Coco Chanel, what about you?

Forty Under 40 Awards: Spotlight on Fadi Ghaby

Trained as an Engineer, born a Leader and designed as an Entrepreneur, the man behind THANN Canada, one of the fastest growing companies in Ottawa, Canada has proven time and time again that perseverance and hard work always win the game.

The road to success has never been an easy one. Faced with endless obstacles – Fadi Ghaby was able to stay true to the core values he stands for and was able to not only meet but also overcome so many challenges in his life. Twenty York Street LOVES Fadi Ghaby as he not only a very successful business leader but he has established himself as a very valuable member of the community, one who always gives back and has become to many, a true inspiration.

SMASHBOX Review and Give-away: Smashin' Shades of Fame

I guess it's inevitable. Though I tried hard not to wax poetic about beauty products as I first consider myself a slave of fashion more than cosmetics, it's really a hard world to separate as the parallels of beauty and fashion are absolutely infinite.

Both lend and borrow inspiration with the other with most designer collections evidently shaped by new trends from either industry.

The NEW LIMITED edition eyeshadow palette from Smashbox - Shades of Fame - is definitely something worth raving about. It's just one of those beauty products that is guaranteed a cult following from the moment little sneak previews of it are released in the blogosphere.

Montreal Fashion: Blast From The Past

I usually don’t like to start writing post this way but I think with the kind of week I’ve just had, I have to give myself the permission (if you can indulge me for a moment) to just break the rules this time around.

So forgive all the grammatical offences, the fragments and possibly overuse of punctuations but sometimes, words just can’t describe certain moments of our lives.

Special Launch: The FAB COLLAB

When it comes to all things Fashion, Twenty York Street always prides itself to not only be in the know of the latest and the hottest but its constant desire to push the creative fashion envelope. 

We also pride ourselves with only working with the BEST in the industry. We get a lot of pitches for advertising and proposals for collaboration or partnership and we of course need to pick only but the outstanding ones.

Today, the long wait is over. We are very delighted to announce that we, in collaboration with diversely published author and talented illustrator Ms. Laura Benn of The Acquired Taste, is launching a NEW and FUN Fashion collaboration: 

The FAB COLLAB

Exclusive Preview: The Launch of Press The Beauty

Nestled comfortably amongst world-renowned publications such as Vogue, Vogue Italia, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, ELLE - PRESS THE FASHION Magazine takes its rightful place within the creme de la creme of well-established fashion print magazines.

This is no easy feat I tell you. But one that is something to behold and worthy of more than just a second look, especially upon closer inspection, you realize this print and online magazine is published right here in your very own city.

Ottawa Fashion: Angie's Models (AMTI) Showcase 2012

Picture this: Gorgeous models after gorgeous models walk the illuminated runway set against the military landscape of cold metal machine guns, battle tanks, fighter jets at Canada's War Museum.

This is one showcase that is indeed deserving of one big fashion salute.

And salute they did. Agents travelled from London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo and New York City to attend AMTI's Showcase 2012.

Blog Post: Peaches and Cream

One of the glorious things about spring and summer is the freshest corn available in the market. The varieties and the taste are so deliciously diverse that its always a great adventure trying different ones.

Alright, alright, I tried.

This post really isn't about corn. 

You can probably tell from the photos, yes? No, my dear, this really is about this gorgeous colour of coral that you most likely have seen in every retail store this season.

It's bright, it's fun. I love it. 

Do you?

Twenty York Street Loves Kreesha Turner at the Mansion

It has been one tremendously busy week after another at Twenty York Street lately! We haven't gotten around to posting like we used to and we apologize for that and we certainly want to say sorry for not visiting your blogs as much lately.

Between all the fashion shows, photo shoots, designer interviews, glamorous galas and charity events, it's been hard to keep everything running at a regular schedule.

Today, we just concluded the very successful Smile Shop at the Billings Bridge Mall. We hope to share the events and photos of the day next week.

Tonight is going to be one busy night. Aside from Angie's AMTI Showcase 2012, Twenty York Street is invited to join Kreesha Turner at Ottawa's Premiere Nightclub - the Mansion Ottawa!

Ottawa Special Event: The Smile Shop

Billings Bridge is giving away $10,000 worth of gift cards!

In exchange for a few good deeds. All you have to do is commit to doing something nice for a friend on Facebook and you’ll receive a gift card for $10, $25, or $50. And if you prove that you’ve done your deed within 72 hours, we’ll make a donation to Youth Net #nomorebullies campaign (up to $5,000).

Designer Spotlight: Amy Scarlett Donovan

                                                                                               
In his words to the new batch of designers this year, one of Canada's premier Fashion Designer Richard Robinson wrote: "… now that you have acquired high quality training, creating fashion is a combination of love and passion."

Love and passion. Fresh from being named one of Canada’s Top Ten up and coming designers, it seems like Amy Scarlett Donovan has these two qualities and much, much more. 

We Work Hard For the Money

Summer may not be the finest season for fashion but I look forward to it nonetheless. If only for the hot blaring sun and the hope of sinking my pedicured (and may I add THANN-moisturized) toes into the warm sand of the beach.

One other fabulous benefits of the summer is of course, less layers and layers of clothes. We can finally store away our winter jackets, the bulky sweaters and the numerous scarves and gloves we tote around during the colder months.

As we shed the extra layers of fabric and show more skin, why not think outside the box and play with different summer work wear this year?

Editor's note: Post title inspired by www.nataliedoes42K.com

Ottawa Fashion: STEPPING OUT 2012

There is something I am extremely excited to share with you - an international organization called Dress for Success (DFS). In 2011, Dress for Success Ottawa opened its doors and to date, DFS outfitted over 275 local Ottawa-area women who are set to enter the workforce. 

Give-away: Ferragamo Signorina For Mama

Signorina -  

/ˌsēnyəˈrēnə/

Though traditionally used to formally address unmarried women in Italian, it can also mean lovely and chic Italian name that literally means young woman. One that is stylish, modern, fresh and full of life.

The new Salvatore Ferragamo SIGNORINA Eau de Parfum celebrates exactly that - it is a statement of subtle grace and elegance.