Petite Adventures: Style Profile: Twenty York Street

Name: ML or Marilou Moles to friends =)

Age: Awww, you know people are still trying to guess that!

Occupation: Policy Analyst/Professional Writer/Yoga Teacher/Fitness Instructor/PR Strategist by day. Aspiring Fashion Blogger by night.

Site: www.twentyyork.com

Location: Ottawa/Canada/International

When and why did you start your site?

Late-2010. It was a turning point for me personally and professionally. I knew blogs existed and flourished quite well but it wasn’t until one of my great friends, Natalie of www.nataliedoes42k.com, introduced me to some of the ones she’s been stalking that I had an eureka moment: "This is can be my world."

How would you describe your site?

It’s almost an accurate reflection of my personality. It’s a beautiful and interesting collection of fashion, lifestyle, arts, culture and the hottest, most notable events in and around town. Sometimes, when my followers are lucky, they get to meet the most remarkable individuals I feature and when they get especially lucky, they get to have a glimpse into my most intimate reflections.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I love LOVE fashion magazines. As cheesy as it sounds, I find inspiration everywhere – for work and creativity. For fashion and style, I tend to go for fast and convenient – I love street style! I’m quite unashamed to run after someone and say, "I love your entire outfit, please tell me where everything is from!" Saves me a google search and that’s always a nice thing!

Oh, and who can forget fashion blogs? They are the best and the most up-to-date source of information for style and fashion.

Who are your style/beauty icons?

There are so many beautiful women everywhere. But beauty without substance is empty and fleeting. I love powerful men and women, those who stand for something – passionate people are beautiful and sexy.

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 was the best style/beauty advice you were given?

Confidence (whether it comes natural or you have to fake-it-til-you-make-it type of confidence), and smile are the world’s two most absolute no-fail [pieces of advice].

Where are your favourite places to shop?

I think Banana Republic (BR) should really be sending me commission cheques by now. I shop there for my everyday outfits, special occasion outfits, and gifts for family and friends. Beyond their amazing collection and good quality garments, BR is very convenient for me. So is GAP and Old Navy. (Alright, I have to admit that I love designer brands too. Guilty, much?)

What are your favourite trends for this season?

Surprisingly, I am loving leather this season. Currently in the hunt for a reasonable leather moto jacket or a classic cut sheath that I can pair with my strappiest gold heels.

Style/Beauty Pet Peeve?

I just cannot – for the life of me – stand Crocs. I may get a lot of flack for this but I’m sorry, unless you’re planning to harvest your own crops this time of the year, just please put your Crocs back in the box and go ask for your money back.

What do you never leave home without?

I honestly panic when I reach into my purse and I can’t find my THANN Rice Extract Lip Balm. I swear, it’s a life changer.

What are your five essential items that you think every woman should own?

A classic trench coat; a stunning little black dress; a pair of comfortable (settle for semi-comfortable if you really have to) and swoon-worthy high heels; striped tees – black and white – they goes with everything, I promise; and, the flirtiest, blackest mascara.

Where do you see yourself and your site in five years?

I was very ambitious when I started and I had lofty goals. I was determined to blog everyday or at least very regularly and I did that – and perhaps that is one of the reasons why Twenty York Street became successful (quoting me on that one) but then with that sort of success and recognition come so many opportunities that pull you away from blogging. So now, I endeavor to blog at least 3 times a week with the same lofty goal and ambition of making it bigger and better.

In five years time, I want to own something. I want to own my own company that is ideally, it would be an extension of Twenty York Street.

All images courtesy of Twenty York Street.