Welcome Back to the 6

Last Day of Summer,Wassaga Beach, Ontario

"Welcome back!", words I have dreaded to hear since I left everything behind 10 months ago. I apologize in advance for disappearing from the blog the past weeks, but I've been trying to recover from some deep travel withdrawals,with a slight case of depression. How does one just jump back into a casual routine after spending the last few months exploring western Europe?.

As I sit here in front of my laptop and relive the best year of my life, I start to think to myself " but did that actually happen?.It seems like one big blur, you ever get that? When you go on vacation or go on the best date of your life and get home and lay on your bed like," Damn, was that even real?" yeah, that feeling. I know what you are all thinking, you live in Toronto it can't be all that bad? Right?, well Let me answer that for you. Nope it's not bad ,but to be honest waking up to an ocean view in Barcelone, and spending my weekends sipping sangria, and 3 euro mojitos  in El Born, sounds a

whole lot more romantic, than having to look forward to the next five thousand word essay due next week ( UOFT why you do this to me, give me that paper)

All jokes aside being back has made me realized how much I have changed and grown as a women.  Do you Remember months back when I wrote about my outlook on relationships and everything love? (relationships post). Well, for the first time in my life I feel like I'm ready to find my Prince Charming (where you at? Where is you hiding?, hit me up papi). I know people think it's cliché, but traveling has helped me figure out who I am. I now know where my head is at, where I see my life going and what I truly deserve, something I didn't prior to leaving. So, with that being said I encourage everyone reading this to let go of their fears and pack your bags and go out and explore the world. Chase that true feeling of happiness, you deserve it and owe it to yourself. Meanwhile, I will be here finishing up my degree ( it's okay go on without me)

Oh,p.s Prince Charming where ever you are at don't be shy slide

in my DMs (that's where you find true love, right?)

But, until my next adventure xo I want to thank you for reading,

 Don't forget to follow us on, and subscribe to the blog

Instagram @xololaa

Bestfriend Streetystyle Tag inspired by Yeezy

In sprit of New York Fashion Week my best friend and I decided to channel our inner Yeezy and collab on a street style lookbook inspired by Kanye’s At Adidas collection. Isra and I are constantly finding inspiration from other fashion bloggers and we wanted to recreate some of our favorite street style looks while giving it a yeezy aura to it. Want to find out where we got our outfits scroll down for details.

Forever 21 Contemporary Sleeveless Hoodie

Aldo Accessories Sunnies

H&M Denim 

Steve Madden Booties

On my lips I wore the NYX in Natural 

                               

                                         

All Saints Leather Jacket
Adidas Classic T-Shirt from Champs 

Casting's Collection Black Denim  found at Aritza 

Nike Airmax Thea found at Footlocker

                                                      

Beauty Favorites for Skin and Hair

"Street Lights, Big dreams all looking pretty. No place in the world that can compare"                         

I am currently in New York City on vacation and absolutely loving everything about this fabulous city.  It feels amazing to be able to blog directly from the big apple.  Everywhere you go in New York City you find something that inspires you. From the street art in Time Square to the glamorous lifestyle of Upper East, new york city to me is my muse. No matter how many times I visit I fall in love every single time. 

During my visit I picked up some amazing products for this months haul.  I am so excited to recommend this life saving hair and skin must haves to my lovely readers. If you are like me and you love using hot tools on your hair and have tried every single cream, serum, and masque on the market and can’t seem to get healthy looking hair than this post is for you ladies!

I have colored my hair so many times I already lost count. I use hot tools practically every day and it has definitely taken a toll on the look and texture of my hair. But  since I have been using this products I have noticed a dramatic change in my hair.  My hair now looks and feels smoother and hydrated even though I have kept the same hair styling routine as before. I have  been using this products for about a week and a half and have seen instant results. I found that with other styling creams, deep conditioners and serums that I had used in the past left my hair feeling oily and dry .But I never lost faith and I had herd about a couple of this products online and I decided to give it a shot.

Hair Products | Productos Para El Cabello  

Advance Techniques Extra Strength Dry Ends Serum

Conditions  and instantly smoothes hair while taming  even the most coarse and damaged hair.

I use it after drying my hair but feel free to change it up to fit your daily hair routine. 

65% less frizz 

One 'N Only Argan Oil derived from Moroccan Argan Trees Styling Cream 

This product has been my ultimate favorite I love the way it hydrates and adds shine to my hair instantly not to mention the fact that it smells amazing.

Wen by Chaz Dean

Cleansing Conditioner 

Sweet Almond Mint 

I actually came across this product on Tv and I was a bit skeptical. It has good reviews on television but you know how that goes. Sometimes those products turn out to be nothing like you expect it to be. But I went online and read some reviews and decided to try it. I like this product I wouldn't say I love it but it does smell really good and it definitely conditions my hair.

Mystic Divine Luminous Shine 

Smoothing Masque

Contains Tahitian Tamanu Oil, Moroccan Argan Oil, 

African Shea Butter and Camelia Oil. I am head over heels over this masque after damaging my hair with chemicals so often my hair has lost natural oils and my hair was in desperate  need of some hair therapy.  This is honestly like pixie dust for you hair. ladies this is a must have!

Skin Products | Products Para la Piel 

Victoria Secret Bronze Instant Bronzing Tinted Shimmer Lotion 

with natural Shea Butter.

We all need that extra summer glow and what better way than with an instant bronzer that does not stain your skin. Victoria Secret has my favorite bronzer of all time it gives your tan a radiant boost that helps blur the look of imperfections giving your skin a flawless feels and look.

It contains Vitamin E that helps nourish your skin! 

Next Monday I will be posting a New York City Photo Collage of what I wore 

 and an amazing gift review from The Bloggers Network

It's Okay to Be Yourself. Gay, Straight, Transgender

Bruce Jenner Vanity Fair 
photographed by Annie Leibovitz


We are entitled to our own opinion and some










people may agree and others may don't. But at the end of the day it's no one’s business but your own what you do or don't do in your life. It takes a strong individual to come out in the public eye and say “this is me, this is who I am”.
I don't think being judged by others is the hardest part, but learning to love yourself again is. Whether you are straight, gay, bisexual or transgender none of those titles should devalue your true essence. We judge each other every day every second of the day, but it's just how life is. We can all sit around in a circle and sing kumbaya all day long and say we don't judge others but that's clearly a lie. It's an ugly habit but it takes an even stronger person to push through all the negativity and turn around and say " screw your stereotypes, this is me and I love me" 

















    Your sexual orientation in my personal opinion

should not isolate you from the world, if anything it should be embraced.Loving yourself is the first step to happiness and if this makes you happy than be it. Be happy, be yourself and love yourself because you are beautiful inside out. The choices others make may be out of your comfort zone, but it doesn't concern you either. Someone really close to me has taught me what it means to love someone unconditionally, and what it means to fight for what you love. He has taught me to embrace who i am and taught me to be acceptant of
what's outside of the norm. It's hard for some people to accept the idea of
loving someone of the same sex or in this case being transgender, but it's not
something for you to accept it all comes down to being true to yourself and
loving the life you live. Love is the most powerful thing we have as people and
the one thing we all chase throughout our whole life’s. We all want that
infectious love that everyone envy's. If you are gay, bisexual, transgender or
straight know that who you are is more beautiful than what society is trying to
shape you to be.

 










Be true to yourself, live a selfless life filled

with love and respect for others.












I wanted to share with everyone a person that is really close to my heart, my uncle. For those who don't know me on a personal bases and are unfamiliar with the real meaning of my tattoo here it is.My uncel made a promise the day i was born to love me and always be there for me and not once has he failed to do so. He has overcomes some of life's toughest situations and even after being brought down has never stop loving life. He has taught me that it's okay to be "different " and it's okay to be yourself.He exposed me to a new side of life and showed me what real love feels like. Love has no boundaries or sexual orientation, it's something so powerful and real that it should be embraced.I am so proud and overcome with joy to share his story. Every time someone approaches me with the question " what does your tattoo stand for" I stand for him and for every other individual who is outside of the "norm" 













  

Spring Style Picks for the Office

After long nights of non-stop resume submissions and endless cups of coffee you have finally landed your dream job. Staring your dream job is one of the most exciting steps in furthering your career. You have envision yourself doing what you love for so long and it all has finally paid off.  You begin to plan what to wear for your first day, just to realize you have nothing to wear. Dressing for success is key in the corporate world and your look reflects who you are. Do you want to be the boring one color pallette worker or the stylist diva in the office who radiates confidence?.Of course, we rather be the trendsetter in the office but between getting the kids ready for school, packing up your lunch and helping your husband with his tie their just never seems to be enough time in the morning to worry about you. The perfect look doesn't have to take hours to achieve, it can be as easy as one two three.  Having basic pieces in your wardrobe that are interchangeable can help you put together different looks for everyday of the week. Dressing for success doesn't have to be expensive, dressing with a budget is easier than you think. Many fashion stores like H&M, Zara, Mendocino, LOFT and Winners have very affordable stylist office wear that will have you looking both fashionable and professional. We all have herd the phrase “When you look good, You feel good”  and each and every one of you is beautiful, let  your confidence shine as you walk into the office showcasing the best version of yourself by integrating this looks into your closet

Article Published In
Vida TO. Magazine

The Best Kind of Art is Raw

Some of the best artists are self-taught and to me,
 the best kind of art is raw-EstiloLau

Peonies and Libo
Suzy Lake
50'' x 37'', 34 1/2',37''
Chromagenic print

If art is meant to be something, could it be nothing at all? What if it's just that- art, no meaning behind it just a simple square frame on a wall?

It's questions like this that ran through my mind as I walked among the crowd at the Art Gallery of Ontario this past Wednesday. The art gallery is a place where I love to go to, whether it is to sketch, find inspiration or simply attend the latest exhibition with my friends.  For my lovely readers who do not know me personally, art was where I found my love for fashion. Studying art and creating art are in two complete opposite spectrum's. I personally think just because you understand art from an institutional perspective,  it doesn't automatically categorizes you as an ' artist'. Art can and is created by everyone every day. It can be seen in the doodles of a child, the outfit an individual chooses to wear on any particular day, to the lyrics of an inspiring songwriter. None of these 'artist' have attended a prestigious intuition to acquire their right to be called an 'artist'; some of the best artists are self-taught and to me, the best kind of art is raw. Society intoxicates our minds and traps us in a consumer culture that is very hard to escape from and our only way of liberation is through our unique form of self-expression. Art would be much easier to comprehend and appreciate if we did not have a preconceived notion of the world around us, where we see no race or social class and just see each other as people. 

For those who are unfamiliar with the Art Gallery of Ontario, I would highly recommend visiting. Wednesday after 6:00pm general admission is free

On exhibit Right Now

Jean-Michel Basquiat

This is Toronto 

This series of photographs by Suzy Lake really captivated me as I walk passed her exhibition.
 The use of pinks and blues created a powerful contrast against the white wall,
H&M turtle neck
Forever 21 jogger trousers
Adidas SuperStar black on white 

One of my  favourite designer pieces in my closet
Sem Vaccaro Blazer
by Mario Sem
Design and Produced In Italy 

Never let anyone discourage you from doing what you love,
there is someone out there who will fall in love with your true essence.        

            

Christopher Bates at Toronto Men's Fashion Week 2015

Christopher Bates, Closing TOM*
on February 26, 2015

As TOM* Men's Fashion Week warped up this past weekend, I attended the closing runway show featuring one of the  most recognized menswear designers in Canada - Christopher Bates. Attending fashion week is always an exciting and inspiring experience; not only do I find inspiration from the perfectly constructed pieces walking down the runaway, but for me my greatest fashion inspiration comes from the people in my own city. I love the way Torontonian's have this artistic way of putting simple pieces together, and creating unique outfits using affordable garments. Taking a look off the runway, and making it your own to me is admirable. 

Now let's get to the best part of this weeks blog, the runway show. For starters I absolutely loved the way Christopher Bates kicked off his show using a short film, that was both  artistically intriguing and erotic. To me it represented that 'pretty boy dirty boy' essence a true gentlemen portrays. I expected to see in this new collection the signature Christopher Bates combination of Italian and northern European influences, and I was definitely not disappoint.To me a Christopher Bates man conveys confidence, elegance and passion, and that exactly what this years collection transmitted. As the collection gracefully walked down the runway at Osgoode Hall I instantly fell in love with the attention to detail , the rich autumn color palettes and the versatility of it's pieces. Although, I do wish the show was longer and a bit less crowed, I really enjoyed the atmosphere;I mean what women doesn't love a man in a well fitted suit . This is Toronto and we love fashion and we would not miss the chance to be the first to see the new Christopher Bates collection straight from Milan. 

Christopher Bates

www.christopherbates.com

Christopher Bates Spring 2015

Campaign Short Film- OVERDRIVE

  Design and Produced In Milan

Warm color palette
Photographed by Shayne Gray

Sweaters, Trench Coats, Bomber Jackets, Suit Jacket
Photograph by Shayne Gray

Appreciate the detail
photograph by  Shayne Gray

#El Look de La Noche 

Black Turtle Neck H&M
Pastel Boyfriend Blazer H&M
Black Square Heel Pump H&M
Leather Skinny Pants Ariose & Years

ENTER TO WIN

Enter to win a free ticket to this year’s 

World MasterCard Fall 2015 Collection.

Submit 150 words to estilolau@gmail.com

What does Fashion Mean To you?

by March 9 2015

The winner will be announced on Vida TO instagram 

on March 13 2015

In order to win, you must be 

Following  @vidatoronto and @xololaa on Instagram

This is a 19+event 

Win a ticket to World MasterCard Fashion Week 2015

The awaited World MasterCard Fashion Week is just around the corner, on March 22-27 David Peacut Square downtown Toronto  se viste de gala, as trendsetter across the country patiently wait to see this season’s hottest trends walk the runway. It’s an exciting year for Canadian Fashion, as our industry has become an important platform attracting world renowned talent. This year’s 2015 Fall Collection will be showcasing top Canadian designers like Pink Tartan, Rudsak, SOIA & KYO, David Dixon, Vawk, Melissa Nepton along with this year's Mercedes-Benz Start up designer Sid Neigum.  Canadian designers offer contemporary pieces, with tasteful colour palettes and a unique style signature.We predict to see playful patterns and textures back in our closets this upcoming season. Whether you are a fashion designer or a fashion enthusiast you do not want to miss this year’s World MasterCard Fall 2015 Collection. We spoke to Toronto’s fashion blogger Joseph Adamu about what fashion means to him, and he said “Fashion is how one expresses himself, which goes beyond the materialistic form. The way one creatively constructs  their own unique style using simple pieces” Model: Joseph Adamu instagram @flygeria ENTER TO WIN A free ticket this year's World MasterCard Fall 2015 Collection Submit 150 words to estilolau@gmail.com What does Fashion Mean To you? by March 9 2015 The winner will be announced on Vida TO instagram  on March 13 2015 In order to you win, you must be  Following  @vidatoronto and @xololaa on Instagram  This event is a 19+ event