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

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 

Valentine's Date Ideas

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and with this romantic holiday  comes the question " what should we do Saturday night". I am speaking strictly from experience here, but  I always found it frustrating trying to come up with something fun and refreshing to do, something out of the ordinary.  I mean you can keep it traditional and do a dinner and movie ( bring her to a romantic dinner and she will make it up to you that night) it's a win, win situation. But as I sat on the subway contemplating my life, I over herd a couple talking about their valentines date ideas, and I thought to myself "what is there to do in Toronto on Valentines Day"?. As I began to explore the many wonders of this beautiful city, I came across some  erotic and creative date night ideas that will hopefully spice up your love and sex life  this February 14. Valentine's day is extra special for some women, surprise her by organizing a unique date or simply invite her over and pop open a bottle of red wine and indulge in each others company. Gentlemen, be her Christian Grey this valentines day and surprise her with an unforgettable and passionate night, and she will surely surprise you with a little Victoria Secret treat. 

Someone once told me that most important part of a relationship is not falling into a routine, and finding that person that makes you feel at home. That person that looks at you out of no where and let's you know how lucky they are to have you; for no reason at all. Your love is so valuable, and your time is to so don't let go of that person who is willing to invest their all in you. 

& 

Most importantly love each other

 unconditionally 365 days a year                         

                       IT'S ALL ABOUT 

SOCIAL PAINTING

-------------------------

  PAINT LOUNGE TORONTO

-------------------------

$68 per couple

Toronto West

784 College St M6G 1C6

Toronto East

1173 Queen St East M4M 1L5

Markham

118 Main St Markham L3P 1Y1

www.paintlounge.com

SPICE THINGS UP

IN THE KITCHEN

-------------------------

THE CHEF UPSTAIRS
-------------------------

$149 per couple 

Toronto

516 Mount Pleasant
 Rd, M4S 2M2
www.thechefupstairs.com

COUPLE'S MASSAGE
-------------------------

Urban Nirvana

RELAX, SIDE BY SIDE
-------------------------
$180-$300 
Toronto
895 Yonge St, M4W
www.urbannirvana.ca

TOP
10 
ROMANTIC
-------------------------
RESTAURANTS
TORONTO

-------------------------

Valentine's Day set menus 

$50-$200

"Good for everything from popping 

the question to illicit affairs"
www.torontolife.com

TORONTO
VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER 
WITH
-------------------------
SEX TALKS

-------------------------

$40 per person

What can be better than dinner and sex?

Make Reservations Below
www.blogto.com

DON'T WANT TO GO OUT

NO PROBLEM 

-------------------------

-------------------------

Take a trip to the sex shop together

Buy a bottle of red wine,
light up candles
   Show up in sexy lingerie for your man

Show up at her door with a bouquet of red roses

Chocolate and Strawberries
Turn on music
&
BEGIN TO PLAY

Even if you don't have a valentines this year, no worries organize a single girls or guys night out and celebrate your friendship.

Healthy Living with a Twist

Hola Mis Amores, New Year  Eve is a time where a lot of us start to think back to the previous year, and start to reminisce on all the things that went right and wrong this year. We began 2014 with a different mindset, and now that it is coming to an end you realize how much this year has changed you. From the one to many " this could be something" moments to those unforgettable nights with your family and friends.2014 was for me at least a year of constant growth. I learned that you have to step outside of your comfort zone to start living, I learned how to love myself for who I am and finally understood that life is all about timing.  You have to love yourself before you can try to love someone else, and for me changing my lifestyle gave me a whole new perspective on life. I know this post is a bit melancholic but hopefully you can relate to me in some way or another. The point of this post isn't to share with all mis amores my  love life or get all emotional, in fact it's about changing your lifestyle this upcoming  new year.

For me changing my eating habits was one of the best things I did this year. Being healthy in mind,body and soul ignites an explicable sense of happiness in you. I have put together a list of healthy products, meal ideas and my favorite work out videos that have helped me become a healthier individual, and hopefully it will also help you reach your New Years resolution. 

Let 2015 be a year without any boundaries. Step out of your comfort zone, pursue something you love regardless of what other may think. Live your life without any restrictions, because at the end of the day you will look back and regret not making the best of the time you have. If you lose friends and lovers in the process of chasing your happiness, don't let it bring you down. You are stronger then you think, and just know that those people who have stood by you through every unanswered text and disappointment those people are your biggest supporters.

Estilo Lau 

Healthy List 

-----------------------------

14 Slim-Down Smoothies.
Click Link for Full Recipe

I absolutely live by this blog, The recipes are delicious and so easy to make. 

10 Healthy Choices You Should Make

Click Link 

The Jillian Michael Six Week Six-Pack Abs Workout

This workout program completely transformed my body, and helped me find workouts that accommodated to my work out abilities.

 I recommend this program 100% and can assure you that it will transform your beautiful body

Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack Abs Workout- Level 1

For all those fabulous ladies, who wants the angel body, this program is fun and effective. I did the abs and bootie workout and found it really helped me tone up.

The Best Victoria Secret Ab Workout Click Here

Yoga For Weight Loss, Strength and Lengthen
Yoga By Adriene

You always hear people saying " yoga is so good for you " but I didn't realize how good it was until I began to practice myself. I like to do midnight yoga, It helps me relax my mind and it brings me into a state of mind that I completely love.  I love this yoga workout by Yoga with Adriene! fall in love with yoga in 2015.

Yoga For Weight Loss, Strength and Lengthen

Thank you to my crazy hispanic family, amazing friends, and awesome readers for making this 2014 an unforgettable year. My blog has only been active for three weeks and I have reached 27,475 views, I can’t begin to express how thankful I am. Can’t wait to kick off 2015 and share with all of you  my first published article in VIDA Toronto Magazine. 

Los Quiero mucho xo Happy 2015 My Luvs

Holiday Glam Picks

Hola mis amores, New Years Eve is fast approaching, and with this special holiday comes the opportunity for all of us ladies to bring out our best looks. For me, New Years Eve dress shopping is quite stressful. You sit there on Instagram or on tumblr scrolling down the dresses and sparkles hashtag hoping to find some inspiration.You can't be eating twelve grapes at 12:00 in that " okay dress" ( this may only be a hispanic tradition,but bare with me)  or have your New Years Eve kiss in a mediocre dress. You have to start the year off on the right foot, looking your best. But the problem here isn't looking beautiful ( because each and everyone of you is ) but the issue is achieving that 'perfect' look without having to sell your soul.You know what you want, now it's a matter of finding an affordable and fabulous look. I took one for the team and solely went shopping for "research purposes". I visited Zara, Marciano, TopShop, Honey and  Forever 21 and noticed a metallic trend throughout each store. The color red was also another favorite for this holiday season but with that being said this New Years Eve step out of your 'little black dress' comfort zone ( I know this is very hard  and completely understand that  wearing black is a lifestyle) but start this year off in color!
      

Need Help Dress Hunting?

 I would love to help

estilolau@gmail.com

Estilo Lau Holiday Glam Picks

Textured Dress $99.90
www.zara.com

Sequinned Dress $99.90
www.zara.com

Backless Dress $59.90
www.zara.com

Slip Dress with Slits $79.90
www.zara.com

Tamara Dress Flora $ 47.25
www.peppermayo,com

Heartbreak Down Dress $65.50
www.peppermayo.com

Special Shoulder Pad Scale Sequin Dress $59.50
www.nelly.com

Slit Red
From Winners
 June & Hudson

In and Online Store Holiday Inspiration List

Nelly.com

SaboSkirt.com

Peppermayo.com

Showpo.com

Sugarhill Boutique.com

Blue Vanilla.com

Topshop

Bebe

Marciano

Honey 

Zara

Black Caviar Oakville

Haute Classics Toronto

The ShowRoom Toronto

Fashion Crimes Toronto 

I wish everyone happy dress hunting!

How to Contour Your Face

Happy Monday | Feliz Lunes Mis Amores,

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend, and is ready to start another eventful week. Recently, I have been asked by a few people how do I contour my face. Contouring  can be very intimidating, specially for those chicas that are not use to wearing a lot of make-up.I was the exact same way and I felt like If I did it I was going to end up looking like a crayon box. But, I could not tell you how much I have fallen in love with this look. I naturally have chubby cheeks and an oval shaped face, but after sculpting and highlighting my features my cheek bone are looking on "fleek". In my previous post I had expressed my obsession for the Sephora All Glow Kit, but my contouring routine would not be complete without Kim Kardashian's secret weapon the Ben NYE Banana Powder and the Quo Blending Sponge.

Get This Look

Sephora Collection Cream Concealer

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

Sephora Photo Finish Primer
Ben Nye Banana Powder 
Maybelline Fit me shine-free stick toffee caramel 330 

Click Below to Buy Kim K Secret Weapon
BUY IT HERE!

Step one: apply your go to primer or moisturizer to your beautiful face. I use the Sephora photo finish primer ( I take way to many selfies, so I adore this product).

Step two: apply a concealer of your choice using a large concealer brush underneath your eyes in the shape of a triangle  and extend it to your headline .

Step three: Continue by adding concealer to the middle of your nose and forehead in the shape of a tree ( this creates the effect of a thinner more define nose shape and forehead)

Step four: Outline the outer edges of your nose using the contouring stick and draw an arch on the tip of your nose.

Step five: Using the  Maybelline Fit me shine-free stick draw a thick line starting from your headline to the edge of your mouth. ( this is the most intimidating part, but don't worry you will be blending it out with your handy dandy sponge).

Step six: Use the contouring stick   outline your forehead, tip of your chin and jawline.

Step six: Begin to blend using a damp blending sponge.  You always want to blend away from your face towards your hair line. Blend the lightest to darkest shades first. 

Steps seven: After fully blending your face you will start to see more define face shape and cheek bones. Using a contouring brush apply bronzer in the shape of the number three.

Step eight: Using a blush brush apply  blush to the apple of your cheeks.

Step nine: Using a powder brush apply Ben Nye Banana Powder underneath your eyes and to the middle of your nose ( use the same technique as in step three)

Step ten: Lastly, apply a microfinish powder ( I use the Make Up For Ever HD powder)

Your contouring look is complete

Te vez fabulosa

                                               

 #OOTD 

 I will be uploading all of my YouTube tutorials once I finish editing 

Get Ready for Bed With Me: My Skincare Routine

Hello Mis Amores, There is no better feeling than being able to jump into bed with a clean face in your favorite sweat pants, and scroll through your feed. So tonight’s post is about my favorite part of my day. When I am able to take off my make-up and cleanse my skin. My skincare routine takes me about 10 minutes using my top three favorite products.If you are like me and you are guilty of falling asleep with  make-up on after a long day or after a few drinks too many, I hope this post changes that habit. Dermatologist have conducted studies on the effects of sleeping with makeup and the results are terrifying.Your face can age  by as much as ten years in a single month, as a result of failing to remove your make-up .Many of the products we use on a daily bases on our skin prevents the process of microcirculation, as a result it causes wrinkles and clogged pores. If you don't want to end up with an annoying breakout,I would highly recommend  getting into a skincare routine that works for you and your skin type. Did you know that sleeping with lipstick on causes dryness and chapping of the lips  (huh-uh honey no kissing for you) and sleeping with your mascara on can cause conjunctives (aka pink eye) I don't about you but a swollen eye is not my ideal surprise to wake up to (maybe, a cute morning text or extra money in my bank account would be better.... plot twist when none of those things happen to me lol ), but worst of all over night mascara causes your beautiful eyelashes to become brittle and start falling off. Don't become a slave to false eyelashes ( although, they are fabulous) if you don't have the time to do a full skincare routine, make it your every night ritual to at least use a  make-up removing whip. 

Here is my skincare routine, this products work amazing on my oily t-zone skin. There are so many fabulous skin care products out there, but I am a huge advocate of organic tea tree leaf foam cleansers. Tea tree oil contains properties that prevent bacteria from building up under your pores, and helps prevent acne from surfacing. 

 The Body Shop Tea Three skin clearing foaming Cleanser 

( removes impurities and excess oil)

The Face Shop Black Sugar cleansing cream.

(removes blackheads,make-up and skin impurities & it smells delicious) 

Equate Cleansing and Make-up Removing Towelettes

( contains vitamin E and triple tea complex, they leave your skin super soft)

My Skincare Routine 

step one: wash your hands prior to  beginning your routine.Begin by using the make-up removing towelettes. Gently begin to remove your make-up.

Step two:   Finish removing your eye make-up with the black sugar cleansing cream and proceed by massaging your  face in a circular motion. Do this for about 3 minutes and wash with warm water.

Step three: Use the tea tree cleansing foam and leave it on your face for about 3-5 minutes and wash.

These three easy steps have helped me improve the appearance of my skin, and prevent future breakouts.

Keep your skin looking beautiful and youthful, don't lose your glow & always remember you are beautiful !

New Sephora Obsession

Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects- Rosy Shimmer Lipstick #13

                 Mis Amores, I wanted to make a quick post about  two of my new addictions from Sephora. The multi-talented complexion palette that allows you to easily highlight,sculpt,bronze and enhance your features. It's an all in one to go kit that gives you that flawless glow. If you are like me and love to contour and highlight, this product is by far the best I have tried.  For those ladies who love dramatic full lashes, the Sephora Outrageous Volume Ultra black mascara is definitely a must have. Absolutely, recommend both of this fabulous products, and the best part is they are both super affordable!

Palette $40.00 Mascara $19

Six Easy Steps, to Add Volume and Natural Wave to your Hair.

Hello, my loves. For tonight post, I wanted to do a hair tutorial showing you what I found to be the easiest way to achieve voluminous hair and that natural beach wave in six easy steps.

What you will need:

A hair dryer

eight bobby pins

four elastic bands

thermal spray

teasing comb

& a round brush

Step one: After washing your hair, brush it out with a wooden round brush and spray a heat protector  to the ends of your damp hair. I used my favorite product the Wella Thermal Image protector. I absolutely love this product, it does not leave my hair oily after I use it.

Step two: Separate your hair into four pony tails and tie it with an elastic band. Two at the front and two at the back.  Begin to roll your hair into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

Step three- four : After rolling your hair into four buns, use a hair dryer and direct the heat towards each bun.

Step five: After about 10 minutes ( depending how fast your hair dries) begin to unroll the buns and  separate the strands of hair to achieve that messy beach look. For extra volume, you can use a teasing comb towards your roots.

Step six: Woo! you are done and look fabulous. If you are like me and your hair can't hold a curl you can spray a little bit of hair spray on your hands and run it through your waves. This will help give it shape, and make it last throughout the day.

Follow me on instagram, for updates and videos

http://instagram.com/xololaa/