Two In One

    "Dear Donna", "Hey Donna", "Thanks Donna!" Oh boy, we didn't exactly think of this one through did we? Putting out two first names to make one has got a lot of people thinking that DonnaMay is a single name. Though we don't mind as we are basically a two in one package, we bicker like little children and have a love for each other like two sisters (cue "awwws"). We finally took to going behind the camera for a fun shoot with our very favorite Kaja Tirrul and though it was filled with "Kaja, what am I suppose to do? Where do I look?", Kaja was able to magically capture the authenticity of Donna and May duo that we are. With a ton of giggles and a little chilly weather, we managed to pull off this incredibly fun shoot and are so excited to share it with all of you! And c'mon folks no one wants the tears and hysteria of poor little May feeling left out**, here's the two-in-one duo of DonnaMay Stylist!
                                                       **P.S we joke, we joke **

                                             Photography: Kaja Tirrul of Kaja Photo

Final Fall Fashion Feature

It is so sad to be saying goodbye to our fall features, it has been so much fun meeting and getting to know all the great people of Ottawa who have shown us that we do not lack style whatsoever. Throughout the fall season we have attempted to capture the unique and original styles of the Ottawa crowd and the Ottawa fashion community. To mark our final fall feature, we have an incredibly unique young woman to showcase who always catches our eye. 

 Fall Fashion Feature - Lorie Aoun Street Style Fashionista

What inspired you to get into fashion?

I was never good at dressing up or matching things together but my mentor Thierry, founder of PRIDE & EGO  got me into it I guess by always giving me advice and I would talk to him and have him  help me put things together and what to match etc. I've never been into trends, but more of just whatever I can put together and feels good.

If you could shop at only one store, what would it be?

American apparel! It is so versatile, and it's actually classy when you want it to be and then super casual when you want it to be, there is lots of options, different styles and also great quality.

What's your favorite fall fashion trend right now? 

I'm not really one to be following trends but something I've been seeing around a lot that I'm really into is big scarves, you can thrown on a scarf with anything, it’s so easy and pulls a look together.

Who is your fashion icon? 

Rihanna and Kim Kardasian. Rihanna because she can be so classy one minute and then a tomboy the next but still looks so sexy. She’s everywhere, all over the map and she wears whatever she wants, she doesn't stick to a specific style and  I admire that. Kim is just always always on point and dressed well, never missing a beat, she’s beautiful.

 How do you put together an outfit?

 It all depends on how I feel when I wake up, if I'm feeling lazy I'll throw on a pair of boyfriend jeans (YES! WE LOVE THIS!) And if I'm feeling a little more sassy or girly, I'll opt for putting something like that together. It's all about what makes me feel the most comfortable.

Lorie is currently attending the School of Arts for painting classes, creatively talented woman. We chose Lorie as our final feature because not only does she rock the street style aspect which we adore but she also does it with unbelievable confidence that inspires others. We remember looking at her once and thinking, "Damn, wish I could pull that off" and her answer was YOU CAN and it has stuck with us every since. Lorie is certainly a woman to keep your eye out for, but in the meantime check out her instagram @lorieaoun - Thank you to Lori and to each and  every one of our fall features, you were all so amazing and it was pleasure being able to give light on the great style of Ottawa, until next fall! 

Fall Fashion Feature

Sadly as most of the leaves have come and gone and the temperatures getting colder, the end of fall is around the corner. This is one of our last fall features as our fall fashion will soon transition into winter fashion, brrrr. Yet for the mean time fall still here and so our fashion feature and today we have a lovely and inspirational young woman who we couldn't help but feature!

Fall Feature: Antonia - Sales and Operations Director at PRIDE & EGO INC.

What inspired you to get into fashion? 

 I don't think there was just one thing that inspired me to want to work in the fashion industry, I think it was a combination of experiences that I had. Like many people I at one point dealt with insecurities which lead me to follow fashion trends to try and fit in, however I think it truly began when I started modeling. I had worked in retail a while and knew the way trends worked but that was the extent of my interest; I modeled in Ottawa for a short time and loved that it showed me another side to the fashion industry that I had not seen in retail. Since then I have developed my taste and knowledge of fashion and more importantly my own style through magazines, blogs, and of course my work with PRIDE & EGO INC. 

Antonia - Sales and Operations Director

If you could shop at only one store, what would it be?

 Wow that is hard! I love so many stores; Zara, Club Monaco, Vero Moda, Mexx. I think I would choose Zara , they have a good mix of smart casual and dressy pieces and are very on point with fashion and trends. Their styles and large selection work well for my current lifestyle!

What's your favorite fall fashion trend right now? 

 It’s definitely over done right now and going out of trend as it has been around since the beginning of fall, but I have to say leather accents. I still love them! I am not crazy for too much leather in an outfit. I think that's something that stands out about my style; I pick and choose which trends I want to wear and I make them my own by ensuring they are pieces which will last longer than the season. 

Who is your fashion icon? 

I am inspired by so many people's style, even fictional characters like Olivia Pope on Scandal! For me it’s more about the style, I am minimalist and I like it when the pieces are classic and can be used for various types of outfits. I love what Olivia Pope wears on Scandal, it’s simple and classic however the colour tones would never work for me with my fair skin. I think it’s important to have a fashion icon that has a similar body type to you since for me the fit of the clothes is the most important feature. You will be the first to know if I have one particular fashion icon!

 How do you put together an outfit or a style?

I used to be awful at putting together outfits because although the outfit looked good it didn't necessarily work for me. I think that's what I have gotten really good at, finding pieces that look good on me and work well together which makes putting together an outfit super easy since almost anything in my closet will work! I never just buy one piece for itself; I buy the piece with an outfit in mind. I am inspired by images online or in magazines but I use those more as a reference when I am shopping, I don't really go out looking for an entire outfit I saw online or anything like that. 

About PRIDE & EGO INC:

"We create timeless, individualistic pieces that are essential parts of every man’s wardrobe.

We focus on creating unique pieces that appeal to style savvy men, while still remaining functional for day-to-day use. We focus on the essential elements which define a quality piece of clothing

PRIDE & EGO strives to create and inspire the finest designs in men’s clothing, coupled with characteristics which unite both elegance and ingenuity"  - PRIDE & EGO 

If you gentlemen have not already given this great company a look , we advice you to do so immediately!  You can check out PRIDE & EGO at www.prideandego.com. We love the concept of this company and adore their outlook on style and the importance of quality. Antonia and the team at PRIDE & EGO are an inspirational group of achievers and we highly recommend you familiarize yourself with this company. You can follow PRIDE & EGO on twitter @PrideAndEgo and on Instagram @prideandego. Also make sure to follow our feature Antonia on twitter @AntoniaStiedaSa  or contact her at antonia@prideandego.com

Fall Fashion Feature

Alright alright, we will admit it, we've been a little too quiet lately. But you just keep your eyes wide open for today's read! Yet again we are blown-n-n away by the amount of talent Ottawa holds. 

However, this piece is a little different as not only did we get the opportunity to learn a little more about Stephano's manager, but we also got the chance to discover a whole new store in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Gentlemen this one is for you!

Fall Fashion Feature:

Ramy Khalaf – Manager at Stephano Menswear & Tailoring

What inspired you to get into fashion?

When my parents first opened a menswear store I wasn't into the industry at all. I would make excuses to dodge spending time at the shop, whereas now I make excuses to stay there. Inspiration comes from many different sources such as other people, magazines, idols/notorious people etc... My inspiration came from all sorts of sources, but mainly from my mother and grandmother.

Ramy Khalaf of Stephano Menswear

These two inspiring women loved beautiful clothes and always defined simple elegance with their outfits; hence why I believe in simple elegance. My Mother had separate bureaus dedicated to her garments, a shoe closet and a big shadow box for her jewels which was given to her from my grandmother. I loved seeing her dressed up every day whether it was for work or grocery shopping. 

We absorb a lot of spoken lessons from mothers but much from what I learned was unspoken. As a kid, she would love to dress me up every day and throw a joke about my future wife. I learned so much from watching her that it became a daily routine. To this day I still ask, " Mom what do you think of this outfit?" 

If you could shop at only one store, what would it be?

If I could shop at only one store it better be one big store full of everything, and I mean everything! I'm the type of guy that won’t have a particular store to shop at or a 'favorite'. I like to pick things out from different places and put them together myself. (qualities of a true stylist!)

What’s your favorite fall fashion trend at the moment?

My favorite fall fashion trends right now would have to be cuffed pants as well as scarves. Whether its cuffed denim or cotton sweatpants, it is a definite weapon of choice that goes well with sneakers or minimal dress shoes. Scarves are just an easy addition to your outfit that simply make you look better. Tie them up in a knot or just toss them on as a blanket, it will warm up your ensemble. 

Who is your fashion icon?

My fashion icon would have to be my favorite basketball player, Dwyane Wade. In my opinion, he is the best dressed NBA player today. From creating new trends and styles to designing his own line of fashion, the man is truly an icon. 

How you put together your daily styles/outfits?

Putting together an outfit should be easy, but ends up taking longer than the whole 'getting ready' process. When it comes to putting an outfit together i just go with the flow but I follow a few key notes I've put together. 

1. Be self-confident.

2. A great outfit doesn't necessarily mean it’s a designer label or high priced. 

3. Make sure what you put on fits your body and personality. 

4. Have a pair of 'kick ass' shoes. I would also like to add a great saying that every man should go by, “The clothes don't make the man; it’s the man that makes the clothes." 

Stephano Menswear & Tailoring is a family owned business based in the city of Ottawa, and is a mainstay for well-dressed men. Stephano offers high-end men’s clothing, footwear and accessories for formal, casual and semi-casual occasions. As well, at Stephano Menswear they use traditional techniques and professional skills to offer their customers complete services. They offer professional on-site tailoring for Men and Women.

Gentlemen, if you need an outfit for a special occasion or if you simply want to look good casually walking down the  streets of Ottawa, then be sure to check out Stephano Menswear instagram account: @stephanomenswear, twitter: @StephanoOttawa, facebook page : Stephano Menswear and Tailoring, and their website: http://stephanomensware.com/