We’re back in Toronto now, but here are some shots of an antiquing expedition to my favourite shop in Kennebunk.

I love this piece! You may see it at LIV soon

Idea for a new collection?

Here are some of my favourite ‘must have’ accessories for spring…

The Jaqueline bag $108...Sold out on the first day, but more on the way!

Big Buddha's Brooke bag $120

Orange is so hot this season...$108

An amazing spring tote...$120

Taylor bag $114

Do you have your spring scarf yet? These light gauzy scarves are $48

Teal scarf $48

Dogeared jewellry

Spending March Break at the family compound in Kennebunk. Here are some snaps from Day 1. I love it here!

Back to the back to the beach

Waddling through town

Hitting TARGET!

Tomorrow…the Outlets!

Check out this link about Top Ten Trends this season…I LOVE the safari look!

http://www.stylebakery.com/style-recipes/top_10_spring_trends_2009_safari.html

And now go and check out LIV’s offering of this top ten trend!

L.A Made Safari jacket $135

Love it with the scarf

A shorter version of the L.A Made jacket $114

Today we dressed mannequins…This is my favourite outfit of the day!

How cool is this skirt?

“What about creating a very obvious positive current of financial abundance? What about getting so good at visualizing, that the money flows through you easily? What about expending money? Giving more people work? Giving more people opportunity? The more you spend, the more people benefit, and the more people get in on the game and dovetail with you. Your role is to utilize the energy. That’s why you exist. You are an energy-flowing being, a focuser, a perceiver. You are a creator.”

- Abraham-Hicks

Walking into LIV...

Fashion meets the cottage

If you’ve dropped by LIV recently, you may have noticed some significant changes in the look of the store since our opening. Our original vision was for LIV to be a “lifestyle” store. What exactly does that mean?
I’m not even sure myself! And I think you weren’t sure either. Let’s probe a little deeper into the concept of “lifestyle…”

Nearly a year ago, we set out to sell equal parts furniture, clothing and linens, and had no idea what to expect. I’ve mentioned in this blog before that clothing was by far the runaway bestseller – interesting, considering we are Au Lit and known for linens! Nevertheless, in response to your feedback, we began several months ago to edit and refine our product offering so that when you walk through the doors of LIV, not only will you be blown away by the products and the merchandising, but you will also know WHO WE ARE.

I am prepared here and now to go out on a limb and officially state that, if anything, LIV is more of a clothing store than anything else. But don’t worry. We are not going to become just another generic women’s apparel shop. We will continue to bring you the most creative merchandising, an ecclectic and varied selection of accessories (such as our famous teacups, French soaps and our tables piled with books) and most importantly, the kind of unparalleled customer service that always makes you feel special and happy. We are still committed to selling furniture and linens, but only as they relate to the hottest fashions each season.

We will continue to sell special vintage pieces and charming furniture from France, but they will be part of a story and serve to enhance our clothing vignettes. For instance, soft, rumpled linen is HOT this season…both in fashion and in bedding, so we’re featuring a stunning scene with washed linen bedding, French furniture and pretty linen tops and dresses.

Similarly, denim is always a winner for the cottage, and we’ve found a way to incorporate an amazing denim bed into our jeans department. This is what excites me…the fusion of fashion and home decor. And believe me, they always influence each other. That, I suppose, is what it means to be a lifestyle store.

Can a clothing store also be a lifestyle store? Absolutely. Come and check out LIV, and see for yourself.

And there are still so many exciting ideas we want to implement! We are planning to introduce our coffee bar soon (in which the mugs and tea cups and dishware you eat and drink from will also be for sale – as well as the tables you will be sitting at!) Also coming soon is a children’s play area, so if you’re strolling with your kids, they will be able to play happily while you shop.

THAT is what we mean by our tag line: Who we are, what we love, how we live.

We want to keep exceeding your expectations, listening to your feedback, creating and innovating, and re-inventing retail. So please, let us know what you think.

Denim...the perfect fit, in your home & on your body

I am so excited about the spring season at LIV – the clothing, the lookbook, the merchandising. Julie and Robbie (and okay…me too) have outdone themselves transforming the store. I don’t want to give too much away because I want you to VISIT us! But you will not be disappointed. The clothing is really sensational and with the glorious weather today, there was such an uplifting, happy spring vibe in the air.

We’d love for you to check it out this weekend, so we’re going to entice you with a sale on all new spring clothes! Just print or mention this blog entry, or the e-mail you might have received if you’re in our database, and we will be happy to extend a 20% discount. Hope to see you soon!