You may already have heard about Fashion’s Night Out. Here’s what it’s all about:
“In a global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals.”
http://fashionsnightout.com/

FNO, which happens Sept 10th, involves boutiques and department stores in select cities staying open till 11pm and offering all kinds of fabulous events, celebs, and customer service incentives…except discounts. The idea behind it, as per the quote above, is to get people shopping again, without guilt, and without the price slashing consumers have grown used to since the fall of ’08.

At LIV, we have been discussing whether or not to celebrate Fashion’s Night Out by doing our own thing on Sept 10th. As far as we know, Canada is not officially participating, but we love the cause. Here’s more about it from this month’s Vogue:

“So be honest, you’ve missed it, haven’t you? Shopping, I mean…Shopping isn’t even a guilty pleasure anymore; it’s just guilt. Yet since you’ve barely done it these past few months or more, you’ve gradually come to realize what it really means:…the opportunity to express your sense of self and style… Well, enough’s enough. Time to shop with pride again! With FNO, everyone wins. It boosts the industry. If we don’t shop, people lose their jobs – really, it’s as simple as that.”
-Vogue, Sept ’09

Are you ready to shop again? Should we have a party at LIV on Sept 10th in honour of shopping and new fall clothing and reinvigorating the economy? Let us know!

Fall has arrived at LIV and we can’t wait for you to see it. You’ve absolutely GOT to have a Fluxus Cardigan, a hipster plaid shirt and of course a Boyfriend Blazer & Jeans!

We’ve kept some of our best brands from last season like Twill 22, AG, American Vintage, L.A. Made; and we’re excited to introduce some fantastic new lines like Fluxus, Black Orchid, Ben Sherman & James Perse. Check out our FALL/HOLIDAY 09 LOOKBOOK for a small sampling of what you’ll find at LIV this season ….

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue was on Letterman the other night. She kept her rigid exterior for most of the interview but there were a few short-lived moments when I think she may have smiled. Either way it was very entertaining to watch.

P.S. Just found out that it was actually a former personal assistant of Wintour, Lauren Weisberger, who wrote the 2003 bestselling novel The Devil Wears Prada. Interesting… I hope my assistant doesn’t plan on writing a novel about me.

P.S.S. Loved the Carolina Herrera (Resort 2010) dress she wore on the show.

Check out who’s been rocking our favourite boyfriend jean this season. Adriano Goldschmied is our premium denim line which offers fantastic styles and genuine vintage washes. Try them on in store to find your perfect fit.

“We’re asking you to trust in the Well-being. In optimism there is magic. In pessimism there is nothing. In positive expectation there is thrill and success. In pessimism or awareness of what is not wanted, there is nothing. What you’re wanting to do is redefine your relationship with the Stream. We do not ask you to look at something that is black and call it white. We do not ask you to see something that is not as you want it to be and pretend that it is. What we ask you to do is practice moving your gaze. Practice changing your perspective. Practice talking to different people. Practice going to new places. Practice sifting through the data for the things that feel like you want to feel and using those things to cause you to feel a familiar place. In other words, we want you to feel familiar in your joy. Familiar in your positive expectation, familiar in your knowing that all is well, because this Universe will knock itself out giving you evidence of that Well-being once you find that place.”

- Abraham-Hicks

At LIV, we’re all about blending Swedish, French and Californian decor to create a sophisticated but livable space. I was excited when I came across this image of Sophia Coppola’s living room which reflects just that. Her exquisite selection of furniture and accessories are stupendous, and the book filled fireplace adds a beautiful focal point for the room. via apartmenttherapy

Update: Turns out this isn’t really Sophia Coppola’s living room….a bit of a disappointment, but still a beautiful image. Thanks Marcy!

Customers are always asking us about thread-count and how to recognize quality when purchasing their bed linens. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know.

Thread-count has become a popular buzz-word over the years, but very few people know that there are other more important components that make a sheet luxurious and long-lasting.

First, a basic definition: thread-count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Any cotton fabric with a thread-count lower than 150 is considered muslin; decent quality sheets start at 180 thread-count;and anything higher than 200 is called percale. Nowadays, Italian mills are weaving up to 1000 thread-count cotton.

Thread-count is important, but equally significant is where the cotton is grown and where and how it has been woven. Egyptian cotton is acknowledged to be the finest cotton in the world, just as the Italians are renowned for their long-standing tradition of weaving. The softness of your sheets depends more on the quality of the fiber, which is why a 220 thread-count sheet can feel softer than a 500 thread-count sheet that uses an inferior grade of cotton or a twisted thread. (A lower thread-count sheet using Egyptian cotton and woven in Italy will also last longer than a higher thread-count sheet woven from inferior cotton.) Discerning consumers should always look for Egyptian cotton sheets. But be forewarned: labels can be misleading. While numerous brands claim to use Egyptian cotton, their linens may contain as little as one percent. Look for packaging that says 100% or pure Egyptian cotton.

The way in which fabric is woven also has an effect on its feel. Cotton satin sheets, for example, are technically softer than percale sheets. A satin weave has a silky touch and sheen. But that doesn’t mean satin is better than percale. Although high thread-counts have become something of a status symbol, the hand of the fabric – as determined by the finish and the type of weave – is entirely personal.

Peggy Byron, owner of Au Lit Fine Linens, favors her 220 thread-count percale sheets over the best 1000 thread-count cotton satin sheets money can buy. Why? Because she happens to love the crisp, linen-feel of percale, and not the finer feel of a higher thread-count satin.

Though most consumers think thread-count is the way to choose quality bed linens, the truth is, it is the quality of the cotton and where and how it is woven, that matters most.

Only two weeks left to our Semi-Annual White Sale. You’ll find incredible discounts at all our three locations, Au Lit Fine Linens, Au Lit Outlet and LIV by Au Lit. Up to 50% off on end-of-season bedding lines, clothing, furniture and accessories. Our expert sales associates will help you to find whatever you may be looking for this month. REMEMBER THE SALE ENDS AUGUST 31ST!

Image © Sylvain Gaboury / PR Photos

Everyone’s talking about Canadian actress Rachel McAdams and the plunging neckline dress she wore to the premiere of her latest film The Time Traveler’s Wife. We think she looks fantastic! The combination of the shoulder pads with the deep plunge makes it extra fierce. Love it!

Valentino: The Last Emperor, gives us a never before seen view of the man behind the legendary couture label Valentino.

If you’re a fashion lover, designer, or just someone who wants to catch a glimpse of haute couture genius, you must see this film! It’s inspiring, moving and will even make you laugh. Has anyone else seen it? Let me know what you thought.