January’s issue of Harper’s Bazaar was full of amazing ideas on how to revive and revamp yourself this coming year.My favorites are the easy pick-me-up products that are budget-friendly and fabulous.

• Pump Up Polish

Imitate the high impact nails at Rag & Bone by modernizing your manicure with a new nail lacquer.

• Fake Great Skin

The quickest way to get perfect skin is to apply foundation with the Tempu Airbrush Makeup System.

• Shape Your Brows

A good brow shaping can rejuvenate your face. Go to a pro to find the arch and thickness that suits you best.

• Paint Your Pout

Break free of your rosy-plum gloss and try a pretty shimmer lipstick to brighten your face.

• Tailor Your Own Scent

A custom fragrance is a modern, affordable luxury that shows off your individual style. Many beauty boutiques now offer this service.

• Boost Your Smile

Who doesn’t feel more confident when her teeth are whiter? A bright smile also makes you look younger.

• Get Sexy, Shiny Hair

Wish you could have perfect strands right out of the shower? Ask your salon about the Brazilian Blowout, a new keratin treatment that smooths, adds softness, and eliminates frizz for months

At times the smallest things make the largest difference…. Enjoy yourself and be fabulous!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until the next post… toodles !!!

I know Christmas is supposed to be about goodwill and family and the birth of blah blah blah, but for me it’s also about good old fashioned fashion! That’s right, materialism folks. Check out what Santa brought me this morning…

Rockin my Christmas gifts from head to toe!

Hooded jacket G1 Supply Co; watch Michael Kors; shades Marc by Marc Jacobs; scarf Degaine. (Song in my head: Run this Town by Jay-Z!)

Merry Christmas! Stay tuned for my next post…Christmas in Maine…

♥ SIP IN THE COUTURE & SAVOR THE SEASON!!!!♥

Be Fabulous, Be You!!!!

Sources:  Lana Frankel; fashion gone rogue

With Christmas Eve slowly passing by and New Year’s just around the corner…your fabulous self will be attending countless holiday parties. However, it is important to keep in mind that a wonderful party is half the work of the hostess and the other half is up to the guest ( you!)  In order to be a fabulous guest you “need to understand the unstated rules of behavior. A little attention to such things as table manners and party-guest decorum might seem old-fashioned, but when you know how to eat your soup and oysters without ruining your clothing, when you can elegantly negotiate demanding dinner-party conversation, it will pay off times over.”

How to be a perfect guest:

• RSVP immediately.
• Always greet the hostess and thank her for the invitation.
• Offer to help out the hostess.
• Do not get too flirty.
• Do not smoke inside.
• Try not to be the first or last to leave the party.
• Send a thank you  note or e-mail after the event. It is a very cute way to say thank you!
• Bring a gift with you. How about giving some lovely soap or hand cream in beautiful packaging ( check out our Mor cosmetic line for ideas) or maybe a plant in a pot, macaroons or a must-read book.

• If you spilled a drink or broke something, offer to pay for the cleaning or mending.
• If you forgot someone’s name, apologize immediately but not dramatically.
• Wait until everyone is seated before starting to eat.
• Rest you fork and knife between bites so you do not rush your food.
• Try not to leave food on your plate, as this could offend you hostess.
• For more tips and tricks check out : Tiffany’s Table Manners for Teenagers by Walther Hoving ( available at Liv for $22); Occasions and Manners by Kate Spade ( available at Liv for $30).

How to be the most stylish guest:

• Black tie: “You are to become a butterfly.Wear bold colors, wear fabulous jewelry, wear anything that helps you make a statement and an entrance.”
• Cocktail attire: ” This means a short dress.Pull out that fabulous short dress, your killer high heels, your funkier jewelry. Big cocktail rings are made for this dress code.
• Dressy Casual: ” This means pants are okay but no jeans. Fun tops are great, but don’t do a T-shirt.
• Casual: “It means anything goes. But not for you. Someone is extending an invitation to you, to make the effort. Have fun with it.”
• For more tips and tricks check out: The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia (available at Liv for $25.99);  Style by Kate Spade (available at Liv for $30); The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style by Kim France and Andrea Linett ( available at Liv$33).

HAVE A TON OF FUN AND REMEMBER TO BE FABULOUS!!!!

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Sources: how to live like a lady by sarah tomczak; the little black book of style by nina garcia.

Our Boxing Week Sale officially starts December 26th, but for our blog reader’s it starts today! Here’s the rundown:

All clothing 10 – 70% (on new arrivals and brands like Fluxus, James Perse, Clu, American Vintage, Kersh, Black Orchid, AG, Blanks, DL1961, Alexis Bittar, Wendy Minkoff), linens 20 – 50%, furniture 10 – 50%, pillows & duvets 20%, all accessories including books, soaps and jewelry 10% off!

It is definitely worth checking out, you’ll be happy you stopped by!

Holiday dinner… a heartwarming tradition and a nerve-racking task - for the hostess that is!!!

The joy of having the entire family at your table and being able to impress each and every one of your guests is no easy task, BUT…if you do it well, then there is no greater reward than having a house full of delighted company So in order to make your sailing a little smoother…here are so tips and tricks!!!

How to be a perfect hostess:

• Consider the guest list. You want a pleasant evening rather than one filled with  drama.
• Think of the venue. A cozy dinner or a big bash?
• Consider your menu. casual or fancy?
• Consider your invitations.  For a casual get-together a cute e-mail/text is fine. However, a beautiful invitation indicates that it a chic event ( be warned ). Plus, who has the time to send cards these days… a perfect hostess does!
• When setting a table keep things simple and chic.
• Table arrangement should not dominate the table, they are there to accentuate it.
• Candlelight makes everything look prettier.
• Allow for about half a bottle of wine per guest, but always have more…just in case.
• Wine and beer are great choices, but take a step farther by creating a signature drink.

• Stock up on coffee and tea, don’t forget to pick up a caffeine-free option as well.
• If it is a large party, be sure to make conversation with everyone.
• Introduce everyone to each other.
• Remember to always stay calm and graceful, no matter how dramatic the  situation gets.
• HAVE FUN And ENJOY YOUR COMPANY!!!!

How to look like a perfect hostess:

• Of course by looking irresistibly elegant.
• And the key to elegance is simplicity.
• Wear something that is comfortable.
• Make sure it makes you feel confident, aka little black dress.
• It is your party and you can wear anything your little heart desires.
• Always have Tide Pen to Go, either for you or your guest. Opsy moment happen too often.
• Wear a comfortable heel, a perfect host is always on-top of things and that does require a bit of running around.

BE FABULOUS…. BE YOU!!!!

Until the next post…toddles

Sources: how to live like a lady by sarah tomczak

National Post’s Retail Therapy recently did a fantastic write up on LIV. Check it out here!

Last night we had our holiday party and it ROCKED! Peggy (aka Mom) cooked up a feast. We ate, drank, wore moustaches and were merry! Julie and I are going on hiatus for a couple of weeks (I’m off to Maine for some R&R) but Marta will keep the blog going until our return.

Happy holidays friends, fans + followers! See you in Twenty-Ten!!

xo

Au Lit Gals

Team LIV + Jessie (future team LIV)

Still sober...

...but not for long!

Our men: BEFORE

AFTER

 

Still funny!

Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!

Who wouldn’t want some Mor? It’s a fantastic line of beauty cosmetics! They carry everything from lotions, body butters, soaps, candles and now they’re even doing lip balm (we love the balm). Every season, Australian designers Dianna Burmas and Deon St.Mor, continuously refine their range, sourcing new ingredients & innovation to capture the essence of luxury and well-being. Their products are really good quality, we always get a great response from our clients and to top it of, each item is wrapped in the most exquisite packaging. You’ll want it just for how good it’ll look in your bathroom. Here are some of our favorites from their current collection which are of course, available at LIV:

Need a hostess gift or just a great gift idea? Their Marshmallow line is probably our most popular and it’s now available in a gift set! Includes: Hand cream, lip balm & soap $60.

Isn’t it all so pretty! Oh, and check out this sweet message they got from one of their famous fans, very cool!

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