Here is the third and final post from our ”business” trip to New York….

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from simply exploring a cool neighbourhood, hanging out with friends, and soaking up the vibe in a city that is truly one of a kind.

Since the first time my mom took me to ABC Carpets in New York more than ten years ago, I’ve been utterly smitten. To say it has been my inspiration over the years would be a huge understatement. ABC is the pinnacle of awe-inspiring retail. I’ll just let these photos do the talking…

Stay tuned for more adventures in NYC…

I arrived in New York today for a meeting with one of my European suppliers, to discuss an exciting bed linen collection for spring ’11. But in my free time I wanted to do some serious shnooping (shopping & snooping.)
Our first stop was Bergdorf Goodman. Each floor was a statement in elegance. I could not have been more impressed with their selection of designer brands (I picked up a stunning pair of E&J clogs) and with their tasteful merchandising.

Stay tuned for more adventures in shnooping! Tomorrow: Flatiron, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, Soho, Tribeca…

Well, LIV’ers, the time has come to say good-bye to one of our bloggers…the lovely Marta. She has done such a wonderful job over the past six months, helping to establish and grow our little blog. We will miss her, and I’m sure you will, too.

Best of luck to Marta as she focuses on her own blog, With Love…Gabrielle. In the meantime, Julie and I will do our best to keep you up to date on what’s new at LIV!

As I was flipping through my Flare issue I came across a wonderful article on how to pull yourself out of a style rut. It is always a challenge to overcome such an unfortunately stage  therefore I felt the need to share some of the tips.

Here are some of my favorite suggestions that I found to be incredibly useful:

♥ Instead of settling for a pashmina for a night out. Try out a fierce tuxedo or cropped bolero over your LBD.

♥ Go for a cropped blazer with jeans and tee, and ditch the cardi.

♥ Go for pretty ballerinas over sneakers. If you want to kick it up a notch, try out brogues.

♥ Try a nude-toned dress.

♥ Try a long and loose cardi.

♥ Wear an extra long blazer to the office and don’t forget to roll up the sleeves.

♥ Dress up the look with a statement necklace. Or try chandelier earrings.

♥ Check out fashion blogs, magazines and websites from your favorite stores (*wink wink*) to get an idea of what you like and the seasons latest trends.

Have fun with your wardrobe

Until the next post… toodles!

Sources: the fashion spot; fashion gone rogue

There are many ways of making a statement with fashion. There are the risque options that include short hemlines, 6 inch heels or neon make-up. But in the world of everyday, rather than one of fashion, a statement can be as easy as a great piece of jewelry or a perfect black pump! Drastic or dramatic is usually not a part of an everyday life and sticking to comfortable and individual is always the best choice. Dressing up your favorite pair of jeans can be as easy as adding a different pair of ballerinas or a new belt, and dressing up that perfect summer dress can be as quick as a statement necklace or cuff.

Great jewelry is hard to find these days! Not only do you want it to be one-of-a-kind but also practical and  budged friendly. Finding a statement necklace, an intricate cuff or a bold statemet ring can take months but once you do…you will wear  it day in and day out. Plus, that dress that is hiding at the back of your closet is going to come alive as soon as you pair it with a interesting accessories. AND that is the beauty of costume jewelry—it is bold, it is stunning, and it is affordable!

I am wearing: MK2K Dress; Alexis Bittar Necklace  and Cuff; Tai Headband.

These are the ideals that are embodied within the work  of Alexis Bittar (his jewelry is available at Liv by Au Lit). His signature bold pieces made him one of the most influential man in the accessories world with a cult following of  A-listers, such as Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker,  Alicia Keys,  Blake Lively, Rihanna and Madonna.  His pieces are fun and timeless!

Until the next post… toodles!!!

If you’ve been into LIV recently, you may have noticed a small change in the music. We felt it needed to be more in-line with the style and inspiration of the store. Now, you’ll be swept away by lovely french music while perusing through and shopping for your favorite things. Thought this video by french artist, Beatrice Martin from Montreal would give you an idea of what you can expect.

Coeur de pirate || Ensemble from Dare To Care Records on Vimeo.

video via casiestewart.com

PS. Let us know what you think of our new music!

Spring fashion statement: Habs cap!

“There are no happier people on this planet than those who decide that they want something, define what they want, get hold of the feeling of it even before it’s manifestation, and then joyously watch the unfolding, as piece by piece, by piece it begins to unfold. ” — Abraham-Hicks

It is as simple as THANK YOU!!! Happy Mother’s Day

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”

- William Irving

“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”

- Tenneva Jordan

” When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

- Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

“A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.”

-Irish Proverb

“Are we not like two volumes of one book?”

-Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

“You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always wave back. ”

- William D. Tammeus

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY  FROM LIV BY AU LIT!!!

Until the next post….toodles!

Source: Vogue 2008