Archive for the ‘Inspiration’ Category

When stuck in a style rut…

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

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
- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Costume Jewelry with Bittar and MK2K…

Friday, May 14th, 2010

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!!!

- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Classic White Shirt….

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

A classic white shirt is a staple.  It is a key to American style as blue jeans. It is simplicity at its best! A perfectly tailored white shirt evokes an air of cool and soigné sophistication. It’s up to you whether to go for a more fitted version or crisp, slightly over-sized style. Either look is always very flattering and effortless.

A fitted shirt should skim your body, with no gaping at the bust or pulling across the shoulders, and you should be able to move your arms freely.

An over-sized shirt should not overwhelm your body and always look crisp.

Such as James Perse shirts that are available at Liv by Au Lit. With their timeless appeal and modern touch, you won’t be able to take them off!

The white shirt has endured decade after decade. Any time a cool girl or a designer throws a man’s shirt into the mix, we are reminded of the power that comes with that crisp simplicity. And is there anything quite so sensual as seeing a woman in a man’s white shirt?

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Books Consulted for this post: The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia  and The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia ( both books are available at Liv by Au Lit).
Image source: the fashion spot
- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Because of summer…

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Summer…who doesn’t love it? With clear skies, sunny days, and family weekends…it is hard not to admit that summer is the best season! It is family time that is bound to create memories that will never be forgotten. As we are blessed with stunning weather this year, I couldn’t help but want to share some beautiful inspiration with you!

This breathtaking editorial from  Vogue Spain, pretty much sums up why summer is the BEST :) Breezy clothing, carefree attitude, fun activities, romance, and most importantly family time!

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- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

LIV’s top 5 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

We wanted to share some of our top Gift Ideas for your mom this Mother’s Day.

1-”Mother & Child Companion” Book
Excellent choice for a new mom. It’s a great resource for stories, fun projects and recipes. Love the retro cover!

2-Dogeared Necklace
You can’t go wrong with Dogeared. Not only is the jewelry beautiful, but each piece also comes with a special message which makes it perfect for gift giving.

3-Lollia Bath Products
Most moms could use a little pampering! We have a wide variety of Lollia products to choose from. Soaps, handcreams, bubble baths, candles… she won’t be able to get enough of these pretty packages and sensational scents.

4-Luxury Bath Robe
Another great way to pamper her is with this luxurious hotel-style waffle bath robe. Crisp, clean and very cozy!

5-LIV by Au Lit Gift Card
And last but not least, let Mom pick out exactly what she wants with a LIV gift card!

- xo, Julie

Julie Brown is Assistant Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Designing, buying and visual merchandising with latte in hand.

From the Streets of Toronto…

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

The city of Toronto is filled with people of great taste and fascinating personalities.Toronto’s street style is the reflection of how awesome Torontonians really are. Amongst many, my favorite images are snapped by the amazing photographers behind Fashion Magazine, Elle Canada, Textstyles, and TorontoVerve. Their work reflects the true essence of our city’s style.

Dressing well is a way of integrating and expressing your personality; it’s a way of finding out about yourself and expressing the knowledge to the world at large. It may not be as complex or revelatory as making a painting or writing a book, but it’s an honest, meaningful method of distinguishing yourself from the pack. And when you’re heading out on your own, it’s always best to carry a map.”

- The Handbook of Style

” What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.”

- Miuccia Prada

” Clothes make the ma. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”

- Mark Twain

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- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Fluxus Vest…celebs must-have!

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Certain trends come and go but vests are here to stay. They have been around for ages, and the season 2010  is no exception.This classic borrowed from our beloved men  is not only adorable but absolutely practical.

First of all, vests are inclusive. You can accentuate or conceal your figure depending on how it’s worn (snugly buttoned up, loosely layered). There are a great variety of styles (low-cut, double-breasted, boyish), so finding one that suits your frame shouldn’t be challenging. Secondly, vests are flexible. For example, you can throw one over a dress to give your look a casual vibe or slip a t-shirt or button-down under a vest for more coverage. And finally, vests easily refresh any outfit by providing a new focal point.

My favorite example of vest-looking-irresistibly-cute is on Olivia Palermo.  From office to everyday, she wears them perfectly!

Get it at Liv

Fluxus clothing is definitely Tinseltown’s favorite brand for casual burnout tees, cardis and vest. Although dressier versions have been popular thanks to the likes of  Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, lately young starlets have been keeping  in casual in their Fluxus cotton vests.

I am wearing: Fluxus cotton vest; Fluxus burnout tee; Black Orchid Skinny Jeans; Tai Hairclip; 442 McAdam Clutch ( All available at Liv by Au Lit)

Until the next post… toodles!!!!

Sources: whowhatwear.com; in style magazine; fashion gone rogue
- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Mommy’s Mini-Me…

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

I just couldn’t resist this editorial it is just so cute!

Mommy’s mini-me :) The combination of chic mom and the best dressed kiddies is just too precious! Every time I see a mother-son or a mother-daughter duo dressed alike it just makes my day.

So here’s a little inspiration for you and your little mini-me…Enjoy!!!

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- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

Happy Easter from Liv by Au Lit…

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it!!!!! Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather :)

In the spirit of all things Easter…cute, bunny, pastels, and totally adorable… I just had to share this gorgeous Avoca hoody!!! How can anyone resists stripes…well,maybe it’s just me, as I am completely obsessed with them.

I am wearing: Avoca Hoody (available at Liv); Black Orchid Jeans (available at Liv);  Tai Headband (available at Liv)

The colors and the shape is just too precious. Ideal for this weather! It is an easy throw on and go piece. I must admit that Avoca’s clothing line is probably one of my favorite! The styles and colors are just so beautiful. The detailing is also impeccable, definitely worth checking out :)

Wishing Everyone a Beautiful Sunday Afternoon!

Until the next post…toodles!!!


Image courtesy everything fabulous blog
- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

All White Everything (…with touches of pink).

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

For me, there’s something about an all white interior, it’s undeniably tranquil. From linens to side-tables, white tone on tone is a simple way to achieve a clean and luxurious style. I know what you’re thinking, ‘with my busy lifestyle, how am I suppose to KEEP IT ALL WHITE!’. Honestly, with slip-covered furniture and white linens it’s so easy to just throw it all into the wash with a little bleach or oxi-clean to freshen it up every so often.

How do you feel about all whites? Come into LIV and we’ll help you achieve the look!

White Bedroom
White Bedroom
White Bedroom
White Bedroom
White Bedroom
Images via apartmenttherapy.com

- xo, Julie

Julie Brown is Assistant Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Designing, buying and visual merchandising with latte in hand.