An anorak is a must for spring and fall 2010…not only is it useful and versatile, but ooh so chic!

Wear it with everything and from morning to night. It is also a perfect transition piece, which will take you from spring/summer to winter/fall.

Even with a cocktail dress it totally works…giving it an effortless look and some “cool-factor”. This is my favorite way to wear it. From day to night, it just works!

I am wearing: Gentle Fawn Dress,$80; Truly by Part Two Anorak, $279; Biko Lila Necklace, $214; Biko Earrings, $60.

All of the furniture and art featured in these images are available at Liv by Au Lit.

Night wear as day wear and vice-versa is always a fun and interesting way to spice up your look. Give it a try!An outfit that can work from day to night is always a benefit. With the busy lives that girlies lead today, a complicated outfit is the last thing that you need to think of.

For day keep it simple, but for evening do have fun with  jewelry!

Keep it simple, keep it fun, and just enjoy how fabulous you look!

Until the next post… toodles!!!

This season is all about separates, or so called pieces. From Stella McCartney’s pleated khakis, Lower’s leather skirts, Givenchy’s harem pants and to Chloé’s androgynous trouser, shirts and capes.Although  dresses are always going to be  summer essentials; this season separates are the go-to-pieces.

Among them is the ooh soo fabulous menswear staple that has a throw-on-and-go ease: The Boyfriend Blazer!!!

How can you not love it? When it is an alpha and omega of spring/summer wardrobe. This baby tops all! Wear it with bold jewelry and sexy stilettos for a feminine touch! Or pair it with a flirty dress for a date night

I am wearing: MK2K Dress($ 225); Central  Park West Blazer($175); Tai Hairclip ($39)

The boyfriend blazer is here to stay!

Until the next post…. toodles!!!

Source: Harper's Bazaar

I just had to share this beautiful editorial from March’s Harper’s Bazaar Russia. I figured that it would be a crime if I kept something so beautiful just to myself. With snowy days, here’s a little something to get you through a freezing day. And of course, give you something to look forward to… beautiful spring/summer fashions and warm weather

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Spring time would not be spring time without a beautiful trench coat…

For me a  classic trench is one of the most important pieces in the closet. It goes with everything and could be worn during any season. It is an “investment” that is worth making.

The trench coat was first created by Thomas Burberry for the British army officers in World War I. It was designed to keep them warm and dry in the trenches (hence the name), and every element of the coat had  a purpose. The waterproof fabric and removable wool lining made it serviceable in all weather; the epaulettes were originally used to hold gloves or service hats; the D-rings on the belt were made to secure grenades; the huge pockets were meant to hold maps and extra ammo. And through unnecessary today, these utilitarian details are maintained in the modern coat.

I am wearing: Ben Sherman Trench;442 McAdam Leather Purse; Part Two Scarf; Tai Headband (everything available at Liv by Au Lit)

From it’s humble beginnings with the officers to the glitz and glam of fashion royalty, Burberry trend is iconic!. With every season new designs and interpretations of this classic are available on the market…

…and these are my favorite from Spring 2010 runways!

• Fresh and Fun at Marc by Marc Jacobs.
• Romantic and Charming at Cynthia Steffe.
• Daring and Bold at  3.1. Philip Lim.
• Simple and Casual at Milly.
• Classic re-invented at Burberry Prorsum.

From casual to evening wear a trench coat will keep you looking mysterious and classic!

Until the Next Post…. Toodles!!!

Source: style.com; Nina Garcia " Little Black Book of Style" ( available at Liv by Au Lit)

Spring is just around the corner and lots of goodies are coming in…among them is this new collection by a fabulous Canadian designer.

Allow me to introduce you to 442 McAdam… a line of luxury bags created by the talented Sarah Shell.The line  features a beautiful selection of handbags,clutches, travel bags, and unisex messenger bags made of  genuine cowhide leather and brass hardware.  The detailing and design are absolute perfection.

Colors and textures are rich, infusing these bohemian silhouettes with luxury and elegance. The bags are made to withstand wear and weight – durability is guaranteed. The inner portion is complete with organization pockets, magnetic closures, and an attached keychain clasp.

- 442 McAdam

As for the outfit, I was thinking a casual Starbucks run. Comfortable and yet undeniably stylish. I paired a beautiful windbreaker meets uptown zip up bomber (La Fée Maraboutée  Paris  jacket, $207) with a pair of simple black skinnies (Black Orchid Skinny Jeans, $153)  and of course a simple tee.  A Parisian touch never hurts anyone and this jacket definitely does the trick with its understated simplicity and delicate charm! To take a step farther a perfect little rosette headband (Tai Rosette Headband, $ 69) and you’re ready for your coffee break looking and of course feeling fabulous!

Tip:  Always wear a headband when having a bad hair day. Not only will it solve the problem but make you look prim and proper. Your dilemma will be solved and you will look effortless and chic (and itsn’t that the look we are all going for?!)

Look forward to more goodies from 442 McAdam as well as more outfits in the up-and-coming posts….Also, be sure to check back next week!!! After all, it is Valentines Day and  I have few ideas up my sleeve. See you in a bit!

Until the next post…toodles!

” I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity—all I hope for in my clothes.”

- Yves Saint Laurent

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In the 1850s, Levi Strauss started selling rugged blue jeans to gold miners in San Francisco, who needed pants that were durable and comfortable. In 1837, Jacob Davis, and a tailor from Reno, Nevada, contacted Strauss with the idea to rivet the pockets to make the design stronger; the two men went into business, patented the improved pants, and stepped into history. Today, over a hundred years since Strauss and Davis took out the patent, blue jeans have grown from being just a practical pair of pants to being one of the sexiest and seductive articles of clothing imaginable.  The Little Black Book of Style, Nina Garcia ( available at Liv by Au Lit, $25.99)

For me, jeans are essential. I can’t live without them. However, finding a perfect pair is not an easy task.  It is a mission impossible, but once it is made possible your whole wardrobe comes together. Finding a pair that will make the best of your figure,your behind and your closet is a challenge. But it is a challenge that is worth pursuing. So I’ve decided to share with you a few tips that I picked up from Victoria Beckham (That Extra Half an Inch). I find them to be very helpful and always keep them in mind when shopping for a new pair:

Check the Waistband

♥ The waistband shouldn’t be too thick and heavy because it will dig painfully into your hips.

♥ Look for jeans that are cut higher at the back so not only do they not gape but also they don’t give you builder’s bottom every time you sit down.

Get the Length Right

♥ With heels, the bottom of your jeans should just skim your toes.

♥ If your jeans are long enough for heels, they are going to drag a bit with flats but that really doesn’t matter.

♥ If you can afford it, though, it’s good to have one pair for heels and one for flats, but do not make a mistake of getting your “flats jeans” too short.

No Bagging

♥ No bagging around knees and bottom.

♥ Make sure that the jeans have a bit of stretch to them (but not too much that they bag), are narrow around the leg and give shape to the bottom instead g squashing it down.

Sizing

♥ Whatever your size, it’s important to firstly try your jeans on to make sure they fit, and secondly buy the right size regardless of the number ( you can always cut out the  label at home).

A Style No-No

♥ Stay away from the bleached out faded patches under the bottom and on the front thighs.

♥ Do not display your undies.

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PICK IT UP AT LIV BY AU LIT

♥ AG ( Adriano Goldschmie) Denim  as seen on Zoe Saldana

♥ James Jeans as seen on Blake Lively

♥ Blank Denim as seen on Megan Fox in Transformers 2

♥ Black Orchid Denim as seen on Jessica Alba

♥ DL 1961 as seen on Mena Suvari

Until the  next post… toodles!!!

Sources: An Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham;

 The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia; Jak&Jil; google images

INSPIRATION…

” Between the high, gathered waist, slouchy cut, and cropped leg, there’s a lot going on with these super-hot harem-style pants—and at first glance, they definitely seem tricky. But that’s the beauty of them: They’re unique enough that you don’t need anything else to look chic. You’re the girl rocking those cool pants in a roomful of boot-cut denim and overly thought-out accessories! That’s a very cool thing to be. Here’s the best part: They’re actually very flattering. The pegged leg (paired with a high heel—always) makes you seem all coltish and long-limbed. The important thing is to let them be the star of the outfit. ”

- Elle

IMITATION….

I was not quite comfortable with this trend last season, but this time around I have built up enough courage to give it a go! Surprisingly, the pants are much easier to wear than they look…I say give them a try! Step outside your comfort zone… you might be pleasantly surprised.

Until the next post… toodles!

Sources: fashion spot; elle.

“Winter Rut”…I say nonsense! Ladies, cheer up! Winter really isn’t all that bad… and although the majority of our fashion choices are a reflection of our state of mind (such as feeling down), it is actually quite easy to spark that creative note. I promise! Yes, winter is cold. And yes, you can still look fabulous throughout it. All you need is a little inspiration and a positive outlook.

Think of it as a challenge… a possibility to further develop your own personal style. Plus, I think that winter is the time to stand out and not blend it. It is your chance to be fabulous and shine, while everyone else is complaining about how cold it is and how hard it is to wear anything other than Uggs and thermal hoodies. It’s time for us to embrace the beauty of Canadian winters and put our best (and warmest!) foot forward!!!!

Here are some things to look forward to and to be inspired by….WHY NOT BE FABULOUS??? Inspire and Be Inspired!!!!

♥ When Feeling Down Think of Shoes!

♥ Put Your Best Foot Forward

♥ Play Dress-up with Your Man – take him shopping, make it all about him. Spoil your man ( think of the many times, he has spoiled you). It is a very rewarding experience.

♥ Create a Cozy Nook … where you can catch up on your reading, or just relax over a cup of tea while.

( Furniture available at LIV by Au Lit)

♥ Prada Spring 2010

♥  Find  a Perfect Pair of Jeans - the hardest challenge, but with the greatest reward.

( such as this pair of fabulous Black Orchid skinnies, available at Liv by Au Lit)

♥ Have Fun with Accessories

♥ Cozy Up in a Super Warm Sweater Dress

♥ Wear Your Favorite Coat

♥ Burberry Spring 2010

♥ Embrace the Beauty of Winter… it is actually quite beautiful!!!

” FASHION CAN BE BOUGHT. STYLE ONE MUST POSSESS.”

- Edna Woolman Chase

P.S. Always remember that you’re fabulous!!!

Until the next post.. toodles!

Sources: fashion gone rogue; fashion spot; google images; jak&jil; the sartorialist; sea of shoes

Spring is just around the corner ( well, not literary…of course, as  I do live in Canada) but the runways are  filled with inspiration and wonderful ideas! No matter how strange this might sound, looking through spring shows when I am feeling down  is my “cold-therapy”! I look at the beautiful flow-y dresses, adorable sandals and perfect little shorts…and create a list of all the things I’d like to buy before spring arrives. After all, I do want to be prepared and look my best Silly, but absolutely true! To be quite honest, I do this every season…. in the summer I obsess over fall shows and in the winter over spring, it is a cycle of constant desire for the unattainable…with weather that is, because I firmly believe that style and fashion are very attainable!

My favorite trend for this season is the  LOLITA LOOK!!!! With its innocent but sexually charged appeal it’s hard to resist throwing your hair into two messy ponytails, smearing on some berry lipstick and being a total “doll”.

Youthful… sweet…innocent… but provocative!

♥ Tiny Shorts à la Marc by Marc Jacobs et Prada

♥ Girl-y Dresses à la Luella et Christopher Kane

♥ Fabulous Trench Coat with a cute scarf  à la Louis Vuitton

♥ Hair Bows à la  Marc by Marc Jacobs et Luella

♥ Candy Colored Make Up à la Marc by Marc Jacobs, Luella et Prada

♥ Sassy Ponytails à la Prada

♥ Flirty Braids à la Miu Miu et Alexander Wang

♥ Theatrical details à la Anna Sui(mask), Yves Saint Laurent (hair cap) et Chanel (glasses).

♥ Kiddie  Jewelry à la  Anna Sui (cat necklace), Marc by Marc Jacobs ( colorful beads) et Yves Saint Laurent ( strawberry earnings).

♥ Kitten Heels  à la Luella

♥ Flats à la Anna Sui

♥ Mary Jane’s and Platforms à la Miu Miu

♥ Polka-dots  à la Luella

♥ Candy and Pastel  Colors à la Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu et Luella

♥ Bows and Flowers à la Luella et Anna Sui

♥ Cutesy Graphics ( flowers,birds and kitten) à la Miu Miu.

I find this look to be very refreshing, cheerful and young. Just fabulous and definitely something to look forward to this spring….

Until the next post…toodles!

Sources: style.com; jak&jil.

BOOKS…some will cringe at the thought, but most are delighted by their beauty and charm.

“Reading is one of  life’s greatest  pleasures, affording  us the opportunity  to immerse ourselves in different places, events and lives…As referring sources they satisfy our curiosity, answer questions, and offer the perfect recipe.”

LOVING BOOKS

A book can take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride, to a different universe, inside Coco Chanel’s studio, teach you the latest in Italian cuisine, or break down the basics of a perfect outfit.  There is a book for everyone… and that, I am convinced of! Personally, I love all kinds of books… but my absolute favorite are classic novels, the ones that withstood the test of time, the ones that are a part of  history. However, I am always reading something on art or architecture…at times for joy, but mostly for university. And of course, on the other side of  the spectrum are my other favorites: fashion and lifestyle books!!! Easy to read…easy to enjoy…and always offer something new to learn!

Here are some of my favorites lifestyle and fashion books…to add a touch of fabulous to your life.

♥ The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia ( available at Liv for $25.99)

♥  The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia ( available at Liv for $27.99)

♥ That Extra Half and Inch by Victoria Beckham

♥ The Lucky  Shopping Manual by  Kim France and  Andrea Linett ( available at Liv for $33)

♥ The Lucky Guide to  Mastering Any Style by  Kim France and  Andrea Linett ( available at Liv for $33)

♥ The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by  Karen Karbo

♥  Secrets of  Gorgeous by Esther Blum (available at Liv for $16.95)

♥ Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style by Tim Gunn

♥  Style by Kate Spade ( available at Liv for $30)

♥ The Sartorialist by  Scott Schuman  ( available at Liv for $31)

♥ Vintage Shopping by  Melody Fortier ( available at Liv for $24.95)

LIVING WITH BOOKS

If you’re a book lover and a collector ( like me) this book will make your day… Living with Books by Alan Powers ( available at Liv for $25.95)! The book is fantastic, filled with many ways to incorporate books into your home décor. I honesty freaked out when I saw it… I’ve always love to display my books as they add that perfect touch of personality to any space; but this book just takes it to a whole new level.

♥   In  a home library, form meets function. Shelves with grid of multi-sized compartments  are appealing architectural elements that are also  hardworking. Take advantage of horizontal  surfaces such as tables, to display  striking  covers and binding.

♥ To enhance a stunning contemporary living room, a collection of beautiful volumes is neatly tucked into a sleek paneled wall unit. Here, their bright colors add vibrant note without disturbing  the overall harmony  of the setting.

♥ Don’t forget to make good use of odd spaces, from stairs and landings to hallways. Try mixing  books with other objects, such as collectibles and pottery,  to create character, charm  and interest.

♥ A  wrought iron stand in the kitchen is a lovely and  effective  solution for storing cookbooks alongside bottles, plants and other knick and knacks. Under the  counter space is another great option.

All  that I can say now… is have fun!

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Souces: fashion gone rogue; fashion spot; sarah klassen; this is glamorous.