Archive for the ‘Must Haves’ Category

Boyfriend Blazer…here to stay!

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

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
- 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 Trench…from WWI to Spring 2010!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

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!

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Until the Next Post…. Toodles!!!


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

Invest in the bones, the Nina Garcia way…

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

The bones of your wardrobe are those essential staples that go with almost anything, never go out of style, and are endearingly chic… These ten staples transcend time, trends, and travel. They can go from day to night, season to season, and they can still be worn five years from now.

- Nina Garcia

A Trench Coat

The best part of the trench coat is that it makes you instantly mysterious. Wear it with big sunglasses if you want to really channel your inner detective, spy, or fugitive.

Ben Sherman Trench (available at Liv by Au Lit)

The Little Black Dress

The little black dress is the dress that is going to let you shine—it is going to flatter you, but it is not going to detract from the rest of you.

Gentel Fawn Dress (available at Liv by Au Lit)

A Classic Men’s Shirt

The classic white shirt is as key to American style as blue jeans. It is chic and simple. Practical and unpretentious.

American Vintage Shirt ( available at Liv by Au Lit)

Cashmere Cardigan or Turtleneck

In all kinds of weather and for any kind of occasion, throwing on cashmere makes you feel instantly luxe.

Left of Houston Cardi ( available at Liv by Au Lit)

Denim

There is something about jeans that gives a girl an aura of instant style.

AG Jeans (available at Liv by Au Lit)

A Man’s Classic Watch

Women’s watches tend to change according to trends, but a classic men’s watch is timeless and looks great on a woman’s wrist.

Jak & Jil photo

Diamonds

You can’t go wrong here.Big girls need big diamonds.

Tiffany&Co Diamonds


Ballet Flats

There are a few moments when you have to give your heels the boot in the name of practicality or shopping strategy.

Christian Louboutin Flats

A Classic High-Heel Pump

The red stille wil get more attention, but the black pump will let the other pieces of your outfit speak, which is sometimes just what you need from a shoe

Christian Louboutin Pumps

A Great Bag

Like a shoe, you should have at least one bag that will go with your anywhere.

Rebecca Minkoff Handbags (available at Liv by Au Lit)

OWN THEM. HAVE THEM, LOVE THEM. THIS IS YOUR FOUNDATION: YOUR LOOK IS BUILT UPON THIS LIST.

More amazing ideas and strategies can be found in Ninca Gacria’s ” Little Black Book of Style” and ” The Style Strategy” (both available at Liv by Au Lit.)

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.

So Dainty…

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Nothing says spring and summer like flowers!!!

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A feminine print adds a delicate touch to an otherwise simple dress, a bold flower adds a touch of character to a cocktail ring, a flower in the hair gives women careless and free attitude.

I would like to share with you my favorite accessory, hair bands and clips…. Tai hair piece are so beautiful and original…they are bound to end up on my vanity :P

I am wearing: Tai triple flower headband, $54

I am wearing: Tai  Barrette jersey hair clip, $39

Wearing a pretty hair  clip makes a dull outfit look cute and simple, meanwhile adding bold headband can make an entire outfit come to life. I wear headbands 24/7 especially during those hot summer days aka frizzy-and-flat-hair. Floral headband adds a girlish touch that is seen all of over the spring 2010 runways. Add a beautiful flower to your nail this spring and summer!

Ladies, have fun this spring and summer with flower-power… :)

Until the next post….toodles!!!

Source: Vogue Russia

- 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.

442 McAdam with a touch of Starbucks…

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

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!

- 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.

Discover FLuXuS…

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Inspired by  the mid-century art movement and Los Angeles inner-city culture, FLuXuS breaks away from  tradition and encourages  the advancement of self-expression through fashion. It was  embodied art in every garment  created since 2007, incorporating  simple but tactile materials such as jersey cotton, tri-blend and the signature hand off the burnout  in avant-garde shapes and cuts.

Sometimes finding the ideal basic to go along with your perfect jeans can be just as tricky of a mission as finding the idea pair. However, if you always want to find  something that will look just as amazing as your favorite denim, FluXuS always offers comfortable basics to stock up on. Be sure to check out their latest Spring 2010 collection at Liv by Au Lit!!!

Lauren Conrad in Fluxus  Racer Back.

Megan Fox in FluxusLong Tab Cardigan.

Rihanna in Fluxus New Crew Neck.

Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie in Fluxus Blas Wrap.



Until the next post…. toodles!

Sources: fluxusbrand.com; Nylon
- 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.

The Perfect Fit…

Friday, January 29th, 2010

” 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
- 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.

In Every Emergency….there’s Hollywood!

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

It’s not only about the clothes… it’s also about the way you wear them! Accidents happen to all of us, but there are so many ways to prevent or make the best of them. This is my solution: Hollywood Fashion products (available at Liv by Au Lit)!!! These products are simple but totally genius. It would be a sin for women not to know about this line! In case you don’t, it is my prilivige to introduce you to it! Say hello to:

With countless products to chose from (and for every possible occasion), I’ve decided to share with you my five mush-haves!

1. Hollywood Fashion Tape

This little tape keeps everything in place. Nice and Neat.

2. Hollywood Sweater Saver

I am a cashmere lover and this baby saves my cashmere from the fiber balls. Keeps it looks new.

3. Hollywood Cover Ups

Better be safe then sorry when it comes to the “nip-showing” situation.

4. Hollywood Touch Ups

No need for a large lint roller, these petite sheets fit in the tiniest of clutches.

5. Hollywood Oil Blotting Sheets

Shine-free complexion is key.

Knowing that you’re ready for any fashion-emergency is a very comforting thought!

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Source: hollywoodfashiontape.com
- 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.

Harem Sneak …

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

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.

Three Dots harem pants  and  blazer are available at Liv by Au Lit!!!

Until the next post… toodles!

Sources: fashion spot; elle.
- 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.

Clu=haute-couture tee!

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

With spring just a few months away, there’s a lot to look forward to…including the latest arrivals at LIV!!! We’re excited to announce our newest collection…CLU, haute-couture for the t-shirt.

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Founded in 2004 by  Seung Lee and Jin Lee, Clu is inspired by the easy-going and laid-back lifestyle of West coast.The duo have gone beyond creating a simple and understated clothing line…they create haute-couture for the t-shirt. Originating with (and perfecting) the simple t-shirt, the line has evolved into everyday basics with a mix of soft fabrics and innovative cuts. Clu is derived from the french word clou which means nail; a simple and graphic object, which is a concept symbolic of the line itself.

Clu has found its roots in high end boutiques in Los Angeles such as Liza Kline and Fred Segal, making the trendy and chic tee a must-have for celebrities and fashion insiders.

♥ Soft and Silky

♥ Innovation+Sporty Look

♥  Grey+Red+Black=Timeless

♥ Bubble Cuts

♥ Color Block Patterns

♥ Simple and Classic

Indulge in a haute-couture tee :)

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Sources: luxelabel;mahalo;fabsugar;ssense;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.