Archive for the ‘Trends’ Category

Trend Alert for Fall: Rich Velvets, Luscious Silks and The Cargo Skinny

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

If you’re one of those people who’s already starting to fantasize about the crisp cool days of autumn, you may also be getting excited about your fall wardrobe. Here’s what you can expect to see a lot of this fall:

VELVET!! You’re probably thinking we’re nuts if you’re picturing velvet dresses & scrunchies from the early 90s, but trust me, you’ll be falling in love with velvet this season. It’s especially beautiful as a slouchy over-sized top. Like this one:


images via mahalofashion.blogspot.com/

SILKS – Great for transitioning from summer. Silk will be everywhere this Fall, from prints & solids to dresses, tunics and basics. We can’t wait to introduce some stunning pieces from Amanda Uprichard, Yana K and CP Shades. We’re expecting deliveries any day!


Audrina Patridge in Yana K.


Amanda Uprichard

THE CARGO SKINNIES – Like Naomi mentioned in her last post, these new cargos are the perfect twist to your classic skinny jean. They’ll look amazing with a riding boot this Fall.
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- 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.

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.

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.

With Ella…

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

Ella Moss is hip, quirky and fashionable!

The designer of Ella Moss, Pamella  Protezel, understands the modern woman’s wardrobe and  her designs are a true testament to that. Her work is always a combination of L.A. lay-back feel and Parisian refinement.

Comfort and design!

The collections always have a very casual but polished appeal. Tonal stripes, simple shapes, and bright colors distinguish her designs. Always  comfy and wearable as a T-shirt! A celebrity favorite since the label hit the big time Sarah Jessica Parker wore one of Ella Moss’s signature Waldo-stripe dresses on an early episode of Sex and the City! And who doesn’t love Carrie’s phenomenal sense of style…

Here are two of my favorite piece from this summer’s collection:

I am wearing: Ella Moss “Jackie” Dress ( available at Liv by Au Lit)

Simple, feminine and flattering…what else can a girl ask for in a little summer dress?

I am wearing: Ella Moss Heather Grey  Gumdrop Top ( available at Liv by Au Lit)

A typical tee but with a fun twist. Wearable and Adorable!

Ella Moss is a go-to label for California girls at heart :)

Until the next post… toodles!!!

Sources: ellamoss.com; tobi.com; 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.

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.

Toronto Fashion Week….concluded!

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Toronto Fashion Week… always a ton of fun, with a few pleasant and at times disappointing surprises!!! But, hey…it wouldn’t be fashion if it did not have surprises in store for us.

As I’ve previously mentioned, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the choice of venue. Allstream Center is a beautiful building with a very modern appeal and is  ideal for a large reception. However, for this specific occasion, I felt that the entire venue lacked character. The interior decor of the main room was great and the runway was much larger, however  the entire venue just felt off!!! I very much prefer last season’s location, which was so beautifully done and had so much more  appeal. Unfortunately,this venue just felt very generic!!!  Despite the fact that the venue was not very interesting, I do feel that the critique it received is too harsh. Beautiful structure, and a great event…but each is better off without the other!

Despite the negative attention, the collections that were shown were very beautiful and original. The point of the fashion week is to celebrate Canadian talent and this season around the designers really did deliver great amount of eye candy! Here are some of my favorite shows of this season!

My top three shows from Toronto Fashion Week:

Pink Tartan was hands down my favorite. I adore the combination of feminine and edgy, definitely a perfect mix!

(more…)

- 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.

Sorbet Nick&Mo…

Friday, March 26th, 2010

Sorbet-inspired colors are ideal palette cleansers for last seasons rich, dark shades. This candy-colored trend is spring and summer perfect.

Freshen up the doll-like look with a pair of distressed denim for a casual and everyday look. To avoid looking like a tween princess, balance the pretty factor by adding touch of edge.

I am wearing:Nick&Mo Blouse ($73), Nick&Mo Cardigan ($84), Blank Distressed Jeans( $108).

Have fun freshening up your closet with pretty and subtle hues!!!

Until the next post….toodles!!!

Sources: fashion magazine.
- 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.

Anorak…

Friday, March 12th, 2010

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!!!

- 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.