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!

This season the more patterns the better! Mix it and match it from head to toe!

       If you’re like me and tend to  play on the safer side of the runway inspiration, it is always a good idea to start with something simple.Why not try  a delicate piece with a bolder color that is not too overwhelming but has enough of the “wow” factor?! Such as this Nümph  Dress in lewis peach (available at Liv by Au Lit, $100). Very feminine but with an edge!

As seen on Spring 2010 runways:

When it comes to prints, more is definitely  more this season.  If designers like Dries  Van Noten  and Donatella  Versace  have their way, you’ll be mixing  and matching  from head to toe. And we’re not just talking about traditional flowers, though there were plenty of pretty ones at Etro, Anna Sui, and Tory Burch. Duro Olowu’s  tribal motifs ad Givenchy’s digital designs were engineered for maximum impact.”

- Style.com

Until the next post…toodles

Source: style.com

” 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

——————————

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.

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.

In part two of Accessorize it Spring 2010…it is all about bracelets and earrings! Although they are more understated in comparison to a statement necklace,  fun bracelets and earrings are hot hot hot for spring 2010.If you’re like me and get a bit intimidated by a bold necklace, why not start out with something less dramatic…such as a beautiful bracelet or a pair of  interesting earrings. Baby Steps! At first I was only comfortable with one bold bracelet or a pair of interesting earrings,  but as the time went on I discovered that accessories are so much fun and that is when I ventured out into a more dramatic land of statement necklace.

Trends come and go but you must always remember that it is all about you and what you’re comfortable with. So take baby steps and explore this seasons trends at your own pace….just remember to have fun along the way!

BRACELETS

Daring: From chunky gold cuffs at 3.1 Philip Lim  to hand embellishing hand “bracelet” at Karl Lagerfeld and a corsage-like at  Richard Nicoll.Designers are getting more daring with the bracelet options at every runway this season.

Classic: If you’re feeling like more “traditional”, why not go for a single strand of pearls  à la Nina Ricci. Or for a touch of drama try a chunky pearl bracelet like the ones seen at  Dries Van Noten.

Fun: For a quirky touch, draw some inspiration from Marc by Marc Jacobs and  layer colorful bracelets with a cutesy watch. Or if you feel more demure why not wear a simple gold bracelet with a gold men’s inspired watch.

Inspired!!!

When it comes to bracellets the sky is the limit…they are a perfect accesory for a market run or a black-tie event. Be creative and daring!  Here’s some inspiration to spark that  fashion genius within you!

From Day….

To Night….

Get it At Liv!!!

Any kind of bracelet that your little heart desires can be found at Liv from daring, to classic and of course to fun…Liv offers it all!

Gorjana, Edmoure Ralph;  Brave, Biko prices range from $53 to $95.

EARRINGS

From adorable strawberries at YSL and tassels at  Richard Nicoll, to a classic diamond drop at Ralph Lauren and crystal accent at Mario Scwab. There’s an earring for every kind of a woman and as I’ve  mentioned before… just have fun! You would be surprised at how one perfect accessory can add that perfect touch  and of course boost your confidence level.

Get it At Liv!!!

From flowers to sea shells, from crystal to gold…Liv has got you covered!

Our earring stands are always full of new and delightful selection! Alexis Bittar drop earrings ($234)  and Gorjana  hoops ($70)

I just have one suggestion and that is: Remember that you are Fabulous!!!! Dare to be you….

Until the next post..Toodles

Sources: style.com ; net-a-porter; 

” Santa Baby, hurry down the chimney tonight! “

That’s right ladies, Holiday Season is upon us and it is time to SHOP! When it comes to gifts a little thought goes a long way!  This year’s Liv by Au  Lit Holiday Gift Guide is stocked with chic ideas for every lady in your life…and of course, yourself!

Shall we …….

BOOKS

• My personal favorite!
• You can never go wrong with a great read. There’s always a good book for every character on your list.
• The must-reads: Be Happy by Robert Holden($32.95) and The Sartorialist by Scott Shuman ($31).

*****

JEWELRY

Wendy Mink Necklace ($190); Biko Designs Bracelet ($65); and Edmoure Ralph Necklace ($88)

• A beautiful piece of jewelry is a classic idea that will go a long way. A dazzling diva in your life will be sparkling with joy.

*****

JAMMIES

Munki Munki PJ’s ($72- $106)

• Who wouldn’t want  perfect flannel pj’s to snuggle in?!
• Super cute, super cozy and a super gift!

*****

KNITS

Hats by Pink and Ben Sherman; Scarves by Degaine and Avoca (prices range from $40 to $98)

• A gift that a fellow fashionista is bound to love: knits are a must-have this season.
• A fun and practical idea!

*****

PURSES

Big Buddha Rose Purses  ($102) and  Big Buddha Clutch ($75)

• Every girl’s dream!
• An ideal gift for that princess on your list.

*****

ORNAMENTS

Ornaments available at Liv by Au Lit ( price ranges from $8-$14)

• Bedazzled holiday  treasures for any tree!
• Perfect for a co-worker or a hostess.

*****

HOME ACCESSORIES

Candles by Avoca ($29) and Home Sweet Home Throw by Avoca Ireland ($125)  

• A touch of cozy and chic for your home sweet home.

*****

Hopefully, I’ve made your  gift hunting a tiny bit less complicated…

Keep in mind: When shopping for gifts remember to have fun with it, don’t stress! Ladies, shopping is our favorite activity (I call it sport) and just because it’s holiday shopping, doesn’t mean it has to be stressful.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Source: teenvogue

The chicest way to beat the winter chills is by creating a collection of casual and dressy knits. For  Canadians, this is a must! How else can we bear minus twenty temperatures and still look irresistibly fabulous?!

This year’s fall runways were packed with a wide variety of pretty and cozy knits, including re-introduction of a snood  (scarf+hood=snood).  So, ladies…knit this season is a statement piece, taking you from day to night. Do not be afraid to experiment and layer, this is the season to try it all!

• Missoni: a snood is this season’s must-have accessory.
• Yigal Azrouël: pair an over-sized sweater or a knit cape with your favorite skinnies or this season’s jeggings.
• Alexander Wang: throw on an  über-cozy vest for a fun  and casual outfit.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs: pair your favorite men’s inspired trousers with a cute scarf and a hat.
• Dsquared²: why not add a delicate pin to your favorite scarf?!

GET IT AT LIV

Knit—my favorite part of cold weather.  Knits have always dominated my closet, from thin cashmere dresses and cardigans to thick knit sweaters and vests. For me, knits complete an outfit and take it from one season to the next.

Few staple pieces+cozy knits=perfect winter outfits!

For colder weather, start off with staple pieces such as  a simple button front shirt (James Perse  Button Front Shirt, $198) and a pair of skinnies ( Twill Twenty Two Rider Pants, $159) .  Staple piece is like a blank canvas: a starting point of every outfit. To add a fun touch, go for a statement accessory….whether it is a funky necklace (Wendy Mink Necklace, $190) or a bracelet. Don’t be afraid to be bold! Have fun with accessories.   For a touch of cool and cozy, bring in a leather bomber (Industry Leather Jacket, $325) and a cozy scarf (Avoca Ireland Scarf). Easy and comfortable!

For freezing weather, start off with the same staple pieces but add a cute vest (Kersh Hoodie Vest, $71) and  snood (Degaine snood, $98) or a large scarf.  As a finishing touch,  go for a cute coat or a parka with a pair of fun boots or booties and you’re ready to face Canadian winter!

What is your favorite way to wear knits????

Until next post!

Sources: style.com; vogue.co.uk;teenvogue.com;fashiongonerouge.com

Stay on-trend this season with our over-sized boyfriend plaids from Lady Dutch, Kersh and Just a Cheap Shirt. Check out our wide range of styles in store.

Fall has arrived at LIV and we can’t wait for you to see it. You’ve absolutely GOT to have a Fluxus Cardigan, a hipster plaid shirt and of course a Boyfriend Blazer & Jeans!

We’ve kept some of our best brands from last season like Twill 22, AG, American Vintage, L.A. Made; and we’re excited to introduce some fantastic new lines like Fluxus, Black Orchid, Ben Sherman & James Perse. Check out our FALL/HOLIDAY 09 LOOKBOOK for a small sampling of what you’ll find at LIV this season ….