Wednesday, May 21, 2008

New Store Alert! Liv By Au Lit

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Locals are used to the high retail turnover rate on the Eglinton west strip in midtown Toronto, but I'm crossing my fingers that its newest addition will stay for good.

Owned by a mother-daughter team, LIV by Au Lit is based on the concept of "what we love" and "how we live."

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The 10,000 square foot, two-level store is the closest Toronto has to Anthropologie. A mix of fine linens, furniture, dishware, home accessories, candles, soaps, light fixtures and more is blended seamlessly with delicate jewellery and clothes in this exquisite light-filled space.

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Displayed elegantly in little vignettes on the first floor, most of the merchandise caters to the shabby-chic and French country aesthetic so many love.

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Beautifully-papered walls are home to artwork and ornate mirrors, while chandeliers hang down from the high ceilings.

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Overstuffed couches and chairs from Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic line sit next to stunning wooden headboards by French company Blanc D'ivoire, while elegant mirrored chests cohabitate with cane benches ($805) and cake stands ($87) in the back.

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It's not all traditional patina and gilt, however, as there are  some more contemporary designs available by Canadian manufacturer Lind as seen in this stylish display below.

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I love the grey, yellow and white colour combo. The whole set-up is not only stylish- it's very reasonably priced too!

The whole Lind line is quite affordable and can be customized with a variety of fabrics, and finishes.

Nat and I loved this white leather couch that was listed at $1792.

The bottom floor holds even more homewares with a "flea market" where french-country furniture is piled together and stacked for your perusal.

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There is also monogramming available for the sumptuous Au Lit Fine Linens, which is what the owner's family business specializes in. Apparently one of the owners read my mind (or at least my name) with this dainty and delicate pillow!

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My fave personal picks from LIV by Au Lit are:

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Cheho mirror with towel bar and hooks, $665

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Teko arm chair, $895

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Maine Vanity, $795

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Visit the great new store for yourself at 418 Eglinton Avenue West (just west of Avenue).  Happy Shopping!

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