If you have read my articles before you know we generally base our reviews on readers requests. The brand I will be reviewing today was mentioned several times and not only by our female audience but by our male audience as well. With that kind of attention we knew we had to reach out to them. The company is called LIJA and the founder is a Canadian born woman named Linda Hipp.
To give you a little history of LIJA, the company was started back in 1997 by Linda, an avid golfer looking for an alternative to women’s golf clothing. She created Hyp Golf which launched in Canada and at the time only had 12 items. The concept behind her clothing was to take street clothes and turn them into functional golfwear. She was quickly recognized as a leader in female golf apparel and she expanded into the American market.
“Although the focus started off with golf, the fashion forward designs were embraced by golfers as well as non-golfers. With increased success in non-golf channels and building from the reputation of being a pioneer of stylish women’s golf apparel, the company rebranded to LIJA (a play on the word “leisure”) in August 2004 responding to broad market acceptance.”
THP reached out to Andrea Latta, the PR representative of LIJA. She responded immediately and sent out some items from their new Spring 2009 collection for us to review. After all the great things I had already heard about LIJA I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the goods. When the package finally arrived I understood all the hype. Enclosed was:
1.Moda Suzie Q Polo in sunset (orange) with a black and white stripped collar. This is an update of the classic polo, this style features a long seven-button placket, contrast cuffs and collar, and feminine gathers at the shoulder.
2.Terra Vibe Knee Short in pewter. These shorts are made from a smooth technical stretch woven fabric, offer UPF protection and are quick-drying to keep you cool and comfortable.
3.Twist Knit Crooner Pullover in pewter. This scoop neck sweater in LIJA’s new ‘Marl’ knit features a multi-colored strip detail on the sleeve and a four-button functional placket on the right side of the hem.
4.Glossy Garbo Skort in blue. Glamor meets practicality in this skort, which embodies the American Spirit of the 1950s. It’s design includes a front pleat, two front pockets and one back pocket.
5.LIJA Icon Leather Belt in white. This leather belt is highlighted by a satin nickel buckle in the shape of the LIJA icon.
At first glance I wasn’t sure about the polo, the colors didn’t seem like they went together and the gathering at the shoulders looked a little too girlie for me, but when I tried it on my outlook completely changed. First I want to say that the fabric is AMAZING, it was one of the softest tops I have ever put on. The contrast cuffs and collar, which I was originally apprehensive about, looked great! It was stylish and classy, the colors worked so well together and the fit was so figure flattering, not to mention how great it actually felt on my skin. My favorite part of the shirt was the LIJA emblem located at the bottom left corner of the shirt, it added that little extra touch to make the shirt look even more luxurious. I paired it up with the pewter knee shorts, added the white belt and I was ready for the links.
The knee shorts were great too. I particularly liked how neutral the color was, I would be able to wear them with several of my polos. They fit great and the length was right on, the knee shorts actually came to my knees, and as most of you might know I am very short so I get very excited when I don’t have to hem something. The pleated skort was the same way, it was a modest length but still didn’t cover up my knees, I was quite impressed. I loved the look and feel of the pewter sweater, unfortunately, since I live in Florida, it wasn’t very practical for the golf course, but it looks great with a pair of jeans and some boots.
Provided by Andrea, here is a description of their new spring line:
“Titled High Society, Barefoot in the Park, An American in Paris and Roman Holiday, the collections were inspired by the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the American Spirit of the 1950s. The trend-setting sportswear radiates the innocence, femininity and joy of these time periods across nearly 200 pieces, and combines a diverse color palette spanning from Daiquiri and Espresso to the cosmopolitan Black and Silver with a fusion of sport, leisure and fashion.”
Based on what I have seen from LIJA’s past collections, the description of their spring 09 line above and the sneak preview I was lucky enough to receive, I would have to give them two clubs up. You can see more of LIJA at Lija.
Your Fashion Guru
Golfer Gal
Who can resist a skort labeled, “Glossy Garbo”? Plus a length I can wear at the club–I’m sold!
I love Lija clothes. I have been wearing two of their skorts for about a year now and cannot wait for the rest of the Spring clothes to come out. These look great. I love the belt too.
These spring previews are sooo cool. I just found the site and now I have to wait a few months for these to come out. argh. But great review.
I am so glad that you are reviewing Lija. This is up there with my favorite brands. I cannot wait to see what is coming else this week. Thanks.
“two clubs up”. I love it.
Do you know when this stuff comes out? I must have that orange top.
Thank you. This is exactly what I am looking for. This whole week has reviews like this? How cool.
Fiona – Their spring line will be available starting the beginning of February and will go through April. Like I said in the review I wasn’t sure about the colors and the style but once you put them on you are sold. The fabric is just incredible and the clothes look great, I couldn’t have been more pleased!
Gina – Yes, we will have a new review each day. We have a lot of great companies to share with you. I hope everyone enjoys reading the reviews as much as I enjoy writing them : )
Golfer Gal
I received a gift last year of a golf skort that I am in love with. After reading this review I went to the closet to check it out and low and behold it is Lija. Now I know where to shop next year.
I love their clothes. So far this is the finest clothing line you have reviewed in my mind. I did not care for the Titania stuff that much since I own an outfit and just did not care for the fabric. This stuff looks high end and well made.
I really want to get my wife that orange shirt.