[ the aran sweater ]

MY GUY just returned from a business trip to Ireland and brought me back this lovely Aran sweater made from soft 100% merino wool...

so that I can look as cute as this {note the denim shirt underneath}...

It's funny because we lived there for 4 years and I never bought myself one!

Aran sweaters ~ aka fisherman sweaters {or jumpers as they're referred to in Ireland} have been around since the 19th century and originated on the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Ireland at the mouth of Galway Bay. Originally they were handknit by the wives of fisherman from undyed, unscoured wool which retained its natural lanolin oil and made them water resistant. 

The sweaters are distinguished by their complex stitch patterns and each have a significance: the cable is said to be a wish for safety and good luck when fishing, the honeycomb is the symbol of the hard-working bee, the basket stitch represents the hope for a plentiful catch, and the diamond a wish of success, wealth and treasure.

Eventually island women began producing these sweaters not just for their families but as a source of income.

These sweaters have seen a resurgence in popularity and have become a fashion must this year, a true wardrobe classic.

The Aran Sweater Market since 1892 on Inis Mor, the largest of the 

three Aran Islands

Looking for a genuine Aran sweater but no plans to be in Ireland anytime soon? Try the Aran Sweater Market online shop!

Of course you can always try to find an imitation at places like LLBean, JCrew, Brooks Brothers, ASOS.com. etc. Either way, you'll still look fashionable...

How about you? Do you own an Aran sweater? Will you be adding one to your fall/winter wardrobe this year?

lisa

[via aransweatermarket; LLBean; models.com; nichollvincent.blogspot; lolobu.com; chictopia.com; stylezen.net; swandiamondrose.tumblr; michaelkors; dailycrush.net; trendymadness.blogspot]

[ leaving again ]

SO I'M heading back to Canada today. Time again to leave the green fields of Ireland and daffodils in full bloom. It's been a lovely spring here so far - I hope Mother Nature greets me with some springy weather in Muskoka!
Happy Weekend everyone!

lisa

[getty]

[ sneaking around ]

AS MANY OF you know, I've got a thing for sneakers. And with spring finally here, it was an excuse time to treat myself to some new ones. These cuties are a lovely coral pink shade with ribbon laces - love them! I also picked up this cute cotton tote from Laura Ashley which will come in handy for groceries or going to the beach. Have you picked up any fun accessories for spring?

lisa

[ alley cat ]

ONE THING I've always enjoyed no matter where I've visited is to roam around back alleys and side streets. You never know what you see and sometimes you come across the most interesting things. Sometimes pretty, often gritty, here's a taste of what I've seen around Ireland...

lisa

[ an irish road trip & a winner! ]

DON'T YOU just love sunny, gorgeous weekends? The weather has definitely turned in Ireland and it's been lovely! Great time for a road trip!

One area I've been dying to visit is the northern-most tip of Northern Ireland and so we hopped in the car, grabbed a coffee to-go and we were off!

Of course one of my favourite things in Ireland is passing by all the sheep in the fields and on this trip we saw so many.

We drove through Belfast and headed towards the eastern coast so we could travel the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.

We passed through cute villages and eventually stopped to stretch our legs and grab a snack.

Nothing fancy - just a taste test of which chips were best. It was a tie.

Time to carry-on.

The drive along the coastline was gorgeous and I could just imagine how lovely it would be to wake up to that every morning.

We came across the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and decided to experience this popular tourist attraction.

I never really considered myself afraid of heights but on a jiggly rope bridge, I realized that I was a bit (especially with a camera in my hand!).

Having made it across feeling a little uneasy, I managed it much better on the way back. But I was happy to plant my feet on solid ground.

We explored the area a bit and decided to continue on our journey. Next stop: the Giant's Causeway.

It looked cool from above and we realized we had a long walk along the cliff to get down there.

The path was relatively narrow considering there were people walking down as well us back up. Good thing we were wearing appropriate footwear.

We eventually made it down and it really was amazing!

As we started heading back up to the top, the sun peeked out again.

I loved the charming hotel and if it had been later we may have considered staying there. But there was still time to get home before dark.

Definitely a fun weekend and it was great to see more of the incredible sights around Ireland!

And now, the winner of the Ramsign giveaway is..... (drumroll.....)

Formerly known as Frau said...

I fell in love also with the European house numbers too...I love the Highlander one!

Congratulations! And thanks to everyone for entering! Happy Monday!

lisa