[ summer blues ]

I'VE BEEN loving all the light blues I'm seeing everywhere for summer. Such a soft, pretty blue leaning slightly towards periwinkle...

I don't really have much in this shade in my closet so I thought I'd add something new for summer. I decided to start with these most comfy GAP boyfriend roll-up shorts...

Oh my gosh! These fit so incredibly well - long enough to wear straight as Bermudas, but also cute when rolled up a bit ~ such a nice change from all the short shorts I've been seeing everywhere that simply feel too young for my age. I decided right then and there that I needed more than one pair so I added some new navy ones and olive ones too. 

Do you have any of this pretty light blue in your closet?

lisa

[via newenglandprepster.tumblr; meganpearl.polyvore.com; classygirlsdrinkchampagne.tumblr; chic-magnolia.tumblr; 

25.media.tumblr; GAP] 

[ 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]

[ fancy feet ]

IT'S NO secret that not only do I love bags, I also love shoes. The funny thing is that I don't typically splurge on shoes. As much as I love all those beautiful designer heels, I usually shop very modestly for my shoes.

Well, Saturday changed all that when I walked into Tory Burch and fell in love with these shoes ~ with a heel height that any normal person can wear!

I've been on the hunt for a while now for great shoes that can work with dresses or pants, but not something with heels 4" high {because for me, after living in the comfort of Toms, it's not happening!}. 

These beauties may have cost a bit more but their classic shape means that I don't need to worry about them going out of style right away. I consider them an investment in my wardrobe. Now all I need is an occasion to change out of my shorts and t-shirts!

Have you picked up any new footwear lately?

lisa  

[ new bits ]

THERE ARE a couple of new bits around here...

first, some new GAP Skimmer Legging Jeans...

I love how they look and how comfy they are {don't let the word "legging" scare you ~ there's nothing I dread more than tight white pants and these are anything but}

pretty in other colours too...

second, a new Crate & Barrel Ibiza Raspberry pillow...

I thought it would add a lovely punch of colour with my white/aqua/navy/linen colour scheme...

AND... West Elm is open!!!

Gosh, I wish they had been open when we first moved here and I needed to shop for our apartment! But I'm sure I'll be finding something to buy!

What's new with you?

lisa

[2, via jseverydayfashion.com; 3, crate and barrel]

[ dough! ]

I'VE BEEN in love with antique rustic dough bowls for a long time. There are so many ways to display them...

Are you hooked? 

I've been searching for one for many years ~ one that wouldn't break the bank as they can be quite expensive. I stumbled across one on sale at Pottery Barn, from Hungary in the 1800's and even though it was huge, I knew I had to have it!

I love the pale colouring of it ~ it almost looks like driftwood...

...and it's huge ~ 43" long!

I love the metal mending patch...

I think it's a great addition to our big table. And I think it looks beautiful even empty...

Do you have a dough bowl? How do you display yours?

lisa

[houzz; pink postcard; mustard seed interiors; fortheloveofahouse; houzz; 

alabaster rose; rustyhinge.blogspot; vintage-house.blogspot; keepingitcozy; 

missmustardseed.com; rustyhinge.blogspot; theoldpaintedcottage.com; 

pinterest; blue egg brown nest; bjdhausdesign.blogspot; paigeknudsen.blogspot]

[ oh the anticipation! ]

SEEN today at Dubai Mall...

Woohoo! I've never lived near a West Elm so this is very exciting! Do you have a West Elm near you?

lisa

[ scrapwood ]

LOOKING FOR an interesting new wallpaper pattern? How about scrap wood?

So much easier than putting up salvaged wood and it would certainly hide a multitude of wall imperfections. Look for it here.

What do you think? Could you go scrappy? 

lisa

[bodie and fou]

[ smitten with spots ]

SO MY favourite store has now arrived here in Dubai ~ Kate Spade! I've been a fan for a long time but haven't had access to a shop to visit regularly {the first one I stepped into was in SOHO, NYC}.

On my recent visit, I couldn't help but SPOT all the spots...

Cute huh? I love polka dots ~ they're so happy and timeless ~ have they ever been out of style? Are you as smitten with spots as I am?

lisa

[kate spade]