Happiness is a Pair of Silk Shorts

I love nothing more than shopping for vacation-wear.  It's my own little time to play out my traveling fantasies and there's something, oh, let's call is "zen-like" about envisioning what exactly it is I'm going to wear out on the beach.  Or exploring a quaint little downtown.  Or perhaps noshing on lobster and sipping fruity frozen drinks.  You get my point.  This past weekend I was able to visit one of my very favorite boutiques Standard Style in Kansas City.  Their selection is absolutely jaw-dropping and the one thing I kept picking up were silk shorts!  My favorite by far were the floral printed Karina Grimaldi beauties you see below.  I love them for so many reasons - although they feel as comfy as my favorite pajama bottoms, they are structured enough where they don't look like it.   I also loved the print - those big, pink flowers, didn't feel too "tropical" - like so many florals can - and were just down right pretty.   I did not purchase these babies (I have enforced very strict rules for buying resort-wear, the first being that I don't allow myself to purchase anything until 30 days before my trip - unless the item is on sale.  Or it's showing there's only one left at Shopbop.)   But I will be for sure tracking down a pair in approximately ten days ;)
THE CULPRIT

Other silky shorts I'd wear in a heart-beat...

Starting at Top Left-
Anna Sui - Floral Print Silk Crepe and Lace ShortsMulberry - Eyelet Silk ShortsStella McCartney - Deckchair Striped Cotton and Silk ShortsElizabeth and James - Colby Silk Trimmed Brush Twill ShortsMarni - Contrast Silk Print ShortsJil Sander - Ello Striped Silk Shorts

An Irish Lass & Some Great Sweaters

St. Patrick's Day has always been a holiday close to my heart.  Maybe it's because there's nothing really expected of it - except that you drink a Guiness and decorate with clovers.   But what I've really come to appreciate about the holiday in recent years is getting know a little bit about Ireland.  Whether it be music, food, or style, here are my current Irish inspirations....

Róisín Murphy-  If you haven't heard of the Irish songstress, listen to the song, below, I promise you'll be instantly hooked.  She's one of those singers who isn't just amazing vocally, she's a true beauty with a style as unique as her music. I put some pictures up below from a shoot she did for Crash magazine.  Go ahead, become obsessed.

Cable Knit Sweaters -  I love the cozy look of traditional Aran sweaters from Ireland.  Last year Urban Outfitters had a great version of this look that I wish I would have picked up, but didn't.  So below are some sweaters I would love to wear while drinking some green beer. The chunky cable knit, and simple color palet give off a very Irish feel. 

Better Window Than Door

Sweaters are a wardrobe staple I gravitate towards.  They're cozy, can be dressed up, worn billions of ways, and I'm always bummed to put them away for the summer months.  But alas, this problem is solved with one of spring's hottest trends - open weave sweaters!  They're delicate, and the perfect companion to white tanks and maxi skirts.  Or denim cut-offs and pretty bras.  Or sultry sundresses and gladiator sandals (am I proving how versatile these beauties are, or what!?)  They're the perfect go-to when summer evening get brisk but not cool, and can be worn this annoying time of year when we're all wanting to dress for spring but temperatures are still freezing (because they're perfect with layers.)  Get a feel for the look below....

Let's Shop...

1) Helmut Lang, Knit Silk Sweater $295

2) All Saints, Elkin Jumper $199

3) Topshop, Rose Knit Ope Cable Jumper $90

4) 3.1 Phillip Lim, Knit Cotton Sweater $375

5) Elizabeth and James, Dottie Crocheted Sweater $275

6) French Connection, Knit Cable Jumper $158