This weekend, my friend J and I descended upon the Pentagon City mall to buy me something to wear to Miss M’s wedding.  While I briefly considered this Ted Baker number, I simply didn’t feel comfortable with its $275 price tag so I walked away.  And while I didn’t find a dress, I did get a chance to hit up one of my favorite chain stores, Club Monaco. 

I could have easily spent $2,000, but managed to leave with only one desperately needed casual outfit.  Score one for self-control.

However, J and I were both a little shocked by the fact that I bought…wait for it…shorts.  That’s right, the world’s foremost champion for the banning of shorts now owns a pair.  But unlike the too short, J.Crew chinos I see on every Georgetown pedestrian, I purchased cuffed, metallic shorts of a reasonable length.  The outfit is awesome, and represents my best effort at California cool.

Please note that these are not the pieces that I purchased, just a reasonable facsimile thereof since Club Monaco refuses to open an online shop.  Troglodytes.

Merino Boyfriend Sweatshirt (J.Crew, $70)

The entire outfit was done in a palette of nudes and neutral mixing various shades of cream, white and silver.  My sweater is actually quite a bit fancier than this one with a blousey shape, a scoopneck and a chiffon back.

Optic White Tank (Gap, $10)

Alice + Olivia Classic Metallic Short (Singer22, $198)

My shorts are a light cream color with silver Lurex threads, not a solid metallic.  Also note that to find a pair that flattered my figure, I had to size up two sizes.  This way, my tush was minimized not augmented, and my thighs were not locked in a vice-like fabric grip. 

I am also adding a small silver pendant and grey gladiator sandals to complete the look.  And may be some beachy waves, humidity permitting.  Feel free to leave your “I told you so” in the comments.