Nov 192010
 
Silk Cashmere Sequined Sweatshirt by DKNY

DKNY Silk Cashmere Sequined Sweater from my-wardrobe.com

Silk Cashmere Sequined Sweatshirt by DKNY

It is that time of year when we all feel the need for a bit of sparkle. Isn’t this just gorgeous? My Wardrobe suggest pairing it with leather look trousers and big studs. It would look fabulous with anything though.

The fabric is 85% silk with just 15% cashmere (exclusive of sequins), just enough cashmere to add a little warmth. If I were you I’d click through on the picture and check the detailed view. That’s the way to really see the quality of this piece.

Charcoal silk and cashmere mix sweater with all over sequin embellishment. DKNY sweater features a scoop neck, bracelet length sleeves and simply slips on over the head

DKNY are rightly famous for their timeless American Chic, as the my-wardrobe.com site says:

Timeless American classics for everyone – DKNY are the go-to brand! A true child of New York City – DKNY was born in 1989. Fast fashion, with an urban mind-set, the brand has grown into a New York street-smart style.

The silk cashmere sequined sweater is one of the  key note pieces of Karan’s current collection of interchangeable items that work together to create a wardrobe that goes from day to evening.  She is:

An artist in her own right, the clothes represent a sensual expression, sense of security and freedom of movement. This season… enjoy classic tweed separates, nautical-inspired casual dresses and a splash of DKNY glamour with sequinned tees.

So why not join DKNY fashion fans like Cameron Diaz, Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller and treat yourself to a little cashmere sparkle this winter?  While you are there you really must check out the rest of the my-wardrobe.com site.

 

Technorati Tags: American Classics, Bracelet Length, Cameron Diaz, Cashmere Sweater, Casual Dresses, Cate Blanchett, Dkny, Fashion Fans, Freedom Of Movement, Karan, Length Sleeves, Scoop Neck, Sense Of Security, Sensual Expression, Sequin Embellishment, Sequins, Sienna Miller, Silk Sweater, Smart Style, Sparkle, Time Of Year, True Child, Wardrobe

May 192010
 

Scottish cashmere got a boost today when, according to the BBC, Todd and Duncan bought back their Loch Leven factory. The Beeb went on to say:

The deal will secure the future of the company’s 200 employees and allow it to invest in the site.

The cashmere yard spinner was sold by Dawson International last year to China’s Zhongyin Cashmere Company.

The firm’s site was sold off to a developer two years ago but was bought back for an undisclosed sum.

Todd & Duncan supplies yarn to some to some of the world’s largest fashion houses, including Gucci, Prada and Chanel.

Of course it sources most of the cashmere from China so there is a slight down side. Still I expect there are some pretty relieved people in Loch Leven today!

 Posted by at 1:40 pm
Dec 282009
 

Bargain cashmere can fool the unwary and still feel lovely. Touch is not enough to be sure your bargain won’t pill or loose its shape the first time you wear it. (Actually pilling can happen on good quality cashmere too and there is a solution. Get a cashmere comb.)

When you buy cashmere there are a five tips that can help you :

  • Look at the tension in the knitting:gently (very gently!) stretch  a small part of the fabric.  If the quality is good it should return quickly to shape and not leave a mark.
  • Hold it up to the light with your hand behind it. If you can see your hand clearly leave it and try somewhere else. The best cashmere has a density to it.
  • Look at the surface of the fabric. The fluffier it seems the more it will pill as it is probably made from shorter hairs.
  • That wonderful softness we all crave can be a trap too. Softness can be achieved by  over-milling which makes an inferior cashmere seem  silky. Over-milled fabrics will form bigger pills and and lose shape.
  • Best quality cashmere may actually feel less soft and silky in the shop! It matures and softens with wear and even  gentle hand-washing. The best quality cashmere improves with age so vintage is always an option.

If you are buying cashmere online and can’t touch look for sites that explain exactly where their cashmere comes from and the lengths of fibers used. Sites like Pure Collection, Brora, or Hush are all good value and score well on sustainability too. Brunello Cucinelli, or  Loro Piana’s “baby cashmere” are gorgeous if you have more to spend. Try their sale sections for bargain cashmere.

 Posted by at 4:59 pm
Dec 272009
 

Bargain cashmere sometimes comes at a cost that isn’t just paid by the consumer. Cheap cashmere doesn’t, cannot, last like the best quality cashmere.  But more than that it is not good for the planet! As I’ve said before overgrazing in Mongolia is causing desertification, low prices are costing the goat owners their land and their living! So do think twice before you buy the cheapest cashmere, even if the quality seems good.

On the other hand, good quality cashmere, like many premium products, is likely to be reduced in the sales. Look out for high quality brands and ask where it’s come from or as she suggests  look for  gorgeous vintage cashmere. Buying cashmere online can help you bag some really good bargains and protect the planet.

 Posted by at 9:53 am
Dec 262009
 
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