Bompard's Fall '09 cashmere confections
Opening a new Eric Bompard catalog (this one features jazz and blues singer Katie Melua as the "face") is sweet temptation for me, as we face a bitter Canadian winter. Even if I lived in the mild south, I would covet a cashmere voile stole for cool nights. Such stylish cashmere, in so many colours, available by mail.Perhaps.too.available.
Some of the new season's standouts, below. Prices given in euros, conversion tables here. Non-EU countries will save the VAT. These pieces are pricey, but the garments give great value; my v-neck cardigans (shown above, €234) are going strong after well over a decade of wear. The lower-priced cashmere-silk blends are a good buy, and all sweaters are machine-washable.
Henley with jewel buttons, 100% cashmere, €264; at the top of my wish list.
An ultra-fine shirt, 100% cashmere, €215; ideal for those who need the lightest layer; in neutrals and delectable colours.
Fitted b
allerina décolléte, 70% cashmere, 30% silk, in case you thought cashmere couldn't be sexy; €140.Bompard pride themselves in innovative techniques; though you can find classic twinsets and cardigans, each year there are several standout evening pieces.
This year's lighthearted luxury is the s
parkly bolero, perhaps for New Years' Eve, in grey or black 70% cashmere, 30% silk, €220.Cashmere for less cash
Enjo
y Bompard's colour sense with a more modest price tag: multicoloured beret, €58. Fingerle
ss gloves in vibrant purple punch up a gray day, also €58.The double-layer scarf, €112, a generous 170cmx35cm swath of double-faced cashmere, is so warm that it turns a jacket into a coat.
This year, the scarf comes in six arresting colour combinations; shown, pepper brown/bright green. Find it under Accessories/Pure Cashmere scarves. (Don't wait for the spring sale, these sell out.) Tips for ordering
See the pop-down menus for each item ("Select your size") provide width and length measurements. A good way to choose is to measure your current sweaters, if possible approximating shape. You will have a slight bit of give, but I suggest ordering the larger size on the fitted styles if you are between two sizes.
You can also order a hard copy catalog via the site, which comes with a card of yarn samples. Those of you who observe holiday gift-giving may wish to leave a few strategic post-its in the catalog, or show it to a very lucky mother, sister or sweetheart.
I can't pred
ict what will happen regarding customs fees; however, mine have arrived at my door (in Canada) in padded mail bags, which have incurred no additional taxes or duties. This is a difficult matter to pin down, I'm just reporting my experience. But really, I enjoy the products so much I would pay duty anyway.For the moment, I will enjoy taking my collection of past decades out of their snap-boxes. Don't know that I need another piece, but this coral Fitted V-Neck (above) would be a vibrant pick up over a long, cold winter.
Comments
Belle: I took Le Duc's when he decided it was too heavy for him- orange and magenta- and always get compliments.
To can find the pieces in the colours your prefer:
Go on the site, to the menu "Tips">Choose by Colour and you will see there are choices in colours like New Camel, Oregano Green and Terracotta Red; other possibilities are Smoked Beige and Forest Green, and depending on your colouring, Bright Coral. (The colours sound prettier in French.)
Frugal: They are in other cities in France- see web site.
I can see myself in a lot of their things- so beautiful and so unfussy.
Thanks so much for posting something right up my alley.
In general I go up a size but have a definite bust.
All garments on their web site have a "Find your size" feature (right under the price) which lists width and length. (In the hard copy catalog this is also listed by model, in the back.)
Measure your sweaters- then pick the one Bompard one that corresponds to the measurements.
The fit of anything described as "cintré" (fitted) is close to the body.
You can also call them or e-mail your questions.
Pseu, don't wear boleros!
Pseu, didn't see a lace scarf! Did I miss that???? You may have to pick one up for me!