Choosing a new scarf for fall

Scarves, possums, scarves! Scarves are calling me like sirens on the rocks.

Maybe I don't need any new clothes for fall, because a scarf changes up everything. But if I'm choosing only one, let me have a beauty.


Rectangles

In this shape, I liked:

1. Top left, YSL Leopard-Knit Scarf, cashmere and wool, 71 x 14", $495 from Neiman Marcus.

2. Middle, Brown Rainforest Birds silk scarf, £185 from Liberty.

3. Bottom, Black and Gold Lace Scarf, black cashmere with black and gold lace detail, Ahilya, £560 from Liberty. Yes, you could start a wardrobe for the price, but it is magical.


Loving a loop

DKNY's Luxe Knit Infinity Scarf is an endless loop of wool/cashmere, for $75 from Saks Fifth Avenue (international shipping). Also available in black, camel and green. Genius travel piece to change up your neutrals.

Squares
Les Clefs, Hermes' impeccable design first issued in 1965, is now offered in cashmere and silk, $560. The blue and gold, or the ivory and gold? I am in love, mesdames, but with which one?

Ferragamo Scarpette Ballet silk, $295 from Neiman Marcus: Italian, chic, confident and modern, $295.





Shawls

A Graduated Paisley Shawl in grey and beige, $105 from the Art Institute of Chicago is a whisper of elegance over a simple sweater and slacks.

Jurgen Lehl is a German master weaver and designer living in Japan. His pieces, silk or silk-wool blend, are heirloom quality; order from his online shop. Shown, silk shawl with crinkled surface, Y29,000 (about $312 US dollars).

Vintage beauties

Online vintage stores are a marvelous source for scarves, and the vendors are quite accurate about condition, unlike some on eBay. I find it's still worth the time to make a phone call to ask about condition if it is only listed as "good"or "very good".

Also, the sites are not always up to date, and new offerings may be available.
Vintage 1970s silk Leonard of Paris square, with pink hand-rolled edge, from Shrimpton Couture, would tart up a jacket or caress an LBD, $170.

Hermes' Astres et Soleils is a plissé, in excellent condition, for $395 from Luxury Scarves, whom I believe Deja Pseu knows well.
Its glowing orange colourway is glorious. Plissés are so easy to wear; the small photo shows the scarf in its pleated posture. (Hermes will re-pleat if you ever need it done.)



Left, YSL 18" x 66" rectangle in arresting colours, from DRESS, in "unworn condition", $95.

Somebody might comment that she bagged a Chanel scarf for $16 at Goodwill. Never happened to me. But I do have every single scarf I've bought or received for over 25 years, save a Ferre chiffon I drizzled with vinaigrette, and that oil does not come out.

I view them as money well spent.