Cashmere: Replacements and enticements
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The elbows of my black cashmere v-neck, bought ca. 2005, are nearly worn through. I'd order another from Land's End, but they discontinued their "deep v" model years ago.
I'll coax it though maybe another winter by patching the elbows with pink washable ultrasuede from Etsy seller 3crafties.
Don't you feel a pang when your trusty basic wears out? And a well-made cashmere piece means considerable expense. February sales to the rescue!
I will replace the black with navy, for the slightest whiff of change. But really, a sweater even I will have trouble remembering is new is about as exciting as ordering a case of dental floss.
The front-runner is Brora's classic v-neck: right neckline, slightly shaped body (a boxy v-neck can look rather masculine) and yarn that doesn't pill. Black and navy are not usually on sale, but this year, they are. It's still a pretty penny, but (confession, not my first of this model) I'm hooked on the quality.
Tish Jett of A femme d'Un certain age sagely observes that sales are the time to check off your list of replacements, but also to update your wardrobe with a captivating, unusual item.
One such treat might be a luxurious corseted knit jacket by Eric Bompard (reduced by 30%; sale price €483). I'm showing the white so we can admire the assortment of ribs, cables and ripples. I would certainly dribble tea on that pristine swath, so feel relieved that it comes in in back and navy, too.
A two-tone pink dotted cardi, (50% off; sale price €165) would court spring sweetly:
The sales need not involve a huge outlay. A chic accessory tarts up neutrals: I love the colours in Brora's camouflage wrist warmers. (Regular price £45; sale price £29).
Another relatively affordable treat: a pair of cashmere gloves, on sale at both Brora and Bompard. They fit over rings, are easily packed and make a fine gift, especially in a piquant colour like Butterfly Blue. (Price for Eric Bompard's, €31 plus shipping.)
*Note: Prices do not include shipping or applicable duties and taxes.
I'll coax it though maybe another winter by patching the elbows with pink washable ultrasuede from Etsy seller 3crafties.
Don't you feel a pang when your trusty basic wears out? And a well-made cashmere piece means considerable expense. February sales to the rescue!
I will replace the black with navy, for the slightest whiff of change. But really, a sweater even I will have trouble remembering is new is about as exciting as ordering a case of dental floss.
The front-runner is Brora's classic v-neck: right neckline, slightly shaped body (a boxy v-neck can look rather masculine) and yarn that doesn't pill. Black and navy are not usually on sale, but this year, they are. It's still a pretty penny, but (confession, not my first of this model) I'm hooked on the quality.
Tish Jett of A femme d'Un certain age sagely observes that sales are the time to check off your list of replacements, but also to update your wardrobe with a captivating, unusual item.
One such treat might be a luxurious corseted knit jacket by Eric Bompard (reduced by 30%; sale price €483). I'm showing the white so we can admire the assortment of ribs, cables and ripples. I would certainly dribble tea on that pristine swath, so feel relieved that it comes in in back and navy, too.
If you are a UK size 8 or 10 and feel adventurous, Brora have reduced the price on an audacious Michael Van Der Ham intarsia cardi from £485 to £289.
Another relatively affordable treat: a pair of cashmere gloves, on sale at both Brora and Bompard. They fit over rings, are easily packed and make a fine gift, especially in a piquant colour like Butterfly Blue. (Price for Eric Bompard's, €31 plus shipping.)
If snow covers the ground while you're reading this, there is ample time left to enjoy your delicious discount, especially in colours that whisper encouragement to a spring still many weeks away.
*Note: Prices do not include shipping or applicable duties and taxes.
Comments
Brora's quality is superb, even better than Bompards, but if I compare the Fit of both V-Necks I own, Bompard is the Winner.
I tried both Brora and EBompard for the first time this year. Had to send this cardigan back to Brora, too tght across the hips altho I ordered a 14 (I generally take a 12 up top and 14 below)....sigh.
http://www.brora.co.uk/Product/Product.aspx?WebShopCodeStr=A3&WebSegmentCodeStr=S2&WebCategoryCodeStr=CA&StyleCodeStr=WQC38&PT=1&PC=A3-S2-CA
And I returned these pullovers to EBomaprd, XL, had the same issue http://www.eric-bompard.com/lang-en/crew-neck-pullovers-women/609-dancer-neckline-crew-neck-pullover.html
http://www.eric-bompard.com/lang-en/v-neck-pullovers-women/687-fitted-v-neck-pullover.html
BTW if anyone is interested, the disco pink is really more an orange sherbet colour.
Still trying, I have ordered this pullover in XXL instead, hoping for a better fit. http://www.eric-bompard.com/lang-en/v-neck-pullovers-women/613-sophisticated-v-neck-pullover-with-buttons.html
I'm not complaining, this is all part of learning what works and what doesn't, just wish Canada Post return charges weren't so high!
Apologies for all the links, I thought others might find the fit info useful.
I could just kick myself for not getting another Lands' End v-neck (in petite) when they were available. I figured it was a timeless style, they'd offered for years...I do hope they bring back for next year.
LauraH: The best way to handle fit is to measure sweater you currently have that fits, and compare with their size guides online. Both companies will supply hip measurement or arm length if you call or e-mail customer service dept. to ask. (EB customer service speaks English). Still I have had the occasional surprise, like a too-tight sleeve.
Know it can be dispiriting to order a bigger size than you ever thought you'd need, but both Brora and Bompard run considerably smaller than North American sizing. Have neighbour who would not order EB b/c she could not bear wearing an XL, finally got over that, and is thrilled.
The Fitted Turtleneck I've ordered with the V-Neck strangled my neck, so I sent it back and choosed the Fitted Crew Neck from HUG. Although it was the same Size, the Sleeves are way longer.
And yes, Shipping is € 17,-- to France.
Have fun shopping!
hostess: I too have fund some good cashmere at thrifts, but not lately. I guess people change sizes or move to Mexico.
Beth: Those old pieces, so broken in and sentimental, have their very particular charm.
LauraH: The measurements are not consistent across the line, either, so you may need L in one model and XL in another.
barbara: When EB brought out the Hug Collection, I noted how narrow the cut is. They have moved into the Chinese market, with boutiques in Hong Kong and Beijing. I thought that might be why- to serve more petite women. EB offer free shipping a couple of times per year, not such a savings if you are buying a sweater but helps a lot if only ordering gloves.
LPC: Very happy to hear that's working for you; we have converted a few women to that method- Rubi is another.
I find fine merino wool much more affordable. I got two lovely merino cardigans in fuschia pink and forest green for 25 pounds each on sale recently.
materfamilias: Cashmere as deterrent- will its practicality never cease?
I don't find the overly adorned pullovers and cardigans can replace the "ubiquity" of the simple, but perfect, styles.
Looking at lands' end (not much left) and then LLBean, I saw what looks like a gorgeous lambswool duffel coat Item #:TA284397 in a plum I adore, but oh dear, how to know if the damned thing will fit, even if one has one's measurements...
Guess I'm not made for the modern world, though I do love that coat.
They can supply further measurements.
Right now I would just about kill for a black v-neck cashmere cardigan. I have a black vee pullover, but I find cardigans more versatile.
BTW, when I wash my cashmere (and wool) sweaters in the machine, I use Eucalan or Soak wool wash. They don't need to be rinsed, and leave things super-soft and smelling lovely. Like Brylcream, a dab will do you. I use just a capful to wash two or three sweaters.
Don't forget to wash or dry clean all your cashmere and wool sweaters and accessories before you store them for the summer. When moths attack (cue horror film music) they're after the sweat and dirt in the fiber, not the fiber itself.
Rubi: I use baby shampoo and put them in mesh laundry bags, one per.
Yes, body dirt is caviar to moths and the things do not even have to look or smell dirty to attract them. I wash everything even if I have not worn it.
---Jill Ann
Method is for single-colour sweaters without trims or embellishments.
1. Select "wool", "hand wash" or "gentle" cycle; cold water
2. Place sweater inside out into a mesh bag; one sweater per bag. Wash similar colours together.
3. Use 1 to 1 1/2 capful Johnson's baby shampoo per item. Other people who use the machine like Eucalan, Laundress Cashmere Wash or other products, but I've always used baby shampoo.
4. When cycle is completed, remove and either roll in towel (if there is a lot of moisture, some machines leave more in) or take as is, lay on a large towel, shape and leave to air-dry. Flip piece over when front is dry to dry the back.
"Dear Madam Hawthorn,
We refer to you rmessage that we duly received, with thanks.
We are sorry to insist but we do not get the hips measurement. The only information available is the chest measurement and the lenght of the sweaters.
Usually, those information are sufficient to order items as there are the main details to know if the items would fit or not. Then, for your better reference, please note that items with cashmere/silk and ones made "offgauge" fit small than the other ones."
What a shame. I guess I'll just have to wait and see if the XXL I ordered fits and try to figure out other styles from that. Or focus on Brora instead. Sometimes I ask myself, why is shopping so difficult! Thanks for listening.
I went to two La Baie branches yesterday, hoping to find their (discounted) deep-v merino pullover, but no luck: not my size in a colour I like. I did go too late: it was so cold until recently that I didn't want to go anywhere except for work outside and daily shopping. The cashmere sweaters they had were obviously flimsy and I've mourned one of those before (dead far too young).
At least your lovely deep v did have a "good long run".
Maybe ca va de soi will have something you like....but no sales unfortunately, as far as I know.
Obviously not seasonal yet in Freeport, Maine, or Montréal.
LauraH, I hate those postal charges too.