cashmere

The Pashmina

Eldon Cashmere pashmina, J.Crew 2011 icon trench, and Warby Parker glasses.

The Dictionary of Fashion History (2010) defines the term pashmina as a lightweight cashmere scarf. While the Persian word pashm refers to wool in a broader sense, in the region of Kashmir, the fibre comes specifically from the underbelly of the Changthangi goat. In the UK, the woven fabric as well as shawls made from it were called pashmina in the mid-19th century. The modern pashmina may be sourced from other breeds of cashmere goats outside of the Himalayas. A cashmere/silk blend is permissible, but I wouldn’t included cotton and viscose products under this definition.

I purchased my grey pashmina from The Portobello Road Cashmere Shop in 2013. I’d set out for Portobello Road that autumn day with the intention to window shop at the market, but the cashmere scarves on display at the shop’s outdoor stall caught my attention. After surveying the selection, I still hadn’t found the one. But then, I was directed inside the brick and mortar location at number 166, and I found the pashmina that was meant for me there.

The light grey style bears the tag of the shop’s private label Eldon Cashmere, which, along with the shop itself, was established in 1997. Although the brand specializes in Scottish cashmere, my pashmina was hand made in Nepal. It’s 70% cashmere / 30% silk, lightweight, voluminous, and warm. I wore it almost every day when I lived in London. Now that I’m based stateside now, I don’t fly without it. When it comes to the cost per wear formula, I am undoubtedly the victor, especially since I wash it in a bucket of cold water and Woolite instead of paying for dry cleaning.

Works Sighted

Eldon Cashmere pashmina; J.Crew 2011 icon trench

Stripes for my Paris Class

Striped shirts

As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m studying films that are set in Paris this semester. I’ve resolved to wear a striped shirt to class every Wednesday. It sets the mood for my cinematic journey to the French capital. Here are some options that I’ve been eyeing to complete my weekly class uniform. The other half of my ensemble? My J.Crew Martie pants and J.McLaughlin mules.

Works Sighted

J.Crew bow-back top; Alex Mill button-back sweater; J.Crew boatneck T-shirt; The White Company button side T-shirt

The Breton Shirt Co Picasso; J.Crew sweater in simple stripe; J.Crew cashmere sweater; J.Crew structured T-Shirt

J.Crew slub cotton T-shirt; J.Crew sweater in simple stripe; J.Crew structured T-shirt; J.Crew slub cotton T-shirt

Throws for Outdoor Dining

Throws from Brooklinen, Garnet Hill, Matouk, Aa&R, Magic Linen, and Williams Sonoma.

So far this winter (late autumn according to the calendar), we’ve had snow on two occasions in Philadelphia. The weather has been alternating between cold days and unseasonably warm ones. Per the city’s Covid guidelines, unless you opt for restaurant takeaway, you must dine outside. I cook at home constantly, and enjoying a meal that I did not prepare myself is a real treat. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to savor food from someone else’s kitchen when I’m sitting at my table in the street.

Some restaurants are providing outdoor enclosures and/or heaters for their guests. But, not everyone will be lucky enough to find themselves in a heated enclosure. Those who don’t make it to the VIP section will have to grin and bear it at a table on the sidewalk or in the street. Some establishments are offering throws, but I thought, Why not bring my own.

Works Sighted

Brooklinen throw blanket / Garnet Hill waffle-weave throw / Garnet Hill brushed-cotton throw

Matouk pezzo throw / A&R Cashmere reversible cashmere-blend throw / Williams Sonoma solid cashmere throw / Williams Sonoma cashmere & wool equestrian throw

Magic Linen throw / Matouk initial pezzo throw / Peacock Alley Hudson throw