Are Pashminas Still in Fashion?

Do you remember when Pashminas (or large cashmere wraps) were a HUGE fashion trend?
They were worn by every celebrity, model and actress.
Everyone who wanted to look like they were "en vogue" bought at least one.
Some had one in every colour to wear with every outfit!

Back in 1999 I remember coveting the luxuriously large pashminas that were in the big stores... and feeling slightly sorry for myself that they were (WAY!) beyond my budget.
Curses!

I did buy a cheap version, in a sad attempt to copy the look BUT failed.
Synthetic fibres, rayon, viscose or wool and silk mixes just don't work.

They're nothing wrong with these fibres, it's just that when you try to fake that cashmere look you're going to fall flat.
There's nothing quite like the real deal.

{Don't even get my started on nasty 'Cashmilon'....aka pimped up nylon... yuck!}

Back in nineties cashmere cost a small fortune, and was a real A-list luxury item.
Thankfully, you can now buy good quality cashmere products for much more realistic prices.

Yes, good cashmere costs a lot more than polyester, but it's a real investment.
Look after it and it can last for years.
Or, as my late Nan would say:

"That will see you out!"

Unfortunately, many brands have started to compromise on the quality of their cashmere.
I have a cardigan (from 2001) that is still looking great BUT I bought a different colour from the same brand about 5 years ago and it fell to bits... quite literally.
The replacement they sent me fell to bits too.
I won't be back.
Cheap fabric, made in China does NOT appeal to me.

BUT... back to the point.
The question is:

Are pashminas still in fashion?

To be honest, regardless of the latest trends, Pashminas are always in fashion.

Especially if you love the warmth and comfort that a wrap like this can offer you.

Wear them as a scarf or as a shawl.

Wear them over a business suit, over an evening dress or as a jacket substitute on a casual night out.

Wear them with jeans, leggings or your Pj's!

Anything goes.

This particular pashmina/wrap is heavenly... and I've hardly had it off my back since it arrived!
It's SO cosy, which was a big surprise as the knit is lightweight as well as super-soft.

The best bit is that it goes with everything!

{I'm wearing skinny jeans and a roll neck as I type this, and my wrap is around my shoulders... I even wear it reading in bed!}

I'm aware that I'm in danger of sounding too gushy gushy (which may induce the baulk in some of you...I know it does me) BUT I genuinely love this gorgeous pashmina.

I was lucky to have this beautiful wrap sent to me by Simone from Italy in Cashmere, but I would have happily bought it and would be thrilled to receive another as a Christmas (or birthday) gift.... are you listening Santa?

Wraps make great gifts don't they?
Who doesn't love a little luxury in their life?
Plus, no need to worry about getting the size wrong.

{BTW...The quality of the yarn is fabulous, and the products are made in Italy, so no sweatshop guilt.}

I've worn this wrap to work a few times and my colleagues were coveting it... I had to put it under lock and key as it was in danger of being 'borrowed' 😜.

Today, I'm wearing it with my graphic dress (see this graphic dress styled in different ways HERE) plus my trusty vintage boots (see more of them HERE).

I popped a roll neck underneath for warmth, and a more streamlined feel.
This dress is quite bold so my new wrap, and a simple bag, were all I needed to finish things off nicely.

Are you a fan of cashmere?

Do you still love wraps, and pashminas?

How to you wear yours?

Over eveningwear or (like me) over your PJ's!?

Please let me know in the comments, or send me an email at samantha44blair(at)gmail(dot)com.

I love hearing from you!

CASHMERE WRAP: c/o Italy in Cashmere
DRESS: Old (New look, if I remember correctly)... this one is nothing like mine but I love it!
BOOTS: Vintage... similar
ROLL NECK: Thermals from M&S
BAG: Topshop... this one is cool!