Closet advice
A few weeks ago I posted on a Barrie cashmere cardigan and was asked about how to care for it. Paula very kindly spoke with a number of cashmere experts and here’s what they said:
The softer the cashmere (Baby, Vicuna), the more pilling will occur. Pilling is a completely natural part of the fiber, it’s part of wearing the softest natural fiber made.
It’s practically impossible to avoid pilling. Over time, cashmere pills less and less.
Pilling comes from the fibers drying out and abrasion.
They recommend hand washing often, using Loro Piana cashmere laundry product, which contains olive oil, to keep the cashmere moisturized. Dry flat.
Dry cleaning is not recommended.
The cashmere sweater is not ruined if it pills, it can be cared for and restored to almost brand new.
All agree a simple pilling comb with a sharp razor blade on end is the correct tool to remove pilling. The combs are basic and sell for as low as $4.00 on Amazon.
Manual combs are recommended over automatic.
Never store sweaters in plastic. I have placed a couple of orders with The Butler’s Closet and am very happy with everything!
Thank you, Paula!
On The Hunt For
I took two bags to Paris for three weeks and wore the brown Gucci 1955 Horsebit the entire time. The Saint Laurent Hobo is the perfect size, however burgundy is not my color. This Louis Vuitton Low Key Hobo MM caught my eye – love the hardware, but it’s larger than I’d like. The hunt is on.
Travel
My dear friend, the former fashion PR executive Ashley Wick, developed a coaching business supporting creative women entrepreneurs. Launching leaders and building conscious cultures is her passion. Ashley has partnered with the original culinary adventuress, Peggy Markel, on a trip Sailing and Savoring the Pontine Islands Program: Finding The Current Within, June 30-July 6. The duo will take a group through the Pontine and Phlegraean islands off the Italian coast of Napoli for 6-days, on a private 68-foot sailing Ketch while sampling the local luxuries of each port city, including Procida, Ischia, Ventotene, Ponza, and Palmarola. The guests will learn to make simple, fresh dishes from specialized agricultural traditions and reset on the water while working with a transformational coach to find their current within. I will be with my family on Martha’s Vineyard that week, otherwise I would join this adventure in a heartbeat.
It Item
This morning I went to Crimson, Linda Wright‘s fantastic shop in the 8th arrondissement, for a blue shirt and left with a cashmere sweater that perfectly matches (no surprise) a shirt I bought from her last fall. Linda’s eye for color and updated classic designs is unparalleled.
On My Radar
A Phoebe Philo pop-up is opening in Bergdorf Goodman on April 11. Will be nice to see the collection IRL and try things on. Available in-store, only.
On My Radar
I didn’t realize what was missing in my wardrobe until I bought this Barrie cashmere and cotton velvet-effect cardigan. I love its heft, which makes it a jacket of sorts. Barrie is one of the oldest cashmere knitting manufacturers in Scotland and joined Chanel’s Métiers d’Art in 2012. The quality is sublime, and this cardigan is from the Barrie + Sofia Coppola collaboration so it’s cool, too. I will wear it with jeans, over a slip dress tonight at a dinner, with anything, really — it’s a forever item.
On My Mind
My younger daughter was here for Easter weekend and we saw Paris 1874 Inventing Impressionism at the Musée d’Orsay. It’s an impressive exhibition, despite the crowded galleries, and will be at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. from September 8, 2024 to January 20, 2025. Robert Ryman: The Act of Looking at the d’Orsay’s sister museum, Musée de L’Orangerie, is first-rate. Robert Ryman is one of my favorite artists and this exhibition was top of my Paris to-do list. It, also, inspired this Toteme dress (here, too) and Neous sandals combo.
Ad Campaign
This Chanel ad campaign gets 5-stars. Pairing Penelope Cruz and Brad Pitt was a brilliant idea — they are lovely together. SEE THE FILM
It Items
When there was a delivery snafu with a pair of Phoebe Philo flats, Paula remarked “it wasn’t meant to be.” And, she was right, of course. Yesterday, while roaming around I spied the newest iteration of the Chanel Mary Janes in the rue Cambon shop window. I’ve resisted the Mary Jane trend, but these were like a siren song. Much more walkable than the flats I’d wanted, and I get why the strap style is popular — it’s practical. A very sweet salesperson informed me that this shoe sold out in three days. Maybe, she said, there is one pair in existence at the avenue Montaigne shop. En route I decided, if so, then they are meant to be. Et Voila! Thank you, Paula, you were right — these shoes were, indeed, meant to be. After Chanel I passed Brigitte Macron in the Tuileries, she was in very high heels and had perfect hair.
I like these Le Monde Beryl Mary Janes a lot, too. Call me a convert.
I’d, also, resisted the pink trend. But the YSL lipstick gifted to me by a friend put me on a path. I’m going to pick up this Hermès Rosy Lip Enhancer (& here) to add to my budding collection.
It Item
Louise Trotter’s debut collection for Carven is trickling into the Paris store. With no e-commerce and just a tiny outpost in Galleries Lafayette (another opening in Harrods soon), I made a beeline for 6. Rond Point de Champs-Elysées. The clothes are gorgeous and the manager Fred is delightful. I bought a black, light-weight, waterproof jacket, which is chic, yet practical, for these early spring days. The rest of the SS24 collection will be delivered in two weeks.
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