Then you definitely need to check out the amazing work from Orijyn!

“Orijyn has been working with rural weavers far from the big markets, to develop products incorporating their particular weaving skills and traditions. In this way, women can earn much needed money and still stay in their communities with their families.

In 2006, Orijyn began teaching sustainable business practices with PADETC, a school in Laos, and began working with groups of weavers in the villages of Vientiane Province. We assisted them with technical and marketing guidance for product improvement, business start-up development, as well as small loans to expand their production.”

The silk shawls and wraps are made using locally-grown silk worms, raised by the villagers – ensuring that as much of the work is done in the village as possible.  The silk is harvested, hand-dyed and hand-spun – meaning that every scarf or wrap is unique.  Traditional Laotian patterns are used to weave the fabric, giving the finished accessories a rich look.

Their scarves are available in a rainbow of lovely colors – this one is a mix of burgundy and espresso shades called “Ikat On The End“:

The wraps are larger than the scarves and come in some unique variations, including this “Rainbow” ikat-dyed wrap:

images: Orijyn

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Luscious Silk for a Good Cause

Auto has a new collection of woven 100% wool scarves by Epice in stock right now – perfect for adding some extra flair to those chilly mornings.

The scarves come in several fashion-friendly prints, including this great pink plaid:

28″ X 80″ plaid scarf, $188

A subtle woven black & purple print:

28″ X 80″ solid purple scarf, $170.

And a lovely, but slightly small blue paisley print:

24″ X 60″ blue pattern scarf, $156.

If you’d like to add a scarf to your accessory wardrobe, but aren’t quite sure how – check out this great website.  They’ve got all kinds of different ways to wear a scarf, from wrapped as a turban, around your neck or even as a belt.  Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you!

images: Auto

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Lush New Fall Scarves from Auto

Yarnz is a company known to have a beautiful selection of cashmere scarves and wraps and I found three gorgeous examples of their work on Shopbop.

Images: Yarnz

Cameo Scarf ($165)
Neo Zebra Scarf ($165)
Floral Swirl Scarf ($165)

These 100% woven cashmere scarves are quite luxe and would make a fabulous accent piece to a simple outfit of jeans and a tee. These would also look chic thrown around your shoulders in the evenings.  Yarnz has a wonderful selection of scarves, gloves and hats too. Right now, at Shopbop, all of their lighter-weight (silk and cashmere blend) scarves are on sale so it’s a good time tos tock up for Spring and Summer too!

Another fabulous thing about scarves? They make wonderful gifts! 

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Get Warm and Cozy with Yarnz

Nordstrom

The past few seasons scarfs have popped up everywhere, from tiny local boutiques to main stream discount stores such as Target and Old Navy. It honestly all depends on how much you’re willing to spend on fashion for the scarf. Like any good clothing item, scarves come in great and fantastic materials, like this Eyelash Tissue-Weight Cashmere Wrap from Nordstrom. It’has some funky fringe and comes in a variety of colors, ranging from the ivory pictured to bright blue. It is $89.90.

However, if you’re looking for something a lot less pricey you can always run upstairs to the Juniors section of Nordstrom to find a less expensive alternative to the designer name scarf. In the Juniors section you’ll find a scarf made of less fancy material, but equally as fashionable for as low as $5.99 (I think i paid more for something at Wal-Mart earlier in the year!). You’ll probably end up with cotton instead of cashmere, but, if you’re just looking for a fun piece then who’s counting right? A good choice is this BP Lightweight Wrap.

Net-A-Porter

But, of course, there are those cold Fall days when you are out on the town, at a football game, or had to park far away from the office when the cheap alternative just isn’t going to do it. Those are the days you pick something like this Missoni Wool Knit Snood from Net-A-Porter for $240. This option is great because it has that maroon color that’s always fabulous for the Fall and is very versatile…it can cover up your ears (confession…I had no idea what a snood was until I started writing this today…. that’s what I get for living in Texas for 21 years)!

Even if it isn’t cold in the Fall where you are, though, scarves and wraps don’t have to be hidden! Get a good color and go crazy! A good choice would be this Maje Fringed Cotton Scarf from Net-A-Porter for $190. Like always, there are no rules in fashion!

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Reasons to Love Fall: Scarves & Wraps

Some shawls are meant strictly for a dramatic accent!  These 100% silk shawls are based on designs from the 1930s, and finished off with hand embroidery.  To add even more of an impact, the shawls have a long fringe:

Or ivory silk and  pink roses if you prefer a softer look:

images: Unique Vintage

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Vintage-Look Shawls with a Glam Factor

It’s snowing…

You just got home from a day at the office – complete with five full rotations of “Bubba’s Favorite Christmas Songs for Kazoo and Electric Guitar”…

And you have holiday shopping to do…

Here’s a suggestion, stay at home – curl up on the couch, make a cup of hot chocolate and wrap yourself up in this:

That’s a “Dégradé” cashmere wrap from La Fiorentina.  Gradiated colors are so hot right now – and this is a lovely – and cozy way to add it to your wardrobe.

And don’t forget… you can always get your Christmas shopping done online – from the comfort of your own house!

image: Neiman Marcus

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How do you like your cashmere?

Indie designer J’emmajo creates these one-of-a-kind cashmere wraps using “upcycled” bits of fabric from dressmaker’s scraps.  Each wrap is accented with slivers of silk, rayon and other evening dress fabrics.

image: J’emmajo

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silk and cashmere for cool nights

I love supporting indie designers, and Etsy is full of fantastic, trendy designs – check out this hand-knitted wool cowl by New York designer, Spratters & Jayne:

Fashionable and cozy – now there’s a happy mix

image: Spratters & Jayne

Don’t forget to check out b5media’s freshly-relaunched home of all things indie, Indie Style File!

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chic & chunky wool scarves

You can wrap them around your shoulders, knot them around your neck or drape it across your arm if you’re a little too toasty.

My pick for a lovely shawl that will see you through the late summer all the way to next spring?  Pucci’s silk and lurex “Amelie“:

image: eLuxury 

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Pucci shawls to scare off the chills

The Love Dove pendant from Rimistyle:

(image source: Rimistyle)

The “Charis” woven leather high heeled mule from Sofft:

(image source: Zappos)
Cooler evenings or need a beach cover-up?  Cover your shoulders with this ivory silk wrap from Amen:

(image source: Yoox)

The “Rosarita – Gwen“  embroidered leather tote from Lockheart has a relaxed, boho feel – perfect for sultry summer days:

(image source: Nordstrom)

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summer whites