Take a regular priced cashmere item. Usually you will pay more than $200 for a really nice piece of Kashmir. Of course you can always find cashmere for cheaper, but there is a big difference between high quality and low-quality cashmere. If you want to find your next beautiful cashmere coat were cashmere sweater, my suggestion would be to wait until now. By now, most stores are really trying to clear out their winter inventories. You may have to look in February sometimes because in March many of the women have already snatched up that cashmere that they have been waiting for. But the great thing of shopping for cashmere in February or March if that the stores are now discounting it more than 50%. So, instead of paying more than $200 for that really nice piece of Kashmir, you are now paying somewhere around $100 or less. Work, if you have been waiting to buy that cashmere coat, you are now paying $300 versus the $600 you might have had to pay in November.

If you want to get a collection of fantastic cashmere, you need to wait for the cashmere sale. Cashmere does go on sale, but you have to have patience. You need to be checking the stores every week from January. You need to be waiting for your specific item and already know the item that you want. Come February, when stores start to bring in a lot more of their spring line, they will want to clear out that winter line as fast as possible. Also, it is not too late now. Don’t forget that some of the online stores carry the end of season inventory a lot later than regular stores. So, don’t forget to go online to look for your favorite pieces of cashmere. Stores like bluefly.com and overstock.com will sometimes carry the end of season items at a huge discount. So, if you are looking to buy a few more cashmere cardigans for next winter, go on line now and start searching.

Pink is a fantastic color for women. Most of the time when women wear pink it makes them look like they are very feminine and girly. For those women that are trying to look more attractive to men, pink is a great color to add to your wardrobe. Most men do not wear pink very well, and it is primarily a woman’s color. Adding pink, reminds them of all of the things about women that they like. Pink reminds them of perfume, flowers, and just general feminine items. Do not try to decorate your entire room in pink. Nor do not try to wear all pink. However, adding a little pink to your wardrobe will really allow you to add that feminine touch.

A pink cashmere cardigan is an easy item to throw on all winter long. Whenever it gets cold, it is easy to add to your wardrobe. Unlike white which is very stark, pink makes a person look warmer and cozier. Also, pink actually accentuate a lot of the winter colors very well. Gray and black are the primary winter colors that you see in many women’s wardrobes. Adding a little pink at the touch of color without adding something to bold. If you are not used to wearing green or red or a yellow cardigan, consider choosing pink as an alternative. Pink is so subtle it is very close to white, therefore it is easy to add.

Finally, the pink cardigan will keep you warm all winter. During the very cold winters, you need items that you can easily throw on over other sweaters and long sleeve shirts. If you have a tendency to have a lot of neutral items in your closet then adding something with color will really help to brighten up your clothes. If you like color, then adding a pink item will really help to mix it up. So for all of you who did not pick up a pink cashmere cardigan yet during the winter sales, head out to the nearest department store to get that pink cardigan on sale for a great price.

The line of cashmere that they carry is very diverse.  You will find cashmere cardigans, cashmere hoodies and many different types of cashmere sweaters.  They carry more classic pieces such as a basic cashmere hoodie and short-sleeve shirts.  They  also carry a lot more trendier items as well including long hooded cardigans, long-sleeve dresses and different wraps and sweaters.  The great thing is that the clothes are not too trendy and you won’t have to put them away next year because nobody is wearing that style anymore.  Check out some of their cute pieces below.

One of the best things about their clothes is the great prints you will find on them.  The prints are gorgeous with beautiful butterfly details splashed on.  Check out one that I love here.

This cashmere hoodie is simply gorgeous.  It transforms a simple, basic hoodie into much more of a statement piece.  Check out the sea green butterfly on the side by the pockets and the smaller turquoise butterfly right below it.  The little details on this hoodie make it so fun to wear and you will definitely stand out, even if you are trying to look more casual and relaxed.

The hoodies and other sweaters come in several different colors and the blend of the colors is fantastic.  You’ll find a gorgeous mix of blues and browns blended together or a burgundy, purple and gold print swirled together.  These prints are perfect when paired with a plain white t-shirt or a cute pair of skinny jeans.  Wearing this cashmere will make you instantly feel more dressed up, even when you are just trying to be comfortable and stay warm.

Unfortunately, I found a couple of downsides to the clothing line. The line is a bit thin and not as soft and thick as the traditional cashmere you would think of.  While it is still warm, normally, I like my cashmere to be a bit softer.  Another concern is the construction of the items. For example, the silk-lined cashmere hoodie looks like it has a silver lining stitched inside.  However, the lining is just a piece of fabric that is added to the edges and stops after a few inches.  Instead, you would expect something that actually lines the inside of the hoodie.  CO2 is not cheap and can actually be a bit expensive. Most items range in price from $195 – $400.  The creative designs somewhat make up for the higher price point, but only if you love the designs.

I would recommend checking out this site for their pretty designs, but be careful with the items you select.  If you want a cashmere cardigan or cashmere sweater that is different from your basic black cashmere cardigan, check out CO2 Cashmere .

Some cashmere cardigans can be very useful during the spring and the summer. Designers are starting to make thin cashmere that works perfectly during the warmer spring afternoons and sometimes even during the chilly summer nights. No longer do you have to wear your black cashmere cardigan that sometimes becomes too warm and it looks too hot. With spring comes a lot more choices for you to buy different color cardigans. More and more department stores are starting to carry new spring color cardigans. I have seen a fantastic pink cashmere cardigan or yellow cashmere cardigan. I’ve also seen a lot of fun blue cardigans or purple cardigans in stores now.

Right now is the best time to buy a new cardigan because a lot of stores are starting to carry the new styles. This is the season to buy something to wear over your clothes since it is still chilly outside and you will still need it with you from time to time. If you own a lot of white or neutral color clothes consider buying a fun spring color. New spring fashions show that purple is a great new color. Consider a purple cashmere cardigan or just a purple cardigan for you to wear around the office or when you’re out around town.

The great thing about a colorful cardigan is that it changes your outfit right away. Your outfit goes from something sort of plain and neutral and changes into something that is perfect for this spring or summer air. Your face immediately gets brighter with the new color that you’ve chosen. Match a pink cardigan with dark blue jeans and you look feminine and pretty at the same time. Take a yellow cardigan and pair that with black pants and immediately you look brighter and happier.

Recently Nordstrom’s had a lot of new cardigans in stock. A lot of great colors were starting to get sold out because so many women were trying to buy something new for their wardrobe. So if you are looking for that new cashmere cardigan or just a plain cardigan start shopping now.

Finally, the other day, my friend talked me into going into the Loro Piana store.  Her reasoning was that if we bought one item from that store and it lasted for more than 5 seasons, then it would be worth it.  Normally, the items we were buying only lasted for 1 or 2 seasons.  So, we were spending $200 on a cashmere cardigan that lasted 1 or even 2 seasons.  If we spent $500 for an item that we could wear for even 3 or more seasons, then we would have gotten our money’s worth.

Luckily we walked in and tried on their cardigans.  The cashmere was the most wonderful cashmere I had ever felt.  The styles are classic which means you can wear them all the time.  Although the prices were much higher than we were used to, they seemed worth it since we knew we could wear them for a long time.

Below are a few examples of Loro Piana cashmere cardigans that I found in the store that I liked.

This first one is a Loro Piana Knit Bomber.  Very classic, very sleek, it looks great on most women.  It comes in a beautiful off white color that works great with most outfits.  You can actually buy this at Bergdorf Goodman.

Loro Piana Knit Bomber

This next one is a gorgeous orange and white striped cashmere cardigan set.  The sweater underneath is a cute v-neck, while the cardigan fits snugly on top.

Loro Piana cashmere cardigan set

Both of these looks are a bit more conservative, but they are great for the office.

When the cashmere cardigan came, I was pleasantly surprised.  The thing is, I chose one that was more than 40% off the original price.  This is the main reason why I ordered online.  It was so much cheaper than what I had found in the stores, even when I found cardigans on sale.  Therefore, I decided to save money and order the clothes online.  I had chosen a bright orange color because I wanted to brighten up my winter clothes.  The color was true to what I saw on the internet and the cashmere was great quality.  It felt really good and it fit well on me.  The only thing I regretted was not ordering another one.  There were many different colors to choose from and I had only chosen one color.  When I went back online to try and order another one, everything was sold out.  Therefore, I would recommend ordering a cashmere cardigan online and taking that chance, but next time, I would say order 2.  You can always return it and if you like it, you would have found a great deal.

1.     Style – What style cardigan are you looking for?  Do you want a long cardigan or a short cardigan?  If you want a trendy one, how trendy do you want to go?  Remember that if the item is too trendy, then you won’t be able to wear it next year and you may not want to spend too much money on it.  However, if the item is not that trendy and you are looking for something stylish, then you may not wear it and all of that money you spent on the cardigan will go to waste.

2.    Money – How much are you willing to spend?  There are countless choices and the prices range from $50 to more than $1000.  Cashmere is more expensive and a good cashmere cardigan will last you a while so consider your budget.  Normally, for around $200, you will find a great stylish cardigan that you can wear this year and into next year.

3.    Closet – Look through your closet and see what clothes you will match the cardigan with.  This will help you determine if you want one that is colorful or if you just want to buy a black cashmere cardigan that can go with everything.  Also, depending on your style, you will want to buy a cardigan that matches that style.  Don’t buy a short one if everything in your closet is longer and you don’t have many skirts or dresses.  Buy a long cardigan if you’ve got plenty of t-shirts, skinny jeans, and boots to match.

4.    Figure – Look at your figure and make sure you know what type of cardigan will look best on you.  For some people, the long cardigan looks great since it allows them to hide their larger thighs and waist.  For others, a short cardigan may look better since there are a lot of boxier short cardigans that allow them to balance out the skinny jeans and leggings they like to wear underneath.  Whatever your body type, make sure you understand what will look best on you.

After thinking through these things, check out some of the great new cardigans that I’ve found below.

Martin & Osa Long & Lean Cardigan
This is a great cardigan for those looking for something to wear every day.  It matches many items and is really flattering.

Martin + Osa Cardigan

Marc Jacobs Mildred Cashmere Cardigan
This beautiful white cardigan has fine details that make it stand out.  Plus, Marc Jacobs clothes always fall and flatter the body.

Marc Jacobs Cashmere Cardigan

Victoria Secret Silk & Cashmere Chiffon-Trim Long Cardigan
I love this cardigan!  It’s not pure cashmere, but it is so cute and looks great over jeans or any pants.

Victoria Secret Cardigan

Marled cashmere cardigan – J. Crew
Check out this first one. The cardigan is a little chunkier and it is fantastic over a thin t-shirt or tank. It hits at the hips and comes in a warm grey color. Plus, don’t forget where J. Crew gets its cashmere – the same place as a “world-famous mill in Piedmont” (to quote them) or otherwise known as Loro Piana – the designer and maker of fantastic and outrageously expensive cashmere (expect to spend at least $1000). This cardigan will only cost you $298.

Ralph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Cardigan
I love this next cardigan. Simple, basic and something you can pair with everything, whether it’s black leggings or a short skirt. It comes in 3 colors – red, heather grey, and black, and is the perfect cardigan for those looking for something basic to wear all winter. Get it for $225.

Splendid Shadow Stripe Cashmere Cardigan
This next item is so cute. It is a thinly striped cardigan that you can layer. You can even do that new look that women are trying out – layering one heavier cardigan over a lighter one. This cardigan is so thin, but yet so warm. The stripes give it a trendier look than the traditional one color cardigan. The v-neck in front also makes it very flattering when buttoned or worn open. Buy it at Splendid.com for $267.

Vince Cashmere Draped Shrug
I love all things by Vince. The material he uses is just so nice and his clothes always look good on. This next piece is a modern take on the traditional cardigan. They call it a draped shrug because it does just that. Drapes over the shoulders and hangs delicately in front. Check out the three-quarter cap sleeves that show off your arms, but still keep you warm in the winter. Buy this one at Bergdorf for $285.

Theory Hollis Cashmere Cardigan
This next piece from Theory is a long cardigan. I love long cardigans in the winter. Ever feel like your legs get cold and you don’t know what to do? Well, I always choose a long cardigan when I know I’m going to be out late. This way, my legs will be protected since my boots never come that far up. This Theory long black cardigan is gorgeous. It falls slimly over your body and is thin so it doesn’t make you look chunky. Shopbop.com is carrying this for $365.

Kate Spade ‘Courtney’ Cashmere Cardigan
For those of you looking for something more conservative, but still want to have a little fun, try this cream and black cardigan from Kate Spade. The pockets are topped with little white bows and the black and white look works great with skirts and shirts in different colors. Buy this from Nordstrom for $295.

White + Warren Superfine Ruffled Cashmere Cardigan
A cardigan doesn’t always have to be so conservative. Check out this really feminine cardigan that adds so much to a plain white t-shirt and jeans. After putting this on, I felt transformed into someone much girlier. The knit is so fine and thin and the ruffles drape really prettily around your body. I tried it with a pencil skirt and tank and it looks great too. It costs $295 and is well worth the investment.

Aqua Wrapped Cashmere Cardigan
If you’ve never seen this brand, go check it out at Bloomingdales. Aqua makes some of the best and most affordable cashmere clothing. Plus, their styles are always trendy and updated so you can never go wrong with one of their items. This wrap has an oversized shawl collar which drapes prettily around the neck. Then, you just wrap it in front for a fantastic look over your leggings, jeans and any shirt. It comes in black or heather brown and you can buy it for $178 at Bloomingdales. What a steal!

Michael Kors Cashmere Shrug
Finally, I couldn’t resist throwing in this Michael Kors Cashmere Shrug that I saw at Bergdorf Goodman. I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for something to throw on over my dresses. I love my fall dresses, but sleeveless is just too cold in the winter. Why not throw on a cashmere cardigan or cashmere shrug? This shrug is so cute, hits above the waist, and will keep you warm in your dresses all winter long. Get it for $595 or shop around for others.

This first one is from Banana Republic.  It’s an open cardigan, no buttons, with big sleeves.  It’s flattering, yet is completely comfortable and won’t make you feel constrained.  I love the colors it comes in – a Heather Gray and a beautiful taupe.

Banana Republic Cardigan

I love these next 2 from J. Crew.   Now that I know where they buy their wool, I definitely check out this store more often since I know their cashmere is really high quality. Check out the first one with cute ruffles on the sleeves.  It’s on sale for $49.99 and comes in so many different colors such as black, yellow, Sweet Orange, Bright Tulip and more.  By the way, don’t you love the names of the colors?  The Bright Tulip is this pink color that is beautiful.  I can see myself wearing this now and into the fall season since it’s short sleeve, but still cashmere so it’s incredibly warm.

J. Crew Cashmere Cardigan

I also found this other cardigan at J. Crew.  I’m showing it to you because I love the color – salmon – and love the name.  It’s called the Cashmere Jackie cardigan and on the model, it looks like Jackie O!  If you’re going for that look, definitely check this out.  I love how the color is brighter, but the cut is more conservative.

J. Crew Jackie Cardigan

Finally, check out this Laurie B. “It’s a Wrap” cashmere cardigan from Nordstrom’s.  For all of you tall ladies, this cardigan is so elegant.  You can wrap it different ways or just leave it hanging down like this model.  It really helps to hide some blemishes while keeping you looking gorgeous and elegant.  It’s also really warm and serves and a great item to wear to the movies, out to the park, or anywhere else you want to cover up more.

Nordstrom Laurie B. Cashmere Cardigan

I’ll have more to post as the fall season comes in so stay tuned!  Also, send me anything you’ve found!

Loro Piana cashmere cardigan from Neiman Marcus

The interesting thing is that the article talked about how Loro Piana sells its fabric to high-end manufacturers such as Brioni and Brooks Brothers.  They use the fabric and can then put the Loro Piana label on them.  But, what nobody really knows is that they also sell their fabric to middle-end manufacturers as well.  Places like Bloomingdale’s also use them to make their in-store sweaters.
The biggest thing I learned is that J. Crew also buys their wool from there (remember – cashmere is a type of wool).  So, all of J. Crew’s sweaters are now made from the same wool as the sweaters made by Loro Piana!  Can you believe it?  J. Crew sweaters are about 20% of the price of Loro Piana sweaters.  J. Crew used to buy from a different manufacturer, but now is buying from Loro Piana because they want to increase the quality of their items and hopefully the price.  The good thing is that their prices can never even be in the same ballpark as Loro Piana since they cater to a much different market.  Therefore, if you are looking for a cashmere cardigan, you should definitely consider the cashmere from J. Crew.

J. Crew cashmere cardigan

The one downside was that the writer, Christina Binkley, compared 2 cashmere cardigans, one from Loro Piana and the other from J. Crew.  She found that the J. Crew one was a lot thinner and a lot more flimsy.  It seemed like the J. Crew sweater wouldn’t last half as long as the Loro Piana one.  So, even though the cashmere is purchased from the same place, when it is made into a sweater, J. Crew does not put as much effort or detail or even material into it as Loro Piana.   Also, I went to Neiman Marcus to look at a Loro Piana cashmere cardigan and it is definitely a lot thicker and more luxurious than ones from J. Crew.  However, it was also more than $5000 which equals more than 20 J. Crew sweaters.

Regardless of that, I still think it is a great deal.  I don’t know about you, but I definitely cannot afford a Loro Piana sweater.  However, I can buy a J. Crew sweater really easily.  So, this winter, when I am looking for my new cashmere cardigans, I will be looking at J. Crew for some great quality items.