11.25.2009

Shawl Talk

I’ll be honest; I’ve never been a fan of it. Small talk, that is. To some it’s a way to shoot the breeze; for me, it’s nothing more than moments wasted on nonsensical, inane musings brought about to mask the uncomfortable silences that so often pinpoint and plague our daily lives. But I’m not one to talk, I suppose; after all, I am a serial texter myself – exchanging brief banter with a handful of people at any given time. Still, it’s not the same. Those petite typewritten trades do one thing instantaneously, and that is get down to the nitty gritty – which, at the moment, is shawls. Thus, I’m forgoing the small talk, at least for a bit, and replacing it with a cozy dose of shawl talk!

Sheri Bodell “Black Widow Shawl” There is quite possibly nothing better than a venomous accessory; a fabulous fragment of frippery with the power to, in the words of Ricky Martin, “look like a flower and sting like a bee” – at least in terms of style. Sheri Bodell’s Black Widow Shawl is it. If ever you wanted to channel the look of an alluring bohemian hippie, you would need this garb and little to nothing else. Cascading layers of fringe hang flirtily from the rounded hem that creates a sophisticated curtain-like effect in which you are the soon to be revealed main attraction; while beads and paillettes adorning the shoulders and upper back make you dazzle, twinkle, and sparkle like a cosmopolitan caped crusader. Lock your doors boys; the black widow is on the prowl!

Free People “Fringe Shawl” No matter how hard you may try, it is nearly impossible to ignore the lure of Southwestern influences in style of dress. There’s a very beatnik, Jack Kerouac, On the Road quality to the look courtesy of natural tones that instantly make you think of being one with the wilderness. Free People’s Fringe Shawl is quite indicative of this. Loose, chunky hand-knit in a multitude of deep, striped tones, then trimmed in chocolate brown fringe create a cozy pattern and appearance which retains the ability to dress your look du jour up or down depending on how you wear it. Don it with dark wash skinnies for elegance, or slouchy khaki cords for a free-spirited ambiance; either way it creates an aesthetic that looks and feels like home.

Neiman Marcus “Cashmere Shawl” Too many associate the fall and winter months with dark, dreary colors that serve to be quite posh and cultivated, yet leave much to be desired in terms of color palettes. Hence the reason a snuggly garment in a daring hue, much like Neiman Marcus’ Cashmere Shawl is so necessary for your wardrobe. While the gathered detailing and pure cashmere construction make for a blissful, blanketed silhouette; the true piece de resistance lies in the ravishing candy apple red hue, and the versatility factor. Drape it over your shoulders and allow it to swish around your legs like an oversized cardigan, criss cross it over your body to create luscious layers, or wind it about your throat to weave a makeshift tube scarf that adds volumes to appearance. The only thing I don’t recommend doing? Leaving home without it!

American Apparel “The Shawl” Very few shawls have the ability to transform from day to night. The Shawl from American Apparel does. As opposed to going too big and billowy for an evening out with the girls – or a cute boy! – or embracing a slim cut that provides scant coverage from the brisk winds blowing you every which way, The Shawl falls right between the two in a magical middle ground to help you class up your style no matter what you happen to find yourself accoutered in. Glamourize the Cotton Spandex Jersey Double U-Neck Long Sleeve Mini Dress in Dark Orchid with The Shawl in Black Interlock; romanticize a pale pink v-neck with The Shawl in Asphalt Interlock; or add a sprinkling of animal magnetism to your ensemble courtesy of The Shawl in Natural/Cappuccino. There’s no question that in any color or combination it’s a pretty little piece eagerly awaiting the chance to contribute a pinch of pizzazz to your accessory drawer!

Sutton Studio “Cashmere Ruffle Shawl” Given the fact that, in my world, cardigans are not just a cozy covering crafted to keep one warm, they’re more of a way of life; I often find myself seeking out bits and pieces that are, essentially, an entirely different style of dress, but which possess the same type of aesthetic and presentation synonymous with that of a cardigan. So is the way I came across Sutton Studio’s Cashmere Ruffle Shawl. Nothing to me says fall in a more phenomenal fashion than a cuddly knit embellished with tiers of ruffles that make it a cinch to create an urbane, uptown silhouette that will turn heads the moment you toss it on. Allow it to hang open for a nonchalant, haphazard yet haute appearance; or swing one end over your shoulder for a touch of elegance. No matter how it’s styled you’re sure to stun.

Ready for a bit of shawl talk, kittens?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop, Free People, Nordstrom, American Apparel, and Bloomingdales for the pictures.
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41 comments

Diane said...

loving the first one and the last one posted here :)

p.s. i hate small talk. :P

michelle_ said...

the second and american apparel 'the shawl' are my two favorites ! i have a similar american apparel the shawl made from an indonesian brand called cotton ink (you can check out cottonink.blogspot.com - they've got an amazing collection of scarves)

thanks for this post!
scarves are the BEST to update an outfit !

FASHION SNAG said...

It definitely has to be cashmere =) I like a simple black or maybe that Southwestern motif. Great post once again Erika! xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

myvogue said...

I've always wanted to try wearing a big shawl as an outerwear, but I thought it will make me look like an old lady. Now I am looking at your great finds and I am thinking: let's try the trend for real this winter :)

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous selections, E!
Loving the NM and AA ones especially!

xoxox,
CC

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Love the FP one- looks so cozy!! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!

Leah said...

I love the segue from small talk to shawl talk. You are amazing with words.

On to the shawl talk, I'm lusting for that Neiman Marcus cashmere shawl. My blacks plus that red will look marvelous, don't you agree?

Happy Thanksgiving Erika!

www.janetteria.com said...

Love them all!

I have got a purple Kookai shawl...



XoXo

Anonymous said...

interesting, I've never thought of wearing a shawl, but maybe I'll reconsider now

Emily said...

Oh my goodness, I love the Free People shawl. It has such a rustic, southwestern appeal.

English Rose ♥ said...

i am in love with the cashmere ruffle shawl because a) its cashmere and b) its so chic and will add thousands of dollars to an outfit

darling, i fell obsessively in love with your blog ages ago - i would be honoured to trade links, i'm already following your blog =]

another great post

http://iamanenglishrose.blogspot.com

The Blonde Duck said...

I love the SW one--it's so rustic.

Tights Lover said...

I looove the free people shawl here!

ana said...

I'll ask Santa for the beautiful Sutton Studio “Cashmere Ruffle Shawl”... It's fantastic

Unknown said...

That grey one is so fantastic on the bottom.

Denisa L said...

I like the A.A. one:)

grace said...

i love shawls for one reason--they provide warmth in a fashionable manner. these are lovely!
happy thanksgiving!

Nina said...

Hello again!

You're making me re-think my own ideas on shawl using. I want the Black Widow one. It has sooo much ooomph. The cashmere ones certainly add a more updated look ... who can ever think "grandma" again with these re-worked shawls?!

Nina

http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/

sherin said...

Shawls are so good for nights out this time of the year. I adore the Sheri Bodell shawl. It is exquisite.

Nina said...

And ... I hate small talk as well!

Nina

http://ninaballerinaclosetobsession.blogspot.com/

Toothfairy said...

I love shawls... in fact, I own too many...to lose them all the time! crazy and annoying!

loves

Unknown said...

I don't really understand shawls they aren't cardagins or blankets, omg they are snuggies :)
XOXOX
Libby
Enter my Giveaway!
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

All Women Stalker said...

Oh texting is definitely not the same as tiresome small talk. Haha. I'm in love with the ruffle shawl.

-meream

Jen said...

Last year I bought a fab black crochet shawl from H&M - your post has prompted me to dig it out and give it another whirl!
I wear cardigans almost daily, so something like these beauties (especially that last grey ruffled number) is a great way to mix it up a little.

I'm always ready for a bit of shawl talk! Love your clever play on words!

FASHION SNAG said...

Erika,

I added you to my Lovely Links page =)

xoxo

Jacqueline @ Fashion Snag

Emz said...

Haha, perhaps its time I started wearing shawls?

Closet Cravings said...

The Sheri Bodell “Black Widow Shawl” totally makes me think of Stevie Nicks. =)

Dina's Days said...

How about me, you wearing ruffle shawls get some coffee at the Bicycle cafe?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Erika!

Audrey Allure said...

haha that's so funny - i actually just grabbed my old shawl for warmth since it became cold in my room. although, i don't remember where this came from haha

S.Elisabeth said...

whenever i think of shawls, i think of the awkward things i wear to dances, ha. but that second picture makes me wish I hadn't layered my hair so i could braid it like that and then wrap myself up in that shawl! so cozy looking

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

That AA number is just what I've been looking for. Merci beaucoup! Happy Thanksgiving!

defining amy said...

i might have to try these out this winter. not sure if i could pull it off, but these pictures make me want to try!!

Chicago Chic said...

They look warm, cozy, and stylish! xxx

Rachel Scarlet said...

Hi Erika! Talking about shawl, the ones I own are pashmina and yes a woven shawl handmade by the people from the tribe village in Chiangmai, Thailand. It is really affordable for such exquisite handycraft! XOXO :)

miriam said...

mm, the grey cashmere ruffle is beautiful!

Fashion Court said...

my mother always says "oh you should wear a shawl" blahblahblah .. i'm not a big fan either, but i ordered some wrap cardigan from victoria's secret for christmas and i think it may be similiar/i may be addicted!

Olive said...

Although I do confess to having a coat obsession, I would gladly add a shawl into the mix. Thanks for the up-to-date choices!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Gorgeous shawls! I love the American Apparel one because it's so simple. I also love the Sutton Studio shawl. The ruffles are too cute!

Anonymous said...

the second poncho is so cute!

Little Bow Prep said...

They look so warm and cozy!

Anna said...

I love knitted skarves and shawls!
Lovely blogg! :)

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