Women's Fashion: Pashmina Shawls

All Content Copyright ©2009 Hamsa Shawls and www.HamsaShawls.com. All rights reserved. The article below was commissioned by and written expressly for Hamsa Shawls.  This article is copyrighted and may be distributed without modification with permission directly from Hamsa Shawls or our designated agency.

  

Maintaining a fashionable wardrobe does not have to mean dramatic changes every year.  Swapping out accessories can create a beautiful and fashionable look with little effort.  Shawls and Pashmina Scarves are the ideal accessory for this endeavor.  Glamorous and complimentary for any occasion, they are available in an array of colors and styles that will look splendid when added to your existing wardrobe.

Shawls are unusual in the fashion world in that they have transcended the ages; not many clothing items can make this claim!  A high end shawl is a stunning and elegant accessory that looks exquisite for any occasion.  Adding a lovely shawl to your ensemble creates a statement of class and mirrors your unique personality.  Shawls have gained recent popularity as a high fashion staple. 

Looks to Create with your Shawl

Shawls may be loosely worn over the shoulders or upper body.  Sometimes they are even worn on the head.  Various women choose to use them for added warmth or for meditation. They are generally oblong or rectangular but are often folded to create a triangle-shape and can be added to achieve many different looks such as the 3 noted below:

The Elegant Look:  Ideal for evening gowns and special occasions when exposing your shoulders you can create a sensual appearance with the shawl.  Wrap each end over your shoulders and allow the shawl to drape across your back and rest on the crooks of your arms.

The Casual Look: Simply wrap the shawl around your neck like a scarf.  The simple wrap is achieved by draping it over your shoulders and then bringing the entire width of both ends to cross in front of you.  If worn correctly, the wrap will create a stylish pop of color to any shirt.

The Professional Look:  Adding a Shawl to your professional attire such as a pant suit or blouse can personalize your look!  Achieve a distinguished appearance by adding a real Pashmina scarf your outfit. 

Remember this one simple rule when accessorizing with shawls: patterned shawls add distinction and flair to solid clothing palettes, whereas solid-colored shawls lend depth to patterned attire.  With the endless array of colors and designs, you can match a shawl to any outfit.  Follow this easy tip and you will flawlessly transform shawls into your trademark fashion accessory.

Additionally, a truly fine shawl is much more than a trendy accessory; they can be treasured heirlooms and collector’s items.  The origins of this lovely piece span centuries into the past.  You may find an exceptionally luxurious shawl with a mystical history to pass along in your family for generations.   The most cherished shawls are made of pure Pashmina and cashmere, but a high end shawl salon will have an array of options to fit your budget, occasion and preferences.  In many cases, you will not find your perfect shawl; your perfect shawl will find you.  The options may seem endless, but when you have found that special piece to cherish for years to come, you will know immediately.

About the Author:

Linda Bishop is an avid shawl collector.

Truly fine shawls from a Luxury Shawl Salon are her favorite fashion accessories because they beautifully compliment a wide variety of outfits and create a rich and timeless keepsake.  Bishop prefers the opulence of Pure Pashmina wraps and enjoys collecting these precious items as priceless heirlooms.

Silk Shawl Collection for Fall Winter ~ Preview

Dear Shawl Lovers,

We have finally found just the perfect silk shawls for evening and special occasion wear!  They have just arrived, some in glorious jeweltones and others in sophisticated neutrals, and will be online soon.  All of these glorious Silks have rich textured weaves and dance with gorgeous blends of colour, light, and shadow! 

Will make an announcement in the near future when this new category is online, but in the meantime, enjoy this sneak preview of a richly coloured, luxurious Silk evening stole!

      

With Warm Thoughts until next time,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls

The Art of the Shawl begins with Quality Fibers

Have you ever wondered about the fiber content of the many beautiful shawls and wraps featured in the Hamsa Shawls collection?  Before the weaving, design, and embellishment of a shawl, the Art of the Shawl actually begins with the fiber itself.  Quality fibers are the basis for quality shawls.

We have recently expanded our discussion of the rare, authentic Pure Pashmina, Pashmina Silk, and Lambswool Pashm fibers which are delicately woven to create our beautiful shawls.  Visit our growing Shawl Art and Design learning centre for information about the variety of lovely yarns used to fashion our distinctively elegant shawls, stoles, and wraps. 

Especially notable is the distinction that authentic Pashmina from the Tibetan Plateau is used for hand weaving of our Pashmina Shawl collection.  Our handmade Pure Pashmina Shawls from the looms of Kashmir are not adulterated with any other fiber such as Silk, Acrylic, Viscose, or Wool.  As previously mentioned on many occasions, when you see the term "Pashmina" today it is carelessly used to describe shawls and wraps which more often than not don't include any actual Pashmina fiber at all, or it refers to a shawl produced with blended fibers and yarns.

As well, explore the differences between a Shawl, Stole, Scarf, and Wrap.  These terms are popularly and commercially used as if they are one and the same, but in the Shawl trade they are quite unique! 

Warm Thoughts and Smiles,

Sylvia, Chief Shawl Lover, Hamsa Shawls