Pashmina Land

Blue Pashmina Shawls

2011-11-14T02:15:00.000-08:00

This blog is for Alexandra. The blue shawls photographed together. I hope that it helps! L-r Electric Blue (a dark turquoise), Cornflower Blue ( a true mid - tone blue) , Marine Blue ( dark and has a hint of green), Cobalt Blue (a vibrant dark blue).

Lightweight Pashmina Colours - Plain

2011-11-09T05:47:00.000-08:00

Another special request from Tasmia - these are the plain colours...

Grape (the darker purple), Violet, Nut Brown, Turquoise, Fuchsia (with long fringe), Dove Grey (on the mannequin), Aqua Green and Cherry. Also available - Black and Cream.

Lightweight Pashmina Colour suggestions

2011-11-09T05:26:00.000-08:00

This post is for Tasmia: pictures of shaded lightweights in no particular order....

Turquoise to paler, Turquoise to Silver, Fuchsia to paler, Turquoise to Violet, Royal Blue to Coral, Terracotta to Gold, Grey to Russet, Brown to Raspberry.

Shaded Pashminas for AW11/12

2011-10-24T06:25:00.000-07:00

Shading can be an effective way to match a shawl in with your outfit. These shawls all shade from one end to the other - the pashmina is dipped by hand into the dye and then gradually drawn out. The end removed first is the paler version of the colour, and the end that is left the longest gets the more intense shade. This can be applied to the whole shawl for the self-shaded colours such as Turquoise to paler, or to part of the shawl (Black to White). The colours available are Café au Lait to paler, Black to White, Pewter grey to Silver Birch and Turquoise to paler.

Pink (3) - Pashmina colour Rosewood Pink 179

2011-10-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

A Limited Edition Pink in the shawl size for AW11, Rosewood is a flattering dusky shade that works well with all the autumn colours.

Yellow (6) - Pashmina colour Mustard Yellow 189

2011-10-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

A lovely vibrant Mustard Yellow colour in our Limited Edition shawls for AW11

Orange (7) - Pashmina colour Terracotta 402

2011-10-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

Another new orange in a Limited Edition shawl is Terracotta 402.

A dark and intense shade that is perfect for brunettes.

Green (6) - Pashmina colour Moss 174

2011-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

A Limited Edition shawl for this season, Moss Green 174 is a shade darker than Forest green which is also available in the shawl size of 70 x 180 cms.

Orange (6) - Pashmina colour Kalahari 212

2011-10-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Limited edition in the pashmina shawl size for this season is Kalahari Orange 212. An earthy orange.

Orange (5) - Pashmina colours Tangerine 83

2011-10-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Another new orange colour to the website, in this season of fall colours. Tangerine orange appears on the Men's page item PD003M

Brown (2) Pashmina colour Taupe 405

2011-10-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Taupe is another popular neutral shade and is another that appears as a super large scarf with a cut fringe (Men's page).

Blue (5) - Pashmina colour Dark Blue Jean 70

2011-10-20T08:16:00.001-07:00

Another new arrival to be found on our Men's page (item PD003M) in a super large scarf with a cut fringe is Dark Blue Jean 70. Another classic shade for men.

Green (5) - Pashmina colour Grass Green

2011-10-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

New to our Men's page in AW11 is a super large pashmina & silk scarf in Grass Green 152.

Green (4) - Pashmina swatch colours

2011-09-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

I love both of these greens and both go well with my colouring which is dark with olive skin. The forest green would also suit red heads and blondes. Daring red heads might also fall for the apple! Left: Forest Green 173; Right: Apple Green 9

Blue (4) - Pashmina swatch colour

2011-09-07T03:21:00.001-07:00

To continue the autumn 2011 theme of robust blues, here are too absolute beauties.... left; Cobalt Blue 352 and right; Blue Jean 70 which is classed as a mid blue jean and is just marginally darker than blue jean 69.

A must-have combination with black this season.

Blue (3) - Pashmina swatch colour

2011-07-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

Marine Blue 88 is a complicated intense shade that is not quite as dark or true blue as a royal blue or cobalt and has a whisper of green in it. Variations of this blue should be popping up in a/w 11.

Chiffon with organza border colour choices

2011-06-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

Colours: Orange Juice, Turquoise, Fuchsia, Dark Aqua, Mid Grey, Blush Red, Shaded Turquoise to Rose Pink

When I was considering which of our stock to feature on our colour blocking feature, these chiffon shawls stood out. We've never had them online before and it will be interesting to see your reaction to them. They could become one of our classics, just as the ultra simple and wearable large shaded chiffons.

Very much a 'sari' style, the long edges are piped with organza; the two ends have a more substantial organza seal on both sides of the shawl. The organza is tonal and has an irridescence that adds to the wow factor of the piece.

Orange (4) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-06-02T07:20:00.001-07:00

Another shade that has appeared in the limited edition silks s/s 11 is Orange Juice 76. A light bright orange shade.

Green (3) - Pashmina colour swatches

2011-06-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is quite a rare colour for us but has cropped up in our limited edition silks for summer 2011. Apple Green 219 - a more subdued version of a lime green and with a yellow tone.

Brown (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

Now for our stand-out browns...

Top Left to Right: Russet 196 is a darker shade with a strong pink base. It could almost be classed a s a dark dusky pink. Tan 110 is a dark camel shade that tones with browns and creams. Bottom: Nut Brown 112 is a redder brown that works with creams, dark browns, caramels and some greens . All these are autumn colours.

Grey (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T05:41:00.001-07:00

Slate Grey 33 is a blue based mid grey colour that is not as dark as the Pewter grey in our classic colour range. Mid Grey 32 is also blue based and is a shade paler - a very grey, grey.

Green (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Emerald 12 is a perennial favourite among green lovers. Loden and sage are neutral greens for those times when you don't want a statement scarf. leden fits with taupes and browns and sage has a blue-grey caste. Top Left to Right: Loden 168, Sage 170 Bottom: Emerald 12.

Green (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Love 'em or hate 'em - here are the greens. Left to Right: Pale Aqua 101 , Dark Aqua 94. Much as I love the Pale Aqua it does not suit my olive skin tone and is far better suited to my 'English Rose' friends. Lucky for me, Dark Aqua looks great!

Please note: these colours are meant as a guide. All monitors show colour differently.

Orange (3) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T04:41:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Nectarine 81 is another true orange, this time in the paler spectrum and is suited to lighter hair shades. Sunburst 84, by contrast, is an autumn colour and is ideal for darler colourings.

Orange (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Part two and we have another hot one. Strictly speaking Chilli 131 could be classed in the Red section. It is a firecracker orange-based red and a great colour for blonde-blondes and brunettes with red undertones.

Orange (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

Left to right: The first of our bright oranges is... Bright Orange 62D. This is pure unadulterated orangeness! Melon 80 is a pretty summer shade that warms the skin tone.

Yellow (5) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

Left to Right: Buttercup 60 is a glorious shade of golden yellow. Not for shrinking violets! And Primrose 1LL is a pale acid yellow with a hint of pale green.

Yellow (4) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T03:15:00.000-07:00

Related but oh-so different are Left to Right: Caramel 197 and Saffron 199. The caramel is a more relaxed version of saffron, but both have orange tones. that are perfect for lovers of the autumn colour pallette.

Please note these are vivid shades and this might not come across on screen - all monitors show colour differently. These colours are meant as a guide only.

Yellow (3) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Helen's Gold (named after the Boss!) is a classic gold without any brashness.

Despite having an extensive array of colours to choose from on the dye chart, we never were truly satisfied that any of the gold shades were quite right. Whenever this happens (and Raspberry Pink is a prime example), the only way forward is to keep our eyes peeled and gather anything that fits the bill. This can literally be anything - even a bit of packaging. Finally something came into the office that was the right shade and Helen took it with her on her next trip to Nepal. The dye masters dyed a pashmina to match and Helen's Gold was created!

Yellow (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T02:43:00.000-07:00

Another gentle shade is Butterscotch 136. On our colour chart, this shade is grouped with oatmeal, fawn and camel. It has a hint of apricot in it. And talking of apricot... we have a shaded Apricot 55 to Cream 55LL. The darkest point of this colour combination is lighter than the butterscotch 136.

As you might be able to guess from the coding, Cream 55LL is two shades lighter than Apricot 55 - in fact that is what the 'LL' stands for.

Yellow (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-04T02:19:00.000-07:00

Many people are scared of yellows and it is true that very few people can wear any shade. I hope that this colour swatch gives you a guide to the tones of yellow available.

Left to right: Soft Yellow 55L, Old Gold 162

Soft Yellow is borderline cream - a very gentle shade. Old Gold fits with shades of caramel and mid brown.

Mauve (3) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-03T07:31:00.001-07:00

Violet 31D is a simply stunning shade that lies between Amethyst and Royal Purple. As we order these shades more often, Violet is only occasionally available.

Mauve (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

And more of our mauve shades.

Top left: Mauve - Mauve 29 is a mid mauve shade.

Top right: Smokey Mauve 247 is a darker tone.

Bottom: Lilac 28 is a pale pink - as opposed to the blue-based Lavender in the classic colour range.

Mauve (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Left: Amethyst 42 is a deep pinky purple.

Right: Helen's Royal Purple is a darker purple with a hint of blue

Please remember: all monitors show colour differently. These pictures are a guide only.

Beige (3) - Pashmina colours

2011-05-03T05:14:00.000-07:00

Beige - Beige 252 is a grey-based shade that tones with taupes, blacks and pale colours. It also has a hint of pink and can work effectively with stronger colours such as royal purple.

Beige (2) - Pashmina colours

2011-05-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Camel 109 - a warm tone that is easy to wear.

Beige (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Onwards and upwards with the neutral colour palette; less vibrant than our reds and pinks but still with variations that excite the passions of the faithful. Whether you are looking for a neutral tone to suit blonde or brunette, here are some options aside from our classic Café au Lait.

Both these colours have pink tones in the beige and would suit blondes or those without an olive skin tone. Top: Pale Beige 133 is a champagne that tones well with other beige and brown shades. Bottom: Fawn 249 is a strong nude beige.

Red (3) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-05-03T04:07:00.000-07:00

A colour that I'm hoping to order for Autumn 2011 is Burgundy 27. A truly scrumptious berry red - with a hint of pink in its dark, rich depths.

Pink (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-21T04:40:00.000-07:00

And then there's Plum. Some come with a purple tone but this particular one is pink based and so appears as Pink - Plum in the drop down list. Plum 47D

Pink (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Pink is one of the perenially popular pashmina colours and there is a shade for every mood. Our classic shades cover the pink spectrum: Fuchsia, Raspberry, Candy and Pale Pink. But then there are the in-between shades...

Rose Pink sits between Pale and Candy. It is a pink with blue tones but without the brashness of candy.

Coral has more orange tones. Both reflect a warm glow onto the face and are more forgiving than either the pale pink shades, which can be draining, or the candy and fuchsia shades that can be too bold.

Left to right: Coral Pink 293 and Rose Pink 215

Note: These photos are only a guide. We have a no quibble returns policy if the colour isn't right when you get it home.

White (3) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

Finally Paper White. This is the brightest white that we can achieve and for some bridalwear this will be the right shade. All our shawls are hand dyed and so some Ivory 55LL will be closer to this Paper White shade than others. As a general rule Ivory has a softer tone than the Paper White. As an experiment I photographed the above Paper White and Ivory alongside each other so that a comparison came out in the lens. Left to right : Paper White and Ivory 55LL.

Please note all computer monitors vary.

White (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

Next up for the whites is Stone. This is a neutral pale shade with a grey tone.

Pictured - Stone.

White (1) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-18T01:29:00.000-07:00

Shades of white are particularly problematic for pashminas, as bleaching damages the cashmere fibres. This is why creams and off whites are the most common pale shades. On the 'white' scale, Cream 55L has warmer yellowy tones, Stone has cool grey tones and Paper White is as close as we can get to a cold white. In our Classic range pictured on the hanging rail is Ivory 55LL. This is an off -white, a shade paler than cream it has a warm tone but has a less yellow cast.

Pictured Cream 55L.

The creams are very difficult to photograph as they all appear similar on screen. I hope that my description of the colours helps! Accordingly, the whites appear in separate blogs so that I can label them correctly.

Blue (2) : Pashmina swatch colours

2011-04-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

And last but not least, another beautiful turquoise and a personal favourite of mine -teal. Left to Right: Dark Turquoise 72 and Teal 395

Blue (1) : Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-15T04:28:00.000-07:00

We seem to have quite a few blues that don't make the Classic colour range; but all of them are lovely! Here is a start... Above left to right: Baby Blue 348LL; Navy 54D and Below Left to right : Turquoise 71 and Mid Blue Jean 69. Please remember that these photos are a guide only - all monitors vary and all our scarves are hand dyed. Small colour variations do occur.

Red (2) - Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-11T06:54:00.000-07:00

Part 2 of our Red colour swatch.

Left to Right: Blush Red 130 and Ruby Red 242

Please remember these colours are a guide only - all monitors are different!

Red (1) : Pashmina colour swatch

2011-04-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Left - Right: Bordeaux 26 and Bright Red 25

If you have ever clicked on one of our products and seen a list of colours that aren't pictured on our 'hanging rail' colour range photo, this series of blogs is especially designed for you.

We select the shades of our pashminas from a chart of over two hundred colours. When we supply special bespoke orders we frequently order one or two extras pieces to use up the batch of dye. These 'spares' then appear on the website. I have often photographed and emailed specific colours to customers before they have placed an order. Now I've compiled all these photos and am running a series of blogs to act as a swatch of the more unusual colours. I hope that it will be useful and usable!

Please remember that all monitors give a different colour and the photos should be viewed as a guide and not gospel.

Spring break in Nepal

2011-03-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

Namaste!

After a busy few months, we finally have time to sit back, breathe and prepare for the next Autumn-Winter season.

While I hold the fort here, Helen is heading back to Nepal to discuss new styles and see all our Nepalese family.

We are so lucky to have worked with some of our suppliers for over ten years; learning about their craft and in many cases seeing their children grow up, go to university and return to Kathmandu to work in the family businesses. These relationships are hugely important when your suppliers are so many hours away from you. We know the quality that we expect and all our suppliers know this too. And they don't disappoint Helen Aunty!

In an age where salesmen doorstep by email and you might never know who is making your goods, we know that we can rely on our family of suppliers. A big thank you to them. We know you always do your utmost to help us!

In the Navy!

2010-09-24T05:44:00.001-07:00

We're going navy crazy with a beautiful addition to our most popular evening shawl. A classic dark navy with a bugle bead fringe that sparkles with petrol tones. http://www.pd.mayfair-valley.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=115

Autumn/Winter 2010 Pashminas Tartans

2010-09-10T01:57:00.000-07:00

It's always an exciting time for us, getting the designs that have been floating around since the spring shows on sale.

This season is all about tartans and animal prints. We've got some stunning new tartans on the way - the luscious purple Lindsay and the Dress Gordon - a more traditional weave. Watch out for these on www.mayfair-valley.co.uk

On Special Offer are some gorgeous stripe/check shawls for those of you who don't want a traditional tartan but want to go with the fashion flow. These large shawls are down to £49.50 and are brilliant with jeans. Available in Blue (narrow stripe) Maroon (narrow stripe) and Blue (wide). http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=54

For lovers of the Sinclair and Gunn weaves, watch out for a Special on Pashminas Direct. The Shawl and Scarf sizes will have a discount in these lovely tartans. Far right Picture: Sinclair is the red tartan and Gunn is the dark green and navy on the top right of the pile.

Bargain Box Beauties - 100% Wool Shawl

2010-08-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

A welcome return to our Bargain Box Beauties section. This is a 100% Wool shawl and so only a visitor to Pashmina Land. It was sent to us as a style sample and has been shown to clients but has never been worn. The intricate embroidery is lovely and the fine herringbone weave provides texture.

However, we can't stress enough that this shawl has no Pashmina cashmere content at all. Nonetheless it's a real bargain!http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=18

Divine design from Mayfair Valley Pashmina

2010-07-30T01:48:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the luxury site http://www.mayfair-valley.co.uk/ added a lovely new design yesterday that has us swooning.

A lightweight pashmina cashmere and kattan silk mix shawl which has a matt linen look and a gorgeous hand embroidered edge. It's subtle and summery in the Rose, Turquoise, Melon and Grass but sultry in black... and how about a white for a wedding!

http://www.mayfair-valley.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=258

A fairytale in London - Snow White Pashmina

2010-07-29T03:46:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time was a girl who loved pashminas but wanted to wear them in a different way... In the night the elves were hard at work and in the morning she woke up to find the cutest pashmina and silk cape with a maribou fur trim...

She proudly took it to a Fairytale Wedding exhibition and used it as part of her display! Now everyone could see that pashminas didn't have to always be shawls.

This is another Special Offer that is a One-Off.

It's got that romantic retro feel and would look super with a vintage wedding gown. Personally I'd wear it over a little evening dress in party season to bewitch the handsome prince. I know that it's still summer but it's never too early for a girl to be prepared!
http://www.pd.mayfair-valley.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=257

Peacock Pashminas

2010-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

We waved goodbye to our stunning Swan Lake Shawl within a few hours of putting it on sale, so now it is time for our peacock trimmed pashmina to strut its stuff. Another exhibition sample, this shawl is also £40 and a unique item. http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=256

Your chance to be the Swan...

2010-07-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

Taking its place on centre stage on our special offers page is a shawl that was made to attract the eye at exhibitions - the centrepiece from our feathered pashmina collection, the Swan Lake Shawl. Totally over the top, yes. Deliciously camp, yes. But we'll be sorry to see it go! And it looks just fabulous on the black mannequin, so there's a tip girls! A little black dress and this baby, is all you need to be stunning.http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=255

More of our feathery friends to follow in Autumn/Winter shades...

Pashmina glamour for a fraction of the price

2010-05-26T02:52:00.000-07:00

The last couple of months, as we've been setting up http://www.mayfair-valley.co.uk/ for our on-line luxury designs, I've been brutally going through our cupboards. It's brought to light some designs we'd forgotton and want to revisit, and some that have become classics that we no longer need style samples of. These are the hand embroidered and hand beaded pashminas that you usually only see in exclusive boutiques or high end retailers at huge prices.

http://www.mayfair-valley.co.uk/ brings luxury pashmina designs into your living room at a competitive retail price. And for smart buyers who keep an eye on the Pashminas Direct Special Offer page, there's the added bonus of picking up a sample of these designs at a third of the price.
Shawls that were languishing on our shelves have been finding homes and are being allowed to be fabulous!

So if you can live with the idea that the shawl you buy has been modelled http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=243 or has been a photography sample and has picked up a tiny mark on its travels http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=237, you can have the glamour of a £300 shawl for the fraction of the price. And who can see a tiny mark or an uneven weave when the shawl is being worn?

Especially For You - Bollywood Glamour!

2010-04-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

For Penny:

Our classic Pashmina Cashmere & Silk Shawl 70 x 180 cms in White - Ivory is the whitest of the selection and has the sparkle of the beaded fringe. This is PD061 on the Pashmina & silk page @ £77.65 http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=115

We have a couple of stunning shawls in our ex-display samples and I will put them to buy on-line in the next few minutes. They will be on the Special Offers Page.

The PDV09exdisplay has a hand embroidered stylised flower motif that is almost a paisley design. Three pear cut Swarovskis add the sparkle and the embroidery carries the lengrh of the shawl. This shawl is currentlyavailable on our luxury site http://www.mayfair-valley.co.uk/. This sample is priced at £60 and has one small grey mark that is not visible when worn.

The Style PDV078exdisplay has a hand embroidered and beaded cutwork flower design around 4 sides of the shawl. This has a small area of scuffing near one edge but it is a stunning shawl that would normally cost at least £275 in a shop. This sample has a clearance price of £75.

A less sparkly alternative is an ex-display shawl featured on our Home Page which is priced at £45 and has flower trellis embroidery at the corners. PDV20exdisplay http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=64

I hope that this gives you a few ideas!

New Pashmina Luxuries

2010-03-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

For some time now we've been developing our www.mayfair-valley.co.uk site so that you can buy on-line. For top end Pashmina Cashmere designs, check it out. We have gorgeous hand embroidered shawls for evening wear and weddings and some fun suede scarves backed with pashmina for that extra comfort.
More products are being added daily so keep your eyes peeled.

Especially For You - Pink & Ruby Pashminas continued

2010-02-12T02:12:00.000-08:00

More for Catrina....

As you were looking at the reversible scarf - here are two in a larger size. Both are shawls (70 x 180cms)

This traditional style reversible will soon be on-line but isn't yet! It has a matt side (Burnt Orange) and a side with a sheen (Ruby) . This is the way that the cashmere & silk are woven. The price is £39.95. The colour differences are quite subtle.

If you fancy a bigger contrast, our sister company Mayfair Valley, has an upgraded version of the reversible. This is the same style as the scarves you were looking at. It's double woven to produce a sheen on both sides of the pashmina. This means it uses twice the cashmere and so comes in at £69.95. This is still a lot less than the retail price which would be at least double. The shawl is Black with a ruby reverse and might be perfect to give a hint of drama to your black dress without being over the top.

Other options.... On our clearance page there is a herringbone shawl at £20.00. There is one bordeaux shawl left. The herringbone weave gives a glimmer that livens up the shawl.

Or... We can have a Plain Stole (the small shawl size 45 x 180cms) made into a Swarovski Starlight for you. We currently have these colours in stock : Fuchsia Pink, Candy Pink, Shocking Pink and Ruby Red. If you decide to have this made into Starlight stole it will take two-three days. The price for a one-off in this size is £49.50

You can see this style in pinks in the small scarf size on our Home Page.

I hope that this helps!

Especially for you - Ruby and Pink Pashminas

2010-02-12T01:52:00.000-08:00

For Catrina

A Pashmina & Silk Shawl (70 x 180 cms) with a scallop border edged in silk and a silk bow in each corner. This is a special clearance price of £59.95. We have one Ruby Red left. The silk border gives a shimmer and so this one is the most suitable for evening wear .

100% Shaded Shawl - this is currently in our special offers section - but here's a picture of Strawberry to paler (£39.95) http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/offers.asp

Especially For You - Seagreen pashmina

2010-01-26T03:42:00.000-08:00

For Monte,

At the top is our new colour Seagreen - featured as a swarovski crystal scarf. This is a bit of a preview as this swarovski scarf is from our spring collection!

From top to bottom: Seagreen, Elderflower, Cafe au Lait and Ivory

Especially For You - Gunn tartan pashmina shawl

2010-01-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

For Gillian: the Gunn tartan

Especially for you - Silver and Grey Pashminas

2009-12-11T01:02:00.000-08:00

This is for Karina from our end of line selection...

:From the left : Large shawl (90 x 200 cms) in silver with anthracite beading@ £50
Large Shawl (90 x 200cms) Reversible Grey/Light Grey £38
top- Large Shawl (90 x 200 cms) with lurex thread - Silver £40
bottom - Shawl (70 x 180 cms) with bead fringe Silver Birch £40 (down from £76.05)

We also have a pale grey plain large shawl @ £38 and a plain stole (45 x 180 cms) @ £24.75

Especially for You - Shaded Aubergine Stole

2009-11-27T06:44:00.001-08:00

For Bronwyn - it's probably a shade darker in the flesh and it shades through a soft heathery colour to get to the Lavender/Lilac.

I hope that this helps!

Ann

Wish Upon a starlight pashmina

2009-11-12T01:28:00.000-08:00

Another new colour for our pocket dazzler...
The Pashmina & Silk 'Starlight' Scarf with Swarovski crystals now comes in Fuchsia Pink.
A great shot of colour as the nights draw in.

Autumn 09 New pashminas for men...

2009-10-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

And here's one for the guys to keep out of their partners' grasp. A multi stripe herringbone weave large scarf that is soft, soft, soft... This one has a sure-fire strokability factor.
These two colours don't appear in our photo - we had so much choice!!!
Pale Blue/Cream and Black/Camel with white.

Classic stripe scarves with the wearability of pashmina & silk. Perfect!
http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=180

New pashmina styles for Autumn 09

2009-10-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

We've introduced a baby sister to our ever popular starlight pashmina. It's a scarf size and is dotted with Swarovski crystals to give that dewdrop sparkle.
As promised on the Home Page here's a picture of the Bright Red and Pewter Grey scarves. Other colours are arriving all the time so keep an eye on the drop down lists or this blog. Alternatively, email your requests! http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=181

Especially for you - Continued with turquoise pashminas...

2009-09-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Also for Pat, our turquoise shawls.

We have a shaded lightweight with swarovski in Turquoise to pale and plain Green - Spearmint (this is paler than it sounds but not so washed out as the photo makes it seem!) http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=104

There's a Bargain box Beauty - slight flaw - Scallop Garland hand embroidery and embroidered with real pearls (seriously reduced -give me a call if you're interested!!!) This is also a lightweight Pashmina and Silk Shawl.

And finally our regular weight Pashmina and Silk Shawl with Beaded fringe http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=115

I hope that this gives you some ideas!

Especially for You - Pashminas in Purple

2009-09-25T01:45:00.000-07:00

This is for Pat! I've bombed out so far on Lime - we have a perfectly plain one and a chiffon with lace on the website (100% Silk page) http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=132 But nothing with sparkle!

This is what I've come up with so far... The Lightweight shaded pashmina in the shawl size (note to our other customers: this isn't on the site, but is a large version of the summer scarf. Telephone orders only!). Amethyst to Pale Pink looks like this - SHORT FRINGE!!!!

The other colourway I mentioned was the Fuchsia to Peacock to Purple which looks like this

Bargain Box Beauties 3 - a raspberry ripple!

2009-09-15T01:56:00.000-07:00

Possibly our final Summer Bargain Box Beauty is a lightweight Pashmina & Silk Large shawl in shaded raspberry.

This is a large size (90 x 200cms) but as it's a finer weave for the summer months, it scrunches down to a generous scarf size for the winter. And if we get that Indian Summer we're always promised, it's a generous shawl. A true bargain at £20.00 - email if you'd like to grab this one! orders@pashminasdirect.co.uk and quote RASPBERRY BLOG.

A Fuchsia - Pink and Purple pashmina

2009-09-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

When we choose a colour combination for a shawl we know we're on the right track when we see a flower with that same shading. After all, Mother Nature can't be wrong! The flower is courtesy of Val- the king of our communal courtyard garden - and the lightweight pashmina & silk shaded scarf is PD014SUH Fuchsia-Peacock-Purple @ £24.50 http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=174

Quite Interesting fact for any music lovers amongst you. The tree and squirrels in the courtyard garden feature in a song on Jason Mraz's splendid latest album. We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

New Pashmina Beaded colours - A Preview for A/W 2009/10

2009-08-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

We're getting our Autumn/Winter stock in now, so I thought I might put up a sneaky picture of these gorgeous beaded fringe shawls.

This shawl has always been one of our most popular designs - the sparkle is just enough for evening without feeling overdone - and we have the welcome return of Pewter Grey and a first showing for Lavender, Plum and Bordeaux. All great colours for this season.

Keep an eye on the website - these will be available to buy in September.

www.pashminasdirect.co.uk

PS. (Although if anyone telephones an order through, I wouldn't ever stand between a girl and her prospective pashmina).

Especially For You - Turquoise Beaded Pashmina Shawl

2009-08-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

This one is for Susan! The Pashmina and Silk Shawl with Beaded Tassells - colour Blue - Turquoise. Code PD061. Price £76.05
http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=115

Crazy pashmina clearance!

2009-07-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

Roll up, roll up. Get you Pashminas here! We're going through our cupboards and offering up a few plain shawls as special bargains.

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=67

This saffron has been a favourite shawl of mine over the years. Sunny as a sunflower, it cheers you up when autumn rolls around. It goes brilliantly with all shades of chocolate and can look great in summer with orange or white.
If you want to request a picture of another clearance colour, drop me a line at pashmina@mayfair-valley.co.uk

Bargain Box Beauties - 100% Treat!

2009-07-21T02:02:00.000-07:00

As the weather has become so unsettled, it's time to haul out some shawls.

It's always a treat to wear 100% Pashmina - nothing else compares - and once you've tried it once, it's difficult to go back. But the 100% price tag can put off the most ardent pashmina lover.

Featured in our Bargain Box Beauties section today is a 100% Large Shawl shaded Turquoise to paler. It has some faults in the weave and a paler dye mark but nothing that shows when wearing and it's a fantastic way to pick up a 100% at less than the price of a regular Pashmina & Silk in this size.

In the office bargain box at only £40.00, this shawl usually sells on our website at £112.05 (and in fact a pristine version is currently available at that price...) Drop me an email on our Contacts page and quote 100%BLOG. There's only one, but get in touch and you might grab a bargain! www.pashminasdirect.co.uk

New Pashmina Colours: make a splash in Seagreen

2009-07-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Another new colour to be previewed is this lovely seagreen. This is a fantastic shade on blondes, great for daring redheads and even works for brunettes like me.

Currently available in the scarf size, drop us an email if you want to see it in the larger sizes and we'll see what we can do....

Pashmina & silk seagreen scarf @ £15.75 http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=13

Especially for You - Shaded Turquoise Pashmina & Silk Shawl

2009-07-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

A special request from Linda, this is a picture of our Turquoise shawl shaded to paler.
Code PD003 Colour: Shaded Turquoise to paler - short fringe.

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=14

Bargain Box Beauties 2 - a peachy pashmina pick!

2009-07-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here's a lovely lightweight pashmina shawl that's languishing in our bargain box for no other reason than a small red dye spot. This is all part of the joy of handmade items and it won't show when you're wearing it. However we're sensitive souls in Pashmina Land and it had to go at a clearance price of £25.00. (The Very Lightweight Large Shawls usually cost £60.75 - so it's a real bargain!)

If you are interested in this delightful peach shawl, please go to our contact page http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/contact.htm fill in your details and quote BLOG-PEACH.

This shawl is not available to buy on-line and there's only one, so leave your contact telephone number/ email address and we will get back to you.

New Pashmina Colours! Yummy Elderflower!

2009-06-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

As a new feature of the blog, I am going to showcase any new colours that come into stock and some of those unusual colours that appear on the drop down list. We often have pashminas available in one off colours on the website and this is their chance to shine.

Today is a wonderful summer colour - Yellow Elderfower. This is new in stock and we got the shade dyed especially when the Boss recently visied Kathmandu. It's currently only available in the pashmina & silk scarf size.

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=13

Giving a Raspberry - Part Two

2009-06-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

Is my long search for a gorgeous raspberry pink for our pashminas finally at an end? When the Boss went to Nepal she took a sample of the colour we were looking for, and got it dyed to match. This is the result.

A truly scrumptious Pashmina Starlight Shawl (with Swarovski Crystals) in Pink - Raspberry

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=114

Perfect for Wimbledon fortnight!

Pashminas pashminas everywhere...

2009-06-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

The boss is back from Nepal and now the real work begins.

Of course, nothing much changes for me; but she has to get used to life back as it was.
No more daily massages or dining with handsome young Nepali Bollywood movie stars.
( I hasten to add that the massages and the actor weren't linked!)
Instead we have been deluged with the post-visit shipments, bearing back all sorts of pashmina goodies to paw over and try and work out which styles are going on our wish list.

There are some dreamy bridal shawls and scrumptious new lines in 100% pashmina knits.
Anyone who has been on the Pashminas Direct site http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/ will wonder if I've gone mad, because we don't have a specific bridal or knitwear section. I'm talking about the pieces which we tend to supply to boutiques and stores, rather than on-line. But keep your ear to the ground - these items are seriously luxurious and will be available soon on our sister site....

Bargain Box Beauties - Part One!

2009-06-05T06:44:00.000-07:00

I've been ferreting through our bargain box this afternoon and have found this beautiful chiffon beaded shawl at £15.00.

This shawl isn't available on the web site so if you want a chance to own it, drop me an email through the following link and quote: BLOG BADLAWORK

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/contact.htm

As ever with the Bargain Box this is first come first served - it's the only one available!

Inspired by nature: Part One

2009-05-30T09:51:00.001-07:00

Flowers curtesy of Kenwood House, Hampstead.

Shaded Lemon to Candy Pink Silk Chiffon Shawl from Pashmina Land.

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=56

Adding elegance to an English summer

2009-05-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking linens, chiffon frocks, strawberries at wimbledon. A glorious Saturday afternoon at Lords with the Aussies following on... Brideshead Revisited; a perfect wedding day in mid-summer; lying back and letting the world pass by as some delightful chap in a boater punts along the Cam... I'm thinking floaty summer scarves...

And these are lightweight pashmina and silk scarves at their very best. Light as a whisper and dyed through several shades to produce a simply stunning effect. This is melon through pale pink though silver ice but we have a huge range of others. We only have a few of each so you won't meet someone else wearing the same scarf...unless you're both punting down the river at the same time. And what are the chances of that happening?

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/

Kathmandu Pictures straight from The Boss - Pashminas in production

2009-05-28T01:40:00.000-07:00

Our pashmina shawls being made. Each one is unique!

And here's the heart of Kathmandu. Although it's hot at this time of the year, The Boss tells me that they've had persistent fine rain and so have been forced to stay inside for more pampering! Or wrap a pashmina round your head - they don't mind getting wet you know!

This pashmina needs you!

2009-05-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

I'm having a bit of a Paul O'Grady moment. So here goes.

In Pashmina Land there's always the odd pashmina that particularly needs a home because they're a one-off in our stock.

This is a lovely reversible geranium jacquard weave - size 70 x 180cms and deserves to be worn!

Especially because he's currently lumped together with his plain jacquard cousins...

We only have ONE available (Black and Silver) at £26.55, so whoever gets him will be lucky. Make a pashmina happy today!

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=17

UPDATE AUGUST: Helen is the lucky new owner of this lovely one-off shawl and someone who can really spot a bargain. I hope that she really enjoys wearing it!

Orange pashminas squashed in summer 2009

2009-05-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

Orange seems to be asserting itself as a colour of the summer. For those of you who want to get on board early but want to see the shades available and not pay a lot... I've been checking out our clearance Pashmina & Silk scarves at £11.75.
Great for a hint of summer when the weather's miserable (Wimbledon IS on the horizon!)
From the top in Orange Juice, Terracotta, Gold, Mango and Bright Orange. These are only available in ones and twos so get them while you can...
http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=65

Tiger print pashminas - they're greattt!

2009-05-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Limited editions in our animal scarf range are a spectacular tiger and some rather funky leopards. Meowww!!!

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=129

The fine line between warm and cool

2009-05-18T03:16:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me as I'm trekking around town in the day, how many people are taking full advantage of half an hour of sun and have no visible coat, scarf , anything...

When I leave for work in the morning it's by and large freezing, and with the unpredictable May weather, how can you punt on no sleeves etc that early on?

Although I'm a wuss who would prefer a huge pashmina at all times, I have to bow to the seasonal changes eventually. This is the season when the mini scarf comes into its own. You can tuck it into a jacket in the morning for snuggly pashmina warmth, and fold it to the size of a cigarette packet to stow in your bag later in the day. My current favourite is the Burgundy to Browns 4 colour shaded scarf on our Men's page (yes I know, but they are pretty unisex). http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=106

and for variation and to go with the check trend, the occasional foray into houndstooth.

http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=39

So I can heartily recommend the smallest size of scarf for the cold blooded out there.

And at least you don't look like a freak amongst all the early season flip-flop and sun dress brigade.

A visit to Pashmina Land

2009-05-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Pashminas at the ready! All action stations today, as the Boss leaves for Nepal on Monday morning. So we're currently trying to remember all those ideas for new designs that have come to us in the last couple of months, and are hoping to seeing some of them realised. On a personal front, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a new Raspberry sample. (As you know, finding the ideal raspberry is becoming a personal quest.)

The Boss is always keen to go and visit our suppliers, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the pashmina talk might not be the only incentive. Could it be lovely Kathmandu, Everest or the delights of the hotel massage/facial/pedicure services... that keeps drawing her back?

Whatever, pictures are coming of our Nepalese friends!

Back to square pashmina scarf one

2009-05-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

We're very excited to be in at the launch of the new internet retail experience, My Fave Shop http://www.myfaveshop.com/site/home.html

Although it's very tempting to spend all day creating our own department stores rather than working!!!

Some of our pashminas are available on MFS rather than our regular website - so check it out...

A new arrival to the PashminasDirect shop at MFS is my beloved square scarf, in a summer-friendly lightweight weave and a totally insane price of £23! Limited stock. Get them while you can (before me). http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/880/mia/d/mayfair+valley+pashmina+cashmere+silk+lightweight+square+scarf/pid/10178619

Grrr - Wild about animal print pashminas

2009-05-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

I've been noticing how animal prints are prowling round this season; not fully in the spot light but giving a touch of interest in accessories and shorty cardigans.
Prints are hot news in their forms, whether in delicate florals, bold and brights or more earthy tones and we've suddenly found that our camouflage shawls have been flying off the shelves.
http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=102
The animal print is more of a perennial favourite and a great investment especially in a classic cheetah, leopard or zebra. A hint on a bag or a small scarf can carry you through so many trends. http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/Details.asp?ProductID=129
If you're very daring you can go for a coloured animal print - fantastic in the sunshine - but maybe not for all seasons (or years).

How to wear a large silk chiffon shawl

2009-05-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

One of our best summer sellers is the super large shaded silk chiffon shawl. Of course this can be worn in all the regular shawl ways and crunches down small to become a long floaty scarf, (beware in open top cars!) but I've recently been asked by several customers how to wear it as a dress/ sarong.

How to wear... as a skirt

1. It's certainly light enough to knot at the side of the hip - single layer for a long skirt or folded in half for the more daring.

Hold the long length round your hips and then...

Either a. Tie the full length of material to make the knot. This tends to make a snug fit round the hips that can be quite restrictive.

Or b. At the point where the chiffon meets over one hip, grab a handful from each side and make the knot with this. The excess from the ends falls in a pretty waterfall way.

How to wear as a dress (for over a bikini or swimsuit)

Here are a couple of ideas.

1. The long length should be round your ribcage with the two sides under either arm. Twist the chiffon at the top two corners, cross the fabric over your chest and knot the two ends behind your neck for a halterneck.

2. Or go asymmetrical and let the material pass under only one arm and knot over the opposite shoulder.

Go on experiment - it's a really versatile shawl/skirt/dress! http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk/cat02.asp

A totally hot summer pashmina

2009-04-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

We've just received a shipment from Nepal, and as ever, once we've sorted and sent out the orders to our various clients, the best bit by far is checking out the new items.
We took a punt this season on a crazy colour combination in a lightweight pashmina shawl which shades through this season's key colours.
From Fuchsia to Jade to Purple, this shawl sounds quite scary but works like a dream. And it should look stunning with a LBD. Wow! I'm adding it to my wish list.

2009-04-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Or put it on the reverse way round for a different look ...simple.

2009-04-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

How to wear a pashmina scarf square

Combining raspberry and a Pashmina square

2009-04-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Check out the profile pic for a raspberry coloured 100% pashmina square!

How to wear a pashmina square (or any other square scarf)

2009-04-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

New for Autumn/ Winter 2009 2010 will be the square scarf. Of course, we in Pashmina Land think purely in pashmina cashmere terms and don't hold with all these man made equivalents. And we've got a couple of gorgeous 100% pash. square treats coming up on PashminasDirect....
Still the same principles apply to wearing the beast (whatever its content).

So how do you wear it?

Here we must bow down to the Italians in their passion for accessories and all things pashmina. The large square scarf - and I mean about 1 metre squared, no little pathetic neckerchief - should be folded into a triangle with the centre point down your chest like a cowboy. The two side points of the triangle are then crossed behind the neck and brought forward so that they drape down over your shoulder blades. Simple and elegant, or rock-chick chic, whatever is your flavour.

Giving a raspberry

2009-04-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

As ever we are plagued by that age old question, what colour is raspberry ?
In fashion terms people think of it as cerise, bright pink, fuchsia... or berry red. But when you offer all those colours already and someone goes and orders a RASPBERRY, where do you go?

Default mode, in these circumstances is panic and then grab the Pantone book and guess.
A raspberry russian roulette -pink or red. Life's too short.
Tomorrow we will be having kittens about pistachio. That's Pashmina Land for you. http://www.pashminasdirect.co.uk