Fashion

The Secret To Shopping For Cashmere

Helpful tips to helping you find the perfect cashmere

What Does Ply Mean? 

 Have you ever wondered what makes cashmere so special, or why it can be so expensive? The answer lies in the ply of the fabric. Ply is a measurement of how many strands are twisted together to make up the yarn. The more strands twisted together, the higher quality the fabric and the softer it is. To get an idea of what ply means when shopping for cashmere, let’s take a closer look at this luxurious fabric. 

Cashmere Quality Measurement 

Ply is a measure of quality when it comes to cashmere. The higher the number of strands in a ply, the better quality and softer your cashmere will be. A two-ply yarn means that two strands have been twisted together to make one yarn, while four-ply yarn has four strands twisted together in one yarn. Generally speaking, four-ply is considered superior due to its superior softness and durability; however, there are some exceptions where two-ply can be just as good (or even better) than four-ply! 

Tips for Shopping for Cashmere 

When shopping for cashmere, look out for two indicators of quality: ply and weight. Heavier weight fabrics will last longer and wear better over time than lighter weight fabrics, while higher plies will give you an incredibly soft finish that feels luxurious against your skin. Additionally, look out for signs that your chosen garment has been dyed correctly; many cheaper items will fade quickly after washing or rubbing against other materials – so always check care labels before buying! 

It’s also important to note that not all plys are equal when it comes to cashmere – some are made from finer fibers which create luxury garments with incredible softness and longevity. So don’t shy away from investing in something special if you really want to experience the best cashmere has to offer! 

No matter your budget or style preference, there is a perfect piece of cashmere out there for everyone – but only if you know what you’re looking for! Ply is an important indicator of quality when it comes to this luxurious fabric; higher plies mean softer garments with more longevity. So next time you’re shopping for cashmere remember these tips and find yourself something special!

Givenchy Is The One For Me

I have had a major obsession with scarves lately and I’m so excited to share this gorgeous piece I just added to my collection. Once I laid my eyes on this beauty, it was definitely love at first sight. I just adored everything about it. It’s incredibly soft and the size is perfect for wearing it a variety of ways!

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Another thing I can’t stop obsessing about is the leopard print! I have been able to wear this with so many different outfits and it looks amazing with all of them. The tones of the leopard print are really beautiful and compliment so many different ensembles. I don’t care what anyone says – leopard is definitely a neutral!

I Own Over 100 Pairs Of Shoes But All I Wear Are…

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If you read my Tieks review from several months ago, you already know how much I adore my Metallic Pewter pair. What you may not know, however, is how I feel about my Tieks in comparison to all the other shoes in my (slightly extravagant) collection.

It’s probably been 5 years since I actually counted how many shoes I own, and my collection has definitely expanded since then. Before I sat down to write this post though, that’s exactly what I did. The final tally? 104.

I know what you’re thinking—104 pairs of shoes is too many for any human being, right? I’ll admit I have a bit of a shoe addiction, but in my defense I’ve accumulated my collection over many years, and I’ve always been good at rotating what shoes I wear so (almost) all of them get good use. That being said, after getting my first pair of Tieks, I feel like I’ve been neglecting all my other shoes. Really though, in the last three weeks or so, I think the only time I’ve worn something other than my Tieks was at the gym. Even on NYE I wore heels but stashed my Tieks in my purse for the inevitable shoe change once my feet started killing me. I’ve been going for my Tieks every single day because they’re just THAT comfortable and THAT versatile. Not to be dramatic, but Tieks are sort of…life changing.

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Believe it or not, over half the shoes in my collection are ballet flats. You name the brand I probably own a pair currently or have tried them in the past. NONE have come close to the comfort of my Tieks. I’ve put my feet through the ringer with my love of flats. I’m talking countless blisters, cuts, and a whole lot of foot pain over the years. Before my Tieks I’d pretty much come to accept that ballets flats were inherently uncomfortable for long periods of time. You’d think that would stop me from buying more, but alas, my addiction is real.

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Fast forward to the first time I put on my Tieks. I could tell they were different from other flats I’ve tried. Softer, cushier, more flexible. For me, they felt perfect right out of the box, and they’ve only gotten more comfortable since. The best way I can describe them is a second skin—the leather has molded to the shape of my feet to the point that I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes.

The best thing about Tieks though, isn’t that they’re luxuriously comfortable or effortlessly chic, it’s that they’re both! I can’t even describe what a relief it is to have finally found a brand of flats that doesn’t require me to sacrifice comfort for style. Tieks always look sleek and sophisticated, so you can dress them up or down with ease. In the short time I’ve owned my Tieks I’ve worn them to work, happy hour, brunch, a wedding, to go shopping, run errands, and literally everywhere in between. They have quickly become my anywhere, anytime, everyday (and night) shoe. Not to mention, they are amazing for travel! When I took a trip to the East Coast to visit family over the holidays, my Tieks were a lifesaver. Their split-sole allowed them to fold up really compact so they took up almost no room in my carry-on, and easily slipped on and off so I could zip through security. Needless to say, I’ll never travel without my Tieks again.

Anyways, I fell so in love with my Metallic Pewter pair that I ended up treating myself to two more pairs before the end of 2016! Rose Gold Glam came first, in October. I’m a sucker for sparkle, and this pair was just calling my name! I love them every bit as much as my Pewter pair. Then, in December, I bought California Navy. I was on the Tieks website buying pairs as Christmas gifts and just couldn’t help myself!

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So you might be wondering, what’s next for my shoe collection now that I’ve found one brand that puts the rest to shame? Well…I can’t believe I’m saying this, let alone writing it down, but…I’m beginning a shoe purge. First to go will be all the flats I’ll never wear again, which means every pair except my Tieks!

I tend to get emotionally attached to my clothing, so no doubt my shoe purge will be a process. In the end though it will all be worth it, because it means I can start building up my Tieks collection! Did I mention Tieks has over 50 styles to choose from?!! Literally my idea of heaven. If you haven’t checked out their Boutiek yet, I highly recommend doing that now. You and your feet can thank me later 😉

 

 

Gucci Disco Bag

I’ve been in the market for a smaller, cross-body purse for a while and this one really caught my eye. Since I didn’t have time to check it out in person, I ordered it online and decided to do a little review for my blog!

The first thing I loved about this bag was the bright pink patent leather. Isn’t it just delicious? When it comes to small bags, I think it’s more fun to go with a bright punch of color instead of playing it safe with a neutral. It really makes the bag stand out more and with a purse this pretty, attention is a good thing.

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Normally I carry a bigger purse that I tend to (over)pack my whole life into, so I was a little nervous about going with something smaller. I mean, would I survive being out in the world without toting around 14 different lip balms and 5 varieties of hand sanitizer? While this bag appears to be small, looks can be deceiving. With some room to spare, it holds all the essentials I would actually need for running errands or going out for the evening, but the compact size keeps me from tossing in stuff that would just end up being purse clutter.

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Here’s what I was able to fit inside without the purse looking like it was going to burst at the seams:

This works great as a cross-body bag, but the strap is adjustable so it can accommodate a variety of lengths in case you wanted to carry it as more of a traditional shoulder bag. I really love how the classic shape will look great for years to come, but the bright pink patent leather and matching tassel attached to the zipper add a fun, modern touch. The inside is roomy enough that I don’t struggle with getting things in and out of it and the two interior pockets are helpful for keeping things extra organized.

All in all, this purse is definitely a keeper and I’ve been really loving not lugging around a clunky larger bag. It also compliments any outfit – whether you’re rocking a classic jeans and t-shirt look or sporting a cute dress for a night on the town. 

Oh, and it turns out I CAN get by with just one lip balm when I’m out and about! 😉

Are Tieks Worth The Price?

I’m constantly on a hunt for comfortable flats, and have tried countless brands. The latest to catch my eye is Tieks by Gavrieli. For those of you who don’t know, Tieks are an update on the classic ballet flat. According to their website, Tieks are made from full grain Italian leather, and feature a compact foldable design that lets the shoe fold to fit in a purse. I’ve been seeing Tieks everywhere lately, and from what I can tell, women love them. I was recently out shopping and noticed several women wearing them. I even asked one of them what she thought and she said they’re one of her best discoveries and she doesn’t know how she lived without them. I’ve also talked to friends and co-workers who have Tieks and they all rave about them. Despite all the positive reviews, one question lingered for me: At $175, are Tieks worth the price? I knew the only way to find out was to purchase a pair to try for myself.

Tieks are sold exclusively online, so I headed for their website to check out the boutiek (that’s what they call their online store – cute, right?). The first thing that stood out was how many colors they have!! And not just colors, but patterns, textures, and leathers. They even have a vegan line! I knew I wanted a neutral color, but I had no idea I’d have so many choices. Tieks truly has every shade of shoe you could ever want- black, white, cream, grey, brown, you name it! I wanted something that would be suitable for the office, but could transition easily to the weekend as well. My first thought was to purchase the Matte Black. After all, black goes with everything. However, after browsing for a bit, I settled on Metallic Pewter. It’s such a beautiful neutral, and I’d remembered seeing it on a coworker of mine and thinking how much I loved the metallic sheen! I placed my order and my shoes were shipped out that same day. Not too shabby, Tieks!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who anxiously checks the tracking every day to see when my online purchases will arrive and my Tieks were no different! I couldn’t wait to try them on and see what all the fuss was about. Two days after they shipped, my Tieks arrived at my front door. The first thing I noticed after opening the box was how adorable the packaging is. Tieks are packaged in a bright blue box (I think they call it Tiek Blue) and wrapped with an embellished flower box. Every pair comes with a pouch to store the shoes, a tote to store your heels after you take them off, a little card showing you how to care for your Tieks, and a handwritten note (which was my favorite part.)

Now for the shoes themselves: as soon as you take them out of the box, you know you have a quality product. They are just stunning! From the hand-stitched insoles to the buttery leather upper, Tieks are truly a work of art. I was so glad I decided to go with the Pewter pair. The color is absolutely beautiful, and I know it will go with almost everything in my closet. Finally, I loved the smell of the Italian leather! You know the one…it’s the same smell that accompanies luxurious handbags and high end leather boots. Even though I was smitten with the look of my new ballet flats, I knew the final test would be comfort. After all, you can’t wear a shoe all day if it hurts, no matter how beautiful it is!

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I decided to take my Tieks for the ultimate trial run – a weekend conference. I was a little skeptical they would hold up the entire weekend, so I packed a pair of already broken in backup flats, just in case. As it turns out, I could have left my backup pair at home. My Tieks were so comfortable from the moment I put them on, I just couldn’t believe it. The way the luxuriously soft leather molds to the shape of your foot is simply magical. I’ve tried so many brands of ballet flats, and I’ve never had a pair fit me as well as my Tieks. They were a little snug at first, but by the end of the first day at the conference, I could tell they were forming to the shape of my foot. I kept waiting for that signature, back-of-the-heel, blister that comes with a new pair of shoes, but it never came! I think this is because the back of Tieks are cushioned, rather than elasticized. I was astonished by how many women at my conference recognized Tieks and came up to me to share their own stories about how much they love their Tieks. One woman told me that Tieks were the only shoes she could wear during her pregnancies while still feeling stylish!

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I’ve had my Tieks for a full month now, and I have to say, I’m impressed. Unlike other flats I’ve tried, Tieks offer extra cushioning and support that keep my feet happy after a full day of wear. I receive compliments every time I wear them, and find myself reaching for my Tieks multiple times a week – so much so that my other flats are making their way to the back of my closet! A shoe at this price point needs to be a quality investment, and Tieks are just that. The company really stands behind their product, which I love, and their customer service is outstanding. I’ll be sure to report back in a few months on how my Tieks are doing, but for now I can say YES YES YES! Tieks are absolutely worth the price. I’d recommend them to any woman, and can definitively say there will be additional pairs of Tieks in my (near) future. I’d love to add a few more neutrals to my collection (basically any of the styles on this page) but I have my eye on the fuchsia as well!

If you own a pair of Tieks, I’d love to know what you think of them! Do you find yourself always wanting another pair? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check back for updates to my post!

This post is not sponsored. I bought my Tieks with my own money.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.