Fashion Advice: Cashmere Sweaters On a Budget

December 12, 2006 09:45 AM | Comments (26) | Posted in fashion advice, sweaters, cashmere sweaters

Dear Budget Fashionista,

I’m on the hunt for a good quality cashmere sweater. The max I would spend is 150 bucks. Do you have any suggestions on where to find one? How about buying it online without actually feeling the fabric? Is that advisable?

Answer: First wait until after Christmas to buy anything cashmere.

In regards to where to buy it, my snobby Upper East Side friends, who consider themselves TRUE cashmere experts, swear by the department store Lord & Taylor’s cashmere sweaters. L&T cashmere sweaters come in a whole range of styles, sizes (petite and plus sizes) and colors for about $70 buck.  I own a beautiful turquoise cashmere cardigan that I got for $12.00 at Lord&Taylor’s after Christmas sale.

Another great brand are Vince , which are very nice and very pricey if you purchase them at full retail price. Lucky for us, you can find Vince sweaters at your local Filene’s Basement or TJ Maxx for around $100 (about 50% off retail price).

As far whether or not you should feel the hand (fashion speak for how a fabric feels when you touch it) of the sweater before purchasing it, the answer would be yes . However, the best deals are probably online and if course you can’t feel the sweater on screen. Check to make sure the site has a liberal return policy and you should be fine.