There are a handful of great cardigans at Eileen Fisher this spring. I especially like these cardigans because they’re classic and can be worn for most occasions. And they’re petite. Which is what we want…
Ann Taylor 100% Cashmere Wrap | $128
A cashmere wrap is a necessity in every woman’s wardrobe. Dress it up or down you will always look spectacular and classic. Its also a piece you can wear all year round — chilly summer evenings at the beach or everyday in January. Comes in black, grey and ivory.
Glendale Galleria
1108 Glendale Galleria
Glendale, CA 91210
(818) 246-0350
Westfield Century City Mall
10250 Santa Monica Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 277-3041
Coupled with my love of all-things-fashion, I’m fascinated with fabrics that are recycled into new, modern designs. Which is why I was elated to receive an email from designer Jen Sertl introducing her recycled vintage cashmere line Angelina Accoutrements.
Jen designs for women, using vintage cashmere as her main textile source. Everything is one-of-a-kind, as well as versatile and feminine. And, her creations fit petite woman just as beautifully as those over 5’4”.
How long have you been inspired to design with recycled fabrics?
Working with vintage cashmeres is something I truly love and enjoy every moment of. I hand-select each sweater based on quality (2-ply or more), style, and color. I find it invigorating to work with each vintage piece as each has inherent flaws to work around and with. It is a challenge I look forward to each time I pick one up. I incorporate Italian silk velvets, using embroidery and appliqués work.
What’s new in your studios? Do you have any new designs you would like to share with my readers?
New in my studio this season is my cashmere wrap, embellished with Italian silk velvet flowers, or plain and simple — which was my best seller this past season. They sold out at every trunk show. The best thing about them is their extreme versatility… they pair as easily with jeans and a tee, as they do with a skirt and boots. AND, the best discovery was how perfectly it suited a pregnant client of mine — it draped nicely over the belly and tied beneath it for a comfortable feel and look. She was thrilled to have an item of clothing that she could wear after the baby, too! They can also be worn in reverse and pinned with a vintage brooch.
New for this Fall — in addition to the ruffled edges of the cashmere, I have begun distressing it and then over-stitching those areas. Next, small neutral, hand-stitched seed beads nest themselves within and around the stitching. The look is subtle, and goes from day to night with a change of accessories.
What inspires you?
I was first inspired to work with recycled textiles out of necessity, though now from a larger sense of obligation. When I hand-select the cashmere and stumble upon beautiful designer pieces like Emanuel Ungaro, Michael Kors, etc., they might have one small hole or flaw, which, to some, seems irreparable. I love to give something a second life by working around it or cutting it up and starting over. I also like to incorporate the idea of a second life into the hang-tag by making a hand-written note that may say “I used to be boxy,” or for the beaded pieces, “In my next life, I am a Rockette!” It adds a little fun, and it lends itself nicely because coming up with a “style” name for each one-of-a-kind piece is nearly impossible.
Where is Angelina sold? Online and boutiques.
My designs are currently sold through private trunk shows, online, and local St. Louis/Chicago boutiques. This Fall, they will also be available at a boutique in Montana. Truly this year is the year of the big launch: of both the Website and getting out of my Midwest studio — Saint Louis.
What is your size range? Do you take special orders?
Sizes range from XS to XL. And, I do take special orders.
What else would you like to mention to my readers?
I also do A-line skirts which are mostly raw silk, or silk dupioni with hand-made, raw-edged silk ruffles — wrap-style, knee length, long opera length, and adjustable elastic waists.
I love vintage cashmere sweaters. Therefore, I love Burning Torch. A lot. These sweaters are modern and soft, and each is original.
Burning Torch is a Los Angeles-based line, and they have been meshing organic fabrics and recycled vintage garments into gorgeous styles for years. Unique to the company is designer Karyn Craven’s commitment to recycling materials — collections are driven by a vision that melds vintage, modern, and global sentiments.
Craven chooses only the most exclusive of vintage cashmeres and then re-assembles them into gorgeous pullovers, cardigans, scarves, and belts. As for the process — it takes approximately six vintage pieces to create one new sweater. And many are decked out with exquisite hand-detailing or screen-printed embellishments.
Sweaters run from $200-$500 USD. However! I’ve frequently seen Burning Torch at Billion Dollar Babes, and at great discount prices. Or simply wait for the warehouse sales at the Burning Torch studio. To stay in the loop, sign up for their mailing list on their website under ‘Contact Us’.
Craven’s fit-models are size 4 –- though I’ve found a few sweaters that run smaller. When in doubt, try ‘em on.
You can find Burning Torch sweaters at the following stores in LA:
Thesis
8119 Melrose Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 658-8481
Map
Wright’s
232 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, Ca 90266
(310) 376-8553
Map
Online you can shop at their web boutique or at Lulu Belle Boutique and Coco Shoppe.
I’ve also found Burning Torch cashmere on eBay. Although there are no small sizes listed currently, I recommend searching eBay occasionally to find Burning Torch for a steal.
Raw 7’s bold, couture streetwear — think rock ‘n’ roll meets Kate Moss — includes velvety-soft cashmere tops with original artwork and beading, cashmere slip dresses, and luxurious beanies and scarves — everything a gal wants for posh (and cozy) holiday gatherings. Remix high-quality leather, silk, and cashmere –- seriously, softer than a newborn’s tush -– add intricate naughty meets nice stitching and beading, blend well, and you have Raw 7, whose designs are literally wearable works of art.
And the best part of it all: the XS runs 0P, and they fit me perfectly. Sleeves aren’t too long and no tailoring is needed. I’ve added a few Raw 7 designs to my holiday wish list. I have been a very good girl, indeed.
In Los Angeles you can find a selection of Raw 7’s cashmere sweaters at Sophea Parros in Pasadena and Thousand Oaks.
Online the sweaters can be found at Revolve Clothing, Couture Candy, Nordstrom, and Blue Bee.
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