Charmeuse Dress

If there is one dress that you can call eternal it is the one made with charmeuse fabric. Charmeuse dresses have always been adored by the fashion fraternity for the distinctive texture. Charmeuse dress has a shiny front side with satin finish and a dull back side. It is noted for its luxurious feel and lustrous and shiny look. The fabric feels soft and comfortable due to its lightweight nature. It is sometimes referred to as 'crepe back satin'.

Charmeuse is a kind of silk fabric made with a distinctive weave - the warp threads cross over three or more of the backing threads. The luster on the front and the dull side at the back make it ideal for dresses and interior decor such as pillow cases and duvet covers. Charmeuse silk makes for a luxurious lining fabric. The shiny rich look of charmeuse fabric is perfect for special occasions and it can even be used for wedding gown particularly during autumn and winter. It works wonderfully for skirts, dresses, nightgowns, lingerie and gently flowing tops.

Silk charmeuse dress is a fabric of choice today as it drapes well and feels extremely soft to the touch. But it is quite expensive and also difficult to sew. It snags easily and cannot hold sharp creases due to its soft drape. Polyester version of charmeuse dress is a cost-effective alternative and is easy to maintain.

Buying Cashmere sweater

Cashmere is synonymous with softness and luxury. Due to its silken feel and light weight, cashmere sweaters are a must- have for many a fashion conscious woman. The quality and feel of cashmere will leave one longing for more. You have to be ready to pay a sizeable amount to own pure cashmere. When buying one, pull and release the sides of the cashmere sweater. A high quality garment must return to its proper shape.

Also, feel the fabric. If it is rough or coarse, it is a sign of inferior quality. The softer the garment, the better it is. Do check if the sweater is two-ply knit, which is comparatively sturdier than one-ply, but still light weight. Beware of bargains as it has been noticed that sheep wool blends are often passed on as pure cashmere.

Care of cashmere sweater

Most cashmere items can be safely hand washed. In fact, washing actually makes the cashmere softer by allowing the yarns to bloom. Be sure to use only detergents specifically intended for fine garments. Fill your sink with lukewarm or cool water, depending on the garment's washing instructions and add the recommended amount of the detergent. Soak the cashmere sweater in the water for 20 minutes and gently squeeze the suds through it. Drain the sink and rinse the sweater till the water runs clear.

Gently press the water out of the sweater and place it on a clean, dry bath towel. Roll up the towel and press with your palms to squeeze out excess water. Remove the sweater from the towel and smooth it out so that it regains its original shape. Lay the cashmere sweater flat on a dry towel and let it air dry. If taken care of well, your cashmere sweater will last a lifetime.

• You can dry clean your cashmere. But as it is made up of delicate fibers, excessive chemical treatments may wear out the garment and shorten its life.
  
• Ensure that you do not wring your cashmere sweater, as this may pull it out of shape. Take care not to use harsh detergents, or wash it in very hot or cold water.
  
• Do not dry your cashmere in the sun or by using any other electrical appliances as this may wear the fibers prematurely.
  
• Use a lint brush to remove pills.
  

Cashmere sweaters – A fashion statement

Designers love cashmere for its pure luxury and classic elegance. Cashmere sweaters have been woven into timeless styles and have remained an eternal favorite among women. A versatile item for every wardrobe is the super chic cashmere turtleneck which can be paired with everything, from a menswear print trousers to denim.

Another classic item is the cabled cashmere V-neck, which also offers more layering opportunities. You can match a tight fitting tee underneath and teem it up with pants or denims. You can also try the cashmere jersey camisole which has a slim fitting camisole and an interior cashmere shelf bra for comfort. Ribbed v-neckline with skinny rib knit straps offers a sleek silhouette.

You can also try the cashmere cable cardigan designed with double collars that is long enough to wear folded over as a plush turtleneck. An exposed gold finished zip and pull complete the luxurious look. Alternatively, you can buy the cashmere polo sweater, which is ideal for wearing under a cardigan but can be worn solo also. You can choose from various options like the sleeveless one or a long-sleeved tee or a short-sleeved contrast polo sweater and can teem it up with jeans or capris.

Cashmere scuba sweaters match well with cotton sail pants and jackets. The finely ribbed cashmere jersey crew neck can be worn on its own or can be layered under a slim jacket. It can be teamed with linen or jersey pants. Whether you prefer a crew neck or a V-neck, a cardigan or a crossover top, cashmere adds an additional touch of glamour. It lends an aura of haute-couture which every woman aspires for.