Dear FASHIONGRANNY,
Are Pashminas passé? I don’t want to look like a time traveler from the Himalayas!
Signed,
Mrs. Conway
Dear Mrs. Conway,
Aren’t you clever! I get the “Mrs. Conway” reference, and you won’t believe it, but FASHIONGRANNY has a stash of old classic movies and just the other night I watched “Lost Horizon”!
For those of you who haven’t read the book by James Hilton, nor seen this wonderful Academy Award winner of 1938, directed by Frank Capra, the story of “Lost Horizon “ is indeed an inside peek at what most of the human race longs for – inner peace and outer beauty. The majority of the film takes place in the Himalayas; the protagonist is named Mr. Conway, hence the Time Traveler reference. I get it. (Then again, you could really be Mrs. Conway, and I’m just dreaming.)
Are Pashminas passé? No, I don’t think so. I think that “shawls”, as they used to be called, are an important part of the wardrobe for women. Of course, a “shawl” can conjure up the image of Hansel and Gretel’s Granny, and that’s not cool. (Even if your Granny knitted it for you!)
There has to be an intermediate layering piece that is not a sweater or a jacket, and here is where the Pashmina comes in. The look is feminine as well as utilitarian; just don’t wear it in what I call the ”PLO” look! That is when you wrap the Pashmina around your neck and almost over your entire jaw. The result is an ”I’m getting ready to perform a covert activity that will result in needless carnage” look!
Pashminas come in all colors, and I would suggest buying a winter white, black and plum one for starters. You can then add to your collection when the need arises.
For a little edification on the word “Pashmina”: the fiber known as Pashm is used in handmade shawls of the Himalayas, made from fine cashmere wool taken from the pashmina goat.
Therefore, Mrs. Conway, you weren’t so far off in your description! Ring those Bells!
Dear FASHIONGRANNY,
The weather is getting colder and so am I. I live in the North Atlantic part of the year, but I also have a home here in the Lowcountry. My question is, can I drag my fur coats to this area for wearing or will either PETA or a trapper shoot me? I love my fur coats and they do suit my purpose. Help!
Signed,
Becky Boone
Dear Becky,
FASHIONGRANNY says Yes to Fur! Being the Old Skool Fashionista that I am, I just can’t help myself!
I think you may bring what you want with you to the Lowcountry, and if it’s fur, so be it. I will tell you, however, aside from myself and a very few “cold people,” there aren’t many fur wearers here. In my line of work I hear daily how women own furs, but never find the opportunity to wear them. I only get that line of thinking if it is not 32 degrees.
Well, I’ll tell you what! Forget the keys to your house one late frosty evening, (yes even here in the Lowcountry), and find yourself having to sleep in your car until morning because you don’t have your cell phone with you, and you’re too over-served to be fit for human company… I guarantee you’ll be mighty glad you wore your fur! Just something to think about.
I know a lot of people get really upset about fur and fur wearers. I understand where they are coming from, but America is a wonderful place and the freedom we have here allows us to do pretty much anything we want. Wearing fur seems like the least possible offense. What I don’t get is wearing imitation fur. Isn’t anybody outraged about that?
To answer your “will I be shot?” question. Gee, I hope not!
No, all kidding aside – and I hope we both are kidding about that – if you’re cold, wear what’s warm and handy. If it is fur, it’s fur. Know who you are and what you are about, and be ready to back it up!
We are an extremely genteel people here in the Lowcountry. We will compliment you to your face and “Bless your little heart “behind your back.
See you ‘round the campfire Sister!
****
By the way, when you’re shopping Downtown Beaufort, stop by Smart Girls Consignment Shop on Carteret Street and see the awesome window dressing done by Miss Hope Chutjian from Lady’s Island. Hope is 12 years old and attends Lady’s Island Middle School. She also plays the cello and loves all things arty! Hope wants to attend Fashion School, and judging by the composition and clear storyline of her window, she will definitely make that dream come true!
If any other budding Fashionistas would like to dress a window at Smart Girls, call Brice at 522-0100. FASHIONGRANNY approves of helping the young’uns get ahead!
