tiny treasures....pash me the pashmina

so...remember how one of the items on my fall already-have list was the return of pashminas? well, i love them so much that i am dedicating this week's tiny treasure to them...to me, there are few things as versatile. and as you'll read at the end of the post...a weekly giveaway is being added to the tiny treasures tradition!

first, i need to be very clear. i am talking about the ones you buy on the street in new york and probably some other cities, at a stand like the one pictured above, not the ones you buy at neiman marcus. the ones i buy are $5. they often reside next to sunglasses, cell phone cases and the occasional around-the-neck metrocard holder. shoot me if i ever wear one of those.

also, they are best after they've been washed - this makes them soft and pliable and totally glorious. warning: they might lose their freshly bought sheen by washing, so if you like that, don't wash them. but i think they look and feel nicest when washed.

okay, now that all the disclosure is out of the way...

use # 1: standard use as a scarf, around the neck several times (fave) or hanging straight down

use #2: as a wrap, worn over the shoulders as an extra layer of warmth, easy to put on and take off - great for travel, commute, formal events, etc.

because of the vast array of colors you can get, the use of a pashmina in either of these ways can really change the look of an outfit. i dress mostly in solid colors (okay who am i kidding, it's a solid color known as black), so i use these all the time to alter and provide some interest and variation on the look. it's also a great and low-risk way to try out a new color -- rather than investing in a purple winter coat this year, you can partake in the purple craze by getting a purple pashmina and pairing it with several different items in your wardrobe.

use #3: have several (coordinating colors, obvi) rolled up in a basket or bag at home to offer to guests on a chilly night outside (or inside, in the case of my house which we like cold). this function is also a really nice idea i've seen done for an outdoor wedding...we actually almost had pashminas draped on every other seat at our ceremony, but opted for the paper confetti explosion after "i do" instead...priorities, you know?

use #4: as a throw in your home to add a punch of any number of colors...if your bedroom is looking a little drab in cooler months, you can throw a bright yellow or hot pink one over a chair and instantly brighten the space. or if you want to neautralize a space and remove some color, a brown or cream or tan one can go a long way for a very short stack. of singles. okay, that was a stretch.

comment on this post with your thoughts about pashminas and their many uses, and be entered in the tiny treasures drawing to win one in a color of your choice!