SHOP TALK: Locally-made scarves keep you stylish and warm
Shop Talk

SHOP TALK: Locally-made scarves keep you stylish and warm
BY Dayanti Karunaratne
POSTED November 19, 2013 1:22 pm

Shop Talk is written by OM editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

Red pashmina. $130 for 100% cashmere, $85 for cashmere/silk blend.
Red pashmina. $130 for 100% cashmere, $85 for cashmere/silk blend.

A few months ago, we fell in love with Chobi scarves while checking out the awesome locavore site SMAKK. At the time, I remember thinking ‘everyone needs scarves — they’re such a winter staple and the style possibilities are endless. What a brilliant business!’

Well, maybe it’s the fact that so many of us cling to grey or black trenches for a good chunk of the year, but two more local scarf companies (scarfatieres?) have recently made us craving more cashmere, more herringbone, more cozy and locally-made love!

Karma Cashmere is the ‘love child’ of Praj and Dave. (Check out their website if you’re a sucker for inter-continental love stories!) During their travels, which included a dramatic introduction in the Netherlands and a wedding ceremony on Nepal followed by a honeymoon in the Himalayan mountains, they dreamt of ways that Praj could connect with her home country of Nepal after she immigrated to Canada to live with her new husband, Dave. They kept coming back to the majesty of the Himalayas — and the amazing cashmere produced there.

 

Lucky for us, the idea materialized. Praj and Dave travelled back to Nepal and met personally with artisans who make the pashminas that bring style to our workaday duds. Order from their website — they ship free throughout Canada and even donate a portion of the proceeds to support girls’ education in the Himalayan region.

A classic pattern of houndstooth, this cream and beige infinity brightens up a dark coat while keeping you warm.100% Virgin Wool, $85.00.
A classic pattern of houndstooth, this cream and beige infinity brightens up a dark coat while keeping you warm.100% Virgin Wool, $85.00.

Another take on the classic scarf comces by way of Krista Norris. This season we have heard a lot about ‘menswear inspired fashion’ and these scarves nail that trend. I mean, I love tweed and pinstripes, but styling these fabrics isn’t for the faint of heart (or busy mom). With this collection, which is available at Viens Avec Moi and Schad in Ottawa, Krista offers thick, wool infinity scarves — that, conveniently, are unisex!

Another bonus: Krista is taking part in the Warm and Fuzzy event at Schad. Bundle up, buy gifts, stay stylish. Wednesday, November 20. 6-9 p.m., Schad, 521 Sussex Dr.