Silk Scarves and Shawls - Posh Maternity Wear for Expectant Moms

Pregnancy is such an exciting time, but it is also a period when there are just so many things to think about and so many plans to be made. In addition, of course, it is a time when your preparations for the forthcoming event are inevitably going to incur expense. Especially if it is a first child and you are starting from scratch, with everything from cots and car seats to teeny tiny clothes and feeding bottles to buy, the costs can soon start to mount up, a fact which often makes expectant moms feel slightly guilty about looking after their own maternity needs.

Moms-to-be do not actually need much for themselves beyond a new set of clothes to accommodate their ever-expanding waistline and belly. Still though, they can sometimes feel uncomfortable about the idea of spending money on themselves when it could be spent on junior, and the fact that they are only going to get a few months' wear out of their maternity clothes does not do much to encourage them either.

If buying maternity clothes for normal daytime wear feels like an extravagance though, then investing in evening wear feels even more so. The pregnant ladies of today, however, do not hide themselves away just because they are expecting (and nor should they) and so of course some nice outfits for those nights out are every bit as essential as their day wear.

As many moms-to-be will have learned through their own experience, there are a few tricks to keeping the costs of maternity clothes down while still managing to look at your radiant best. First of all, try to choose clothes of matching or complementary colors, because in that way you will be able to team up all the elements of your maternity wardrobe and still achieve a coordinated look. Secondly, if you do not find them too uncomfortable, aim to buy separates such as skirts, pants, blouses and tops, because again you will be able to mix and match and achieve a greater range of complete outfits. Thirdly, look beyond standard maternity wear towards items that you will still be able to wear after the birth. Although some women do put on additional weight all over their bodies during pregnancy, this is certainly not the case for most and so often it is possible to find tops and so on which will be perfectly wearable later on.

A couple of really great additions to your wardrobe when you are pregnant come in the form of long women's silk scarves and shawls. Not only do these gorgeous accessories have no size restrictions so they can be worn before, during and after pregnancy, but they are also the ultimate way to transform a limited range of outfits. Fabulous hand painted silk scarves can be teamed up with just about anything for daytime or evening wear, and a stunning handmade silk shawl is just perfect for those special nights out. Because silk shawls tend to be quite long and cover a fair proportion of your clothes underneath, even if you do wear the same maternity evening dress throughout most of your pregnancy, with a different silk shawl over the top, no-one will even notice. Also, handmade silk shawls produced from 100% pure silk and with stunning hand painted designs add elegance and sophistication to any outfit, so dressing up your daytime wear to make it look really special is a piece of cake.

Although hand painted silk scarves and handmade shawls are not the cheapest women's scarves and shawls available on the market, when compared to the cost of maternity clothes, they do represent superb value for money. Rather than just being worn for a few months and then stored away in the closet until next time, you will be wearing these exquisite items regularly and for years to come.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift.

Shawls, Scarves & Accessories - Part One of a Six Part, Six Color Guide to Natural Dyes

Did you know that leaves, stems, bark, roots, seeds and fruit from your very own garden can be used to make brilliant, non-toxic natural dyes for your favorite silk shawls, scarves, accessories and more? Mother Nature provided us with so many wonderful resources to create, play and have fun with! Let's use them!

Silk is the most luxurious of all textiles; it's also the sexiest and most seductive. Believe it or not, silk is the easiest fabric to dye. It is the most absorbent of all textiles, and its silky smooth fibers act as a prism in the light, reflecting a magnificent spectrum of oscillating shades for any one color. This effect is what gives silk its glorious luster and sheen.

So grab some old silk shawls, scarves, and accessories in need of revitalizing and let's have some fun! And while we are on the topic of sexy and seductive, let's dye our silk a rich, sultry red. Red is powerful, passionate and steaming with strength and confidence. The power of a single red silk shawl or silk scarf should not be underestimated. Wear it with a simple black dress, or drape it over a lampshade. You will thank me for it later, I guarantee it.

First thing you want to do is gather your natural dye materials. For a passionate, garnet-red dye, Brazilwood works beautifully. It is inexpensive to buy, easy to use and produces rich, vibrant colors. Next prepare your dye solution by chopping the wood into small pieces the size of wood chips. Place the wood chips in a pot with double the amount of water to wood chips. Leave the wood chips and water mixture to saturate over night.

The next day, prepare your shawls and scarves for the dye bath by soaking it in a color fixative. This will ensure that the color sets in the fabric. Mix 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar in a large pot, add your silk and simmer for an hour. Rinse in cool water and squeeze out any excess.

Meanwhile, bring your saturated dye solution to a boil and simmer for about an hour. Strain out all wood chips. Set the wood chips aside and use them again (you can probably get 2 more good dye baths out of them).

Now you are ready to add your fixative-soaked silk to the dye solution. Simmer together until you are happy with the color. For a deeper shade of red, simmer for 20-30 minutes and then allow the fabric to soak in the dye solution overnight.

The next day, hang your brilliant new shawls and scarves out to dry. Admire your beautiful work, then rinse them out with cold water to remove excess dye solution. Hang out to dry again and voila!

Incredibly Handmade is a one of a kind shopping site with gorgeous hand-dyed, hand-woven silk shawls , scarves and other handmade accessories and ethnic crafts from around the world. Feel free to visit our online store at http://www.incrediblyhandmade.com/

Silk Scarves

Silk scarves make a wonderful fashion accessory and must be made a part of our wardrobe. Even when going out on any trip, you should not forget to carry a couple of these beauty aids which can add sheen to one's clothes. You can wear a long scarf the way you like. The truth is that you can drape or tie this small piece of clothing in a hundred ways.

While talking about these longer pieces, an important thing to be kept in mind is that it is somewhat different from the common winter scarves. That is because the main aim of any winter garment is keep the person warm, especially if your winter piece is made of some cozy woolen stuff. So, you can wear a long one that is a bit heavy or bulky.

1. Just put the piece on the back of your neck and wrap both the ends around your neck. Let the ends of the garment loose in the front. You will look elegant and feel cozy as well.

2.  Another way to wear a long scarf is to wrap it on your head from the centre just like a turban, but just once. Take both the ends of the fabric on front of your body and simply wrap these ends around your neck. Let them fall back at your back. It is quite popular style of carrying one gracefully.

3.  Long silk scarves can be worn as a hair band, headscarf or just wrapped around your ponytail like a silk ribbon to make your hair look dazzling in this fashion accessory. You can also use it as a hip scarf or for making belts to be worn over your sleek pair of jeans or trousers. Just make sure to fold it a couple to times so that it can be easily passed through the pant loops.

4. A long one can also be worn as a shawl provided it's also wide enough to be draped around your shoulders. You can opt to pin it up to keep it from flowing wild in all directions. Another good option is to place it on one shoulder and let it do the magic of making you look gorgeous.

Don't think twice about investing in this evergreen fashion accessory that will add special charm to your looks, no matter how you wear it. The internet is a good place to search for various ideas to wear them in different ways. 

How to look great silk scarves! Certainly, shawls and silk scarves would be a great addition to your wardrobe. For sure, you'll find soft silk scarves to be valuable wardrobe accessories. Also, these silky silk scarfs are fun to wear... so don't hesitate to experiment. Discover the infinite possibilities these fashion accessories can do for you... and be creative!

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Shawls - The Many Types of Pashmina Shawls!

Pashmina shawls come in various styles depending on the kind of quality and price range you are looking for. In the fashion world today, these have become a fixed staple in wardrobes of chic and fashionable women. It has become a classic piece since it is easy to wear and doesn't come off as merely just a trend or fad.

The kind that many women often prefer is pashmina, which is very soft and warm. Because of its luxurious appeal, it can be used to formal events and even special occasions. Pashmina wool is widely known to be one of the finest cashmere. That is why Indian Pashmina stoles have acquired a reputation for being the high-end type that is sought out by a lot of women around the world.

Making a pashmina shawl is no simple task since it basically has to undergo thirty-six stages before it starts to resemble a stole. In fact, there are roughly about thirty-six professionals involved in making these high-end pashmina shawls. The reason why a pashmina has such a soft quality to it is due to the silk yarn that is intertwined in the weaving. Usually, a pashmina wrap has about seventy percent pashmina and thirty percent silk.

Another high quality fabric is cashmere which is also used to make shawls. This is the most popular kind of stole in India. The cashmere wrap makes a woman look graceful and feminine. Cashmere fabric is extremely soft due to the wool it is made of which comes from Cashmere goats.

Cashmeres were only regarded as high-value by the Europeans last century. If you are looking to make a statement in terms of fashion yet want to have a practical piece of clothing that will keep you warm, a cashmere shawl is just what you need.

Lastly, a silk shawl is considered to be the most luxurious type of stole in the fashion world. Due to its intricate embroidery, silk wraps make such a unique impression that it becomes the focal point of your whole wardrobe.

Hence, since there is a wide array of materials to choose from, you just have to pick whatever suits your lifestyle and fashion sense. It would be best to actually try all these kinds so you will get a feel of what suits you best. A shawl is one accessory that should be part of your wardrobe. 

Shawls are supposed to be one of the most versatile accessories these days. You can use the Internet and use the links below to find fashion pashmina shawls to your liking and also find information about the history of these scarves. However, don't forget that women's shawls need proper care because they are made of delicate fabric.

Silk Scarves and Shawls - Your Fabulous First Aid Kit

Nice article

It is rare that our carefully laid plans go exactly as intended. When life throws us a curve, it can result in welcome change, diversity and instant impulsive fun. Sometimes, however, the curve ball results in less pleasant experiences.

If an off the cuff invitation arrives when you are not appropriately dressed, it can be very frustrating. You could excuse yourself then late wish you hadn't. You could also arrive "as is" and spend the rest of the night feeling as if you don't fit in. You can't always plan for these occasions with an outfit that is "just right" stashed away in the trunk of your car. Even if you have a change of clothing, the time to do so may not be available. Yet, if you happen to be carrying a silk shawl or scarf, you can make over a standard outfit into something frivolous, quirky and suitable for bar or club hopping or into the height of sophistication and class for an up-scale restaurant and/or a night out at the theater. In just a few seconds, you can tie, drape and co-ordinate around your body, head, neck or shoulders creating an entirely fresh and new look for any event.

This is not the only good reason for stashing a silk shawl or scarf in your car's glove box. They are also good in case of an emergency. If you become trapped in a car and the temperatures dip, a silk scarf can help save your life. Silk ranks high among those fabrics with natural heat retaining qualities. Silk fabric is also finely constructed meaning it is easy to tuck away in your car's glove box or in your purse. As a result, you can employ it when the temperatures dip below freezing, mimicking the actions of the World War I and aviators who implicitly trusted their silk scarves for warmth when flying high. If children are involved, keep them warm by wrapping them in your silk scarf or shawl. It will help them retain body heat.

It may seem frivolous to purchase a stunning silk scarf just to keep it in your car for a possible emergency. Yet, is you do have one on hand, you can apply it to take care of a variety of needs. These silk accessories are good for practical warmth as well as decorative uses. At home or in the car, the presence of a sumptuous cozy, stunning hand dyed silk scarf or hand painted shawl silk scarf can come to your aid when you want and need it.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift.

Utilitarian Versus Luxury Women's Scarves and Shawls

Nice article

Most women, when they are thinking about buying a new womens' scarf or shawl, imagine that they can only go one of two ways. They can either choose something which will be hard-wearing and practical, or they can opt for a luxury item which they might not consider to be quite as serviceable. Just because a womens' scarf or shawl both looks and feels luxurious, however, does not mean that it is not also highly practical or versatile, or that it does not represent extremely good value for money. A more utilitarian scarf or shawl, on the other hand, could never be considered to be luxurious.

Ladies scarves and shawls come in a huge range of colors, styles, designs and sizes and, of course, in a wide variety of fabrics. There are those which are made from natural materials such as cotton or wool, and in many people's eyes these are probably seen as the most practical options because these tough, utilitarian materials have proved their worth after having been used throughout the ages to produce all kinds of different clothing and other items. In addition, there are women's scarves and shawls which are produced from man-made fabrics such as nylon and polyester which, of course, are highly durable, although not at all environmentally friendly.

At the other end of the scale, there are scarves and shawls which are made from gorgeous luxury fabrics, of which silk is one of the most commonly used. The material is incredibly soft, light and fine and, probably because of these characteristics, it is sometimes considered to be an impractical choice. In fact though, the amazing properties of silk mean that it not only has the ability to keep the wearer cool in summer, but is warmer than any of the utilitarian materials mentioned above and so much more effective in winter. The mere fact that it can be worn all year round, therefore, makes it a much more practical choice. In addition, far from being difficult to look after, a gentle hand wash is all that is required to keep silk scarves and shawls in tip-top condition.

Although there are, of course, some fairly attractive examples of women's scarves and shawls which are produced from utilitarian materials, these can in no way match the look and feel of those made from silk, and especially those which are hand painted and incorporate unique designs. Everything from the way the fabric drapes, falls and ties, to the designs themselves and the vibrancy of the colors sets these stunning accessories apart as being far superior, which of course means that they are far more versatile in terms of wearability. You might, for example, be able to wear a woolen scarf on a country walk or a trip to the mall, but it most certainly would not be appropriate for a visit to the theater or a cocktail party. A fabulous hand painted silk scarf or shawl, however, looks stunning when teamed up with everything from jeans and a sweater to a gorgeous evening gown.

While going down the utilitarian route might at first seem to be the more logical and practical choice, when it comes to women's scarves and shawls, this really is one time when you can have your cake and eat it. Style, sophistication, luxury, quality, practicality and affordability - all of these things can be yours.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift.

Silk Scarves and Shawls For the Ultimate in Versatility

Of all the different types of women's accessories, silk scarves and shawls must surely be some of the most versatile. Not only can they be used to adorn various parts of the body, but the variety of different shapes and sizes means that they can be worn in a huge number of different ways to add flair, style and color to even the simplest of outfits.

Traditionally, of course, silk scarves and shawls have been worn, in Western cultures at least, mainly around the head, neck and shoulders, but elsewhere in the world and in more modern times, they serve as belts and sarongs, making them a truly versatile and beautifully decorative accessory for just about any occasion. From a posh cocktail do or a high-class wedding to a casual party, in the workplace or at the beach, it would be hard to think of an occasion where a stunning silk scarf or shawl would not be an appropriate and delightful addition to any ensemble.

Not only do silk scarves and shawls offer great versatility in terms of how and where they can be worn, however, but also because they are ageless, timeless and flattering to all sizes and shapes. Scarves used as belts around the waist, on hipster jeans or below the bust to create an empire line make a real fashion statement for younger women, and elsewhere on the body are flattering to those of any age. Worn around the middle they beautifully accentuate small waists or detract from a 'top heavy' figure, whereas below the bust they flatter a pear-shaped form.

Although they can be found in a wide range of natural and manmade fabrics, scarves and shawls which are produced from natural silk truly offer the utmost in versatility, simply because of the natural properties of the material. Being fine, delicate-looking and yet extremely strong, silk can not only be tied without leaving large, unsightly and bulky knots, but it drapes in such a way that it appears to caress the contours of the body without clinging.

While some people might imagine that items made from silk would be prohibitively expensive, this is in fact far from being the case. Compared to the price of many of the mass-produced, designer-labeled equivalents, silk scarves are not only very reasonably-priced, but also represent superb value for money whilst at the same time adding an exquisite touch of luxury.

Every woman dreads the thought of being seen wearing the same outfit as someone else, no matter what the occasion, and this is where unique hand painted and tie-dyed silk scarves and shawls come into their own. No matter which design you choose, you will always be saved from that embarrassing situation, because the accessory itself will transform whatever you are wearing, making it look tailor-made. Even tied around a plain bag or worn around the hair or wrist, hand-painted silk scarves can add a wonderful splash of color and make a real personal statement which will attract compliments all day long.

Interested in silk scarves and shawls, or hand-painted scarves? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls.

Silk Scarves and Shawls For Women - The Ageless Accessories

When it comes to women's clothing and accessories, it is probably fair to say that certain types and styles simply don't cross the age or generational boundaries quite so well as others. In some cases they can make a woman look like 'mutton dressed as lamb', while in others they can turn a twenty-something into a fine impression of an elderly aunt. Two of the few items which are truly ageless and timeless, however, are silk scarves and shawls, and here's why.

The Style

Unlike most items, women's scarves and shawls can be worn in a huge variety of ways, making them hugely versatile accessories for women of all ages. Worn in the more traditional ways around the head, neck and shoulders, they have a classic appeal which suits young and old alike, but even as belts, bands to create an empire line, when used to decorate bags or worn in the hair, they have a universal appeal. For hundreds of years scarves have been used as sarongs by different generations of women and one look around any beach in the world will tell you that this is no different today. While options such as wearing a silk scarf as a funky and fashionable halter-neck top might perhaps be best left for the youngsters, most other methods of wearing cut right across the age groups. Depending upon occasion or mood, silk scarves and shawls can be used to give a more grown-up or classic look or to inject a bit of fun and quirkiness into an outfit.

The Designs

Unlike many of today's mass-produced goods which are often aimed towards specific age groups, hand painted scarves and hand dyed shawls and wraps feature a glorious selection of unique designs which appeal to a broad range of ages and personal tastes. From the subtle to the daringly bold, there is truly something for everyone.

The Colors

The colors that we choose normally have more to do with personal taste and what suits our skin tones and hair coloring than age. Some women naturally incline towards pastels because these are what suit them best, whereas others prefer stronger, bolder colors. While the costs involved in standard manufacturing processes mean that only a limited range of colors tend to be incorporated into products which are produced in bulk, items which are individually colored by hand offer a whole spectrum of shades. Irrespective of age or personal tastes, finding a women's scarf or shawl to match or coordinate with an outfit couldn't be easier.

The Fabric

The silk which is used to make some of the finest examples of women's scarves and shawls has an absolutely timeless appeal. Women of all ages have been wearing it for centuries for its luxury and elegance, and because it is such a sensual fabric. From 18 to 80, there are few who can resist the feel of this light, silky material as it glides across the skin.

The Cost

Very often, luxury hand-made goods tend to come with a hefty price tag which can put them out of the reach of younger buyers. Hand painted silk scarves and shawls, however, in many cases retail for considerably less than designer alternatives which are neither unique in design nor hand-produced.

Interested in silk scarves, or shawls? Visit WomenClothingToday.com to browse a gorgeous collection of scarves and shawls perfect for accessorizing or for giving as a unique gift.