ETA—this got really long. As the saying goes, I don’t have time to be brief. Sorry.
Lynn67, since you specifically included other forum members, I’ll bite. You are so correct about the wonderful qualities of silk!
I’ve had a black silk blouse since the early 90s. It is a short-sleeved button front shirt with a collar. My mom gave it to me with long cotton shorts, blue & raspberry plaid, probably some black in the pattern. I loved that outfit, and wore it until there were holes in the seat of the shorts. I’ve previously mentioned a blue paisley skirt that was a favorite with a black T-shirt and ankle boots. I sometimes swapped in the silk shirt. The shirt fell out of favor for a while, other than as a cover-up to get to the pool at hotels. Recently, I’ve worn it as a topper, for example with my black-and-white jumpsuit. I have never ironed it, and have no idea how it would look ironed. To me, the appeal is the surprise of this fabric in an otherwise casual workaday shirt.
I’m wearing a woven silk top right now—a golden tank top from Victoria’s Secret in the 90s. I’m wearing it as an undershirt, because it is soft and warm. I like to wear it with looser-weave tops, because (I think) the warmth glows through. I’ve never worn it as a shirt on its own, but have been thinking that I should do so—once it’s warm enough again. The knit Intimissimi tops I’ve been loving, as shirts and as undershirts, also have silk in them.
I have a couple sweaters from Winter Silks (now defunct). Silk is just part of the blend, but I love those sweaters, and feel they have held their shape well. I don’t remember the price, but my budget at that time was quite small, so I generally shopped sales. My Massimo Dutti burgundy/blackberry cardi is a wool silk blend; it is a real workhorse for me, because it is so warm without bulk.
I’ve recently cut the tags (literally) from navy and cream silk skirts bought in the 90s. They are a dream to wear, especially because the linings are also silk. (If I had to choose, I’d say get the part that’s closest to you in silk). I don’t get to wear my dressy silk dresses nearly often enough.
There are a couple articles—my patterned red pants for example, that I wish were silk every time I put them on. It just has such a lovely feel that can’t be reproduced, and hangs so nicely. You can probably guess my advice—go for it, but follow Jenn’s example and take your time to find the right item at the right price, because it can last a very long time.
This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.
If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.
