UGLY Holiday Sweaters

You've seen them, some combination of wreath, stocking, tree, bow, animal print snowmen and sparkles that defines the holiday sweater. Look online under "Ugly Holiday Sweaters"and pick your poison. There are parties to attend where you can win a prize for your "worst of the season."

If you choose sophistication over kitsch, we have red and black cashmere sweaters that you can enjoy during the holidays and when they are over.

Black Friday: The Struggle Between Good and Luxury Good

Who is sitting on your shoulders?
The angel saying..."Aren't all black wool sweaters pretty much the same?" Or the devil replying " 'fraid not, my naive little friend."

Before you head out for Black Friday shopping, keep this cartoon in mind.

A luxury black cashmere sweater will outlast one that is made of short, cheap fibers. Is the investment in quality worth it to you?

We think so, but to help you make that decision, we are discounting all of our luxurious, quality cashmere sweaters, black and otherwise, to 50% off on Friday, November 27 from 9am - 9pm. Quanitites are limited.

And if you are local, please come to the Concourse Holiday Sample Sale, San Francisco, 635 8th Street, November 28 (10am-5pm) - November 29 (10am -4pm), Booth 420, to purchase samples at unbelievable prices.

What to Wear When You Run for Political Office in CA

The upcoming gubernatorial and senate races in California will be interesting to watch from the perspective of how women political candidates dress. What these women wear sets the tone for their campaigns and for women in business. We have not come as far as we think as it is still all about the suit.

Barbara Boxer has some nice red ones, but who can forget the shimmering salmon "cocktail" suit Carly Fiorina wore at the GOP Convention. I think these two women will up the ante as their campaigns progress and we should expect to at least see more colorful suits. Would either candidate dare to put on a dress?

Meg Whitman, on the other hand, using her signature style of man-tailored suits and dress shirts, and competing against men, is at the opposite end of the spectrum. I think her brand as a brilliant CEO is well-established and she can afford to be both powerful and feminine.

Can I be so presumptious as to offer her a Hallet Sweater Art statement sweater to wear with black slacks instead of her iconic denim work shirt, high waisted khaki's and penny loafers?

"We Dress You in Business Class"

My Trip to Peru and Sweater Art - 2010

Always have fun when you travel!

I just returned from Peru where I spent a week working with my sample team on Sweater Art alpaca designs for 2010. For fun, I took everyone to a "Los Kjarkos" concert, which was enjoyable even if you don't speak a word of Aymara!

And for my personal time off, los caballeros de Paso Peruano and the Marinera dancers of Trujillo were a treat. I thought I was going to a SHOW, and it was a show with the horse, rider, the two dancers, myself, and two other tourists. Once everyone got over the shocking difference between expectation and reality, we laughed and had a great time.

Trujillo is great if you enjoy ruins and ritual sacrifice scenes. Obviously there is nothing new in the world, murder, mayhem and tatoos, too. There was a 1700 year old female mummy whose skin showed tatoos of spiders and serpents.

And Hallet Sweater Art has a fantastic collection for 2010. Still shopping for 2009? Take advantage of our 40% off sale. Quantities are very limited.

There is a WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS!

ellis.deb@att.net
Please contact me at your earliest convenience with a mailing address so you can receive your beautiful double-sided cashmere scarf.

The Color of the Season is RED

If Neiman Marcus says it's so, then maybe we can accept at face value that the color trend for Fall Fashion is RED. The NM website shows items from famous brands in bright lipstick red. They have vests, sweaters, dresses, coats, cuffs, shoes, everything in red.

If you own something in this color, now is the time to use it. For Fall red will be so ubiquitous, consider it a neutral. Red isn't your color? A red accessory, red bag or red shoes will update almost any solid colored ensemble. Even if you are not a slave to fashion, bright red shows you have passion.

We always want to offer our advice and a companion product. This week through 10/14, our beautiful red Kandinsky inspired cashmere sweater is 40% off. Buy this versatile sweater and wear it everywhere!

Sale on Building Blocks for Your Wardrobe

You open your closet door, walk in or give it a slide, and the results are the same. Your same old clothes! Sometimes selecting your outfit is an effort.

But maybe that is because you do not have the building blocks for a successful wardrobe. Certain items are always key and one is the black cashmere sweater. You have one, of course, but maybe it is not current or shows signs of wear. Our black cashmere on sale this weekend for 25% off is sexy and sophisticated. The ribbed bodice and low square neck show your figure without flaunting it. This piece can be dressed up with jewelry or is great with jeans. The narrow sleeves and longer length update this classic sweater.

Another building block for your wardrobe is a signature color. Of course that has to be what looks good on you. But an important color this fall is red. Our just right red cashmere sweater with pointelle diagonals that flatter your shape, is also available this weekend at 25% off.

And don't forget neutrals as important basics. Our textured silver grey cashmere sweater will be a work horse for you.

Review your closet, and edit clothes that do not build around your basics.