PRODUCT: Dearest Pashmina

Dear Pashmina,

It took some time to realise you weren’t there, but it was a moment when I needed you the most – the chill on the train had picked up and my need for you as a blanket was paramount.

My hand dug deep into the bag where you are always kept on our journeys, only to find the space empty, vacant of your little threads.

Then it dawned on me. You have been abandoned, little Pashy.  I saw the image immediately: placed on the shower hook, still sandy from our visit to Byron Bay beach.

It is there you sit, waiting expectantly for another home: a bin, perhaps? or a lady with exquisite taste?

Pink Pashmina you have been a champion companion and I am dearly sorry for our parting.

Yours always and forever,

A freezing cold Natty

Related articles

• TOPICS: Nepali pashmina industry (thehimalayantimes.com)
• How to get the most out of a posh pashmina (moneysavingstoday.co.uk)

PRODUCT: THE 3 STYLES OF PASHMINA

The Head Scarf – Stepping away from the cap

This is the kind of style you can use when the weather hits its highest and lowest peaks – for those heavy winter breezes or those sweaty days.

Try folding the scarf in half and then placing it around your crown, tie it in a knot behind you and then you can double this up if the material feels a bit weighty.

 

The Poncho meets Blanket Wrap

If you’re looking for warmth that keeps you somewhere in style then tuck the pashmina into your bag for a late evening overthrow.

Take your pashmina and fully unfold it, wrapping it around you, then criss-cross it so you literally throw one side over to the next. It’s a bit messy and you can add a broach if you’d like to add a bit of elegance to this shrug as it holds the whole thing together better.

This style can also act as a good insulator for your hands, fold your arms and tuck yourself under the blanket.

 

The Sandy Mask

Recently I’ve found use for this style and those heading to dusty terrains may also find this a handy cloth to cover up half of your face to breathe a little easier and keep covered up.

Fold in half, tie round and double knot at the back. It’s not as heavy as you may think.

*Photographer, Dee

That key question: what to wear onboard?

There are 2 categories and all you have to do is layer…

Getting far, far away

This kind of trip only happens if I’m going away for a few months, which means my case will be full, ultimately pushing me to wear the more bulky items on board. Leading to this outfit:

Walking shoes – I take these off during flight. People don’t mind you walking around in socks, right?

Trousers - baggy, comfortable and not too thick

Strappy top – Your base layer, it gets hot on the plane after a few hours

Cardigan – Second layer

Pashmina – For when they blast air con, also a good neck support

Comfortable underwear – There’s nothing worse than regretting this decision

The whippet snapper crossing

There’s plenty of room in my case for those bulky shoes and the flights only going to be an hour or two – this means I can dress more girly and be much more lenient on footwear.

Flipflops – let those toes breath

Dress – check the weather of your destination first

Leggins – You can always take them off on the other side

Comfortable underwear –  Just, every time.

Cardigan

Pashmina – same rules apply

Your case should be on the other side, but if its not you’ll have to be in this outfit for the next 24 hours (hopefully not 48 hours…). So don’t wear heels and please don’t wear lycra leggings.