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Sep 14
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Black cashmere cardigan with belt

September Newsletter

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Back to Work

Welcome to our September newsletter. After a very unusual Summer this year, we are adjusting to our new back to work routines. According to Jo Ellison, Financial Times Associate Editor September is the new January and feels like the most significant reset of the year. September is the perfect time to dive into new projects, kick-start a new reading list and brings the opportunity of a new clean slate. 

Here are some of our favourite Back to Work pieces to wear this September

Black cashmere cardigan with belt
White roll neck cashmere cardigan
Khaki green turtleneck cashmere sweater

Style Reset

Not only does September bring the opportunity for a fresh start, it is also the time to pack away our Summer wardrobes and get ready for the colder Autumn Winter months. September is the perfect time to hit reset and infuse our wardrobes with new colours, textures and styles to enter into the new season. Read our latest blog post on Autumn Winter 2020 Trends for some new season style inspiration. 

Upgrade your wardrobe this season with a unique Castanea cashmere that can be worn time and time again and will be a staple piece for seasons to come. Here are some of our top picks:

White cashmere hoodie
Navy turtleneck cashmere sweater
Girl in khaki green and brown cashmere hoodie

Spotlight on Accessories

As we transition into the colder Autumn Winter months cashmere accessories are the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Layer your cashmere for added warmth and experience ultimate comfort all day long in one of our luxury scarves made from 100% cashmere.

White cashmere scarf with black belt
Light blue cashmere scarf
Grey cashmere blanket

Autumn Winter Style Inspiration

As always, we will be bringing you style inspiration for your new Autumn Winter wardrobe over on our Instagram page each week. Tune in every Friday to see how we style each piece from Castanea’s Autumn Winter collection. Our most recent style edit featured our June Cardigan. Cardigans are huge this season and are a great way to transition some of your favourite Summer pieces into Autumn. Our June cardigan features a chic and timeless silhouette that can be worn all year round.

The full Castanea Autumn Winter 2020 collection is available now.

Shop The Collection
Sep 04
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Grey cashmere scarf

Autumn Winter 2020 Trends

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As we move into the next season, we are taking a look at the top Autumn Winter 2020 trends that are all over the runway. From neutral colour combinations to dramatic sleeves and silhouettes, there is something for everyone this year. 

Back to Black

If last season was a total whiteout, where a number of key designers chose to show head-to-toe white, then come autumn, it’s back to black. This season we can see black on black all over the runway.

Our June cardigan demonstrates a sophisticated luxe silhouette whilst embracing this theme.

Black wrap cashmere cardigan

Arm Drama

With this season in many ways more toned down in terms of colour, texture and print than the past, there was one way that designers chose to embrace drama and that was through strong silhouettes, which we saw lots of statement sleeves and exaggerated shoulders. 

Our Edel sweater features a beautiful long luxurious turtle neck, dropped shoulders that accentuate the oversized modern silhouette. It has super long sleeves which lead to tonal sleeve straps that can be tied for a final modern feminine touch.

Khaki green turtleneck cashmere sweater

50 Shades of Grey

Grey is having a major moment right now. The neutral hue dominated the runways in head-to-toe looks. The shade came in various fabrics, lengths, and silhouettes, from suits to chunky knits and striking overcoats. The key to the tonal look is mixing various shades and fabrics within your ensemble. Get this look by adding a cosy grey cashmere scarf to your outfit. 

We have interesting options where you can layer up to create a chic modern look. Look at the Pip Man, Fini & Orla’s Blanket. 

Cashmere blanket in white
Charcoal cashmere sweater with elbow patches
Grey cashmere scarf

Belted Waist

Although a cinched waist is a timeless trait, it is one that has taken a back seat due to the ever-growing trend of loose silhouettes. This season however, cinched waist belts are most definitely back. On the runway we saw belts wrapped around everything from knitwear to coats and everything in-between. 

Our June cardigan features cashmere belt loops. It comes with a matching cashmere belt, however you can team it with refined neutral separates & add your favorite leather belt for a polished look.

Soft blue wrap cashmere cardigan

Military Olive

Deep olive-green tones were seen on an array of fabrics from suede to silk, leather and quilted textures, adding a fearless touch to ensembles. This is such a beautiful colour for Autumn Winter that complements all complexions. 

Our Jack cashmere sweater is military at its best. It’s spun in a relaxed, loose silhouette with raglan sleeves, a wide elegant boat neck and ribbed double over cuff edges.

Khaki cashmere sweater

Castanea’s Autumn Winter 2020 Collection

Castanea’s new Autumn Winter 2020 collection consists of lofty hoodies, oversized sweaters, delicate cardigans and textural scarfs all made from beautiful 100% cashmere. The full collection is available now.

Shop The Collection
Aug 14
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How to wear Cashmere in Summer

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“Can you wear cashmere in summer?” Is a question that we hear all the time. The properties of cashmere make it a suitable fabric to wear all year round. As we are all embracing fabulous Ireland this Summer on our staycations, cashmere is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe to take any outfit from day to night.

The Properties of Cashmere

One of the most amazing things about cashmere is the thermoregulatory properties of cashmere fibres can keep us warm in the winter while also keeping us cool in the summer. As cashmere is a natural fabric, it allows our skin to breath and it is able to maintain a consistent body temperature. This makes cashmere fabric suitable for even the hottest of summer months.

Castanea’s spring summer cashmere pieces are made from featherweight 100% cashmere making them the perfect cashmere sweater for warmer summer months. The spring summer 2020 collection was inspired by a sailing trip around the coast of Corsica. Deep azure blue winning the colour of the season inspired by the clear tropical waters of the boat only accessible waters of Piana, Corsia.

Styling Summer Cashmere

Cashmere can be styled in so many ways and can really add some fabulous colours to your summer wardrobe. Here are our top five tips for styling your cashmere this summer:

  1. Wear your cashmere post-swim

    After going for swim, there is nothing cosier than popping into your cashmere sweater. The fibres will keep you nice and warm and feel so soft against your refreshed skin.

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2. Wear your cashmere over a full summer dress

Cashmere sweaters are perfect for wearing over a full summer dress when the weather is as unpredictable as it is here in Ireland. If the sun does come out, you can always pop your beautiful cashmere over your shoulders.

3. Wear your cashmere on cool summer nights

We never go on a night out without our cashmere. It is a great option to bring on summer nights as you may be sitting outside or by the sea as it gets cooler in the evenings. Pop your cosy cashmere on over any outfit for a chic summer look.

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Summer Cashmere Style Inspiration

Every week we post style edits on the Castanea Instagram page that show you how we would style our cashmere pieces this Summer. Make sure you follow @castanea_official on Instagram for the latest style inspiration and use #MyCastanea in your outfit photos.

Here our some of our recent Summer cashmere style edits

We currently have an additional 20% off all spring summer sale items. Just use the code ‘LOVEYOU20’ at checkout.

Shop Sale Now
Aug 12
1

August Newsletter

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Hello and welcome to Castanea’s August Newsletter. We have lots in store for you this month including a sneak peek at our Autumn Winter 2020 Collection, some Summer style inspiration and an insight into our #MyCastanea Community and what it is all about. 

AW 2020 Collection

We are so excited to share a sneak peek of our Autumn Winter 2020 Collection with you, the full collection will be launching at the end of the month. The collection is a reflection of old Ireland with a splash of a modern New York. 

We have some beautiful waffle and honeycomb knit textures that echo the traditional techniques of old Irish knitting. However, we have added a slice of modernity with long contrast straps, beautiful ties, directional ribbing and detailed cuffs. 

Our colour pallet is rich and contemporary with some beautiful notes of the west of Ireland. Deep ink navy and blacks, khaki and artichoke greens, as we daydream of a rugged landscape that captures our hearts. We are introducing the most delicate winter white and a beautiful soft pink known as glamour, a nod to bog-rosemary, a flower native to Ireland that turns from a beautiful white to pink as it grows. 

This collection consists of lofty hoodies, oversized sweaters, delicate cardigans and textural scarfs all made from beautiful 100% cashmere.

The full Autumn Winter 2020 Collection will be available on www.castanea.ie exclusively at the end of the month. 

Summer Style Inspiration

Our latest style edit was inspired by the fabulous Louise Stokes, Owner of Loulerie Jewellery. We absolutely love Louise’s chic style and how she accessorises her outfits with the most beautiful jewellery. Our Thapa sweater is the perfect cashmere sweater for warmer summer months as it is made from featherweight 100% cashmere with beautiful silk/cashmere cuff details, making it light yet warm. Shop the Thapa here.

For more inspiration on how to style your Castanea cashmere check out our Instagram page. 

#MyCastanea

At Castanea our mission is ‘to make women feel strong and confident in themselves. To feel you, to feel fierce, feel wild, feel 100% authentically you in pure luxury’.  #MyCastanea is about creating a community where women can empower each other and celebrate everything that makes us ‘feel’. We want to see you wearing your Castanea pieces and express how they make you feel when you wear them. Here are some of our gorgeous photos that have been shared in the #MyCastanea Community already.

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos @castanea_official and use #MyCastanea

Our Castanea cashmere sale continues with new styles added and further reductions. Shop our full range of cashmere sweaters here.

Shop Sale Now
Jul 23
0

Why You Should Invest in Cashmere

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Why You Should Invest in Cashmere

Why You Should Invest in Cashmere

It is becoming increasingly important to make sustainable fashion choices. Here at Castanea, we believe in investing in the highest quality garments that will last for life. Cashmere garments can be dressed up or down for any occasion and are a staple in any wardrobe. Here are the top five reasons why we think you should invest in high quality cashmere:

1. Cashmere is built to last

We have had cashmere garments in our wardrobe for over twenty years that we still reach for on a daily basis. If cared for properly, cashmere garments will get softer with each wash and will hold up impeccably over the years. Cashmere is an investment, however it is an item that can be worn for years and years to come.

Check out our Cashmere Care Guide to ensure you are washing your cashmere correctly and get the most wear out of your garments.

2. Cashmere is lightweight but incredibly warm

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of goats. Goats develop wonderfully thick coats made up of a coarse outer guard hair and a fine, soft undercoat. This makes cashmere as comfortable to wear on a summer afternoon as it is on a frosty winter morning. Cashmere fibres are extremely thin meaning a sweater produced from 100% cashmere may look thin but is an excellent thermal layer.

To find out more about the Scottish cashmere yarns that are used at Castanea visit the Todd & Duncan website.

3. The texture of Cashmere is exceptionally soft and cosy

Cashmere is an incredibly soft fibre that feels so comfortable against the skin. Cashmere is a great alternative for people with sensitive skin that may find other fabrics itchy against their skin. It is a luxurious fabric that is soft and cosy, yet it makes you look sophisticated.

4. Cashmere is an ethical fashion choice

Animal welfare, sustainability and traceability are the three pillars of the cashmere industry’s ethical sourcing initiatives. All Castanea’s garments are made using the best cashmere yarns we can find. We seek out companies that work in partnership with approved de-hairers & encourage sustainable herding and grazing practices.

A cashmere garment is a garment for life and by purchasing high quality garments that can be worn year after year you are positively contributing to the slow fashion movement.

5. A classic Cashmere sweater is timeless

Despite how quickly trends come and go, cashmere has a classic look and feel that is on trend year after year. Cashmere is considered an investment as it is extremely durable. It is appreciated by young and old and is often passed from one generation to the next.  

Treat yourself to the ultimate luxury and invest in the highest quality cashmere. Shop our full collection of cashmere sweaters here.

Jul 21
0

July Newsletter

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Hello and welcome to Castanea’s July Newsletter. We have lots in store for you this month including new styles added to our Cashmere Sale, a discount code for an additional 20% off selected sale items, and some style inspiration for how to wear your Castanea Cashmere.

New to Sale

The beautiful new styles that have been added to our Castanea Cashmere Sale include the Rebecca sweater and the Nancy sweater.

Our gift to you this month is an additional 20% off selected sale items. Just use the code LOVEYOU20 at checkout. Shop the full sale here. 

The Style Edit

In this weeks style edit we have styled our Rebecca sweater for all occasions. Head over to our Instagram for more cashmere style inspiration. 

Thank You

As we are coming to the end of our Spring Summer 2020 collection and getting ready to bring you another new and exciting collection, we wanted to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing customers and supporters. This year Castanea has featured in The Sunday Times UK, The Irish Times, Irish Tatler and Irish Examiner. Here are some of our features.

Jul 01
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How is Castanea Cashmere Made?

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Here at Castanea we take pride in ensuring that each of our customers receive the highest quality cashmere garments that will last a lifetime. Each of our garments go through a meticulous creation process from start to finish to deliver cashmere’s to our customers that are nothing short of pure compromised luxury.

The Yarn

We are very proud and honoured to use the finest yarn available from Scottish cashmere experts Todd & Duncan. Todd & Duncan are a world renounced yarn producer that have perfected and refined their traditional techniques over two centuries to create a cashmere yarn that piles less than any other. It is produced in their Loch Leven mill in Scotland, and is drawn on their expertise in dyeing, knitting performance, colour-matching and everything else.

“Scottish cashmere is appreciated by young and old – often passing from one generation to the next.”

– Todd & Duncan

The Design

All of our garments are designed by Castanea’s Founder and Irish Designer Paula Marron. With over a decade’s experience working with knitted cashmere and it’s this remarkable fibre that plays the central role in the brands philosophy, it is no surprise that Paula has been referred to as a ‘rising Irish cashmere queen’ by Irish Times Fashion Editor, Deirdre McQuillan.

Paula is often inspired by contemporary architecture & artists. For spring summer 2020 she was inspired by a sailing trip around the coast of Corsica. Deep azure blue winning the colour of the season inspired by the clear tropical waters of the boat only accessible waters of Piana, Corsia.

Each garment is designed for women who feel. The ethos of Castanea is ‘to make women feel strong and confident in themselves’ to feel you, to feel fierce, feel wild, feel 100% authentically you in pure luxury.  Castanea believes in minimal less but better design, with proper care our cashmeres are to last a lifetime.

The Knitting

Each of Castanea’s cashmere garments are handmade in Nepal using the most expert craftsmanship.

Each piece is individually knit to shape and linked together by hand. From beginning to end, each piece goes through a meticulous process of hand finishing, with every garment passing through a minimum of twenty experienced knitters.

 

Shop the full range of handmade 100% cashmere sweaters here.

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Jun 15
0

June Newsletter

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Hello and Welcome to Castanea’s June Newsletter! This month features our June picks of the month, the winners of our latest competition, a cashmere care guide and some fashion inspiration for styling your Castanea garments.

Picks of the Month

Our favourite products this month are the Girolata sweater In Parfume, the Atriona sweater in Kola/Dayglo and the Jim sweater in Dayglo. These stunning pieces are vibrant in colour and made with 100% cashmere making them the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

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Jim Cashmere Sweater
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Design Your Own Cashmere Competition

In an attempt to encourage aspiring designers to make the most of their extra time spent at home recently, Castanea decided to create a design competition to allow designers to reflect. To use this time to draw inspiration from past experiences, movies you have loved, art you have been moved by, structures that blew you away, books you couldn’t put down.

The winning design will be made from 100% cashmere for our Spring Summer 2020 collection. It will also be showcased and New York and Paris Fashion Week and sold in partnership with our International & Irish stockist Havana Boutique, Emporium Kalu, Samui and Les Jumelles with all profits donated to charity.

We were absolutely blown away with the sheer talent and amazing designs that were entered into the competition. It was so inspiring to see everyone’s sketches, mood boards and hear the stories behind their designs. Huge congratulations to our winners Renate Murphy and Jane Ritchie, we cannot wait to bring your sketches to life.

Renate Murphy

Jane Ritchie

How to Care for Your Cashmere

Cashmere pieces are a staple in your wardrobe that you will have for life. However, cashmere does fall into the hand wash and dry clean only category and there are harsh consequences to washing your cashmere incorrectly. To ensure that you get the most out of your cashmere, follow our step by step guide on how to care for your cashmere.

See our detailed guide on how to care for your cashmere here.

The Style Edit

Our style edit will give you inspiration for styling your favourite Castanea pieces for any occasion. This week we have styled our beautiful Girolata sweater.

Check out our Instagram page for more style inspiration.

Jun 08
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How to Care for Your Cashmere

By | Cashmere Care, Cashmere Sweaters | No Comments

Cashmere pieces are a staple in your wardrobe that you will have for life. However, cashmere does fall into the hand wash and dry clean only category and there are harsh consequences to washing your cashmere incorrectly.

To ensure that you get the most out of your cashmere, follow our step by step guide on how to care for your cashmere.

Image of clothes with a bowl of water besides

Step 1. Use Cool Water

It is best to use a clean sink or basin and make sure there is no residue of cleaning products on the surface. Fill the basin with cool to tepid water and add a small amount of gentle cashmere or knitwear detergent. We recommend using Laundress cashmere shampoo, Ecover delicate, or Woolite. Briskly swirl the shampoo in the water with your hand for even distribution and to generate suds.

Step 2. Wash Your Cashmere Inside Out

When hand washing your cashmere, turn the item inside out and submerge in the water. Ensure that you do not mix any colours together. It is very important to gently message the soapy water through each fibre. Do not rub, wring or twist the fabric while washing as this can damage the garment. Set a timer and allow the garment to soak for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3. Roll Your Cashmere

The next step is to drain the bowl or sink and rinse until the water runs clear. Be sure to use the same temperature water as you used to wash. Do not wring or twist your cashmere to remove excess water. Instead, lay the item out on a towel, gently roll it up (as seen in the picture) and lightly press it. Remove the sweater from the towel and reshape by hand. Lay the cashmere on a dry clean towel and let it air dry. Button up cardigans and pull pockets straight. Your cashmere should be kept away from heat sources like radiators and sunlight, allowing it to air-dry naturally.

Step 4. Fold Your Cashmere

Once your cashmere is dry, it must be folded carefully. It can be gently steamed to remove any creases, but an iron should never be laid flat on cashmere. If possible, we recommend that you wrap your cashmere in acid-free tissue paper. This preserves the original colour and protects your cashmere against damp and dust. Cashmere garments should be stored in a well-aired area that is dust free and covered away from sunlight.

Cashmere Tips

Tip 1. How to avoid Moths

Moths love cashmere and they are particularly attracted to the natural oils we produce when wearing our cashmere. They love our dirty clothes, so to keep the dreaded moths away we recommend hand washing your sweaters regularly. It is also recommended to line your chosen storage area with fragranced anti-moth paper. If you are storing your cashmere in a wardrobe, invest in some cedar balls or scented sachets.

Tip 2: How to prevent Pilling

Cashmere is a fine fibre and pilling will happen depending on the amount of wear and your cashmere experiences. This is not symptomatic of inferior quality, but rather an inevitable consequence of the careful processing of this fine fibre. To prevent pilling avoid any rubbing motions with your handbag & purses. Also try to keep your knits away from jewellery as it can cause snags.

Pilling can easily be removed using a de-bobbling comb or even a standard razor, though you need to be very careful not to cut the fabric if doing so.

Your Castanea cashmere is a garment for life that improves with age if cared for properly. Find out more about our cashmere garments in our recent blog post ‘Will Cashmere…’ which answers our most frequently asked questions. 

Have a look at our current range of luxury cashmere garments to add to your wardrobe.

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