The Art of Shopping and Other Silk Truths
Wearing:
Silk Classic Shirt, Silk Culottes & Silk V-Neck Slip Dress, all by Grana
(use my code “JIAWAxGRANA” for 10% off, plus free shipping world wide)
Like many childhood lessons I now wish I had not half ignored, tiresome market days with a gaggle of my Chinese aunties now seem to me as some heroinic training in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon vein. By this, the art of shopping passed from master to pupil: the rules of engagement between vendor and haggler; a nose for retail gems in a clutter of street hawkers. For example, that the true price is always at least half of the quote, that packaging does not always reflect quality (and vice versa), and that one should always inspect the whole market before buying.
Silk, which originated in ancient China, will always to the Chinese be the stuff of royalty. It is no wonder the women of my family are versed in every skill of rooting out the lesser imitations. Regarding any clothing tag with utter suspicion, garments must first satisfy the thumb-and-forefinger rub. Then, it is inspected at within millimeters of a bespectacled nose, where, reputedly, gleams the eagle eye for detecting any hint of a polyester blend.
But even my most astute second aunt, who was claims to have spotted gold in a pile of painted copper at 50 paces, would surely raise a brow in satisfaction with the Chinese silk offerings at Grana. Made in Hushou – the City of Silk – their signature 2-ply silk Crepe de Chine brings a weight and lustre that, combined with rich shades of deep mulberry and emerald green, is unmistakably luxe. And yet, with that under $150 price point, one can (and should) lavishly collect one in each colour: for every outfit possibility, or to conveniently wear in a tonal set, as with my silk shirt and culotte ensemble.
As for caring for silk, don’t knock the mothball overkill until you’ve tried it – every middle aged Asian woman worth their salt lives in fear of the clothes moth, and for good reason. Store silk in a cool dry place that can be closed off from those silk eating intruders, and hang on wooden hangers to prevent wrinkling. Should any mishaps occur, dry-cleaning and professional pressing is always your best bet.
Shop Grana’s Chinese silk collection here, and use use my code “JIAWAxGRANA” for 10% off, plus free shipping world wide until 30 December 2016!
Location:Perth, Australia | Photography: Self-Portrait
Incredibly important minimal style tips to your inbox? Join my mailing list or follow me on Blog Lovin’!
Love the two looks so much!
xoxo
http://www.donkeycool.es
Love your green dress!
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
♥
love that you’re supporting this brand! They have such good ethics in amongst all those other brands that have high price points for low quality and bad employee conditions.
Plus you look fab!
Much like in China, silk is the stuff of dreams here in India – we make our best sari’s out of silk and it’s one of the most luxurious and popular fabrics here – I too wish I had paid more attention when my mum dragged me to fabric stores -.-. This collection does sound amazing, I really want to get my hands on this stuff especially since I’m obsessed with silk!
x
Shloka
http://thesilksneaker.com
This is such a cool insight into your family life! It’s so funny the things we remember from our childhoods surrounded by relatives and their particular quirks. Why is it that so many Aunts and Uncles some how take on cartoon like characteristics?! I swear that it is not just mine!
I have just picked up even more Grana silk pieces, to add to my little staple collection, I agree that they are excellent value for the cost. Actually some of the pieces I have are hardly different from the Equipment silks I own. Love that feeling on the skin.
You styled these so well, I have the red dress which I have been wearing with a black silk tee, oh you will see it soon enough!
xx Jenelle
Love your style! ♥
http://www.yo-odd.com/
What beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing x