Hallet Sweater Art Blog

Going Out of Business Sale

2012-12-04T18:52:00.001-08:00

After 30 years in business I am calling it quits. It's been fun and hard and crazy, and I've enjoyed every minute.

Since I have your e-mail and you have shopped with me before, consider this sale a gift. All sweaters are $69. Buy more than one and take an additional $10 off every sweater. Your cost is below wholesale.

Gemstone jewelry is $69.

Infant wear is $5 for hats and booties, and $15 for sets.

Artistry in Fashion - Booth D-30 - September 29

2012-09-24T13:29:00.002-07:00

Find fantastic prices on our optical cashmere and alpaca sweaters. Colors of the season include red, black, cobalt blue, and green.

Coordinate the sweaters with our gemstone jewelry and beautiful handmade scarves and shawls from India by One New Road.

Smart Shopping

2011-03-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Smart shopping is a little like treasure hunting. You will need a map, endurance, and an open time frame and attitude. Clues can be found by looking into your closet and your lifestyle. A great find is not a "treasure" unless it fits your needs.

If your black cashmere sweater is looking ratty, there is no better time than now to purchase a new one. Don't wait until next fall when you have to pay full retail. Be on the lookout for staples you need to replace like underwear and classic heels. Buy items to discover in your drawers at a later time when you need them.

Try to pick up clothing that reflect timeless style and quality. Look for brands that use fine fibers and quality workmanship so your purchase remains golden over time.

Classic is Cool

2011-02-17T17:04:00.000-08:00

Yes it's the last day of Fashion Week in NYC. My take away from all the excitement and glamour is: don't be sucked into fashion "trends". In our current economy, classic is cool. Update and accessorize what you own with pieces that show you value material, fit and the longevity of an item "well purchased". Stay away from bells, whistles and other gewgaws that subtract from your personal style.

Think about spring and add color to your winter palette. Bright cashmere sweaters are a perfect transition to the next season. Wear them as business attire and of course with great jeans. All sweaters are priced below wholesale.

All Things Red

2011-02-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day or any day, wearing red is a statement. Be powerful and comfortable in cashmere.

This fitted sweater with rib and graphic details is a go to wardrobe piece you will wear everywhere. At Hallet Sweater Art we have several red cashmere sweaters you will love. And all at final clearance sale prices.

Romance yourself with this treat.

Giving Away the Store

2011-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

This Chanel inspired cardigan is one of the "Give Away" styles we have left. Size L only. Take advantage of our sale and buy sweaters at wholesale and below.

Baby it's still cold outside. Wear them now or remember that our timeless styles will look new for years to come.

We Dress You in Business Class

Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-11-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

Burlingame PopUp Store

January 13, 14, 15, 10am - 6pm
319 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA UPSTAIRS

This sale will have my cashmere and alpaca sweaters. Plus there will be seven other vendors with unique merchandise. All will be available at 50% off and more.

Bears In Mind

2010-10-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

Bear collectors come see our new collection of classic alpaca fur teddy bears. Buy a unique bear for your collection. Not collecting, buy a warm, silky alpaca fur bear to cuddle up with on a cold night. You're warm enough at night? Buy a soft, adorable bear for your favorite young visitor.

Supplies are limited so no matter how a bear will satisfy your needs, shop now to make sure your bear is available.

Three Bags Full

2010-08-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

We are extremely appreciative when one of our customers creates a store window featuring Sweater Art.

Please patronize Three Bags Full at 500 Sutter Street, San Francisco. And thank you to Susan Goldstick for sending us the picture.

It's So Hot You Probably Wish Your Were A Polar Bear

2010-08-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Surprise! I am not going to blog about sweaters except to say I hope yours are stored well so they will be fresh when it gets cooler.

I am going to tell you some interesting facts about polar bears and if you feel inspired your can purchase one at Hallet Huggables.

Female polar bears like to build their dens with old snow, not snow that is freshly fallen. They often add rooms and and construct a ventilation system in the roof. They are not hibernating, just escaping from bad weather with their cubs.

Artistry in Fashion: September 25, 2010

2010-07-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

"Practice what you preach". After reading my last post you may have agreed with idea of shopping off-season for sweater deals, but hestitated to purchase a "final sale" item online.

I am going to make it easy for Bay Area residents with a booth at Artistry in Fashion, September 25, 10am - 5pm. There will be a mirror!

Cañada College
4200 Farm Hill Blvd.
Redwood City, CA 94061

Save the date! And check their website to see other purveyors of art to wear clothing, accessories and jewelry. And yes, there will be reminders.

Summer Sweaters - Be a Contrarian and Shop For Deals Now

2010-07-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Summer sweaters can define oxymoron, especially if you consider the traditional fibers of alpaca and cashmere. Sweaters that would actually provide warmth, look wrong in the summer. Of course there are feather weight cashmere sweaters that work when the air-conditioning is too high, but choices are limited in scope and usefulness. Shawls are a better value.

What is not contradictory about summer sweaters is that they are bargains. Buying off season is smart. We are offering significantly reduced prices on sweaters now. Don't miss this opportunity and shop now.

So What is Designer Clothing?

2010-06-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Really what's in a name? The most sought after designer looks, may not look the best on you. So why do you want them so badly? Advertising, celebrity endorsements, and peer pressure give prestige brands cache. And of course everyone will know that you spent the big bucks. Or did you? If you did not buy couture, the "designer" clothing you purchased has the designer's name on it as the result of a licensing agreement, not necessarily because the designer had anything to do with the creation of the garment. Make sure your purchases of designer clothing merit the increased price with better fabric and and fit, and that you are not actually paying more to wear a designer label.

Or, choose to wear garments from local and emerging designers that personally stand behind their labels. Look for one-of-a-kind handbags from Victoria Chulay, gemstome jewelry from Kneckknacks, and cashmere and alpaca sweaters from Hallet Sweater Art on our website. Sale in progress.

Trends: Color Blocking

2010-05-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

I love reading fashion news that validates my own design ideas.
Recently in About.com , Cynthia Nellis wrote about color blocking as a key trend for 2010. She mentioned several famous designers and how they interpret this technique.

My personal take on color blocking is all about optical illusion. I like to use blocks of color to define the body, making waists, slimming hips, narrowing the torso. Side panels, vertical lines, and the proper combination of light and dark colors all work to camouflage the less than perfect figure. And at a certain age, even thin women may need to define themselves with color and line.

We have many styles that use this technique. Refer to our website for a list of retailers that will have our product in the fall. I am adding product to complement the sweaters. KneckKnacks - gemstone jewelry by my Mom, and one-of-a-kind handbags by my friend Viktoria Chulay can be seen soon.

Why Buy More of the Same Old Thing

2010-04-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Aren't you getting a little tired of going into your favorite store and seeing the same merchandise that is in every other store? Agreed the economy really hasn't recovered and stores are playing it safe, but is fashion redux at the top of your must have shopping list for the season? If you want to recycle, you can shop your closet.

This is a great opportunity to explore the possiblities from Hallet Sweater Art. Purchase one of our alpaca or cashmere sweaters, on sale now, and look like you are no longer dressed in the uniforms of the masses. Your friends will admire you as a fashionista.

What is Intarsia Knitting and Why is it Superior?

2010-03-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

Intarsia Knit Floral Shawl

In very simple terms, intarsia knitting is the creation of pattern in a knit by adding colors from bobbins. This method produces a single layer of fabric, unlike fair isle knits where the thread is carried at the back of the fabric, or jacquard knits which are actually wovens. Intarsia knitting is done by hand. It is laborious and time consuming because the ends of each color have to be woven back into the fabric at the end of the knitting process.

The advantage to the consumer is that intarsia knitting allows for unlimited color changes within a pattern so beautiful knits can be created. Our Floral Shawl is a complicated example of the intarsia technique. See simpler patterns on sweaters in our Hallet Sweater Art online shop.

SOFT GOLD - The finest cashmere

2010-02-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was at the Atelier Designers Show in NYC last week waiting for an appointment when a gentleman came into the room representing a company selling cashmere. He could not get over the quality and price of my products and wanted to know where I bought them.

That's a trade secret of course, but I would like to share with you that 2 ply, 12 gauge is only meaningful in the context of fiber length and density.

The best is called Erlangshan cashmere and is well known for its softness, whiteness, fineness and length. In China, this special cashmere is referred to as "soft gold" because it is rare and sold in grams.

At Hallet Sweater Art: "We Dress You in Business Class".

Valentine's Day - Express the Sentiment with a Sweater

2010-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Through the centuries Valentine's Day has been celebrated with gifts of love. What started as a pagan festival in Rome, with animal sacrifices and fertility rites, was Christianized in the third century by a Father Valentine who secretly wed couples when marriage was banned.

Love may be all you need, but Valentine's Day gifts are what makes romance. From simple cards, to flowers, chocolates, expensive dinners and diamonds, there is no boundary to express the sentimental.

At Sweater Art, our Valentine to you is red cashmere for $99.

Going Going Gone! $99 Sale

2009-12-30T09:23:00.001-08:00

Take advantage of our extraordinary prices and buy a luxurious Sweater Art cashmere sweater while supplies last.

Really, stock up. The costs of cashmere fiber is going up 30% in 2010. Enhance your wardrobe with fresh new items while prices are slashed.

Yes you may have a black cashmere sweater, but take a good look at it. If it shows signs of wear, you need a new one. And ours is so not basic black.

The interesting keyhole neckline and ribbed bodice make it stand out from the pack. This sweater will be the work horse of your wardrobe.

IT'S COLD OUTSIDE - Layer Up!

2009-12-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Cashmere is a hair. Hollow at the core, this structure traps air and creates insulation providing warmth without bulk and weight. The real bonus is how soft cashmere is next to your skin.

So layer up in style. Wear a solid cashmere and coordinate it with one of our alpaca sweater coats or cardigans. They are made to mix and match.

Take advantage of our seasonal sale and save 40%.

UGLY Holiday Sweaters

2009-11-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T11:31:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-14T11:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

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.