Cashmere and Edelweiss

voltee ♦ October 10, 2010 ♦ 1 Comment

Item: Sweater Color/Fabric: Cream, cashmere (with cotton insert) Designer: Robert Rodriguez Where Purchased: Next Boutique Years Owned: Three
Today I present you with one of my most beloved and well-worn articles of clothing. This sweater was part of an order that we received at Next Boutique by accident. I can’t remember why we couldn’t send it back, but that’s what happened, and so most of the order went to 75% off. And I rescued this lovely little thing.
I have almost worn it to pieces. This is something, like dresses, that just makes choosing an outfit easier. Its one piece, so coordination is already accomplished for me. That’s not usually a concept that works well in fashion, but in this case it is harmonious and perfect.
I brought this on our first trip to Europe, and it was great for travel. It’s small and lightweight, but very cozy at the same time. So it was perfect for slightly chilly days.
On that trip we spent a great deal of time in Austria, the Land Of Mozart and Mountains and The Sound Of Music, with beer as crisp as fresh alpine snow and sausages larger than your hand. I wore the sweater when we went to Salzburg. Salzburg turned out to be one of my favorite cities yet. It is small enough to be quaint and charming, but with enough history and beautiful sights to make for a day filled with surprises and awe. And we were not exhausted after thoroughly exploring it, which is always a plus.
Salzburg had the sweetest markets. Although mostly a semi-cheesy tourist confection, I enjoyed multiple Mozart Balls, delicious chocolate and hazelnut balls with a marzipan center. Perfection.
At one market, we bought breads and cheese. I love the breads in Germany and Austria. They are hearty and nutty and dense and filling, yet soft. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. One of the breads we chose caused the baker to raise her eyebrows. “Zis is a Christmas Bread.” She told us. “Ve save it for ze holidays.” Nate assured her we still wanted to try it.
We figured out what she was trying to warn us of when she calculated our total bill. The bread was 12Euros, which was almost $20 then. Yes, a $20 loaf of bread! We laughed, and decided we would enjoy every bite. Which we did. Well, I ate almost the entire thing. It had an astonishingly hard crust, but was melt in your mouth soft inside, with little pieces of apple. Mmm.
One of the best non-epicurean memories I have of Salzburg is traipsing around locations used in the filming of The Sound of Music. We bought the $20 bread in Residenzplatz Square where Maria is on the bus singing “I Have Confidence In Me!”. And here I am in the sweater:
This is at Mirabel Gardens, where the little Von Trapps run around during part of “Do-Re-Mi”. I did a fair amount of frolicking here.
Another fond memory of Salzburg is visiting the grave of Mozart’s wife. It was in such a serene and beautiful cemetery. The silence was so reverent that it was impossible to be anything but reflective here. A wonderful old man took our picture here. But I wish I had a picture of the man. He was a benevolent spirit, the kindest person I think we met on the whole trip. Anyway, I put a chestnut on her grave. There was a collection of flowers and chestnuts there, and I wanted to pay my respects. I am not entirely clear on the reason chestnuts are put on graves there, but hopefully it is honorable, and not rude.
I’ve worn this many times since, and the wear is starting to show. The cashmere is not as pristine as it once was; it is starting to gather up some pills. I hate that. I did buy a pill-remover for it, but haven’t attempted the actual removal yet. I’m scared to ruin the sweater. And maybe they add character? Is it worth the attempt?

**I still love this, and I’ve helped the pill situation.  So it stays!