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May Newsletter 2008
In This Issue
A swan's way of wearing a shawl
Profile of the month: Mims Placke
Caring for your shawl or scarf
Join Our Mailing List

Greetings! Invitation phote
 
I hope you will enjoy this first newletter from Swan Ways and find it interesting and useful.   
 
With this issue, we wish to begin a dialogue with our friends and customers to learn how we can meet your needs and interests more effectively.  
 
Please visit our web site, www.swanways.com and share your views on products, articles, or other ways in which Swan Ways can enhance the beauty and grace of your lifestyle. 
 

With warmest regards, 

 


                    Alix Sundquist

 

 

A swan's way of wearing a shawl 
with an artful clip or brooch
pink shawl 

There are countless ways to wear a shawl gracefully, each one of them adding the perfect finishing touch to your fashion look.  Today I'd like to illustrate one of my favorites, - one that not only accessorizes an outfit but can create a new fashion look all by itself.  You can adopt it to go from day to evening in a flash, or to turn a simple dress into glamorous new attire, or simply to add a chic note to whatever you are wearing.  The possibilities are only limited by your imagination, and by the number of shawls, brooches, and clips in your collection!  Here are some examples featuring my latest collection.  Enjoy, be inspired, and wear your own version with the grace of a swan. 

 
The shoulder clip. Invitation phote
 
Add more dash to your evening shawl with a glittery brooch on your shoulder.                                
 
Photo above:  shawl, 100% pashmina, hand-embroidered in Kashmir, 27"x80"  $325.00
Brooch:  rhinestone bee pin, 2 1/4":   $22.00 
 
 
Kaleidoscope 100% silk shawl fully
lined in silk, with embroidery and
applique. 
Designed by Kevin O'Brien Studio,  Philadelphia.  Hand finished in Nepal, 21"x78":  $265.00
 
read more                                   
 
 
pin detail   
Retro rhinestone clip, 2 1/2":  $45.00  
 
 
 
Portrait of the month
Mims Placke

Mims 

Mims Placke's eye for beauty and style, business sense, and generous friendship have encouraged Swan Ways from its inception.  Since they first met while serving at the American Embassy in Jiddah over twenty years ago, Mims and Alix have developed a close bond.  Like Alix, Mims received her bachelor's degree from Smith College, and is deeply interested in international affairs, literature, music, and the arts of living, particularly fashion, food and wine. 

Mims is a member of Swan Ways' informal board of advisors and her myriad contributions to the company's first
steps range from the paisley background in the logo to hosting an open house and introducing Alix to fashion editors, customers and potential strategic partners.   With Mims continued advice and friendship, Alix feels confident of driving her vision to new and exciting places, and making the women that wear Swan Ways feel more confident, graceful, and beautiful.

 
Product information:  Pure silk one-of-a kind shawl,  
hand woven in Laos, $95.00.  Others available from $45 in various patterns and colors. 
 
 
 
Gift Perfect:
 
A camellia for Mother's Day
 

Give the perfect finishing

touch for Mother's Day. Invitation phote
This Ultrasuede® camellia brooch will add a sophisticated note to almost every item in her wardrobe!     

 

Handcrafted in New York City by Great Aunt Fannie's Attic, it is available in fuchsia, ivory,
black, peach and red.  
 

A wonderful gift for every mother, to brighten her special day and keep her smiling and remembering you fondly all year round.

    
 
 
Free gift wrapping
Limited quantities
 
Price:  $45.00
S & H:$3.00
 
How to care for your shawl or scarf

With proper care, fine woolens and silks are very long-lasting and become softer with age.  The easiest and safest way to care for your shawls and scarves is to have them dry-cleaned, particularly if there are any stains.  With few exceptions, silk and blended fabrics, such as pashmina and silk blends, and any items with fur trimmings, should be dry-cleaned only. 

Cashmere and pashmina may also be hand-washed in cool water with a gentle cleanser such as ivory flakes or baby shampoo.  Soak for 5-10 minutes and squeeze clean gently, do not rub or wring. Rinse thoroughly and roll the item in a towel, then lay flat to dry over a towel, away from direct heat and sunlight. If needed, iron under a damp cloth on a low heat setting. Always wash each piece separately. 

Before storing your shawls and scarves ensure they are clean.  Moths don't hunger for the fiber itself, but rather for the food, dirt, perspiration or body oils left on an item. Do not store natural fibers in airtight containers. Most authorities suggest letting them breathe by storing in muslin or silk bags or in acid-free tissue paper. A plastic bag is effective if it is not entirely airtight.   You may also wish to use cloves, lavender, rosemary, thyme, dried orange peel or cedar chips to discourage moths. Place the spices or chips in a cloth sachet or handkerchief and avoid placing them directly on the garment to avoid staining.

 
Invitation photeSpecial Offer
 
To mark our first issue of the newsletter, we are offering:
 
A reduction of 20% on any purchase until May 31, 2008.  Please e-mail us at alix@swanways.com or call 703-969-1688 for
an appointment . 
 
 
 
articlewritingInvitation to contribute to the newsletter
 
We welcome your thoughts on articles or questions you would like to see addressed in the newsletter.  If you write an article and it is selected for publication, we will post it with your byline and picture and we will send you a $25 certificate valid on any purchase of Swan Ways collection.
 
We look forward to hearing from you! 



Alix Sundquist
Swan Ways