Did you know that silk is one of the oldest fibers known to man? Dating back to at least 3000 BC (that’s a really long time ago!), this beautiful textile originated in ancient China where the silkworm inhabited the land’s mulberry trees. Silk has a history as rich as the fabric itself and that’s not all we love about this gorgeous fabric…

What’s so good about it you ask? For starters, the drape and shimmer of high-quality silk can’t be beaten by any other fabric. It is as beautiful the first time you try it on (something one never forgets!) and feels amazing right up to the 100^th time you reach for it. With the right care, silk stays bright and beautiful whether it’s worn during the day or night (or both!).   

It’s not only the drape and shimmer of this luxurious fabric that has us swooning! How about the fact that silk is hypoallergenic making it a great choice for people with allergies. Sleeping in silk sheets, pillowcases, and silk sleepwear will reduce night-time sneezing and ease allergic skin issues. The softness, smoothness, and 100% natural-ness of silk can be a sleep-saver to those with sensitive skin. A silk pillowcase can keep your skin hydrated and your hair shiny and healthy prolonging that expensive blowout! Silk lets your skin breath and warms you when it’s cold and keeps you cool when it’s hot (take note menopausal women!). And if that weren’t enough to love silk, scientist are now researching using silk to make replacement body organs as this  natural fiber is as strong as a strand of steel and completely biocompatible.

If you want to give something that is timeless, feminine, and will be treasured for years to come, then silk is the way to go! The health benefits for those that don’t have allergies, sensitive skin, or expensive blowouts – that’s just gravy! When paired with the intricate detail of lace trim, a gift of silk and lace is a dream come true for any romantic! The beautiful motifs and tantalizing sheerness of lace lend a sense of mystery perfect for lingerie, and who doesn’t want to find that under the tree Christmas morning!

A silk garment is a fashion workhorse! Silk with a higher than average thread count (like Julianna Rae’s) won’t reveal more than you want making it perfect for daytime wear. An eye-catching silk cami adds the POW under a power suit and the WOW for date night. For a more casual night out, throw it on with a cute pair of shorts or jeans. Of course, wear it anytime for lounging around the house paired with a cute pair of tap pants.

Don’t bat an eyelash when you hear that silk can only be dry-cleaned! With just a few tips the silk you gift will last longer than most of us!

• Dry Clean – If you prefer to dry clean, by all means, do!
• Hand Wash – Surprise! Silk is washable (especially ours!) and technically, silk does not shrink like other fibers so it can take this type of cleaning.
• Choose Detergent Wisely – A clear “colorless” shampoo (such as baby shampoo) works well as a detergent. It removes oil and will revitalize silk. Avoid alkaline shampoo (one with a pH higher than 8) or one with ingredients such as wax, petroleum, or their derivatives. These will leave a residue on silk and could cause spotting. (You can use any detergent specially formulated for fine washables as well).
• Take Care of Cling – Static cling– no one likes it. To prevent it, use a tiny amount of good hair conditioner in the rinse water while hand washing.  Remember to use the same caution as with detergent choice.
• Avoid Wringing – Instead, roll washed silk in a towel to remove the excess water.
• Don’t Use Dryer – Silk dries quickly so save the dryer for your jeans!
• Irons are OK – But, do so on a low temperature and on the opposite side of the silk garment.

 

 

So, a gift that looks and feels beautiful on, is timeless and feminine, pure and natural, can be worn day or night and easy to care for? SILK! In case you didn’t know, all of Julianna Rae’s garments use a 19mm thread count so it feels even better, looks richer, and will maintain its beauty through the years.  And, that is a gift that keeps on giving! If you want to save on the best silk gifts shop our Black Friday sale until November 30th.

Deb Fries is a freelance designer and writer, she worked at Julianna Rae in graphics and customer service, she now writes lifestyle pieces for the blog at juliannarae.com/blog.