Shopping for Pashminas

I still dream of owning an Hermès scarf, or something as fabulous from Pucci. But frankly, my current favorite cozy shawl is a jewel-toned aqua pashmina scarf bought on the street in New York for $10—or even less. I doubt the quality of the fabric, but having laundered it many times this past year has rendered it soft and plush to the touch. It's true what they say, sometimes, ignorance is bliss. (But when it comes to high-thread-count bedsheets, there is no turning back.)

If you are scoping the web for high-end, good-quality pashmina shawls, I suggest dropping by UniquePashminas.com (they've been around since 2000). I'm quite happy with my meager collection of comfortable cover-ups, but if I were to add to what's in my closet, I would probably go for the Blue/Orange Jewel Tone Pashmina Shawl or the Cranberry/Gold Pashmina Throw Blanket—I can imagine the latter lazily thrown over the couch or at the edge of the bed.

And then there are silk scarves I am always likely to impulse-buy: I have two favorite ones from Van Heusen and H&M that I love wearing as hairbands during the summer, or simply decorate random things with.

How about you? What's your shopping weakness (shoes are a given, but what else)? What unleashes your impulse-buying streak?