For shetlands:
Press Shaggy Dogs are really very good, and the fit is superb on a slim person like me (a size medium fits on my 39/40R chest and 32" waist, 34" sleeve body just as I'd like it to). The quality is top, the colors are interesting, and the "fashioning" is also very good (love the must-fold cuffs). I have also owned Andover Shop shetlands and don't like them as much (mainly because the fit is wonky and the cuffs are not must-fold). It is very difficult for me to walk into Press and not want to buy 5 or 6 Shaggies.
For cashmere
If you're going to go Johnston's, you should definitely check Sierra Trading Post. Just search "Elgin". Lots and lots of Johnston's sweaters. I have 3 from STP from over the years, 2 purchased for $120 and one for $150 (stacking discounts, etc). The quality on these is, I'd say, better than just about anything in the $400-500 price range sold in brick and mortar stores or by well-known brands in the US. The crewnecks have a very nice saddle shoulder. My one qualm is that the necks on my crewnecks aren't as "tight" as I'd like and thus have stretched out a bit. Think of these as a better version of the "Knitted in Scotland" cashmeres BB is now selling (I just learned from Cashmere Truth that "knitted in Scotland" means knitted there but constructed elsewhere..interesting). My Johnstons have not pilled really at all, though they've gotten a bit fuzzier, and I like that.
I also have two sweaters from Laing (believe they are old stock) and they are just fantastic. I bought them from a tiny store in Boston, which I believe has now closed, called "Best of Scotland" (no relation to the one in NY) for $280 apiece. I am serious when I say I would pay up to $1K for these if I found more. I don't know where Laing can be found these days but if anyone knows, please tell me.
On color for cashmere
Nothing beats navy. It is that simple. Goes with everything, doesn't show dirt or pilling, looks good with most complexions.
Beyond navy, if you want something that looks good and cashmere-y, go for oatmeal (NOT camel), light light grey (almost like a silver), or a heathered mid-gray color which Johnston's calls "Grebe"
I wrote a bit more about this in an old thread. Hope this is helpful:
http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...8&postcount=36
I am very curious to try Lockie but seems like a few are trying it here. Be my guinea pigs.