Filenes basement, avon celli

[Pink22m]

I am away at grad school in Chicago, and have completed my checkout of the second Filenes Basement in the area. There were a couple items that caught my attention, and I wanted to get fellow forum members opinions on them.

The first item I saw that I liked (despite the brand) was a Nautica navy blue topcoat. I don't care for Nautica as a brand at all, but the topcoat wasn't bad for $200. I know you can spend alot more on a topcoat, and this one was nice looking. The only problem was that they didn't seem to have my size, as I am a 36R, and they only had a single 36S. I tried the short on, but the sleeves were a tad short. The other Filenes Basement on Madison Street (I think) turned up no 36R either. Does anyone know if Filenes can ship merchandise from other stores? Does this sound like something which could be located at another Filenes in the country?

The second item (or items) I saw today were some beautiful cashmere sweaters from Avon Celli. I was curious to get everyone's opinion on the company. I know they are probably not in the same league as a Loro Piana or Brunello Cucinelli, but are they fairly high up on the cashmere quality hierarchy? Many were around $200-300, marked down from their original prices of $400-$500. Your input is appreciated, thanks.

 

[housemaidsknee]

i'm not the one to answer your questions about quality but i do know that if you wait till after christmas, you can get the same cashmere at much lower prices.

 

[T4phage]

In my opinon, Avon Celli is indeed in the same league as Cucinelli and Loro Piana.

edit: my wife actually prefers the styling of A.Celli, the slim, fitted sweaters and cardigans.

 

[LA Guy]

In my opinon, Avon Celli is indeed in the same league as Cucinelli and Loro Piana.

Yep. Personally, I prefer Malo.

 

[Steve B.]

The last Robb Report Best of the Best I saw ('03?) named Avon Celli as best for knits.