The Recessionista Reviews: Enzo Mantovani Cashmere for Costco, it’s Fab!

Pictured: The Enzo Mantovani tunic cashmere sweater for $139.99 from Costco.

Last week I reported that the Costco discount warehouse just stocked a line of cashmere sweaters by Italian designer Enzo Mantovani for the holiday season. This is the second year that Costco is selling the Italian designer’s sweaters and frankly, I didn’t know what to expect from a discount warehouse when they advertise that there are selling a luxurious item like cashmere.  Well, I’m pleased to report that Enzo Mantovani sent me a sample sweater for a test drive (the tunic sweater pictured above in a deep purple blue) and it’s rather fabby.  The cashmere is super soft, and not coarse like some cheaper cashmere brands.  The color palette is perfect for winter with deep blues, lavenders, greys and lovely soft blues. #Winning!

Pictured: The Luxe Look for Less, Baby Blue Cashmere zip pull up for $149.99 at Costco

The sizing is generous and roomy, which is frankly surprising for a “discount” item from a luxury brand.  Most of the time, when designers do budget lines the sizing is contemporary or “juniors” sized.  Small sizing is an easy way to keep the costs down by conserving fabric and materials.  In this case though, the sizing is generous. Costco didn’t skimp on the cashmere used to make this line. In my opinion, the generous use of the materials accounts for the fact that most of the best pieces in the collection are over $100.00. There are no fitting rooms at Costcos, so take my advice on sizing into account if you shop this collection to buy yourself or someone on your gift list a nice cashmere sweater gift for the holiday. This is not a “Go” Collection where you need to size up.

Pictured: The Enzo Mantovani pullover argyle sweater for men from Costco.

Prices start at $59.99, and there is a nice variety of colors and styles for both men and women. The lower priced Enzo Mantovanti $59.00 striped cardigan sweater is made of Merino wool and is no where near as striking as the more expensive cashmere sweaters in the line. If you have the a few extra dollars, go for the invitingly soft cashmere and choose one of solid colored sweaters in more sophisticated styles.

To find the Enzo Mantovani cashmere sweater for Coscto check your local store for store dates or Costco online to see the selection.  The line is available until Jan. 4th.  After that, Costco says the sweaters will no longer be available. Please note, there is no waiting in line to buy that I have seen or eBay seller type hoarding going on. Even the upscale Barney’s Warehouse Sale can be a cattle call for shopping. I positively adore the ease of acquisition here.  I am tired of fighting to get sale good when they are “available for a limited time.”  Costco is busy enough, right? I have a time limit of 60 minute in any Costco store, after that, I may succumb to Costco syndrome and start randomly shopping. The most budgetary Costco shopping is done online, where constant browsing is not quite as tempting. Just my opinion. So if you want the cashmere without the temptation of all the other Costco goodies (even Cartier now) just point and click.