Another sign that our economy is in real trouble? Cashmere is no longer in demand. Cashmere producers and designers are scaling back on the luxury knit as manufacturing prices rise and consumers shy away from spending on luxury products.

Says Women's Wear Daily: "Knitwear manufacturers are turning away from cashmere for spring and toward less expensive yarn blends in an effort to keep prices down because of the troubled economic climate."

You know it's tough times when Muffy may be forced to suffer the indignity of scratchy, synthetic fabrics in her cardigan collection. The horror!