November 6, 2026 By Community Editor Erin Elefante
It all started with a pink handbag.
A few years ago, Emily O’Marah was attending Heritage Days in Scituate when she purchased a darling purse from designer Connor Donahue. She loved the bag, so when she later opened her pop-up shop, The Cashmere Sale, in downtown Hingham, she was delighted to discover Connor Donahue Couture located right across the street.
Eager to say hello and reintroduce herself, O’Marah popped in to see Donahue. The two quickly began sending customers back and forth between their shops, and before long, Hingham’s newest shopping collaboration was born. Now, they’re taking things a step further with a special holiday shopping event planned for November.
O’Marah first discovered The Cashmere Sale when she lived in Dover, where she made an annual visit to the Wellesley location. After moving to Scituate, she recognized Hingham as an ideal location for the popular sale and reached out to corporate headquarters. Her request was approved, making her the 25th location in the country to host the annual event.
As a former customer, she knows the quality is there.
“I feel comfortable opening the shop because I have pieces that have lasted for years without pilling or showing wear,” O’Marah explains.
Customers can find beautiful, high-quality cashmere sweaters, scarves, accessories, blankets, and baby items at 50% off the listed price. O’Marah welcomes shoppers from throughout the area, many of whom are already familiar with the annual 10-week pop-up and are thrilled to have a location closer to home.
Although she spent her career as a reading specialist, O’Marah has always loved shopping and has a natural eye for fashion.
Donahue, who designs custom couture gowns and handbags and offers embroidery services, quickly discovered that customers were eager to personalize the beautiful cashmere pieces sold across the street. Monogramming such delicate, luxurious fabrics requires a special touch, making his services a perfect complement to the shop.
Donahue credits his family with inspiring his creative career. His grandmother Lorraine, a local tailor, taught him to sew when he was in third grade. His other grandmother, affectionately known as “Hollywood” because she grew up in Los Angeles and was quite glamorous, provided endless creative inspiration. Donahue especially remembers her famous “red carpet” living room, which he adored growing up.
He continues to honor both women through his designs. The first handbag he created was named “The Lorraine Tote,” while other bags feature a signature “Hollywood Red” interior.
As Donahue monogrammed gift after gift for O’Marah’s customers, the two realized they had the makings of a wonderful holiday collaboration. Both are quick to compliment one another, and it’s clear they enjoy being neighbors and working together.
Now, they’re making it official with a one-day holiday shopping event on Saturday, November 28, at The Cashmere Sale, located at 20 Station Street in Hingham.
Both businesses will have merchandise available for purchase, and Donahue will offer on-site embroidery services, giving shoppers the opportunity to customize beautiful gifts for the holidays.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Follow the shops on Instagram for more information: @cashmerehingham and @connordonahueofficial.
