One of my earliest experiences with avant garde fashion was stepping into the Betsey Johnson store while on a family vacation in Vegas and almost spending my entire trip allowance on one BJ top adorned completely in feathers.  I still think about that shirt, and I'm excited to get my second chance with trendy feathers for fall 2008.  Already worn by Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, and other celebs, feathers make a great accent to dark fall styles.

Rihanna plays with plumage.

HighSnobette shows this amazing feather scarf - a great way for the fearless fashionista to take flight with this feather trend.

Dark tights are big for fall, and these peacock tights from Mod Cloth are funky and perfect.

The Bag Forum shows Sarah Jessica Parker (as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City) carrying a feather clutch in the perfect style for fall.  Wear a dramatic feathered bag or shoes with a neutral outfit.  Choose a color from the feathers (like the subtle orange or turquoise in the bag above) and add a bold belt or earrings in that hue to complement the purse and give your outfit an extra pop.

How to D.I.Y. Feathers

If you're crafty, there's a way to drum up homemade versions of any of these looks, but here are some simple ideas anyone can try:

Construct a pair of feather earrings or tie a long feather at the end of a necklace.  Pick up choice feathers from the craft store and adhere to a pair of earrings (Earring bases are sold at craft and fabric stores, or you can just use a hot glue gun and an old pair of earrings you no longer wear).  To construct a necklace, purchase long cord which can be knotted around the base of the feather.  Use beads on either side of the knot to conceal the feather's tip.

Another idea:  Try weaving or hot gluing feathers onto a pair of t-strap heels.  Paint your toes to match and wear with a little black dress.

Another trend, headbands, doesn't seem to be going anywhere, so you can also try affixing feathers to a hippie-style headband.  A feather will also look chic & understated tucked into the brim of a fedora.

photos from:
fashiontribes.typepad.com
amaterialworld.net