Blog Post

Faux Fur Fabulosity

By Nikki D Posted on September 4, 2008 - 12:07am 

Although caveman were the first to sport furry frocks in cold weather, thousands of years later, the look is less for protection and more for the desire to be desired.  Now, there is no animal sacrifice needed to look fabulous in wintertime furs.

A Little History

Beginning in the 1920s a new kind of jacket stole the winter outerwear scene with to-the-floor, wrist-length-sleeved, heavy fox, ferret or even skunk fur that was meant to help the fashionable survive the elements in style. This unfortunately pricey look took over the scene and although the style of jackets didn’t change much, continued to be a fad until the late 1980s. 
 
 

Oh the 1980s 

When I was a wee one, the world became much more health-conscious and earth-friendly. This was seen in jam-packed, step aerobics classes and fast food sushi chains. People not only focused on improving themselves, but the world they lived in. People began to frown upon designers that used fur (never really frowning upon leather goods) and screamed out against its uncivil practices. With this came the ever-improving synthetic furs, or faux furs, that have replaced many of the previous costly furs.
 

Fledgling Faux Fur Enthusiasts 

Let’s break it down, for the pricewise.  Any fashionista knows that the absolute best place to find one-of-a-kind (unfortunately, often real animal) fur coats is at a vintage store.  You will save yourself a wad of cash and have outstanding bragging rights among friends. But, for those who are disturbed by the thought of wearing animal fur or plainly scared of getting red paint thrown on them by PETA demonstrators, I give you some great jumping points for faux fur fabulosity.
 

Downtown! Where all the lights are bright!

Let’s mosey on over to the Upper West Side where things are done in style, and the beloved Saks Fifth Avenue.  This month take a look at the Juicy Couture luxurious faux fur, empire waist jacket.   Juicy keeps it classy with gorgeous gold buttons and frilly ribbon detailing.  I am not a fan of JC items typically, but I would absolutely love to wrap myself up in this sweetheart for $328 at saksfifthavenue.com.

DG Always Does Me Good

Dolce and Gabbana hop on the vegan-wear train by making this scrumptious, golden caramel colored shrug in a very soft and delicate faux fur fabric.  Neiman Marcus reports that it is a mustard color, but I think it achieves so much more than that.  This cropped number will set you back quite a bit, but I think it is a piece that will outlast trends, crossover trends, and be radiant into your ripe old age.  It can be all yours at a cool $495 at NeimanMarcus.Com. 

The Softer Side of Diesel

Diesel’s ideas of ‘industrial chic’ have calmed down throughout the years, and recently taken a turn for the dainty.  Get this sophisticated, faux fur collared brown canvas ‘Blawen’ jacket at bluefly.com.  As Project Runway’s main sponsor, it doesn’t even matter that this is a discount venue.  BlueFly delivers the hottest fashions of yesterday and today and unbeatable prices.

In Like a Lion With L.A.M.B.

This L.A.M.B. 'Bee' Hooded Jacket with faux fur trim gives a new twist on the plaids we see coming out this season.  With a stylized twist, Stefani lends a bit of punk to a classic east coast look.  The hood has a feature which I really love on fur-lined jackets.  The hood unzips in the center of the back, creating a faux fur collar.  It’s a little bit short, but funky, sweet, and definitely a bit steep at a whopping $285. I love it so much that I may just go ahead and buy it at Nordstrom.com.

And So it Is

Now I know that these are some expensive and slightly impossible options. Oh wouldn’t it be grand to have a grand to spend on a winter’s coat.  It would be splendid. But don’t fret, ladies! We know that stores like Forever21 and H&M are hot on the tails of the latest fashions and will be so graciously mimicking our favorite pieces in no time.  So read up on what you love now, so that you have an eye for it in the future.  Also, my friends and I make wish lists of clothing and shoes that we would love to have, but could absolutely never afford (i.e., everything by Chloe, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce and Gabbana) so that we remember what all of our hard work is going towards—one day being able to afford all of it!
 

 

Some More Fuuurrrocious Links

EBAY: Cheap, exciting, and a sure-fire way to get everything you want and a lot of what you don't need!

Treehugger.com reports on Loyale's line of Vegan fur products (from 2007...but see what  Loyale is up to today!).

Celebrities spread the Gospel of PETA to put kids and adults alike in the know about what it takes to make a coat or throw of fur.

And the beat goes on...

 
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