Fall 2009 Fashion Trends: Furry Things

You know how people often have little, out-of-character tastes that surprise you?  Well, here’s mine: 

I love fur.  LOVE.  

It’s weird because I am irritatingly responsible (even when it comes to fashion!), and fur doesn’t exactly scream “responsibility.”  But something about it makes me want to throw all those good girl instincts to the wind.  It is my personal James Dean. 

 Maybe because it looks like this: 

And this:

It’s glamorous and decadent, and it’s a huge trend this year.  Luckily, those of us who love the look but feel a little squeamish about it finally have some good options.     

Consider shopping for the Origin Assured label, which signifies that a garment “comes from a country where local or national regulations or standards governing fur production are in force.”  Top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Karl Lagerfeld are applauding Origin Assured’s efforts to identify and market ethically produced fur. 

You can also go faux, which has the added benefit of being easier on the pocketbook.  Now, there’s no denying that faux fur used to look like the homely love child of a polyester fleece and a brillo pad.  But we’ve come a long way since then, and much of today’s faux is good enough to fool even the sharpest eyes.  Judge the quality by the texture.  Bad faux is weird and woolly; good faux is soft and pleasing to the touch (like the real thing).  Keep in mind: if you don’t want to run your hand across it, you won’t want to wear it, either. 

For those who only go faux, I’ve identified the pics below that show genuine fur pieces.  If it’s not specified, it’s faux.  

If you’re in the market for the hottest way to wear fur right now, go for a vest, which works well with the hippie boho look.  

(L to R)  Development vest ($427 on sale for $194.99 at Bluefly.com), Hinge vest ($98 on sale for $64.90 at Nordstrom.com), DuMonde vest ($98 at Nordstrom.com)

(L to R)  Juicy Couture reversible vest ($248 at Nordstrom.com), Forever Audrey vest ($54 on sale for $20.90 at Nordstrom.com)

Then there’s the obvious way to add this trend to your wardrobe: a jacket.  There’s many great options, everything from “red carpet” to “ski slope.”  

(L to R) Kristen Blake jacket ($128 at Nordstrom.com), Impermeable Platinum by Weatherproof coat ($138 at Nordstrom.com)

(L to R)  ABS Bomber jacket ($390 on sale for $234 at Bluefly.com), GO International jacket ($79.99 on sale for $19.99 at Target.com)

(L to R)  Frost-free hooded coat ($79.50 at OldNavy.com), 1 Madison quilted coat with genuine fox trim ($198 on sale for $129.90 at Nordstrom.com)

And if you’re just looking for a taste of this trend, consider adding accessories with fur touches. 

(L to R)  AK Anne Klein Bannon5 flat ($89.95 on sale for $84.90 at Endless.com), Haircalf kitten heel ($175 at AnnTaylor.com)

(L to R)  Nine West Accents boot ($199.95 on sale for $109.97 at Endless.com), Stuart Weitzman Furlong boot ($625 at Endless.com), J. Renee Jylian boot ($174.95 at Nordstrom.com)

(L to R)  Portolano wrap with genuine rabbit trim ($210 on sale for $75.99 at Bluefly.com), Susan Nichole satchel ($80 on sale for $44 at Endless.com)

Adrienne Landau scarf with genuine rabbit trim ($95 on sale for $57 at Bluefly.com), Adrienne Landau hat with genuine rabbit trim ($95 on sale for $57 at Bluefly.com)

And a couple of things for the petites fashionistas in your life: 

(L to R)  Sherpa jacket ($78 at Gap.com), Crocs Toddler Powder boot (39.95 at Endless.com)

In my fantasy world where I have unlimited cash, I’d be getting the Kristen Blake jacket, the DuMonde vest, and the Stuart Weitzman boots (since we’re talking fantasy here).  Oh, and definitely the Crocs Toddler boots.  True, they wouldn’t fit me, but they would  be beyond-precious on some 3 year olds I know…   

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.