Faux Pas to do Faux Fur? Think Again!

By Krysten Beck

Put away those hunting rifles, Beach Coast fashionistas – real fur is out and faux fur is in for winter wardrobes far and wide. Stand down PETA, the only thing dying this season is bad fashion.

Thanks to some of the biggest names in fashion, faux fur has rushed into clothing stores all over—ready to be worn not just as coats, but trimming shoes, boots, purses and many other accessories packing a furry punch.

The Hunt for Faux

Faux fur is showing up all over The Beach Coast in major retailers and boutiques alike. One Beach Coast boutique carrying the new craze is Lux & Mie in Valparaiso, Indiana. Owner Kate Salan has seen the influx in faux as well as an influx in the ways faux fur is used in fashion.

“Fashion lines have come out with faux fur boot covers, sweaters, and vests with faux fur accents around collars or hoods,” Salan said. “I had these wide faux fur snap bracelets that have already sold out!”

Why Wear Fur?

The reason faux fur is sweeping the fashion nation is not only because rail-thin models are tired of shivering each winter, but because fur adds interest and excitement to any outfit.

This winter, do as the Russians do and step out looking like a very stylish Yeti. Faux fur coats and vests add just enough swankiness to a hum-drum evening outfit, while fur-trimmed boots add a fun, rustic-chic vibe to an everyday ensemble.

How To Fur

Because this trend does make such a statement, it’s easy to be overwhelmed at the thought of looking like your Great Aunt Mildred in her finest mink. Let TheBeachCoast.com be your guide, providing wearable solutions for your potential fur follies.

The “Go Big or Stay Home” approach – Committing to a full faux fur coat may be a bit frightening, but looking like a million bucks isn’t always easy. Shop around and try on different styles and patterns to see which flatters you the most. Because, once you step out in your new faux fur look, the gasps of jealousy will definitely be audible.

The “I’m Still Not Ready for a Coat” approach – Faux fur coats are not for everyone so try a vest on for size. A fur vest can be the bridge between “too much” and “not enough” faux. Try a long-sleeved black shirt with black jeans and black boots, topped off with a tawny-colored fur vest – and voila, instant chic!

The “Always Appropriate” approach – From charm necklaces to handbags or bracelets to ear muffs, little faux fur accents can bring an unexpected pop to any and all stale winter looks. Fix a bad hair day with a faux fur headband or keep warm with a faux fur scarf or hat.

A faux fashionista herself, Salan is ready to give first hand advice to fur first timers. “I've had a couple clients come in and they love the faux but just aren't sure that they can pull it off. But, they always end up buying it,” she says.

Luckily for us fashionistas on a budget, these haute faux pieces won’t cost us nearly as much as the real deal. Have fun and experiment to add a little bit of furry freshness to your fashion for those long, blustery winter months ahead.

Lux & Mie Boutique
404 E. Lincolnway
Valparaiso, IN
219.464.3330
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lux-Mie-Boutique/135783646378?sk=info

Krysten Beck is Beach Coast born and raised and recently moved back to the area after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Journalism. Krysten has written for the Indiana Daily Student and the Indiana University Arbutus Yearbook while also contributing to a handful of blogs.