Fur Fashion for 2009!

NATURAL RACCOON BOMBER JACKET

Wearing fur is a way to feel luxurious and to add that sense of style and class to any outfit. Beautiful fur coats and stoles are ways to make anyone’s wardrobe glamorous. Many don’t know that fur can be dressed down as well as dressed up. A beautiful fur scarf can add elegance to a simple casual outfit. Fur can also be the hottest accessory of the season. Not only are there traditional fur stoles, coats and scarves to consider, you can also look fabulous and chic in a fur bolero or fur poncho.

In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, yet still desiring the luxury and beauty of real fur, there are many steps a fur wearer can take to make sure their fur is as humane as possible. When searching for fur to add the perfect accent to your outfit, take time to look at the company that is selling the fur and see what their practices are. Supporting humane fur traps and ethical fur farms is one way you can support the humane use of fur. Research your sources and find one that supports humane trapping and farming.

Another way to humanely enjoy the luxury of fur is to work with furriers that buy their pelts from trusted resources. A furrier is someone who makes, repairs, and cleans, and cares for fur garments. Having a reputable furrier for your fur needs will guarantee that the fur you purchase will be of the best quality and come from the best sources. Buying fur from unknown sources could lead to both poor quality furs and inhumanely trapped pelts. Using the best resources available to find a reputable furrier is in your best interest. Since purchasing fur can be an investment, you want to make sure your fur items are coming from the best sources and are of the highest quality.

One more way to humanely enjoy the beauty of fur is to shop for vintage fur items. Some upscale resale shops and boutiques will have vintage fur items such as stoles and gloves available. Any good source for vintage fur will have access to a furrier who can help clean and repair vintage furs so they look just as gorgeous as they did when they were first crafted. Some furriers specialize in using vintage fur to create new fur items, such as lining for gloves or vests. A vintage stole can give your outfit a classic and timeless look and is a great way to humanely enjoy the beauty of fur clothing.

Using the best resources, it’s easy to find ways to humanely enjoy the beauty, class, and warmth of fur items. Many furriers and resale shops will be able to provide you with the best information in finding humanely trapped and made furs. Whether you’re looking for the beautiful accent of a fur scarf or looking to add a new fur coat to your winter wardrobe, you can be sure to find ways to support humane fur practices.

Fur wrap

Fur coats have been a part of the human experience since earliest recorded history. Fur clothing has been a tool that without which, man as we know him may not have survived. That’s why it should be no surprise that fur coats are still a large part of our fashion aesthetic, and why fur and leather clothing are still a very highly valued part of our culture. So what do we know about the history of wearing fur as an item of clothing?

Ancient uses of fur - Fur was historically used out of pure necessity. Fur coats kept early man from dying of cold, and tanned leather hides provided nearly every kind of material imaginable, from housing to transportation of liquids, to bindings on rafts and vessels. After the advent of weaving technologies, fur became less vital, but animal products like wool were still heavily used. Fur coats during this time were occasionally used as a way to keep pests and vermin off humans.

Fur as a status symbol - Long before Hollywood starlets took up fox and mink stoles, fur was associated with status. The use of fur lined clothing has been especially prevalent among royalty. Were you aware that Ermine, the white winter coat of the stoat is only used for British royalty? This exclusivity of fur also contributed to its value.

Fur farming - During the mid 1800’s, fur farming began as a practice that would ensure good stock for fur pelts. Fur farming also produces better pelts, as the animals are guaranteed a good diet, and are freed from the danger of predators.

Fur as a luxury item - Fur became much less of a necessity, and more of a luxury item around the turn of the century. While furs and wool remained common in use among the common citizens, fur garments of mink, fox, and exotic cats became the earmarks of the nobility. Before the advent of faux furs, only the wealthy could afford a fur coat made of similar pelts, instead of a mix of pelts of varying colors. Dyed fur also became popular, for those who could not afford a naturally colored coat.

Fur backlash - Not everyone loves fur, however. During the 60’s, the animal rights movement took hold, and fur was accompanied for the first time by controversy. This rally against fur use lasted for several decades.

Fur now - Currently, fur coats have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity, thanks to fur alternatives and the use of vintage furs. Many have used the advent of faux furs to enjoy their natural fur garments once again, without fears of reprisals from angry activists. Fur coats are still a status symbol of wealth and taste, and will probably remain so for the course of human history.

Fur scarf

Fur can be a fashionable addition to anyone’s wardrobe. There are dozens of different ways to wear fur, and there are many ways you can update your look with the addition of some beautiful fur pieces. Not only is fur beautiful, but it can be a wonderful investment. There are many ways you can incorporate fur into your wardrobe.

One example is to invest in a beautiful fur stole. A mink or fox stole can add glamor to an outfit, or it can really make a suit stunning. You can use the stole in many different ways on many occasions. A stole around your shoulders or neck can instantly add class to any outfit. You can find vintage stoles at many boutiques and resale shops, or you can purchase new stoles from reputable furriers.

Another way to incorporate fur into your wardrobe is to look into fur-lined gloves. You can find beautiful leather gloves with fur linings such as fox or mink. These gloves will help keep your fingers warm in the winter, and add beauty to your winter ensemble.

A fur coat never goes out of style. Though pricey, fur coats are gorgeous and luxurious and add instant elegance to your wardrobe. Fur coats will also keep you warm in the winter months and protect you from the elements.

Adding a fur vest to your wardrobe can be a way to incorporate fur into everyday wear. A fur vest can be dressed up or dressed down in many different ways. You can wear a fur vest casually, or in a more formal situation. Wearing a rabbit or mink vest with jeans is perfectly acceptable. You can also wear it with some of your best winter wear for more formal occasions.

You can also add a touch of real fur by purchasing cuffs and collars for your coats. This is a more economical way to add fur to your wardrobe and give it an update at the same time. Detachable collars and cuffs can be added to your best jacket or coat. You can also add a fur scarf to your winter wear for instant added luxury.

Another way to add fur to your everyday wear is splurging for a fur scarf or muffler. These can add beauty and class to any wardrobe, and keep you nice and warm in the winter. Mink, fox, chinchilla, sable and rabbit are all fine furs used for fur scarves. These can be used during casual dates or on more formal occasions.

Be sure to purchase real fur that is excellently tailored and meticulously put together. This shows that these items are high quality and will last a while. Also get your fur cleaned at least once a year by an expert furrier. This will help keep your furs looking beautiful and new for years to come. Be sure to choose fur accessories that will be timeless and last for many seasons. Always keep your fur away from heat, as well, as excessive heat will damage its beauty. Adding real fur to your wardrobe is sure to add beauty and class to anything you wear.

leather cowboy Skirt from Morris Kaye & Sons

If you love the look of leather, and you’ve finally talked yourself into putting down some money on a long lasting piece of leather clothing, then you may have some questions about what you’re buying. How can you tell if it’s genuine leather? Is it high quality leather, or what’s known as corrected leather?
To answer these questions, we’ve put together a guide to help you become more familiar with leather clothing before you purchase any.
How can I tell if something is made of real leather? – The smell will tell you more than anything else. Real leather has a rich, earthy smell, while imitation leather will smell like chemicals if it has any odor at all. The back of the leather will also tell you a lot. A cloth or plastic backing is a good indicator that the leather is not real.
What is top grain leather? – Top grain leather is leather that used to contain the fur of the animal. Top grain leather has been prepared, and a finish applied, but the grain is in an otherwise natural state.
What is corrected grain leather? – Corrected grain leather is leather that has been sanded down to remove any imperfections. Generally, corrected grain leather is just as appealing as top grain leather, and because it is much smoother, it makes a better material for making clothing. Corrected grain leather is often dyed.
What is patent leather? – Patent leather is leather that has a high gloss finish. It is very shiny, and often protected by a plastic coating.
Does leather stretch or shrink? How should I care for leather clothing? – The important thing about leather clothing is that you should always dry it properly if it gets wet or moist. You can’t always avoid rain, so if you get sprinkled on, hang your leather clothing in a cool, dark place away from the sunlight. It should air dry naturally. Never apply heat to leather, as that may make it too dry, and could cause the leather to crack. Dry clean your leather goods whenever you can.
How should I care for leather clothing that is fur lined? – If you have fur lined leather clothing, it is always a good idea to have these clothes stored professionally during the off seasons. Fur should always be stored in the summer to preserve its beauty and value, and so any high quality leather and fur garments should be properly cared for.

With the summertime coming, I knew I needed to find a place to store my fur coat in Dallas. My coat was new, and I remembered there was a lot to do to make sure that the coat lasted. I knew that my fur coat needed to be kept in a climate-controlled environment, as well as properly cleaned and maintained if I wanted to keep on enjoying it. A fur coat is an investment, and I wanted to be certain that my coat would be cared for and be ready for the winter.

I called around the Dallas area where I live, to see where I could find the best service, a fair price and knowledgeable staff. There is no shortage of shops that claim to offer good service for storing a fur, that claim to have the best facilities and the best ways to care for your fur coat. After spending two days on the phone with every furrier in the DFW area, the choice was an easy one – Morris Kaye and Sons.

Morris Kaye and Sons is one of the area’s most established furriers, working since 1935. They know furs and are the most knowledgeable about what works best for your fur coat. When I asked them about storage, they had every answer. They knew the details about how best to store my coat, as well as the details about their own facility.

We also spoke about the importance of the care of my coat. The staff at Morris Kaye and Sons knew what to do. They spoke to me about the process of cleaning conditioning. I did not know, but the staff told me that the cleaning process restores oils that are essential to the longevity of your fur coat. They also offered to do this for me while my coat was being stored. How convenient!

They also explained the difference in keeping your fur at home versus in a storage facility. An air-conditioned room or a cool basement doesn’t offer sufficient protection from moth damage or the drying out of leather. If the leather dries out, it eventually cracks, resulting in excessive shedding of fur. In a storage facility, the air is kept at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees and the humidity level of 50 percent.

Also, at Morris Kaye and Sons, you can be sure your fur will be okay. Their vault is insured against loss, so you can be comfortable leaving it in their hands. Phew! When they told me that, I felt a lot better.

After talking to countless furriers in the Dallas area, I was relieved to find the expertise of the staff at Morris Kaye and Sons. Not only did I find a place to store my fur for the summer, I found a new place to direct any and all of my questions about my fur coat. No one else in the Dallas area has the knowledge and skills to get my business when it comes to storing my fur coat.

Many people buy faux fur, or even faux fur lined garments over the real thing because they think they’re being kind to animals. Unfortunately, the reverse is often true. Some recent findings concerning designer goods have surfaced, showing consumers that we need to be more vigilant than ever, in order to know what we’re getting.

What’s wrong with faux fur?

In principal, nothing. In practice, quite a bit is wrong with faux fur. Resent tests have shown that high end designer clothing from labels like Burberry, and Nicole Miller that was labeled as synthetic fur is actually real fur. From dogs. Some designer items labeled as being raccoon or rabbit, were also dog fur. Most of these products came from China, where enforcement of quality standards are lax. All of these falsely labeled items came from the raccoon dog, a native Asian canine that is similar in appearance to a raccoon. This animal is also sometimes referred to as Tanuki. Its fur is very similar to that of a cross fox, or raccoon.

while the fur itself is a reasonable quality fur, most raccoon dogs are very poorly treated, as they are not a standard pelt animal. Chinese raccoon dogs are often bred in small cages, and their death is anything but humane (it’s actually very greusome). That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what you are buying when you get a fur coat, no matter if it’s real or fake.

How can I avoid getting ripped off while buying a real or faux fur coat?

Easy! Buy from someone you trust. Any reputable furrier will be able to tell that the furs he gets from his suppliers are real. This is not the case for unlucky designers and department stores who were misled by the manufacturers of their fur, and fur lined coats. A real furrier will know by look and texture that the fur he has genuinely came from the animal it’s being represented as. He will also know how his suppliers treat the animals that they raise, and can ensure that any farms that raise animals for pelts conduct their business as humanely as possible. If you have a garment that you suspect has been misrepresented, you can always take it to a professional furrier who will give you his professional opinion about its origins, and how honestly it has been represented.

alpaca bear stuffed animals

With all of the hoopla surrounding faux fur, it is easy to believe that buying fake is the way to go. Unfortunately, many have been wrongly misled down this path. The truth is that there is no replacing a genuine fur coat. Any way that you look at it, real fur is the only way to go.

1. Quality wise, real fur is always a better investment. There is not a man made synthetic fur replacement on the market that can replicate the textural delights and luxury that a genuine fur provides for its wearer.

2. The durability of real fur is unrivaled. Real fur is a nature provided barrier to the elements. It is designed to stand not only the test of time, but also any inclement weather conditions the wearer is faced with.

3. Genuine fur is an heirloom quality piece of clothing. It can be handed down from generation to generation in manner that, quite frankly, anything faux cannot.

4. Fur is in. Despite all of the campaigning otherwise, buyers want genuine fur because they know the difference between value and hype.

5. Wearing genuine fur transforms you into the crowd standout. Fur is an awesome accessory that can be adapted for any situation. It is easily dressed up for a fun night on the town and dressed down for a casual afternoon.

6. Authentic fur can be recycled and repurposed in a manner that would not be cost effective in regards to faux fur. True fur is an investment that can be transformed into a different silhouette or even a different garment all together.

7. Because genuine fur is a natural product, it is a biodegradable material that is a lot more Earth friendly. Also, because it is already made, man does not have to use valuable resources to create it. It takes one gallon of oil to complete the process of creating the fur needed for three faux fur coats. Faux fur is also a product that will not break down over time, creating more waste in landfills.

8. Currently, the markets are swimming with faux fur that is in fact real fur. Know what you are purchasing. When you buy a genuine fur, you can be assured that you are getting a truly high quality, durable fashion piece.

9. Wearing an authentic fur garment is undoubtedly a true luxury experience for any wearer. Faux fur cannot replace this feeling. You may think you are fooling onlookers, but you will always know that you are creating a false impression. Haute couture is defined by one of a kind pieces, not mass produced faux garments.

10. Real fur may be more expensive but it is worth the cost. With this price tag you inherit tradition, luxury, warmth and an article of clothing that will last many lifetimes over.

The fur coat has a long history, not just in the United States, but all over the world. For as long as there have been people living on this planet, there have been people utilizing fur to stay warm. From ancient cultures to the modern day Eskimos, fur has been considered an essential and life saving possession. There are now other reasons to wear fur as well, including appearance, stature, and even personal preference. Many of today’s celebrities and famous people continue to wear fur coats on a regular basis.

One such person is Sharon Stone. Sharon Stone was born in 1958 in Pennsylvania. She first began a successful modeling career toward the end of the 1970s, working with such big names as Clairol, Revlon, and Diet Coke. While she did have a small role in a Woody Allen film in the 1980s, her big break into stardom occurred in the 1990s. Sharon Stone has been a long time fur coat lover, and seems to wear various fur pieces to most of the awards shows she attends. She has some beautiful fur pieces and wears them wonderfully.

Demi Moore is another celebrity who loves her fur. Demi Moore was born in 1962. She had a long history of small roles in movies and television before finally getting her big break in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She has been the subject of various controversies throughout her career due to her individualistic, outgoing, and unabashed ideas, career moves, and opinions. She is a wonderful guideline for teaching girls that they don’t have to fit the mold to succeed. Both she and her husband, actor Ashton Kutcher, have been seen wearing fur jackets and wraps on various occasions.

Madonna, both actress and singer, has been known to wear her fur quite often as well. Madonna was born in 1958 in Michigan. She released her first albums and began her ascent to fame in the early 1990s. After establishing a thriving music career, she has also tried her hand in at least 22 movies with her most acclaimed role being that of the title character in the movie Evita. With several serious relationships and marriages behind her, she has embraced her image as a controversial music and movie icon. Her love of fur has been exhibited since the early 1980s and still continues today.

Both Goldie Hawn and her daughter Kate Hudson are avid fans of fur coats. Goldie Hawn was born in 1945 in Washington, D.C. Her daughter, Kate Hudson, was born in 1979 in California. They have both had long and successful careers as movie actresses, with Goldie Hawn’s career starting in the 1960s in television and Kate Hudson’s career starting in the late 1990’s and becoming a prominent actor after the year 2000. Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson both seem to prefer the more comedic roles, with Kate Hudson leaning toward romantic comedies. On a trip to Aspen, you will never catch them without their furs!

Other Celebrities who make fur famous:
Lindsey Lohan - She was accused of stealing a fan’s fur coat at a nightclub!
Dita Von Teese - A lover of vintage furs
Mary Kate Olsen - She accents her outfits with small touches of fur

Natural Mahogany Mink

Over the past couple of decades, there has been a growing demand for mink fur coats. Women have often viewed mink fur coats as the height of all fashion, because it is timeless and classic. A mink’s fur is very silky and dense, so it is soft to the touch and feels quite luxurious. How could one not want to be draped in this material? However, there are several different types of minks and the quality of mink you choose will be reflected in the price tag.

Since mink is mostly found in North America (there are some scattered in Europe), there are a lot of mink farms (wild mink fur is rarely used anymore) where they raise the minks for the sole purpose of using them for furs. This is so they can watch the development of their coats. By having the farms, the chances of mutation decrease due to advancements in gene technology. These natural, controlled furs have a higher quality of fur in color and other characteristics.

Also, when selecting a fur, find out what gender the mink was, because there is a difference in the texture and density of the furs. Female pelts are much softer and more delicate. The pelts are smaller and if you are looking for a higher quality of fur, you may want to choose the female mink fur coat. The males have a coat that is much heavier because the hair is much thicker and more densely situated than on a female’s coat. A male’s coat is suitable for when you would like a more personalized type of mink fur coat. Since the fur on a male’s coat is thicker, it is more receptive to dyes, and there is more material to work with. Shearing is also an option with male mink pelts.

There are different types of mink furs that you are able to purchase. The first is a whole skin fur coat. When purchasing these types of mink furs, you should check several things to make sure it is of good quality before buying. First, you should check whether or not the guard hair is even. Also, feel how silky it is. Touch the hair with a light brush of your fingertips. This will bring out the true texture of the material. Be careful when buying a patterned mink coat. The craftsmanship can really affect the price of the product and it is not easy to manufacture these items. If you are purchasing a patterned coat, make sure that the stitching is even and tight all around. The stitching should also be reinforced.

Fur coats are popular in the fashion world today not only for the accomplishment of status and the “diva” look, but as an investment. Unlike normal coats that may last you up to a few years, a mink fur is extremely durable and can be worn for around 20 to 30 years.

CASHMERE CAPE WITH FOX TRIM

There is nothing that can replace the timeless elegance, luxurious feel, and sheer sophistication of a genuine fur coat. Yet throughout the years, the stigma of wearing this incomparable material has resulted in some fur-owners shelving their beloved coats, stoles, and other fur-lined fashions.

Vintage fur offers a fun, classic and more humane alternative to fur lovers who want to enjoy the exquisite feel of their favorite pelt without contributing to the harm of an animal. By buying vintage fur, you are giving new purpose to a classic fashion. Vintage fur is an investment you can feel good about, but it is still an investment. If you buy vintage fur, you will need to find someone familiar with older furs, who can help you keep it looking luxurious and elegant.

When you buy vintage fur, it’s important to care for it as though it’s new. To do this, you will need to build a relationship with a local furrier. Knowing how to care for your vintage fur will help extend the life of your special garment and ensure years of joy and luxurious wear.

Fur Care Basics

Years of wear or improper storage can make vintage fur garments delicate and particularly vulnerable to future damage. Here are some essential fur care tips and advice to help you maintain your vintage fur fashions:

Storage

*Ideally, your vintage fur should be kept in cold storage by a reputable furrier. These fur experts specialize in fur repair, care and maintenance. Springtime is a particularly important time to place your vintage fur in cold storage, since humidity, heat and moths can deteriorate the garment.

*If storing your vintage fur in your own closet, make sure it has enough space to hang comfortably.

*Never store your vintage fur in a plastic bag; the delicate material requires proper air circulation.

Maintenance

*Avoid prolonged periods of sitting while wearing your vintage fur, which can lead to signs of wear and potentially cause damage.

*Limit the amount of time you expose your vintage fur to the strain of purse and shoulder straps, which can also take a toll on your garment.

*Seek the expertise of a furrier for the annual cleaning conditioning of your vintage fur. Having your vintage fur professionally cleaned will help eliminate unwanted odor. The conditioning process will help restore oils that are essential to the longevity of your vintage fur.

*Never use heat to dry your vintage fur. If your garment becomes wet, simply shake off the excess water and let it dry naturally. If the liquid is a substance like wine or coffee, take your vintage fur to a furrier for professional cleaning as soon as possible.

Fur Repair

*Take your vintage fur to a furrier as soon as you detect a tear, rip or other damage. Delaying the fur repair process can contribute to extensive damage. In addition, attempts to repair the garment yourself may actually worsen the damage and require even costlier repairs.

*Schedule yearly tightening of buttons and other enclosures on your vintage fur fashion by a trusted furrier. This practice will also allow the furrier to review your garment for any tears that may be undetectable to the untrained eye.