Vrai ou Faux...

As Britain has been hit by an unprecedented amount of the white stuff recently, I have found it necessary to pull out all the stops in warm and comfortable fashion. Fur has always been a trend that works year after year in the winter season. It can look more expensive than it really is (if it's fake) and it keeps you warm more than most other types of outerwear.

Now before you look on this blog incredulously as being somewhat politically incorrect, I want to say that I am not trying to suggest we all go invest in a dead animal - there are plenty of incredible faux furs available on the high street. And with many celebrities and designers saying "No" to fur, its more likely that you'll be purchasing a fake.

PETA's "Worst Dressed 2009" list: http://www.peta.org/feat-worstdressed09-winners.asp

(Eighties style faux fur coat £95, Topshop, Crushed faux fur jacket £40 in the sale, Oasis, Faux fur coat £74.99, River Island)

These were just some of the gems I discovered. You may find yourself paying a a little more than you would expect for a fake, but it's usually because they look so authentic. I've become a particular fan of Dennis Basso who is the king of fake fur.

  

(All three images taken from www.dennisbasso.com)

I do suggest, however, if you are interested in owning a real fur, take a visit to ebay. There are literally hundreds of furs being auctioned for virtually nothing. Most of these will emulate a more vintage look, but look hard enough and you may find yourself a real gem. I also advise a trip to Beyond Retro in London - my favourite vintage retailer. Both ebay and beyond retro sell fakes too, so get out there an rummage! My advice is, if your comfortable with a dirtied conscience - buy a real fur (they're warm, fabulously luxurious and soft!) But don't be put off by fakes, there's really very little difference.