Few trends have ever been as debated as fur. Ask anyone- they’ll have an opinion. For the last three years or so, fur has had a major resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to an increasing accessibility to high quality faux fur fabrics available at many price points. Of course, these are not your grandmother’s floor length minks we’re talking about. From richly textured waistcoats to Alexander Wang’s fuzzy wrapped sunglasses, as our High Priestess Anna Wintour said in the movie The September Issue, “There’s always a way to wear fur.”

Here’s some tips for wearing fur:

1. If you’re looking for a PETA-friendly way to wear fur, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for an ideal faux. Look for great texture and subtle nuances in the nap of the fur. If your tactile senses are telling you that this feels bad, then it probably looks bad too. The goal is not to find something that feels and looks identical to fur, but something that will last you longer than a few weeks of wear. Otherwise, the parts of the garment that see the most friction will look like your kitten has been sucking on it.

2. Vintage stores and boutiques often have very beautiful and funky coats, ponchos, wraps and stoles. Be sure to head down to South Congress St. in Austin to check out prime vintage pickings at boutiques like Feathers. As always, with vintage clothes, check the seams, zippers and lining. If you find a great fur that needs a little work, don’t be afraid to take it to a seamstress who can turn your dumpy frock into a tres chic keepsake.

3. There is a cut for everyone. This week at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, we’ve seen an emphasis on the exaggerated shapes that furs can create, like the gorilla arms at Rag and Bone and Peter Som.

Photo: Imaxtree via NYMAG

Photo: Imaxtree via NYMAG

However, if these aberrations sound too over-the-top for the day-to-day, I suggest adding a little fur here and there incrementally. Last Feburary we saw oh-so-chic fur scarves from Michael Kors and lovely fur-collared jackets and cardigans from Juicy Couture. What better to keep your face warm than with a little fur around the face? After all, it works for our men.

Photo: MichaelKors.com

Photo: Saks.com

Ready to take it to the next level? Try a gorgeous fuzzy vest from Valentino or Michael Kors layered over a cozy cashmere turtleneck, or a chic slub-knit long sleeved shirt for an “in between the seasons” look.

Photo: MichaelKors.com

Photo: NeimanMarcus.com

Ready to take the full-fur plunge? Let me point you to Our Lady, Mother of Fur Mrs. Rachel Zoe, who debuted her oh-so-affordable faux-fur heavy QVC line last Feburary. There is literally a style for every wardrobe (if not two or three). Zoe, who has been collecting vintage furs for much of her life, created a vintage-inspired line with very high quality faux. My personal faves are the chinchilla bomber jacket and the winter-white coat with arm cut-outs to cut down on the bulk.

Photo: QVC.com

Photo: QVC.com

View Zoe in that coat

So what do you think? Will you be wearing the fur trend through the rest of the winter and into next fall? What do you think are the best pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe? Leave us a comment below. Peace!

XO,

K

*We know that the controversy behind the fur industry is explosive. We encourage our readers to have a full understanding of the fur industry, but to ultimately make their own decisions. In a state as diverse as Texas and in cities as progressive as Austin and San Antonio, we know your opinions run the gamut. Thanks for respecting our desire to remain decision neutral, as we’d rather not influence your personal politics on the matter.