Must-Have: The Fur Vest

The fur vest is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most versatile yet fashion-forward items you could have in your closet for the next six months.  They come in all lengths, colors and various thicknesses, so there is a style to match every wardrobe and personal preference!  If you’re worried that a fur vest might cost too much or that you might not be able to incorporate it into your wardrobe, don’t be.  You'll find a number of inexpensive options below as well as specific outfit ideas down to the last accessory!

Go for Faux

Personally, I have no problem with real fur (or leather).  But there are more reasons than just animal rights to get a faux fur vest versus a real one.  First, a faux fur vest will be much less expensive than a real one (unless you've found the deal of the century!)  Additionally, faux fur made a grand entrance onto the high fashion scene last year when Karl Lagerfeld sent his models down the runway for Chanel's Fall/Winter 2010 show in all manner of fake fur coats, skirts and boots!  Lagerfeld noted, "technical advances are so perfect you can hardly tell fake fur from the real thing."  The point being that fake fur is not only accepted by the highest of fashion powers, it is encouraged and embraced!

Top Pick: Zara

I love this option from Zara for $79.99.  The fur vest is an extremely versatile item, so you will definitely get the value for your money here as you wear your vest night, day, this year, next year...  The neutral palette of this vest is great; it will blend in with any number of colors.  Additionally, I love the length, which will elongate the figure.  I’m a huge belt enthusiast, and this is perfect for belting which will also help you pull together your outfits with a final touch!

 

Additional Picks

I found a number of other great selections at Bloomingdales, Piperlime and FabulousFurs.com.  If you'd like to browse a selection of gently used but amazing pre-owned real fur vests, check out the consignment scene.  The Upper East Side location of A Second Chance has an excellent selection.  Finally, the streets of Soho have quite a few fur vendors!  Try Houston at Sullivan and West Broadway at Spring.

From My Closet

Last year, I used a $50 Groupon to Nordstrom Rack (bought for $25) to buy the $40 vest you'll see featured below.  To be honest, I’ll most likely upgrade down the road when I find the perfect real vest at the perfect deal, but for now this suits me just fine.  It’s super soft and has pockets which are endlessly useful.  Below find a few outfit inspirations from my own wardrobe.  If you like the look, click through the links in the description to re-create the outfits for yourself.

Outfit #1: Work Wear

Start with: pencil skirt + white button-up + fur vest + pumps

Finish the look with: thick belt + bangles

Outfit #2: Weekend Layers

Start with: jeans + sweater + fur vest + flat knee-high boots

Finish the look with: chunky necklace + big ring

Outfit #3: Out on the town

Start with: mini skirt + fitted top + fur vest + heels

Finish the look with: tights + belt + cuff + big earrings

Outfit #4: Versatile Chic
Start with: black jeans + feminine blouse + fur vest + boots/booties
Finish the look with: layered necklaces + statement ring

Michael Kors is All That: Part I

Reason #1:
His new jewelry line!

Jewelry can be tricky.  Cheap jewelry breaks or turns your skin green, and expensive jewelry is, well, expensive.  I think it's important with every element of fashion to mix high- and low-end items, but this category proves to be especially difficult because a mid-level product selection has been hard to find, in my experience.

Michael Kors has solved this problem for me with his amazing new line of jewelry, which includes rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets in both gold and silver.  Prices fall largely between $45 - $195, with a handful of more expensive items.

The reason why this line of jewelry is awesome is the same reason why Michael Kors in general is awesome: he offers simple, beautiful things at great prices.

I especially find these two rings to be fabulous: Silver Buckle Ring ($45) and Golden Chain Ring ($55).

The line is also carried at Bloomingdale's, so if you're looking for an even better deal, watch the sales and use your Bloomie's card to be eligible for greater discounts.

One note to say that I do wish there was a bit less logo with some of the pieces, but if you stick with the subtle and classy ones (no big "MK's"), you'll do wonderfully in my book!

Trend Alert: Tights!

I’ve been reading my fashion magazines and blogs avidly, of course, and the thing I’m most excited about for the coming Fall and Winter is… tights!  This year, shoppers will be presented with dozens of varieties of hosiery in different colors, patterns, thicknesses, etc. 

Pop Culture

The emphasis on legwear can definitely be traced to popular culture. For several years now, the outfits of Gossip Girl’s Serena van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf have been revved up with great legwear.  More recently, the Middleton ladies have received attention for their decision to wear nylons, something considered a bit unnecessary and even passé by many.  Though not a huge fan of nude hosiery myself, I am embracing this new spotlight on tights!

New Collection

Speaking of Gossip Girl, the show’s costume designer, Eric Daman, is teaming up this year with DKNY to release a capsule collection of hosiery.  The legwear will be priced affordably, at $15 - $24, and will come in a variety of fun patterns and lengths.  You can shop the collection this fall in stores or online with DKNY, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.

Affordable Basics

Hue brand is my go-to favorite for basic black tights because they are of great quality.  Instead of coughing up department store prices, I pay about $10 for a two pack at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s or Filene’s Basement. 

Mix & Match

I usually wear skirts to work, so tights are already a staple for me in the winter.  Obviously they are great because they keep you warm, but they also provide shape and support, and add an additional style element to your outfit!  I’m always tempted to wear plain black tights, but things get much more interesting when you incorporate different tones and designs.  Navy is a great color to start with, as it’s not a bright hue and will pair well with most colors.

This year, there will be no shortage of places to purchase your new assortment of tights!  I found a surprisingly comprehensive selection of tights at the local convenience store!  And wow, check out this crazy wall of tights in seemingly every shade at American Apparel!

Sleek & Chic

Probably my biggest hesitation with tights is that I’m worried that too much pattern will somehow flatten my figure and make me look bigger.  Eek!  We don’t want that.  First of all, unless you’re model-thin, stay away from any horizontal pattern but definitely go for vertical stripes as they will be thinning!  Second, when opting for a patterned tight, most of your options will be in black.  This is good, because black is flattering on its own.  Wear funkier black tights with black heels – this will elongate the leg – problem solved!  Oh and… have fun!