Posts with tag faux fur

Ok, maybe we were a little too hard on Aretha Franklin for what we perceive to be a millinery mishap at the inauguration. The bow wasn't really that huge. This week, we are totally incensed on Aretha's behalf, because some fur-punk decided to deface her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That's just flat out going too far. Insulting her choice in headgear is one thing, but desecrating the greatness of a soul legend by scrawling "Fur Hag" on her star ... that's just wrong.

Whatever opinions someone may have concerning the tireless animal rights organization PETA one thing is for certain, no one can ever say they don't try.

That "faux fur" trim on your favorite jacket may be made -- at least partially -- from real dog hair.

The Humane Society of the United States tested 25 jackets, of which 24 were incorrectly labeled, and contained actual animal hair. In most cases the fur came from the wild raccoon dogs of Asia and norther Europe.

And it's not like these were purchased off of some "vendor" selling knock-offs on the street or from the back of his van. The group purchased the Sean John, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger jackets from a number of different mainstream department stores, including Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory and J.C. Penny.

Just when you thought Fido was safe.

Inevitably, we all want to look amazing for our co-workers at least once a year, and there's no better occasion to "wow" our friends than the annual office holiday bash. But what is appropriate to wear? So many women have asked me this exact question in the past couple of years, and believe it or not, there is a fairly simple answer. So when in doubt, follow these few rules for easy holiday gorgeousness.

1) Buy a dress! I have nothing against skirt and top combos, but seriously, you have two separate pieces to deal with, and then once you add shoes, jewelry, and a jacket -- too many decisions! Stick with a dress, and you'll cut your stress in half.

2) Unless your invitation says "black-tie formal", a knee-length or just below knee-length dress is always appropriate. Look for richer fabrics such as velvet, silk, or stretch satin. Chiffon and lighter fabrics can work as long as they are in season-appropriate colors (think dark, saturated hues).

3) Sleeve length is totally up to you. You can go as bare as strapless, or as covered as full-length sleeves. As long as you like the dress and feel comfortable, you are going to look fabulous in any type of sleeve.

4) Bring a long coat, preferably in a black or in a print that picks up on the color of your dress. If you don't have a coat or would rather wear an item you don't have to check at the door, try a wrap. Wraps come in cashmere, silk, fur (real and faux), velvet, and just about any other fabric combo you could imagine. The best thing about wraps is that they can be twisted and pinned (with a pretty brooch) in limitless combinations. You can disguise almost all "lumps and bumps" with a cleverly placed wrap.

5) Sheer black or nude hose (Hanes' "Barely Black" are foolproof) work with almost any type of dress. If you want to be a little more daring, or are wearing a shorter dress, opaque tights can be a trendy look, but beware, as any opaque stocking tends to dress down a cocktail look.

6) You can wear open or closed-toed shoes with your cocktail dress. If you go with an open-toed option, make sure that your hosiery are made without the telling toe seam.

7) Try to match your necklace to the neckline of your dress. For example, if you are wearing a deep-v neckline, try a necklace with a simple drop. This ensures that you flatter (but don't take away from) your dress.

8) Have fun! Confidence is universally beautiful. Have fun and know you look great, because you do!