Why do so many women go ga-ga for fur? It’s clearly a status symbol that exudes glamour, luxury, wealth, a passion for fashion and the finer things in life. This became clear to me during a Rachel Zoe repeat last night as I was given a tour through Gilles Mendel’s breathtaking collections, which included some magnificent fur pieces. I was drooling over his striking boleros and ear muffs as I began to realize the actual tragedy of this fluffy fur. I thought about how stunning fur looks, how beautifully it drapes, how sensual and soft it is, but I also began to think that we should really back off and leave the animals alone. For the cavemen and women it was o.k., but now I think it’s just selfish.

… I feel torn about it because on one hand I can appreciate the artistry of Mendel’s creations… but, let’s look at the big picture - we have enough to work with - so much that we should really leave the animals their own skin. And at the end of the day, what is more important? To me, it’s the well-being of our furry little friends.

What’s your take on this furry frenzy?
Are you a Samantha Jones, who refuses to get rid of her huge white fur, even though it’s taboo?

Are you a Natalie Portman who has gone so far as to design a vegan shoe line, using no animal products whatsoever?

Or are you on the fence?

Share your thoughts about wearing real fur vs. faux fur - we want to hear it from you!

faux fur items in observation 1:

furry items in observation 2, if you must:

Leather earned a reputation early on when it defined characters in movies like The Outsiders, and Grease. It became a texture that was reserved for the rebels, the “bad” boys. Well, leather has come a long way from the “wrong side of the tracks,” and has made its way to Fashion Ave. Designers are using leather to top off some of springs best looks. It works beautifully over fabrics like cotton, denim, and silk. This season, leather is being paired with everything from cotton jersey dresses, flowy skirts, blousy tops and, of course, denim. A texture that adds weight to spring’s airy feminine lines. It’s a great “grab and go” piece. Leather has a wide range that makes it reachable for almost everybody. Plus, this season the sky’s the limit on styles. There are several to choose from: the cropped, the biker, the classic and the colorful. There’s sure to be one out there to complement your wardrobe. Which one suits you?

items in this observation: