Fashion faux pas or fashion fabulous?

Kyrsty Hazell reports on how wrapping up has never looked so cool.

As many of you fashion wary people may have noticed, glam chic is totally back in this season.  It's all about looking, feeling and acting like a lady and the best way to make the most of it is to glam it up in fur.

Fur (fake of course) has been re-occuring onto the catwalk and into our wardrobes for may years now but each time it never quite catches on. Through fear of looking like a Joan Collins lookalike minus the dodgy surgery, or even worse, Lilly Savage-drag-queen-chic, it isnt clear, but what is clear this Autumn/Winter is the impact its had in 2004. So why not relish in a bit of retail fur-apy?

With vintage fever spreading faster than the winter flu, fur seems to be the perfect item of clothing to achieve this look.  Originating from the 1920's through to the 40's, anyone who was anyone, from Hollywood glamour pusses to ladies at leisure, were not seen without their furry companion wrapped around their necks like a second skin.  How vintage can one item get? Symbolising status, wealth and total fabulous-ness, it is no wonder designers are snapping up the look as a last attempt to revive the Hollywood/vintage queen look before 2004 becomes 2005. Designers such as Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Moschino have featured everything from fur collared cardigans, extravagant fur coats and even fur trimmed shoes.

However, wearing fur hasnt always been as celebrated and viewed as such a fabulous item of clothing to be seen wearing.  Many designers decades ago, based their designs on real fur, such as seal, mink, bear and fox.  These animals were hunting down and stripped of their fur all in the name of fashion therefore, if you chose to wear it, be absolutely certain it's a geniune fake.Here at Fashion Capital and LFF,we are loving the fake fur come back but are all for faking it and suggest you do too.

Fur can be added to anything from a gorgeous evening dress to casual tweed trousers, as it gives that extra 'va va vroom' as well as oozing sophistication (even if you are only trotting along the street to your local supermarket). It has an air of mystery about it and well...makes you look like one foxy lady without actually sacrificing one on the way.

Luckily for you, I have tracked down all of the brilliant highstreet stores who are producing the best furs around and I am also going to give you some expert advice on how to wear it.

Almost every decent highstreet store have caught on to this new trend and have been producing some absolutey wonderful and affordable selections.  H&M, Pink Soda Boutique, Planet, Principles, Topshop, Zara and even cheaper retail stores such as Primark and Matalan, have lots of fur alternatives to offer such as stoles, shawls, cardigans with fur trim and fur bombers. My personal favourites are the jackets from Debut at Debenhams and the fur jackets form Wallis.

Debenhams have always been up to date on whats new and delicious in the fashion stakes, and the fur trend is no exception.  Available in white, brown and beige/biscuit colours, they are reasonably priced and look great on.  Wallis has always been associated with the more mature womans shop, however the selection of jackets and stoles in there are wonderful and can be worn on a night out or for simply strutting your stuff out and about casually.

How to wear it

If you are looking to add a touch of fur to your every day office outfit or just every day in general, why not try the fur trimmed cardy for size? It is ideal for daytime chic and is available in many girly, soft colours which are ideal to keep your spirits up in the cold British weather ahead.  Team it up with a diamante brooch to give it a vintage touch, your granny will be oh so jealous.

If your going for a drink with a new fella on the scene and you want to blow him away with your sophistication, why not glam up your favourite denim skirt with a faux fur jacket? Can also wear jeans tucked in boots for a more boho, Sienna Miller type feel. It will update your look instantly adding a bit of glamour your date will go bonkers over.  

Have you got that dress which you bought ages ago but never had the courage to wear it out? well now's the time to dig it out of the back of your wardrobe, wipe off the cob webs and strut your stuff.  By adding a simple fur stole, it transforms your dress from lovely to stunning.Most of them have this luxorious silk ribbon tie in the middle which creates instant glamour and makes it look really expensive.  So, if your off on a night out with your friends and you intend to do some serious partying, opt for this little treat and inject this faux fur treasure into your wardrobe.

Make sure that you make the most of the assessories available, such as bags (from Marks and Sencers, Debenhams and Faiths) fur trimmed bootees from Office, Nine West, Faiths again and highstreet favourites such as New Look and Dorothy Perkins.There are also fur trimmed gloves, scarves and hats from Primark and Accesorize.  And remember...have fun dressing up and experimenting! Dressing up in fur for the first time can be a laugh.  Walk around like your Queen Bee.

How not to wear it

Do not think that more is more, and get too excited and pile it all on at once.  First of all you'll end up looking like Pat Butcher, and the more fluff, the more puff you'll add to your figure which I'm sure isnt the look you want! Keep the fur at one article per outfit.

Do not wear the real thing!! As you'll probably get egged by an angry protester or the poor little mite skinned to create your look, will haunt you for the rest of your life! Well, maybe not but keep it fake.

So, there you have it.  If it is good enough for the likes of JLO, Kate Moss, Joan Collins and yogi bear so it's good enough for us.

Dare to bear, fluff up the courage and be beautiful.

Kyrsty Hazell