'Fur to the Fashion Forefront'

It’s all about keeping up with appearances.

Luxury and elegance, marked by warm fur coats and fur trim on jackets, returns to the fashion forefront. Despite the economy, showing what you’re worth has never been more important. Except this time around, designers are showcasing fur in the unlikeliest of places: in handbags, hats and even in shoes. In the homefront, fur can be found in the form of rugs, blankets, duvet covers and pillows.

Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag

Marc Jacobs, known for his eclectic style, created a selection of Fall-Winter ’10 Marc by Marc Jacobs handbags and clutches made entirely of fur. In the center of the flap is a gold-plated logo plate. The adjustable fabric strap has leather detailing and the inside is lined completely with a micro-plush lining. Talk about keeping your wallet and makeup essentials warm this season.

Christian Louboutin fur trim boots

If you thought wearing an entirely fur creation on your feet – like the ‘Big Foot-’inspired footwear at Chanel’s Fall-Winter ’10 show earlier this year – but you think it a tad too much, there are less furry concoctions. That is, if you don’t mind wearing some fur on your feet. Christian Louboutin introduces the Toundra: a gray suede boot with criss-crossing belt straps in leather. Running along the front of the boot, strapped in by the buckles, is a layer of fur.

Faux fur run in polar bear white

Keeping those toes warm is priority and all the more reason why fur is now an option for your floor draping needs. A faux fur rug in classic white will insulate hardwood floors, will not slide and adds a measure of class to your existing décor. It could have been my horror by the animal cruelty after watching a crocodile hunting special on television last night, but faux fur and leather products are the animal-friendly and cost-effective way to go.

Coyote-faux fur blanket and pillow

A faux fur rug in warm colors, like this coyote faux fur blanket, is a masculine touch that would go best thrown over a tufted leather chair in a study or home office. This coyote blanket comes available in two generous sizes: 58x60 and 60x86. Its underside is lined with a thick, quality microplush fabric, unlike other blankets out there. Pair a coyote pillow with the blanket to complete the look.

I’m keeping up with appearances this season thanks to all these fur-friendly options. Are you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com; fashion-style.becomegorgeous.com; christianlouboutin.com; decorinnovation.com

'Trail Blazing'

It is now 9 a.m. on a Saturday.

I now have less than 24 hours to do the following: recharge my digital cameras, figure out where I last stored my travel converters, sort through my closet and select my favorite warm weather ready clothes and accessories, read through RyanAir luggage regulations, measure my suitcase, pack it and weigh it.

Flying to Europe should already come as second nature, seeing as I have made the trip at least once in the three years since I moved from the south of France back home to the States.

If only this were true.

Constantly changing airline restrictions on luggage, new banking policies with regard to traveling (whose bank wasn’t gobbled up by another during the crisis?), and Mother Nature have made traveling as new to me now as it was before.

And don’t think that I don’t plan to travel – to Milan; then to Paris, Normandie, and Perpignan in France to visit friends; and back again to Bologna and Milan for business– without going style.

Tila March handbag

Starting with my travel bag and accessories, I plan to shoulder a luxurious cream leather and tweed Tila March bag after a visit to the Colette store in Paris. Comfort and style meet at a price of $450 – a bargain compared to other French designer satchels from Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

Tumi Carry-On luggage

Easy to spot luggage is essential if I plan on surviving multiple baggage claims. Wheeled luggage like the Tumi luggage at $495 in punchy shades of cherry red, citrus orange and lemon yellow will eliminate the endless running around the carousel. Plus, who needs black luggage? That’s part of the reason I’m leaving New York City for three weeks to begin with.

Aviator Sunglasses by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Just like the pilot, I consider my aviator sunglasses as important as carrying an iPod and change of clothes for the flight. These Marc by Marc Jacobs shades in a black yellow tint are perfect for warding off the artificial light in the cabin and helping me sleep (eight-hour flights to Europe are tough) and of course facing the blazing sun after boarding off the plane.

Traveler’s Fashion Tips: If on a long flight, bring a set of yoga pants/pj pants so that you may sit comfortably. Denim or pants tend to loosen or wrinkle after eight hours in the air. And also bring a pretty scarf or something that you can fashion into a blanket or pillow while on board. Then tie around your neck once you land.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of style.com and shopbop.com