'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

'Back to School'

Sharpen those no. 2 pencils and get your notebooks labeled and in order, it’s time for back to school shopping.

The teachers have already sent their supply lists and your college bound kid has his room assignment already picked out. Looks like it’s time you went shopping. And since the early bird always gets his worm, enjoy free shipping on orders more than $50 at Décor Innovation.

Star blackout curtains in a boy's bedroom

Plenty of bed rest (and healthy eating) ensures that your child will be at his peak performance in school. Blackout curtains in a wide range of styles, colors and prints will greatly reduce outside noise and block unwanted light from streaming in. That means no interruptions – especially crucial for the younger students that have an early bedtime compared to everyone else.These star blackout curtains work well in both girl and boy bed and playrooms, available in colors like beige, black and navy.

Dorm rooms are about as synonymous with comfort and style as a shoe box. This same rule often applies to off-campus housing options for students as well. When was that frat house last renovated? Let’s be honest, not every cash-strapped student can afford the luxury apartment complete with amenities.

Striped pillow instantly brightens up a bland space

Decorating must start with basic accessories, beginning with the simplest pillow. For $19.99 (a set of 2), transform your college space with polka-dots, stripes, floral motifs, or mosaic prints. A pair of modern stripe pillows will brighten up your college boy’s room, or opt for feminine sophistication in a gray, black and white flower print pillow for the college girl in your family.

Mink Faux Fur throw against a leather chair

For late night studying, consider buying a warm throw to keep your child warm, comfy and focused. Faux fur throws in a solid short hair mink or Persian lamb transition from the couch to the desk chair. The micro-plush lining of the throws is incredibly soft – so comforting that I typically carry my lynx throw with me as I tend to be sensitive to the cold during the fall and winter months.

Procrastination will get you nowhere. Shop now, enjoy free shipping and be ready when it’s time to hit the books.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com

'World's Greatest Dad'

It might seem like their female counterparts receive most of the attention, but that doesn't mean that Father's Day is any less special.

This June 20, show your father just how much you care and take advantage of the special Father's Day promotions at Décor Innovation.

From now until Sunday, enjoy a variety of 'buy one, get one free' deals: a faux mink or giraffe throw comes with a pillowcase set to match, or buy an embossed blackout curtain with a back tab and get another one free!

Get your father a gift, and a little extra to go along with it!

Microplush inside of a mink throw

Plush and warm, the faux fur mink throw was not meant to be a present for my father at first. But after showing my father one of my own mink faux throws, it was hard to get it back. Upon leaving the living room, I soon found my father fast asleep with the throw pulled up to the bottom of his chin. How could I resist keeping the throw all to myself?

Considering that my father is such a difficult person to shop for (for he is the man that has everything), a mink faux fur throw in a rich black or brown shade with a free matching pillowcase for him to rest his head is just what he needs.

Giraffe faux fur throw

Want to stray away from dark colors or experiment with an unusual print? The white mink or giraffe faux fur throw options are perfect to gift to your hubby, who happens to enjoy watching late night movies with you on the couch after the kids are fast asleep. A matching pillowcase in giraffe keeps the two of you comfortable and cozy, while giving your couch an instant luxurious update.

Embossed blackout curtains with checker print

Does your father have trouble sleeping? A set of blackout curtains will guarantee the soundest sleep by blocking out up to 99 percent sunlight when drawn closed.

Gift him a set of these embossed blackout curtains for his bedroom and with another set for free, be able to likely finish draping all his windows. Unlike other curtains in floral prints, the checkered pattern in colors like navy, burgundy and beige is masculine-friendly. The curtains work to sound out noise and keep energy from escaping, tripling its benefits.

Your father will thank you for it.

-S.Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com