Faux…but Foxy: Fur Fall/Winter 2010

Winter. It’s here. A fact which struck me as I was stumbling home on the obligatory walk of shame at 8am on Saturday morning (and you KNOW it’s a walk of shame when the local homeless guy who probably hasn’t washed, eaten or enjoyed what one might consider ‘home comforts’ since flares, bell bottoms and Gary Glitter were deemed socially acceptable, inquires after your state of health and well-being).

How, I hear you ask, did this revelation manifest itself (and no, it wasn’t the tramp – he was just an interesting aside). Well. It was the moment I decided that I would quite happily sell my soul – and probably everyone else’s –  for a pair of Chanel F/W 2010 fur trousers…

When legs like Bungle become a viable – DESIRABLE – option you have got to conclude that either a) googlemaps has mistakenly led you to the arctic tundra or b) the season to be jolly has, for the umpteenth time, managed to catch you totally unawares and very unprepared (Soooo… you thought you’d get away without your thermals did you?!…FOOL!!)

With this in mind – and the fact that my wardrobe has, in conjunction with its local Trade Union representative, imposed a ‘No, not ever, not ever ever. Just NO‘ policy in relation to Long Johns – I decided to go and find some warm things I would actually wear. Conclusion? Faux Fur…everything. (Please).

Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010

Let’s start with fur coats which tended to fall into three broad categories for Fall 2010: either, massive, cosy and teddy-bear-esque a la Paul and Joe, slimmed down and chic gilets – see DKNY’s long length chocolate number for this season’s archetype – or edgy and elegant anachronistic beauties (take inspiration from Burberry, Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana).

Gucci F/W 2010

The only issue I could foresee in owning any of these (they all have that magical  ‘go with anything’ factor you’d expect from a coat) would be the fact that I’d be too busy hugging myself to actually breathe. A minor inconvenience I think you’ll agree.

Gucci F/W 2010

Fendi F/W 2010

Christian Dior F/W 2010

Dolce & Gabbana F/W 2010

THIS I WANT with every fibre of my being…

Of course I’d  have to top it off with a  Cossack hat (still lounging in fifties redux heaven here, plus it fits nicely with the whole global-traveller-meets-alpine-ski-lodge winter utility “vibe” which has been doing the rounds) Oh! and a pair of tan leather and fur trim ankle boots (which may or may not exist)…and some Miu Miu cable knit tights.

Santa…you had better be writing this down…

Fashionable Rat

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Nude: barefaced chic is this season’s must-have neutral

Rose-bud blush, peach, buff, ecru, biscuit, beige: be it shirts, shorts, shoes, bags – or anything else you can throw-on, slip-into or drape yourself in – nude is the buzz-word for spring. Seen everywhere, from flushed pinks at Fendi and Luella to soft creams and taupe at Isabel Marant and Chloe, even nails have been having a nude moment.

If, like the models over at Isabel Marant, you are lucky enough to come with a glowing tan as standard, rejoice! The neutral palette is your sartorial oyster – go forth, go beige, go greige, go and claim your place in the halls of new-nude infamy.

For those (like me) who have been blessed instead with a fairer complexion (pale and interesting is my preferred epithet) nude becomes slightly more tricky – but not impossible…and totally worth it!) Think English-rose or peaches and cream and head for the warmer end of the nude/neutral spectrum to avoid looking washed out.

How to wear?

A big feature in all the major s/s trends, work nudes with leather (tan works a treat for a neat daytime look), try statement black shoe-boots a la D&G for a tougher finish, or slip into utility with slouchy structure and neutral layers (as seen at Chloe). Or take on the trend in nude footwear – totally now and gives the illusion of longer legs (could you really ask for more?)

Tip: Layers and drapes are also ideal for disguising any pesky problem areas, they also make sheers less daunting (and takes them from X-rated bedroom-wear to a more street-friendly PG).

Here are a few of my favourite ‘high street nudes’…

Topshop

Mango

New Look