Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Up Fur Debate

Dress: Audrey via Plato's Closet, $10 // Vest: Forever 21, gift // Tights: Urban Outfitters, borrowed // Shoes: Forever 21, $28 // Belt: Thrifted, $1
 
I can't remember whether I've featured this faux fur vest on the blog, but I've worn it on quite a few occasions. Every time, I say never again! While I tend to wear what I like regardless of what others might think, it's hard to feel chic and confident when people literally think you look comical (and aren't afraid to say so). My feelings have never actually been hurt, but comments I've received have caused me to ponder to what extent my fashion choices are driven by trends. I suppose I either need to suck it up and flaunt my faux fur with confidence or accept that I can't make bold fashion choices where I live without eliciting reactions. When it comes down to it, I'm not losing any sleep and will probably continue to rock the vest on occasion.


On to the dress... My relationship with this frock seemed doomed from the start. There were so many factors working against it. It was terribly wrinkly (nothing a good ironing couldn't fix, but it does wrinkle very easily). It was snagged in many places. Because of the low-cut back, the shoulders refused to stay up. Despite all of that, I just couldn't bring myself to leave it behind. The long, voluminous sleeves, gorgeous color and cool exposed zipper (not shown) were just irresistible. Oh yeah, and it was only $10.

After yesterday's sort of emo post, I'm feeling good this week. I've eagerly brainstormed several outfit ideas including this one and others you'll see this week. The spark may be back. Fingers crossed!

34 comments:

C said...

Ah, it looks BEAUTIFUL with that lovely dress! I do think that a fur vest just might be a piece that is appreciated more by the blogging world than the "real" world. That being said, it looks lovely here. :)

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

Your fur vest is fantastic! I have a couple of vintage fur pieces and I'm always paranoid someone is going to throw paint on me...

oona said...

whaat? who wouldn't like that vest?? crazy people. i think it's amazing! i should though cause i have a one of my own ha ha. but this really is a lovely outfit. i like the colors together

NessaKnits said...

You probably need to add a big splash of red paint on the front and attach a sign on the back that says "It's not real fur, der ..." Unless it is real fur and I didn't read your blog properly. Then you need to add the red paint and then put on the back "This was killed 50 years ago. I would never buy farmed fur these days."

NessaKnits said...

Or perhaps "PETA and me, we don't agree." I don't agree with PETA and their policy on mulesing, but then I have seen fly blown sheep and many people haven't.

NessaKnits said...

My other was "This is more petrochemicals than pelt." Okay ...enough said. You have given pause for thought.

Lucky Linski said...

keep the vest and the dress!
both pieces are awesome! love the fur vest...have two myself and love the "original" compliments/comments I get when I wear one of them. I like to think that when others comment (or give me an unusual "look") that they are just jealous they don't have the confidence to pull off wearing a fur vest :-)

Leah Brunner said...

LOVE the fur vest! very glamourous

The Suburb Experiment said...

I have a fur-trimmed cape (vintage, I would never buy new fur) and I get a lot of comments everytime I wear it. Most are, "don't let the paint-throwers see you" which is a weird thing to say. I think people are intimidated by fur, real or fake.

Jenn

Louise said...

I know what you mean about trends... I am having a hard time with desert boots right now. Would I love them if they weren't trendy?

Anyway, you look marvelously elfin in these photos.

LookinFab said...

Most people are afraid to stand out and personal style means that sometimes, you don't look like everyone else, and that's amazing!! Don't let the scared ones keep you from doing what you do so well!!

Samantha said...

Love that you put the prices! What great bargains! :o)

-Samantha

http://thisfashionista.blogspot.com

zoƩ smaille said...

love it!

Nicole Martin said...

I love the vest and personally wear my faux fur vest whenever I get a chance! Though mine does not look nearly as real as yours does.... either way, rock it with pride!

Also, I have an idea for the dress... maybe sew a piece of ribbon near each shoulder blade to make it into a tie-back? Not sure if I'm describing that well... feel free to contact me if you need clarification haha :)

~Nicole
http://employedpanache.blogspot.com

Stella said...

I can see why you refused to leave the dress behind! I love the sleeves and the color is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

I soo needed to hear this post today~ thanks for sharing! I too tend to get a lot of weird looks and remarks sometimes~ especially from my own friends~! But hey, at least they're honest, right?! ;)
Sometimes I can't help but let it get to me even though I know I shouldn't let it! I love what Between Laundry Days said about some things being more appreciated in the blog world than in real life. So true!

Desiree said...

WHAT? I LOVE this! People are silly!

Anonymous said...

Rock whatever you want, looks great!!

kelseychristiansonwilliams said...

you have such great style! and yay for midwest fashion bloggers! :)

Anonymous said...

Who wouldnt like the fur vest?? I have the same problem, people keep telling me how ugly my fur vest was it broke my heart but I keep wearing it, I LOVE IT!!!
love the outfit
<3
http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

The Dandizette said...

I love fur vests so am slightly bias but I know what you mean, I have a huge white yeti coat which I love but won't wear around certain friends as they mock me all day for it.

the dress actually really looks like the new Biba designs from what I can tell.

xXx

Alex Kritikos said...

Who wore it better?

Eli said...

I LOVE that vest. Don't listen to the haters!

Emma at Daily Clothes Fix said...

Love the faux fur (or is it fantasy fur now?) You should definitely wear it with pride, as you look so good in it.

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Alexa said...

Love the vest! There are sometimes outfits you wear that I don't connect with - and of course this happens with anyone courageous enough to post their outfits, no one is going to love everything - but THIS outfit ain't one of 'em. You look dashing, and the color of the dress is fantastic on you! Please, don't stop wearing this combination.

In the Weeds and the Whimsy said...

Where I live I feel like I'm stared out whenever I wear anything different (it doesn't help that I'm a giant) but I don't let it get to me.

Wear anything you want to lady.

That color and combination is dreamy anyway.

Laura said...

I love your vest and your hair. You look so fabulous!!!!

Grace M said...

I actually love the faux fur vest! It's really cute! I'm originally from South Dakota and, as much as I love my home state, I can tell some people think I'm "trying too hard" when they see my outfits when I go home. I'm sure there are plenty of fashionistas in SD, but I do think location can affect people's clothing outlook.

No worries, though. You look great; wear what you want!

Rachel said...

I'm liking the vest a lot and think it'd look lovely with a pair of skinny black jeans and quiet top. Maybe it's the drapey fabric paired with the fur that unsettles people? (i.e. a visceral textural response?). I'm surprised that you get strange looks in Lawrence--I haven't lived there in years, but it always seemed fashion conscious for a small midwestern town. Lawrence had better and more unique fashion than Austin!

ShelleyW said...

LOVE the fur vest. Keep rocking your outfits.....you look great and inspire me to let my creativity show!

Christine Cameron said...

Katy, I have to say that I was immediately drawn to this fur vest on you and thought how chic you looked. Keep rocking the faux fur! xox

Polina said...

good on you for not being afraid to wear what you want to! i love your boots a lot! x

Anonymous said...

I have a similar debate with myself about wearing things that seem noticeably out of the norm. Fur is one of those things. Also, crazy hats. I generally wear them anyway, as you did, but sometimes I wonder if impractical trends are worth the distraction and stare-factor. For now I'm saying yes, largely due to how awesome you look in your vest. It's gorgeous against the rich blue of your dress and really works with the shape of your outfit.

Jodi said...

LOVE this vest.. soooo cute and great with the blue. Ilook like a saskquatch in vests like this and am envious.. I wish I could wear them.. love it!!

have a great weekend! j