Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Yes, I wear faux fur....and I have an opinion on vintage fur...

Fur.  Just the word is enough to set off a huge argument is certain situations.  People have extremely strong views on the wearing of animal hides.  Personally, I don't wear new furs.  Yes, I said it.  New furs.  This may cause some extreme reactions.  I'm willing to take that chance and to step outside of my comfort zone and make my case.

I wear faux fur.  I love it.  I love the way it looks, the way it feels and the way people stop and give me that "is she wearing a real fur" look.  I've had some rather ugly comments made to me when wearing the coat my husband bought for me several years ago. 

When we were first married, my husband bought me a beautiful, machine washable, reversible "mink" and shearling jacket.   Totally faux but it was so convincing.  Last week he bought me a full length "mink and chinchilla" coat.  This thing is the softest and warmest coat I have ever owned.  I love it.

Yes, I have had some people tell me that wearing faux is like saying it's ok and that it may encourage others to wear the real thing.  Frankly, I don't see it.  I think that is like saying "if you eat a veggie burger you might encourage a vegetarian to eat real meat."  Ummmm....no.

I also feel that wearing vintage fur is ok.  It's here, it has been around for many, many years and if you choose to wear it, it's ok.  It is a part of our history.  What would you do?  Dispose of it?  Not me.  I will honor it and wear it but will be sure to inform those that want to know that it is an old piece that was not farmed and that it came from a time when we were very ignorant about animal rights and protection.  I do not endorse any new fur farming and harvesting techniques.

That being said, I wait for the barrage of hell fire that will inevitably follow.  I don't have any vintage furs right now.  I don't plan on going out and buying them in the near future.  I just understand that there are those who feel the way I do.  This is something that happened in the past.  I have several friends who own such pieces and have said that taking care of these items and loving them somehow makes them feel as though the animal is remembered.  I think that is ok.  That is just my opinion.

I love the look.  I love the feel.  I choose to wear faux. Some of the new faux pieces on the market are so convincing it is hard to tell the difference at first glance or touch.  Wow!  The technology is incredible.  If wearing faux fur offends you, don't do it.  Just don't attack those who do enjoy it.  I find it odd that people seem to think it is ok to attack others based on their personal choices.  The very same people who have had strong opinions about my love of faux fur have also been quite militant when their own lifestyle choices are questioned.  They don't want anyone stepping on their rights to eat, live, dress, love, worship. or vote in a particular way.   Why then do they feel they have the right to step on my rights?  Rather contradictory if you ask me.   I don't get all bent out of shape that you don't eat or worship or dress the way I do, what gives you the right to get crazy that I wear fake animal fur and go to a particular place of worship?  I'm amused by this, then I'm offended.   I understand having strong views and opinions.  I have them too.  I just don't choose to push them down your throat.

Why am I writing about this today?  I suppose I just want to state my case.  I want to make my point.  I love certain things, you don't have to.  The same people who claim to hate bullying will attack others for their choices.  That's bullying.  I love faux fur, I also have an appreciation for vintage fur. Before you get really ugly with me, stop and think, are you expressing your opinion or are you being a bully?  I can and will respect your opinion and your point of view, I won't respect being bullied (bring it on, I'm not easily intimidated and do not respond well to those who try). 

It's getting colder.  My new coat will make it's debut soon.  Love it or hate it, its my choice.  For those of you who really love faux...I have some really great news...if you want a full length piece at an extremely affordable price, I know where to get it! Send me a message and I'll shoot you the links. (I said links not lynx so calm down.)

Nope that's not the coat and it's certainly not me. It is a faux piece and it is affordable and it is beautiful.  No, I don't get a kick back for showing it.  I just think it's lovely. 

Whatever your personal choices are today, have a good day.  I hope it's warm, soft and beautiful.

xoxo ~Sharon


2 comments:

  1. I wear the crap out of faux fur. I don't wear vintage fur because I don't wear any real vintage and I don't like new fur because of the "oh look at me, I have money" connotations behind it. No one has ever given me crap and I live in a major city.

    One time in a small convenience store I saw a woman in a floor-length real fur coat, fur gloves, and matching fur hat. It was 60 degrees outside (jacket weather!). SHE is one of the reasons I can't stand real fur! But as you said -- wear whatever you like and can afford!

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  2. Love it! I totally understand what you are saying about the "look at me I have money" issue. Annoying. My new coat looks like money...it isn't! This area is better for that kind of thing than when I lived up in the mountains of Western North Carolina...they were...militant. Thanks for your comment. Rock that faux!!!

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