| There are many fabrics available today, that were not available in the days of yesteryear; such as Patagonia's idea of wearing recycles plastics, or wrapping ourselves in man-made fibers and fiberfills, but what we do know is that for centuries, fur as kept mankind warm and comfortable. Certainly, there are some fabrics today that will keep you warm, but are they breathable? Or do they make you break-out, or perspire? Fur, a very natural, nature-made warming product is light weight, non-cumbersome, breathable, and of course, gorgeous! Just ask anyone, a fur coat is natures way of keeping warm. Why just think of the Indians or the caveman or the cowboy. Now, think of yourself in an elegant fur.
Faux fur is available in coats and jackets and stroller lengths, but they do not keep you as nicely bundled as a genuine fur does. And whether your idea of staying warm and comfortable means thinking of yourself or of the animal first, in our house, if Mother is chilled and uncomfortable, the entire family is miserable.
I believe the roaring 20's had a great idea. And I am referring to the men wearing fur coats. Full-length raccoon is great to wear and great to be seen in, especially for a man. Admit it women, when you see a man in a fur coat, a real fur coat, your minds goes crazy with thoughts, financially and romantically!
In my case, after we moved to a snowy region, and I endeared my wife with her first true fur coat, she new she'd married well! But then the practicality of the fur set in and she wanted fur coats and jackets for all of our children! Yes, I knew the children would be warmer, "but, but, but, I'd say, this is not Canada," and she'd reply, they'd be so warm! Yes, granted, I'd thought, okay, I said, if they complain about being too cold and miserable, I'd entertain the concept for my children. Boy, did I have a time keeping them in long johns and down! But the kids never complained as they marched in from looking like the "Michelin Man" from sledding, as I filled them with hot cocoa and praised their adventuresome spirit. So, with the money I saved from buying new little kid furs, I was able to shower my devoted wife with other fur accessories to warm her body as well as her heart. Plus, since fur styles change, every few years a new full-length coat was on my gift list to her. And this year is no different, I know my furrier by name, and he and I will design this year's Valentine's Day stroller.
My wife has kept some of her furs over the years. She summers them in the fur storage, as our house is humid and hot during the summer. Furs need a refrigerator temperature and low humidity to stay beautiful. And after all, furs really could be looked upon as an investment. My wife has frequently sold her furs as "gently used" to stores. One of those stores is now selling their furs on-line. And recently, I came across an on-line furrier whose reputation precedes them and they are selling them directly at a deep discount; while his retailers are bumping up the price! Above, all know your furrier and their reputation.
There are all types of furs as you well know. Today, with all of the environmentalists, there are some rodents and animals who have overpopulated and Joe Schmoe hunter can receive $3.00 on a pelt just for sport. In truly cold climates, it's not a sin to wear a fur to be warm, it's the norm.
When choosing a fur, keep in mind a few factors, such as lengths: full length about 52", calf length about 42", above-the knee length, jacket, and the girly-look, the stroller. There is also the stole, a single sweep of fur wrapped about; the cape, any length, but mainly sold short, like a jacket.
Then there's the collars.tuxedo, very popular today, which is a single strip framing the neckline and front; shall, great for flipping up for more neck and face warmth; notched also great for flipping up; and of course the mandarin collar.
There are cuffs: flipped up and wide; elastic; bracelet, which is gently banded like a bracelet; and even nothing, just straight from the sleeve.
The sleeves can be inset, dolman, lightly padded or even off the shoulder.
Be certain your fur is bright and shiny. Be certain the guardian fur, the longest of the fur hairs, is long and luxurious. If a coat is used, wherever the most wear occurred is where there will be loss of guardian fur.
Fur can be sheared, which is unbelievably soft and in no way affects the warmth. Sheared fur is trimmed fur, thereby eliminating the length of the guardian fur.
A great fur has even-pelt colorings and markings, so that they lay next to each other in seamless fashion.
Lynx fur and bobcat coats are extremely expensive, as is Chincilla. And so is sable. But sable is expensive because the exporter keeps a very tight reign on what leaves the country and thereby controls the market. Lynx is gorgeous and its best pelts are not the multi-spotty pelts, which come from the underbelly, but rather the main top fur of the lynx.
Your fur garment should be sewn with long pelts. If short, or square or rectangular pelts are used, which is fine, it's just a lesser expense, and a more casual look.
This season, of course, my wife noticed, "fur was in". I wondered when it ever went out! In fashion today, although coyote is being used because of its overpopulation, some women believe that a true fur is a mink fur. You decide. I believe all furs are great.
And in freezing foul weather, it's just one layer to remove instead of five or more! Just keep the snow off by shaking it off in the mudroom first and then hanging it up. Taking care of your fur will make last longer and it will also keep up the value when you go to sell it, that is, if you go to sell it!
So, stay warm and be a sweetheart to your sweetheart this Valentine's Day! Buy him or her the gift of warmth from the warmth of your heart. Buy a fur!
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