Faux Fur for the Fur Fearing

Socks and sandals. North Face jackets and shorts. This is the fashion equivalent of peanut butter and jelly to my friends from the Pacific Northwest. Lest this sound judgey, please remember for a second, friends, all of the times you made fun of my pointy-toed stilettos and massive statement necklaces. Bygones. However, of all the PNW fashion trends that I found perplexing (really, if it is cold enough to require a giant ski jacket, it is also cold enough to require pants. Just sayin.), the most elusive was the puffy vest. After seven years, the puffy vest continues to defy all fashion logic for me. And I even purchased a puffy vest and wore it once. I'm still confused.

I had all but eschewed all vests for good when I stumbled upon the SoCal version of the puffy vest while on my weekly to the TJ Maxx: the faux fur vest. Suddenly, I felt that stirring in my chest that told me I had happened upon a game changer. As with most life changing discoveries, this one was met with some uncertainty. Could I really pull off a faux fur vest? I instantly flashed back to a moment this summer when a couple of sales girls at the Nordstrom Rack played on all of my unrealized Cochella dreams and convinced me to purchase a (rather expensive) black leather fanny pack with silver studs. And I don't even like silver accents on black leather! Luckily, my temporary insanity lapsed and I was able to successfully return that little fashion snafu. Bygones. Was I on the verge of making a similar mistake? Rather than give in to my faux fur insecurities, I decided to channel my inner Fonda and consult my inspiration board. I am showing you what I have marked for identification purposes as Kami's Exhibit 1: Jane Fonda circa Klute.   

Despite her character's profession, which, if you have not seen the film, is the world's oldest profession, Fonda looks oddly refined. Therein lies the lesson. Keep the overall look polished, and you can get away with almost anything! Behold, three ways to gloss up the Cali version of the puffy vest:  

1. Faux Fur Vest, H&M, $14.95.

2. Mossimo Women's Tissue Turtleneck Top, Target, $8.00.

3. Navy Lightweight Wool Skirt, Banana Republic, $79.50.

4. Kate Spade New York Deb Wedges, Zappos, $155.99.

1. Faux Fur Vest, H&M, $14.95.

2. Halogen Tie Neck Blouse, Nordstrom, $78.00.

3. Braided Trim Trouser Jeans, Old Navy, $39.94.

4. Michael Michael Kors Harlow Sandal, Zappos, $69.99

1. Faux Fur Vest, H&M, $14.95.

2. Ya Los Angeles Chiffon Maxi, Piperlime, $49.97.

3. ASOS FOUND Leather Toe Post Plait Flat Sandal, Asos, $27.27.

4. Foley and Corinna Mid City Tote, Amazon, $395.00.

And with that, I rest. What do you think, Oregon friends? Have I persuaded you to abandon your puffy vests for the fuzzier version? Or are you more convinced than ever that quilting is queen? 

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