Faux fur is everywhere...

I know I mentioned I saw a lot of Faux in New York last week, but I am also seeing it everywhere in LA.  Today I had to go to Target. As soon as I walked in there was faux fur on the first display. The jackets had faux fur hoods or lapels and the hats and mittens were all about the faux fur.

           

After Target I went home and checked my mail box. To no surprise there was a Pottery Barn Teen catalogue. Since I just finished building a house there are always catalogues in my mailbox, but Pottery Barn, weather it's Teen, Bed & Bath, or Baby, is always there at least once a week.  On the front cover are faux fur bean bags. Inside it shows faux fur totes, chairs covered in faux fur, sleeping bags lined in faux fur, and many other items.

        

So many of these items would make easy DYI projects and probably cost half the price. I love the idea of the sleeping bag. All kids love having a cute sleeping bag. How great would it be to make one that was all furry on the inside and had a great print on the outside. With a little searching I found this website that has good tutorial. While she is making a child size sleeping bag, she says you can adjust it be a teen/adult size. The tote is also so cute. If you made it large enough it would be a great diaper bag or just a cute bag for your teen to throw her overnight clothes into. The ear phones and the travel neck pillow are great holiday gift ideas. Here are a few links to help you get the neck pillow going. For a free pattern check out this site or for a good tutorial click here. Bean bags are another great idea for the teens in your life. They can always use another place for their friends to hang. The only problem, as I have found out, is that they are very expensive. Here is a website that has instructions on how to make your own. I may have to try this one.

So if you get the inkling to try one of these DYI's make sure you check out our faux fur. They range from $24 to $41 per yard. Also we love to see the finished project as well. Go to our Facebook page and post a picture so everyone can get inspired.  Lastly, don't say you heard it from this little birdie, our faux fur just may be going on sale this month.

What I've learned

Yesterday at 12:30pm the store mannequins were naked! What I've learned since I entered the retail world is that on October 31st, anytime after 12pm, Christmas is coming, and it's coming NOW! This is always a bit sad to me, but it is the way it is. I was at Home Depot last week and Halloween was long gone. Reindeer's were lite up and Santa was ready for the roof.  My 5 year old was so confused. She said, "Isn't Thanksgiving soon? Why is the store decorated for Christmas?" As a parent I hate that we rush through the year. I want to enjoy each season and holiday, but as a worker in the retail world you're always months ahead. We buy Christmas fabrics 6 months in advance, if not more. We're talking about Spring before we even see Winter. It's just the way it is. So yesterday when I saw the mannequins in booty shorts and bras I knew it was time for some holiday sparkle. So no surprise that this morning I was greeted with sparkle galore!

                                       

                          

                                                     

I love the little metallic dress. The mix of gun metal, gold, and black. Very chic! The nod to the 40's is also very classic and fun. The coat and the off the shoulder knit shirt is great for a night out, if only we would get some cooler weather. After being in NY I was all set to keep my winter gear out, but instead I put them back in the drawer. We're so lucky to have such amazing weather, but I am ready to snuggle up in a faux fur vest or jacket.

The streets of New York

Being in New York is a mix of chaos and beauty at all times. As I walk from Mid Town to Soho I hear horns and music from a street musician, I see trash on the sidewalks and beautiful cabbage plants growing in the center divider.



I smell subway fumes



and bakery delights.



I have to say every time I visit New York I truly enjoy myself. Yesterday on my walk I was inspired by some of the great windows I saw or the shops I went into. I just want to share a few pictures with you. Hopefully they will inspire you too.

I love this bed from Jonathan Adler. While there is no way I can afford this, I love the shape of the headboard and the mix of pillows. A subtle nod to Morocco. I think I can achieve the same look in my new master bedroom for 1/3 of the price by shopping lower priced stores and/or making a few of my own pillows with our fabric.



These chairs were right in the front of the store. The chevron is still going strong. So many stores in Soho were featuring it. I like the look, maybe even just for an ottoman. We are getting more & more home decorating fabric everyday.



Another trend that is still going strong is the spike. I saw them on so many types of shoes and in so many different store windows. Of course there was the standard spike,there was also a great skull on the flat, and then the surprise was the spiked converse. Check out our spikes and studs, both in store & online.

                                                               

One of the stores I always visit while in New York is the ABC Carpet & Home store. Again very pricey, but always inspiring. This time they were in full swing for Christmas so I had to look for home items that were not all about the holidays. The one thing they had tons of were pillows. Every color pallet you could think of was represented. I just snapped a few pictures.  I loved the idea of infusing these bright colors throughout my house, yet being able to change it up easily if I tire of them. The pinks were so fun.


As were the neutrals with their texture and metallic pops. I know we just received a few metallic Jacquard that would work great.



Another thing they were doing a lot of was making fairly small pillows out of a variety of sequins or sea beaded fabric. Many of them were in holiday colors, but here are a few that were not. Again, a fun pop for any room especially if you're having a holiday party. Even a runner made with what someone else would use for their party dress will add glam to any table. 

Lastly, felting was popular. I saw felted scarfs and big flowers that really were just a fun accent for the home, but these children's shoes/slippers really caught my eye. They were so colorful and fun. 

Here's a blog that has very similar elf slippers. They are made with Cascade 220. Check out all our colors. So many options.

Also here is a free pattern for the elf slippers.

Of course, there were so many great apparel items. I could have taken picture after picture, but my husband got tired of losing me when I would stop to take pictures when he wouldn't realize & would just keep walking. It was comedy after awhile. Here are three of my favorite pieces.

                              

I love the nubbiness of the sweater wraps. The three looks in the Rebecca Taylor window are all so chic. I wish you could see the last look better. I love the sequin jacket with the skinny black pant. So simple and put together. Lastly, I had to represent the faux fur that was everywhere in New York. I also love the crop leather jacket!

Well that is it. I'm on my way home. Hopefully we will get back next fall and I will bring you more from the streets.

Faux Fur Fun For Kids!

We carry so many of these faux furs. Many of these kids projects can be done with less than a yard. I love the vest.

Sew and Tell - Holiday Projects

Love this idea for any holiday, not only Halloween. Thanks!

DIY Feather Clutch

Another cute DYI. We have all the supplies in our store. Also check out our feathers online. I think some great chain would make it even better. I may try this one!

Halloween 2009: The Pink Poodle

What a cute and simple costume. Great use of fleece and ball fringe!