Celebrities and fur fashion is on the rise again.  In the 70's and 80's it was huge with out any sort of peta backlash then the fuzzy fashions hid in the back of closets for years.  Fur has been making appearances all over fashion mags, red carpets, and the streets lately.  Sometimes it's hard to say what's real and faux but fur is a trend that's sure to be seen a lot this winter.

I'm no vegetarian; I love a good burger or steak like a flower loves the rain, but I have to use my fingers and toes to count all the vegetarian/vegan friends I have.  I sympathize and understand their stance and I'm lucky enough that they all let me have my opinions on the matter of meat consumption as well.  But a few months ago I was walking around a flea market with one of my meat-free friends when we came upon a coat vender.  I fell in love with a red peacoat that happend to have fur on the collar and cuffs.  I tried it on and rubbed my face on the fur with a big smile.  My friend, on the other hand, crossed her arms and glared.  She asked with some sass, "How can you even try that horrible thing on?" I shrugged my shoulders and left it on the rack.

In the following days I received numerous links to websites and articles from her: furisdead.com, choosecrueltyfree.org and fur.elehost.com are just a few. (caution: links will send you to graphic websites)

I read what I could stomach and I understood her disgust with me and even now, I feel guilty because I still think fur looks good.  Okay, so I don't think this looks good:

                                                                                                                         evilbeetgossip.com

Mary J. Blige and Patty La Belle are head to toe in fur and I do think that's too much and can't even fathom how many animals were harmed in their production.  What can I say though, I think a touch of fur looks classy and sleek.  Now that I'm aware of the cruelty to animals, I know I'll make sure  anything I sport is faux fur.  However, I'm not going to run out and join Peta's cause; I believe people have the choice to purchase what they want as long as it's legal (but I think faux is the better option, personally).  Here's a website with a list of your fave. celebs (and designers) and whether they wear fur or are against it: caninescorner.org.

Donna Salyers' Fabulous Furs sells nothing but faux fur which looks just like the real thing: fabulousfurs.com.

                                                                                           fabulousfur.com/faux-fur-celebrity-scarf

This faux fure scarf comes in black fox, white mink (see above pictures), along with chinchila, crimson fox, Russian sable, and tipped fox.  They look like the real fur and will keep you just as warm.

I love this grey (faux) fox bolero vest.  I can see it going well over a dress or paired with a simple white shirt and black skinny jeans.

                                                                                                                          fabulousfur.com/grey-fox-bolero-vest

And fancy up an eveing dress with this white fox faux fur wrap (also comes in Russian sable).  It's just touch of fur and no animals were harmed for your fashionable accessory.

                                                                                                                             fabulousfur.com/white-fox-faux-fur-wrap

I don't think real fur-wearing celebs like LIndsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Ashely Olsen, Christina Ricci, or Eva Longoria should be shunned for wearing dead animals but I do understand why Peta and similar groups get so upset.

                                                    ecorazzi.com

There are other options for this trend and if more celebs, like Pamela Anderson and Natalie Portman,  endoursed the faux fur  then more people wouldn't be so queesy when it comes to fuzzy fashions.