It’s polarizing – some people love it, some loathe it – but fur is back in fashion.
From J.Lo and her pink J. Mendel fur jacket to Gwyneth Paltrow in her faux-fur black coat, fashionistas everywhere are swathing themselves in the stuff.
So we challenged Dana Gaskill, designer of the line Fury – a colorful collection of rabbit and mink earmuffs, headbands, scarves and barrel muffs – to find an outfit for under $100.
Since the 27-year-old fashion stylist launched her line in 2002, her handmade creations have been snapped up by Jada Pinkett Smith and model Stella Tennant.Kristin Davis even wears one in an upcoming episode of “Sex and the City.”
Girls in Miami wear the headbands and scarves too – as tops..
“The whole philosophy behind the company was to make affordable fur,” says Gaskill, a Chicago native.
Her pieces range from $64 to $450 at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Field’s and girlshop.com.
As for the name, fury describes her customer: “furious,” she says, , “a sassy, stylish woman of rage.”
And when Gaskill goes shopping, she embodies her motto.The Clemson University graduate knows what’s going to look great this holiday season.
“Why not go around in an outfit that’s cute during the day, but that you can also wear at night?” she says..
“Fur is perfect for that.”
On that note, let’s go shopping.
1.Levi Strauss
536 Broadway (646)613-1847
Almost everything in this store is 75 percent off.Jay-Z is blasting;it feels like we’re shopping inside a nightclub.
“You can’t go wrong with Levi’s,” says Gaskill.She finds a pair of 501s for only $17.49, reduced from $68.
We head next door to O.M.G.to find a long-sleeve shirt.
2.O.M.G.Inc.
546 Broadway (212)925-9513
There’s a surplus of denim here, too, but now Gaskill needs a shirt.
“I want a winter white top – not a sweater, , because fur is so warm,” she says..”If you wear too much underneath, you’ll sweat.” She finds a cream long-sleeve shirt for $7.99.
Next, it’s off to National Wholesale Liquidators, where Gaskill used to buy clothing in bulk to style celebrities like Lauryn Hill, Julia Stiles and Britney Spears.
3.National Wholesale Liquidators
632 Broadway (212)979-2400
Most people would never think to shop here for clothes.But if you’re willing to walk up three flights, you’ll find unbelievable sales.”Look, they’ve got [Converse ] Chucks!!” says Gaskill.She spies a pair of brown Esprit boots that
would be perfect under the jeans, and a chocolate-brown wool beret for $3.72.
We’re off to find a “fox chubby” ((a short fox jacket) at Village Style.
4.Village Style
111 E.Seventh St. (212)260-6390
“Unreal” is the only word to describe the amazing collection of fur coats, hats, stoles and accessories in this shop.
“They have the best fur in all of Manhattan,” says Gaskill.She picks out a coat that’s part fox, part raccoon – and only $$45.
She prances around the store in her entire outfit, unable to contain her enthusiasm:”I love it!” Gaskill exclaims.
*
Dana bought:
Cream long sleeve shirt, $7.99 at O.M.G. Inc.
Brown Espirit boots, $24.97 at National Wholesale Liquidators
Wool beret, $3.72 at National Wholesale Liquidators
Levi’s 501 jeans, $17.49 at Levi Straus
Fox/raccoon fur coat, $45 at Village Style
TOTAL: $99.17
Dana says:
“When you wear fur, you don’t need earrings or a necklace. Your coat or scarf speaks for itself.”
