Saturday, January 04, 2014

A Faux Fur Success Story


I dragged this coat home, soaked it in woolite, and after a few days of drip-drying over a Rubbermaid tub in the basement, I held my breath, brushed it out, and my $19.00 investment looks like a million bucks.
 

 
What you can't see well in the photos is the colour-the coat has a silver/white almost reflective sheen to it. I've never run across a fake fur of this quality where it has what I would call a sort of under-fur layer, just like the real thing. The collar is mink, but the body of the coat is synthetic. I have no idea what genuine seal fur is like, but if it is anywhere as glossy and soft as the imitation, I can see why it was so desirable.
I came home to a parcel of wonderful items from Janice at Columbia Creations. Among the many treasures was this sign. I have it propped in my front window until spring. Don't want those beatnik kids with their funny cigarettes and long playing records getting the idea they can abuse my lawn all winter.
I know the best people. I really do! Thank you Janice, my separated at birth sister.
Now, you can't go out wearing nothing but a faux seal coat (at least not in these parts) so I had to come up with something equally wonderful to wear beneath it.
 
Outfit Particulars:
1970's Maxi Dress-.98 Thrift World
1950's (possibly 60's) lined, mohair sweater by Sidney Gould-thrifted Goodwill
Blue gloves-Nobbies
Blue Tights-Shop-Ko
1950's Gaytees for J.C. Penny Shoes-Thrift America $2.99
Faux Seal Coat-Thrift America
Blue crystal-ish beads-thrifted
Blue plastic 3-strand beads-thrifted
Assorted bangles-thrifted all over
Coventry earrings and brooch-thrifted
1960's hat-Thrift World
1960's (possibly 70's) handbag-Thrift World
 Handbag detail.
 We walked through the exhibit, and I quietly tried explaining a few points about the works to Danny. I mean, I practically whispered because I didn't want to be the jerk spouting off in a gallery, you know? Anyway, I soon noticed we had a group of pensioners following us, cranking up their hearing aids, and trying to have someone make sense of Jasper Johns for them. I swear to god, the Joslyn should put me on the payroll. I'd be a great docent.

In all seriousness, I took a fair share of art history, and my mother was active in the art community. I always found it helpful when she'd have me look at a painting, then walk backwards from it across the room to view it again. I've tried to show Danny where the motion of a painting is going (if anywhere) and that sort of thing. It was too crowded to do a close study of any single work, but I want him to get more out of a visit than, "Oh look at that famous painting."
Rant over, let's get back to the clothes.
 Well, you'd look smug too if you just scared some young children out of the play area by posing for photographs in a silly hat. I do that so well.
 "Jeepers! Have you seen what passes for art in these galleries?"



As always, have a super-fucking nice weekend.
 
 
 

2 comments:

Roseclouds said...

I'm digging deep into your archives! What type of brush do you use on your faux fur? I have a closet full but I've never actually brushed them for fear of pulling chunks of fur out.

Thanks in advance!
-Dana

Goody said...

@Dana

I use a Revlon brush from their Gold series which is designed for brushing out very delicate hair after relaxing and processing. If you can't find one of those, a brush like you'd use on a baby's hair would also be good. The idea is to avoid bristles that would break the strands-the goal here is just to fluff and smooth.

Obviously, if you start getting too much coming off on the brush, then your faux can't take brushing and you should stop.

Hope it works for you.