Fur Real

... or more accurately faux fur real.  I am so in love with the fur trend that comes out in fall- it makes me feel like Doris Day sipping cocoa next to a fireplace.

But, from a practical standpoint fur creates some challenges.  The first is ahem financial- not only can I not justify coat that costs as much as my mortgage, but I always run the risk of anything from a sucker to spit-up getting ground into what I'm wearing.  Then, there is the issue of proportion- a curvy girl in a fur piece can tend to look a little... Sasquatch-y.  Lastly, I hate looking like I rushed out and bought a trend, and while fur (real or faux) is timeless- many of the styles I'm drawn to smack of this weeks fashion mags.

So I've gathered a collection of my fav, mostly faux, fur pieces.  Reasonably priced (under $200), body skimming (to avoid "bulk") and each with a touch of retro.  Eat your heart out daycare moms!

Fur Real by substyle featuring a faux fur trim coat

Fur dress
$75 - modcloth.com

ONLY fur cardigan
£48 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Faux fur trim coat
$170 - topshop.com

Fake fur vest
$105 - warehouse.co.uk

Helene berman
$46 - theoutnet.com

Zara fur heel boots
$159 - zara.com

Star by Julien Macdonald teal bag
£39 - debenhams.com

Abercrombie Fitch knitted shawl
$98 - abercrombie.com

Lipsy Snowflake Fur Earmuffs - Lipsy
£10 - lipsy.co.uk

The Big Purge

If you wonder where I've been lately, look in my closet.  Well, not my closet, but my guestroom closet.  In the four years we have lived in our house, we have had one room that has served as a catch-all.  Our guest room-cum office- soon to be a cotton candy pink paradise for a two year old.  That means getting rid of everything I'm not attached to, and finding a new home for all the keepers from photos to wrapping paper.

So... since I am currently obsessed with organizing my most precious possessions, here are a few of my top 5 space saving solutions.

1. Space Bags: I know, I know, right into the world of "as seen on TV" but I swear- I use these for everything- linens, baby clothes, sweaters... best of all they fit anywhere!

2. Wrapping paper storage: I dream of a wrapping paper station that looks like this

but in my mini house... I'm getting one that looks like this

 ...its actually a great solution with a spot for ribbon, tape and scissors as well as the bin space for the paper rolls.  Beats the heck out of propping the rolls up in the corner.

3. Bedroom office equipment: When my husband and I moved in together we agreed on a no TV in the bedroom rule.  I think TVs in the bedroom are the first step towards divorce...  But, with our spare room, we loose our home office which means all the bills and office equipment need a new home.  In the land of lap tops we don't need a n actual workspace, but we do need some equipment.  Enter the wireless printer- it communicates with my lap top in the living room and fits on a bedroom shelf without making me feel like I am sleeping in the office.

 4. Photo Storage: I have a million pre digital photos, and they aren't going anywhere.  So I love this 'Havana' platinum-grey medium photo box by Kolo - it's pretty enough to shelve (unlike the giant plastic bins I've been using) and made with archival paper to keep my treasures safe.

 

 5. Under the bed storage: This is my FAV- mostly because it make use of my vintage suitcase collection... currently taking up space in the garage.  And shamefully, I had never thought of it...  So much chicer than the plastic bins peeking out from under my bed now.  Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens for the idea!

And bonus- if I had no budget... and was in the market for some bonus storage, I'd embrace my Alice in Wonderland fantasy with this amazing shelving unit from Dust Furniture... to die for...