Fur Warmth, Fur Fun

They say the time to buy an antique is when you see it. The same goes for a beautiful fur piece, but actually, the best time to buy is at the end of the winter season.

Storing furs in the off-season requires cold storage, which is a bit of a problem in the Gulf Coast region To alleviate the storage problem, dealers often offer steep discounts to move furs. It's not a problem for the consumer either, if the closet is available in the coolest room in the house.

The buyer should consider having the fur cleaned and glazed though. Most vintage furs probably have't been recently 'conditioned.' The marginal cost for these processes is reasonable and will add years to a fur piece. Since vintage furs are more affordable than new, at discounted at the end of the season, it would be money well spent. Fur storage is offered as a value-added service.

Why is cleaning and glazing essential? It rids the fur piece of grime, perfume, etc., but most importantly, it conditions the back of the pelts, keeping them supple and from becoming brittle. When selecting a fur, think contrast. The fur shouldn't blend in with the color of your hair. A contrasting color allows the fur to frame and enhance the face.

Some dos and don'ts to preserve your fur...

- Never store your fur in plastic! Use a mesh sip-up bag so the fur can breathe.

- Never store the fur near heat as it will dry the pelts out making them brittle.

- Getting caught in wet weather is no reason to panic. Shake off the excess moisture, towel dry, then hang in a cool, airy space. Keep in mind that fur-bearing creatures get wet all the time and dry out.

Purpose is the most important consideration. If the fur being purchased is for warmth, then consider a coat which covers the majority of the body. If it's designed to be a fashion accessory, then a wrap or stole will do; more recently referred to as a wrap or a 'fling.' A wrap is an excellent choice as it can be used year round. Truthfully, restaurants keep the temperature low so patrons won't linger. Throw the stole over your arm when going in and around your shoulders if the restaurant tries to freeze you out. The demand for these smaller fashion furs has soared with the popularity of "Downton Abbey," the period drama that air on the PBS station. See related article "The Fasions of Downton Abbey" http://bit.ly/2eccYqJ

For whatever reason, long-lasting wear makes a fur a best buy. The only thing that hasn't been discussed is the social attitude. Keep in mind that fur has been worn since the cave man era. It doesn't do any good for vintage furs to be discarded in a landfill. Recycle them and enjoy!