Friday, November 4, 2011

Fall's Favorite Textures

It's official. The weather has indicated that it is, in fact, autumn. Temperatures are just cold enough that we'll need to start bundling up and preparing ourselves for the long, cold winter. Some of us have already gotten snow, and others (myself included) continue to get nothing but rain in the way of precipitation. Don't get me wrong, fall is a great season. The colors of the changing leaves can be truly spectacular, the fireplace can finally be put to good use, and warm apple cider abounds in the grocery stores and farmer's markets. Autumn is a great season, leading up to the holidays and soon enough, the new year.

One of my favorite things about fall is all the opportunity to work new fabrics and textures into my wardrobe. Gone are the light cottons and linens of summer and spring, and heavier fabrics take over to provide warmth and comfort, both in clothes and in the home. Here, I'll be reviewing some of the best textures that fall has to offer. Enjoy!

Faux fur: Faux fur is a fabulous and luxurious texture that, when done right, is just as warm and soft as the real thing. With so many kinds of high-quality faux fur, there is not reason to pay exorbitant prices for something that was taken from an animal in a painful and torturous fashion. Faux fur looks great in the luxurious coats we associate with winter in the chilly northern cities, where it's almost necessary when braving the weather! Faux fur is also great as trim for boots, and makes a beautiful statement on shoes and purses. Last year, Prada's fur scarves were all the rage, and it's a trend that I can definitely get behind (in its more humane alternative, of course). For a warm and cozy touch for your home, a faux fur blanket looks great on your couch and is perfect for snuggling under on the cold days or just to take a nap. Other accents, like pillows and cushions, add a touch that makes you want to hunker down and start hibernation a little early.

Some basic examples of faux fur - don't you just wanna pet it!


Faux fur vests were all the rage last year - how are you gonna rock this trend?


Prada's crazy-colorful fur scarves! For instructions on how to make your own, check out this great DIY from Atlantis Home here.

Faux fur blankets are soft and warm!


Wool/Fleece: Wool is a fabric that's been around for hundreds of years. Since people started spinning sheep's wool into fibers and then into fabrics, wool has provided warmth and comfort for ages. A wool blanket is a great thing to have at bonfires, when it can get a little chilly. Wool is a great choice because it's easy to wash and is incredibly warm. Wool jackets, like the popular North Face, become very popular in the fall and winter seasons because they're easy to throw on and off as necessary without having to worry about much damage. Wool sweaters are also a great and popular choice in clothing as the weather cools down!

This is what wool starts out as - straight off the sheep!

Wool scarves and socks are great ways to keep warm!

The popular fleece North Face jacket

Wool sweaters for women and men!

A necklace made of wool - how creative!


Leather: Leather is a classic texture that has been popularized for quite some time. Back in the day, the indians used leather for countless purposes, and for good reason. Leather is a durable, warm and dependable product that does its job and does it well. Leather jackets became popular when the "bad boys" and motorcycle gangs made black leather their signature, and since then the look has been here to stay. Leather jackets are still a popular pick for fall, and many leather alternatives are now available for those who don't wish to wear animal skins. Leather boots are also a very popular item during the colder months, and provide a chic and edgy way to stay warm (wear wool socks underneath and it's footwear nirvana!). Leather's softer cousin, suede, is also a great choice for fall. It's as warm as real leather, and provides a softer feel and finish that begs to be touched. Suede jackets and boots are also popular, but suede also makes a great fabric for purses and (believe it or not) blankets!

Leather jackets for men and women are a modern classic.

Leather boots are really popular during the fall season.

A suede men's jacket - can you see the difference in texture?

Suede heels in a beautiful cranberry color - perfect for fall! Wear these with a little black dress to add a pop of color.


A suede blanket with a wool or faux fur lining is the perfect touch for fall at your home.


I hope you've enjoyed this post and have some great new ideas for what to wear to stay warm this fall!