AR-News: (FL) Miami Herald promoting fur

[Glickman37 at aol.com]

Although the author mentions faux fur in the article, the furs in the 
accompanying photos are not labeled faux and look real. To see the photos, go to 
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/7805376.htm

To email the editors: efernandez at herald.com, sacoca at herald.com

Posted on Wed, Jan. 28, 2004            
    
SALES
Rack without ruin: Tips on winter sales
BY MADELEINE MARR
mmarr at herald.com

Many of us who live in warm climates have an ironic relationship with winter 
fashions. At the malls we paw longingly over superfluous shearlings, buttery 
cashmere wraps and angora booties. Then we snicker at news reports of 
wrapped-to-the-gills souls slogging it out in the frozen North.

Shearlings aside, we actually have it pretty good. Temps, on occasion, do 
acquiesce to fab frosty styles like faux fur. And with our version of ''winter'' 
about to roll over to spring -- retailers from Sears to Saks have entered 
serious sales mode.

But just because something is on the sale rack doesn't mean you have to buy 
it. Laverne-style monograms, tweed and Mod were among 2003's most fun trends, 
but they're dirt-bound. Driver and newsboy caps are also headed out. Look for 
leftovers of femme, flouncy fits, fluttery hems, and bold, bright colors as 
your ticket (they're the big news in spring fashion). Guys, you'll never go wrong 
with a great fitting pair of jeans with a little stretch. Just please, no 
holes.

And advice for both sexes: the cargo pant is packing up.

A roundup of hip stores and what their soon-to-be-history winter merchandise 
can do for your spring wardrobe.

MEN'S WEAR

• Old Navy: Get your staples now -- at 50 percent to 80

percent off. Some jeans online ( www.oldnavy.com) are just $9.99 -- in baggy- 
and easy-fit ''antique'' washes. $9.99 is also the magic number for fleeces. 
They may seem wintry, but fleece is breathable, meaning it can conform to 
mercury changes, like out-of-control air conditioning. The V-neck's a winner. If 
you normally wear a large, buy it in medium, to attain a sleek silhouette.

• Banana Republic: Count on these guys to hook you up with bargains, 
eventually (and sometimes sooner). Their tops are, well, tops. A stretch poplin shirt 
in always matchable gray is retail robbery at $29.99. Two black cotton twill 
chinos (the Smithfield and Emerson, $29.99) are must-haves, to dress up and 
down. Extra-fine merino wool is doable for nights out at chilly clubs; their 
open-collared polo sweater ($19.97) moves you in and out of the office. Blazers 
will still see you through all kinds of events and weather. Invest in one with 
some cashmere (under $300).

• Urban Outfitters: Earn your fashion stripes here, where cheap finds include 
a $29.99 vintagey, bold cotton blend shirt. Wear it untucked. Playful T's 
with sayings are going to carry into this season. Paul Frank's logo ''Tune in 
Tokyo'' shirts were slashed to $14.99. Western styles are going south, so don't 
go there.

WOMEN'S WEAR

• Forever 21: You can never go wrong with a knee-length A-line denim skirt. 
And you can only go right with spending $11.99 for one. Add to your shopping 
cart F21's acrylic nylon faux fur trimmed crew, now $12.99 online ( www.for 
ever21com). This is a versatile item; pair it with a mid-thigh mini, boots and a 
cami. It seems hard to let go of corduroy: F21's way-cute $12.99 hot pink (the 
color is still in, just now it goes with chocolate, not black), stretch cord 
short jacket, if left unbuttoned, can translate year-round with a band top or 
sheer T underneath.

• Bebe: Bebe's end-of-the-year sale gives you up to 50 percent off most of 
the merchandise ( www.bebe.com). That awesome $80 black rabbit wrap is down to 
$34.50. You must own it, even if you have to accessorize your sofa with the 
thing. Leather is always an iffy proposition round these parts. But if you wear 
strappy sandals, fish nets and a feather light, one-shouldered top, you won't 
melt. Bebe's linear version, is $72.

• Guess: Long-sleeved turtlenecks will boil even the thinnest of blood. Go 
for the sleeveless model here ($42.99). It's white with a ''G?J'' blue logo. A 
seasonal stretch denim short jacket ($72.99) has got your back on AC days and 
breezy oceanside nights.

    
    

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