Faux or not, Willow St. will have you leaving feeling sexy and trendy regardless.  Trend Alert!!  Place your orders now for the Nerese Jacket by Velvet which is  featured in a fabulous faux leopard print. Gorgeous! Plus the Ayanna Jacket by Velvet is featured in a fabulous faux shearling and is due to arrive in store approximately 9/30/10.  Quantities are Limited.

I asked our accessory buyer Linda her take on the topic: “I wear both real and faux leathers.  If you are going for a splurge, treat yourself to a timeless piece that you will have for years to come.  Go faux for a style steal, something fun or trendy.  Faux is a lot easier and cheaper to take care of, at the same time I do like a nice leather shoe.”

What is Faux Leather or Faux Fur?

Faux leather is essentially fake leather. Instead of being made of animal skins, these fabrics replicate the look of leather.  There are many names under which faux leather may be called, pleather being one.  Many reasons exist why people want faux leather or faux furs. It is usually cheaper. Some consumers avoid leather or fur for ethical reasons, as might vegans or vegetarians.

Today, many love faux fur as a popular alternative to real fur. Some faux fur representations are so like the appearance of real fur that it can be hard to even tell the difference. The number of people buying real fur has steadily declined. Major designers are often pressured by organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to switch to faux fur instead and feel PETA has valid points.

Tips – How to tell the difference between faux and the real deal.

These days designer bags can be found just about anywhere, especially from the street vendors in NYC.  Always check  the edging of the cut leather inside the bag. Real leather has a rough look while faux leather looks or even feels like foam or plastic. Leather has a silky smooth feel and is consistent all over. Fake leather will be artificially smooth and have an inconsistent feel.  Smell the product, faux usually won’t have any smell at all.  Check out the stitching, sloppy construction and inconsistencies are easy giveaways. Real bags are not lined, but replicas are.