According to all the furriers I've worked with, if it doesn't snow and isn't freezing by Christmas, women wait until the following year to buy a fur. Also, with the economy the way it is, furs and all luxury items are not moving as well as they normally would. I recently bought myself a beautiful Lunaraine mink coat at Bloomingdale's at 50 percent off.
In early April, I brought in my older minks to be stored for the summer, saw this magnificent Lunaraine mink, tried it on and had to buy it, especially when I found out it was 50 percent off. New York winters can be really brutal. Fur is much warmer than cloth. If you buy a good fur and take reasonably good care of it, you can wear it for many years.
Here is what I've learned about fur. Certain furs shed. There's nothing you can do about it, they just do. And when I say shed, I mean so much fur comes off on everything and everyone without showing any bald spots that you think the fur must still be alive.
I've had rabbit and fox and I think they are probably the worst. Lynx is pretty bad, too. Mink does not shed, neither does sable. I know they're the most expensive, but I'm just stating a simple fact—they don't shed.
If you're going to buy a fur, buy something classic. This is not the time to be on the cutting edge of fashion. I remember the late Francoise de la Renta, wife of Oscar, fashion editor and perennial member of the Best Dressed List, saying she decided to buy a bright green mink coat with very unusual bell sleeves. After wearing it a couple of times, she realized she had made an enormous mistake. Fortunately, her furrier took it back and she bought a classic brown mink in its place. You probably won't be so lucky. You will have to live with your mistake for many years.
If you're buying mink, make sure it's made from female skins which are considered superior to male. Also, always wear a scarf around your neck so the oils of your skin don't soil the collar. And whatever fur you buy, don't consider it a rain or storm coat and wear it in the rain and snow. I know the animal wore it in bad weather, but once it's on your back, it has to be cared for.
Also, make sure it fits you. This is especially true if you're petite as I am. We're not looking for a fur blanket with sleeves. Buy the right thing and it will keep you toasty and beautiful for many years to come.
Miriam Silverberg is a freelance writer and the owner of Miriam Silverberg Associates, a boutique publicity agency in Manhattan. She may be reached at silverbergm@mindspring.com.