reLYME

Recently, a friend of mine, knowing that I am anti-fur, asked my opinion on whether or not she should buy a vintage fur coat for chilly New York City nights. This got me thinking about faux fur. Maybe it isn't as warm as the real deal, but it's cruelty free, and will warm your shivering bones to their core.

From vest to coat, here are four faux fur options to keep you toasty in cooler months ahead:

Forever21 - Urban Faux Fur Vest, $24.80

Topshop - Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat, $160

Express - Faux Fur Cropped Coat, $168

Fred Flare - Faux Fur Isabelle Coat, $153

So, the long awaited day came and went - the opening of the TopShop store on Broadway and Broome. I was terribly excited...and then terribly annoyed.

I'd always wondered when a TopShop would venture over to U.S. waters. Of course, so did about a billion other people who showed up for the opening. (Please note, these numbers are not accurate. They only serve as an exaggerated approximation.)

On the short commute from the office to the store, I noticed some H&M employees standing on a corner, handing out H&M magazines in a desperate attempt to draw business away from TopShop. (This actually worked, because I ended up stopping by H&M later on.)

I arrived to a flurry of eager fashionistas and bouncers, all waiting for their chance to enter the promised land. An explosion of confetti, a mysterious Kate Moss (mysterious, because I couldn't see her), a man dressed like Where's Waldo, TopShop cookies and water...it was definitely not all I thought it would be. But, I did enjoy reading the coverage via Twitter during the afternoon.

I'll more than likely wait a couple of weeks before really venturing to TopShop.

[gallery=26]

While 80's punk bands helped to popularize the trend of adding studs to clothing and accessories, it's the fall 2009 runway that has aided in resurrecting it. Designers like Balmain, Alexander Wang, and Marc Jacobs have given voice to the resurgence of studded garments, inspiring mainstream stores to open their doors to the stud-loving public with a rebel yell.

And while some studded accessories carried by some stars (a la Mary-Kate Olsen) might be a bit out of your budget, or cause people to think you're a bit out of your mind, there are some more cost-efficient, and slightly more feminine alternatives. (Don't worry: you'll still feel like a modern day Joan Jett.)

Alexander McQueen for Target, $20

Revolve, $91


Heritage 1981, $33


Journeys, $50


TopShop.com, about $82

*Photo courtesy of Racked.com


According to Racked, the posters have now been removed from the windows, offering passersby the opportunity to see the future store, in all it's pre-opening glory! The SoHo store is set to open on April 2, leaving this girl feel anxious, excited, broke, and a whole slew of emotions!