national velvet

Everyone is infatuated with all things velveteen. It's a beautifully delicate texture that begs to be felt. The mere thought of the word invokes images of cuddly stuffed rabbits (saddest book EVER!), creepy '70s dolls with perfect hair, and the smooth sounds of Lou Reed and Nico. Now, with winter and holidays just around the corner, we think of shorts, dresses, skirts, and leggings. The velour trend is in full-swing, and it's the perfect fancy touch to any holiday outfit or just an extra special addition to a pair of denim or a tee.

Velour-wearer beware: Don't be weirded out when people want to touch your new silky soft blazer.

Nicole Richie in gorgeous blue velvet shorts. 

Alexa Chung wears her own design of velvet shorts for Madewell. 

Althuzarra Fall 2010

Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 (last year, yes, but still relevant...and Jessica Stam!)

Rachel Bilson in a velvet blazer

Marc Jacobs Fall 2010

Stretch Velvet Double U-Neck Long Sleeve Mini Dress

Velvet Leggings

Urban Renewal Curatorial Burnout Velvet Maxi Dress

Velvet Dynasty Top

Velvet Schoolboy Blazer

xox

Jessi Lou

instant hotness

There is a new magical item in stores right now. It has the power to transform the dumpiest, frumpiest outfit into a chic masterpiece. It is the fur trapper hat, and it can make you the most stylish person in the room.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Monster Fur Hat, $278

Let's say for whatever reason you decided to wear your Victoria's Secret sweatpants today and an old t-shirt. No problem. Slap on one of these babies, and voila! You're good to go. Just don't let anyone see the PINK (written in blue? WTF?) on your butt.

Staring at Stars Trapper Hat, $38

Faux Fur Hat, $10.80

Model Lily Donaldson wears her fur hat boldly

Rumi Neely of Fashiontoast.com

Alone, Rumi's outfit is cute. But with the help of her sexy hat, it's suddenly amazing and makes me want to know more about her. Imagine how hot Elmer Fudd would've been with a hat from Urban Outfitters instead of the one he usually wore.

xox
Jessi Lou