these boots were made for walking (in 40 below)

I am jonesing for these boots. They're called the "Joan of Arctic," made by boot-company-extraordinaire Sorel.
They're totally sexy with faux fur trim and waterproof soles but at some $120.00 bones I'm not sure I can justify the purchase. But ... they are weatherproof up to -40 ...

And they do go along with the whole "fur trapper chic" look, that seemed to be hip from this season's winter lines (see last photo below) and just in time for Fur Rondy- Anchorage's winter festival honoring its economic past in the pelt trade. It's so much fun and a must-do in winter if you're in the area.

(It's such a big deal that in honor of the Fur Rendezvous Festival there used to be a dress-up day at the elementary school and a little kids would parade the hallways. When I was five, my Mom's idea was to dress me up as a mail-order bride, I had no idea what that meant at the time. My brother made me a little pixelated "mail order bride" sign on the old Mac computer and everything! And then in second grade I wore an old fur jacket and went as Miss Fur Rendezvous! Amazing.)

When did Sorel become so sophisticated? I have to admit there's a special place in my heart for the old Sorel boots that my Dad used to wear to snow-blow the driveway. You know the ones that are so dorky that they're cool? I used to have the light pink version of those when I was a kid because my boots just had to match the rest of the ensemble. According to my Mom, I would cry and not leave the house if my outdoor gear did not match--it's hard being fashionable!

(Photo courtesy of www.in70mm.com)

You love it when she wears that hat! Doctor Zhivago knows what's up.

(Fashion spread photo from http://www.annesage.com/blog)

On another note, the fashionable use of fur and faux fur does bring about some ethical questions. Some think wearing dead animals is gross and even sporting the fake stuff is continuing to promote unjust deaths. Even vintage fur--animals that have been dead for years--brings about the same debates. Personally, I like the aesthetic and appreciate the nod to historical usage but what do you think?

Stay tuned for Part II on Arctic Explorer fashion--with a special section on Antarctica Explorer Ernest Shackleton!