spinoff to fur ...?

My DH's grandmother (who is in her late 80's) wants to give me her very old and very expensive fur coat because she has always treasured it and it doesn't fit her or anyone in the family. She says it 'suits me' and that it's so beautiful!

My DH used to love to pet it when he was little. He said if I don't want it I don't have to take it, but his grandmother (and mother) would be disappointed- they have made plans to have it refurbished.

Now, I do not like wearing animal fur. Never have. I do think it's so soft and looks so warm, but could never in good conscience wear it.

I have already told my DH's grandmother and MiL that I don't feel comfortable wearing fur but they just say- try it on and see. It's so nice and such a shame to waste. It was so very expensive when she bought it.

I was thinking of just keeping it in the closet and wearing it when I see them, but if I go out in public I will feel like a hypocrite or bad person. Thoughts?

Lora

Re: spinoff to fur ...?

There was an etiquette article in the times magazine about this a few months ago., the exact same situation, and the answer was that no, you're still promoting it, blah blah. I mean, i really think fur is gross, and I don't care ahow many generations old it is I wouldn't be able to stomach wearing it, and defintiey not in ublic. But for you you have to think about how you're going to feel wearing it , or even seeing it in your closet. if you want to wear it just when you see them, I think that's a nice gesture, but there will be ther people thre seeing it, etc. It's not as bad as buying a fur, but you're still sending out the message, you know? You just have to think about how you'll feel about hvaing it in your closet and wearing it and people possibly seeing you in it.

My mom had some fur stuff that belonged to othe rpeople in the family. She could never wear it, and nether could I, She didn't want to throw it away b/c then it wou;d be a waste , since all those naimals had died. i told her to throw it out, but she gave it away to the poor, I think that's pretty good, and ironic becuase most people buy furs as a status symbol,

Re: spinoff to fur ...?

IMO...What i would do...I would take the coat. I would also wear it like you said, when you see them on rare occassions.
I choose not to wear fur but IMO the sentiment behind the coat woudl mean much more to me! I would be soooo overwhelmed with emotions that they thought that highly of me, so much that i would take it despite me objection.

My grandmother came to me with the same 'do you want my mink?' question... But I have a sister and female cousin that would LOVE to have it and told her so. I am getting her engagement ring