I didn’t have overly high expectations for the little dive in Alphabet City, but I was immediately taken by Bar on A with their orange and black decor, complete with synthetic snakeskin detailing around lights, poles, and other subtle spots. It was casual with no cover – and the show only had a $5 buck bill.

I had already decidedly given the Kitty Nights gang of girlies kudos for the super catchy catty show name. There were the usual scenes – a mix of sultry and silly, which I quite enjoyed. Plus, this particular night also included a special act by the fierce little lady who ran the show – Ms. Fem Appeal. While I’m not sure exactly how I felt about the Little Red Riding Hood reenactment, I can safely say the fur costume that was flung around were totally faux. And what a fabulous time it was overall. The motley musical selection combined with a little bit of glamor, sauciness, and striptease was just the right amount of entertainment and excitement I was looking for to take on the big two-five.

Here, kitty kitty…

[$80 at luxedeville.com]

Although, I still must award Atomic an A for effort (and a C for cute, refering to their adorable photo shoot sidekick). If I was a bit more bold, I might try and swing the 1920’s glam that this bolero gives off. But right now, I’d much rather grab the bun and run. Oh, and if I did work up the nerve, I would definitely opt for clothing underneath – fo sho.

[$34.99 at theatomicboutique.com]

[$32.25 at howcool.com]
[justification by W.C. Fields]

One can’t even attempt to replicate it without starting off with a mess of  fried-out blonde bombshell locks. While bleach is most unnatural, and far from eco-friendly, Manic Panic offers an awesome “Lightning” bleach kit that they swear contains no animal ingredients and is tested on celebs instead of animals. To finish off your new do, nothing says “riot grrrl” better than baby barrettes. Ultra girly bows are sweet, but why not get a little catty – and go a little faux – with leopard print ones from Pin-Up Girl Clothing. The next step requires even more application and an unsteady hand. No one rocked those red lips and smokey eyes quite like Court. And it’s doubtful anyone ever will, but if you’re up for giving it a go, try Urban Decay’s vegan lipstick in Revolution Red and their Smoke Out eye pencil. Lastly, the Millie Dress from Rebe Designs merge both of  her signature styles – babydoll and vintage, but unlike many vintage finds, no real silk was used. So, you can rest assured there’ll be no silkworm labor suits here.

Either way, whether she’s keeping it kinderwhore, going glam, or edging towards animal-friendly, Courtney’s still a solid style icon in my mind – and now my blog.

And if you’re just not buying the whole “sex sells” theory of our generation, take a look at the adorableness displayed by my foxy friend below:

Now really, how can you say no to faux?

Can’t wait ’til my next post to get your shop on? Lucky for you, The Humane Society did a little leg-work and put together this fantastic guide of fur-free designers and retailers.