Fuzzy Thinking
These days you don't have to be Davy Crockett to appreciate the fabulous feel of a plush fur hat. Perfect for warding off winter's chill, the towering toppers being sported by stars such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez are "so flattering," says London furrier Philip Somerville. "It's classic and appeals to all ages." Plus, "it's not an everyday hat," says actress Joan Collins of her black fox turban, made by Somerville. The posh piece is "such a dramatic accessory," adds Manhattan fur designer Gilles Mendel, who created Lopez's badger hat. Whether you opt for real fur or fake, like Heather Locklear's faux chapeau designed by La Maison de la Fausse Fourrure, avoid pairing the stylish skins with a fussy frock. "Keep the rest of the outfit simple," advises Collins. And though the hats can be functional ("Some of my customers use it on the plane as a pillow," says Mendel), don't think of them as shelter from the storm. "It just doesn't work in the rain," warns British haute-hat designer Philip Treacy. "A fur hat will keep you warm, but it is meant for dry weather."

with Pete Norman in London and Teena Hammond in Los Angeles

behind the seams

Q&A

Kelly Ripa always talks about her bronzer. What does? she use? It isn't streaky on her at all! I must get it. Toni Luciano, Massapequa Park, N.Y.

A: According to the star's makeup artist Michelle Champagne, Ripa swears by a bronzing gel called Delux Beauty Glistener. The $18 concoction comes in six shades. Ripa uses Sun Copper Glimmer. The line is available at Henri Bendel in Manhattan, Fred Segal in L.A., and online (www.sephora.com). And don't worry about turning the color of a carrot. Champagne says that since the product is gel-based, the dreaded hazards of streaks or breakouts are all but eliminated.

Q: I am trying to get Edie Falco's short haircut. Can you tell me what I would tell my stylist? S. Cronin, Chicago, III.

A: Falco's hairstylist, Armando Corral of the New York City salon Suite 303, says the Sopranos star has an edgy do that's not for the faint of heart. "Edie's hair is an unstructured bob. The look is shredded and shaggy at the ends. It's shorter around the back and nape area and a little longer around her chin," he reports. "It looks like it's been hacked up at the bottom, similar to a broom that's been used for a while."

Q: Who makes the less expensive knock-offs of the gowns stars wear at the awards shows and where can I buy one? Ginny DiStanislao, Fair Lawn, N.J.

A: Reinterpretations (never say knockoffs!) of the standout Golden Globes gowns are already on the racks! Quicker than you could say "Debra Messing," copycat king Allen Schwartz of ABS put his favorite frocks into production, re-creating gowns worn by Messing, Halle Berry, Julianna Margulies, Jennifer Connelly and Alias's Jennifer Gamer. The dazzling dresses—which are machine-stitched, not haute handmade—are priced from $250 to $300 and sold at major department stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale's.

winner's circle

Hamid Karzai may be getting mixed political reviews from his countrymen, but during the Afghan leader's recent visit to the West his fashion sense won him raves. Here's the lowdown on his layers:
1. Karakul cap: a nod to the people of northern Afghanistan.
2. Chapan: the silk robe is an aristocratic tradition.
3. Western jacket: a symbol of East-West unity.
4. Piran-tunban: a tunic-and-trousers combo worn by southern Afghans. "With his dress," says Akbar Ahmed, professor of Islamic studies at American University, "he wants to revive the best of Afghan culture."

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Do you have questions about star style? E-mail Steven at seams@people.com