Feathers are flying all over the fashion industry this fall. Designers are attaching the plumes to everything from dresses to shoes. All very elegant and whimsical, nothing garish, so stay away from brightly dyed and artificial looking feathers. So how do those of us on a budget replicate this trend in our own wardrobe? You can do that by first, finding feathers for sale and then, using them wisely.

Color and size will be a factor in your design, so get familiar with feathers. There are of course as many kinds of feathers as there are birds. Add to that sustainable the fact that a single bird will have both long tail feathers and the shorter neck and hackle feathers. Stay away from the local craft store for this project unless it is to buy material or glue.

There are laws regarding birds and their plumage that you should investigate before proceeding. Feathers from domestic poultry, pet parrots and other pet birds, game birds, and unprotected species are legal to sell.Naturally molted feathers from parrots and Macaws and sold by the owner are perfectly fine to buy. Possession of a single eagle feather (unless you have a permit) can carry very stiff penalties. There are similar regulations covering all indigenous North American birds.Endangered species are of course, protected.

You will notice the term cruelty-free feathers on many websites. These are usually interpreted as coming from a bird that has been treated well and it's feathers have naturally dropped and been collected. If you are a vegetarian, that is the only acceptable interpretation. However a chicken used for food that has led a happy life outside of a factory farm is considered a source of cruelty-free feathers by some.

To find the best materials buy from a bird owner, breeder, or hunter. Packaged feathers from craft stores are almost certainly from poultry raised in factory farms and are not fully developed because the bird has not had a chance to mature. They may be legal, but by no stretch of the imagination cruelty-free.

Now what do after you find the right feathers for sale? Use a garment you already own to create a feathery frock. Add several pheasant plumes to a hat. Layer peacock or rooster tail feathers around an old skirt. Several simple boas wrapped densely around a mini may give you just the look you want. Creating a facinator for your hair is a smart way to add feathers to an evening look. Dress up a pair of heels with plumes at the back or a small grouping at the toe instead of a bow. All it takes is a little imagination, the proper feathers, and a plan to create a stylish feathery look this year.