Category: ‘Hosiery’

Just In Case Your Legs Felt Left Out Of The Twitter Craze…

twitter tights

So we’re all for funky, patterned hosiery (after all, we were beside ourselves with glee when Gerbe’s polka dot stockings made a comeback this fall) but these Twitter-inspired tights by the designer Gaby are just plain icky. People spend years trying to rid themselves of the ugly tattoos they ended up with after a crazy night in Vegas, so why would you willingly wear hideous tattoo-like designs all over your legs? Twitter has officially been taken one step too far.

wolford dania tightsHUE Basketweave control top tights

For some slightly classier stockings, we suggest these elegant tights from Wolford (arguably the best of the best in hosiery) or HUE’s comfy basketweave style. Or simply peruse our guides to the best in hosiery and while you’re at it, some high heeled boots to go with them.

How To Wear Leg Warmers Without A Spandex Leotard Involved

We know what you’re thinking. Leg warmers call to mind a slew of things you don’t want associated with your wardrobe – 80s pop stars, 12-year old girls on their way to jazz class, and Jessie Spano in that episode of Saved by the Bell when she got “addicted” to diet pills. But repress your scoff, because leg warmers don’t have to be cheesy, they can actually be very cool (and warm, for that matter).

how to wear leg warmers

While your first inclination may be to pick out leg warmers in some crazy hue, resist the temptation. Go for a textured black or dark gray pair and slip them on over super opaque tights. There’s no way you’ll be mistaken for Madonna in the early years if you wear some heavy duty riding boots. Remember you’re going for an effortlessly chic look, so make sure your leg warmers stick out the tops and are properly scrunched. As for above the knees, we suggest a simple smocked skirt and loose fitting blouse that’s elegant enough to dress up the look.

free people leg warmers

Free People Soft Sparkle Legwarmer, $24

gap opaque tights

Gap Opaque Tights, $12.50

frye dorado boots

Frye Dorado Riding Boots, $458

bdg smocked skirt

BDG Solid Smocked Waistband Skirt, $48

theory top

Theory Lilla Top, $180

For more tips, find out how to wear leather gloves and pick up some winter accessories of your own like stylish cheap scarves and hats.

Thigh-High Stockings Make An (All Too Visible) Comeback

Thigh High Stockings Make a Visible Comeback

Oh, young Hollywood.  We suppose this is better, or at least, more intentional, than a DUI or a nip-slip.  Lily Allen and Taylor Momsen are among those wandering the streets with purposefully exposed thigh-high stockings flashing their semi-opaque selves to the world.  We’re not terribly inspired to cop the look from start to finish, but we are intrigued about more appropriately worn garter tights.

calvin klein garter stockingsfalke pure matte thigh high tights

Worn with the right coverage, the look is subtly sexy instead of overtly trashy.  We love the Calvin Klein Stocking With Lace Garter as well as Falke’s Pure Matte Thigh High Tights, which are thick enough to actually keep you warm this winter.

Delve deeper into the tights look with all the best hosiery, and then pair it with a perfect pencil skirt and a cute plaid shirt.

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Walk This Way With Gerbe (And More) Patterned Tights

gerbe tights in the new york timesgerbe spotty tights

Yesterday The New York Times reported on the popularity of the French hosiery brand Gerbe.  In particular, the brand’s Plumetis polka-dot tight ($30) is showing up all over the place, from German Vogue to the Balenciaga runway.  We also happen to love the century-old hosiery brand’s back seam stocking:

gerbe back seam stocking

In general, we love that not only are tights sticking around for another fall, they’ve returned with a new sense of fun.  Since no one should miss out on this trend, here are our favorite non-Gerbe tights, both wild and sensible.

Betsy Johnson tights

Make fishnet office friendly with Betsy Johnson’s lace tights ($20).

gaple leopard-print leggingsberry tights

Walk on the wild side with these leopard-print tights ($88).  Or make over your fall wardrobe with Trina Turk’s patterned and bold berry tights ($20).

Peruse more of the best hosiery for fall, and be sure to pair it with a neat pencil skirt and comfortable high heels.

Count Me In: Ozone Socks

count me in ozone socks

What: Regular Length Women’s Fashion Sock

Why: This beautiful sock is made from a soft cotton blend, displaying vibrant colors brilliantly representing the official colors of Count Me In.  It’s a great way to make a statement that is both stylish and fun.

About the Designer:
Laurie Mallet is the owner and founder of Ozone Design Inc.  Laurie founded Ozone Design in 2000, with the goal to bring spirit and passion to one of the most intimate and neglected parts of our wardrobe: “For too long the sock has been ignored by the world of fashion, and we’re going to change that.”

Proceeds to be Donated: 15%

Get Yours: $16.00 @ http://www.ozonesocks.com/count-us-in.html

What To Wear With Back Seam Tights

A while ago we reported on this rising hosiery trend, and now that the weather’s cooling down, we can’t wait to actually pull a pair of back seam tights out of the dresser.  And on that note, we thought we’d put together a handy primer on the proper way to sport this retro-chic look that’s sexy and old-fashioned simultaneously.

what to wear with back seam tights

While first instinct may dictate wearing a super-slim pencil skirt, we’d actually beg to differ – we like keeping this look modern with a neatly draped dress.  High heels are a must, though, and a bag that’s neither highly structured or too floppy balances the outfit well.  Lastly, we think jewelry should be kept simple and limited to one piece, as the tights already lend the outfit an ornamental aspect.

Wolford Back Seam Tights

Wolford Individual 10 Back Seam Tights, $50

a.l.c. tulle draped dress

A.L.C. Tulle Draped Dress, $450

flatiron shoulder bag

Banana Republic Flatiron Shoulder Bag, $140

ann taylor perfect tweed pump

Ann Taylor Perfect Tweed Platform Pumps, $175

red lable triple strand link necklace

New York & Co. Red Label Triple Strand Necklace, $39

If you’re looking to explore more back seam tights, we’ve got them for you.  Be sure to check out our guides to sheath dresses and fall shoe trends for items to pair with the hosiery.

Freebie Friday: Win A Fall Hosiery Wardrobe From Bare Necessities

bare-necessities-logo

What: Six pairs of tights/leggings/stockings for fall, worth a total of $152.50. You’ll get new fall selections from some of our very favorite brands, like SPANX and HUE.

falke tightsHue denim leggingsspanx tight end tights

Here’s the full list:

Falke Pure Matte Semi Opaque Tights ($36)

HUE Denim Leggings ($28)

SPANX Tight-End Tights Convertible Leggings ($28)

SPANX Footless Vintage Tight-End Tights ($28)

DKNY Fishnet Tights ($12.50)

Donna Karan Control Top Pantyhose ($20)

Why: We wear tights with everything in the winter. Plus we have a hardcore crush on Spanx, and denim leggings are supposed to be really cool this season.

In all seriousness, when Bare Necessities told me about this week’s prize, my response was “Argh, I can’t believe I’m not allowed to enter.” You, however, can. Take advantage.

How: Comment below about what you’ll wear with your tights this fall. So easy! Because, really, you can wear just about anything with tights.

1. Post a comment about how you’ll wear your tights this fall.

2. You must supply us with a valid email address and sign up for the SheFinds newsletter.

3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our
server no later than Friday, September 11th, 2009 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.

4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing. The winners will be contacted and must reply via email as instructed in the newsletter to claim the prize.

5. No prize substitutions.

6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter and a resident of the USA.

7. No purchase necessary.

8. Void where prohibited.

9. Click here for the full rules.

10. Specific prize subject to availability.

Back Seam Stockings Are Front And Center This Fall

cato van ee wears seamed stockings

We love an autumn uniform that consists of a skirt, crisp blouse, booties, and tights, but there’s one adjustment we’re looking forward to making this fall.  This time around, we want a 1940s-esque seam traveling down the back of our stockings.  Backseam tights are making appearances in locations ranging from Vogue Germany to Bloomingdale’s, so we’d recommend getting in on the first wave of this trend just as soon as it cools down enough to don a pair of sheer hosiery.

wolford individual 10 backseam hose

Wolford Individual 1o Back Seam Tights, $50

american apparel back seam pantyhose

American Apparel Sheer Luxe Back Seam Pantyhose, $28

hue back seam sheer control top pantyhose

Hue Back Seam Sheer Control Top Pantyhose, $8

For more top fall picks, check out our guides to the best hosiery, pencil skirts, and booties.

Tres Sleek Arm Shapers Are A Quick, Almost Perfect Fix For That Forgotten Flab

Tres Sleek Elbow Length Shaper

What: Tres Sleek Elbow Length Sleeve Arm Shaper, $29

Why: Upper arms are a big problem for a lot of people–to the extent that many women won't even wear sleeveless. Tres Sleek (formerly known as Flabuless) offers the first line of shapewear for arms, and for the most part, I think this is a great quick fix for ladies looking to temporarily tighten up without spending weeks at the gym.

I needed a little assistance putting it on, especially with the second sleeve. And like most shapers, my arms felt squeezed into the confined space. The shrug design helps keep the arm socks in place, but pulls up a bit near the armpits thus creating some pudge-like bra fat. But the elbow-length sleeves don't create any bulges near the elbows.

Still, I'd probably invest in the long sleeve version to avoid any potential bulges…and as a useful alternative to layering in cooler weather.

Get Yours: barenecessities.com

Check out our Shapewear Guide for more ways to keep everything sucked in and faux firm. 

Shefinds Was There: A Taping Of MTV’s The City With Flower Girl Whitney Port

image

Did you happen to catch MTV’s The City this week? Well, if you blinked you missed us but SheFinds was there! We attended a taping of the episode and got to have cocktails amid huge cameras. We had a blast and got a chance to briefly meet reality star Whitney Port and her co-star, socialite Olivia Palermo. Both of them are actually really nice: Whitney is just as pretty and as tall as she looks on television; Olivia can chat about fashion for as long as her producers will let her. Want to know how to steal Whitney's style? Read on.

image image image
Whitney is very California cool with an eye for vintage and designer duds. She was wearing a vintage floral dress with a rhinestone headband, and a vintage pink envelope clutch. We dig this laid back feel and think this Chaiken Ivory Dot Chiffon Maria Ruched Dress ($132) is an adorable take on her frock. Add this slightly darker Angie and Lola Python Clutch in Berry ($24.99), and top it off with this cute Delight Silver Shade Headband ($125).

image image

We know, it’s a little cold for bare legs and short sleeves. Make this a winter-appropriate ensemble by adding a gorgeous Mossimo Black Drapery Cardigan in Slate ($24.99) and some SPANX Tight-End Tights ($38).

Gossip Girl Serena Isn’t Afraid To Wear Plaid On Plaid..Very Brave Choice

serena in plaid blazer, grey hose, and brown boots

Serena sported quite a few show-stoppers on last night's Gossip Girl episode "You've Got Yale". However gorgeous they all may be, our favorite was her simple school outfit. We'd all love to have somewhere to sport her opera-going chartreuse colored satin gown — but how many of us have regular formal galas to attend? We all, however, need a durable pair of brown boots, a classic plaid blazer, and a sleek pair of cable-knit textured hose. We'll pass on the barely-there plaid skirt since the majority of us don't strive to dress like Catholic school girls.

blue and black plaid blazer

This buffalo-plaid twill blazer ($395) is prep school cool just like Serena. We love the notched collar and casual, single-button closure.

brown buckle boots

Get the Gossip Girl look with these chunky heeled, riding boot style brown boots ($67) that can be worn with just about anything.

grey spanx textured knit panty hose

Don't stop there! This ensemble isn't complete without a pair of patterned grey tights. Pick up some cable-knit style textured hose from Spanx in charcoal ($28). 

So Much Gossip Girl Fashion, So Little Time

If you're like us, you couldn't pick your favorite outfit from last night's Gossip Girl episode "Gone with the Will" if we paid you — well, maybe you could because then you'd be able to buy some of your favorite pieces seen on Serena, Blair, and Jenny.

Gemma Redux necklace worn by Serena Liz Necklace from Gemma Redux worn by Serena gemma redux necklace

While the Liz Necklace from Gemma Redux that Serena wore last night isn't available until February, many other styles like their unique vintage steel and gunmetal braided chains, ribbons, briolettes, and jeweled necklaces are ready for purchase online including the white jade Serena Necklace (how fitting) for $354.

blair school outfit dior back and grey panty hose black dior lady dior cannage bag inspired by dior's vintage cannage quilting with a geometric grid stitched on lambskin and silver hardwareblack quilted tote from spiegel

Blair, in her typical Upper East Side attire (I love saying that because I live there and the little girls do walk to school looking like this) sported the Lady Dior Cannage Bag inspired by Dior's vintage cannage quilting. It has a geometric grid stitched onto lambskin and is further accented by jewel-finished hardware ($1,800). Ms. Waldorf carried it in red last week. Pair it with a cute pencil skirt, cape coat, and grey hose and you'll fit right in with the scary little teenagers. Or fake it like the rest of us with this black quilted tote ($39). 

jenny's black and white dress black and white day birger et mikkelsen daily slip dress black turtleneck sweater dknyc

Go bi-color like not-so-little Jenny Humphrey with a black and white dress ($140, was $350) over a black turtleneck ($47.40) that can easily translate to your spring wardrobe. The DAY Biger et Mikkelsen Daily Slip Dress is on sale at Net-a-Porter where you can enjoy an extra 20% off this week by entering 'WINTERUSA' at checkout.