HOT HOSIERY

In an effort to emphasize the importance of accessories (see yesterday's post all about gloves!), I am devoting a segment to tights and other fabulous footwear. Your choices are no longer limited to drab opaque tights, pinching and binding "pantyhose" (ew - I hate that word!), and strumpet-style fishnets. There is a whole world of possibilities here! I love the look of wide-weave fishnets layered over tights, or thigh-highs paired with hose. This little trick helps the wearer to avoid the sausage-bulge dilemma! See Sass & Bide's gorge layered runway look at right...

Below, find vital information on brands you can trust, and where to buy them . . . both you and your tights will go the distance!

• Agent Provacateur



• American Apparel (quite durable and very affordable)



• Boss Orange



• Comme de Garçon (incredible fishnet socks!)



• DKNY



• Emilio Cavallini



• Fogal



• Gaspard Yurkievich



• H&M (surprisingly sturdy and inventive options!)



• Hue



• Jonathan Aston (see rose lace tights, bottom left)



• Josh Goot



• Stocking Showcase, Inc.



• Tabio



• Wolford - truly the best; worth every penny

All of these wonderful brands can be found in department stores or in their namesake shops (like American Apparel in SOHO and the Wolford Shop on Madison in the East 50s). But I have found several wonderful resources for discount hosiery: Try Filene's Basement, Marchall's, and the sale section at Saks Fifth Avenue!!

ONLINE STOCKING SHOPS:

figleaves.com

stockingirl.com – hundreds of patterned thigh-highs & tights

welovecolors.com - every hue in the rainbow, and then some!

A late addition to my legwear post (addendum 3/17/08). If you dare, try Prada's chiffon pant as an alternative to hosiery! [Photo at right courtesy nymag.com].