In the age of dinosaurs

Probably the thing I love best about my job is that we don't have any kind of official dress code. With some casual inquiries and slowly testing the waters, I'm happy to report that so far my quirkier clothes haven't raised any eyebrows -- in fact, my boss' wife called these my "dinosaur tights".

Having no dress code is good and bad. Most of the time, it makes me pretty lazy and indulge in yoga pants and tees. Despite those days, I genuinely like getting dressed up and try to make an effort at least 2-3x per week to ditch the house clothes and instead wear something I wouldn't be embarrassed to run into a frenemy in.

Today's outfit consisted of my favorite new tights, a sale find at Marshall's. When I first saw them I thought "huh. What's with the ruffle?" but the more I looked at them (and the price! they were cheap!) the more I loved them and couldn't wait to wear them.

Wearing something more ostentatious like these requires a bit more of a subdued outfit. I paired the tights (Trasparenze "Melbourne") with an American Apparel wrap dress, Express tank top, and t-strap maryjanes from Kimchi and Blue.

Trasparenze "Melbourne" Tights

The tights are a size 4, which I typically need in Trasparenze (aka "large"), and they are very cozy. They are nicely opaque but not too thick. The ruffle in the back is a chiffon that sways when I move.

I took these pictures while out and about during my lunch break, where I stopped at a thrift not far from work. I found a great pair of flat patent boots there, and for $6 I couldn't say no. They are fun and even better -- insulated! Perfect for the upcoming snow.


Not much else going on in the shoe front here! The snow is kind of getting me down about pretty shoes, but Spring will be here before I know it.

In the name of love

Funny thing about the outfit I wore to a wedding this weekend: a guest at the table I was sitting at, asked if the tights had anything else on them that was "hidden" i.e., "were they more risqué than they seemed." I suppose seamed stockings might seem risqué, but I thought these were cute and appropriate for a wedding? Maybe my "appropriateness" barometer is off.

ASOS love-seamed stockings, vintage dress, Christian Louboutin Charlene in black suede

I got these from ASOS (out of stock), but Pamela Mann makes what appears to be the exact same tights, available at mytights.com.

Sock Dreams

I'm sure I'm not the only one abhorring the heat wave going on in the northeast right now. With temperatures that have been touching 100 degrees, I've been trying to keep cool with the bare minimum. Now I can add socks to that.

I had a party to go to at a friend's house in the south hills, so I decided to hit up a Gabriel Brothers I'm seldom able to get to. I was beginning to think my trip was a bust until I saw a plethora of cute socks just waiting there for me, all cute and cheap from Betsey Johnson. I can't wait to wear them, now I'm just trying to figure out office-appropriate looks for these gems. Perhaps that may be another post... just how I am able to work these into my wardrobe.

The star socks seem to be the easiest to break out, but for now I may be relegating these to only peeking out of pants.


I am picturing these "Peekabo" socks with a modest heel or flats and a black babydoll dress. Might as well relive my youth. DSW has them here.

Betsey Johnson Peekaboo sock

I could see these Twinkle socks with a chunkier sandal for night and a vintage dress. Karmaloop has them for sale here, and Sockdreams has them here.

Betsey Johnson The Teensy Twinkle Sock

I think I might have to check the sock section more often at Gabes if this is what kind of treasures are to be found! If you have outfit suggestions, let me know how you picture these paired.

Business in the front, party in the back

I know all my posts are like "this took me forever to track down!" And it's true, a lot of my stuff does take me awhile. Some of it is that items sell out before they make it to sale, and others even when they do go on sale, it's still out of reach for me.

This lovely number from Kimberly Ovitz falls in the former category, but probably the latter as well even if it had gone on sale (as far as I know, it sold out in most shops before it could make it there).

Months and months of eBay stalking, and this showed up in my size. I'm so happy with it. Back detailing isn't unique in itself, but I love the way this was done, with the exposed zipped and intricate strips of fabric. The material feels delicious.

Undergarments are tricky with this dress, but thankfully it's got it's own Spanx-like qualities, via the way it hugs. I need to figure out the bra situation, though. I was thinking one of those Maidenform backless bras. Hopefully I can find one in person to try on without resorting to ordering online.

Kimberly Ovitz "Martin" Dress, shown with leg avenue fishnets and Rock and Republic "Sabra" booties

Fit is a bit small, but the nature of the dress is to be very tight, so I don't think sizing up would have worked well (this is a US 8). The straps in the back are pretty snug, that is my only qualm with this size. The length is perfect, but I am only 5'2".

After seeing how well made and awesome this dress is, I'd definitely like to find more from Kimberly Ovitz.

Black Milk Clothing

Awhile ago (perhaps on a blog?) I came across Black Milk Clothing. I was very intrigued, especially with their Sheer Spartans. I liked a lot of things in the shop, actually. I rarely wear leggings, though, and figured it wasn't practical for me to buy another pair (especially at their prices).

I also saw they had "wet look stockings". I thought they seemed really interesting and the price seemed more decent than their other items in stock. I typically wear heels year-round, and like the idea of a shiny stocking peeking out of peep-toes. They kind of reminded me of latex, without the hassle of getting them on.

I ordered, unsure of what to expect, and then a bodysuit showed up on eBay as well. I used my eBay bucks and the bodysuit was free (still waiting on that gem in the mail).

They arrived pretty quickly, and the packaging was great. The stockings are a little less shiny than I expected, but overall nice quality. I was hoping they would be warm as the website suggests they are, but I don't find them any warmer than other tights. I don't know how to describe them accurately other than to say they kind of seem like really thick dance tights?

All in all, I think the idea behind them is genius, but the finished product doesn't really wow me as much as I had hoped. I am currently trying to learn how to make latex clothing, so maybe I will fashion a pair of stockings that seem more what I was hoping for.

Black Milk Wet Look Stockings, shown with Forever 21 shoes

Fit on these is accurate to their website size chart. These are a large and they fit perfectly in the waist (but a bit large everywhere else -- the curse of being short and thick-waisted).

The shoes pictured are actually a pair that may be recognized by some. I did attempt to clean my closet of them, but I ended up keeping them. They are Giuseppe Zanotti knockoffs that Forever 21 did last year.

The eagle has landed

I made a post semi-recently about the only shoes I was really wanting lately (and was willing to rationalize). I saved up my Amex rewards points and armed myself with a gift card for Saks, because it's easiest to order from them in case I need to exchange (as I have a brick and mortar store here). Well, I ordered my gift card, waited for it to arrive... and then they sold out of my size. I called and called for days, weeks, bookmarked the site hoping my size would pop up. No such luck.

Finally, after about a month of periodic calling and stalking the website, a store in New Orleans had my size. Eureka! I called the store, and sure enough they were there. Except... I couldn't use my gift card over the phone. Really? Really. I couldn't find them anywhere else at this point, so I said send them anyhow.

If you'll recall, I also talked about the not-so-stellar service in the shoe department at my local Saks. Maybe they saw my blog post. Either way, the shoes arrived on Friday, I called and asked if I could return/rebuy so that I *could* use my gift card and they gave me the okay. I had really great customer service this time, and I don't have his card handy but I will update with his information. Incidentally, there were 5 pairs of Louboutins someone had returned from online. Who are you?! They were all my size-ish, and I got to try on some really cool pairs.

Initially I wanted these in black, but after seeing the nude patent on a fellow shoepal online, I changed my mind, and I didn't have a nude patent heel anyhow.

So, here are the nude patent Maudissimas. They are possibly the most unique style I've ever seen, and I'm so happy to be able to own them. I still love the black, so here's hoping they go on super sale.

Christian Louboutin Maudissima pump in Nude Patent, S/S 2011, shown with Jonathan Aston knee-highs

I couldn't help but take a million gratuitous pictures of these shoes (including with knee-highs I thought looked cute with them). I love them so much. As you can see, they are quite a bit darker than my skin tone (or than I expected). I would say these will look "nude" on tanner, more camel-toned skin, but I don't find them unflattering on me.

I ended up wearing them out that very night and I paired them with a vintage dress. I thought they looked perfect together.

Fit on these seems true to size. They are a bit big in length, but the shoe itself is pretty narrow. I ordered a 37, and maybe I could have gone down to a 36.5 but I think my toes would have been crushed. I am a baby about painful shoes. I would say if you have a wider foot, size up a half size, even if the length might be a bit long. I wore these out with ball-of-foot pads, but they need heel grips as well.

Comfort is so-so, not amazing. They are 110mm, instead of 100, and I think that extra 10mm makes them a little less comfortable than I was hoping.

They are available at Saks, Neiman Marcus and Louboutin boutiques. The colors and materials available as far as I know are black kid, black patent, nude patent and royal blue suede.

Socks!

I don't usually do much gifting (or gift receiving) for the holidays, but this year I got a special treat by receiving two of my new favorite pairs of socks. Truthfully, I'm usually more of a stocking girl than sock girl, but I think these may have converted me in the freezing weather.

Both from Sock Dreams, I am enamored with the quality, warmth and feel of these. The first pair is unfortunately sold out (but I think the frequently restock? it's worth an email), but they are the coziest ever. The material is incredibly soft, and very warm for how thin they are. They are a bit more transparent than I'd like, but the pattern and stripes distract from the transparency. A bit more wild than I usually veer towards, but perfect for sitting by the fire (at Panera, as it happens. I don't have a fireplace).

Love Lite Precision Tie Dye Extraordinary Tie Dye Stripes

Fit on these seems more generous than other over-the-knee socks I've tried. Because of how thin and soft they are, would stretch quite a bit more. Unfortunately, that also means they tend to fall down a bit. Other than for pictures, or when I made an effort to fix them, they mostly hung around scrunched at my knees.

The second pair has more stay-up power (because they are a bit tighter) but were definitely meant to be scrunched.

Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks from Dream Stockings

According to the fit guide on Sock Dreams, the Seafoam color is the smallest band width at the tops of the thighs (as seen by how tight they are) but they are still workable. They stay up but I think they look cool scrunched down as slightly over-the-knee. Were I to buy these again, I'd try to get a pair made a bit bigger as some of the other colors are mentioned to be sized differently.

A convert, but don't worry - I haven't left stockings for dead by any means. I did pick up a few really great pair of stockings recently which I shall post hopefully sooner than later.

More tights! More tights!

I made an amazing discovery the other day - Trasparenze stockings at TJ Maxx. I couldn't believe my eyes because I can't even seem to find this brand in the US (at least around here) at regular price and to see them steeply discounted makes me beyond giddy. Now I'm on the hunt to seek out more.

Check your local TJX and Marshall's, folks! As a side note, it was also posted on tPF that CLs were found at TJX, so an even better reason to run there.

Trasparenze "Erline" tights, shown with Nine West T-strap heels

Fit on these tights is small. I usually lean towards a 3 in Trasparenze, and these are a 4 that are quite snug on me. Unfortunately, I don't think they make larger than a 4 so I'm SOL (and my chances of finding them at discount if they DID make that size is questionable).

PS: Don't forget Saks friends & family is still going on. Perfect chance for you (and me) to pick up those Wolford Bondage tights.

No matter what the weather

Times must be pretty bad when someone resorts to stealing coupons, right? If you're curious, I'll tell you more, but for now I will say that I can't imagine the gall of people sometimes.

Onto happier thoughts, an order from mytights finally arrived just in time for colder weather. All last winter I had debated ordering the fleece-lined thigh highs from the brand Plush (available at Shopbop), but I was worried they wouldn't stay up well so I never did.

This time around, I found a pair from Trasparenze. They are wool, not fleece, but seem to be very warm and cozy (if a bit itchy) so far. The band at the top stays up very nicely and does not dig in on my legs at all. I love the idea of these, because yes I want warmth, but don't love wearing full-fashioned nylons as much, so these are a perfect compromise.

They look great in person and are semi-sheer. They don't have a "nubby wool" look to them, so if you are hoping for something more substantial, these aren't for you. I find the quality of these to be really nice, especially for the price (which I think is reasonable for well-made stockings).

Trasparenze Jennifer Wool Hold ups, shown with Forever 21 Studded pumps

Fit on the hold ups seems slightly small. I anticipated these running a bit smaller as they are wool, and ordered the size 3/4 even though I fall in the 1/2 range. I probably could have gotten away with the smaller size, but these stay up well and I'd rather have the knowledge that if they shrink a little when I (hand) wash them it'll be okay. They come in charcoal as well and are available at Mytights.

Can't wait for fall

With the hot sticky days of summer coming to an end, I am excited to break out some awesome stockings I picked up on sale at Marshall's awhile back.

I've posted about the Wolford collaborations before, but these are by far the fanciest stockings I own. A very lucky find for a great price. It's definitely worth checking out your local Marshall's/TJ Maxx to check their stocking selection for other great pairs of stockings. I've also seen Emilio Cavallini, Miss Sixty, and Givenchy hosiery there as well. A treasure trove!

I look forward to pairing these with a simple black dress, but I'm really hoping I can find something the same rust color in the stockings.

Kenzo for Wolford stockings, Mossimo Valonia shoes

Fit, like most Wolfords on me, is slightly small. These are a size large, and I usually waffle between a medium and a large in the brand.

Parts Per Million

This is a shoe blog. But my stocking problem is becoming bigger and bigger.

I posted about my new favorite brand, Trasparenze, already, but here is why they are so awesome. These stockings. SRSLY. I even have to go to TXTSPK to tell you how amazing they are. The detailing is so lush and gorgeous that these pictures don't even do them justice.

The unusual pattern in-lieu of a solid cuban heel is what makes these hold ups, honestly, but then there is the seam and the pattern and stripes where they end on the leg. They are honestly lovely.

Okay, back to shoes. The Nine West "Vishnu" pumps are pretty great. Comfortable, not too tall (3.5") and very elegant. They are perfect to dress up or down an outfit, and there's something really sexy about a d'orsay heel, in my opinion. I bought these awhile ago, after seeing them posted on MakeupAlley, but they are still available in various colors online (and cheap!).

Trasparenze Lerici Hold Ups, Nine WestVishnu pumps in black leather

The fit on the stockings is true-to-size. I ordered size 3/4, because I generally like to size up in stockings (I think they lie about sizing), but these are actually slightly big on me. The silicone (?) or whatever is in the stay-up part of the stocking fits rather nicely, though, and does not fall down despite the sizing.

Fit on the Nine West heels is large. These are a US 6.5, and I could have sized down to 6 even.

Hosiery, Parts IV-VII

It's getting warmer outside, but I've got a new cold-weather obsession: suspender stockings. It's like a little bit of "bad" that may or may not peek out from under clothing. A version of sexy that perhaps only you may know about, but makes you feel that much more sassy knowing the secret.

I love the look of garter belts and thigh highs, and these make said look even easier. I prefer cut-out stockings, but also love the trompe l'oeil look. I found a good selection of these at mytights.

First up, is House of Holland. These were first posted by Lindsay on a fashion thread and I had admired them quite a bit. An unusual take on the garter silhouette, with a house at the "clasp", these are sexy and unique.

House of Holland for Pretty Polly

Trasparenze, a brand I had never heard, of was talked about on the Purse Forum. A shoe collection thread was posted with intricately detailed thigh highs and I wanted to seek more from this brand.

These tights the brand are a gorgeous take on the fashion.

Trasparenze Renella Tights

Charnos offers a simple, elegant garter/stocking combination that is easy to wear as well.

Charnos Boudoir Bodyfree Suspender Tights

These nylons by Pretty Polly don't have the illusion of garters transposed on them, but the mock holdups are quite entrancing.

Pretty Polly Absolute Legs Mock Holdup Tights

Mytights sizing is pretty accurate on the website, but I did find the House of Holland tights to be a bit smaller than their "one size fits most" suggests.

Sidenote: I am desperately looking for a pair of suspender tights that started my obsession. They are the "Lucrezia Borgia" style from the brand Trasparenze, and if you are able to locate these on a site that delivers to the US, please let me know!

Shock value

I try to keep my shoe collection limited to shoes I actually wear, and every time I have a "spring cleaning" I glance at these vintage Nine West flats. I don't shy away from loud, but I have had a hard time actually imagining what to wear them with. With the cut-outs on the toe and heel, they aren't really winter shoes so perhaps I'll find something springy in the coming months.

The tights were actually inspired by a lady on a fashion forum. She had posted an amazing head-to-toe shocking pink outfit and I thought "that looks so cool!" When I came across these Vivienne Westwood/Wolford collaboration tights at Marshalls for five dollars, I decided to try and make that dream come true. Cheers, Helga!


Fit on the flats is true-to-size (unlike other vintage Nine West shoes, I typically have to size up). The stockings are another story entirely. I waffle between a medium and large in Wolford, but these are like "extended leg medium" (my words not theirs). They are too snug, but also too long. I don't have particularly short legs but these weren't made for someone 5'2" apparently.

With a bow on top

Always on the hunt for interesting hosiery, I picked up these stay-ups from sockdreams (I swear they don't even give me money, I'm just in love with their selection and prices).

Beautiful sheer beige nylons with slightly raised stripes going down. They have a delicate pattern at the bandings and a bow, if you're into that schoolgirl thing. (I'm not) There's a lot more I could say about how much I love these -- how they actually stay up, how sexy yet elegant they look, etc.

Leg Avenue Sheer pinstriped Thigh Highs with Bows

Fit on these is like most thigh highs from this brand, "one size fits most 90-160lbs" but the bonus on this pair is they are available in plus size as well.

Dancing queen

In the chicken or the egg conundrum, I'm not sure which came first: gold lurex thigh highs, or gold shimmer dress. I bought one to go with the other, I do know that much. My hosiery obsession would like to run neck and neck with my shoe obsession, and while it just isn't so, these thigh highs bring it up a notch.

I don't think there's anything as deliciously tacky, in a glamorous kind of way, as lurex. I feel like a disco ball, glimmering everywhere I go. These Lurex Shimmery Thigh Highs (available at sockdreams) are neither inconspicuous or subdued, but instead dare to say "Yes, I really am wearing this!" They are available in five colorways, but gold seemed to have the most guts.

Leg Avenue Lurex thigh high in Gold/Black, H&M dress tank dress

Fit according to the brand is one size fits most, 90-160lbs. They actually do stay up surprisingly well -- a good thing considering they are too thick for most standard garters. I did have to fold them over so they didn't roll down, but after that there were no issues.

Diamond in the Rough

Shopping on eBay can be very frustrating at times, but it's always worth it if you are willing to dig a little for the gems. On my recent trip to DC I pretty much trashed my favorite pair of black maryjanes. They are salvageable, and I will certainly save them for dancing, or on rainy days when I don't way to ruin other shoes, but I still needed a replacement pair of black maryjanes.

I came across these shoes when someone on The Purse Forum had posted another of pair of shoes from the same seller. I bid on both pairs, but ultimately lost out on the second pair (black pony hair and lizard heels). Because the seller listed the item with only one picture, and had a vague description, I was skeptical of what condition they would arrive in. They arrived this morning and while the soles are a bit more worn than I'd like, for 80% off retail I'm not complaining. All in all, a great find for an incredible price.

The fishnets are from the ubiquitous sockdreams order. They are quite well-made and feature great diamond-net detailing on the sides (that go from the toe to the tops of the stockings). They don't seem to be available on the site anymore, but are available for purchase at several other websites.

Christian Louboutin Double-Strapper Maryjane in Black Nappa, shown with Leg Avenue #9053

Fit on the shoes is true-to-US size (37). They are a touch big on me, but I imagine as I purchased them used they have stretched quite a bit. Fit on the fishnets is "one size fits most, 90-160 lbs". They are very comfortable and the net pattern is pretty even from top to bottom.

Criss-Cross Applesauce

I've yet to meet a seamed-stocking I didn't like, and these Cuban Heel pantyhose are no exception (available at sockdreams). An intricate lace-up pattern in the back that goes clear up to the waist and a delicate bow at the heel make them quite sexy. These are head-turners to be sure, and not for the shy.

Faux Corset Cuban Heel pantyhose from Leg Avenue

Fit is "one-size" 90-160lbs. They were comfortable and easy to wear and I had no issues with them rolling down. Quality is so-so. The stocking material is quite thin and fragile, and unfortunately after one wearing, already have a run in them.

The Perfect Companion to any Well-Heeled Lady

As the weather continues to drop, I find myself going bare-legged less and less. I have for quite some time heard about Sock Dreams and decided to check them out. With a wonderful selection, excellent customer service and quick shipping, it's no wonder people rave about them.

In my first order from them, I chose a variety of tights and stockings, some pretty standard and some unusual. The striped fishnets from Leg Avenue were my favorite of the bunch. Probably the most unique pair of thigh highs I've had the pleasure of seeing. The quality isn't "high-end" but it's perfect for the price.

Leg Avenue Opaque & Net Striped Thigh Highs

The site says they fit 90-160lbs, and I fall within that range. They are quite stretchy and feel nice, but they do not stay up without garters on me as the website suggests.