November 2007

I would like to encourage everyone to think outside their Spanx this season when it comes to leg wear. With stockings being the au courant accessory, now’s the time to think beyond basic black. And since everyone from Target to Wolford is peddling high-fashion options, you can name your price. Take advantage of the cornucopia of tights that will be on sale the day after Thanksgiving and experiment with something new.

Hue

You can play it pop art style and step out of a Warhol painting in luridly colored tights. Anything goes and you’ll have maximum contrast with a black skirt. Or be dark and sophisticated with deep hues. Try eggplant with black, navy with grey and rust with brown.

Emilio Cavallini

Crazy patterned tights abound this season! To keep from looking crazy while wearing them, pair patterned tights with a solid outfit. If you’re feeling adventurous, try patterned tights with a similarly patterned outfit- grey herringbone tights with a grey herringbone dress.

Sock Dreams

If all the colors and patterns flying around make you a little dizzy, go for tactile impact instead. With everything from frisky fishnets and saucy seamed stockings to cozy cable knits and rustic ribbed tights available, your legs will still command attention.

Bill Blass paired gloves with pencil skirts and fitted jackets for a ladylike effect. Hermes upped the sex appeal of tall boots with gloves, while Ralph Lauren used gloves to add a film noir edge to tweed suits. It’s rare for fashion to entertain function, so seize the moment to keep your hands warm and feel like a cat burglar. Since the last time many of us were seen in gloves was cotillion, here’s a simple guide to the art of wearing them. Just try not to pilfer too many jewels.

Portolano

Glove length is measured in buttons, an antique French measurement slightly longer than an inch. The general rule on glove length is the longer the glove, the shorter the sleeve, with opera gloves being reserved for strapless or sleeveless dresses. 6 button (elbow length) gloves are darling with the ¾ sleeve jackets out this season.

Saks

Drinking in gloves is fine as long as you are careful not to spill. If you’re a tippy sipper (and who isn’t by the end of the night?), then remove one glove and hold your drink with your bare hand. Eating in gloves is unacceptable- always remove them before chowing down.

Bloomingdales

Jewelry is not worn over gloves. I know it’s tempting, but consider the logistics. Anytime you remove your gloves, you’d also have to remove your bracelets and rings. Not only is that inconvenient, but you’re guaranteed to loose something.