Oroblu Tights

Italian hosiery has always reflected that country's unique style, sexiness and brovado. Unlike the more understated French hosiery with natural colors and heavier deniers, Italian hosiery is an explosion of colorful graphics and odd color combinations. I have countless pairs that feature color stories that are difficult to wear and showcase with out buying specific outfits to wear with them.

The brand Oroblu is no exception. They have classic hosiery, or as they call it the couture high-end chic. The elegance collection, the daily collection, the ex cell collection that help massage the cellulite out your legs and the bronzing collection that give your legs the appearance of being tan, similar to the Gerbe sunlight collection.

They even have the Miss Oroblu collection which is a "younger" version of the Trend line that Oroblu creates for the fall/winter and spring/summer seasons. I always eye up the brand, and often resist

This pair of Oroblu tights are from the fall 2010 collection remind me of a Harlequin or Picasso painting. I purchased them at Nordstrom's this past weekend.

When I first picked them up I wasn't thrilled by the color, but very intrigued by the pattern. I turned them around to find that they were gray and purple, SCORE! Then when I got home I found they had a third color, green. Well like I said, classic Italian hosiery-great patterns odd color combos! I paired them with a simple black outfit and gray sweater. I only wish I would of worn a shorter skirt to truly showcase the bold pattern.

Nordstrom has the best Hosiery Department!

Nordstrom hands down has the best hosiery section of any department store.  

Nordstrom has everything from the basics; Spanx, HUE, Orablu and both DKNY and Donna Karen . They also carry their own private label that has some of the best textures patterns that are sometimes equally as great as Europe's Calzedonia. 

At the beginning of each season, I dash to my local Nordstrom and scour both their private label brand and the brand names. Their recent rebranding of their private label packaging is both modern and fresh. 

After my recent visit to the King of Prussia Mall Nordstrom PA, I decided to see what they had for spring. I found a pair of floral leggings similar to a pair of tights I got from Calzedonia spring collection. Usually, Nordstrom private label are made in Italy. This time, the pair I naturally assumed were made in Italy were in fact made in China. 

The fact that they are made in China did not stop me from wanting to purchase the whole range. I did buy 4 pairs, 3 pairs made in China and one pair made in Italy. The quality of some hosiery made in China is not nearly what it is if was made in Italy. I don't know if its the choice of yarn, the dying of the yarn or just the machines that the hosiery is knitted on. But this particular pair was identical to the pair made in Europe. 

This particular pair of black lace floral leggings are right on trend for the Spring 2011 season. A mixture of bold florals with a classic lace. Whenever I wear a bolder tight or legging I am inclined to wear a simple outfit. 

Today, I wanted to wear these leggings as tights, so I paired them with boots to hide the legging aspect.

Now we just need spring to arrive so I can wear my new white lace leggings and 

the rest of the amazing Calzedonia haul Nathan bought me!

Calzedonia for the Eileen Fisher All Store Event

This weekend Eileen Fisher held their annual spring event, a special day of shopping which supports local leadership programs for women and girls.  


Each store/region partners with a local non-profit organization that promotes women's leadership, and solidarity.

10% of the total sales are donated to the organization that the individual store partners with. I attended the store event at the King of Prussia Mall outside of Philadelphia, a location I chose on its close proximity to my parents and one of my favorite old Sephora accounts!

The King Of Prussia Eileen Fisher location partnered with Moving Creations Inc. 

Moving Creation Inc. is an organization that empowers girls and teens in impoverished communities in an arts based education program, to promote social change through rites of passage, by using the performing and creative arts. 

These events are an integral part of the Eileen Fisher culture.  The EF empowering initiatives along with other grants for women owned businesses and other leadership organizations are one of the most inspiring aspects of the Eileen Fisher culture.

Eileen Fisher foundation and the EF company as a whole strives to bring that vision to other young women entrepreneurs and activists. It's a real lesson on how to give back once you've made it, I hope I can do the same thing one day! 

The awsome team at KOP!

A selection of clothes from the spring collection

Sips and Sweets

Moving Creations Inc

For the  Event I decided to wear my favorite Calzedonia leggings, along with a beautiful Eileen Fisher shirt , with two underpinnings a black jersey and my favorite Free People raw hem slip. The juxtaposition between the stylish simplicity of the Eileen Fisher top and the raw edge of the slip compliments the lace insert of the ankle portion of the legging. 

Oh yeah - I wear green now - with Wolford Hold Ups of course!

Every once in a while you need to step out of your comfort zone.  Today, I am wearing green. Other than on Saint Patrick's Day green is not in my normal rotation. So when Loretta gave me this beautiful underpinning that she found at the sample sale at work, I was a little nervous. Loretta is awsome by the way!! So, despite my insecurity in wearing a color other then black, purple or grey I decided to give it a shot. My decision was made even easier by donning a pair of my favorite Wolford Hold-Ups!

I get more complements on this pair of Wolford Hold-Ups then any other piece of hosiery in my collection.  I love the geometric pattern, they look like old tin ceiling tiles.

Max wanted to wear Green too!

My complete Eileen Fisher ensemble are all pieces from the various sample sales at work.

Pretty Polly-House of Holland Bandanna Knee Tights!

These fabulous House of Holland Bandana Knee tights are perfect for a snowy March day! When I first woke up this morning I was surprised at the inch of snow that had dusted the ground just as spring has arrived. My thoughts immediately went to the Daffodils in my front garden and if they would be able to stand up to the weather.

Many of the House of Holland collection feature a "bandana detail".  I love the bandana knee detail, it reminds me of  Dexy's Midnight Runner's "Come on Eileen" music video. Then after viewing the music video several times along with A-Ha Take on Me and having a mini dance party, I completely got distracted from the point of my blog posting. Needless to say in the "Come on Eileen" music video they do not wear the bandanas around their knees only around their necks. I do remember putting bandanas every where, when I was a kid in the 80's just like Punky Brewster who did in fact wear them around her knees.

So today's outfit and tights pairing was a Punky Brewster throwback- 

Complete with bandanas around the knee!

Trouser Socks are Hosiery too!

For those of you who don't wear stockings, tights or hold ups I decided to write about "socks" but not just any socks Trousers Socks. Trouser socks or Knee Highs are decorative or sheer socks worn under trousers as a more refined take on traditional cotton socks. Trouser socks can add a whimsical touch to any outfit just like a pair of tights or hold ups.

The are differences between trouser socks and knee highs. Knee highs are usually more sheer in a nude or sheer black color, the pantyhose of the lower knee world. They typically don't have a pattern or are really stylish. Trouser socks however are more patterned usually like intricate patterned tights. The are both typically made out of nylon or a lycra cotton blend. Before trouser socks were made with this stretchy material, men and women would have to wear sock garters.

Calzedonia makes an amazing collection of trouser socks, both for men and women. They even make trouser socks that have a rubber upper portion idenical to hold-ups. I particuarlly love the mens sock collection from Calzedonia, they come in a wide variety of fun patterns and colors, as well as all of your basics. I often have to restock on these since they are very comforatble and my husband ends up stealing them for his own use.

So for today I am wearing a pair of "Trouser socks" in a white with a black patterned up the front similar to the damask tights I spoke about here. I think I might have bought these in Calzedonia, but I am not entirely sure. But, I know that I didn't buy them in the States.



 

This outfit always makes me feel like Katherine Hepburn.

Care and Maintenance of Hosiery Part 1

When you have as many pairs of tights, leggings, hold-ups and socks as I do the care and maintenance are very important in the longevity of every pair. Today, I washed roughly 40 pairs. Its a big task when it come time to wash them so I wait until I have accumulated a few pairs.


Now, don't think I am standing over a sink all day with a basin and bottle of woolight. I do "hand-wash" a few pair, especially if they have a snag or they are on the "older" side of my collection. For the bulk of them I put them into a "washable net bag" and put them in the washing machine on the "hand wash" setting. Only a few pairs at a time, so they don't get tangled or torn.

The best detergent to use is Woolight for darks (when your tight etc are dark colors of course). I always allow them to soak post wash to get all of the detergent. Then you never want put hosiery in the dryer. This is where possible shrinkage can happen as well as possible tearing. SO I always line dry, I allow them to dry for at least 48 hours.

Finally I put them back into the system I have created for storing them. Which consists of plastic baggies, post its and a wonderful organizational system for Ikea. This is another post, I plan on doing for the end of the season!

My tights are as much a part of my outfit as my shoes or handbag, and I try to treat them that way. All 300 plus pairs of them!

Stocking Around Town-Corinn

To continue my series of "Stocking Around Town"- I feature my co-worker Corinn Tesssitore. Corinn is the Video and Photo Producer at Eileen Fisher, she is spunky and energetic just like her tights! Corinn is wearing a plaid shirt with a pair of striped black tights. No that isn't too many patterns, she breaks up the patterns with a simple skirt and the vertical lines in the tights compliment the direction of the plaid in her shirt. Her tights are from Macy's, and are the perfect alternative to sheer black tights!

Happy St Patty's Day in Calzedonia

Typically on St Patricks Day New York turns into a sea of GREEN!  Today was no exception, green pashminas, green accents and even green socks. I typically don't wear the color green, but decided in the spirit of the holiday I would try and russell something up. I thought at least I had green tights-but I think I gave them away...After a lot of digging I found a green shirt, that I purchased before Max was born, so I was amazed that it even still fit!

In lieu of Green tights, I wore a pair of tartan hold ups from Calzedonia Fall 2009. Sort of golfing leprechaun look. I am also really loving that I can now take my daily photo outside, and wish I would of done this since the beginning.

Check out Max's tartan green socks!

Monoprix Collant

In France there is an amazing selection of Hosiery- From Galeries Lafayette to Monoprix. French women wear hosiery even in the summer.  There are boutiques that house fantastic French brands like Gerbe and Cervin and small boutiques with selections of hosiery that are eclectic, and full of surprises. I could spend a lifetime in the backstreets of Paris turning up new finds.

Monoprix is a SUPERmarket! - Think Target with style. They have everything from a vast selection of Yogurts and other grocery's- children's clothes and yes hosiery! Monoprix is always on point of the trends of the season, and their hosiery is no exception. The color of the hold-ups below are purple fishnets, I know I said I don't wear fishnets but purple ones I can make an exception for. They always have fishnets in the current trend colors, and in both hold-ups and tights. They are only around 8 Euro's so I bought two pairs of both.  They have trendy leggings and basics like opaque black and neutral skin tones. After spending close to 100 Euros I had to make my way over the cookie aisle and buy my favorites-  Lotus Speculoos and a bottle of wine that didn't cost more than 4 Euros and finally a shirt for Max, because they have the cutest kids clothes. This was the least expensive hosiery buy of the trip.

The combination of purple fishnets, black mini and combat style boots make me feel like it's 1997, with the exception of my very grown up Eileen Fisher sweater that I bought at the sample sale at work. I was going to attempt to wear one grey fishnet hold up and one purple, but my conservative nature got the better of me. So in the mean time I will have to conjure up another outfit for my grey fishnet hold-ups. 

Gerbe-Laçage Collants

There is nothing better then unveiling a brand new pair of tights for a special occasion. Today I had something special happening so I decided to wear my new pair of Gerbe Laçage Tights that I purchased in the hosiery store "Elegance" in Penn Station, one of the best hosiery stores, and until now, one of the best kept secerts in the whole of New York City!

Gerbe is a French brand that I first discovered in Paris. They have some of the most exciting trends in tights. They have been extremely hard to hard to find in the US  until recently, and they even have a new and improved website! Gerbe has something for everyone-they make fully fashioned stockings, to the best opaque black tights, sun kissed tights for those days before you legs are tan and even hosiery for men.

The Gerbe Laçage tights are part of their Limited Edition Collection. Their limited editions are only out for a year or until they sell out so you have to make an instant decision not to miss out. I have miss out on many pairs throughout the years, which when you are a "collector" like me can be frustrating. After waiting for the perfect occasion to wear my Gerbe Laçage Tights, and receiving a few double takes and compliments, I snagged them on the knee. So they are going straight back itno my collection before anything else can happen to these real one of a kind.

Laçage translates to "Lacing"

These Tights have the apperence of a Tall Lace Up boot!

Casual Weekend in Calzedonia Floral Tights in Navy Blue

I never really like the color "Navy" especially when it comes to tights. They always make me think of a school uniform, or Horsey Bristish women- So when Nathan showed me this particular pair of Calzedonia tights I wasn't exactly thrilled. They are right on trend for the spring 2011 season, with an all over floral pattern.  I began to wonder if I would have anything to wear with them. I don't wear blue other then denim and I think I might only own one blue shirt...

This weekend we had unseasonably warm weather. I am thrilled with the upcoming seasonal change-  it will be great to move from the heavy opaque patterned tights and into the whimsical floral and open weave patterns! I can't wait to reveal all of my newest spring 2011 additions most of them from Calzedonia of course...

So imagine my amazement when I found the perfect outfit to showcase my floral tights that I now really like despite the fact they are navy! I have the same pair in another color way... By pairing the navy tights with a simple denim skirt, grey sweater and boots one of my newest pair of Calzedonia Tights were ready for a pre-spring debut!

Now on Broadway-Anything Goes!

I love Slips- I have over 50 in my collection! Slips are very important when wearing hosiery, so your legs don't cling to your skirt and you end up flashing half of the people you are walking by. They also can add a little extra something to any outfit. Slips can also, when layered correctly of course, be perfect little black dresses...Very grunge/babydoll look...

For Nathan's Birthday on Thursday March 10th we went to see the Broadway preview of  "Anything Goes" Unfortunately, it rained ALL night, so the outfit I was going to wear had to be put on hold.  I wore 3 different slips all layered one on top of one another. With plain black opaque hold-ups and duck boots- Oh well!

Black Lace Leggings and How to wear leggings!

Leggings are one of the biggest trends in hosiery. They come in all materials; denim, cotton, spandex and nylon. A variety of color and deniers. You can wear leggings alone, with a tunic and even with skirts and dresses.  This look can be tricky to pull off. Leggings of the correct denier and material look great worn alone without any covering on the BUTT.  However, some styles of Leggings in certain colors and deniers should not be worn alone! They are more like footless tights, not leggings and should not be worn without the BUTT area covered. A good rule of thumb should be- if they look like tights think of them as tights NOT leggings...and wear them accordingly.

In fall 2010 LACE leggings became the trend. You could find them at every price point from the $145.00 Alexander McQueen Koi Lace leggings at Bergdorf Goodman to the $45.00 ELLE Lace Leggings from Kohls. The pair I am wearing below are called "leggings" but since they are totally textured and still thin in the butt area, the footless tights should be worn with a longish tunic type top or under a skirt. Even with my butt covered I still decided that I need a little more coverage, so I decided to wear a pair of black spandex leggings underneath so not to reveal anything to my co-workers or the strange guy on the train...

Who Moved my Birkin: Thursday Friday's "Together Bag" and Calzedonia......

Who Moved my Birkin: Thursday Friday's "Together Bag" and Calzedonia......: "I often get asked where the name of this Blog comes from. In my days as a Bergdorf Goodman employee many a Birkin bag, real and fake, would ..."

Thursday Friday's "Together Bag" and Calzedonia...Birkin Chronicles Part 1

I often get asked where the name of this Blog comes from. In my days as a Bergdorf Goodman employee many a Birkin bag, real and fake, would be plopped down in front of me usually followed by a Black American Express card. With these two ultimate symbols of status usually came a list of 20 products, many duplicates, that my customers would need for their various houses, jets and of course handbags.

It was usually easy to spot the fake bags, mostly because of the shoddy stitching and the lack of stylish owners. Occasionally, I wouldn't be able to tell and one would have to give the customer the benefit of the doubt based on whatever else they were wearing or how much they would spend.  It became a game my co-workers and I would play. I eventually became really good at it. Especially when the stakes were high, and the potential commissions! 

While reading "Who Moved my Cheese", a book my former fiancée had become obsessed with I decided to set myself some goals. It felt natural to have targets in the lead up to marriage. Among the many aims I set for myself, was to one day own a, genuine, Birkin Bag. The Hermes classic immortalized by Jane Birkin. Not because I wanted to be defined as a lady who lunched and spent my husband's money. However, while I was working at Bergdorf some of the most successful women in New York would glide through with their Birkin swinging on their arm spending the money they had worked hard for -and broke through glass ceilings to obatain. Women entrepreneurs that had started and ran a successful business.

At the time I was unaware of the cost, thinking the Birkin couldn't of cost much more then a few thousand dollars, but not totally clueless I did work at Bergdorf... My Birkin Bag aspiration was solely based on the environment that I worked in, in contrast to the world I really lived in- outer borough, skinny jeans, ironic tee shirts and taking home a "retail paycheck".  So I decided that by the time I turned 30 everything should have fallen into place. 

By the time I turned 30, I was married, but not to the Cheesy fiance- I have a 3 year old son, who I love dearly and incidentally costs far more than a real Birkin to send to Pre-School.

Then- I stumbled upon THURSDAY FRIDAYS "Together Bag" in the New York Times- SEE BELOW. The Birkin Bag for the rest of us.

Okay it isn't THE Birkin but it is MY Birkin- The Together Bag is a POP Arty version of my favorite classic. Naturally my outer borough-self jumped on the canvas Tote- Totally smothering my Madison Avenue alter ego.  Hey a real Birkin doesn't cut it for a shift at the food co-op, canvas is King in the current eco-atmosphere. I just wish I could have the real thing in my closet…some day. 

Meanwhile back to the hosiery - Today's Hold Ups are from Calzedonia, part of the GIGANTIC haul Nathan brought me home a few weeks ago. I have to resist everyday not to call Carmen at the Calzedonia Shop in London, and have her send me a pair that I am missing from the Spring 2011 catalog. The Hold-Ups are black with a small brown dots! They compliment the texture in my skirt perfectly and totally work with my new bag! 

Pretty Polly-Combo

Pretty Polly tights are my second favorite British import next to my darling husband of course.  Last year Pretty Polly launched on the US scene with both their basic Pretty Polly range and the trendy House of Holland range and their sexy Nylon range. The company Pretty Polly has been making hosiery since 1919 and gets the Pretty Polly from a race horse.

This pair of tights is designed to look like a pair of argyle knee socks worn over a opaque black tight. The tights are a perfect denier and like most of the current range of Pretty Polly is a creative twist on a classic look. I like to pair these tights with my men's style shoes, and a simple black pencil skirt. You can find Pretty Polly Tights at Urban Outfitters!

Stocking Around Town-Sadie

Tights are not just for grown-ups! Some of the cutest tights come only in toddler size. One of my favorite Italian brands Calzedonia, has a great selection for kids and toddlers. Some even miniature versions of their adult range. So when I spotted this little cutie today I could resist! 

In today's Stocking Around town entry, I am featuring my favorite pint size cutness Sadie! She is looking so adorable in her pink and purple flower cotton tights! I love her multi pattern look and stylish rainboots. Sadie enjoys watching Dora, playing with MAX and loves to wear tights! She has often complimented my tights, usually the pink or purple one, she is a girl after my own heart! 

Stocking Around Town-Mabel wearing the same Fab Cream and Damask Tights

Below is my friend Mabel, rocking the Cream and Damask Tights I wrote about in the previous post!

If you have a photo wearing hosiery I have talked about, send it in!

Who Moved my Birkin: Stand out with these Great Damask and Cream Tights...

Who Moved my Birkin: Stand out with these Great Damask and Cream Tights...: "On most days I consider my hosiery the center piece of my outfit. I first pick my hosiery and then create an outfit around it. With so..."

Stand out with these Great Damask and Cream Tights

On most days I consider my hosiery the center piece of my outfit. I first pick my hosiery and then create an outfit around it. With some of my more ornate pairs, this usually means something completely black and basic. So not to take away from the beauty of the hosiery. Today, I went with a complete deco look with a great pair of cream tights, from Anthropologie.

I fell in love with these tights the first time I saw them on line in October of 2010. To me the only problem was that they are white and thick Cotton! Then when I finally got around to seeing them in person I discovered they are more cream and a cotton blend. So I took the plunge and purchased them. After purchasing them they sat in my new purchase bin waiting for the right day to debut!

The tights have a beautiful Damask pattern going up the front and the back of the leg, so it's very important that they remained straight on the leg. Sometimes with cotton blend tights, that are one size fits all that it can be a little difficult. The cream color automatically draws your eye to the tights so keeping my outfit simple, left the tights to make a statement.

A special thanks to Max who took all of these photos!

He is only 3.5 but he already has a great eye!