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Monthly Archives: September 2017

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ALL ABOUT HOSIERY

By | Coordination, Wardrobe Savvy | 8 Comments

Do you wear hosiery?

I know many women these days don’t, at least not in summertime. However, hosiery has a few big benefits that make it worth considering if only for the more important or dressy events in your life.

A Brief History

Hosiery originates from an old Anglo-Saxon term ‘hosen’ meaning to cover or covering and is a term that encompasses a variety of legwear, including tights, socks, leggings, stockings, thigh-highs, and pantyhose. The earliest hosiery found is a pair of red, knitted socks that were discovered in a tomb in Egypt. has existed, as far back as the 9th century.

While hosiery is worn by women today, it was originally a male garment and worn for both protective and adornment purposes. It was only in the 18th century that women started wearing hosiery. From that time onward, hosiery was worn by women and men started wearing trousers and socks, rather than stockings and breeches.

The 1920s heralded in a new era in hosiery with the invention of synthetic fibres. Synthetic fabrics as opposed to natural materials like cotton, made hosiery more durable and easier to produce and to wear as well.  “Nylons” became the generic name for all hosiery manufactured during the ’40s and interestingly, when nylon production shifted to the WWII effort, women would paint seams on their legs to make it look like they were wearing nylons.

Hosiery Timeline

In the 50s, full coverage tights were introduced into the market. Tights/pantyhose became extremely popular in the 1960s, largely due to the mini skirt and tights combo that Mary Quant pioneered. Since then technology has advanced hosiery and fibres like Lycra which stopped ugly wrinkly knees and ankles and the ability to weave intricate patterns into hosiery has made it an enduring piece in stylish women’s closets.

In the 2000′s, it would seem that hosiery especially in summer and in now ever more casual work places is now a passé item. Personally, I think that it’s just a temporary phase and hosiery will return from time to time as fashion temporarily elevates it to a must-have. In addition, for women like myself with less than perfect legs, hosiery makes a world of difference to how I look when I have not tanned my legs.   

Types

These are the most common types of hosiery:

  • Anklets: ankle length socks made from sheer hosiery fabric.
  • Knee Highs: Hosiery that reaches to the knee and designed to be worn under pants.
  • Stockings: reach up to the upper thigh are are held in place with a girdle or garter belt and are usually sheer. Hold-ups are stockings that are held in place with an elastic band typically with some silicone that acts as traction
  • Tights: thick full leg hosiery.
  • Pantyhose: goes from waist and covers the entire foot, made of nylon
  • Fishnet: hosiery that has a cut-out fishnet pattern

Hosiery Lineup

Denier and Expectations

A denier is a unit of measurement for tights. It is used to convey the thickness of hosiery by measuring the unit of density. The lower the denier of a pair of hosiery is, the more sheer it will be since the material or the yarn is finer and less dense.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for you:

  • Less than 10 denier = ultra sheer
  • 10-20 denier = sheer
  • 25-35 denier = semi-opaque
  • 40+ denier = opaque

Denier is also a good factor in determining the longevity of any hosiery. Anything less than a 12 denier usually doesn’t last beyond one wear. The higher the denier, the more durable and resilient it is. When a pair of hosiery has more synthetic material than natural, you should expect that it will have more wear i.e. Nylon tights will last longer than cotton blend tights. Hosiery with shapewear built-in will also last longer. Wear expectations also depends on how you care for your leg wear and whether or not you bought the right size or not.

Denier Lineup

Size and Toes

Like clothing the size of hosiery varies from brand to brand. Buying the right size will not only be more comfortable but will also add to the longevity and look of your hosiery. With that in mind all hosiery packets come with a size chart on the back as well as specialty ranges for pregnant and plus size women. Take the time to check out your best size.

Likewise hosiery comes with a variety of different toes. From toe-less to reinforced there’s a style of toe to suit all needs.

If you wish to wear hosiery when wearing sandals make sure you select sandal toe for the best possible look. Sheer toe and open toe are good for peep toe shoes. Reinforced is good only for closed toe shoes.

Hosiery Toes1

Finish/Surface

There are three prevalent finishes for hosiery: matte, sheen, and shine. When you want to look polished or dressy (in the formal sense) go sheen. Shiny hosiery while very dressy is best reserved for glamor and evening affairs and then only of your legs are slender. Shiny hosiery is great at making legs appear larger. 

Surface 1

Finding The Right Nude Hosiery For You

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1548181103845283/

The right nude hosiery is a wardrobe essential. There’s nothing worse than nude hosiery that is different to your natural color; you can go a shade darker if you want to look a little more tanned but one shade max.

Match the shade

Coordination

When it comes to selecting the best color for your hosiery go with nude and shades of black for professional occasions. Other than that you can:

  1. Add opaque hose to a skirt or dress that is too short (A)
  2. Match the color to an accessory (B)
  3. Match the color to a color within a print (C)
  4. Go monochromatic (D)
  5. Make a statement with a bold color (E)

GROUP 3

Put Your Hosiery on With Care

Though technological advancements have made hosiery more durable than ever, you should still take care to put them on correctly, especially when they are sheer.

First of all, make sure take any rings and bracelets off and ensure your nails are smooth to prevent snags. If your hosiery is ultra sheer consider wearing cotton gloves if you don’t have a spare pair handy. 

  1. Start by sitting down and roll down the tights down to the toe area.
  2. One leg at a time, slip your foot into the hosiery and curl your toes downward to prevent toe nail snags.
  3. Gently roll the hose up your legs. Always use both hands and stretch the hosiery up each leg carefully.
  4. Lastly, when both legs are in, stand up and carefully pull hosiery over the waist.

Hosiery Care

Finally, here are some basic do’s and don’ts of hosiery care:

  • Hosiery should be hand washed with in warm water using a mild detergent.
  • Do not bleach.
  • Do not leave to soak
  • Do not put your hosiery in the dryer, instead dry flat between two towels or drip dry.
  • Do not dry using direct sunlight or direct heat.
  • Fold flat or roll up when storing in your bureau. Make sure to place away from items it may snag on.

Want More: How to Style Fishnet Hosiery

 

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If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


BLOG BANNERS (11)

7 TRENDS TO WEAR TRY THIS WINTER

By | Trend Tutorial | One Comment

Now that October is around the corner, it’s a great time to preview the next lot of trends coming your way. It’s always good to be a little bit ahead of the sartorial curve when it comes to integrating key trends into your closet. As with every year, there’s something for everyone, these are just the ones that have taken my fancy. Remember that you don’t have to fill your closet with trends; just choose the one that best suit your personality and gorgeous shape.

Velvet

Crushed velvet in various jewel tones set the stage to give your fall style a luxe romantic feel. The lush texture and feel plus the visual allure of velvet give your fall/winter ensembles a magnetic appeal. Worn for daytime or evening, velvet is a statement all its own. Contrast the luxe feel with casual pieces or play up the luxurious feel of velvet and pair it up with high-fashion accessories.

Velvet

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Corporate Chic

Corporate style has spilled over to the fashion trend hemisphere in a big way. Pantsuits and double-breasted jackets moved from the boardroom to the runway this season. You’ll see them mainly in hues of grey and subtle pinstripe/check patterns and oversized silhouettes. To successfully pull off the trend incorporate some feminine touches like bow-tie blouses or wear with sleek trousers. 

Grey suitsSource

 Lace

Less gossamer and flowing, this seasons lace is more about structure and details, pattern and texture. Cutwork lace is more prevalent than the sheer lace kind. Designers really want you to revel in, and appreciate the intricate lace patterns and use them as a focal point for your outfits. You can even try a lace on lace outfit!  Oh, and don’t discount lighter coloured laces for the season. As has been proven over time, blush tones aren’t  just for the spring and summer. This year it’s on-trend to wear pastel-hued cutwork lace for the colder months – it’s practically de rigueur. If you’d prefer to be bolder with your lace, try red or navy lace on for size. Pair your lace items with fall staples like leather jackets and chunky knits.

SLaceource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Pearl Embellishments

Girls in pearls are classy and elegant. This winter you can inject some sophistication into your casual, everyday pieces with pearl embellishments. You’ll find the pearls mainly on denim clothing and knitwear.

PearlsSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Seeing Red

Every season there’s always a color that rises to the top of the trend radar. This winter, red is the ‘it’ color of this season. Though the temperature might be cooling, red really turns the heat up and makes sure you and your style never go unnoticed. Going monochromatic in varying hues of red is your best bet in unlocking the power of this color trend.

RedSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Arts and Crafts

Inspired by the folkloric arts and crafts movement, the runways were awash in patchwork and colourful tapestry-like textures. Combining elements of quilting, fringe, and embroidery may seem like a lot, but this trend is perfect for creative boho gals. Don’t get intimidated by the art influence of this trend, it’s all about finding a piece that speaks to you and that you love. This look is best worn with straight hair and a minimal makeup.

tapestry bohoSource

Leopard Everywhere

Leopard prints will be everywhere, this time around though, leopard print is more in-your-face and paired with larger-than-life pieces. Play up the drama of this animal print by being bold and wearing it with sportswear, bright yellow, and statement band tees.

LeopardSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

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If you enjoyed this week’s feature
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or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author


BLOG BANNERS (10)

7 TRENDS TO TRY THIS SUMMER

By | Trend Tutorial | No Comments

All of my senses can feel summer coming. Soon I’ll be enjoying alfresco meals with friends and family, weekends lounging by my pool with endless blue skies (and a few Aussie flies buzzing) overhead. I’m not a lover of winter; warm weather and blue skies always bring out the best in me and I LOVE the heat.  Do you feel the same way?

Summer fashion is always carefree and playful but I especially love what’s happening this year. Which ones will you choose?

Bum Bags

The once-reviled accessory is now being heralded as the must-have bag come spring/summer. With the added bonus of being incredibly practical, the humble bum bag (or as my American friends hilariously call it the fanny pack) has now reached high fashion heights. Being sported by the likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner has certainly helped resurrect this retro bag from the ashes of being a fashion faux pas. With this one, trend meets functionality – but do you dare?

Bum BagsSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Jumpsuits

The two must-have jumpsuits this coming spring/summer are the denim mechanic jumpsuit and the boxy striped jumpsuit. Inspired more by masculine silhouettes and utilitarian influences, these jumpsuits are all about maximum comfort and style. Jumpsuits are an easy way to stand out in a crowd. Both styles of jumpsuits have a definite 70s inspiration and look best when accessorized with a skinny printed silk scarf and oversized retro sunnies.

JumpsuitsSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Robes/Kimonos

Silky and emblazoned with vibrant floral prints, this season’s robes and kimonos are opaque and floor-length. High on drama and unbelievably easy to wear, simply slip into your kimono of choice and watch as it skyrockets your outfit from blah to ooh-la-la. You can even wear your kimonos as dresses by tying it securely around your waist. Almost like walking art, you’ll be turning heads in your printed floor-dusting kimono all summer long. The best part is that it’s so easy to look this chic, just scout your bold kimono/robe of choice, slip it on and go.

Kimono RobesSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Ruffles

Whether it’s multiple tiers of ruffles or ruffled detailing along the hem or cuffs, ruffles are back in a big way for the summer. Ruffles this season have tailored details as well as structured elements. Rather than being all romantic, these ruffles are more modern and architectural. Pulling them off is a matter of proportion – oversized ruffles can be flattering if you balance them with slimmer pieces or tapering.

SRufflesource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

Full On Floral

Florals for spring are standard. However this year, florals skew more toward the quirky and kitschy side of the spectrum. They are less girly and feminine, and more bold and retro. They have a distinctly 70s nostalgic feel that will lend a vintage vibe to your look. Play up the kitsch factor by wearing it full on bold styles and let the print make the statement for you. When you match the color depth of the background of the print to the color depth of your hair – magic happens (note my arrows).

Floral groupSource: Image 1-3

Tie It Up

Just look to sleeves this summer and you’ll see knots and ties abound. Minor detail as it may be, ribboned/tied up sleeves can lend a certain je ne sais quoi to an otherwise plain top. I’m really loving the juxtaposition between crisp button down shirts or a blazer with very feminine ribboned tie-up sleeves. This is an easy trend to incorporate into your wardrobe.

 Tied SleevesSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3

The New Oxford Shirt

Heaps of designers have taken inspiration from menswear for their spring/summer collections. The classic oxford shirt in all its starched and ironed glory has been totally reincarnated. Oxford shirts transformed into shirt dresses or boxy tops are both easy items to update your summer wardrobe with.

Shirt GroupSource: Images 1-3

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If you enjoyed this week’s feature
please like it on Facebook or Instagram
or leave a comment/question below.
Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author