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Archive for October, 2012

pantyhoseFor generations, pantyhose have been a must-have undergarment for any well-dressed woman wearing a dress or skirt. Nowadays, one often sees women choosing tights over traditional hosiery. Is this a trend that’s here to stay, or do stockings still have a place in the modern woman’s wardrobe?

Tights have definitely become more popular in recent years, and they clearly do replace hose for some women. Younger women may wish to wear shorter skirts, and feel more comfortable wearing opaque tights that provide more coverage than sheer hose do. Tights can also be useful for warmth. Because they are made from a thicker material, even lightweight tights are warmer to wear than hose. You can even find thick, woolen-type tights for extra warmth during the cold months. This allows many skirt-loving women to continue wearing their favorite outfits even in the autumn or winter weather.

Tights come in fun patterns, colors, and textures as well. For a bold and stylish look, you can match vibrant colored tights with a same-shade bright skirt. Or, layer ribbed or knit-textured tights under a denim skirt, then pair with tall boots for a cozy fall outfit that will keep you warm and looking cute.

Tights also last longer and are less delicate than their notoriously fragile hosiery counterparts. While sheer hose can easily snag and get a run, tights tend to resist these accidents more easily, have greater durability, and last longer.

But do tights work as well with more traditional or dressier pieces? True, opaque black tights coordinate with most skirts and dresses, especially when paired with black shoes to create a continual, long leg line. They make many women feel securely covered and comfortable. But don’t give up on pantyhose just yet. Certain stylish celebrities, such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, have created a new buzz about sheer, nude-colored stockings.

For some time now, many fashionable women have chosen to go bare-legged when out and about in dresses or skirts, particularly for fancier occasions. However, there seems to be a recent resurgence in the popularity of stockings. Sheer, nude stockings create a lovely and smooth appearance for one’s legs. They camouflage imperfections and blur any skin tone flaws or inconsistencies. They give a slim appearance and flatter all skin tones. Of course, women have known this for generations, which is why hosiery has endured all this time. But lately more young women are rediscovering its merits.

Pantyhose may feel more appropriate to certain outfits. A decorous occasion such as a wedding or funeral, for example, may call for a demure look. In these situations, an elegant suit or dress pairs well with sheer hose. At other times, a woman may wish to show off her legs with a livelier or dressier look; pantyhose can help elevate her appearance to classically beautiful.

Still, it seems that much like hose, tights are not leaving the fashion scene. There will always be women who prefer one type of leg-wear over the other. Tights may be the new pantyhose for some women, but sheer hose will always be around for women of a different fashion persuasion, or for certain occasions when a particularly dressed-up, classic appearance is required. Either way, every woman wants her legs to look lovely!

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racerback braWhen looking for a bra, most women seek support, comfort, and functionality. Having a comfortable bra is essential for preventing or eliminating pain, particularly in the back. A racerback bra can cure back pain because of the way it is designed, offering more support than a traditional bra. By crossing over your back, this special type of bra provides added lift to your chest. Racerback bras can also improve your posture. Due to the design of the straps, racerback bras pull your shoulders back and help you stand up straighter, eliminating pressure from your upper back. This can cure back pain because a lot of this pain stems from poor posture. In addition to providing greater support and improving posture, these bras are less of a hassle to wear. Unlike traditional bras, straps on racerback ones rarely slip down the shoulders.

Sports bras typically come in a racerback style. The wide straps on these types of bras can support the weight of your chest better than thinner straps. The added support of having a racerback bra will help ensure that back pain will not occur. Using this preventative measure to ease back pain will eradicate it before it has a chance to develop.

Racerback bras can be found in most department stores as well as specialty lingerie shops. There are many websites that also sell racerback bras. These sites often allow you to customize your bra to fit your specific needs. Most stores have these types of bras available in their selection, along with bras with traditional straps. Some multi-way bras are even created in a way that allows the user to wear the bra with traditional straps or racerback straps by unhooking and repositioning the straps. If for some reason it is difficult to locate a this type of bra, there are also racerback bra clips that are sold which allow you to pin back traditional bra straps in a way that resembles and gives the same benefits of a racerback bra.

When browsing for a racerback bra, it is best to look for a bra that is comfortable, stylish, and supportive. The racerback straps should not be too tight and the cups should not bulge or protrude. This type of bra comes in many different styles and can be basic and used for everyday wear or have extra features like push-up cups that are great for a night out on the town. Racerback bras allow all the same functionalities as traditional bra types; however, they typically help reduce back pain more than regular bras because they offer more support and create better posture.

Racerback bras are very stylish and are great to wear with today’s latest styles. Many tops are low cut on the sides or have racerbacks themselves. These types of tops are great to pair with this type of bra because it ensures that the bra straps will be concealed. Racerback bras are even appropriate for dressier occasions because many sleeveless or strapless dresses will require a bra like this that conceals the straps. Many people find exposed bra straps to be unsightly and unattractive. Racerback bras allow women to have comfort while at the same time remain trendy.

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leggingsDenim and leggings are both stylish choices for casual occasions, but deciding when to wear which can be a tough call. First, consider practicality. If you are going to an outdoor barbecue that is going to last well into the evening, jeans are the warmer choice. They are also more resistant to staining and looking worn. Similarly, if you are going out to do a physical activity, like playing in the dog park or going out to toss the Frisbee, jeans are the durable choice. You wouldn’t want to rip a hole in the knee of your leggings when reaching for the long throw.

Durability doesn’t just protect you from real life wear-and-tear, though; jeans actually give you a look of casual toughness. Even if you’re only a spectator for a sporting event or rodeo, denim can be a better fit for more physical occasions. In the same vein, a more delicate event like a dance recital or cocktail party calls for a more feminine look that can be achieved through a flowing dress with stockings underneath.

Secondly, consider what top you’d like to wear to the event. Leggings, especially when paired underneath a skirt, can’t handle too much more complexity. If your top has a lot of intrigue, such as buttons or a strong pattern, it’s simpler and safer to go with denim. Likewise, if your top is a solid with simple lines, adding a skirt with patterned tights underneath can bring a lot of glamour into the outfit.

In the same way, if you have a pair of shoes you definitely want to wear, use them to guide your choice. Jeans can easily “dress-down” a pair of stilettos, giving you the perfect mix of glamour and breeziness, while leggings with high heels can look a bit overdone. If you want to be comfortable on your feet, leotards add a quirkiness to sneakers to make them seem more like a fashion statement.

denimFinally, consider the occasion itself. The more formal occasion, the more inappropriate it becomes to wear jeans – even quality dark washes! Nylons and a skirt are a perfect choice for those occasions when you feel as if jeans would be too casual, but a dress or suit would make you look out of place. Make sure your leg-huggers do just that – fit is everything! Also check your length. You wouldn’t want a hem peeking out from the tops of your boots.

Denim is a standby, so sometimes it’s easier just to grab it and go. With all the different materials and patterns that leotards have to offer, you’re missing out on a huge section of possible outfits if you don’t ever consider them. If you have a skirt or dress that never seemed to look right, try matching it with different pairs of stockings to give it new life!

As a final note, leggings should never be worn without a shirt, dress or skirt that comes down past the tops of your thighs (unless you’re going to a club or a similar venue). You want to look classy and leave a little to the imagination! If you can’t find good pairings for your leotards, it’s best to stick with denim, but stockings can be a great way to dress up an outfit and make a cool fashion statement.

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