Longing for Leggings
Two years ago, I never thought I would say this – at that point I had just left the northern tip of France after living there for four months. And, in over 120 days, I think it was sunny for five of them – but here I am, back in love with the one thing I swore I wanted to ceremoniously burn upon my homecoming.
Leggings.
The truth is, we all love them. Don’t say you don’t, because you really do.
Leggings have been treated like the ugly stepchild of the hosiery family for too long – only being worn when that mini skirt needed liberation but your shivering legs just couldn’t handle it on their own. But, there are some new leggings in town, and trust me, they’re running the show. It will be hard to ignore all of the leggings being flashed upon legs this season. Metallic, fluorescent, faux snakeskin, leather – there is now a legging in every color and pattern imaginable.
And, although there were some seen strolling down runways with prices that would amount to the hefty down payment on your dream home, you can still find these leggings at department stores for a reasonable price. (That leaves you with no excuse.)
Leggings are so comfortable it can feel like you have nothing on. And, they can be added to virtually any outfit – whether the weather is insisting on their presence, or not. Do you like wearing dresses on certain occasions? Oh, you do?! Well, next time, just pair that dress with a pair of black leggings. See? That wasn’t so hard.
You hate dresses? Well then, try a pair of denim leggings. You can pair them with a camisole and blazer, or just match them with an oversized tee shirt or a tunic (throw on some heels and that will make the slender leggings appear even slimmer).
Your ankles are wobbling from the mere thought of heels? Leggings make you look even more graceful when you wear them with ballet flats.
There is one pair of leggings that needs some defense – skintight “wet” leggings are considered territory for girls who haven’t consumed more than a carrot stick and 16 ounces of water in the last 3 months. I have to object. Liquid leggings, in a matte or shiny finish, can be sexy, daring and slimming – if you find the right pair that shows off your assets and flattens every possible flaw.
I have a pair of gray lace leggings, found a pair of zippered black leggings for a steal, I’m desperately searching for the right liquid leggings, and – at this very moment – I’m wearing a pair of denim leggings (with a fake zipper and fake pockets) that I love more than my favorite pair of pajama pants.
Believe in miracles, because there is a legging out there for you. I know. It’s hard to believe. But love comes in all shapes and sizes. Just go with it.
My mom finally caved and I wore them home. The sad news is I didn’t make it inside my house before I fell – right on our driveway – giving myself a 3-inch gash on the elbow that left a scar I still admire proudly. Mom took those heels away that very same day. I’ve been trying to make up for the loss ever since.
As the cast was removed from my ankle 8 weeks later, I vaguely remember the doctor firmly instructing me to avoid wearing high heels. One week later, I tossed the air cast aside and went on a hot date in a hot pair of heels. I was able to follow my hair stylist’s instructions about taking prenatal vitamins for hair growth, but a man with a medical degree doesn’t impress me – at least not enough to get rid of my shoes.
With a collection of heels that concerns most people, I’ve discovered that there is only one thing better than leaving a store with a bag of shoeboxes, and that’s having the boxes show up right at your front door. I’m a girl that refuses to get on the back of a motorcycle unless Hugh Jackman is driving it. Yet you’ll find me in the produce aisle wearing stilettos. After a broken ankle and a few scars, I do have to wonder which is really more dangerous – a Harley Davidson or my favorite Steve Madden’s? I guess I like to live life dangerously. And I’m not the only one. Faith Hill once said, “I perform in heels – can’t get my mojo without them.” Marilyn Monroe said, “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” Agreed.
My girlfriends are baffled with my courage to wear high heels on a night out. Aside from the hazards of slipping on spilt beer or drinking too much beer and slipping in general, with heels on I stand about 6 feet tall. And since I don’t live in Holland, this usually leaves me staring at the top of every guy’s head all night long. But maybe this actually makes it easier – I can narrow down my options to the only guys I’m able to make eye contact with.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned to a friend that there should be a guide for wearing cowboy boots. His response: “Is there ever a time you should wear cowboy boots?”
It’s true, even if you don’t call Tulsa your hometown, you can still rock cowboy boots. And even better? You can wear them in a way that makes hillbilly look chic. (If that’s possible.)
When matching your boots to dresses, remember that your new cowgirl boots are fun and flirty so your style should mirror that. Don’t forget to add a long cardigan with your dress and boots to take your outfit into the evening.
It’s important to avoid brighter colors and flashy pieces. You also might want to make the boots the only country piece in your ensemble. Don’t pair your boots with short denim shorts, a plaid button up shirt, a dusty cowboy hat and pigtails – unless it’s your Halloween costume.
If this is your first plunge into leather, buying a jacket is the best item with the best cost-per-wear ratio. You can pair a casual, fitted leather jacket with leggings, denim, fitted pants and skirts without having to worry about too many fashion rules. Just make sure the jacket is well tailored to your body, and when wearing the jacket with skirts, be sure it is proportional to the hem of the skirt.
If you can’t bear the thought of real leather, Forever 21 has some vegan leather jackets for under $100 – with cropped styles, embellishments and even some with multiple zippers – so you can get your leather fix without ever having to touch leather.
Liquid leather leggings are considered a must-have item for fall. The idea of leather and leggings combined into one item may leave you scared, but if you are daring enough to squeeze into a pair, they would look perfect with a belted cashmere sweater and some ankle boot heels. Also, it’s hard to believe, but with the right fit, these skintight leggings can be very forgiving – showing a slim silhouette while sucking you in. (And, don’t go for a bigger size because they will stretch.)
Zipping down boots, bags, skirts and jackets, the zipper trend is not a new one – but right now, the zipper is begging to be overexposed. And with so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find a zipper style to match your personal wardrobe.
Best of all, you can even find zippers on jewelry! There are bracelets and cuffs with zipper embellishments, brooches made of zippers, earrings that actually zip up and even zipper rings. I’ve even seen zippers on headbands.
For a day at the office you can find a fitted pencil skirt zipped from waist to hem and pair it with a ruffled blouse and heels to get a daring but professional look.
One last thing, if you find a pair of leggings with zippers climbing down the sides – buy them – you can pair them with an oversized tee shirt, cocktail dress, comfy sweater or tunic. You’ll thank me later.
The rush of buying a new piece of jewelry can probably only compare to one thing, the rush of buying a new pair of shoes.
And this spring, there are many shoe styles to choose from. There is only one thing they all have in common – ladies, this season you will need to get over your fear of heights because platforms are here in full force.
Bright colors like fiery orange and bubble gum pink will definitely add a splash to any spring dress. But for those less daring, neutral colors, like tan, beige, and taupe are still in, and offer the added bonus of visually lengthening those legs. Faux snake skin, metallic hues, floral prints, or designs in a multitude of colors will give just enough attitude to that simply understated business suit or your favorite well-worn jeans.
Black nails were spotted on the fingers of nearly every model in the July issue of Vogue, and these dark nails don’t seem to be leaving magazines, runways, or celebrities any time soon.
Please tell me these fashion blogs that speak of waiting lists for bottles of Chanel’s limited edition Black Satin nail polish are really a joke. And tell me that they were never selling on eBay for $90.
In a moment of extreme honesty, I will admit the moment I jumped on the black nail bandwagon – the day Gwen Stefani was photographed with black nails. Surely, if Gwen was doing it, I would be completely “untrendy” if I didn’t.
I am proud to say that after a few years, and some strength, my nails are now the color of fuchsia, not fungus. And I’ve thrown away that trendy black nail polish bottle. I just can’t keep up. Now the truly trendy are being encouraged to trade their black nail polish for the ultra hip navy blue color?! A trend that is sure to confuse paramedics, who will have to determine whether you’re out of oxygen or just totally in style.
The latest way to add trimming to those everyday outfits is, clearly, to add a tiny pet to your own individual couture. And if petite pups aren’t your ideal, try a hairy hamster with his own jewel-encrusted wheel. Or maybe a Bumblebee bat, the smallest mammal known to man, with his own pearl strung leash. Or perhaps a Brookesia minima chameleon, one of the smallest reptiles in the world; you’ll want to stay away from garnishing him in fluorescent colors (trying to match those shades will be tiring for him), so a taupe colored collar littered with topaz should do the trick.
Since April is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) month, if taking a cue from celebrities and shelling out your hard-earned cash for soothing spa treatments and gourmet dog cuisine doesn’t make sense to you, think about adopting a stray from your local animal shelter. It’s a guarantee that this divinely low maintenance mutt won’t be expecting a diamond-studded collar – a cubic-zirconium one will be just fine.