To Hose or Not to Hose (as published in the Capital Newspaper)

That is the question we have all asked at some point in our fashion lives.  Do I wear hose with this? What color would look right? Is it okay to go bare legged?  At my age?  Relax and follow a few key rules that will have you looking fabulous, at any age.

Let the weather dictate.  No, this does not fall under the category of “you may never wear white after Labor Day.”  This is a common sense rule.  If the temperatures are soaring and you have a cocktail party, you will still look amazing without the nudes you think you need to cover up those chalky white legs.  Be sure to shave, exfoliate, moisturize and if possible, apply a subtle bronzer (Jergens Daily Glow Mouse will have you tanned in three applications without the orange hue or streaks).  Do not skip the all important pedicure if your shoes are open toed.  If you have unsightly veins or other imperfections that need covering up, opt for an ultra sheer, barely there color and keep in mind they do offer toeless versions for the sandals.  Bring the shoe with you because the cut of the shoe will determine whether or not you can pull this look off.  Some of you may be saying they cannot imagine a life without Spanx.  You don’t need to skip the body shapers, just be sure they are short enough not to peak out from under the hemline when you sit and cross your legs. (Practice in a mirror!)

In the cold of winter, opaque tights (that is, completely dark, not sheer) will go with absolutely every dress in your wardrobe and are extremely stylish. Add a simple black pump or a funky bootie to finish it off.  Not only will you add length to your legs, you will add length to your hemline.  Any time a dress fares a bit on the short side, an opaque tight and dark shoe will trick the eye.  Since you are showing less skin, the hemline appears more acceptable.  The same dress sans the hose may look risqué.

One rule of thumb applies to evening wear across the board, regardless of the season:  bare legs will always look better with formal evening wear.  Not even the black sheer tights you ask?  If your legs are so unsightly or you are that concerned about getting a chill, you would be better off wearing a longer dress than wearing hose to the gala!!

What is it about the white button down????

By now everyone has probably heard about the controversy surrounding the Miss USA pageant photo shoot.  If not, the synopsis is this: they decided to do a black and white, sexy pictorial with either fishnets and corsets or unbuttoned white men's shirts and undies while spread out on the bed or draped over the chase lounge...very campy and Victoria Secret inspired.  The photos were amazingly gorgeous but definitely risque, so I can see both sides of the "was this or wasn't this appropriate" argument.  Miss USA is a role model for young girls, but she is also a beauty queen.  (On a side note, one of our own Diva Strut and Sip Models, Simone Feldman who is the reigning Miss Maryland did not make it as a finalist but looked stunning and is a winner in our book!).  One thing the debate inspired me to blog about is the ooozing sex appeal of a woman in a white button down shirt (undone just a bit) that cinches the waistline and gives off that "I just slipped this on after a romantic tryst" look.  That is not to say the crisp, very professional version is not an equally important wardrobe essential for the working girl, but the men just cannot resist the look of us with tasseled hair in a better fitting version of their shirt.  Ooh, la, la!!