Do or Don’t: Knee High Socks

Hello blogosphere, it’s been a while since I’ve written. Being so busy with work, blogging has been low on my priority list and I haven’t been able to attempt at a decent post. That is until recently when a dear friend of mine motivated me to stop being lazy and just write (well, not just write – she had a few requests in mind J). So here I am, starting off the holiday season with an accessories post on something that can be quite debatable – "sky high" socks.

Tall hosiery can be a tricky thing. I’d say this “trend” started to gain momentum last fall, but wasn’t picked up by many. I myself invested in a pair last winter but failed to wear them because something wasn’t quite right. As I’ve seen this styling trick evolve, I’ve decided on a couple tid bits and tricks that will keep you from looking like Cher Horowitz in my favorite past time, “Clueless”.

(Don't get me wrong, I do love the nineties, but this is not what we're going for...)

TIPS AND TRICKS:

*First, there are two sock heights you should consider. Option (a) is knee high choice, then option (b) would be thigh high socks.

*No matter what sock you choose, I think it is important to stick to a neutral, dark shade. Think blacks, browns and grays. You can also look for tweed options that have a mix of all three. Staying to these colors will keep the look modern and up to date. Dark greens and burgundies are perfect too.

*Consider sock weights. I’d go with a thicker version to keep them from looking like thigh high tights (no, thigh high tights weren’t even that cute with your bunny costume for the weekly frat party in college). In addition to weights, consider texture. Cable knit and any kind of sweater tights are great for this look.

*Think chunky knits when wearing your socks. Chunky cardigans, pull over over sized sweaters, sweater dresses… stuff like that. It’s winter people, so there is no excuse to not bundle up! The more layers, the better!

OK, so now that we have gone over the basics, lets move to option A vs. option B...

KNEE HIGH SOCKS:

If you are going to try the knee high option, you need to invest in some tall boots that go just below the knee. The boots should be about one to two inches shorter than the socks, so that the socks just “pop” out of the top. This was a styling mark at the Rag & Bone FW10 show, as you can see here:

To get the look, try these pieces...

Black Denim Shorts

Topshop.com

Oversized Knit Cardi

Topshop.com

Knee High Socks

Topshop.com

Eternity Scarf

urbanoutfitters.com

Cardigan, Rebecca Taylor

bloomingdales.com
Boots, Dolce Vita

Nordstrom.com

note: mix with different colors... add some burgundy and greens in similar styles with your grays and neutrals

OVER THE KNEE SOCKS:

Wear with short shorts, short skirts, pumps and platforms. Or, if you’re really daring, try over the knee boots that are an inch or two shorter than the boots!

Try wearing over the knee socks with leather shorts, an over-sized top (t-shirt, sweater… your choice) and wedges. Or try a sweater dress! Remember to accessorize too with lots of chunky metal bracelets, some rings and either a necklace or earrings. Here are some of my favorite picks.

Sweater Dress

topshop.com

Leather Shorts

Topshop.com

Wool Box Over Sized Tee

shopnastygal.com

T-Shirt, RVCA

needsupply.com

Jeffery Campbell Wedges

Nordstrom.com

Prada (in LOVEEE with these - totally insane!)

Nordstrom.com

Over the Knee Socks

Topshop.com

Or, if you want to change up the cocktail attire, try this....

BCBG Dress

Look available on bloomingdales.com

Two Campaigns That Actually Got it Right...

Contrary to my previous post, here are two brands that successfully executed a gorgeous campaign. No bad paint jobs (or spray tans, whatevs) here, thank goodness - I actually want to buy the clothes featured in these ads, unlike those seen at the Jersey Shore.

Gucci

Moschino

Oh No He Didn't...

Apparently, oh yes he did, and by he, I mean the Roberto Cavalli brand with their new Spring 2010 Ad Campaign. Fake Bake is an understatement in this situation - I mean seriously, what was the stylist thinking? The girls literally look like they were painted with orange/brown paste. Note to stylist: this aint the Jersey Shore, and even if it was, Roberto Cavalli definitely doesn't fit the genre. All I can think is, "ewwwwwwww" every time I look at this campaign. Blah.

Only plus side: Blondie's eyes in the first shot have a cobalt pop that is stunning due to the darker skin tone, but still, the dark orange is too overpowering and takes away from the clothes, which is the most important part of the whole campaign, don't you think?

Give me a Wedgie

Well, not a wedgie that you would associate with your a-hole siblings wanting to give you a hard time, or the adorable undies you decided to buy but immediately regretted your choice after the first wear. I am talking about beautiful, beautiful shoes. I'm not sure what has been going on with me over the last couple of weeks, but I definitely have a sick shoe obsession that I can't seem to get over, especially when it comes to Wedges. Here are my favorite picks of the moment, most from Jeffery Campell who I think is safe to say has a love/hate relationship with every shoe lover.

DV by Dolce Vita, nordstrom.com

Unique for TopShop, topshop.com

Jeffery Campell, needsupply.com

Jeffery Campell, needsupply.com

Jeffery Campell, needsupply.com

Click, Clack, Clog?

Yes people, the clog is in style, thanks to Karl at the SS10 Chanel presentation. At first I was a little taken back, but it didn't take me long to realize I NEED a pair. Love love love them, mostly due to the fact that, A) They aren't 80's inspired, B) They're different from anything else out there and C) I just think they're a sweet and fun addition for the season. So instead of hearing the click clack of your favorite stilettos, switch it up and put a little clog in your step.

Jeffery Campbell, available at needsupply.com: http://needsupply.com/womens/charli.html

Ode to the Queen

The anticipation for the Autumn/Winter ‘10 shows has only been building over the last few months, but unfortunately tragic feelings of loss and shock hit the fashion industry on the first day of New York Fashion Week. I think I can say without argument that Alexander McQueen was one of the most innovative and impeccable designers in the history of fashion, which makes the news of his recent death all the more heartbreaking. McQueen was known for his signature shapes that pushed the creative barrier to new heights. In my opinion, I’d say he was one of a handful who could actually create an experience that literally made you think, “What the f*** is that?”, but you could still appreciate his craft and see the beauty of each silhouette that came down the runway.

I’ll be honest, I have had a really hard time writing this post (hence the delay on actually getting something on my page), so I am just going to leave you with a few of my favorites from the designer. RIP McQueen.

A snipet from his S/S10 Plato's Atlantis presentation in Paris:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUvFTc2mlNY

True or False: Blondes Have More Fun?

... Whether or not blondes actually do have more fun than us dark haired beauties, Nicole Richie looks AMAZING in her Marie Claire UK cover story. I know her going to the dark side is not new news, but I can't get over how good she looks; talk about a step up from The Simple Life. Side note: She makes me want to chop my bangs off again, something to think over. Bravo NR, bravo.

Loving these shoes as well. The designer is Jerome C. Rousseau - He is amazing.