Back to the Future With 80's Pantyhose

We're not going to discuss how it feels to hear clothing from my early teens referred to as "vintage," but the highly enjoyable blog, Couture Allure Vintage Fashion, has posted about the similarities between hosiery shown for Fall 2009 and legwear from the Decade of Greed. The ones above remind me of the infamous $900 Rodarte leggings (this link goes to some ideas for avoiding paying that much).

Designers brought us all kinds of patterned hosiery on the runways for Fall 2009. From textured tights with ribbing and stripes to lace and fishnets to florals and polka dots, it seems solid color stockings and tights are outré this season. But my dears, once more, what's old is new again. May I present patterned hosiery from Fall 1984.

There are three more images over at Couture Allure and, like many people, I remember owning several pairs of polka-dotted pantyhose like the ones she shows on her blog. Feeling nostalgic, I bought a pair of nude on nude polka-dotted hose earlier this year and ended up looking as though I had a skin condition. I think the ones in the 80's worked well because of contrast, as well as color. I'll remember that when I shop this fall.

Seams in Front?

I've had backseams on the brain lately, but it never would have occured to me to wear them with the seams at the front of the leg! It's pure genius, I tell you. These look very much like my fave Nordstrom's house brand of pantyhose/thigh highs where the "backseam" is woven into the nylon and it could definitely pass for a stripe rather than a seam.

Am I brave enough to try it and risk well-meaning strangers saying, "Lady, you've got those on backward?" Hmmm, not so sure. In theory, however this is a very cool idea.

I realize this very well may be a pair with a stripe up front and a stripe down the back, but they look SO much like the Nordie's hose, I can't help but wonder.

Edited to add: My dear blogging pal, Treacle who writes the über-awesome Stockings Addict and who has forgotten more about hosiery than I will ever know, pointed out in the comments area, the Wolford Palomas, which are a front-seamed style and are, indeed, what I think the model above is wearing. Thank you, Treacle. (Also, look at how hot she looks in her new corset).

Red and White Stripes on Grass

Greta-stripes on grass, originally uploaded by Greta et Donato.

Some photos just make me feel happy, like this one of red and white striped tights inside a pair of cute black Mary Janes against some gorgeous green grass. Greta and Donato's photostream is well worth heading over to Flickr to check out, though it's something to view at home rather than work. There are some stunning, incredibly sensuous images and Greta is a really beautiful woman. They are both terrific photographers, as well.

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