I’ve never been a big fan of pantyhose, especially the ones with the control top. Even in the freezing cold months I steered clear, and I definitely relied heavily on my skirt rotation for my corporate wardrobe, which made the winters challenging. So although one company I worked for technically had an outdated and totally discriminatory policy of “covered legs” for ladies, I of course bucked the system and upped my boot game literally to just above my knees (also frowned upon!) therefore closing the gap between the bottom of my skirt and my bare legs. (Worked like a charm against Old Man Winter, but Big Brother… not so pleased.) This shot courtesy of Yahoo Style UK.
One cold, miserable winter day when NYC schools were open because they never friggin closed, my son actually asked me why we live in such a harsh climate. I had no answer for him, so I called my BFF Robyn and said, “Why the hell do we live here? The weather sucks, it’s freezing, and I can’t feel my face after walking Matty home from school.” “Jen,” she said, “We live here so we can show off our boots!” She is so smart. She found the one redeeming perk New York offers women in February– a chance to show off their parade of great boots. So she got me a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Growing up my Mom had hard and fast rules when it came to pantyhose, which we did wear from time to time for various special occasions and holidays. As little girls, she liked us in white tights or white low socks, especially with patent leather Mary Janes. I have to admit those were sort of cute. As young adults she preferred us in black tights with black shoes. And then came fashion tights, colors and even one pair that I absolutely loved. They were opaque white with a phone conversation typed in black print that covered the entire pair. A girl named Louise called her friend Wanda at four in the morning to talk about a date she had with a guy named Ralph. It just so happens that Ralph’s father walked in just as Ralph leaned over to kiss Louise. I’d tell you the rest, but the story goes right up the thigh and gets a little racy. You can’t see that part anyway and I’m not showing you so please just use your imagination. Just know that those tights were fantastic!
I remember feeling relief at work when the warmer months hit and everyone ditched the stockings for bare legs (even the die-hard suits), and spring would be in the air. Spring fever is most definitely in the air now! Vaccinations are spreading hopefully faster than the new surge in other parts of the world and people are ready to go outside, travel, and resume some semblance of “normal life.” I missed boot season altogether this year, just like all of my well-heeled friends but I’m looking forward to sandals and bare feet. I guess the challenging part now is not ditching the desk and instead remaining focused on work. I do pop up to my roof for a quick 30-minute sun sesh when the rays are particularly inviting, but that’s the extend of my spring fever indulgence. And for a sun worshipper like me, that’s exercising serious control. As long as pantyhose are not involved (ever again) I think I’ll be ok this season and probably all the way through next winter. And by then, I’ll either get to wear some of my fabulous boots, or I’ll be living in Florida and not have to deal with another harsh winter.
The funny part about me moving is that when I discussed the concept with my son and offered that he moves too, his response was, “Well Mom, I’m more of a hoodie guy. Florida is nice for vacation, but I wouldn’t want to live there full-time and not have access to my entire wardrobe.” The apple certainly does not fall far from the (shoe) tree.
jenslittleblackbook.com 