A deal on my favorite tights!

A outfit from 2010 with my beloved heather bittersweet tights

This weekend I took a quick "tights inventory" to see what needed to be tossed, what would be wearable for another year, what I've misplaced, etc. Afterwards I ran a search to see where I could find the best prices on some replacements for the castoffs. And I noticed that Spanx, who make my most favorite tights (due to their lack of shiny appearance and overall durability) is having a decent sale!*

I was thrilled especially to see my most favorite styles have been resurrected after a few years of falling off the map. I used to love my heather gray and heather bittersweet Spanx tights. I wore them constantly until they were basically threadbare. And I was super sad I couldn't replace them. I'd scour every TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack I'd visit in the hopes to find a secret stash of them to no avail. I like the heather finish because it seems to match everything and give me an option that looks a bit less severe than straight up black (which I also wear a lot during tights season).

*Sale tip: The sale prices can be found on both their website and their "official" ebay store. Stock overlaps a bit but isn't exactly the same so it's worth visiting both places if you are seeking specific color/size combos or styles.

I'll be drawing winners of the eShakti giveaway today or tomorrow. I'm sorry for the delay! This week is a bit nuts, schedule-wise. Today I have a long day of meetings then back-to-back teaching. I leave early and won't be home until pretty late.  I'm also busy prepping for a startup obligation. Tomorrow I will be representing Covey as part of a Next Pittsburgh panel and event showcasing "What's Next in Tech." If you are in Pittsburgh you should come check it out!

Quick wedding OOTD

I toiled over what to wear to a recent wedding and wound up feeling pleased enough with this ensemble that I also sported it to my second baby shower. I will update with some photos and recap from that day (which was really wonderful and full of enthusiasm and love, just like the first). The wedding was also really beautiful and moving. A couple who had been together for decades decided to make a marital commitment to each other and it was thrilling to see. I wanted to dance so much more than I physically could. Chris and I really only managed a slow song or two before I decided to listen to my body and sit down.

I'm at the point where it's hard not to feel occasional negative body thoughts because with increasing frequency my current body is in varying degrees of pain or discomfort. But I am healthy and the fetus is healthy so despite my nagging aches I realize I'm very fortunate.

Things are hectic as we count down the last few weeks before we have a kid. So much is left to do. But I've managed to keep my belly photos updated and write occasionally about this new and changing experience both here and on my pregnancy blog. Thank you for hanging around even though my wardrobe and consumption have shifted to suit these adaptations.

Outfit details:
Everly Grey dress from Amazon
Assets Maternity Tights (which are actually awesome! buy them here or here)
Gucci Wedges
Amber pendant and John Hardy heart necklace (both gifts)

Nude Pantyhose for Day?

Kate Spade Nellie dress

Anthropologie belt

MBMJ bag and shoes

With and without nude pantyhose (c/o Hanes)

Yesterday I posted a photo that included sheer pantyhose by Hanes Hosiery. I didn't mention that I was wearing them because I was curious as to whether they'd go unnoticed. The other week, a representative from Hanes contacted me to ask if I would style an outfit with and without their nude sheers. I obliged because as longer-term readers know I suffer from acute tights dependency. In other words, come warm weather, I cling to my hosiery like glue. I fear the exposure. I want the coverage. And I hate lacking the buffer to prevent "chub rub." I envy those women who welcome bare legged season without hesitation. Bike shorts notwithstanding, I am not among them.

Although I never wear sheer or nude pantyhose, my opaque tights and fishnets are beloved. So I accepted the challenge from Hanes because it offered a potential middle ground. I also know that many professional women have to wear pantyhose as part of their office dress codes. So while I found it difficult to not associate a particular dated look with nude pantyhose, I realize that for plenty of career women of all ages, they are requisite.

I remember wearing nude hose in middle school. I remember wearing them in high school. I remember their ubiquity in the 80s and 90s. I also remember them feeling uncomfortable compared to tights. They squeezed more and they ripped more. But outside of the confines of stricter corporate dress codes, I can't recall seeing many women my age sporting sheer hose today. Terra of Stylish White Female (who also styled an outfit with and without) reminded me that Kate Middleton wears them often. Other than within conservative, professional contexts I don't see them being worn among my non-royal circle of similarly-aged peers.

Some thoughts: it is good that Hanes Hosiery Sheers come in full length or thigh high. Although I tried a pair of regular full length pantyhose, I think the thigh highs offer women who don't fear the exposure or the "chub rub" a useful alternative to feeling confined. The sheers really are quite sheer. So they offer some coverage while still allowing the leg to be seen. I did think they had a bit of a shimmer to them which some women might dislike. I imagine the intent was to mimic the shine of recently shaved and moisturized legs. I would follow their size chart accordingly and size up as recommended if you are on the cusp. The control top was definitely more confining and squeezy than my beloved tights. But they felt comfortable on the legs.

In Honor of the NFL Draft: Outfit Fandom from the Consume or Consumed Archives

Here you can see me wearing one of my earliest sport-fandom inspired outfits of the day. It is in honor of my first true sports love: The Steelers. Although my look matches that of my dad and little brother, you can see how I've styled it to be my own through the assistance of accessories.

In this case, turquoise jelly shoes, white tights, and a pink plastic telephone coil belt.

I hope the Steelers draft some promising offensive (and defensive) lineman. Glad to hear Hines Ward is here for another 4 years (poised to retire as a Steeler). The Pens won in the playoffs. Yay Pittsburgh! Yay for more chances to be an expressive and fashionable fan!