Express your love for the lowly thigh high

Ah, vacation... I think I got a little caught up in being off, wouldn't you say? Well, it's time for some new posts for the new year!

Let's talk about thigh high socks for a sec. Sure, they had a recent fashion moment, and if you're under 30, live in NYC and work in a creative field, you might already be wearing them slouchily with loose short skirts. But if you don't fall into that narrow little demographic, I'll let you in on the secret of their real purpose -- keeping you warm without adding bulk.

Under skirts and dresses, they can look just like tights without that saggy crotch thing or that too-high-waistband-making-bulges thing. Under pants, you can cuff them just above the knee and stay warm without feeling like you're adding inches to your thighs. Plus when the weather warms up a bit (or if you live in Boston and are dealing with this global warming heat wave) you can try them slouched and all Erin-Fetherston-y and pretend you really do live in NYC with a fab creative job.



First up, these sleek recycled tree fiber thigh highs from French company G=9.8, which have gotten a lot of attention this season. Sprig praised them first, and Hippyshopper just reminded me of them. These are perfect for work days or under very very tight jeans (although in good conscious, I suppose I should recommend against the later).

G=9.8 thigh high stocking $18 from a DC based eco boutique.
GOOD B/C: Recycled.




Next up are these "regenerated" socks by unknown Love & Socks. I can't find anything about the company, but supposedly these are both eco friendly and ridiculously cheap? Hey, stranger things have happened. Rock these with boots and a knee length skirt for just a strip of fun color.

Love & Socks regenerated over the knee socks $10.
GOOD B/C: Recycled




Finally, a super long pair from fair trade standby American Apparel. Unless you're Amazonian, you'll have to cuff these or slouch them, but that added detail makes them the perfect accent to layer under your girly summer dresses.

American Apparel chain link thigh high socks $17.
GOOD B/C: Fair Trade.

p.s. Notice that the American Apparel pair is NOT made of cotton. I went to a really eye opening exhibit at the Museum of Natural History on water usage. I was shocked by how much more water Americans use (we consume 151 gallons per person per day, compared to the UK's 31!) as well as how much water it takes to grow cotton. My resolution this year is to try to pay more attention the water consumption in a product the way we've all learned to be good about carbon consumption. Amusingly enough, polyester is formed by a dehydration reaction that creates water. Figured that would be a good stand by while I try to educate myself on water consumption issues a bit more.

p.p.s. In good consciousness, I also have to point out that AA's founder is going to trial in a sexual harassment suit this week.