Seriously’s Self & Style: Don’t Hate Your Hips, Work ‘Em!

Beyonce got hips!

Women come in all shapes and sizes and so do our hips.  I thought I would cover this really quickly because in the family of manners and etiquette lives a sibling named Self-esteem.

Women have so many messages when it comes to what is en vogue or flavor of the months that does not add up to what they actually are.  Yeah, the magazines and media tell us to look this way or that, but I sincerely believe that you have to accept where you are in order to grow or change into who you want to be without hurting yourself.

Trust me, I eat healthy and exercise and take my vitamins and I am not comfortable with my weight.  I know that I simple don’t get enough exercize.  I know I have to make more time in my day for it and when I decide to do it I will.  It’s that simple.  I accept it because that’s where I am today and what matters most to me is what I see in the mirror.  If I am happy with it, then the world will be happy that I am happy with it.

Dr. Phil says that we teach the world how to treat us and if you are treating yourself badly, like starving yourself to lose weight or over eating to compensate for something…Whatever it is that we do to ourselves that is harmful, we carry that with us and it is on display.  You may not have to tell people what you are doing to yourself, but people can figure it out and treat you accordingly.  Not Cool.

So, this post is all about loving your hips.  I love my hips.  It took me some time to  get there, but I am there now.  When I wear a nice skirt of great fitting pair of jeans, my hips are right there saying “Look at me!”  So my ladies, take some time to take a look at those door nudging, drawer closing, booty bumping hourglass shaped hips.

Where are your hips?

Your hips are a part of your body that sits below the waist.  It less technical terms, it is usually the widest section of a womans body below the waist, yet above the thigh.

Why are women unhappy with their hips so much?

Honestly, I don’t know.   What I do know is that different feminine physical  features go in and out of style.  We have beautiful bodies that come in all shapes as I said before and I believe that it’s the media that says how we should look or what look is en vogue at any particular time and people tend to buy into it.  I believe that Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson and Lady GaGa have made the hourglass shape back in style from the glamour days of Hollywood.  This means that women want to look like them more than they have in a while and there is nothing wrong with rockin what you already have.  Remember when full lips became all the rage?  I was right there with a set of natural ones.  That goes to show you how you should just appreciate what you have while you have it.  We have ‘hips’ because we are the child bearers.  Recent studies have shown that larger hips means that woman will have healthier babies, so our hip-a-licious hips serve a maternal, and a fashionable purpose.  Read about that here!

East Coast Vs. West Coast Vs. Southern Hips?

There seems to be a different hip thing going on in different parts of the country.  In the East Coast, particularly NY, the style for women is to be less hippy and curvy that on the West Coast.  In California, what would people do on a beach filled with less hips and curves in bikinis?  Not much.  And for the South, ATL and Miami, what curves and hips can do for you there is just about what they do in Cali.  Rock the hips, ladies.

What about your hips?

If you have hips, I say you should love them.  If you are not so ‘hippy’ and want to enhance your hips with certain styles of clothing if, you can do that, too.  Hips, big or small, give a woman her sway.  They give us the ‘vaaaa’ and the ‘voom’.  It’s not about how much fat you have, it’s about having ‘phat’ in all the right places.

What’s Hip In Fashion?

Everything in moderation.  Clothing included.  You obviously know that I am against the slutty-street look and I advocate having style etiquette when it comes to what you wear.  Anything that you wear that’s too revealing or too tight is declasse, so bring fashionable attention to your hips, not pants or skirts so tight you can’t move your hips to walk.

Not Hip To It?

If you really don’t care to have your hips as your attribute, there are ways to wear clothing that draws attention away from the hip and still have a hottie figure.  View a video here!

Yet, I say, “Thou shall love thy hips!”

I’m not really a fan of this song, but if there was a song that I would say can pump you up about your hips, this is it!

Sincerely,

Seriously

Dating With Chivalry: How To Impress Your Lady Without Breaking A Sweat

Chivalry^[1] is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love. The word is derived from the French word “chevalerie”, itself derived from “chevalier”, which means knight, derived from “cheval”, horse (indicating one who rides a horse).

Today, the terms chivalry and chivalrous are often used to describe courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women.

Ok guys.

I am giving you the inside scoop on how to impress the lady you want to take out on a date.  Yes, what I talk about below are things that ladies look for.  I cannot speak for hoochie mamas or sluts and if you are looking for the latter to be part of your life then you seriously have no need to be chivalrous.  You probably seek the comfort of whats-her-face doing the whatchamacallit with you for a couple of hours, leaving and repeating this many nights of your week.

I am talking to the guys who are looking for potential significant others, girlfriends and fiances.

Forget what you do around your buddies.  Forget all those things you do when you let down you hair (figuratively speaking) when you are at home alone.  The farting, the belching and wearing the dirty underwear for days without a shower and the sports (just for a while).

See, if you can wear the same underwear for days without a shower, you should probably be in the house alone anyway.  Not cool.

I am talking to the man, young or seasoned, that is ready to put all of his idiosyncrasies’ aside to capture the heart (and respect) of the one you are falling in love with.  People have to give up something to gain something.  I think we all do that, so don’t look at it as such a bad thing.  It’s a process of life.  You know, showering and changing your underwear and all.

What’s bad (and sad) is when you behave and have the poor manners of  a 12-year-old kid in a 35-yr-old body.  That’s why you are single.

So, here are some quick tips for those guys who are really ready (key word: ready) to impress the girl of your dreams on a date.

1. Pick A Girl That Likes You, Forget The Ones That Don’t: Yes, it is chivalrous to pick a date that likes you and really wants to date you.  Why?  Because it will spare all the future girls of  the anger you’ll have  against women that started with that one bad apple. Don’t just date her because she is hot, sometimes that heat has melted away at her integrity, character and substance.  You may end up with a shallow, bratty, trashy, teasy gold digger.  Yes, the one your mom, dad and all your buddies and the rap videos warned you about who will just go behind your back dog you to her friends no matter how nicely you treated her.  If a good date and good girl are what you are looking for, just ask yourself if your mom would approve.  If so, keep reading and be the chivalrous gentleman you strive to be.  Need help? Click here for girls you may not want to take home to mom.
2. Are You Listening? Guys, this part is really important to us women.  We want you to listen to us.  Why?  Because you went through all the trouble of setting up the time for the date, asking us out on the date without knowing if we’d say “No”.  You took a risk, it paid off, now we are convinced that you are interested in us and what we have to say.  Our background, our thoughts on current events…etc.  So, truly be a thoughtful and active listener and if you find that you have similar thoughts or interests, share them with her.  Those are bonus points for you. Let her finish her thoughts.  Don’t interrupt her when she is speaking.  If you missed something that she said, explain that you didn’t hear (or understand) what she said and ask for clarification.  More importantly, this is not a combat or contest.  There are no winners, so don’t compete, attempt to change her mind, insult or try to 1-up her when you disagree with something she says.  Let it go or gently tell her how you see things.
3. Traditionally Speaking: The bouquet of  flowers when you pick her up, the opening of doors, pulling her seat out at the table, taking her coat in the restaurant.  Go for it.  This lady is special to you and you want her to know that, so sincerely treating her like the delicate flower she is goes without saying.
4. I Wanna Hold Her Hand: Assuming you have worked up a healthy report with your lady, you may desire more physical contact with her.  Ask her if you may hold her hand and tell her how much it would mean to you if she says ‘Yes’!  Don’t get carried away guys.  You may want to hold her waist, put your arm around her shoulder or pounce, but if this is the beginning of your dating relationship, practice being a little more formal and reserved.  If all works out with her you should understand that good things come to those who wait and patience is a virtue right in line with chivalry.
5. What’s The Special?: Guys, I know you want to appear cool, suave and smooth on your date and you can do so by making sure to take enough money with you to cover the tab. This is your chance to shine.  Don’t just appear to be in control, take gentlemanly control.  Ask her what she would like and ask her if you could order for her.  When her drink glass is empty, grab your server for her refill.  Save up for the place you want to take your date, especially if the menu is pricey.  Don’t get caught ordering the cheapo specials because you can’t afford the meal…Not to mention the movie or bowling afterward.
6. Pimp Vs. Proper Gentleman: There are some guys that have this slimy quality about them and the way they dress, this should not be you or your intent.  This flashy, bling-bling sort of “come hither” stare and attitude is worth it’s weight in repellent.  Long nails to pick your teeth with and a pinky ring with creepy looking facial hair, are you kidding?   This look isn’t serious as far a finding a woman of character.  For finding a tramp, your pimp gear may work. Clothing wise, keep it business casual, at least.  Clean, stain-free and stylish.
7. Arrogance Is Not Confidence: Are you the master of the universe?  If so, then you don’t need this information.  Slow down, tiger.  There is a fine line between being proud of something you want to discuss and being annoyingly arrogant.  Watch her eyes when you are talking.  If they glaze over or her eyes drift off  you and onto the wall decor of the restaurant, stop right there.  She may never say that you’re annoying the heck out of her when you are rattling off of your accomplishments from kindergarten until today or have poor manners and behavior. Remember, this whole date is not about you, it’s about both of you.  Be considerate.  Be confident.  Not Annoying.
8. Just Like Family: She may ask  you questions about your family, because she may be part of your family one day.  Obviously, if you get along with your family you should feel free to boast with pride.  If you don’t have family or don’t get along with them then it’s best to respectfully steer clear of this topic.  You can end it quickly by explaining that your family situation is a bit complicated, but don’t start dogging your family to a girl you are trying to impress.  Points deducted!
9. Goodnight Kisses: On First Dates & Beyond: Aww, there is nothing like a good goodnight kiss.  What a way to end an evening.  Goodnight kisses on first dates used to be taboo and nowadays they are taboo.  Yes guys, don’t do it.  Don’t give her a kiss on the lips on the first date.  Now, I know you’re thinking that this advice is way too old school and doesn’t belong in the world today.  Trust me.  Don’t do it.  If you are going to kiss her on the first date, kiss her hand or cheek or both.  She may even want the kiss on the lips, but it’s better to leave her wanting more.  If she puckers up for a smooch, give her a peck on the forehead.  She may be shocked that you didn’t take the bait, but she will know that you have self-control.  I don’t know any lady that dislikes a guy with self-control.  Trust me. As for dates beyond the first, be generous with the kisses.  Smooches and pecks on the cheeks and hands are sweet and innocent.  French kisses should be done when you’re parting for the evening, yet you should still have some self-control.  No face swallowing or tongue exploration.  I can’t say ‘trust me’ enough.  Girls of all ages love guys that practice self-control.  You can’t expect to court a lady in just a few weeks.  It is an ongoing process that may last for months.  Remember, this is not a simple and quick as a text messaged booty call.
   
10. Follow-Up- After you drop her off and you are on ‘Cloud 9′ (Yeah, there’s room on ‘Cloud 9′ for guys): Enjoy and savor your experience with your lady.  You may want to send her a friendly text just letting her know that you had a good time.  You may want to phone her up and say this instead of texting her.  Just make sure you let her know within 24 hrs that you had a wonderful time (or not) and will contact her to make plans for the next date (or not).  If thinks are not so peachy, it is chivalrous not to leave her hanging on and wondering where things are going from here.  If you don’t plan on dating her and she still likes you, with all due kindness, gently let her know that the date was an experience that you’ll not soon forget, but don’t mention that you want to end it with her.  Let her know that you’re dating life is open right now and you have things in your life that you will be busy with (like dating other ladies) and it wouldn’t be fair to continue dating her.  Most of the time, ladies will know if a connection has been made or not.  If you’re not making another date with her, and it’s mutual, so be it.  Otherwise, enjoy your next date(s).

Seriously McMillan

For more modern chivalry tips: Click here!

10 Casual Table Manners: What You Wanted To Know But Didn’t Know To Ask

Manners.  It’s something that we secretly look to see if others have.

Are they putting their elbows on the table or are they picking their teeth with their fingernail?

Certainly, if you are on a casual dinner date, the extremely rigid rules of eating are pared down to the basics.

What is considered a casual dinner date?  I am talking a night out with the gals or in a group of friends.  It can also include a one-on-one date, but in a casual restaurant setting.

There are just some things that will never get a ‘Good Manner’ badge.  Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when eating casually with friends or on a casual date.c

1. Who Pays?: This may be more of an etiquette rule, but it’s important to talk about who is paying so no one is sitting there at the end of the meal  feeling good after a few beers wondering if they are going to have to pay the piper.  Seriously, if you are an independent woman and want to pay for yourself, then let him (or the group) know that this is a ‘dutch‘ dinner from the beginning.  You will pay for your part and he will pay for his.  Otherwise, the common protocol is that the person that suggests they go out to eat is the one responsible for paying the tab, no matter how much the other person orders.  Of course, if you are out and you are not paying the tab, it would be a gracious act to leave the 17-20% tip.   Keep that in mind.

2.  Are You Eating (or Nibbling) To Impress?:  In a casual setting, it’s really OK to eat.  I mean eat when you are hungry, but have some boundaries. I’m not saying that you should order two full course meals but cutting your intake down to what a bird would eat just so you don’t feel like you seem like a piglet is asinine.  Even modern casual eating settings have classic roots.  Usually, there is an appetizer, main course and dessert.  Don’t feel like you have to impress the others by eating only a salad with water and soda crackers, unless that is what you really want.  Otherwise, eat and eat it up…Graciously.

3. Who’s Got Their Food?:    In groups, it can take some time to have everyone’s main course served, so if your food has arrived you should try to hold off on eating until the food has arrived for the folks at your end of the table.  Keep an eye out for who has their food in front of them.  As far as appetizers and desserts are concerned, have at it as soon as it comes.  If others at your table don’t have their appetizers served yet, offer a taste of yours to tide them over until their appetizer arrives.

4.  Can’t Swallow This?:  If you are stuck with something in your mouth that you cannot bare to swallow, I suggest that you remove it from your mouth with a napkin (paper) or with your hand as you would a piece of gum and place into the paper napkin.  Opinions vary about this and others people do suggest other options.  If it’s a piece of meat, veggie or other solid food of the kind in your mouth and you are not at a restaurant with paper napkins, simply remove it from your mouth like a piece of gum, followed by a simple, “Excuse me”.  Place the food on the side of the plate that you are not eating from or on a dish that you are not eating from any  longer.  Never spit food from your mouth.  Even pets know this.

5. Cutting The Food: Keeping in mind that this is a casual setting, I would not worry about cutting your meat or fish with the customary and classic European manner of holding the cutting/steak knife with the left hand.  When I am out and eating in a casual setting, I use my right hand to hold the knife to cut any meat I eat.

6.  Cut It All Into Wittle-Bitty Pieces?: In a casual setting, where I know I will be talking with others, I tend to cut my food into tiny pieces.  I do this for two reasons.  First, I do this because I want to eat my food and not have huge pieces of it swishing around in my mouth while I am trying to talk to others.  Second, I do this so that I can clear mouth by swallowing my food to talk and not have the food flying out of my mouth.  I cut my salad into small pieces, I cut any meat into small pieces and any sizeable side dish.

7. Food Face: Nothing is more gross to me than food on your face,  in the corners of your mouth or running down to your chin.  be aware of the food you eat and make sure it goes straight into your mouth.  Keep your face clean while you eat.  It’s difficult to take anything that comes out of your mouth seriously if you seriously can’t put food into your mouth.  If you feel any sauce on your lips, wipe it away with the napkin and if you are a guy and have a beard, please check yourself to make sure that you don’t store food in your beard to eat later.  That’s what doggie bags are for.

8.  Burping, Belching & Farting At The Table: Look, body functions happen.  I will tackle farting first.  If you can at all make it to the restroom, then do so.  If your gas is smelly, it can turn the stomach of people at the table.   Some people are lucky enough to pass gas that doesn’t smell, some are not.  I simply don’t encourage passing gas at the dinner table if you are an adult.  Burping and belching are giggle triggers for some, but they are turn-offs for most.  Cover your mouth with a napkin or turn your head away from the table to muffle the sound of loud ones.  Always follow-up with an “Excuse me”.  This is a casual eatery not a frat house party.

9. Blow This: Yes, if you have to blow your nose, take a trip to the rest room.  Do your best to get it all out before you return to the table.

10.  There Is An Excuse For You: Yes, you should say “Excuse me” when you are rising and leaving from the table.  By the way, when a lady leaves the table in a casual setting, a gentleman doesn’t have to stand when she leaves the table, unless he chooses to.  It’s chivalrous, but not mandatory.

Sincerely,

Seriously

Grammy Awards 2010: The Dresses & The Messes

Yes, there will be thousands of other bloggers that will chime in on the Grammy night fashions, but no blog like this.

I’ve decided create simple categories for each style of dress.

The “Whatever…” category:  This is my favorite category as I will pt in those celebrities who wore something that was supposed to be shocking, but only warranted a simple “whatever…”

Ciara: Matrix chic

Katy Perry: Is this a Lady Godiva look?

It is sooo a Miley....Whateverrrrrr!

Nadeea? Wha????

The “Not Again” category:  When a celebrity has been there and done that with their fashion, and it didn’t work the first time, why do they go back???

J.Lo and her winter scarf.

The “At Least It’s A Nice Dress?” category: For those who simply wore a nice dress.  No real fancy, no real frills.

Fergie: Ehhh?

Taylor Swift: Too grown up??

India.Arie: Better!

The “Bridal Gown Chic”:

Wearing white…Why?

Marisa Miller

Carrie Underwood: The bridal gown chic isn't working

Here comes the...Rihanna

The “I Want That Dress” category: When a dress is too awesome for just a celebrity to traipse around in, I want that dress, too.

BEST DRESSED!

Photos C/O Wireimage.com & Huffingtonpost.com

Pre-Grammy Awards: The Nominees & How Celeb Style Sized Up?

All is fair in love and the Grammy Awards…at least at the pre-Grammy celebrity nominee celebration.  Fashion was on, but things were looking a bit cookie cutter.  Where’s the color girls?  This is the pre-Grammy party.  Sometimes celebrities overdress at some functions and dare not take a fashion chance, when we expect them to.  By the way, the lack of pantyhose is shocking (See what I’m talking about here!)

Anyhow, without any more chit-chat…

Garbrielle Union: Whoop-pahh! She looks whippin’ hot in black!

I have Gabrielle Union on the top because she knows the value of a good pair of pantyhose!  Go Gabby!

India.Arie looks pretty, but understated for a glamorous event.

Singer Keri Hilson rocks in gold and glitter.

Love that color?: Rihanna beams, Katy Perry smiles and Taylor Swift and Fergie strike the pose as they all have similar colors in their dresses. Well, Rihanna has a dab of pale pink and blue…just a dab.

Not surprisingly, Carrie Underwood joined the silver-spangled banner of singers donning iced colored dresses.

Jennifer Hudson

Poppin’ In Purple:  Jennifer Hudson rocks a simple leather dress and shows off her post-baby figure.  Lookin’ good, Jen.

Ke$ha

Ke$ha goes black.  Not bad.

Mary J. Blige

Did Mary J. Blige do the silver shuffle, too?  Yes, she did, but it looks as if she was trying to add in a little touch of pink, like Rihanna did.

THE MAIN GRAMMY NOMINATIONS 2010

RECORD OF THE YEAR
Halo, Beyonce
I Gotta Feeling, Black Eyed Peas
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon
Poker Face, Lady GaGA
You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
I Am…Sasha Fierce, Beyonce
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
The Fame, Lady Gaga
Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, Dave Matthews Band
Fearless, Taylor Swift

SONG OF THE YEAR
Poker Face, Lady Gaga
Pretty Wings, Maxwell
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It), Beyonce
Use Somebody, Kings of Leon
You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST
Zac Brown Band
Keri Hilson
MGMT
Silversun Pickups
The Ting Tings

BEST FEMALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Hometown Glory, Adele
Halo, Beyonce
Hot N Cold, Katy Perry
Sober, Pink
You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift

BEST MALE POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE
This Time, John Legend
Love You, Maxwell
Make It Mine, Jason Mraz
If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Seal
All About the Love Again, Stevie Wonder

BEST POP ALBUM
The E.N.D., The Black Eyed Peas
Breakthrough, Colbie Caillat
All I Ever Wanted, Kelly Clarkson
The Fray, The Fray
Funhouse, Pink

Read more: Via

By the way, here’s a person after my own heart…

That’s right, Katy Perry and Russel Brand.  Don’t listen to me, listen to what this reader has to say…

Brand and Perry are rude to make fun of Rihanna’s dress. Bad mannered.

- Sybil, England

Body Manners #2: Learn To Love Your Shape?

Yes!  I just fell for Gok Wan, the fashion and style guru, and his very simple and gentile approach to teaching women to love the bodies they have.

His You Tube channel called How to Look Good Naked is filled with videos and clips of Gok Wan, a funky UK stylist and his journey to teach women to look at their bodies from a different perspective and not be so hard and judgmental on themselves.  Society is hard enough on a voluptuous woman, right?

So, sit down and take another peek at a video clip of Gok Wan and a woman who is not convinced that her body is sexy, but that doesn’t last for long…

Body Manners #1: Learn To Love Your Stretch Marks?

Alright.  I know we all have the perfect body.

It’s true.  Pay no attention to Heidi Montag and her plastic surgery marriage to a scalpel.

If you are a thick chick, the current climate of beauty and fashion still idolizes the thin, boyfriend, board flat body type.  I will never look like that and that is just fine with me.  I love curves and hourglass shapes, which is what I have.

Just imagine a world where you loved every part of yourself.  Your big beautiful thighs, your big bosom, your not-so-flat belly…and last but not least, your stretch marks.

Today, I met (via YouTube) Gok Wan and his channel How to Look Good Naked. It’s not about being naked in a sexual sense, its about building your self-confidence so that you accept yourself the way you are.  Love your body and all it’s nooks and crannies.  Cover, conceal and shape when you want, but understand that we are normal.  We are all normal.

I can appreciate how Gok Wan makes the women feel better about their bodies on his shows.  They even made me think about how I viewed my bod.  I appreciate my not-so-six-packed belly a bit more now.

Thank you, Gok.  Wherever you are. I have learned to love my ‘lady lines’.

Fashion Etiquette: Pantyhose & Tights Vs. Pasty, Ashy Legs

First off, I can understand why ladies believe it is proper to have bare legs.  There is a new kind of “burn the bra” movement, except this time is revolves around “ditching the pantyhose”.

In all actuality, the pantyhose movement is not very old itself.  Long dresses meant that women could get away with not shaving their legs and they didn’t bother doing so.  In cooler months, I prefer tights to pantyhose and I don’t shave my legs everyday either.  What’s under my skirt, stays under my skirt.

As the weather warms and I wear skirts with varying hemlines,  I prefer pantyhose to bare legs and I do shave before wearing sheer hose.

This whole pantyhose or not debate is understandable, but I feel that when you are putting a look together that pantyhose adds a touch of finish to the ensemble.

There are pros and cons to the entire subject and I will mention some of them here.  Yet, I want it to be known that the legs are a sexy feature on a woman and to have them exposed may give a man a little too much view of you.  I think that modesty is always the best policy…legs included.

Pantyhose Pros:

• Pantyhose Can Give You A Nice Uniform Shape & Color On Your Legs: People suffer with all kinds of leg imperfections.  Cellulite, scars, skin discolorations,  varicose veins…what ever.  Pantyhose and thigh-high hose (or stockings)sheer support or semi opaque- can give your legs a nice shape and color so you won’t worry about what you really don’t want to worry about when it comes to your legs.  Pantyhose can shore up some of your cellulite, give a uniform color to an otherwise discolored leg, and the more opaque the panty hose, the more you’ll conceal unsightly varicose veins and scars.
• Tights Are My Best Friends: I truly like tights.  Most are semi-to-completely opaque (opaque relates to the color and density of the tights not being see thru or sheer.)  Opaque tights cover  the leg in color or pattern completely and for me, I don’t have to worry about my legs showing too much in a skirt.  In winter, they give great coverage and keep legs warm from toe to hip.  Tights rule.  I really cold weather, the thick cable knit tights are so warm with a winter skirt and a pair of boots.
• Control Top Is The Secret: I have always loved the control top, skin matching pantyhose.  You know they are not going to slide down around your ankles because they are too busy giving your midsection a nice shape.  Do you know how many pasty, ashy legged women with paunchy bellies I see?  A lot of them.  Ladies, you know that you feel better when you look better.  It’s part of our culture and a way of life, especially when it comes to our bellies.  So, get a little assistance firming up that middle with a two-fer…Pantyhose with a control top panty.
• An Awesome Accessory: Like earrings and bracelets, pantyhose and tights make awesome accessories to your wardrobe.  Done correctly, tights or pantyhose can make or break an outfit.  Pantyhose and stockings come in all types of textures, colors, patterns, but be sure that you don’t go overboard with the styles with your outfits.  Pick a pair that will be the accent piece and plan the outfit around the pantyhose.  There is nothing worse than too much color in an outfit that include a pair of mismatched pantyhose. Pantyhose with back seams and fish net stockings are two sexy alternatives to regular day wear pantyhose, yet I would probably only wear the seamed stockings during the day.  Otherwise, say the sexy stocking for your dates or evenings out.

The Down Side Of Pantyhose

• The Open Toe Shoes & Sandals: Several years ago Oprah wanted the control of a pantyhose on her legs, then she wanted to wear open toe shoes…Someone head her cry and created Spanx.  Ladies, there is no use wearing a pair of pantyhose with an open toe shoe.  The point of pantyhose is not to expose your toes while wearing them, that is just as unsightly as wearing socks and sandals .  If your toes are out in the open toe shoes, then they are out.  If you wear closed toe shoes, then your toes are covered.
• Summer, The No Hose Season?: I `believe that sheer pantyhose were made for summer, but I can understand the complaints about wearing pantyhose in the summer because of the heat.  My thoughts are that you should be comfortable, and if that does not include wearing pantyhose in hot weather, then so be it.  But, this is not a pass to not wear them to upscale or professional functions where you will be in an air-conditioned area.
• Pantyhose Go Running:  All pantyhose run no matter how much you paid for them.  This is a pet peeve for many women and only a pet peeve for me because I don’t want to have to go get another pair every time I get a snag.  So, whet I do is save the ones with a snag for wearing under long skirts or pants.  Of course, you can stop the run by dabbing on clear nail polish at both ends of the run.
• Can You Play Matchy-Matchy?: In the pantyhose game there is a true problem.  SOmeone forgot that Nude only means nude for a person with that skin tone.  Certainly women with pale legs could not match nude pantyhose with their legs.  Thus begins the cyclical problem of women and matching skin colors with items they purchase.  WHat I find disheartening is a woman of color, is the lack of color choices between nude and black to match my legs.  Companies are getting better, but it’s still tough.  Just as it is still a task to find a matching liquid makeup foundation.

A Solution For The Hose

If It’s Too Hot For Hose…: If you are uncomfortable in hose for summer, then make sure the imperfections you don’t want to share on your legs are covered as they would have been had you worn pantyhose.  Tame the dry, discolorations of your legs.  Tanner for light-med skin.  Lotion for med-dark skin.  Shave well…And don’t forget Knee-Highs or Thigh-Highs  if you are wearing a below the knee, slacks or upper-casual capris.

You don’t have to give up hose, tights, stocking and nylons completely unless you truly loathe them and I don’t mean because they are part of some dress code or policy.  I mean if you truly don’t like the way they feel on ya, then don’t wear them.  If it’s some rule that you have to wear pantyhose, don’t hate the pantyhose…hate the messenger.

Besides, there are just some settings, business or otherwise, where bare legs are way too casual…and kinda tacky.