dare to bare
It has been a few years since I worked in an office environment in the summertime. But it was always the debate “Is it okay to wear bare legs with a skirt or dress?” I had always been a traditionalist and dutifully worn pantyhose but decided that I’d break new ground this year. I’d “Dare to Bare!” And I would get my Alexandria Stylebook sisters to help me do it the right way!
Dry skin can occur even in the summertime, so it was important to find the right moisturizer. But it can’t be too heavy or sticky–no one wants that feeling walking down the street on a hot summer afternoon! Bellacara had the perfect solution–Molton Brown’s Heavenly GingerLilly Body Cream. Infused with Tamanu Oil from the South Sea Island of Tahiti, it has been used for centuries to protect Tahitians skin against the hot sun and salt laden sea winds. I’ve fallen in love with this blend of soft fragrance and light moisturizer.
But then I had to think…I really don’t get time to get much sun. My legs show no hint of a tan. Can I do anything to make them less frighteningly white? Remembering the QT by Coppertone days from high school, I was skeptical. The bright orange glow on your body (and hands!) broadcast loud and clear that your tan was a fake. But self tanners have come a long way, baby. I picked up a couple of Tan Towels at Bellacara and took the plunge one morning before work. The individually-wrapped towels had a pleasant citrus smell and were easy to use. I hopped out of the shower, dried off, applied the towel, and dressed about 10 minutes later. Within 2 hours, I could already see an even, smooth glow that looked natural, not overdone, AND office appropriate!
But there are still those days that you just can’t get away with the bare leg look. And I’m a little bit old school in this regard–panty hose still say “elegance” to me. This time, it was The Shoe Hive to the rescue! Their Wolford hosiery may be the softest, silkiest legwear I’ve ever worn. Most of the day, I even FORGOT I was wearing pantyhose! While I stuck with a more traditional pair, the selection ranged from fishnets to daring patterns to stockings. I can’t wait for Fall to also check out their tights!
With plenty of warm weather left this year, I’m glad I found ways to make me more comfortable to “Dare to Bare!”
2 Comments
A pair of Wolford tights are on my must have list for fall, too! So glad to hear they’re worth the splurge!
Wolfords are the best. I’ll be buying a couple more pairs at Shoe Hive this fall.