Adding Drama to an Outfit With Patterned Tights

One of the reasons I like the return of cooler weather is the chance to wear hosiery. I've written before here and here about my love of hosiery, specifically tights, in amazing hues and patterns. UK Tights invited me to select a few pairs and this week I'm featuring the fabulous Brocatelle tights by Cecilia de Rafael, designed by Ulises Merida, a Spanish designer.

I thought my new burgundy Hope skirt (bought in the sale a few weeks ago) would add some lush texture to these amazing tights. Being a matchy-matchy girl, I added my burgundy Ted Baker top with detachable bow, matching bag (old) and, perfect for the autumn chills, my old faux fur gilet. Mixing lots of textures - the fur, the velvet from the skirt and bag, and of course the brocade pattern of the tights, adds extra interest.

I'd intended to wear shoes and dug out a silver pair, but somehow, after a summer in Stan Smiths and ankle boots, shoes look.....weird. So I replaced them with silver boots (last winter's).

I have a couple more pairs of tights to show you - blue lurex and green. A perfect green. I always wear tights: stockings and hold-ups do not do it for me. I can see that stockings probably look much more alluring, but I remember an embarrassing slip up a few years when the suspenders pinged and a stocking slid down my leg!

If you haven't discovered UK Tights, they have a huge selection of hosiery to suit every taste and budget. I buy all my tights there, they ship right away and I can get my hands on all the designs, textures and colours that you can't buy in the high street.

Yes that is Mr Mutton in the background. We are very trad, me and Mr Mutton:  he doesn't cook or do housework but he does wash my car occasionally and takes the bins out. Works for us.

Now it's time for #WowOnWednesday. As you read this, I'll be in California for work, attending an annual industry event we run for three days.  So I'll be relying on scheduling tools to deliver this post at the normal time.

I was gifted with the Brocatelle tights by Cecilia de Rafael at UK Tights, the biggest online hosiery store on earth. As always, copy approval was not sought or given, and I always voice my own opinions.

Last week's most clicked was Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper and her post "The cooler weather means I get out my warmer clothes – hooray! Part 1 – skirts". A girl after my own heart! I love getting my winter clothes out of storage, it's like being reunited with old friends.

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Tartan tights for Burns Night

Burns Night falls on 25 January every year to mark the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The main attraction of Burns Night is the Burns Supper. This traditionally involves participants wearing tartan, listening to bagpipes, singing Auld Lang Syne - also sung at New Year’s Eve – and reciting the great writer’s songs and poems.

Hungry for Hosiery

I've never understood the fashionistas who insist on bare legs in winter. I'm only too happy to get the tights out when the weather turns cooler. And many of you agree with me. Hosiery sales are booming and according to Global Industry Analysts, the global market for hosiery will reach $31.6 billion by 2024.

Favourite Shirts

Leopard print is all around us and I'm already getting bored with how ubiquitous it is, but this gorgeous blouse ticks many other boxes.  It's from POM Amsterdam at The-Bias-Cut.com and will be a very versatile asset in my wardrobe.

Six Tips for Must-Have Accessories

When I revived Is This Mutton? two years ago, one thing I quickly noticed was my lack of accessories. I had just two handbags in black and brown, hardly any belts, one or two necklaces I wore all the time, and no hats at all.

Winter in July

Christmas often happens in July. Magazines are already preparing their festive editions and press and retailers will be showcasing their wares to bloggers and journalists. And thanks to some canny sales shopping, I am also showing you a touch of winter in July.

A passion for hosiery

One of my many passions is hosiery or as our US friends call it, "hose." I find black opaque tights a trifle dull and like my tights in bright colours, with spots, fishnets and, in the worst crime of all, I like pop socks!!!

So I was thrilled when hosiery giants Charnos offered me a few pairs of their new summer range.