Shopasaurus: Leggings

I am something of a recovering shopasaurus. A shopasaurus can most easily be spotted in her natural habitat, the mall! Shopasauruses are attracted by the bright lights of a sale and the wafting aroma of clearance. I don't shop as a matter of course anymore, but I do keep an eye out for what's hot. I have noticed that lately, the Store wants me to wear something new for me: leggings instead of pants-pants. We can consider this, surely, as long as we stick to a few guidelines.

1. I'm not going to pay a lot for these leggings.


2. We have to look into the dark science of leggings.


3. We have to feel jazzed about the result.

Yesterday I went to Avenue, a plus-size store, because they were having a sale. While I wear sizes on the smaller end of the plus scale, I really appreciate clothes that are not almost too tight. I was prepared to be skeptical, able to be convinced of goodness, if the goodness did indeed show its elusive face.

On the rack labeled $4.99, there wasn't much, some orange sweaters. But nearby, I made an awesome discovery: leggings in charcoal gray priced at $10 dollars. This is about half the price of leggings at No Skinny at the mall. (But hey, I didn't realize that it was a Portland-based company. That might change my position on some items, ie, I'd pay a little more to support a local store.)

I looked around at tops. At first I was inclined to get a t-shirt to go with the leggings, but then I stumbled on a white button-down with navy stripes. I settled on that and got it for around $1o. I work graveyard in a cubicle. It turned out to be a great outfit for work: tidy, comfortable, and attractive.

Tips for Wearing Leggings

Key #1: Make sure your top is the right length. The hem of your top should hit your upper thigh. A regular t-shirt emphasizes lumps and bumps. Anything too much longer than upper thigh threatens to unbalance the long, lean lines you achieve.

Key #2: Wear the right shoe! The right shoe for leggings or tights is flat. Ballet shoes, moccasins, skimmers are all good options. Unfortunately, heels with leggings will transport you squarely to the nearest 80's dance floor where you can fight over man candy with other women who have hairspray bangs and aren't afraid to use them.

Another key is that the best fit for leggings is slim but not tight. That is one thing that will accentuate your legs as an asset. Whatever you do, a little bit of attention to fit and detail will give you another look in your arsenal that is flexible and comfortable.

*Dinosaur art=morguefile.com+picnik.com

**Moon clip art courtesy of Clip Art ETC.