Manhattan

http://www.newyorkpalace.com/experiencenyc/culture.php

Sometimes a girl has to wait a long time for what she wants.

I have dreamt of returning to Manhattan, quite literally. I shall visit the Flatiron, of course, and no-one shall hold me back from those gorgeous Art Deco pieces of architecture-divine that are the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings.

It seems the city for me, in so many ways. A most favourite poet, Jordie Albiston, wrote The Fall which was based on a 1940s photograph of a young woman who married death to life from the top of the Empire State. I cannot do it justice here. You must seek it out; with the photograph.

I could wrap myself in Manhattan, quite literally. If I could afford it. You know I am referring to the stockings which you have seen here.

But I shall have to wait. They are extraordinarily expensive, because they are as precious as bespoke lingerie.

They are made on machines that weigh 6 tonnes each, and are 17 metres long. They have 16,800 needles which produce only 30 stockings (or 15 pairs) an hour. Then they are hand sewn from top to toe, and dyed to some of the beautiful colours you saw on my previous post.

One day I shall have my very own pair in bitter chocolate.

Until then I shall have to enjoy it vicariously.

xx

Legitimate Lingerie

Fine lingerie is just not complete without the appropriate accessories, and so I believe beautiful stockings and tights are an essential component of a girl's lingerie wardrobe.

As I am with all lingerie, so am I absolutely desirous of stockings and tights. As hosiery patterning seems to change seasonally, I have found myself eagerly stocking up on quaint styles regardless of room permitting in bedside drawers.

Recently I found three gorgeous little numbers which I would love to share with you. The first is like a fine fishnet with art nouveau flowers around the thigh;

http://www.voodoohosiery.com.au/fashion

the second, was a subtle design which I do not yet have a photo for; and third, was my beloved, luxurious cuban heel seamed stockings. These traditionally come in a chisel ended style, but my favorite is the Deco-esque stepped finish which seems a little more elusive.

The following photo shows generic versions of heeled stockings. I do love the Manhattan.

 

(What incredible colours they have!)

I also prefer the traditional keyhole welt in the garter of my stockings when I can get them. Which fortunately I can at What Katie Did.  Some of their range are still made on the traditional machines. (Because a girl has to love that devotion to an authentic aesthetic.)

Here, for your perusal, is a little stocking anatomy:

These, from What Katie Did, are my stock in stockings:

Now, all I need is a little night out ...

xx