This week our ever-willing team of tights testers put hold ups to the
test – ideal for spring weather, when you still want to look professional at
work, or glamorous in the evenings, but would like to stay a little cooler.

Our ‘Compact’ tester Julie said: “I just loved these, I would not normally have the
confidence to wear hold ups, I always think they will fall down but these have
totally changed my mind.” Julie reported that she found her hold ups light and
comfortable, and they stayed firmly in place all evening! Julie was also a fan
of the glamorous Ava backseam, “They made my legs feel very attractive, a nice
nude shade with a pretty seam detail… I would definitely buy these for a
special night out.”

Linda our
proportioned ‘Showgirl’ tester had initial reservations, she said: “When I
first opened the packet, I thought “I’m not going to be able to wear
these”.  I’ve had bad experiences with hold ups before where
they have fallen down - how embarrassing!” However, she bit the bullet and
tried them, she said: “The top of the stocking felt very secure but based in
past experience, I packed a spare pair of tights in my handbag just in
case!  I needn’t have bothered because at the end of the day when I got
home, the stockings were exactly where they had been in the morning - no
slippage, no twisting.  Nothing!  In fact, I almost forgot
I was wearing them!” She also loved Ava’s silver version of the backseam – describing
these as her perfect stockings!

Our slim-legged ‘Flamingo’ tester, Cath was also a fan, she said: “These
stockings are stunning and perfect for a special night out. The silver floral
pattern running down the back of the stockings really draws attention to the
legs and looks fantastic, whilst the pretty raised floral pattern at the top
feels velvety and luxurious!” Cath was very pleased with the fit, and the
comfort of the wear and thought they were reasonably priced for a special
occasion.

Anne,
our ‘Pillar’ tester described the Ava hold ups as ‘perfect’, she said: “I have
not worn hold-ups for ages, and would normally wear tights, but I was
pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they were. They did not nip or pinch
and are definitely more sexy than tights.” Anne also found an alternative way
to wear the patterned seam, she said: “The pattern looked much better worn than
when looked at in the packet too!”

Magz, our curvy ‘Wine Glass’ tester fell in love with her hold ups, she
said: “They looked so beautiful in their packaging, that I didn’t even want to
take them out to wear! When I did they felt as silky as I expected them to be
and the tops have beautiful black lace which is so soft - putting them on is an
experience in itself, you really feel like you’re giving yourself a treat.”
Magz also thought these would be perfect for a special occasion, “I would
definitely save them for a night out to dinner or the theatre. I am a fan of
backseams and these stockings have a beautiful silver leaf pattern on the seam.
You could wear a plain dress and these stocking would dress up your outfit very
subtly. They really make you feel beautiful wearing them!”

Our
‘Athlete’ tester Nicole liked the unique design of the Ava hold ups. She said:
“The best
part is the sliver floral leaf seam running all the way down the back of the
leg. This makes your legs stand out in a crowd and is very elegant. “ Nicole
reported that these would be the ‘tights girl’s’ hold up
of choice, “With the large lace hold up strip at the top of each stocking I
found they didn’t slip down at all throughout a full days wear, which is always
a big bonus! I recommend trying these for a big night out, you won’t regret
it!”

The
verdict: our testers loved Ava’s understated elegance and were impressed by
both the quality and silkiness of the stocking, and the staying power of the lace
top hold ups. Perfect for special occasions, and to make you feel like a star!

It is over a month since
Fashion-Week-Fever hit the country, and now we’ve had time to recover and
absorb all the information, we’ve pushed aside thoughts of autumn/winter as the
weather has got milder.

However, if you want to stay two
steps ahead of the fashion pack you can take inspiration from the autumn/winter
catwalks now – and stun friends with your fashion-forward style, wearing the
trends before everyone else.

The trend: Printed Perfection.

Eye catching prints inspired many
collections, from Louise Grey’s clashing kaleidoscope designs, and Mary
Katrantzou’s daring prints, though to the more subtle grown-up motif on Matthew
Williamson’s collection.

Get the look with:

• Charnos Fashion Hosiery Mock
  Hold Ups, RRP £9.00

Be the first to
show off this new style for 2012, these stripy mock hold ups are a twist on a
very popular trend. Wear with clashing polka dots or florals to get the AW
look.

• Charnos Diamond Detail tights,
  RRP £8.00

This geometric
pattern is ideal for any print-loving fashionista, and in black, they are good
for more formal occasions too!

The trend: Lace lover

Lady-like lace embellishment crept
onto many designers’ collections for AW12, whether detailed lace trim, as seen
at Mulberry, or full lace dresses and gowns as seen at Erdem and Temperley
London.

Get the look with:

• Charnos Fan Net Hold Ups, RRP
  £9.00

Perfect for these
transitional months, Charnos funky, lacy, hold ups will cover up and add
interest to legs. Suitable for day or night these could take you from the
office to the dance floor with ease.

• Mary & Charnos Opulent Lace
  Backseam, RRP £22.00

Sophisticated yet
sexy, these lace tights are embellished with a backseam for extra glamour.

The trend: Pretty in pink

Pink looks set to be one of the hottest colours for next season with
designers such as Holly Fulton showing nearly half her collection in bright
pinks and Twenty8Twelve injecting statement pops of all shades of pink into a
palate of more muted greys, blacks and whites.

Get the look with:

• Mary & Charnos Opaque 40,
  RRP £9.50 In Mega Magenta.

In a hot pink,
this is the easiest way to inject some fun colour into your wardrobe. Available
in 40 denier, these make legs look great, while keeping them covered.

It was once considered very unladylike to appear at occasions, formal or otherwise, with bare legs, yet in recent years bare legs have proved popular. Perhaps it was another royal who started the bare legged trend – Princess Diana was spotted at an event in the late 80s without stockings, and women followed her stylish lead. But now her daughter-in-law has sparked a return to a sophisticated sheer style.

We think that the return to the fashion-world’s love of sheers could be down to a recent nostalgia revival. Here are some of our favourite nods to nostalgic eras:

·         The Great Gatsby, a new film by Baz Lurman set in the 1920s, due out later this year

·         The Artist, the stunning silent movie, set in the late 1920s and early 1930s has just won a heap of Oscars

·         Call the Midwife, is a new series set in London in the 1950s following a group of midwives

·         Pan Am has returned to our screens for more 1960s jet-setting glamour

The return to these glamorous eras is recognised no-where better that in fashion, and getting the look is easy, do as Kate does – and wear your sheers with pride!

We love our sheers, because as well as being fashionable they can cover shaving nicks, small scars, pigmentation,  varicose veins and create a slimming effect on legs as they even skin tone. They also keep legs that little bit warmer during the cool winter and spring months, while adding sophistication to any skirt or dress.

Try the Charnos Elegance Ultra Sheer 10 denier tights (RRP £4.65), the ultimate in sensual and sophisticated luxuriously, with a clear and luminous 10 denier leg. This style is available in barely black, black, dark tan, natural tan, nude and silver grey, so you can have Elegance day or night.

We now have a team of lovely ladies to represent our Lessons in Legs leg shapes, so we’d like to start off by introducing you to our tights testers…

The Flamingo: lovely long and slim legs.

After years of wearing trousers cub scout leader Cath,from Preston, is embracing wearing skirts, so is looking forward to getting to grips with some Charnos hosiery.

The Wine Glass: Amazing ankles, with heavier thighs.

Freelance writer Magz from Rugby is our Wine Glass tester. Originally from the States, she has settled in the UK with her family and she is looking forward to blogging about her testing on her website.

The Athlete: fantastic muscular definition, with shapely thighs, calves and perfect ankles.

Soon-to-be-married Nicole from Stamford is our Athlete tester. Working in retail she’ll be putting Charnos through their paces on the shop floor!

The Showgirl: perfect pin proportions, from hip to toe.

Linda from Harrow is our lucky Showgirl tester and is looking forward to showing some leg all in the name of tights testing!

The Compact: petite and proportioned.

Art gallery owner Julie from Newquay is our Compact tester. At on 5ft3 Julie struggles to fit tights that offer a good fit so is looking forward to trying Charnos’ styles.

The Pillar: straight up and down.

Our Pillar tights tester is Anne, from Kendal. Anne works in a preschool and playgroup and when not working enjoys cycling and reading and will be reviewing how the tights fair in chilly Cumbria!

Stay tuned for our first set of reviews from our tights testers…coming soon!

So you might join the gym, start a healthy eating plan, or try to give up a naughty vice, but it may be a while until you feel the benefit of all your hard work, and just because it is January it doesn’t mean social occasions completely come to a full stop!

So if you need to look your best and pronto, you’ll be glad there are quick fixes out there – like Killer Figure from Charnos…

For firmer thighs, toned legs, a pert bottom and a nipped in waist, there is a Killer Figure product for you, to create a sexy sculpted silhouette. Sheer or opaque control tights will give you over all shaping, the Waist Cincher will aim to give you a nipped in waist to rival Dita Von Tease, while the Hourglass tights will give you more of a Marilyn look, if looking bootylious is your aim the Wonderbooty tights will certainly help you on your way, while smoothing your stomach.

 And for those 75% of women who hate their wobbly upper arms, all you need to do is reach for the innovative Armery®, from Mary Portas and Charnos. This sculptwear solution will disguise arms while maintaining your impeccable sense of style!

Good luck with your new year’s resolutions, here is to a sculpted 2012!

Fill their stockings with stockings this Christmas

There are just a handful of shopping days left until that fella with the big white beard and cosy red outfit does his thing, but have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Thankful ly Charnos has something for everyone this Christmas – whether you’re buying for your glamourous best friend, secret santa at the office, or even sneaking in a well-earned present to yourself!

Charnos’ 75^th anniversary range is full of seductive stockings, hold-ups and tights, all inspired by Hollywood’s most iconic ‘legs’, and make ideal gifts for women of all ages and styles.

Your essential gift guide

The tights lover…

·         Betty (RRP £17.00) – These bold and beautiful tights are a tribute to the number one pin-up of World War II, Betty Grable, the actress whose legs were said to be insured for a million dollars! The filigree printed design is perfect for adventurours tights lovers.

·         Brigitte (RRP £18.00) – These fun and flirty tights are named after iconic 60’s sex symbol, actress, model and singer, Brigitte Bardot. These sexy sheer tights with fun mini spot pattern have an alluring Swarovski crystal dotted backseam, perfect for any sex kitten.

·         Jackie (RRP £14.00)- Elegant and sophisticated, these tights are inspired by fashionable First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, whose ladylike sophistication made her a fashion muse.  The stylish backseam on these tights is completed by a beautiful diamante bow, ideal for the most chic of tights wearers.

For those who love sexy stockings and hold ups…

·         Katharine (RRP £16.00) – These strong and confident hold ups are a tribute to Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn. Sheer and with a luxury flocked lace top these stockings would suit one class-act.

·         Marilyn (RRP £17.00) – Classic and sexy these stockings are named after the one and only, 50s blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. The luxury flocked lace top, complete with an elegant diamante velour bow would be perfect for any sexy siren.

·         Ava (RRP £20.00) – These sultry and sensual hold ups were inspired by Hollywood actress and style icon, Ava Gardner, whose career spanned five decades. The elegant printed floral backseam with a luxury flocked lace top would be perfect for any glamorous fashionista.

The stylish packaging and retro designs make the 75^th Anniversary Range ideal for gifts, after all, who wouldn’t love to wake up to stockings in their stocking on Christmas morning?

We’ve got a great range of warm and cosy knitted tights in lots of different patterns, textures and colours – so you can still wear your favourite dress with the help of a little layering. Practical layering up, to fend off Jack Frost, doesn’t have to mean looking boring - so here are our top tips for styling up those thicker tights:

·         Choose tights to match your leg type – check out our Lessons in Legs to find out your leg type and select the most flattering style for you.

·         Make your summer clothes go further – some pieces such as darker dresses, skirts and shorts could work with thick tights. Team a dress with a long sleeved top, chunky tights, boots and a cardigan for layered winter chic.

·         Check out our patterned knits to give a nod to the chunky knit jumper trend – we’ve even got cable knit and fairIsle designs! The chunky Cable Rib tight (RRP £12.50) and Fairisle Cotton tight (RRP £14.00), are both available in black, grey or chocolate. Perfect for casual weekends and winter walks.

·         If you aren’t a fan of knits, thick opaques are a good alternative and look great with business suits or evening wear. Black opaques have always been a staple for autumn/winter, but this year’s statement-making colour blocking trend is set to continue right through into early 2012. Adapt the trend for the colder months by toning the colour down to darker shades – the opaque Cotton Modal tight (RRP £10.00) is available in black, aubergine, navy, grey, chocolate, and purple. Choose the shade that suits your mood!

Whatever you wear this December, stay warm!

Sheers are making a serious come back this season, and this most unlikely of fashion accessories needs to be on your shopping list. Some might regard sheer tights as old fashioned, frumpy and unsexy, but here at Charnos we are urging you to forget what you knew about sheers, because we’ve reinvented and reinvigorated the sheer tight!

Part of our popular Mary& Charnos range, the Sheer 10 collection utilises the latest hosiery technology to create tights that look and feel better than ever, while making your legs look their best. The Sheer 10 range is made using 3D knitting construction, with Lycra, which gives a second-skin effect, holding the tights very close to the leg which makes them incredibly comfortable & supportive. When you unfold your Sheer 10s, you may notice the size difference between them, and your usual sheers, but fear not – the Lycra allows them to stretch and hold a great shape.

This special knitting method, plus ladder resist technology, make these tights stronger than regular sheers, so they ladder less easily.

With the likes of the Middleton sisters regularly seen in sheers, the nude-leg look is back in trend. As not many of us have the model-like legs like the beautiful Middletons, Sheer 10 also have a great matt finish which give a flawless natural-leg look!

The range is available in nude Night Noir, Deep Shadow and Simply Nude. Night Noir and Deep Shadow would look great with a sharp business suit, while the Simply Nude would be perfect for a night out drinking cocktails with the girls, they’ll all want to know your flawless leg secret!

The Sheer 10 tight (RRP £9.50) is a luxuriously sheer 10 denier matte tight for a flawless finish. Available in Nice Noir, Deep Shadow and Simply Nude, in sizes S-M and M-L.

Tackle those wings

The party season is fast approaching, but the thought of wearing sleeveless party dresses is likely to strike fear into the hearts of the 75% of women who hate their wobbly upper arms. But fear not – help is here in the shape of the innovative Armery®, from Mary Portas and Charnos. This sculptwear solution is designed to save these women’s fabulous dresses from being spoiled by boring cardigans.

Designed to disguise your arms whilst maintaining your impeccable sense of style, part armour and part hosiery, Armery® hugs your arms, while concealing the part of you that you feel least comfortable about showing. With two designs to choose from, lace or plain, and a range of colours, you’ll easily find one to wear under, or over, your party outfit.

Shape those legs and thighs

Want firmer thighs, toned legs, a pert bottom and a nipped in waist, don’t worry if you can’t face the gym because Charnos has come up with Killer Figure, the sculpting wonder product .

A survey conducted by Charnos revealed that nearly 89% of women said that they feel most self conscious about their stomach, legs or bottom! Whatever your body hang up, Charnos Killer Figure will help you look your best by, creating great silhouettes to wear under any outfit. 

·         If overall shaping is your goal, but you want the coverage of your favourite opaques, try Killer Figure Opaque Control Tight. In 70 Denier, these tights are combined with body shaping briefs.  For the same effect – without anyone knowing about it - try the Killer Figure Sheer Control Tight.

·         For a nipped in waist try the Killer Figure Waist Cincher Control Tight, which features an adjustable waistcincher which can be positioned where needed, and they are designed to smooth your waist instantly!

·         To achieve that classic hourglass look, try Killer Figure Hourglass Control Tight, which is perfect for smoothing, shaping and defining your silhouette.

·         If you are envious of the JLos and Beyonces of this world and long for a bootylicious behind, try Killer Figure Wonderbooty, which lifts and shapes your bottom, while smoothing your stomach.

Whatever you wear this Christmas make sure you start off with some great shape-wear from Charnos to ensure that you and your LBD are turning heads for all the right reasons!

Image by Rick Findler

Here is how the day played out:

5am

The girls were up and slapping on their red lippy and stockings to take to the streets in support of Breast Cancer Care. And what a day to choose – according to WeatherOnline it was the coldest day in October so far! Still, at least it didn’t rain.

6.15am

The girls paid a quick visit to the BBC Radio 2, Radio 4 and Radio 1 stations to drop off stockings for presenters and staff including Vanessa Feltz, Sarah Montague and Fearne Cotton, before causing a scene in McDonalds in a bid to keep warm.

8am

From there, they moved to Leicester Square to visit Johnny Vaughn and Lisa Snowdon at Capital FM, and leave stockings for other presenters including Emma Bunton. After dropping off their presents the girls headed to Pret to grab a coffee, but on arrival realised that Lisa Snowdon had tweeted them saying she’d like them to come into the studio. After a jog back to Capital FM the girls went live on air with Lisa and Johnny to tell London all about National Stockings Day. Johnny was a big fan of their sexy outfits and Lisa asked for more stockings she liked them so much!

The girls with Johnny Vaughn!

 9am

‘Katharine’ appeared on BBC Lincolnshire to talk to the Rod Whiting about the day. Meanwhile, back in the office, photos were flooding in from people in stockings of all walks of life – men and women, English and American, Twitter and Facebook. We had enough to put together a photo album on the Charnos Facebook page, while websites, blogs and fashion personalities all took up the cause in one united voice.

10.30am

After a spot of breakfast, the girls moved on to Piccadilly to be photographed by Rick Findler, national news, while stopping traffic – literally! During their hour-long photoshoot the girls drew quite a crowd with tourists and the public stopping to take photos.

12.15pm

A quick, and much needed warm up in Starbucks, was followed by the girls recharging their iPhones for free, thanks to the bemused staff at the Apple Store, Covent Garden. Another photoshoot beckoned so the girls headed to The Millennium Footbridge to meet a lovely lady from the Press Association, who took some more snaps of the girls, much to the amusement of passersby! One of her photos was used by The Metro. Rick Findler also met up with the group again to take some more photos, including this great one of a jogger getting a little distracted!

Image by Rick Findler

2pm

The girls popped in to House of Fraser on Oxford Street what the store was doing to celebrate National Stockings Day, had lunch, from there, they paid a visit to Marylebone Station to give out free stockings to the public, dragging Gary Lineker away from his family for a photo-op on the way.

4pm

The girls hung up their stockings and headed homeward!

Charnos National Stockings Day took place on Thursday 20th October 2011 in support of Breast Cancer Care. To donate £1, text ‘Legs 75’ to 70070 or visit the National Stockings Day JustGiving page.