SOCKS, A LOVE AFFAIR
Having been working in fashion for a long time I rarely get surprised by discovering a new item, but some months ago in the company of my then new boyfriend. I ran out of socks. Not being afraid by stealing the usual boyfriend shirt, boyfriend sweater, boyfriend jeans you name it - I reached down in his sock drawer and there and then a life revolution happened.
Not that I didn’t have socks before, but most of my shoes where sock-less, I had never been a big fan of those half-socks in ballerinas as they ALWAYS slip down (fact!), and my usual daily high heels were always better barefoot than with any socks in them. Another important note is to mention that I was and still am on an “editorial budget” , shopping my black socks from H&M and getting the occasional sparkly ones from the freebie table (where other editors put things they get for free). These socks however, were so smooth, so comfortable, just so perfect despite the fact they were like 4 sizes too big. This was something completely new to my feet and with that to my whole being. I walked out that day feeling like a million dollars.
This new found love was what I later discovered a perfect combination of not the usual favourite material for soft socks; cashmere but with a wool and cotton blend that not only made it smoother but also more durable with reinforced heels and toes. These socks were like what I later discovered the same with the boyfriend that I now call my husband - an investment for life!
Another surprise, worth mentioning (rather less amazing), was that these socks didn't wash like other socks I had previously owned. There I was trying to impress this new man in my life and out of the wash machine appeared: the smallest baby sized socks out of the wash machine (way before we had that baby conversation). Somehow it turned out OK as luckily I didn’t have to seduce him with my house duties (still trying to figure out cooking etc..) please always check the wash guide before you like me, have a great new gift for my nephew.
All my life I have always looked at the outside of my outfit, focusing on that outer layer that was displayed to the world, how to appear on that next event, next meeting, never had I focused on finding those next socks for that amazing feeling. So, I sat out on the mission to find some of my own socks, (after realising I can't keep on stealing my husband's forever). Finding those perfect socks is not as straightforward as finding a dress that looks perfect, it is more about finding that sock that feels perfect. So after a lot of trials and errors, research and walks and it is with great pride; please find here my ultimate Socks Shopping Guide:
CHECKLIST
Always get the right size for you - don't have them slipping down.
Check the materials - what are they made of and what is the combination? My favourite are still cashmere with silk blend.
Colours can be fun but think in the long run lighter socks will look tired quicker. So I recommend going for darker tones.
Ask yourself where this sock was made, let them not bring too much CO2 emissions into your life.
Don't be afraid to try new brands. There is a sock revolution on its way!
Made with soft wool-blend, they have reinforced toes and heels.
An interesting mix of Alpaca Blend.
Ribbed mohair-blend socks.
Cashmere socks with 10% Nylon for that extra stretchiness.
These are in organic-cotton blend socks.
More for sofa hang than outdoor walks these Mongolian cashmere socks are the softest.
These socks are literally grown on trees and made with TENCEL. Very soft and nice.