Thank you for sending in two very good questions. You know Oliver B. is always here to settle a fashion dispute ... especially one with such a longstanding tradition of being set in stone. It is my purpose in life to tear down such traditions, and shock the conscience of those traditionalists out there. That is not to say that I myself am not into traditions. My entire blog is dedicated to preserving a sense of tradition in fashion ... style must be timeless.
With that said, please tell your mother that pantyhose are not timeless style. They are relics of a far away time that for the most part should be forgotten. This is 2010 ... and in this time we do skin. I will not completely condemn pantyhose to a life in the garbage, but with all the creamy lotions, with their own built-in tanning shades, there is no reason to hide your legs behind tan fabrics 365 days of the year. It is perfectly ladylike to show bare legs nowadays. These days it's how much skin you show that makes you unladylike, not that you show any at all.
If she really starts to get on your nerves about the pantyhose, let her know that there was once a time when it was unladylike to not wear a corset. Would she like to try that on for size so she can be considered a lady in someone else's era? I don't think so. The damage to the rib cage alone would be a deterrent. Maybe she should embrace a new world of clothing where women dare to bare a little skin. There's no harm in it. My mother is 61 and even she doesn't wear pantyhose with a dress anymore ... and she's a charm school gal from a well-to-do family. Enough said.
So, in answer of your question: no you do not HAVE to wear pantyhose with a dress or skirt. If you have pantyhose that you CHOOSE to wear as your own personal style, that is fine. But there is no longer a requirement to wear them. Skin is in!
In answer to your second question I have one name for you: BEYONCE!!! We all know this woman is bootylicious and has curves for days. She knows how to dress those curves too. Take a tip from her lookbook: go old Hollywood glam, and don't be afraid to tailor the hell out of your clothes. The era Beyonce channels is an era where women's curves were celebrated. Thickness was beautiful ... the 40's and the 60's. Also look at Mad Men for style tips. These women accentuated their bodies and preserved an hourglass shape. Their clothing was dramatic and drew you in. These are my favorite decades for women's fashions. These were certainly glam eras: you don't hide your body; you flaunt it. Whether you're Marilyn Monroe celebrating a curvaceous figure, or Joan Crawford assaulting the screen with her broad shoulder pads ... they made their bodies heard. You must do the same.
But the one thing all these eras and women had in common: they tailored their garments well. Good tailoring cannot be overlooked. Whether it's just a pair of jeans or a cocktail dress, get in good with a great tailor and he will make you look stunning every time. When your clothes hug your body in just the right way, everything you think is wrong with your body is what you'll love looking at. Most designers all the way down to Target brand clothing are making their clothes a little more form-fitting so that they are bought with an almost tailored look to them. Even bargain stores are recognizing that a tighter fit just looks better.
I would also stress that you must ... and I mean MUST ... do more than just wear a pair of jeans and a tank top. Do something with it. Accessorize the look, add a pair of heels, maybe a short-cut leather jacket. Jeans, baggy t-shirt, and sneakers tend to accentuate the negatives of curvaceous figures.
Now that you have some new-found wisdom, I want to see you get out their and show those skinny bitches that stick is not a sexy figure. Now, let's go get a drink.
Here's to style, Jackie. Cheers!
