If you’re not familiar with our Zap! category, it’s sort of like a train station platform where we can wave goodbye to styles as they go away. This time of year our Zap! category swells as we find out what styles are being discontinued, what newer or better styles are coming out in the spring and just from general housecleaning. At this moment there are over 100 styles in Zap! I feel like I should add an extra exclamation mark, since the category name already has one. Heck, let’s do three!!!

But because we’re saying goodbye to these socks means you get to say hello. So here are a few styles that you might want to grab a pair of before they’re gone for good. Now, I’m trying to pick styles there are still plenty of, but be aware that some might be gone before you get there!

Almost a quarter of the styles in Zap! are knee highs, and a lot are super fun. I think almost every closet needs one pair of knee highs that make you smile or feel fancy.

• Sock It To Me Bunny Stripes •
• Five Toed Sheer Knee Highs •
• Faux High Top Knee High •

Moving on up the leg, here are some over the knee and higher treats that we won’t have around much longer.

• Marbled Scrunchy Socks •
• Acrylic Striped Thigh Highs •
• Asel Over the Knee •

Some favourite tights are going away and I know several Dreamers have stocked up on their favourite pairs!

• Kalana Wool Crochet Tights •
• Eyelash Web Tights •
• Wool Cable Stripe Tights •

Of course, there is a sweet silver lining to styles going away and that’s when they go on sale! There are a lot of luscious choices with marked down prices that mean you get a pair before they disappear and feel smart for waiting because now you’re paying less.

• Shadow Brocade Over the Knees •
• Fifi Marled Ghost Anklets •
• Polonova Vines Trouser Socks •

There are a lot of reasons (most of them being whether or not we can still get a style) that a sock might go away and as sad as it is, it does mean that we’re busy picking out new things to take its place. So dig into the Zap! category or use our advanced search to pick through all these styles that are just waiting for a home—you’re helping us make room for some new favourite styles.

Of course, I’ve got to tease a little.

It’s been five years since these DreaM Stockings debuted,

and a little over three since they were available in an OTK and a thigh high.

But it’s been almost two years since we’ve had them in stock.  The yarn for these socks was discontinued and we’ve been on a hunt for a replacement ever since.

But a secret stash of the yarn has been found—enough to make a limited run of both OTK and thigh highs.  We won’t have them forever and we’re still looking for a long-term supply of this yarn, but for a short time, this sock dream has come true.

Have you guessed what they are? Join us after the jump for the answer!

Yes! The Super Dreamy and O Dreamy socks are back! They’re only available in Hibiscus and Autumn, but the slubby, soft, beautiful marled socks are back for a limited time.

So if you loved the Super Dreamy socks, now is the time to get a pair!

And if the O Dreamy Stockings were something you always wanted but never got a pair of, grab some while you can!

Did you get a pair of these dreamy socks the first time around?

Dreamer names: Jess & Rosalind

Current favourite style: Double Grip Clips (they both love these and rock them in different ways and have even made a gallery of Double Grip Clip uses on our Facebook!)

Did you like this item when we first started carrying it, or did you hate it and grow to love it?

Jess: I was intrigued by a garter style that had no waistband and no leg-pinching tightness, but wasn’t quite sure how to use them. I noted the product description’s caveat about “skirt lifters,” though, and tucked it away in the back of my mind until the day I wore a floor-length skirt to work. The skirt kept getting caught in the wheels of my chair all morning, until finally I broke down and bought two pairs of black clips from our warehouse stock to serve as skirt lifters out of sheer necessity. The effect was instantly AWESOME, both for convenience and style, and I’ve been using them on all of my longer skirts since then!

Rosalind: I was immediately intrigued by the open-ended nature of their design, but after I got a pair it took me a while to figure out the best way to use them.

What is the best thing about this particular style?

Jess: They’re so versatile! They add a visual lure to even the plainest of black skirts, and you can mix and match clip colors, adjust the length of the clips, or layer several lifts at once for volume. I especially love just lifting the front of my skirts (so I can show off my socks!) and letting them fall naturally in the back. I’ve also used these clips as regular garters to hold up my Super Long Ribbed Leg Warmers, and a single clip will stylishly hold a cardigan closed (thanks for the tip, Laurel!). They’re handy to have around!

Rosalind: They’re clever, and possibly a little bit sneaky. When worn with a short skirt or shorts, they peek out to lend that old fashioned garter belt look, but they’re much more simple, versatile, and hot weather friendly than a real garter belt.

How’s the fit?

Jess: These aren’t technically “fitted,” but the adjustable length is really useful. If I’m wearing a longer top, I’ll lengthen the clips’ elastic fully so they’ll still show; if I want a higher skirt lift, I shorten the clips up a couple inches. The elastic is stretchy enough to have a bit of give (so they won’t tear your skirts if they get caught on something), but won’t stretch out unnecessarily.

Rosalind: They don’t need to go around any part of you, so they can fit anyone. Their length is adjustable for different sock heights. Sometimes if I wear them with really tall socks they’re a little long, even at their shortest, but I just fold the sock over at the top to get the right height.

Who would you recommend this style for?

Jess: Everyone! They’re great for costumes (Victorian, steampunk, Ren Faire, etc.), but they’ve already become a staple to my everyday aesthetic, as the Dreamers can attest. They’d be especially useful to anyone who’s looking to avoid the possible pinch of a garter belt, or someone who’d rather have their garter clips on the sides instead of the backs of their legs—you can clip these anywhere, so they’re a perfect starter-garter!

Rosalind: Anyone who is looking for a good anti-gravity wwwice for stockings, or whatever else you can think of holding up or together with them.

Anything else?

Jess: If you’re looking to add some texture, volume, and flair to your wardrobe, or if you want to show off your socks even in your longest skirt, pick up a pair or two of Double Grip Clips! You won’t regret it.

Rosalind: My favourite use of them is with pocketed skirts/shorts/dresses. That way you can clip them to the pocket underneath. Of course, if you have a very loose or stretchy waistband, you might want to try this out at home before you risk losing your pants in public. More secure waistbands, such as on jean skirts or shorts are best.

Our Cuban Heel collection may be small, but there are three definite pin-up styles that rock the cuban heel.

• Lycra Sheer Cubans with Lace Up Tops •
• Cuban Heel Thigh Highs •
• Two Tone Red Cuban Heeled Stockings •

For non-traditional takes on the cuban heel and a little bit of definition nerding after the jump!

Sheer nylons have a definite retro feel, but we’ve also got the cuban heel look available in a more modern spin.

• Victoria Over the Knee •
• Lycra Cuban Heeled Two Tone Stockings •
• Sophia Over the Knee •

For other word nerds out there, technically a “cuban” heel has a squared top. Then there is the “french” heel, a sort of stepped pyramid look like the Two Toned Red Cuban Heel Stocking. A “havana” heel has a smoother point that finishes higher and blends straight into the backseam, like the Faux Corset Cuban Heel Pantyhose.  Here’s a quick sketch to show the difference:

For simplicity’s sake (and because we tend to go by what our various suppliers call them) we just group all three styles under our Cuban Heel collection.

If you dig the classic nylon stocking are you into the retro look of the cuban heel, or is it just plain backseams for you?

It’s too late to suggest socks and accessories for new year parties, but sparkle shouldn’t be confined to just beginnings. The shine of a new year, like a treat still in its wrapper, sort of begs for sparkles and shine. But rocking a little glitz can help keep up the hope a year began with into the following months.

I can think of nothing more appropriate than the sparkle of rhinestones to kick off a new year. Silver sparkles dress up basic leggings and little net gloves—because basics don’t have to be boring.

• Fingerless Fishnet Gloves with Rhinestones •
• Rhinestone Studded Microfiber Leggings •

For leg warmers we have a nice gradient of shimmer, from the delicate stripe of shine, to bold stars, or an all out lurex marl, heavy on the sparkle. You can choose your level of sparkle:

• Wide Stripe and Lurex Leg Warmer •
• Lurex Star Leg Warmer (also available in an awesome pink) •
• Lurex Leg Warmer with Pom Pom Tie Top •

Thigh highs, tights and more after the jump!

The same goes for thigh highs. From all-out sparkle to the saucy stripes, with a more subtle option for those inclined to keep their shimmer down-key.

• Lurex Shimmery Thigh Highs •
• Lurex Sheer Stripe Thigh Highs with Sparkling Bow •
• Lurex Nouveau OTKs •

There are two styles that are in the Zap collection that we won’t be seeing again, but if you’re quick you may grab a last pair before they shimmy their shimmer out our door:

• Glitter Roses Tights (in Black & Silver) •
• Fancy Pants Crochet Knee Highs (in Gold w/Gold Shine) •

I’ll round up this list with one of my favourites, the Lurex Zebra Tights. They’re great on their own, but they look amazing layered over coloured tights too!

Now, about that Vices collection. Both us and our suppliers were happily overwhelmed this holiday season, but we’re stocking back up fast as we can, so even if you’ve given up your particular fancy for the new year you can still indulge in sock form.  And, as always, you can drop us a line and we’ll notify you as soon as the style you’re waiting for is back in stock. We do still have a couple of basics in still available:

• Beer Knee Highs •
• Bottle & Pint Midcalves •
• Whiskey Knee Highs •

How do you spend your new year? With sparkle, with a goodbye to a vice, with fun, friends and family? However you do it, we hope to keep your toes cozy into the new year!

Dreamer name: India

Current favourite style: Sheer & Opaque Stripe Thigh Highs w/Lace Top

Did you like this sock when we first started carrying it, or did you hate it and grow to love it?

Generally I don’t dig lace on myself but with these it’s okay. 

What is the best thing about this particular style?

They are really long. My inseam is 34” and I like a thigh high to go all the way up sometimes. Not to mention the subtle thinner stripes. Grown up goth if you will.

How’s the fit?

These are tube style, so any shoe size should fit. Also with their length they would work well no matter your gender. They have great stretch, and the lace stay up top is wide enough that they don’t really cut in or roll down. My thigh is 22” and they fit very well on me. They would probably work well from 18” to 23” as well.

Who would you recommend this style for?

Those other tall folks out there. And anyone who likes the stripy look, but wants something cooler for warmer weather.

Anything else?

Great for evening wear, the stripes and the little bit of shine is fun without being gaudy.

Uniform socks, above all, need to be a solid colour and we tend to find folks want them knee high or over the knee.  If you’re looking for solid coloured sock options, even if your school days are long past, this is a good list for you.  This is totally not every solid colour sock we carry, just the styles that have an option in white, which we’ve found to be the most popular uniform sock colour.

Socks for kids and teens can be hard to choose, you go through so many foot sizes when you’re growing up!  I’m going to focus here on options that fit women’s US shoe size 6 (men’s shoe size 4) and up, as we get the most requests for help in these sizes.  Be sure to check the Sizing Information for any styles you’re interested in, we try our best to include all the measurements we can, from top and calf stretch to height from heel to cuff.

Flat knit is a classic choice and is often a slightly lighter weight option.  They’re not as warm as ribs and cables, but they’re a great day-to-day sock.

From left to right:
• O Basics •
• EG ECO Comfort Top Knee High •
• MP Lace Knee High •
(their very subtle texture shouldn’t be a problem within most dress codes)

From left to right:
• Solid Acrylic OTK (these work well as a cuffed knee high) •
• Extraordinary Thigh Highs •
• EG Smith Solid Over the Knee Stockings •

These are the most basic sock style we see people buying for uniforms.  If you want something that works with your dress code, but is more fun, check out what we’ve got below the cut.

Ribbed socks not only have a better chance of staying up on some legs, but they can be nice cozy layer when it gets cooler.  One thing we’ve found people like about them is that they work equally well with every-day clothes, when they can be scrunched and slouched, instead of neatly pulled up.

From left to right:
• Cotton Slouch Socks •
• DreaM Slouches •
• Ribbed M Stockings •

Trouser socks, in thin nylon, are a great lightweight option.  They’re tube-style, with no formed heel, so littler and bigger feet can wear them easily.

From left to right:
• Opaque Solid Nylon Trouser Socks •
• Solid Opaque Thigh Highs •

Textured socks don’t work for some dress codes, and Loose socks are even less likely to be an option if you don’t go to school in a Japanese manga, but I’d be amiss if I didn’t point out these super fun options.

From left to right:
• MP Quilted Over the Knee •
• O Lovelies •
• O Chevrons •

From left to right:
• Harajuku Super Loose Socks •
• Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks •
• Super Ms •

So, even if you’ve got a dress code to stick to, there are lots of fun sock options to add a little something to your uniform.  And if you have trouble keeping them up, there’s always sock glue!  If you’ve bought socks to go with your school clothes, let us know!

Dreamer name: Kori

Current favourite style: Extraordinaries [which are just a taller version of the Dream Stalker Stripes Kori is wearing above  -Brenna]

Did you like this sock when we first started carrying it, or did you hate it and grow to love it?

These socks were a winner from day one!  A true OTK on me, these sweet babies fit my chubby little calves and thighs without discomfort or bulging, and they ALSO fit my tiny little feet and ankles!  These are the best socks EVER!

What is the best thing about this particular style?

Well, not only do they fit me beautifully, but they are gorgeous!  And they’re made in the US too, and eco-friendly… I mean, these socks are the whole package!

How’s the fit?

Oh, and did I mention that they FIT!  EVERYWHERE!  From my 6.5USW feet to my 22 inch thighs, they fit perfectly, but the true magic of these socks is that they fit legs larger than mine… and they fit legs smaller than mine… and feet larger… and calves curvier… and legs longer… I mean, they’re EXTRAORDINARY!

Who would you recommend this style for?

Everyone who likes long socks!

Anything else?

My dog loves them too ?