Hello Everyone,

For all the trolls, ignorant comments, and creepers, I still love how the Internet enables you to connect with people in such diverse and rewarding ways.  For example, when Johnny Zapp and I first began chatting, he shared with me an editorial he wrote as well as his fantastic blog, The Chivalrous Life, and then earlier this year, he became a sales representative for Kix’ies Stockings.  Kix’ies provides women of all shapes and sizes with comfortable, fashionable holdup stockings which stay put regardless of the activity.  I confess my initial skepticism.  Several years ago, the idea of wearing holdup stockings took root because I despise how pantyhose always have a “control top.”  Call me a hypocrite because I can wear skinny jeans, wiggle dresses, and pencil skirts, but when it comes to a control top stocking, I draw the line.  At the time, I was also watching Mad Men religiously and wanted to channel my inner Joan.  Not only will I feel sexy under my clothes, I reasoned, but I will also solve this pesky control top problem.

The results were disastrous.  First, every pair I tried cut into the softer tissue of my thighs to create a less than flattering muffin top effect which sure didn’t make me feel anything other than the need to pick up running.  When I finally settled on the lessor of all evils, I wore them to the mall for a day of carefree shopping only to find they would slide or roll with walking.  I spent more time ducking into corners, covertly lifting up my skirt, and yanking those annoying things back into place than I did anything else.  Eventually I became so frustrated, I tugged with the full force of my irritation and created a sizable run down my left thigh.  My next stop was the bathroom, and the stockings next stop was the trash can.  I never tried them again, that is until Johnny offered to send me a free pair of Kix’ies.  He assured me that I would love these stockings because they were well-made and catered to a curvier leg.  With eyebrow appropriately hooked, I accepted. 

Since I have, let’s call them “shapely” thighs, I typically take whatever the back of the tight box says I should wear and go one size up.  However, when Johnny insisted the size chart was accurate, I opted to try the size B which is for women with up to a 25″ thigh circumference weighing between 125-170 and up to 6′ tall.  To my utter shock, they really do fit perfectly!  I selected the adorable polka dot version because my polka dot tights finally wore out last year, and I could never find a replacement.  While I think they’re neat, I am not as into the bolder, graphic polka dot prints and instead prefer smaller dots on a sheer black background.  My Kix’ies perfectly embody everything I loved about my old pair, without the control top!

The quality of the nylon is fantastic, and I have worn mine several times without creating any runs or tears.  (Note: I keep my nails short and filed too which helps.)  I would liken the lower portion to the quality of what you find at Nordstrom, which fits with the $22 retail price of Kix’ies, and the seaming on the toe is discreet and feels reinforced.  Kix’ies also has other styles for the modern vintage vixen ranging from sheers with a back seam to quirky pinstripe prints to plainer flesh-tone options.  Furthermore, they are plus-size friendly with the size D accommodating up to a 35″ thigh circumference.

Despite the importance of a quality stocking, the more vital issues is whether the “holdup” portion of the design actually works.  I am pleased to report it does!  Johnny originally sent these to me in May, but given the hot summers and warm early fall, I thought a review would be out of place.  In fact, it took me a couple of weeks before I was even able to convince myself to put on stockings and test them (in an air-conditioned home of course).  I started small and wore them around the house for about twenty minutes here or there, but one ambitious weekend, I suited up the Kix’ies and started dancing around the house.  Not the one-two step either.  I mean, full-on Hugh Grant in Love, Actually, and these babies stayed put with every dip, every shake, and jump.  I didn’t have to adjust them one time.  They also do not create that muffin top to which I alluded earlier, making it easy to feel sultry wearing them.

The secret to Kix’ies success is how they utilize a super wide band at the top with four rows of silicone gel.  The wider band creates a smooth look across the thigh, and the reinforced gel makes sure the stockings don’t move or roll down.  On mine, the rows alternate between black and white for a cute contrast to the polka dots, but on plainer styles, they keep the stripes uniform.  I also want to note that on the models, the stockings frequently stop around mid-thigh, but mine go all the way up.  I prefer this fit because it means they will not show with any of my back vent skirts or dresses, but if you’re taller than me (5’6″ ish), they may stop a little shorter.  Overall, I love my Kix’ies and am looking forward to wearing them this fall and winter.

The moment of truth:  Do you think this is something you’d like to see at the shop?  They are on my buying agenda right now, and I’d love to hear your feedback!

Erica