Sock Shops

There's something very satisfying about buying socks. You're giving back to your feet, you're not spending crazy money, and you're able to go a little wild. Tiger stripes, flowers, argyle skulls, polka dots, it's all good on a sock. Maybe not so much on a shirt, but that depends on your occupation. And did you ever notice how creative businessmen get with socks? I love that, makes a girl look at a suit twice.

In the district I happened upon lots of socks and its near cousin, the leg warmer. Aldo has some cute striped over-the-knee socks on sale, and they're nutty for leg warmers. [left $15, below (I love to pretend I'm a pom-pom girl but it never works out - $20 for you girls who can pull them off), and right, $25] This trend is painful for some but as an Olivia Newton-John fan from way back, I heartily endorse the leg warmer return. How else can you sweater-up your lower leg without becoming a dance major?

H&M has a sock wall that makes you want to strap on climbing gear and go for it. Plain socks, striped socks, over the knee, thigh high, and even viscose leg warmers. Pretty much it's sock land. Colorful ankle socks run 5 for $9.90, 2 pack knee highs are $7.90, and an over-the-knee sock is $5.90.

Dr. Jay's is your deal destination. And it's all irresistible. The cozy pink fuzzy is almost $3 less than H&M's and looks/feels exactly the same. Although you're probably as sick of skulls as I am, who can resist knee-high skull argyles (right) that comes in a pack of 3 for $4.99? Let's continue the rebel theme with these pastel heavy metal tiger stripes (left), a 3 pack for $2.99, baby. Come on, give me some hook 'em horns. And the most expensive pair at Dr. Jay's, the Nike performance sock, is all cute, chic and tennis-y for $9.

Old Navy doesn't have much of interest in the sock department. Basic ankle sport socks are 2 for $5. But check out the house boot I call the indoor ugg ($19.50) and update Mom's or Grandma's house slipper for a great holiday gift.

Lady Foot Locker is having a sale on socks, buy one get another half off. They have a very nice selection, their cushioned peds are adorable (this gold flecked tip (left) is $4, get a silver to match for $2) and their spa ped (middle) is cushy. Caress it and fall asleep. And can you believe LFL has the cutest pink leg warmer ($10 but also a part of the buy one get one half price)? All you pink girls need to check it out. It's got a little wool in the mix that makes it slighty fuzzy looking. Lucky legs.

Aldo Shoes, 15 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th, 212-594-6255

H&M Herald Square, 1328 Broadway @ 34th St, 646-473-1165

Dr. Jay's, 33 W. 34th Street, between 5th & 6th, 212-695-3354

Old Navy, 150 W. 34th Street, btwn Broadway & 7th, 212-594-0049

Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th Street, btwn Broadway & 7th, 212-268-7146