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These nylon
knee-hi stockings from Nouvella
($9) knock the trouser socks off traditional hosiery with bright colors and sharp prints like paisleys, geometrics, skulls and hippie flowers. Go bold with the skin-colored pair with old sailor tattoos…they transform bare legs into good-lookin' gams! You can find them at Bodhi Bazaar (500 Montezuma Ave., Sanbusco Center, 982-3880).
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Silky and sweet
boy shorts
from Mary Green ($20) should inhabit every girl's lingerie drawer. These are so comfy, it's like wearing next to nothing, and the lacy edges make them sexy. Stock up at Allure (328 S. Guadalupe St., 982-5747); these could replace the everyday cotton ones you stash away!
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Keep 'em guessing by mixing up a little prep and punk. Accessorize with
argyle hand warmers
($25) and cozy
knitted caps with skulls
($25-$28) with
matching mittens
($25). Though the best and cutest are the
Finnegan mittens
($28), formed into dog faces with long floppy ears, button eyes and a wagging tongue! So cute, they could double as puppets. You'll find them all at Mira! (101 W. Marcy St., 988-3585).
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Lavender Girl offers a charming assortment of
stretchy headbands
($23 and up) in various fabrics from casual cottons to rich velvets. Dust in the Wind (131 E. Palace Ave., 986-1155) carries these in viscose, lurex (metallic), satin or mesh styles to finish off a festive outfit. Or grab a handful of
hair elastics
($5) in fancy fabrics to create a classic Hollywood updo.
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Get dolled up with a
beret
($29)! These enchanting chapeaus are made of lambswool and stitched with ribbons that form small flowers and vines. We didn't see raspberry, but there were other yummy colors like ice blue, black, creamy white and a smooth taupe to tickle one's fancy. Available at On Your Feet (500 Montezuma Ave., Sanbusco Center, 983-3900).
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Slip into this sweet ivory
crocheted dress
($148) and orange slip ($68) by Free People and instantly feel supergirly! The knit is loose and baby-soft, and a gold glitter band zigzags throughout the design. The slip is smooth nylon and hemmed with a tulle banding that's sprinkled with charming eyelets. It's all at Retrospect (504 Cordova Road, 820-1400).
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How clever! Once these boots lose their fashion appeal or soles, some clever person cuts them, sews them and attaches a cute strap-and voila! you've gotcherself a
western boot purse
($149 and up). J & J Western Designs uses hand-tooled leather boot parts and gussies them up with fringe, beads, tassels and a shiny, weighty medallion. This is a must-have for every cowgirl! Find them at Hands & Heart (150 Washington Ave., 820-9912).
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This spunky little
swing jacket
from Soda Blu ($125) has it all for the latest look: The cut is flattering on everyone, it's black and kinda tweedy with a lurex houndstooth pattern and it even has a Peter Pan collar, for goodness' sake! Wear it with jeans for a day of shopping or pair it up with a slim pencil skirt for that '40s secretary look. Try it on at Cupcake (328 Montezuma Ave., 988-4744).
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Even the rough-and-tumble rugged types like to be pampered with the softness of a
cashmere sweater
($235-$295). The latest styles by Lenore Romano sport a high V-neck in classic colors like heather gray, camel, black and more. Daring dudes may get a little wild with the geometric prints. These cozy sweaters are available in sizes medium to extra-large. Be sure to take advantage of the fancy free gift wrapping at Harry's (202 Galisteo Road, 988-1959).
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We hand-picked these gorgeous
silk tops by Parasuco
($310-$350), which are so stylish with classic colors like caramel, chocolate and an elegant gunmetal gray for dressing up or for downplaying with jeans. The scoop-neck version is sleeveless with a smocked empire waist and pleated neckline, while the cap sleeve one has the smocking on the back and ties at the waist for a smashing look that's great coming or going! Check them out at Block Mercantile (418 Montezuma Ave., 982-7477).
Santa Fe Reporter