From Head to Hose, a 30-year institution in Brooklyn, is known for its large selection of exclusive designer and brand-name hosiery, accessories and clothing. With the days and nights getting colder, it’s time to say goodbye to sheer or bare legs, and hello to opaque tights, footless tights and leggings.
There are big differences within hosiery, said From Head to Hose owner Rachel Greenbaum Stechler, who has been commuting from Teaneck to Brooklyn for the past 13 years. One can buy a nice pair of hose for $4 to upwards of $60. The level of comfort and number of wears is considerably different, she cautioned.
In trying to match skin tones to sheer hosiery, the better the quality, the better the match. Basic black tights or leggings are not so basic anymore. There are many different deniers (thickness) and varied levels of control tops and shapers from which to choose. Leggings or footless tights have become the latest fashion style and are available in leather, suede, velvet and even sequins.
Colored and patterned hosiery brought Rachel into retail fashion. As a young mother, she wanted to start a business she could run from home but didn’t have any ideas. She started seeing ads for hosiery in bright colors and flowered patterns and an idea sparked. “I’m the oldest of four girls,” she said. “I figured, I’ll order the hosiery and if it doesn’t sell, we’ll wear it. The women loved it!” For a name, she asked a sister to get ideas from her 10th grade classmates in school one day. She came back with “From Head to Hose,” and that was it.
Over the years From Head to Hose has evolved to carry a full line of women’s clothing and accessories. “I always loved fashion,” said Rachel. “My grandmother took me to B. Altman and educated me. We had so much fun shopping together.” Rachel brings her fashion sensibility to the designers and outfits she chooses and orders for her boutique. “I buy what I love, and I look for styles that I think will be big next season and choose them for this season. When stores copy me a year later, I am flattered and proud.”
Rachel likes classic and fun fashions with accessories that can bring the outfit to the next level. A classic skirt can be updated with a fun belt and patterned scarf for a completely new look. With the pandemic, many women are working from home. They are looking for easy-wear clothing, like coordinating skirts and tops, and dressier casual clothes than can be worn to shul or an outdoor socially distanced lunch. Comfy and fun fur mules, slides and slippers are the go-to shoe. Belts, hair accessories, evening bags, hats, scarves and gloves are fully stocked for the coming cold weather and are always much-appreciated gifts.
From Head to Hose has an easy-to-use website and Instagram page. The store, at 1717 Ave. M, Brooklyn, is in an area that is temporarily in lockdown but you can shop online: https://fromheadtohose.com/ and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fromhead2hose. Jewish Link readers can use code LINKNJ for free shipping.
