Top 10 of 2011: #10 Cette Sao Paolo

Fact: In the first 11 months of 2011, I reviewed 56 pairs of pantyhose (not all at once, I think that would've cut off my circulation).

I'm not saying I'm proud of this fact...I'm just pointing it out.

Second Fact: I have this unexplainable fascination with countdowns. Every year my local radio station counts down the Top 100 alternative songs of the year. I need to hear it. Or when I'm flipping channels and I stumble upon a countdown show...NFL Network's Top 10 quarterbacks of the 1980s? Yeah, I'm watching. VH1's Top 100 one-hit wonders of the 1990s? I think I'll stay and watch this. AMC is counting down the Top 25 horror movies of all time? I think you get the picture. I have no idea...it's a gimmick that sucks me in every time.

And I'm not above using said gimmick.

So....56 pairs of eligible pantyhose. I'm counting down my top 10. Why should you care? I bet you didn't try 56 different pairs of pantyhose this year...that's why.

The rules are simple. I had to review them on this blog this year. That rules out...muck that I didn't bother posting (which wouldn't have made the list anyway). Stuff I reviewed in past years (they'll just have to wait until I unveil my Top 100 of the 21st Century...just kidding...I think).

Aren't you all excited?!? Here we go:

#10: Cette Sao Paolo Tights - Originally Reviewed 4/26

A few things I took away when I first wore these, back in April: They had a nice shine to them, they were very durable, and they were an exceptional value. The thing that really struck me, though, was the high-quality feel they had to them.

When your pantyhose collection is the size mine is, they obviously can tend to blend in together as they are continually worn, washed, and thrown back in the drawer (or box, or bin....or closet....yes, I know, I have a problem!). Pairs that have a print on the leg, or something like a tag or a logo make them easier to identify as they get mixed in with the collection. This pair of pantyhose has no tag or logo or otherwise to help identify them. What kept them from getting lost in the shuffle really was their quality. They look as good as they do here in the picture, and their feel is really just incredibly soft. They are an absolute pleasure to wear.

I often read about how some women loathe pantyhose, and the complaint is always discomfort. I think part of the problem is most brands that you buy off the shelf of a department store really aren't all that well made and do lack quality and comfort. This is the type of pantyhose that might just change a few people's minds about the lack of comfort.

For people who, understandably, don't want to pay the premium prices of a Wolford or Falke, and don't like the look and feel of department store brands, Cette is a good name to look for. They have a huge variety of basics, and their sizes, colors, denier counts, and levels of shine really do cover all of the bases. What's more is most of their basics cost at or around $10. For those who would like to try Cette, I think the Sao Paolo is a great place to start. The 18 denier is a good balance of sheer-but-not-too-sheer, and the look and feel could not be more attractive.

For all of that, these were an easy addition to my top 10 for the year. If you're interested in a closer look, UK Tights and Hoseria, both currently offer these pantyhose right near $10 each.