Legwear and shapewear experts Sculptz made their NYC and U.S. debut earlier this month with an upscale cocktail party and display at The Glasshouses in Chelsea. What made this show special was that there was a mix of mannequins and live models, so you could really see how the products worked and ask the models questions about their outfits. Hosting the event were Sculptz president Jean P. Vernor and "tastemaker" and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi.

Scultptz, which makes products along the same line as that other shapewear company (beginning with an "S" and ending with an "x"), only less strangling, more affordable, more colorful, and more wearable, has been in business since 1974 and is headquartered in Philadelphia. All products are made in the U.S.A. I tried one of the products, and like the slogan says, it was so comfortable I did indeed forget I was wearing it. (When I tried that other brand, I wanted to pull it off as soon as I got in the door.)

The NYC event was titled "A Girl for All Seasons" and featured models dressed in Sculptz products, à la iconic '40s and '50s pinup girls, in displays that represented the four seasons. Another model walked the room and a sixth was in a classic evening display complete with faux fur rug and garter belt. (See the gallery.)

Sculptz products promise to "flatten the tummy, lift the rear, and slim the hips and thighs, while providing the freedom and confidence to wear everyday styles from day to night." The collection features shorts, sheers, tights, slips, body shapers, camis, bras, and briefs. There also are sexy thigh highs and pants-friendly trouser socks. New for fall 2009 are leggings and capris in lots of fun, autumnal colors as well as classics like red and black. All the colors feature clever names, too. Black is "A Girl's Best Friend," for example, while copper is "All Spiced Up" and white is "String of Pearls."

Sculptz prices range from $15 - $70. Products are available only online right now, although plans are in the works to be in retail stores soon. Sculptz also has sites in Britain and Canada.

Special for Luxist readers: Get 25% off Sculptz shapewear and legwear from Sunday, November 29, 2009, until Thursday, December 10, 2009. Just enter promo code B809 at Sculptz.com.

Your dress may be an inexpensive LBD from a discount shop, but no one will notice if you're wearing fabulous designer tights.

This holiday season, times are (ugh) still tight, but the opulence and flashy glamour of the 20s and 30s speakeasy culture are in. The way to follow the trend without breaking the bank is to focus on your accessories: make them as eye-catching as you dare. Textures, dark jewel tones, and all things that sparkle are your friends, and we just love these Cynthia Rowley tights.

Also, as with other accessories, you can get them for a far more frugal price than, say, a Cynthia Rowley dress. The tights range from just $15 for Antique Dot Tights to $250 for the breathtaking Embellished Tights shown. It's a smart way to buy into a designer who might otherwise be out of your budget.

Now, go spend your money on presents!

... Or am I just out of touch with legwear world? Here's what got me wondering: The onslaught of holidays catalogs has begun, and although I use a junk-mail removal service, one slipped through, addressed to my home's former owner. It was from Bare Necessities, seller of lingerie, hosiery, sleepwear, loungewear and accessories, as well as a few men's items. I was taken aback when I saw several pantyhose items for $30 and upward, up to as high as $340 for wool leggings. Considering I write for Luxist, you would think I would not be surprised to see the word "luxury" batted around even such a basic wardrobe item as pantyhose. But I was. And then, just two days later, while in a moderately upscale department store, I noticed that Cole-Haan now makes "luxury" microfiber tights for about $30 (not sold online). Sarah Jessica Parker recently was spotted wearing a $250 pair of Chanel pantyhose. So, I guess I really am out of touch and that legwear can indeed be luxurious, and expensive, but can be an affordable splurge. Check the gallery for some of the pricier hosiery items offered by Bare Necessities, all from Wolford.