In Japan (and much of Canada), visitors take off their shoes before entering a home. Years of experience have taught me the following: a) leave the thigh-high corset boots at home because you’ll spend 15 minutes unlacing them in the doorway; b) your socks will be exposed to the world, so they’d better match your outfit… and each other.

Swedish company Happy Socks asked me if I wanted to hop around in some of their products. Sure, why not? I slid their High Heel socks over leopard-print tights. My cute jumper is by Banana Fish and the sweater is from NYC’s SoHo.

Barring any foot odor, everyone will be praising your cute cotton hosiery when you take off your boots. The Switched Color adds a splash of purple to a monochrome outfit, while the black lower half maintains balance. I’m wearing an h.NAOTO Blood cardigan (vintage from Closet Child) over a black lace dress with a heart-shaped corset to (from a Seattle secondhand shop).

Here are some of my favorites from Happy Socks. They’re a nice addition to a Japanese Fruits-style outfit, and cost only $10 a pair. Now that’s something to smile about.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? I’ll be at a fetish ball… you can expect some wild photos!