We’ve already revealed how pink socks saved a girl’s life this week, but it has emerged that one family in America has kept a pair of men’s socks in the family for over 60 years because they are believed to be lucky.

At a ceremony to commemorate servicemen in the Merchant Marines during World War II, Paul Doell revealed how his father Raymond came to believe his socks were charms – because he was wearing them when he survived three ships sinking due to German attacks.

"The second time he was running down the burning deck with his socks on fire before he was able to jump into the water," the brave man’s son told the Lehigh Valley News.

The charred black socks were kept as a memento. And we know you’re now dying to make like the Kings of Leon (sort of) and sing: "oooh, your socks are on fire…"

Mercifully, there’s not much chance of being torpedoed by German U-boats these days, but if your man is going to be doing a lot or running about, why not buy him Calvin Klein’s Men’s Coolmax Socks from MyTights.com?

They will wick away moisture and have a cushioned sole – just don’t let him set them ablaze…

When all the big name US stores start getting their key trends out, you know it’s only a matter of time before they make their way across the pond.

And, according to the fashion buyers at Bloomingdale’s New York, this autumn and winter will be all about accessorising with hosiery.

"Liquid leggings and shiny tights will be the standout choices for this season, but fishnets, ribbed knit tights, and animal prints are all important layering pieces," the store said at its fashion unveiling this week.

It also tipped novelty prints like houndstooth and plaid as being hot for pairing with your warmer weather clothes for a great movie star look.

The store suggested sporting leggings with a strong-shouldered jacket in order to create the "inverted triangle" shape that’s going to take us back to the ’80s as the leaves start to fall.

If you want to start shopping ahead, check out our patterns and prints section at MyTights.com, as well as our leggings page for Religion’s Gun Metal Wet Look Leggings.

These are so super shiny that it’s like having liquid pewter on your pins, so they should fit in with Bloomingdale’s tips perfectly!

While we may have been happy with ordinary opaque tights last year, this is 2009 – we’ve been stuck in a recession for what feels like ages and we want some excitement in our lives, even if it is simply via our tights!

Looking ahead, the Washington Post reckons that’s exactly what the fashion houses are going to come up with for us as autumn approaches, since the catwalks have been positively glimmering.

"Designers at Miu Miu, Cynthia Rowley and Emanuel Ungaro embellished, encrusted and enhanced neutral-hued legwear by piling on glimmering, shimmering stones and gems," the publication points out.

It suggests trying out hosiery stitched with a few tasteful crystals in order to make the trend wearable for a night out.

As usual, your wish is our command – we have the very thing in Bebaroque’s Viper Luxx Tights, which have a floral pattern and scattered crystals in gold and pink.

Fashionistas who like to be in the know when it comes to the latest fashion trends may be interested to hear that autumn/winter 09 is less about the outfit and more about how you accessorise it.

This is the advice of the Independent’s Gemma Hayward, who explained that the devil will be in the detail next season – and that a key accessory will be women’s socks.

"Pull your socks up. Literally. Wear them just below the knee or up high on the thigh," she encouraged.

The style expert took examples from the catwalks, pointing out that Mui Mui and Vivenne Westwood were all about embellished knee high socks, while Marni went for texture and ribbing.

As usual, we’ve got the very thing to emulate your fashion house idols without having to shell out big time.

For embellished socks, try MyTights.com’s Bebaroque Dorothy Socks with their beautiful bow print.

However, if it’s texture you’re after, try our Trasparenze Dora Wool Rib over the knee socks, which are available in an array of scrumptious colours (pictured).

While socks can often save an outfit from looking drab or your feet from getting blistered, it’s not often that you can say they saved your life.

But that’s exactly what happened to an unnamed 16-year-old girl in Kent this week. The teenager had chosen a bright pair of pink socks to wear with her sandals for a walk on Herne Bay – and we bet she’s now eternally grateful!

She slipped while trying to retrieve something she had dropped between the rocks and got her head stuck under two large boulders. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the tide began to come in and – like something out of Final Destination – put her in very real danger of drowning.

However, after many agonising minutes of struggling, a passer-by named Derek Champ spotted her pink socks flailing in the air and alerted the emergency services.

As the water began to lap around her hair and mouth, she was pulled free by fireman using the Jaws of Life. Phew!

"We were strolling along the promenade when we saw a pair of pink socks sticking out from the rocks. That girl was very lucky indeed not to drown," Mr Champ commented.

She certainly was! And if you want to add some pink socks to your wardrobe in case of potential disasters, check out MyTights.com for Jonathan Aston’s Ankle Socks, which are available in orange, white, yellow and the all-important pink!