“Life is messy. But that’s why we have aprons.” – Jennifer Fulwiler
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I love discovering other modern women who share similar retro thoughts as me, so naturally when a good friend told me about this article I eagerly read it.
The Apron: The Ultimate Symbol of a Culture of Life
While I am not sure I agree that the apron is the ultimate symbol for service to others, I do agree that cooking is messy, especially for ladies like me who always manage to spill something. Fortunately I too discovered the wonderful invention called The Apron and ever since I always keep at least two in my kitchen at all times, and you should too. Also, it should not be forgot that wearing an apron in the kitchen carries through to drink making as I witnessed yesterday when my normally not-so-clumsy boyfriend spilled cocktail mix all over himself and the counter.
Was he wearing an apron? NO!!
Should he have? YES!!!
This simple detail would have prevented the now imminent dry-cleaning bill. I realize he (and many other boyfriends) will not wear one of my polka-doted retro fashions, but it is just as easy to keep a plain spare around. (Something like a Top Chef would wear) There is no shame in a white or black chefs apron or smock. In fact, donning one makes men feel powerful - I think.
But it is not easy bringing back something that has nearly been forgotten from our daily lives. Even though I absolutely adore my cute retro red polka-dottie (a thoughtful gift from my smarty pants boyfriend) it was hard to get in the habit of wearing it. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and while my mother did most of the cooking, she rarely used an apron. Consequently I grew up without the thought of ever using one. But after far too many “incidents” in the kitchen I managed to make wearing an apron a habit.
Here are my suggestions on how to bring the apron back into your life:
1) Find an apron that suits your personality
There are so many styles these days from the professional looking Top Chef to Classic 1950’s housewife. If you feel silly in your apron you wont wear it – and the whole point IS to wear it so you won’t ruin your clothes. So find one that makes you feel great, stylish, and even sexy! Why not? If you look forward to wearing it chances are you will more often. And if you can't find one in your style? Make it! I know there are a lot of Project Runway hopefuls out there and this could be your chance to get creative and make something your own.
2) Keep the aprons hanging in direct sight.
I keep mine on the wall immediately to the left when entering the kitchen. A magnetic hook for the fridge can be great also. It is hard to pass by a red polka dot apron while getting your juice in the morning. Bonus if they are a bright color (like red or yellow).
3) Always keep a spare or two
You never know when you might have a kitchen helper (who doesn’t like polka dots). Or maybe you are making red tomato sauce and wearing a sparkly white apron is a recipe for disaster. Or even some days you might feel more like a Top Chef than a Happy Homemaker. You need to make sure your mood and food colors are covered!
The simple fact that cooking is messy, and stain removal is tedious and can be expensive, is why we all need to bring these forgotten classics back into our lives. Male or Female – you really need an apron in your kitchen! Hopefully if you follow these steps, wearing one will be a regular part of your routine for you and your clothes safety (just like putting on a seat belt before getting in a car).
Plus, even if your actual cooking is not that great - you will look the part! And sometimes that is really all that matters!
I couldn’t have said it better myself. I love discovering other modern women who share similar retro thoughts as me, so naturally when a good friend told me about this article I eagerly read it.
The Apron: The Ultimate Symbol of a Culture of Life
While I am not sure I agree that the apron is the ultimate symbol for service to others, I do agree that cooking is messy, especially for ladies like me who always manage to spill something. Fortunately I too discovered the wonderful invention called The Apron and ever since I always keep at least two in my kitchen at all times, and you should too. Also, it should not be forgot that wearing an apron in the kitchen carries through to drink making as I witnessed yesterday when my normally not-so-clumsy boyfriend spilled cocktail mix all over himself and the counter.
Was he wearing an apron? NO!!
Should he have? YES!!!
This simple detail would have prevented the now imminent dry-cleaning bill. I realize he (and many other boyfriends) will not wear one of my polka-doted retro fashions, but it is just as easy to keep a plain spare around. (Something like a Top Chef would wear) There is no shame in a white or black chefs apron or smock. In fact, donning one makes men feel powerful - I think.
But it is not easy bringing back something that has nearly been forgotten from our daily lives. Even though I absolutely adore my cute retro red polka-dottie (a thoughtful gift from my smarty pants boyfriend) it was hard to get in the habit of wearing it. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and while my mother did most of the cooking, she rarely used an apron. Consequently I grew up without the thought of ever using one. But after far too many “incidents” in the kitchen I managed to make wearing an apron a habit.
Here are my suggestions on how to bring the apron back into your life:
1) Find an apron that suits your personality
There are so many styles these days from the professional looking Top Chef to Classic 1950’s housewife. If you feel silly in your apron you wont wear it – and the whole point IS to wear it so you won’t ruin your clothes. So find one that makes you feel great, stylish, and even sexy! Why not? If you look forward to wearing it chances are you will more often. And if you can't find one in your style? Make it! I know there are a lot of Project Runway hopefuls out there and this could be your chance to get creative and make something your own.
2) Keep the aprons hanging in direct sight.
I keep mine on the wall immediately to the left when entering the kitchen. A magnetic hook for the fridge can be great also. It is hard to pass by a red polka dot apron while getting your juice in the morning. Bonus if they are a bright color (like red or yellow).
3) Always keep a spare or two
You never know when you might have a kitchen helper (who doesn’t like polka dots). Or maybe you are making red tomato sauce and wearing a sparkly white apron is a recipe for disaster. Or even some days you might feel more like a Top Chef than a Happy Homemaker. You need to make sure your mood and food colors are covered!
The simple fact that cooking is messy, and stain removal is tedious and can be expensive, is why we all need to bring these forgotten classics back into our lives. Male or Female – you really need an apron in your kitchen! Hopefully if you follow these steps, wearing one will be a regular part of your routine for you and your clothes safety (just like putting on a seat belt before getting in a car).
Plus, even if your actual cooking is not that great - you will look the part! And sometimes that is really all that matters!
Cheers to that!
I am a lady | adarose
I am a lady | adarose