When my father asked me recently if I'd ever featured aprons on my blog, I had to say no. But his question took me by surprise - I hadn't ever thought about showing aprons as a handmade fashion item - and inspired to dig deeper, I quested for an answer.
Dot's Diner, a shop that claims to have pinup models and burlesque performers among its customers (its namesake owner once owned a burlesque and pole dance studio!), makes some very cute aprons that are real fashion statements.
Just look at the "Alice in Wonderland/Queen of Hearts" apron (above), complete with red and blue ric rac trim on the bib and pocket. And don't miss the heart stockings!
Dot's Diner pays homage to retro 50s themes of car hop waitresses, barn dances, and plain old mom and apple pie. Just like the "Hard Candy Apple and Lollipops" apron (below) with a little front pocket.
The "Dark Alice Apron to Wear to Wonderland" piece (below) might have been more suitable for the Queen of Hearts, with the big heart pocket in front and small applique heart in the right corner.
One of my favorites is the "Pinup Cowgirl" apron (below) featuring little horseshoes on the belt and red gingham straps.
Along with the retro 50s theme, I see a heart theme, with all the heart-shaped bodices, heart applique, and just plain hearts everywhere. Don't you just love the aqua color of the "Retro 50s Diner Waitress" apron (below)?
These aprons are meant to be costumes more than practical aprons. But, as Dot's Diner says, "If you must, go ahead and clean house in it."
Dot will make these aprons to order. To see more of this unusual and zesty work, go to Dot's Diner and have some fun!
I think these must be some of the prettiest aprons I've ever seen! They almost make me want to go cook something. I wonder how long it takes to make one?
Posted by: Emily | April 19, 2012 at 02:10 PM
Aww, thank you so much for your kind post about my aprons! I am sorry it offended some people that I used the word “girl” in some of my titles. Actually if you look closer, it is meant as a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor about the retro style of the 50s. Counter-girls were absolutely referred to as counter-girls. And as for pinup girls of today; yep, they are pinup girls in the same sense as the before-mentioned; as a sort of throw-back nod to how women were labeled. Seriously ladies, I’m just a little handmade aprons shop, and I make and sell a couple aprons a day by myself, with a day job in engineering as well. I know all too well what women have had to overcome to get the equality that we enjoy today. Back when I first started in circuit board drafting, I was the only woman in my field. So, c’mon and lighten up and have a sense of humor. It’s all a just to poke a little fun.
Said with love.
Dottie xoxo
Posted by: A Facebook User | April 18, 2012 at 11:26 AM
WOW. This post has sparked some surprising controversy. My only reference to the word "girls" is in quoting the designer's title of one of the aprons. That was the name the designer gave to the apron, not a statement by me. That said, I revisited the "Dots" website and noticed all the mentions of "girls". Please know that I believe women are "women" and not "girls." Consciousness raised!
Posted by: Sandi | April 15, 2012 at 09:50 AM
I mean't "aren't" aprons.
Posted by: Janimal | April 12, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Erm, these are aprons - these are lingerie!
Posted by: Janimal | April 12, 2012 at 10:22 AM
These aprons say something about the state of women's issues in 2012, don't they? And women are now referred to as *girls* again. Makes me sad.
Posted by: Martha | April 12, 2012 at 09:38 AM