The Apron

Aprons in the home - from Wikipedia

The apron was traditionally viewed as an essential garment for anyone doing housework. Cheaper clothes and washing machines made aprons less common beginning in the mid 1960s in some countries such as the United States. However, the practice of wearing aprons remains strong in many places.

 Woman of the 1920's wearing a full-length house apron with criss-cross straps.

Today, the apron has enjoyed a minor renaissance in terms of both women and men now wearing them when performing household chores. For instance, an article in the Wall Street Journal claimed in 2005 that the apron is "enjoying a renaissance as a retro-chic fashion accessory" in the United States. However, it still is not as prevalent as it was prior to the 1960s.

Aprons are nowadays considered equally appropriate for both women and men by most people. However, prevailing social norms ensure that women frequently wear more delicate clothing, and may therefore be more likely to want the protection an apron offers. This can also be because the apron is the traditional clothing for cooking and washing dishes, things that such norms dictate to usually be done by women. Since an apron can be used to protect your body while cooking, many people think that aprons should be used for any cook in the world.

My collection of aprons... (so far)

My Jessie Steele Apron

Probably my most favorite. I hate to even wear it in case I mess it up. I originally found out about Jessie Steele when I was visiting a shop in Down Town Disney. I immediately fell in love! I mentioned to my mom how cute it was and surprise she ordered one for me. I love the French pattern on the front and the matching towel. I look forward to getting more of Jessie Steel's collection!

My 'Wanna-be' Curtis Stone Apron

This apron I found at Ikea. Its my 'wanna-be' Curtis Stone apron because it looks like the apron Curtis Stone wears while he's in the kitchen. One day I plan to pick up a real one from his site, but for now this will do.

This is my 'New' Summer Apron

Its so fancy! I picked it up at one of those discount stores for about $8.00. It has layers of frills to it in bright colors. It looks more like a dress then an apron.

In Love With Damask Apron

The damask pattern is my all time favorite. I had originally picked out this apron because I wanted something cute like my Jessie Steel apron but worried about destroying my Jessie Steel apron. So getting this one was supposed to help in my dilemma... but now I don't want to mess up this damask one... Good thing I have a bunch more to dirty up!

Two-Lumps of Sugar Apron

This apron I found at a store here in San Diego. I love it and its my everyday apron. Its a simple black and I love how the tie runs through it making a loop for around the neck. It has a large pocket in the front with two buttons where the pocket starts that say "Two Lumps Of Sugar". I wanted a matching towel so I sewed a loop out of ribbon onto a black and white towel and it hooks over one of the buttons.

Minnie Mouse Hostess Apron

I just love Disneyland and just last year they came out with really neat kitchen ware items for their shops. This is the Minnie Mouse apron I picked up on my last visit. There is also a matching Mickey Mouse one I plan to get too.

English Breakfast Apron

This one reminds me of England! Found this one at The UK Corner Shop. Just look at the pic... Need I say more!

Well there it is, my ever growing collection of aprons.

Please let me know if you have seen a cute, rad, must have that I could add to the group.

♥

Who Says You Can't Dress Fancy In The Kitchen?

Today I received my fancy new apron, And what a perfect night to test it out at my Mums dinner party! I originally saw one when we visited a store in Downtown Disney. I went home later and went to the website (from off the tag I read) of Jessie Steele. The aprons are so adorable! I can't wait to get another one! 

There are Hostess Aprons, Chef Aprons, Aprons For Children, and Mitts and Tea Towels...

I got the Bib Gigi French Toile© Apron, You know I love France!

This apron not only looks great, It fit perfectly, and is constructed well. It has a perfect pocket for a thermometer or something like that. Mine came with a little hand towel too! The only thing is, I'm now scared to wear it, I don't want to dirty it up!

Please visit the site...

http://www.jessiesteele.com/catalog.php

Thank you mom!

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JESSIE STEELE Company History

Jessie Steele's vintage-inspired, hostess and kitchen aprons prove true the old adage that beauty and style are timeless. Influenced by the romantic visions of a bygone era, and designed in vibrant colors, flirty patterns and figure flattering shapes, these fine quality, retro-chic cooking aprons make the perfect fashion accessory in or out of the kitchen. 

Helena Steele had collected 20 th Century vintage aprons for years, enchanted by their amazing styles and nostalgic charm. These beautiful kitchen aprons symbolized the grace and beauty of a forgotten time. She visualized it was possible to preserve their heirloom characteristics while giving them a uniquely 21 st Century fit and appeal. It was time to re-focus on friends and family, and revive the fun of the "hostess" party.

Helena shared her vision with Claire Steele, her daughter, a former model and fashion expert. Helena proposed that they bring their talents together to create vintage aprons that would both reflect the retro whimsy of the 1940's and 50's and meet the challenging needs of today's woman. Claire enthusiastically agreed, and Jessie Steele fine hostess aprons was conceived. 

After spending over a year researching and developing their plans, exploring a wide variety of fabrics and prints, designing their own textiles and finessing cuts and styles, Helena and Claire began manufacturing the Jessie Steele line of vintage kitchen aprons. These aprons are not only beautiful and feminine, they are designed to make the woman who wears them look and feel good.

This is a success story that has been born of true inspiration and hard work. Women of all ages and lifestyles have discovered the pleasure and fun of wearing Jessie Steele hostess aprons. Quite simply, Jessie Steele has taken the country by storm. 

In the seven years since they've launched the niche of nostalgic apron fashion, Jessie Steele fine hostess aprons have been sold in over 3000 stores, appeared on such hit television shows as Oprah and Desperate Housewives, and have been featured in numerous national magazines and newspapers.

In addition to plans to expand the Jessie Steele product line, the company is currently in the process of finalizing a number of major development deals that will open up more markets, ensuring that Jessie Steele remains the number one name in heirloom quality hostess aprons for a very long time to come. 

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