Monday, May 05, 2008

apron strings



I have a penchant for aprons and never feel that I can get down to work with out sporting an apron.  The fit and cut of the apron has to be just right.  Several years ago, a dear friend gave me an apron from the venerable food institution from the city.  It has been one of my most cherished possessions which I wear on decorative painting jobs.  Another apron from a dear friend who returned to the area after living in Paris, it is my "cuisine" apron for preparing meals.  My friend Kwana, gave me a sweet short apron from here for when I just want to add a little something to brighten my day. Below is one of my favorite chef's, Suzanne Goin of The Hungry Cat, in California.
You see aprons give people a "I am totally confident" air and a sense of getting down to business.
One of my favorite and fondest memories of when I came to New York was having dinner with my soul mate at "Mortimers" in the city, the men waiters wore long white aprons and they looked so polished, yet ready to serve.  My first American Express Card was used there for my first meal out to celebrate my first job.  I felt smart and on my way for adventure with this plastic card like Diane von Furstenberg.  All I really wanted was one of those long white aprons to glide effortlessly in my own work.  Wearing an apron makes me feel finished.  Liken it to my very own lab coat or bib if you will.  Perhaps I am tied to my very own apron strings.    The strings must be long enough to tie in front and I like to tie them below the waist, ready to seize the day and tackle the next project or meal.

Do tell, do you wear an apron?  There are so many types, french maid aprons, cobblers smock, pinafore, butcher's apron.  Try one and see how much better you are at your task.  Carpe diem!

17 comments:

Kwana said...

I love the look of aporns, but never remember to wear one. I have to say when I do though I do feel more official and efficent.

pve design said...

kwana,
leave the spell check to me-
you are too funny!
pve

Melissa Lewis said...

Haha, I so have a thing with aprons. Not sure why, I love to bake really, so maybe they just go hand in hand. I have a chartreuse one now, but I always want every single one I find at Anthropologie!

littlebyrd said...

It's funny - Mrs French and I were just the other day saying that we love aprons and blah blah blah but then we asked - who really wears them? You do! I love it! I saw a really sweet one at a market on Friday and can't get it out of my mind. I am thinking of having a yard sale and whenever I do that I always wear an apron, that is the only time I wear one - maybe I will have to go get it after all. Thanks for the apron inspiration!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I appreciate how practical aprons are, however I have BAD memories associated with them and can't bring myself to wear the one I have while cooking! In college one of my awful jobs was working at Pier One and we had to wear these blue aprons (from williams sonoma no less) and I still have it! However, I can never bring myself to put it on without wanting to dust baskets or african masks.

pve design said...

Funny, like the ease and simplicity of a school uniform that I never wore, to the one who must, it can bring forth unpleasant memories if it is a pre-requisite. We will have to find an apron for you that answers the architectural side.

Easy and Elegant Life said...

I've never, ever, had a bad or even mediocre experience dining at a restaurant where the wait staff wore starched white aprons... coincidence? Professional pride?

I actually have a chef's double breasted white cotton duck coat that I use to cook in. Mom gave it to me and at first I thought: "really?" But now I can't imagine not wearing it. It spares the tie and shirt when I'm in a rush after "work" or before a dinner party.

adesignaffair said...

Ahhh my friend gave me one from anthropologie for my birthday and I love cooking in it!

http://search.anthropologie.com/?i=1&page=1&q=aprons&u1=q

Mary-Laure said...

I have to admit I've never worn an apron in my life... But this one is so graphic and pretty I may end up crossing to the apron side!!!

pve design said...

mary-laure,
mais oui, cherie, a french apron would suit you!
pve

easy and elegant,
my, what a wonderful meal you must prepare with your chef's jacket. perhaps a post waiting to publish!
I can picture you cooking, the music playing!
All so easy and elegant.
pve

Paul Pincus said...

Mortimers!...Glenn Bernbaum!!...omgoodness!!!

really great post!

cheers to you ; )

Mrs.French said...

You wear aprons yay!!!! I knew somebody did. You have inspired me to become an apron wearer myself!

Elizabeth said...

It's awfully cute.

Robin said...

I have an April Cornell apron in a print that I love that I wear to cook in when I am doing something more strenous than omlet or salad (my two weeknight dinner staples). Wearing an apron makes me feel ready to cook, more clean-as-I-go, and more in control of timing all my dishes so everything comes to the table at once. I most recently wore it to make steak a poivre for the BF (and it came out fantastic - I was absolutely amazed at myself. Recipe from Cooks Illustrated, highly recommended).

Marnie said...

aprons, love them, wear then in the kitchen, at boutiques where i sell my stuff - great pouch pocket to stash the cash, sometimes forget to take them off when i dash to the store for a missing ingredient

SimplyGrove said...

I so have an apron and wear it all the time! Its from anthropologie and its a sunny yellow color. I love it and it inspires me to cook.

Teacats said...

I love wearing aprons -- and yes! just tying the ties does start the brain thinking towards working -- whether at a creative job like yours or simply cleaning the house (thats me! LOL!) You should really consider having your artworks transferred to aprons to sell! For many aprons made by talented artisans -- check online at Etsy.com! Some very fun designs and styles!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage