If I were an apron, what kind of apron I would be?

At the close of Wednesday's post, I described my favorite apron - a sturdy, plain Jane denim bib style. It's comfortable and practical, like a well-worn pair of blue jeans. It's a good apron - low maintenance, simple, predictable. There's nothing wrong with it, but...
If my apron is a symbolic extension of my domestic authority and ability, an expression of my style at home as wife and mother and homemaker, does this apron define me?
Honest answer: probably.
Does it define who I want to be?
Not really.

How many of us have fallen into outward expressions that don't quite match who we are on the inside? Whether it's hairstyle or home decor; the kind of car we drive or our daily apparel... does what's on the outside match the soul and spirit within?

Watch any episode of What Not To Wear on TLC and you'll hear the guests say, "But it's comfortable," to defend the fashion faux pas that landed them in style intervention. I would argue the word they really mean is "safe."

We all do it, either to preserve or attain the approval of others, or simply for the sake of convenience and ease, we make safe, predictable choices. Have you ever longed for a lipstick-red sofa, but opted for the dirt-brown one with the built-in cupholders?
Do you pore over magazine makeover layouts and dream of having the guts to try a hairstyle you admire, even though no one in your social circle would dare to wear their hair that way? Have you ever read stories of men and women who've done great things that glorify God and bless mankind, and wished you had enough guts to step out in faith like that?

I have this horrible feeling my apron is just one place where I've compromised myself for the sake of safety and comfort and convenience. "But," you may be thinking, "that's such a small thing, does it really matter?" Maybe, maybe not. But, that apron is a place to make a small step forward, a small step toward expressing myself not according to what I do, but according to who I am.



How about you?  

Aprons are coming into fashion. Serious fashion.



Do you have a favorite apron in your current selection? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite is an over-the-head denim job I picked at a thrift store. No pockets, very plain and simple heavy blue denim. I love it because it doesn't show stains, it fits (I don't have to tie the neck loop in a knot to make it short enough) and it actually blocks spills from getting through to my clothes. It's utilitarian, practical, efficient... boring! I hate to admit this, but it describes my work in the kitchen for the last two decades of child-rearing. I think it's time for a change... tune in Friday!

Meanwhile, check out some of the following sites for fun apron inspiration.

The simple act of putting on an apron is akin to the spiraling metamorphosis of mild-mannered Diana Prince into the bustier-wearing, lasso-throwing Wonder Woman.

I'm a relative newcomer to apron-wearing, and sometimes it's still hard for me to remember to toss one on before I cook dinner or whip up a baked delight.


But when I tie my apron strings, suddenly it's easier to do the dishes, to set the table, to create nutritious, well-balanced meals for my family. Donning an apron is a tangible reminder that I am the queen of my household domain, and inspires me to rule my roost with renewed grace and creativity.
Whether you're married or single, a working woman or a stay-at-home wife and mother, a grandma, an auntie, a gourmet chef or a successful TV dinner preparer, you can change the world through the simplest of acts: wiping a child's tear, making a cup of tea for a hurting friend, starting a grassroots campaign for a cause you believe in, or running a multi-national corporation.

The humble apron is just one token reminder of the awesome power that belongs to women to transform the world around them for the better

You may have seen the following essay on aprons already, since it has circulated the blogosphere and e-mail loops for quite some time. Even if you have, it's well worth another read.