The revival of the apron as a fashion statement
Whenever I venture into the kitchen -- admittedly, not often -- the scene usually goes something like this:
I stare at my pantry. I stare inside the refrigerator. I walk out of the kitchen. I ponder my options.
A few minutes later, I resign myself to eating spaghetti. Again.
And then the fun starts. I'm a bopper - I like to move and dance to music when I cook. Inevitably, this also means I'm usually sauce-splattered by the end.
Maybe I need an apron. Everybody else seems to have them.
As our favorite baker, Tampa Bay Times Food Editor Janet Keeler, tells you in today's edition of Taste, the apron is experiencing a renaissance. And no wonder. Even the most casual domestic diva (pointing thumbs at myself) can appreciate the apron as both an item of necessity, and yes, even as a fashion statement.
Janet's story (read it here) explores all things apron, and gives a little love to one of our favorite Tampa Bay area vintage shops.
At Buffalo Gal Vintage (owner Desiree Sheridan is shown above), you'll find a selection of aprons from the past 100+ years. Amazing, right?
Sheridan tells Janet different generations seems interested in different eras. Women in their 70s favor the ones from the 1920s. Nostalgic Baby boomers like the ones from the 50s and 60s. And 20-and-30s seem drawn to the funky, brightly colored and heavy-patterned ones made in the 1970s. Sheridan also says she sees plenty of young clients come into the Central Avenue shop looking for aprons to wear outside the home. Who knew?
I wouldn't mind rocking this flowered apron ($26 at Buffalo Gal Vintage), likely from the 50s or 60s, over a skirt, neutral top and tights for a night of dancing. It'd also be a great gift for Esther -- if I knew anyone with that name. ;P
Do any of you have fun aprons? Where are your favorite place to get them? Have you ever incorporated them into your regular wardrobe?
Tell us in the comments - then tell Janet too!
She plans to publish readers' apron memories in an upcoming Taste section. Email stories by Dec. 21 to jkeeler@tampabay.com with APRONS in the subject line. Include name, phone number, the city you live in. Photos are encouraged.
-Deal Diva Kameel
(Photos: Times photographer Scott Keeler)
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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