Are you woman enough to wear an apron?

Now please do not be offended by this question...whether you are an apron wearer or not, you are still a complete woman. Now that we are clear on that...do you wear aprons? Or would you like to wear an apron but have been afraid of the stereotype that goes with a woman wearing an apron?

Most of us think of June Cleaver, Harriet Nelson or Mrs Cunningham from Happy Days - those good little wives who stayed at home and made sure dinner was on the table when hubby got home. And they wore aprons for very practical purposes. They had to be well dressed and presented to their husbands when they arrived home from work. If they also had to cook dinner, they certainly did not want their beautiful dress to get dirtied or soiled while cooking.

Well, I have to say...thank goodness those days are gone. But, that does not mean that we cannot sport an apron while we are in the kitchen, now does it?

I can honestly say that when I wear an apron in the kitchen, I feel a kind of freedom. I know that I am not Mrs Cleaver or Mrs Cunningham. I am very clear about that in my mind. But when I wear an apron, I feel like I can make more of a mess without worrying about getting it on my clothes - whether I am dressed in a party outfit, a casual dinner or just a family dinner. I still do not want to get the mess of cooking spills onto my clothes.

What it comes down to is that aprons are very practical. Now when we talk about practical things, whether it be shoes, clothing or just about anything, just the mention of the word practical conjures up the idea of ugly. Most of us believe that you can't have practical and pretty at the same time. Just think of how pretty those shoes are that are so comfortable...and hence, practical. They are probably not your prettiest shoes.

The same logic applies to aprons - or should I say aprons of the past. I will admit that the aprons that my mother wore were quite practical and not much else - but that is all she needed. She wanted to protect her clothing from cooking messes. Women have decided now that practical does not have to mean ugly or less attractive.

Inspired by vintage aprons and retro dresses of the past, aprons these days come in a variety of styles and colors - with ruffles and trimmings galore. These new aprons are so pretty that they may even be prettier and flirtier than your actual clothing. You may not want to take off your apron when you sit down to eat dinner. And why not? Why should we not feel pretty and feminine in the kitchen? If because these aprons are ever so adorable and pretty that you choose to wear one...I don't think you will regret the decision and I also think that you won't look back. You will want to wear that pretty apron each and every time you are cooking or baking in the kitchen. I know I do!