Princess Lesson: Aprons and Cleaning

One of the things I adore collecting, more than lolita and Victorian clothing, is aprons. I usually prefer styles that are more classically Victorian or 1950s retro. (But, strangely enough, I haven't found quite a liking for the apron styles commonly found in lolita clothing lines.) I like my aprons to be pretty as well as functional- and even if the design is quite simple, it can still be quite elegant.

The apron is one of those things that I don't believe should be an expensive garment. I always have to consider what I'll be doing while wearing a particular apron: will I be sewing? cooking? cleaning? All of these tasks require a different apron for the lady acting the maid.

Very elegant and detailed aprons, or those made of higher quality materials should be used only in ones sitting room for activities like sewing, cross-stitching, and other simple crafts. I find an apron with pockets quite helpful as you can easily store a piece of fabrics that's been cut out or a loose bobbin.

Aprons made of sturdier fabrics or plain cotton are best when used in the kitchen or while cleaning. These are times when you will not be happy if some food plashes up from your stove or some cleaning solution gets on you. But, even here, you may want to consider the next best kind of apron: oil-cloth.

For tasks involving drier items like flour or dust about the house, the sturdier aprons are quite appropriate. But for tasks involving chocolate, hot liquids, or cleaning solutions, you may want to consider oil-cloth. This type of fabric makes for easy cleaning as well as less mess on pretty dresses. (You can find numerous pretty fabrics available in oil-cloth here and here.)

So, on days where you'd like to scrub your castle from top to bottom, or whip up a fantastic feast, you will be ready!