Reminiscing on How This Fashion ‘Must’ Became Passe
It used to be that one of the very core items a lady possessed was a pair of white gloves. A lady could be seen wearing her white gloves at all times, except when she was eating at a prominent citizen’s house. In this case, she would elaborately fold the gloves into the white linen napkin which sat atop her lap. A lady was never to shake a gentleman’s hand, ‘sans gloves’, because just think where that gentleman’s hand might have been! I am kidding about that very last part, although it is true that a Lady was always required to wear gloves, if she did indeed want to continue to be considered a Lady thereafter.
1883
The above illustration describes Victorian dress during the later part of the 1880’s. You’ll notice the young, sorrowful looking girl is wearing short-white gloves, which would have been appropriate for her time as well as social status. The more motherly woman is wearing gloves all of the way up to her puffed sleeves. Notice neither lady shows a hint of skin. As you know, even the slightest peep at an elbow might arouse uncontrollable thoughts and lead to unthinkable actions in the gentlemen in the room. Gloves were a necessity to prevent against peeping elbows and other unwanted events. I have no idea who these ladies are, but when I see them, I can’t help but think that they are a mother and daughter pair. Mother is gently pointing out a gentleman across the room to whom the younger lady’s father betrothed her earlier that day. (Against the daughter’s wishes, of course. Evidently, these types of daughters generally preferred the stable-boy and the happenings in the stable). I can just see the poor young lady lamenting to her mother, “But Mother, what thinkest thou? Would you have me wed to a brute with such a highly waxed and shaped mustache?! Why it is hardly civilized! And, Mother, just think of how ITCHY I shall be on my wedding bed!!”
And then there were the 1950’s where peeping elbows were apparently not a problem. Just look at all of the children being born during the 50’s and henceforth the first onslaught of gigantic family boats– er, I mean cars. Did I just say henceforth? The lady below stands proudly and in control with her gorgeous tailored suit and discreet black gloves. She stands poised ready to take the world by storm, and even have the freedom to choose her own suitors. She can choose her suits and her SUITORS. Perhaps this is why the frail white glove fell to the way-side and took its place in the annals of history? No reasonable girl no longer wanted that little white glove to have influence over whom she married and subsequent itchy wedding beds.
Standard Attire During the 1950’s and the Discreet Black Glove
And heck, while we throw out the little white glove, I say we start a revolution and throw out cooking dinner and washing the dishes afterwards.
But, alas, Fashion came to our rescue and we didn’t have to throw out cooking or doing the dishes. Someone with some sense invented a saucy little glove and apron combo to allow us to be fashion icons even in the most sticking and dirty situations.
I present to you the fashionable glove and apron combo. You may dear may now be the star of the show in your own kitchen:
But surely, with all of the winter storms we have been seeing, especially in the North-East, there has to be a glove to come to our rescue, while also keeping us warm. Dear Readers, I present to you this bad-ass elbow length glove from Mossimo. Because you just can’t go wrong with black leather.
Or, perhaps, something shorter and more demure? A mix of naughty and nice? I can buy that too, so I present to you three-button leather gloves by Merona:
And then there’s the best deal yet. These beauties come in every color of the rainbow and sell for under $10.00. I say splurge and buy at least three pairs to introduce a splash of festive color during these dreary winter months.
And now we have come to the splurge. I found these fabulous elbow-length gloves by Juicy Couture. Who can resist the stripes and the signature Scotty Dog charm that will dangle gently and flash a bit when you are scurrying down the street. These gloves are absolutely fabulous, even if they are a bit spendy. Still, they can ‘make’ an outfit for under $70.00, and a gorgeous statement piece under $70.00 is difficult to pass up.
We may have thrown away the dull, thin, white gloves over a century ago, but today’s gloves, just like today’s girls, are out there making a statement and choosing their own beaus.
-Sarah Polyakov
