Going dotty
I can't picture Grandma, all five feet of her (almost) in anything but that early ‘60s-era navy "shirtwaist" with the tiny white polka dots.
Maybe it's because that's all she wore when we visited. I pleaded so often for her to wear my "favorite dress" that she eventually didn't even bother with anything else.
If you're dotty about dots, you no doubt understand. I still feel a little thrill when I find that special polka dot something... Like those killer stacked-heel Bettye Muller slingback peep toes - black with white dots. Had to have them. My husband, bless him, even found me a black umbrella with brightly colored polka dots on a trip to Target last week. Love it.
A little history here.... Polka dots have been popular since the mid-1800s when the polka dance was all the rage in Europe and America. Dots have been a hit in every decade since then – sometimes prim on navy or black, sometimes big and bold in psychedelic colors (think Marimekko).
This summer they’re everywhere – so classic and crisp and fun. Here’s just some of what I found on a quick trip through the Old Port:
- Club 21 went nuts over dots. They even have black and white dot curtains on the dressing rooms! A sampling: Turquoise on turquoise or red with white dots bikinis ($79 and $65), halter dresses ($49.99) in red or blue with white dots, flip-flops in black or pink with white dots ($19), black rain boots with white dots ($49.99), black sneakers with white dots ($39) and every imaginable color of polka-dotted headbands ($9.99)... And that’s just a partial list.
- Folly 101 has dots on paper plates, napkins, ceramic wear and candles. But do check out the oil cloth totes ($24) in white with red or green dots, polka-dotted lunch bags with blue, red or green dots ($10) and even bibs ($5) for the little ones.
- At Cotton Garden you’ll find black or white scarves with white or black polka dots ($7.95).
- Amaryllis has a great black sleeveless tunic by Lapis with pockets and belt in front that’s black with two sizes of white polka dots ($42).
- Simply Chic has a wide range of dots – both classic and mod and colorful on short Milly dresses. Two favorites: A Joie navy camisole ($145) with white dots and black lace trim (oo-la-la!) and a
Cynthia Steffe mocha scoop-neck, short-sleeve rayon/spandex dress with white dots ($305).
- Spoil Me Rotten has fabulous Ashley Dearborn leather flip-flops with a slight heel and a black with white dot upper ($128).
Emily Scott of Amaryllis with a polka dot tunic.
Maryann Lawton in her Jill McGowan polka dot blouse. (Sorry, this fabric is now sold out!)
Dearborn flip flops at Spoil Me Rotten.
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