Le Core Femme

My most recent find for "pearly" goodness is an Etsy shop called Le Core Femme that celebrates "unrestrained beauty, power & mystery" in many forms of "wearable art". And they've just announced the release of their new line of aprons known as "Hot Momma Aprons".

Here's what a "Hot Momma Apron" looks like...

The "Cherries on Top" pin-up style apron is reversible with halter ties around the neck and extra long waist ties. Doesn't it just say "Marilyn"?

Other wearable art at Le Core Femme includes handmade beads to inspire you to create wearable art yourself. I really like these adorable handmade pink purse and high heel shoe beads...



And one of my other favorite offerings at Le Core Femme is this beautiful "Forever and Always" sterling and lampwork bracelet.


There's so much more awaiting you at Le Core Femme. Head on over there and see what I mean.

D-Lux 57 Expands Their Line!

Back in September, I featured the wonderful apron designs by D-Lux 57 that I found on Cooking.com. Imagine my delight when I received an email the other day from Cynthia Berman, founder and designer at D-Lux 57, thanking me for featuring their aprons and letting me know that they have even more luscious aprons available at their website at www.dlux57.com. And then imagine how thrilled I was to have her share with me that they now have new coordinating plasticware--including trays, salad sets and coasters. I then asked if she would allow me to feature the new line of plasticware here at Dusting in Pearls. She wrote back ethusiastically:

"I would be delighted if you have us on your site. I am attaching some photos of our new plasticware so you can see it. Haven't got them up on our site yet and I am already selling matching trays with aprons. They look soooo great together as a gift. Also selling the trays and the salad sets just by themselves. Besides being on 'Bree' last week on the new season of Desperate Housewives, last night [October 6th] we made the cover of her new cookbook on the show. I am so excited."

So heads-up everyone! Here's another lovely to add to your holiday list for Santa.

Pink Pear Apron (the apron seen on TV)

As stated on the D-Lux 57 website:

"D-Lux 57 introduces a new fashion line of designer kitchen aprons. The high quality cooking aprons are 100% cotton and fully lined to protect clothing when spills occur. We offer kitchen apron sizes in little cooks, tween cooks, and adult cooks. (Great for Mother / Daughter looks)."

Pink Chocolates Apron

The thing I love most about these aprons is the story of the inspiration behind the conception of their design. It is touching and has moved me on many levels:

"The inspiration for D-Lux 57 came simply as inspirations often do. One night while cooking together, Cynthia's daughter appeared in an apron bought for her many years earlier at Harrods, while Cynthia was researching trends in London, England . The apron had long since been outgrown.

"Memories came flooding back and Cynthia vividly recalled baking bread with her aunt and the colorful quilts, so artfully created by her grandmother. This connection with simpler times has never wavered and to this day, she loves to cook and spends every night with one of her grandmother's quilts tucked cozily on her bed. That's when she decided to create this line of aprons designed to touch the lives of people in a nostalgic way.

"Made right here in the USA... with a lot of love. Each one comes in a keepsake fabric envelope, to preserve your new memories and to provide a unique way to share them. Hopefully they can become 'comfort food' for you too."

And just to whet your apron appetite even more, here are just a few of the lovely aprons in D-Lux 57's "Holiday Cheer Nostalgia Prints" line for this year...

Gingerbread Cookies Apron

Poinsettias Apron

So if you haven't already clicked on any of the links in this post, do it now and head on over to D-Lux 57. It's a party for the eyes and the heart.

Kitchen Coordinates from Now Designs

When I was a little girl, my mom had a dining room set that included some chairs she had recovered in an aqua-blue color. Ever since then, the colors aqua and brown take me back to fun nostalgic memories of being a little girl. That's where this set of coordinating apron and oven mitts took me when I saw them. I was back in the kitchen dreaming of being a domestic diva someday... actually, I was probably just licking the brownie mix off the beaters.

Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Betty Apron


Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Potholder


Now Designs Kitchy Kitchen Mitt

Aprons from D-Lux 57

I was impressed when I found this line, because the D-Lux 57 line of aprons is built on a very special idea:

"Cooking never looked so good. D-Lux 57 introduces a new fashion line of aprons. The high quality aprons are 100 cotton and fully lined to protect clothing when spills occur. Bib style aprons have a flouncy skirt that will add a little flair to housework. This two pocket apron has adjustable neck & waist ties. Teenagers will love these Tween aprons. They are just the right size for the young cooks in between a kids and an adult size. Great for gifts or just some Mother/ Daughter time together. All D-Lux 57 aprons come with a coordinating fabric keepsake pouch. They can stack neatly on a shelf or they will keep your kitchen drawers neat and free of tangled apron strings. Years down the road they become wonderful keepsakes, full of memories of baking cookies with Grandma, gardening with Mom or helping Dad outside at the barbeque. Several fun fashion prints to choose from. Made with Love in the USA."

Isn't that really special? So here's a sampling of some of their darling aprons (all are available in the three sizes mentioned above).

D-Lux 57 Adult Pink Ironworks Apron with Keepsake Pouch


D-Lux 57 Adult Blue Cupcakes Apron with Keepsake Pouch

D-Lux 57 Adult Cherries Apron with Keepsake Pouch

Jessie Steele Aprons

As always, click on any of the images in this post for more information

I have recently discovered the line of adorable and feminine aprons from Jessie Steele. They are so cute, retro, and girlie. Some of her aprons come in a full style for complete coverage while others are the half apron great for the hostess.

I have to start out with the pink and brown polka dot apron by Jessie Steele because pink and brown is my favorite color combo. The polka dots just put it over the top for me. Jessie Steele also offers kid's size aprons for the little junior divas out there. So cute!

I also love cherries--particularly any retro-style cherry motiff. So Jessie Steele's retro cherries aprons and coordinates caught my attention. This one is also available in a kid's size version for the diva-in-training.

Another motiff that always catches my eye is a great French motiff--eiffel towers, fleur de lis, poodles... So this cute half apron with coordinating oven mitt is a favorite of mine too.

Pretty and Practical

I recently discovered the Gloveables line of aprons and fashionable rubber gloves and think they're so smart! All of you know I'm a sucker for polka dots and pink which is a big plus. But the aprons are also made of oilcloth! That means I could wear this when I'm potting plants or in the kitchen. And I'd be in polka dots for either activity. I can't help but love that!

Gloveables Classic Oilcloth Apron in Pink Polka Dots

And don't forget that Gloveables also makes these adorable matching rubber gloves to wear when you want to doll up AND do housework.

Gloveables Fashion Gloves in Pink Polka Dots

Retro and Ravishing by Modern June

Kelly at Modern June has stolen my heart with her retro designs in fruit prints and polka dots. I am really taken with her shop description which says it's:

"...a shop that features Cool Stuff for the Hip Housewife!"

The Modern June line includes aprons, totes, tablecloths, splat mats, and bibs. All are hip and cute. Here is just a sampling of her delightful designs.

Click on any image to read more information

Cupcake Collection Sweet Jane Bib Apron

Cupcake Apron in Pink Polka Dots

That 50s Apron

Plus Size "The Diner" Black Cherry Apron

Fancy Pantz Designs for the Diva

I've recently discovered Fancy Pantz Designs and have got to share! Barbara Worhatch designs some wonderful pretties for women who are (in her words):

"...the Hostess with the Mostess, the Domestic Diva, the Queen of the Kitchen, or... lucky enough to Have it 'Maid'.

I have to say that just visiting the Fancy Pantz website is a treat for the eyes. I won't spoil the fun by telling you what she's got in the header... I'll just say that you've got to see it.

Take a look at some of my favorite designs that Barbara has showcased there...

If Zsa Zsa Did Dishes...!

Very Vogue

Kitschy Kitschy Ya Ya! Zebra

Wild Side Light Leopard Apron
And the Sassy Oven Mitt

Too bad the kitchen is Hubby's domain or I'd have a better excuse to ask Santa for some of these. Do you think I could get away with wearing the "Very Vogue" gloves out in the garden? Maybe if I offer to do the dishes more often, Hubby will relinquish some of his domain and Santa will be good to me this year.