“Happy people make good food and fashion”
Peter Cameron
LEG O’ MUTTON SLEEVE: The leg o’ mutton sleeve is proof that a shapely leg turns heads — even a sheep’s leg, which is what the sleeve is named for (mutton is an old Anglo word for sheep meat). Beginning at the shoulder, the sleeve is very full and puffy tapering to a tight fit at the wrist; it is a dramatic and romantic style. Queen Elizabeth I wore the style in the 1600’s and today it is shown on the runway and worn on the red carpet in cutting edge styles. So, enjoy the savory mutton stew if you like but definitely dip into the leg o’ mutton sleeve!
(DE-)BONING: Butchers, chefs and home cooks de-bone meat, fish and fowl and clothing designers have de-boned women! For hundreds of years women’s bodies were shaped using (whale) bones, wood, steel and plastic. Today a more comfortable and natural feminine shape is achieved using spandex. But beware, like a turkey roll or a rare filet mignon, deboning can result in a soft form if you don’t hit the gym or the yoga mat!
BASTING: What do chefs and clothing designers have in common? They both baste before presenting their final masterpiece. In the kitchen, basting is the act of brushing or spooning liquids over meats to enhance flavor. In clothing construction, basting is the technique of temporarily joining layers of fabric together using long, loose stitches ensuring everything is properly aligned before serving up a beautifully crafted garment.
TRIMMINGS: Without trimmings a feast is just a meal and clothing is just a covering for the body. In both the culinary and fashion worlds, trimming has a dual meaning and purpose. In cooking trimming means to remove unwanted fats or parts for an attractive presentation. It also refers to all the side dishes that elevate the dining experience.
Trimming in clothing construction also means to cut away the excess to produce a clean finish and fit. Trimmings, refers to fabric embellishments as well as accessories to add interest, personality and polish. Both forms of trimmings highlight the importance of details to create an appealing finished product.
APRON: Any experienced cook will advise wearing an apron in the kitchen to protect against spills and stains. This is a very utilitarian garment and not one worn outside the kitchen.
For designers of women’s clothing, the term apron describes an extra layer worn around the hips for extra flair. This is a dramatic addition to a dress, skirt or slim pants. Aprons were very popular in the 1950’s and ‘60’s and were worn as both daywear and for elegant evening events. Today it is worn by women who love high style and dare to standout.
Clothing and cooking may have some terms in common but clothing is calorie free! So, indulge in your Purely Personal style guilt free!
