Polka Dot Saga

24.9.10

My first memory of polka dots was that of Minnie Mouse in her trademark red and white spotted dress and ribbon. Then Julia Roberts took the look from juvenile to chic when she wore a brown and cream spotted shift dress in the film Pretty Woman. My liking for polka dots has only grown since then; and like everything else, I was quite curious as to how it came into being. Whoever thought it clever to put dots on a piece of fabric and call it polka?

The history is still unclear, but it might be linked to the "polka" dance that took Europe and America by storm in the 1800s. Of Bohemian origin, the polka dance was so called because of the short half steps involved. The name was borrowed from the Czech word pulka meaning "half". Now, how does this relate to anything you might ask? I'm still trying to figure that one out myself. But it turns out that at the peak of the polka craze, manufacturers cashed in on the public's polka-mania by naming a dizzying range of products after the dance. Polka-dotted fabrics had little or nothing to do with the dance, but sold like hotcakes. Brainwashing of the highest order methinks.




This multi coloured polka-dot blouse is actually a romper I picked up from Topshop at the beginning of the summer. For some reason or the other, I only got to wear it on this occassion. I chose to replace the shorts with my own rendition of a skater skirt.

After weeks of running back and forth, I was finally able to secure a flat. The most part of this weekend will be spent boxing up my things without hoarding any unneccessary items like those random pieces of rock I collected from a camping trip eons ago.

TGIF! Have a great weekend everyone.

Bisous,
Abs

52 Contributions:

Serena said...

I love the blouse!

http://tonbonblog.blogspotcom

Caroline Ergy Erg said...

Woowww the playsuit is lovely and you look great :D plus that's super interesting where the name came from! xxxxxx

Ginta said...

Good luck with packing!
I love polka dots too! It's so fun print! And thank you for the history of the print :)

Anaivilo said...

The blouse looks like it has candy on it! So sweet :D

Audrey Allure said...

Such a pretty blouse! :)

The Suburb Experiment said...

Cute outfit! It's perfect for the summer-to-fall transition.

Jenn

melomelo said...

i really like your blog! you have great fashion and you make the garments look incredibly nice!
bisous, bisous darling

http://melozb.blogspot.com

dennica pearl said...

you look beautiful!

im a new follower :D
i hope my blog inspires you to follow back ;]

<3 dennica pearl
- through the eyes of a pearl
- vintage shop

MY REPUBLIC OF FASHION said...

That blouse is just so gorgeous. Love it! :)SarahD

Sharon said...

Lovely! :)

Velvet said...

The story if the polka dot print is very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

Your romper is so beautiful, I really like it.

Have a nice weekend dear.

Unknown said...

What a grogeous playsuit - I love the cut out back especially!

Amy T said...

intersting stuff on the polka dots!
lovely outfit too :)

Jenmarie said...

I love the colors of the polka dots on your top! You look so cute!

Katie*Belle said...

What a great outfit. You make polka dots look so chic!

Shanna Maren said...

Pretty dress!

Unknown said...

I'm always a bit dubious about polka dots, but here you manage to rock a spotted number and still look sophisticated and elegant.

I attended London Fashion Week as a member of the press so for show reports, street style and designer interviews check out ella-lapetiteanglaise.blogspot.com X

jolaa said...

this is such a cute dress :D
and the back of it.. Love itt!

xoxo

StylishForever said...

gorgeous dress!

Neekoh said...

High neck + exposed back really makes the print sexy rather than childish. You're stellar :)

XXo,
Neekoh

Poison Oak said...

Such a flattering dress!

style-haus said...

love the cut out back detail and how you've paired with the high wasted shorts.

http://style-haus.blogspot.com/

Jenni said...

That romper's adorable! Polka dots improve everything. It looks great with the skirt, too. Way to maximize your wardrobe! :D

Yaary said...

you are so gorgeous! i love the back of this blouse..
great outfit!

Ria said...

Love the back on this romper! Really add to the piece.

pancakestacker said...

Love the back of that blouse! Lovely :)


http://pancakestacker.blogspot.com

simplychic said...

awesome back!

Natalie said...

I love this!

peace x

this-is-hooked.blogspot.com

...Iww... said...

I LOVE IT! You look gorgeous :D can stop looking at you^^

Amy Acorn said...

great post and loving the polka dots x

Anonymous said...

I love the back of this blouse !

and flowers pick themselves said...

i'm usually not a big fan of polka dots, but i ADORE this top. it looks stunning on you!

xo Alison

Anonymous said...

ooh! i just bought something polka dot today so this post was exciting to me :) xx

Anonymous said...

I love this blouse Abi.

Love from Toronto

Anonymous said...

Cutee!!! Loved the shirt. :D
kisses

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

GAH, you are far too adorable and gorgeous! This look is so fantastic. My sister doesn't like polka dots for some reason, but I AM OBSESSED. I think they are just about the cutest print that has ever breathed on this planet.

(Not that polka dots breathe or anything, but shhh...)

QUIRKYEXPLOSION.blogspot.com

Woods said...

very nice dress love polka dots! everyone always say i look like a toddler in polka dots but fuck them i love polka dots

Unknown said...

this is a great top, loved the entire outfit

vasilieva
http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
x

Jasmine said...

wow i didnt know all this info about Polka Dots , lol thanks for sharing this Abi

i love the unique print and color of the polka print you're wearing

X said...

Amazing blouse!


http://agitarsimonroe.blogspot.com/

Becca [Free Honey] said...

I love the dotty top (errr, romper? I don't know how to refer to it here!!) It looks really sophisticated yet easy. And congrats on the new place. Apt hunting is always miserable!!!

Princess Feef said...

u look lovely <3

fashion junkie said...

OMG!!! I absolutely love that dress. You are so gorgeous!!


xoxo,
MelRod

Grace said...

Your top is AMAZING!

Love Grace.

Natasha said...

I love the polka dots! So glad you found another way to wear your romper xxx

www.fashiondevotion.com

Anthea said...

You look great! I like the polka dots and the fact that it is actually a romper! Very creative!

Anthea,
Embracing Style

Phie Preston said...

Lovely outfit and I like the chunky knit below :)

Hope you can stop by The Fashion Smoke!

Phie Phie xx

Pupeow* said...

I like your outfit
And also your blog's name!! =D


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bravegrrl said...

super cute! love the polka dots!

SIMONA said...

the blouse looks so good with the skirt! ♥


xx
Simona
http://thepicnicwithzebra.blogspot.com/

Abi said...

Thank you all!

@denicca: thanks for following. I'll be sure to stop by your blog soon!

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

Aw, this is a great outfit, I love the pattern of the blouse/romper!

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