by Rosanna Carlucci
Like a swarm of bees around a hive of honey the boys in the park hover around her. She is not intimidated or shy and seems to relish in their sweet talk and longing stares. Her auburn hair falls into loose curls that find their way into the collar of her red and white day dress. The sun shines on her face like a spotlight, putting her red lips and green eyes on display like a prize-winning rose.

As the day wears on, it becomes clear what her suitors are after. She gracefully declines their offers for late night walks along the shore and weekend trips to the country. She finally excuses herself from the huddle and lets the warm spring breeze carry her about her day.

As she walks away the boys continue to stare, each of them wanting what they cannot have, they whisper back and forth about her smile and how she smelled like strawberries. And then just as soon as they had stopped, they resume their quest; looking for the next flower to pick…

Despite the dismal view from my bedroom window, the thought of warm days on the horizon keeps me going. The thought of clear spring afternoons when the breeze is full of cherry blossoms makes me long for crisp cotton day dresses and patent cork wedges. And lucky for all us vintage vixens, the day dress is back!

Emerging from the wardrobe of the quintessential fifties woman, the day dress was usually cotton or seersucker and came in a variety of colours and patterns. Popular pattern choices in the fifties varied from cabbage roses in beautiful shades of red and green to polka dots and gingham in classic colours like black and white.

The cut of the dress was very fitted at the waist, usually emphasized with a belt made of similar fabric or a contrasting patent leather. The dress would then bell out into a full skirt that usually ended at mid calf or just above the knee.

Today, American designer Michael Kors has breathed new life into the fifties day dress. Kors has recreated this classic in traditional red and white gingham with a one-shoulder neckline. If you happen to have three thousand dollars lying about, you must indulge. To all my fellow recessionistas, head on over to H&M for the vintage look for less.