I admit it. There are some things that instantly catch my attention. Frogs are one of them. I love them whatever color they are! They can be big. They can be small. I actually prefer they be a little on the bigger side, though. Several at the same time…well, that just makes my heart go pitter patter! Wait! You thought I was talking about those little amphibians, right? Oh, my friends, read on!
A little history…
Frog closures were first used in China during the Song dynasty (960-1279). They usually have a button, a loop, and cording. Many times, the button is also a knotted button. The purpose of the frog was to fasten edges of garments but not have those edges overlap. Over time, the use of frog closures became a part of military uniforms and then spread to the general public.
A little more…
The use of frogs, or frogging, continued into the 18th century with elaborate use of the decorative elements. Sometimes, the frogs were actually non-functional and served only as decorative embellishments. I wonder if you could tell how important someone was by the number of frogs on their coats.
A little chuckle…
Before I taught fourth grade, I was a Resource teacher and worked in several classrooms in our building. One day, the teacher I would eventually replace received a shipment from the science company our corporation was using. This included a box of “live specimens.” Now, this teacher was a true lady, genteel and well-mannered. Unfortunately, the box she unpacked contained frogs in little containers. She had to move them from the small containers into larger buckets with aerated lids. This was the first year for this particular curriculum so she had no experience with what was about to occur. Those little dudes were jumping frogs! And, when she unleashed them, they were jumping everywhere but where they needed to be! I will never forget seeing this very proper woman frantically trying to herd those frogs back into their water! I suppose this is a case of “you had to be there.”
My outfit…
A few weeks ago, I showcased this striped dress from Buykud. It is a bit big but still looks good. This lovely Floral Autumn Vintage Linen Dress is really, really big! I showcased it on Instagram and belted it with my black leather obi. But, it honestly didn’t look that great. There are many positives to this dress…frogs, a gorgeous moody print, and a nice heavy linen. The seams are finished nicely, and the dress has pockets. The biggest negative is it’s just plain shapeless. I’m thinking about basting some princess seams in the front and back to see if that will create a better silhouette. I added a moss green Luna slip from Gudrun Sjödén to pull out the green in the print. I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase from this retailer, but I would pay very strict attention to the size charts. Just a reminder that you can use my code, MARSHA12 for 12% off $65.
The Lewk!
These Waterlily boots by L’Artiste seem to be my go-to boots right now. I wonder if it’s because they’re green. Makes me wonder! I haven’t linked to them because they are available in very limited sizes. You may be able to find them on resale sites. The bracelet and necklace are from the Banana Republic holiday collection I’ve written about before and close to ten years old. The floral hoop earrings, though, are brand spanking new! I bought them on Black Friday at J Crew! They’re big and gaudy and just scream, “Marsha!” I thought the moody print of this dress really called for some bling.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I’ll be honest; I keep wondering about cultural appropriation with this dress. Is it OK for me, a white woman, to wear something that traditionally appears on a cheongsam? I’m really torn as I have worn frogs on clothing for decades. But, does that make it OK? So, can we talk? Where do you draw the line when it comes to cultural appropriation? How would you alter this dress? Or, do you like the dress just the way it is? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
10 on the 10th…
I hope you’ll join the fun on the 10th!
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. For the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer, use Marsha12 to get 12% off your order at this link: https://www.zuvilife.com/products/buy-zuvi-halo-hair-dryer?sca_ref=4039595.v4RNNsWxxF. If items are on sale, you can use Marsha5 for an extra 5% off sale prices. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda and Lisa. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
I didn’t really know what frogs where, so thank you for explaining. I like the colours of the frog you are wearing.
Thanks, Nancy! Actually, I googled it to make sure because that’s what I always called them, but then I wondered if I was maybe wrong!
What a gorgeous dress, Marsha! I also love the dark moody floral print and the frogging is so cool! And that green slip is such a gorgeous color. Love this whole look! I have always had a thing for ethnic style garments especially from the eastern hemisphere. For me personally, I think that when we like a style that was perhaps created in a different culture from ours, we are paying homage and respect to that culture by wearing these styles in our own ways. I think it crosses over into cultural appropriation when you actually are trying to present yourself as a member of that ethnic group to which you do not belong. Not only do I love eastern styles, but I also really love African styles, indigenous American styles, Mexican styles, etc. Since America is supposed to be a cultural salad, I simply don’t understand how the choice of one’s clothing suddenly becomes bad! Just don’t wear blackface or a full tribal headdress and I think you should be safe from offending people. Maybe. I guess we are never really safe from offending people since people seem to be offended by the silliest things these days! Great post, my friend.
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! Your thinking makes so much sense to me. So, I will go with that! I have always loved those eastern styles, too. I had a Nehru jacket when I was in fifth grade. It was part of an outfit, but I can’t remember what the bottoms were…they were either hot pants or long pants!
You had me, Marsha. I was totally thinking you meant the amphibians and not the closures – ha!! Thank goodness.
I am laughing trying to imagine that teacher catching those frogs – my goodness I would have cried.
You are such an entertaining writer!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks so much, Kellyann! I had to fight not to laugh out loud. I was actually teaching her class so she could deal with the little critters! She was at the back of the room trying to herd those things into their water! And, she honestly was just so genteel and proper!
Haha. I can picture those frogs jumping around!
I really like the “big and shapeless” silhouette on you as is. Sometimes the eye needs to adjust when trying out a new-to-you style.
For shaping, I wouldn’t do anything to the front, but maybe some tucks/pleats at the waist in the back? Or, remember those “mitten gripper on elastic things” that were popular for shaping oversize tees back in the day? https://www.walmart.com/ip/dritz-484-fashion-fit-clip-black/218532273
Thanks, Anne! I’m going to baste in some seams…maybe just start with them in the back. But, I wonder if that will pull on the front as it’s pretty much the same in the front except for the frog closures. You’re right about letting your eye adjust, but I think I’d wear this more if it were more fitted. Actually, I’d love to make it into something opened all the way down, but I think that’s beyond my skillset.
I’m glad you could see those frogs. I had taken over her class so she could deal with the frogs, and it was so hard to keep a straight face. She was originally from the South so you can imagine her soft little southern accent trying to not get upset!
I love frog closures too and have many coats with them! I think your outfit it is lovely.
Thanks, Joanne! I honestly used to look specifically for them when I was teaching. I just think they bring a sense of fashion to whatever you’re wearing.
Oh that poor teacher – all of those frogs hopping around must have been crazy!! I recently said that I need a mentor regarding political correctness, and I think your question about clothing would be one I would ask that mentor (if I had one). I think you are correct about the shape – I think it would be a good idea to try some extra seams (your suggestion).
Thank, Lisa! I think I will just baste some in to see how it looks then. It’s such a beautiful print. And, I know what you mean. I like Shelbee’s response in case you didn’t read it. She makes some good points.
I’ve actually knit some of those frog closures!! And great story!!
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I’m not sure it really translated, but it was hilarious at the time…not that I could actually laugh out loud! That would have been rude!
Beautiful! Love that outfit choice!
Thanks, Lisa! I’m going to make some changes to this dress!
Love all this info on frogs and your love of them. This dress is beautiful. I love the moody print!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine! I honestly had no idea they were as old as they are, but I have always loved the detail of a frog closure.
I had no idea those were called frog closures! How interesting! It’s a beautiful print and dress, but I can see what you mean about it being a bit shapeless. I think you should try some seams-taking it in a bit could make it much more flattering on you!
I’m glad you learned something new, Laura! I really can’t even tell you when I learned that little tidbit of information! I’m going to try something because I really do love the print. I think I’ll just baste in some seams first. I’ll do an update if I’m successful!
Thanks, Laura!
I had no idea that type of closure was called frogging! Love dark floral and frogging detail on your dress! You’re so talented with sewing! Can’t wait to see what you do to the dress!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill! I don’t even know why I knew that, but I learned the name long ago. I would search for things, specifically, with those kinds of closures! I’m not sure about sewing talent, but I’m determined to do something with this dress!