I am not the tidiest of bakers and routinely discover patches of flour on my clothing, sometimes hours after baking. The obvious solution to this problem is an apron, but until recently aprons didn't do much for me. Perhaps because most are  too utilitarian and boring, too jokey (Kiss the Cook!), or designed for some sort of hyper-nostalgic housewife fantasy. Then along came Chris Grodzki and Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Company. Chris is a second-generation apron maker, resurrecting the business his grandfather started and designing aprons that you actually want to wear, beautifully made aprons constructed from materials like waxed cotton, denim and leather. These aprons evoke images of 19th-century butchers and factory workers while also feeling perfectly modern. The attention to detail, from materials to shape and placement of pockets, is exquisite.  Each one is hand made in Brooklyn by Chris and his team and they retail for around $128, but prices vary depending on materials and finishes. Think of them as an investment. Imagine how beautiful they will become with age, their stains telling the story of your kitchen adventures. And for those of you who don't want to shell out the dough to buy one, let them serve as inspiration for an apron you make yourself. In either case, I am glad that the apron is getting the attention it deserves. All photos courtesy of Stanley & Sons Apron and Bag Co.

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