In the modern day era, many women have taken a very casual approach to day wear. There was a time when most of our mothers and grandmothers wouldn't dare walk to the mailbox or heaven forbid, the grocery store without hair and makeup flawlessly intact. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for women to be seen running errands, picking up the kids and shopping the do-lists in workout clothes, sportswear and all things Lycra. Of course, the working woman remains in the mandatory professional attire; arriving at the office in the traditional slacks and conservative button ups, more or less. However, one may find that the closet space in-between work, church services and of course, the frequent gym stops, remain the fun and frilly component of a woman's wardrobe.
Alas! There is relief in what the woman actually wants to wear, befitting to her mood of the hour. For ladies, this definition of comfort is: to each, her own. Nevertheless, when women (and men-alike), particularly think of the ultimate ladylike version of dress, the attributes of femininity lies in the simplicity of the skirt.
South of MaDi would love to introduce you to Lema: French Market Skirts; whose company motto is: Skirts that are wrangling ready! Ready for that shopping list of errands, lunch with the girls, carpool pick up, picnic in the park or perhaps a day trip to the coast. This one-size-fits-all approach to the wear-and-go Lema skirt feels as easygoing as a trip to the bakery for a baguette on your bicycle. This wardrobe addition, created and designed by Florida-based, Dee Lea, has become a subtle rage in coastal towns up and down the Southern Atlantic coast and Gulf regions.
Originated in the Summer of 2010, Lea found herself wanting to find a basic concept skirt that she could "throw and go"; much like a skirt she had bought many years prior at a resort, which finally gave way. "I couldn't find another one like it," states Lea. So she bought some yards of fabric, hit up a local seamstress in the Florida panhandle and began her "cottage business" that could perhaps be worthwhile. By the following Spring, Lema French Market skirts were being snatched up at a Seaside sidewalk sale where 25 out of her 30 skirts she brought with her sold. What began as a hobby ermerged into a business that has been growing since and where currently Lema skirts can be found in small retail shops and boutiques throughout Florida and resort areas on the coast.
The product line was named after Lea's granddaughter, Lea Madeline, where the collections are inspired by the French lifestyle. Every skirt is a creation of Lea's ideas as she touches every detail of a skirt she sells and has manufactured. "My skirts are happy, fun and carefully handpicked," adds Lea. The skirts are meant to be man-handled, gritty and so versatile that the basic concept is to turn the skirt into a dishtowel once it has gone through numerous washes. The length isn't too long or short, and can be seen paired with ballet flats, wedges or even a pair of cowboy boots.
We wanted to know, how did the French inspire Dee Lea's notions of a skirt? The spirited Lea reacts to her labels such as the Cote d'Azur, Pistache Bonbon, and Croisette with, "I love anything French! I could be French if I had to be. I am inspired by my travels to France and St. Tropez." Nevertheless, Lea's life grounded in the South also infuses into the fabrication of the skirt. Lea has an aversion to lining, for she believes that a skirt that is lined is way too hot for the Southern lifestyle. Doubtlessly, women need to breathe when wearing a skirt; for the tangibility of the garment should flow freely like a dandelion in the summer wind; reminiscent of a little girl twirling in her best Sunday dress.
Where can we see Lema in the coming years develop as the business continues to cultivate in the local fashion market? Dee Lea hopes to continue the farm grown, washed, dried and trimmed approach to her 100% cotton pieces. Be on the lookout for the mini-me version for little girls in her secondary line, Willa, and mother and daughter sets as well.
Indeed, there is something so child-like and and oh so "et la douceur" in the essence of a skirt. Ladies who wear a Lema skirt should feel like the deserving Girl from Impanema, where a whistle is blushingly and coyly appropriate as she walks by.
We believe Churchill would agree!
Please visit and shop Lema: french market skirts at www.frenchmarketskirts.com and on Facebook!
