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A Spotted Trend -- Polka Dots

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Spot-light on Polka Dots [dot] [dot] [dot] ... The ORIGINAL Squidoo lens on Polka Dots!

 

This lens is a spot-light on polka dots! ;-)  Hopefully, you'll spot something you like!  Polka dots have been a hot trend that is continuing into the next season.  They're not something that's new, but have also been a HOT trend for the past season and many seasons before. I personally have been a Polka Dot Enthusiast for quite a while.  It's amazing how polka dots are showing up more and more in a vast variety of items from clothing to accessories to shoes to jewelry.  And, they're not just for women and kids, but mens fashions as well. 

Say, did you ever wonder about the origin of polka dots?  Well, would you believe?  The history of polka dots dates back to the mid to late nineteenth century in Britain where they were spotted on clothing. That was about the same time as the origin of my favorite polka music which was the craze in Prague in 1835. Gosh, I could have sworn it would have been in Poland and not the Czech Republic!

Quick, what do you think about polka dots? 

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Spotted in 1884 ...

The first recorded instance of polka dot was in 1884. It was named after the dance, probably because the clothes became fashionable at the same time.

The word derives from the Czech word for a polish woman, although it may also owe its origin the the Czech word pulka, meaning half, as in the half-steps in Bohemian peasant dances.

Word-of-Mouth on Polka Dots 

A Personal Endorsement ...

Take it from a self-described fashionista, who's got a passion for fashion, polka dots are hot! And, I suspect they'll be around for some time.

I personally find polka dots to be a retro trend that is once again hot today. Take a peak at the photo--the black and white polka dot dress is a 50s swing style akin to something you'd expect to have seen Marilyn Monroe wearing. I found it online -- guess where?

Do you know that I originally created this lens on April 13, 2006 and I'm finding that polka dots are even as popular, if not more so, today! Fast-forward to 2008 -- an eBay search of "polka dots" in auction titles revealed over 10,000 hits while revealing over 2,500 in stores!

"Word-of-Caution: To wear polka dots, you definitely must be prepared to have a lot of fun!"

I'm spotted with my friend, Nancy!

Polka Dot at a glance 

Polka dot is a pattern consisting of dots. Polka dot patterns are quite variable: they range from a series of dots that are equally spaced and sized to a random arrangement of multicoloured dots of different sizes. Polka dots are most commonly seen on children's clothing, toys, and furniture, but they appear in a wide array of contexts. The pattern rarely appears in formal contexts, however, and is generally confined to more playful attire such as bathing suits. Occasionally white on black regularly spaced polka dots appear on more formal clothing.

While polka dots are ancient, they first became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in Britain. At the same time polka music was extremely popular and the name was also applied to the pattern, despite no real connection between them.

Definition of Pol·ka Dot 

Information according to Yahoo Education.
  • Noun: One of a number of dots or round spots forming a pattern, as on cloth.
  • Noun: A pattern or fabric with such dots.

Get a black and white polka dot dress 

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Definition of Pol·ka 

Information according to Yahoo Education.
  • Etymology: Czech, probably from Polish, from Polka, Polish woman, feminine of Polak, Pole; see pel- 2 in Indo-European roots.
  • Noun: A lively dance originating in Bohemia and performed by couples.
  • Noun: Music for this dance, having duple meter.
  • Verb intr.: pol·kaed , pol·ka·ing , pol·kas
    To dance the polka.

Polka at a glance 

The polka is a fast, lively Central European dance and also a genre of dance music familiar throughout Europe and the Americas. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia and is still a common genre in Czech and Slovakian folk music. Polka is still a very common folkmusic genre in Poland. In light classical music, many polkas were composed by both Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple of well-known ones were composed by Bed?ich Smetana, and Jaromír Vejvoda, the author of "?koda lásky" ("Roll Out the Barrel").

The name comes from the Czech word p?lka - literally, "little half" - a reference to the short half-steps featuring in the dance. The word's familiar form has been influenced by the similarity to the Czech word polka, meaning "Polish woman".Online Etymology Dictionary, "polka"; Compact Oxford English Dictionary, "polka" The name has led to the dance's origin being sometimes mistakenly attributed to Poland. It should also not be confused with the polska, a Swedish dance with Polish roots; cf. polka-mazurka. A related dance is the redowa. Polkas almost always have a time signature. Popular music has also been parodied several times by Weird Al Yankovic in the style of polka.

Disney's Minnie Mouse in Polka Dots 

As you probably already know, "Minnie Mouse is a fictional character of the Mickey Mouse universe featured in animated cartoons, comic strips and comic book by The Walt Disney Company...Plane Crazy (first released on May 15, 1928) was the first animated cartoon to feature Mickey Mouse as well as Minnie."

This picture of a Minnie Mouse Adult Costume shows the use of polka dots on the skirt.

Polka Dot Style Maven: Minnie Mouse at a glance 

Minnie Mouse is an animated cartoon of the Mickey Mouse universe featured in animated cartoons, comic strips and comic book by The Walt Disney Company. The comic strip story "The Gleam" (published January 19-May 2, 1942) by Merrill De Maris and Floyd Gottfredson first gave her full name as Minerva Mouse. Minerva has since been a recurring alias for her.

The comic strip story "Mr. Slicker and the Egg Robbers" (published September 22-December 26, 1930) introduced her father Marcus Mouse and her unnamed mother, both farmers. The same story featured photographs of her grandparents Marshall Mouse and Matilda Mouse. Her best known relatives however remains her uncle Mortimer Mouse and her twin nieces, Millie and Melody, though most often a single niece, Melody, appears. In many appearances, Minnie is presented as a close friend of Daisy Duck Minnie Visits Daisy. The Encyclopedia of Disney Animated Shorts. Retrieved on March 17, 2008., Donald Ducks girlfriend and occasionally a friend to Clarabelle Cow. Minnie's sister Mandie Mouse was a recurring character early on.

Get a polka dot Minnie Mouse costume 

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Get polka dot costume accessories 

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Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini 

"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini is a novelty song written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss. It was released on August 8, 1960, by Brian Hyland. The lyrics seem to hint at a woman in a very revealing bathing suit - but the character is actually a toddler."

Picture courtesy of Jacquedee.

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini at a glance 

"Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" is a novelty song telling the story of a shy high-school student in a very revealing bathing suit who stays immersed in the ocean water to hide from view while other high-schoolers gossip about her. It was written by Paul Vance and Lee Pockriss and first released on August 8, 1960 by Brian Hyland. Hyland's version hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960 and also made the top 10 in other countries.

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini on YouTube 

Sora's Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka dot Bikini

*Uploaded from old account:Mirabele* Clips from kh-vids THIS MUSIC VIDEO IS PURLEY FANMADE AND IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ANIME OR MUSIC COMPANY IN ANY WAY

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Get a Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini 

Xhilaration® Polka Dot Halter - Yellow

Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)

Xhilaration® Polka Dot Side-Tie Bottom - Yellow

Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Paris Hilton 

"That's Hot!" she was heard to say when asked about polka dots.

Polka Dots Are Trendy: Look at all the celebrities spotted in polka dots!

Isn't it interesting that a certain style of handbag or article of clothing will become the latest rage when a celebrity is shown with it?

For girls in their teens and twenties, Paris Hilton seems to be a big influencer. Here she is seen in a polka dot dress. With her recent stint in jail, she may make stripes fashionable as well.

Facts:
Birth Name: Paris Whitney Hilton
Birthdate: February 17, 1981
Birthplace: New York, New York
Occupations: Actor, Writer, Musician, Model
Quote: "That's hot."

Get a red and white polka dot dress 

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Polka Dot Headbands 

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Oo Oo ... These are Naughty as in Naughty Monkey!

Polka Dot Flats 

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Women's Gillian Flat

Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)
List Price: $97.99

Diego di Lucca Women's Corina Flat

Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)
List Price: $134.95

DAISY-20, Polka Dot Upper W/4 Sets of Lacing M/J Flat

Amazon Price: (as of 08/30/2008)
List Price: $69.71

GUESS INGA 2 Sporty Flat Point toe Shoes 6 True to size Black White Polka dot Wo

Amazon Price: $74.00 (as of 08/30/2008)
List Price: $80.00

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Paris Hilton 

Paris has found Chanel, shown with a velvet Precious Symbols purse for her infamous night out on the town. The purse accents an adorable red and black polka dot dress.

Ah, that's hot!

Get a red and black polka dot dress 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Keira Knightley 

I suppose I do like that fifties look, says Knightley, who decks herself out in tight pencil skirts and a beehive do when clubbing at London's Grill Room. Oscar de la Renta deep-V dress. Neil Lane earrings.

Photo: Mario Testino.

Get a white and black polka dot dress 

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Polka Dot Christian Lacroix Shoes 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Keira Knightley 

This is an absolutely beautiful dress. I simply adore this style and only wish that I had an occasion to wear such a hot number.

Say, what do you think? When I spotted this picture, it said Keira Knightley--but I think it rather looks a bit like Charlize Theron!

Polka Dot Awesome Dresses 

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Polka Dot Christian Louboutin Shoes 

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Polka Dot Coach bags 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Keira Knightley 

Keira Knightley, the 21-year-old heroine of the Pirates movies, appeared in the May 2006 issue of Vogue in polka dot frocks!

Here she is in a DKNY polka-dot secretary shirt.

Polka Dot BCBG dresses 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Carmen Electra 

Here is a celebrity sighting that is worthy of spotlighting!

I spotted this retro black and white polka dot dress with red patent leather belt worn by Carmen Electra a style maven. This dress has a retro style and would have looked great also on Marilyn Monroe!

Check out other celebrities in polka dots!

BTW, wouldn't Carmen Electra look sharp carrying that polka dot handbag spotlighted below? Hmmm, I think so!

Get a black and white polka dot dress 

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Polka Dot Belts 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Carmen Electra 

Leave it to Carmen Electra to be on the cutting-edge of such a hot and stylish trend as polka dots!

Polka Dot Betsey Johnson Dresses 

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Polka Dot Steve Madden Bees Shoes 

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Polka Dot Louis Vuitton bags 

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Polka Dot Earrings 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Sarah Jessica Parker 

Sarah Jessica Parker has been known for many years as being a trend-setter!

She obviously is a big fan of polka dots!

Pauline Trigere Polka Dot vintage polka dot dress 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Sarah Jessica Parker 

Yep, here she is again in the reverse of the dress above.

Polka Dot Dooney & Bourke bags 

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Polka Dot Steve Madden Shoes 

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Polka Dot Vintage Lucite Jewelry 

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Spotted: Celebrity Sighting -- Teri Hatcher 

When you see a "Desperate Housewives" star such as Teri Hatcher wearing polka dots, you know it's something trendy!

She takes the spot-light with this classic number.

Polka Dot Rockabilly  

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Polka Dot Bracelets 

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Polka Dot Boots 

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Polka Dot--Fun! 

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Polka Dot--Party! 

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Polka Dot--Swing! 

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Polka Dot -- Travel! 

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"Spot"-light Product 

Polka Dot Handbag

This has been a very popular style of handbag because of the polka dots! There is one left in red.

It's a flirty and fun designer fashion handbag. The handbag is trimmed in moc crocodile embossing. The fabric is a nice 1-1/4" polka dots imprinted fabric. It has a pretty silver heart shaped hanging hardware. Exterior back zippered pocket with heart shaped zipper pull. Both exterior sides have silver heart accents. The top has a zippered closure with heart shaped zipper pull.

Polka Dot Handbags 

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Spotted Polka Dots on eCrater 

Polka Dot Handbags
A nice variety of handbags and totes to match the wallets.
Polka Dot Wallet
A very cute and stylish compact polka dot wallet.
Polka Dot Bag
This is very cute and matches that wallet!
Polka Dot Wristlet
A cute polka dot wristlet with bangle.
Polka Dots Vintage
Vintage pair of polka dot beads necklace.
Polka Dot Millennium Bug
You'll just have to check out this cute bug for yourself!

Quick, can you sew??? 

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Get some polka dot fabric -- yeah! 

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A Goulash of Polka Dot Sites 

Have a Little Fun!

Sarabeth's Minnie Mouse Page
A cute little page I found. Sarabeth created this page in third grade.
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini
Listen to the music of Brian Hyland's song.
Polka Dot Costumes
A variety of polka dot costumes.

My Czech Republic 

An Awesome Czech Resource

My Czech Republic: Czech travel, culture and community. Offers a large Prague guide, practical travel information, a Czech Republic photo gallery, information about Czech traditions, history and cuisine, original articles, trivia, active message boards, and more.


My Czech Republic

Future Spot-tings! 

Check back often as I try my luck in spot-ting some more hot polka dot items.

BTW, I found a recent discussion about polka dots on My Czech Republic: Dot is tecka or puntík (from Latin punctum).

Thanks for stop-ping by today to read my lens. I sure do appreciate it!

Do you love polka dots? Give me a shout ... 

I'd love to hear from you. Have you been wearing polka dots? What kind of polka dot items do you own? I hope you spot-ted something that you liked in this lens--tell me about it.

Last, but not least ... hope you had some fun thinking about polka dots!

VeryScaryCarnival

That's a lotta dots.

Posted August 20, 2008

eyeglasscase-guy

Thanks for the lens. It was real unique. Never thought about a lens about polka dots but it was real informative.

Your lens really complements my Squidoo lens for fashionable eyeglass cases, the eyeglass cases blog and the online eyeglass cases and sunglass cases boutique I set up. Would love to know what you think?

Posted July 28, 2008

mulberry

The shoes, the shoes; I love polka dot shoes!

Posted July 17, 2008

 
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