you’re not imagining it. polka dots really are everywhere…they’ve seen +149% search growth compared to this same time last year (+ change). i for one? not mad about it at all.
if you’ve read strata bites for a while, you know i love a little whimsy, but i’m admittedly a neutrals gal through and through. sooo….something about discovering a neutral polka dot or a low-commit item (a la catch-all, pillows, or throws) gives me the cheap (or not so cheap) thrill i need to live a little.
so….we’re shopping polka dots
i wore this polka dot simon miller set to (spoiler!) a mini celebratory engagement dinner with my parents and am already itching to sport her again (the fabric is so nice). don’t be surprised when you see me around town ~styling~ the top and the pants separately too.
catch me on the reformer in a qt polka dot grip sock. no better time to throw a cheesy lil polka dot into the rotation.
starting your morning with a polka dot ceramic travel mug? sign me up.
…or a polka dot matcha bowl for the matcha fans (my drink of choice after 2pm)
there’s nothing better than a big polka dot throw. truly a classic.
throw it into the trend mix and combine polka dots with chartreuse…on a pillow (of course)
accessorize in polka dot style courtesy of mélisse’s rose bud knot bag
apologies in advance on the price, but i had to include this claude lamp because every time i find myself drawn to a home decor item, 70% of the time it’s from claude.
but they show up everywhere else too (even in the music we’re listening to)
some fun facts about polka dot-forward albums…
beach house, bloom album (2012) — the album has a secret ending: after the finale of "irene," there are seven minutes of silence before a hidden track fades in ("wherever you go")….on the vinyl version, "irene" ends in a locked groove before the bonus track so the record literally loops forever until you lift the needle.
lily allen, west end girl (2025) — she named the tracks first. titles like "pussy palace" and "nonmonogamummy" started the song blueprint.
buddy guy, rhythm & blues (2013) — this was a b’day album! it dropped on guy’s 77th b’day (okay, icon).
you can even put them on a cake….
polka dots to swoon over…
Love this!! My friends had a polka dot themed bday party earlier this year!
Inspiring me to get back on my etsy game!