We’re Hot on the Heels over What these Popular Fashion Idioms and Phrases Mean

Tighten One’s Belt

Mmmm . . . bring out roasted potatoes and pie (or not).  The origin of this belt-related fashion idiom has a lot to do with food and the lack of it during the Great Depression.  Scarfing up (we’ll get to that one later) food meant having a good meal “under their belt.”  Hungrier—and therefore thinner—people were “tightening their belts,” on a mission to change the situation in their favor.  Good times, bad times or any time in between, we can’t wait to wrap these around our waists:

Scarf Up

Oh, gentlest of soles,

What elevates your beauty with grand detail?

Why, ‘tis the heel no doubt . . .

And always loveliest during a midnight sale.

OK, I totally made that up.  But truth is, this may be from Shakespearean origin.  The idea of scarfing something up (be it a shoe sale or a turkey platter) comes from Macbeth:  “Come, seeling night, scarf up the tender eye of pitiful day . . . “  Seems that “scarf up” meant to quickly cover up something until it was out of sight (or memory) and gone for good.  Hmmm.  Kind of like how us fashionistas have a knack for emptying department store shelves.  Check out these irresistible scarves:

Okay, ladies, any other interesting phrases and fashion idioms that knock your socks off?

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