Picture it: You’re scoping out the buffet table at a rip-roaring holiday party when suddenly a dollop of clam dip lands on your shirt. If only you’d been sporting a bib.
Now you can thanks to BeBibs, a stylish line of protective wear for grown-ups designed by Easton’s Rebecca Turley, which launched earlier this year. According to Turley, her bib line took off after a spot on the “Today’’ show, during which guest host Regis Philbin donned a leopard-print version.
“They were originally for women, but now more guys are ordering them, too,’’ she says.
The “Today “ show spot paid off: The scarf-like bibs will also be given to roughly 140 performers and presenters at the Grammy Awards early next year.
Despite the patina of glamour, the idea for the bibs comes from a very ordinary place: Turley got the idea after too many messy mornings spent splattering toothpaste and makeup on her clothes before rushing out the door. The former sales executive took a couple of sewing classes, created a prototype, and found a manufacturer to execute her vision.
“I wanted a way to protect my clothes, and I couldn’t find anything, so I decided to create my own. My goal was to design clothing protection that was fashionable and fun and functional,’’ she says. “You can slip these right on and enjoy your lunch and nobody will know. People will think you’re wearing a scarf.’’
Most customers order through her website, though she has branched out to a handful of gift shops throughout suburban Boston. She says her customers include everyone from brides to teenagers to nurses who want to protect their scrubs — and some stain-conscious men, too.
The roughly 22-inch polyester bibs, which are machine-washable, come in various patterns and prints, secured by subtle silver-plated necklaces that slip on and off with ease. Some necklaces have pearls; others are plain. The bibs retail for roughly $30 depending on design. A popular version for brides is colored with subtle cream; others have inspirational sayings based on the word “Be,’’ like “Be Kind’’ or “Be Generous.’’
Next up, the Grammys. Beyoncé, take note.
Kara Baskin can be reached at kcbaskin@gmail.com.
