Spring Is in the Air
How About Two? | April 2I love Spring - the warm weather, life emerging from it winter cocoon, outdoor activities, patio dining, open windows and doors. While it has yet to completely uncoil here in the Mile High City, it has begun to stretch out its stored up energy, spreading green grasses and blooming buds all about.
What else do I love about Spring? The changing wardrobe. A large percentage of my wardrobe consists of short and sandals. I also get to break out another large group of clothing – biker attire. But it’s not my wardrobe that I pay the most attention too. Women begin to wear… less. Necklines plunge as hemlines rise; the season is meant for skin.
Nothing makes you more aware of women’s clothing than having a daughter. Especially when said daughter will be attending school in a short six years and we’ll be having extended wardrobe arguments. So now I pay more attention to girls clothing when we go shopping. Prior to having children, I didn’t pay much attention to children’s clothes; other than the cool, old school superhero/tv/movie t-shirts that they don’t make in adult sizes.
Quite frankly, I’m a little upset at the style of clothing they’re making now. While we were at a popular chain department store this past weekend, we passed thru the toddler section on the way to the baby clothes. I saw more Christina Aguilara/Britney Spears/Lindsey Lohan 2T outfits in one store than I thought they made for all stores in the U.S. combined.
What happened to Holly Hobby? Or Trolls? What about Sock Monkey stuff? There’s none of that. If you don’t want your ‘tween aged (or younger) daughter to dress like the latest strumpet harlot flavor of the week teen sensation, then you’re out of luck. I’m shocked.
I’m shocked at the style of clothes they’re putting out for really young girls and I’m even more shocked that I’m turning into the kind of dad that rails against girls’ clothing styles.
As a mother of a three-year-old daughter, you are clearly not looking in the right stores, Rob. Trust me when I tell you that your wife will be able to find the appropriate clothing in the right places when the time comes.
I generally shop cheap: Target and OshKosh outlet store, with the occasional side trip to Gymboree, Janie and Jack, or The Children’s Place if I’m looking for something a little more special (or I have a gift card). If you don’t know the names of these shops, I’m thinking that P.Pie does. Oh, and you can find Sock Monkey things (at least you used to be able to) at Limited Too, but you have to wade through all the tart wear to get at it (my youngest sister just outgrew that store).
Besides, if the Squeaker is like most kids, your challenge will not be finding clothes for her, but actually keeping them ON her - especially in the summer. Nothing says “summer” like a streaking baby.
I have an 8 year old girl, and I still shop at Gymboree. Really.
This isn’t really a “beef” or disagreement with what you’ve said.
I agree that there are clothes out there—fit for a teen–or older…but they are offered in sizes for little little girls!
If I had a dtr, I would not want her dressed like Pamela Anderson!
And…you’ll be happy to know that one company, “Little Me” line of clothing (www.littleme.com) has also noticed this trend. They have, as a part of their marketing campaign, an ad that reads, “Please Don’t Dress Me Like a Teenager”. It’s on their website when you click on the “Little Girls” section.
Valid point, Daddy!
We’ve successfully kept Clare from dressing like a tramp too. There are some good places to find girls clothes. Lands End online is another good one…I think they’re in some Sears stores now too.
Thank God I have a boy…
My advice? Do NOT take her clothes shopping until she is at least 10! In the old days I picked up whatever I thought they might like and I approved of. Win win. But man, the day I started bringing them along the nightmares ensued!
I agree, so much of the stuff out there is designed for the Ho in training. Disgusting.
I have a 13-year-old boy, and the challenge is to keep him from dressing like a gangsta-rapper/total slob. If I had a girl, I don’t know what I’d do!
There’s a store in Ohio called Nicky Nicole (www.nickynicole.com) that sells really cute, and trendy (but not whorish) stuff for 4 -14 year old girls. I did an article on the owner for a local paper. I don’t know if that helps out any!
Other than that, stay away from thongs. Seriously. Thong underwear for toddlers? I’m pretty sure the apocalypse is upon us.
I’m so glad I have a son. I’m of a time when the most egregious thing a little girl could wear was short-shorts, which wasn’t so bad because my shorts weren’t much longer (do you remember the ones with the white piping along the edge and up the thigh?). I don’t envy you; I’m sure my wife does though. Go to The Children’s Place.
I was just browsing through this website called babycouturemag.com (they have a print mag called Baby Couture) and I thought the clothes are kinda cool. Some are a little too high-end for my limited resources but they make kids look like kids. Just thought you guys might find this a good source!
I found some super cute and trendy baby clothes that keep style and trendiness age appropriate! Here: www.sandboxcouture.com