My fashion back-story: As a child I was a tomboy growing up in the Midwest, and my parents were always reminding my older, fashion-savvy sister that we lived in "the lean years" (code for: no extra money for frivolities such as GUESS? jeans). I had no problem with hand-me-downs and always dressed for comfort. This was aided in part by the fact that I always felt "pudgy" compared to most kids my age. Looking back, I was taller for sure, and had a larger stature than most girls my age, yes...but I was not fat, pudgy, fluffy..whatever term was used at that point. I looked like a normal kid. Still, I found myself drawn to the idea of picking out clothes that would express the creativity I felt on the inside instead of just wearing comfy things that helped me blend in.
A wallflower can dream, right?
As I entered 7th grade I encountered the first fashion trend I could really get behind: Grunge. I lived in cords, thrift store T's and flannel shirts. At first, my best friend and I were the only people dressing this way so we got a lot of the "dirty" "druggy" "homeless" comments early on. I was being noticed for the first time and it was terrifying. However, I felt like I belonged in this trend not just because it was affordable and comfortable, but I finally felt like "me". I was also an early fan of the grunge era of music, so I found it comforting to look like my idols/crushes/like-minded folks. From that point on, I dressed for me. I never really followed a specific trend - I just wore what I liked. Usually it was a mix of grunge with a sprinkle of punk rock built upon a solid foundation of 1940's men's fashions. Yep. (I would insert a picture here, but that was - in my best "old grandma" voice - back before these fancy picturephones and internet clouds and the whatnot.)
Now that I'm a "responsible adult" with a "real job", my daily uniform of choice is a maxi dress with a cardigan and boots or flats. It's work appropriate yet comfy, and EASY (since now I have a toddler to snuggle, feed, and get packed for the babysitter in the morning before work). Priorities. :) All I have to do is find a
Getting back to my daughter: My husband and I agreed early on to disregard the girl clothes/boy clothes suggestions for our daughter, Ms. O.G. - and it makes our options that much more fun! Don't get me wrong, her closet still looks like an explosion at the cotton candy factory, but we try to mix it up with other fun pieces. Plus, like any good parent, we like to push our love of comic books, dinosaurs, robots, art, space, etc. on her in any way possible. Fashion is not exempt! In short, I have turned my love of unique and interesting clothing/shoes (even socks!) into a mission to find things that express Ms. OG's personality in a fun way. As soon as she is old enough to pick out her own outfits, it's ON. In the meantime, my husband and I will help her pick out clothes in the hopes that she can also find comfort in dressing for who she is and who she will become.
I guess the bottom line is that the idea of "fashion" (especially toddler fashion) may seem shallow, vapid even - because we are MUCH more than our outward appearance. However, the way clothing can make you feel about yourself is very significant. I hope OG looks back on this and feels empowered by all of these silly, seemingly trivial posts. <3
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After typing ALL of that, I realized all I really needed to say is "Hey...look! A cute ladybaby!". Adorable kid pics really just sell themselves. Oh well!
Example 1: OG knew how to dress, even fresh out of the womb! (11/2014)
Example 2: My first bout of true OutfitEnvy - THE DINO HOODIE (1/2015)
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And couldn't you just eat her face? I digress...
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