I enjoy people watching not to pass judgment on their choices, but I find people, their choices and different lifestyles very interesting. While some choices may not be what I would choose myself, I find it interesting to see how and why different choices suit other individuals.
Fashion is one of the easiest choices we can see an individual make in their day to day lives. I recently watched the “Sex and The City” movie again and was reminded how some individuals are very excited about the latest fashion trends. There were multiple outfits and choices made in the movie in regards to fashion trends that I would neither have the desire or courage to wear, but I appreciate the choice on others. I follow a DIY blogger, Young House Love, who is very logical about her clothing choices. She knows what she likes and wears and only maintains a small amount of clothing. I also find it fascinating that she makes the choice to keep a minimal amount of clothing to wear.
I am about as plain Jane as they come in regards to anything with fashion. I am the same when it comes to decorating my house. There are not excessive patterns or overly trendy items in our home. We like clean lines, neutral colors and simple tastes. I am the same with my clothes, no crazy bold patterns or choices. I noticed with my children as babies, I had favorite outfits that I put them in most frequently. Surprisingly, they were not far off from how I dressed myself. There were few ruffles, big bows and crazy patterned dresses for my little girls. I personally did not dress that way and did not want to dress my daughter that way although I appreciated it on other little girls.
Sitting in a doctor’s office one day, I toddler boy stuck out to me. He was dressed in black clothing and had high black boots on. He was as cute as could be, and I noticed his parents dressed in similar fashion. With numerous friends with small children, I have noticed most children are often dressed as their parents would be comfortable. Our friends who love designer clothing often put their kids in designer clothing.
Is it wrong to dress a child well and in mimic of yourself? Absolutely not! We are in the last of the toddler years in our home, and I am beginning to see that our kids enjoy choosing their own favorite clothing. Not everything they choose is something I am thrilled about, but as they grow up, it is one easy way to give them some independence and to allow them to express themselves. Mommas who love dressing up their kiddos in stylish clothes, just be warned, the day is coming that they may refuse to dress as you desire. Try to honor their choice and allow them to explore their own fashion tastes when possible.
Writer Bio: Summer Bolte
I spend most of my time and days with my three kids, husband and dog. My kids frequently play near me as I garden, cook, DIY and volunteer. My most unusual paying job has to be feeding fruit flies in a research lab, and my most fulfilling job was being an oncology nurse for seven years.
