Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with children’s fashion. I’ve never been a fan of character clothing or bright colors on my twins. I curate unique pieces for their closet like collecting rare artifacts. I love supporting small brand shops and dressing my twins in comfortable yet stylish items. Nothing gives me a rush, like finding a staple item such as Hunter Boots or Native Shoes on sale. I hunt and collect throughout the year, and hoard items I’ve found at deep discount for future seasons. I often re-sell their nicer pieces online so I can restock their closets with new goodies. I’ve even considered opening up my own children’s consignment shop and have an Instagram account devoted to their fashion. (@bestdressedtwins).
You can imagine my despair, when my strong willed daughter started telling me no. It all began with the color pink. Never in my life did I imagine I’d have such a strong aversion to a color! EVERYTHING has to be pink….from her pajamas, to her play clothes, to her bows… you name it! If it’s not pink, or it doesn’t sparkle, it’s not touching her body! I have no idea when she was taught that pink is for girls and blue is for boys but she’s very strong in her conviction! My husband and I are very open to fluid gender roles and even paint my son’s nails when he asks. Yet, somehow, via school, or television, or elsewhere, she has latched onto the color pink and won’t let go (except maybe for the occasional hint of purple)!
My daughter’s hair is a whole other situation! I love to collect beautiful hair bows and proudly display them in a frame hanging over her dresser. Admittedly, it’s more for me, as the sight of her collection brings me much joy! She would rather have her hair flow free, then sit still long enough for me to cobble together any semblance of a hairstyle. Half of the time she’ll rip out her bow if she allows one in the first place.
My troubles are amplified by the Disney princesses. I used to wince at the sight of toddlers in the grocery store dressed as a Disney character. What kind of parent would let their daughter dress like that in public!? Well, shame on me! Now, I know! It’s the kind of parent that is desperately trying to avoid a stage 5 meltdown!
Part of the allure of dressing twins is being able to coordinate. I have not yet figured out how to coordinate my son with a sparkly pink tutu! (Although being the easygoing twin, he would probably wear pink if trying to please us!).
There are moments of sanity where my daughter will wear what I ask, but it is usually precipitated with a bribe or a distraction. I know better than to ask, “What do you want to wear today?” Given the choice, she’ll show up looking like a disheveled Sleeping Beauty who just woke up from a year’s long nap.
So, if you see me in Trader Joes this weekend with a mini Princess Elsa, know that she has a closet full of beautiful clothing sitting at home, unworn. With toddlers, even the best laid plans are made to be undone. I’m trying my damnedest to let my daughter be a kid and know when to choose my battles. I may not have a phone full of beautiful images or the most desirable Instagram feed, but I have a healthy (willful) daughter. Real life is in the unkempt moments.
