Passion for Fashion

Claire has always been eccentric when it comes to style. At a year, she would literally wear 20 headbands around her neck like necklaces. Often times we would wonder how she could breathe with them all on but she would not take them off. She then graduated to actual necklaces and would wear them in abundance. Then came the purse fetish (she still has it) followed by our current heel phase. She was gifted play heels by DeeDee and would wear them everywhere till they were threadbare. Now she has built a collection 8 pairs deep which is impressive for a 2 year old.

I used to see pictures of Suri Cruise and judge Katie and Tom thinking they were spoiling their child. But as I've learned the hard way, never judge another parent because you never know the full story. Suri is a fashion pioneer for toddlers paving the way for little divas such as Claire. You see, this urge for style is ingrained in their DNA. I think I've worn heels around the girls a handful of times and my accessories as of late are my running belt and Mizunos. It is painfully evident she isn't emulating me.

So lately Claire is insisting on dressing herself. I encourage this because she is learning independence and creativity. However, some of her choices are just way out there. Claire has a passion for glitz and sparkle. She loves her party dresses from Aunt Shannon that have rhinestones and glitter as well as her gold high heels.

She also loves to pair favorite clothing items that don't match. The other day she wanted to wear her pink Hello Kitty shirt with orange shorts. Yes it clashed but it was also 44 out and not at all weather appropriate. If you tell her she can't wear anything an epic battle ensues. I pick my battles but her rebuttals are always full of whimsy. Why do you want to wear this? "Because it's perfect." Why do you wear those heels with shorts? "They're so cute!" Do you really need to wear that sequined dress? "It's my favorite."

Even though we go through 4-5 outfits per day, I love seeing her personality shine through. From her insistence on telling people her name is "DeeDee Shannon" now (oh how very true!) to her need to wear two different earrings because she can't decide which she likes more, she's turned into the funniest little character.