Aunt Fashionista

As parents, it's our job to teach our children well so they can head out into the world knowing the important things like how to eat healthfully, how to balance a checkbook, and how to book a pedicure appointment.

I've mentioned before that I don't cook. And if it wasn't for Roger and his fantastic culinary skills I'd fear that Delaney would grow up like me, never learning to cook for herself and thereby depending upon pizza joints and burger drive-throughs for even a modicum of sustenance. Luckily her dad's made it his life's mission to be sure she knows the difference between the holy trinity and mirepoix and what the heck they're for. As far as learning to cook goes, Delaney's got her bases covered.

But when it comes to things like learning fashion sense--or just the simple ability to pull an outfit together, complete with smart jewelry, matching shoes and the right purse--Delaney's screwed. Neither her father nor I know the first thing about what to wear, let alone What Not to Wear.

Before I became a stay-at-home-mom, back in the day when I had to "dress for success," I made fun of my nerdy computer programmer husband and his love for donning the same outfit of jeans and a black T-shirt every single day. Well, as they say, pay-back's a bitch, baby, because now the shoe (or the denim, as the case may be) is on the other foot. As a full-time mom it's just easier to throw on the same kind of clothes day after day, especially when you're guaranteed to get splattered with food and slobber on a regular basis. Still, I cringe a bit when my husband arrives home each night to be greeted by his black-T-shirt-clad, fashion-challenged wife. I mean, really. Taking a little pride in ones appearance never hurt a marriage by any means.

Delaney's only hope will be for her to spend loads of time with her aunt, my sister, a venerable clothes horse by reputation and the only person to whom I turn when I need to dress it up (i.e. when black and khaki just will not do). She makes me stand in store aisles, arms wide open, as she whips through the racks like the Tasmanian Devil, tosses not just clothing, but "looks," to me and orders that I try them on no matter how audacious they may seem or how much I complain and whine. And even though some of her suggestions seem completely ridiculous at first, whether she's handing me pencil skirts or patent leather pumps, she's always spot on. Perhaps, oh please dear God, she can save her sweet niece from a life of drab duds.

Comments

[Emily]

If she ever wants to come to Oregon, she is hired as my personal shopper! I am suffering from a bad bought of Mommy fashon.

[MamaChristy]

I didn't know your sister had such talents. Lucky Delaney! (And lucky Colleen, too!)

[Jamie]

Wow! I need her fashion rescue service. I just posted this morning about how I am wearing old lady shoes and track suits to the office now. ;)

[Lisa]

You know, maybe you're better off raising Delaney in black and khaki. I am a self confessed shopper. I love shoes and jewelry and new clothes. Callie went on her first shopping trip when she was only five weeks old. Now, when I dare take the child anywhere that sells clothes or shoes, she's just GOT to have something new. I swear last summer she had the finest flip flop collection for miles. Thank goodness I've at least taught her about bargain shopping--we hit Old Navy for their $2.50 a pair flip flops!!!