From a very early age, my daughter has always been interested in fashion. She usually goes to great lengths to style the perfect outfit. Naturally, we love to shop together, but there are times when we clash due to her somewhat expensive taste and trendy fashion sense. While it’s important for me to empower her to make good fashion choices, it’s equally important to instill in her a the value of money when it comes to styling her wardrobe. After reading an article in the Toronto Star Sears Canada and how they're establishing themselves as the ultimate fashion destination for young families, I wanted to take my stylish six-year-old there for our next shopping adventure!
When you first walk in, you may be confused because it will look like you've just stepped into a high-end department store with polished concrete floors and new display tables. This is the new Sears! Even the mannequins received a chic makeover!
With less merchandise and wider aisles, it makes the shopping experience flow more easily and feel more relaxing.
This past weekend, my daughter and I took a trip into the new Sears store to choose a brand new outfit. It’s funny how women of any age seem to know exactly what to do the minute they hit the clothing racks! She had her cart stuffed filled to the brim and soon enough started piling her selections into my cart!
One thing I admire about children is their somewhat reckless abandon when it comes to just about anything in life. They are dreamers and think they can have it all. I truly think that this can be a great reminder for us adults to allow ourselves to relax, enjoy the little moments, and aspire to greater things.
However, when it comes to material possessions, specifically fashion, it’s important to teach your kids the value of a dollar. Particularly with my little fashionista, it was important to have the conversation about her overflowing cart and the need to be selective with her clothing choices. I had to explain to her again that we don’t have an endless budget (we have five members in our family who all have clothing needs!)
It’s also important that she learns about wardrobe staples, even at the tender age of six, and how investing wisely in pieces that will take her from season to season to season is the smartest choice in fashion. I also encouraged her to really flex her creative styling arm by adding in a fun statement piece like this shimmery chiffon skirt for the holiday season!
After a few twirls down the runway, err, I mean, change room hallway, my daughter exclaimed “Mom! I LOVE it here!” I knew my grandmother would be proud as she raised my mom, who then raised me, to love this iconic Canadian store.
She selected a few staples, including a pair of faded gray jeggings, which she declared “Mom, I’m totally going to roll up the legs just like you and Daddy do!” She insisted on the chiffon skirt with silver details for this upcoming holiday season, which I agreed was the perfect choice.
I was also able to find a few pieces for myself, including a beautiful knit sweater and warm winter boots. And we both left happy!
I know it might seem easier to just grab whatever you think your kids will like when shopping for them and not have to go through the hassle of having them come shopping with you. But I want to encourage you to take that time, one-on-one, and go to the store together. Let them explore and build outfits with you by their side. Try to understand their fashion sense while teaching them valuable lessons about shopping, money, and fashion.
I promise you, it's not only a great time for bonding. It will also make the morning “get ready for school” time flow much easier when they'll actually be EXCITED to wear the latest threads they've selected!
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