Fashion Conscious?

Once upon a time, not so long ago I was a control freak. Don't get me wrong, I still have my issues with control, but this morning as I surveyed the ragamuffin children climbing into my car I audibly laughed at how far I have come.

This time last year I started allowing K, P & R to select their own non-matching clothing--every day but Sunday. Although it makes me laugh now, it was a big step. I had thoroughly enjoyed dressing them in coordinating clothes for the first 5 years of their lives.

My trio attended a Montessori school that really encouraged individual expression, so they were by no means the only interestingly-dressed children. Because letting go of the reigns is frequently a process moreso than a one-time decision--I still exercised the right to 'help' with outfit selection. For the most part, there was not much to comment on about their new found fashion freedom. They did a good job and didn't deviate much from the types of clothing I had previously chosen for them.

This Summer, however, my children have really begun to embrace 'expression' in their clothing choices. My sons are into wearing dozens of silly bandz and oversized hats (sometimes backwards.) K doesn't seem to care much about the fads, but suddenly has very strong opinions about how she would like me to style her hair (braided pigtails are the favorite.)

Dressing up as various characters and putting on shows is still an enjoyable pastime in our home. Sometimes the lines between dress up closet and accessorizing become quite murky. Like last night when everyone insisted they needed something on their head for church. K chose a tiara, R a football helmet and P an alligator mask.
I snapped these as R & K were skipping down the sidewalk downtown holding hands. (Isn't 6 awesome???)

This was an outfit for running errands earlier this week. Bonnie & Clyde? Not sure how the safety goggles fit in for R. He has started wearing those more since his brother got glasses.

Speaking of his brother, P has a style ALL HIS OWN. The dress up closet would be far too easy and common for P. He likes to create his own accessories. Below, a belt made from paper towels. (There actually were two, you can only see one in this picture.) He was wearing this when I picked him up from basketball last week.

And today, he fashioned this headband out of and old cord he found. He tried it as a bracelet and a belt before settling on this choice.

Self expression is a beautiful thing...and yet, there is still enough control freak in me to be THRILLED about putting on uniforms for school in a couple of weeks. ;-)