A few days ago, I took my 8-year-old daughter to Target to pick up some essential (toilet paper) and non-essential (nail polish) items.

I allowed her to browse the Girls department as I scanned the clearance racks. She came back toting a brown velour hoodie and matching yoga pants.

When I gently told her to put back the full-price outift that was certainly not needed in our 90-degree heat, she balked, and retorted with, Mom, you are preventing me from being fashionable!

It has started. And MUCH earlier than I anticpated. The *mom, you are so not cool and dont  know what kids like* routine. I thought I had some time left to be the outfit-chooser in the family until at least age 10. She always LOVED whatever I picked out for her but now she has her own very distinct (and yet not at all consistent) direction when it comes to clothing.

I was feeling old and gooberish as she rolled her eyes at the items that I chose from the sale rack. We were able to agree upon a hot pink striped jersey shift that she can use as a dress, loungewear (post-pool/beach wear around the house) or even a cover-up and it was 50% off.

We ambled over to the shoe department and she became transfixed on a rack of hot pink *jellies* - you know, those shoes made of blister-inducing plastic/silicone/rubber or whatever non-leather product it may be. Instantly she began scanning for her size. She noticed that they ran a bit large. I told her that although the price was right (marked down to $1.98!) she should consider wearing little ankle socks with them otherwise she should plan for future painful eruptions on her feet.

She hustled over to the sock department and returned carrying a pack of retro-80s patterned anklets: hot pink and black polka dots on one pair, pink and white stripes on another.

She ended up choosing shoes that are more than one size too big so that even with socks and Dr. Scholls insoles inside of them, she clomps around like they are dress-up shoes. I keep reminding her that I would be happy to get her the next smaller size as they were less than $2. But in her stubbornness, she insists that these are fine, even though she can barely walk in them.

TOnight as we readied for church, she put on her new hot pink and white, hooded, striped dress, hot pink anklets, and the jellies. It was, uh, a *look.*

I suppose I am thankful that at least she is still not conscous of brand/designer names. Or, at least not insistent upon them. If her dream outfit consists of items that totals less than $10, I suppose that, on occassion, I can oblige her inner-diva.