Why My 5 Year Old Wear What She Wants and Why I'm OK With It

Let me just start by saying I am not a parenting expert. What we do/don't do with our girls is just what feels right for us as parents-it doesn't make it right or wrong, or what you do/don't do right or wrong either. So now that that little disclaimer is out of the way....

Before I was a parent, I would see children that were dressed in crazy, mismatched outfits and scoff- "my kids will never look like that!" Or I would see the most adorable little girl or boy in an even more adorable outfit and think "THAT is how my someday children will look and dress!" Nothing but the best and most stylish for my not-even-conceived-yet children!

And then........

"they're both animal print so they match, Mommy"

"these socks have to be worn this high, Mommy"

Here we are. Ella, who is almost 10 and would be content wearing leggings and a t-shirt every day and Charlotte, 5, who just marches to her own style beat. 

The early years with the girls, particularly Charlotte were easy when it came to dressing them. But when Charlotte was old enough to start having an opinion about what she wears, I really tried to fight it.

"No, Charlotte! That doesn't match!" 
"Absolutely not! You cannot wear a lace tank top with sweatpants."
"No, you may not wear two different shoes!"

Like most parents, I think it comes natural for us to push back when our children are voicing their opinions or testing the limits. After all, we are the parents and we know what is best for our children, don't we? But the thing is, what I have learned over the years of letting Charlotte style and dress herself-that is basically the one thing in her life she has control over. And she likes it. Loves it, even. I just adore seeing how confident she is in her choices. If only we could all be confident like Charlotte!

These clear, dress up high heels got a ton of where!

What you can't see is the watch she has around her left ankle

The era of the two different shoes.

It didn't take long for me to give myself a little slap in the face to calm down and stop pushing. Can I just say how much smoother the mornings go when I am not fighting with her to not wear head to toe stripes, or two different shoes? 

What else shifted for us as parents, for me as a Mommy? My priorities. I used to be concerned that I would be judged as a parent on how my kids looked. Now I just care that they (my girls) are happy, I didn't lose my shit while they were getting ready and that they are fully clothed. So Charlotte has two different shoes on?!?! She has some sort of shoe on both of her feet. I call that a win.

I like to call this look her "Tourist Mom" look. I think it's the combo of ridiculous sunglasses and hat. Also, two different colored shoes. 

"But they're both striped, Mommy."

I will say it's not that I don't care, or I am giving in (ok maybe I am giving in a little). Like I said, as a 5 year old, you aren't given the opportunity often to take control of anything, so I like the fact that she takes ownership of her outfits. It also helps encourage her independence. As much as I always want her to need me for everything the rest of her life, it is so sweet to see that she can pick her outfit out and get dressed all by herself.  Charlotte clearly has her own sense of style-giving her free reign helps her develop her own style. That's something I hope she carries with her as she gets older! 

Again with the shoes! And she wore this outfit out and about allllll day long!

She even went through a phase where she wore these goggles all the time. Like out in public all the time. 

So next time you see a Mom or Dad out with their little one wearing a full on Batman costume, or two different shoes, or swimming goggles, lay off the judging, and give that parent a high five. Why? Because they most likely didn't lose their shit while everyone was getting ready that morning and maybe gave their child ownership in what they were wearing! I personally love when I see kids in outrageous outfits! 

I mean, is it really the end of the world if you let your daughter wear her Halloween costume to Target? 

Now excuse me while I help Charlotte pick out her outfit for Wacky Wednesday (which is basically every day for Charlotte)!

Crop Top for the Curvy Gal

While I was wearing this outfit last weekend it dawned on me that I was wearing head to toe Target. Literally, head to toe! Have you ever done that before? Worn the same brand, from top to shoes?!

I was initially on the fence about these white mules-I wasn't sure if I would really wear them. I liked them but did I love them enough to get them? Turns out, they were the perfect addition to my closet! In the short time I have had them, I have worn them multiple times (you can see how else I styled them here)-I was surprised to see just how much they complete different outfits!

These jeans are another new addition to my closet. When I was in Target the other week I tried some of the new Universal Thread pieces. While I wasn't a huge fan of the overall collection, I did find a couple of pieces that I liked and came home with me! 

One thing that I have grown to love is wearing crop tops with high waisted jeans. Lots of gals, particularly my size tend to shy away from outfits like these. I say to that-wear the crop top and embrace it! Style has no size, ladies. No size! 

I love taking a button up top, like this striped one, undo the bottom buttons and tie it in a little knot-I think it's an adorable way to style your basic button up!

Outfit Details:

Top: Target /// Jeans: Target /// Shoes: Target /// Belt: Target (non plus version) /// Sunglasses: Ray Ban via Macy's

Shop my favorite Target and Universal Thread pieces: 

The Perfect Almost Spring Out

I know this isn't the first time you have all seen this top-I have worn it a couple of times over the last week or so-it is just perfect for everyday wear that I can't get enough of it! 

This is the kind of top that would be great to wear to work, or even just out with the girls or even a date night. I wore this last weekend when we were in Virginia-it was an all day outfit. Literally, I had it on for about 12 hours and it was super comfortable. 

I would say that it is true to size as well-I'm wearing the large and it fits perfectly! I love the peplum detail of it as well. Peplum's can be tricky on me because if my curves, but this one drapes on my nicely so it's not super overwhelming! 

This jacket has also seen a lot of wear over the last several weeks-it has a good amount of stretch to it which makes it super comfortable. Sometimes jackets can feel really restricting to me, but this one doesn't! It comes in several colors too! I feel like it's a great transition jacket! 

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Old Navy /// Top: Loft /// Jeans: Old Navy /// Shoes: Nordstrom /// Sunglasses: Macy's 

Shop my sale picks: 

Key Items for the Season with Bon-Ton

This time of year is always tough when it comes to shopping for me. I don't want to invest in any more sweaters or cold weather items because spring is (hopefully) on the horizon, but I'm not into buying a ton of spring items just yet. If I can't wear it right away, I don't want it! 

So if I am not adding sweaters or spring/summer items to my wardrobe what am I adding? Transition pieces! Items that can be layered and worn now and when the temperatures start to rise. 

Cardigans have always been a go-to of mine. I really love to keep them casual, but I do love tossing them on over a dress from time to time to dress them up. Regardless of whether or not they are dressed up or down, it is such a great, layering go-to piece in my wardrobe! 

A black cardigan is such a great closet staple, and there are so many variations! While a basic boyfriend cardigan is a great for everyday, I love wearing one with a little bit of a twist, like the peplum hem on this cardigan! It is really lightweight so it's great for layering and transitioning into the warmer months. 

There is something so classic about pairing black and white together. When all else fails and you aren't sure what to wear, toss on a white tee, a pair of skinny jeans and an adorable cardigan! 

The style of this navy cardigan is also a favorite of mine. I am always draw to an open cardigan that drapes. I feel like it is super flattering for me. Like black, navy is such a classic color. I consider it a neutral and pair it with so many colors-white, gray, mustard, green and even red! 

These particular skinny jeans are really comfortable-they have a ton of stretch to them, which is important for me. I have got to have some stretch in the jeans I wear! 

I am a sucker for a good graphic tee. I find myself wearing them day to day. With denim jackets, cardigans, or by themselves. This camo tee is a great alternative to your everyday solid tees. I love the length of it-I prefer longer tees-and it is super soft. Just like a lightweight cardigan, it is perfect to wear now with a cozy sweater and a pair of boyfriend jeans, or with a pair of distressed denim shorts when it gets warmer! 

A good pair of jeans is another key item I like to have to transition from one season to the next. I personally prefer jeans over shorts, so I tend to wear jeans year round. I love the cuff of these jeans-they look cute with sneakers, but will look equally as cute with sandals! 

What are some of your key pieces you keep in your wardrobe to help transition you from one season to another? Cardigans, graphic tees and jeans are my go-to's but I would love to hear yours! 

Thank you to Bon-Ton for sponsoring this post. Although compensated, all opinions are my own. 

Winter to Spring Transition Dress

Tired of seeing this jacket yet? For your sake, hopefully not! I don't plan on hanging it up any time soon. It is such a versatile jacket and I have worn it so much already in the short time I've had it! 

I wore it last week with jeans and sneakers, this past weekend with an adorable floral top and mules, and then with this floral dress! I love the fact that I can dress it up and down and that it is such a versatile piece-something I look for when shopping! I love being able to invest in something that can be worn multiple ways! 

To me, this dress is a great transition piece. I got lucky wearing this yesterday and it wasn't terribly cold outside. I think it looks great as is-with a lightweight jacket (possibly even a moto jacket) and booties. When it gets a little bit warmer I think it would look super cute with a pair of wedges or sandals. While it is long sleeved, it is lightweight enough that you could get away with wearing it when the temps rise a bit! In fact, I think it would be the perfect Easter dress! 

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Old Navy /// Dress: Loft /// Shoes: Sole Society (similar) /// Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Mommy in Heels: Weekly #OOTD Roundup

TGIF! I can't decide if this week went fast, or if it was a slow week. I will say it was kind of nice because we had no plans at all in the evenings this week. It was nice to know I could come home from work and not have to worry about rushing anywhere!

I am also excited because I am working a half day today (parent teacher conferences for Ella), and I have off tomorrow, Saturday! We are headed to Virginia to see my cousin/best friend Betsy perform in Mamma Mia! I know I've chatted about her numerous times before on instagram-I am so excited to see her! 

Anyway, here are the outfits I wore this week-my daily, not making it to the blog outfits! 

Jacket /// Tee /// Jeans /// Shoes /// Hat (similar)

Top /// Pants /// Shoes

Top /// Jeans /// Shoes (no longer available)

Cardigan /// Dress /// Boots (no longer available) /// Hat (similar)