Either You're In Or You're Out

Do I love clothes? For the most part, yes. There's something about finding that perfect dress or pair of jeans that fit like a glove and make you feel like a million bucks that leaves you craving more. Luckily, I've never been addicted, but just enjoy occasional shopping excursions (as I've gotten older, my goal is always to get in and out of the mall in an hour or less).

Until recently, Lauren has not cared what we dressed her in. I haven't gone crazy in terms of spending money on her clothes (that's what grandparents are for, lol), although I do have to spend an arm and a leg on her shoes since her feet still tend to turn in and she must have high quality, flexible shoes. In the past month or so, however, I've definitely seen a difference, with defiant refusals to wear certain items unless she selects them. Good for her - I want her to have an opinion. And while I may regularly try to steer her selections toward matching items, I have been known to turn a blind eye when she selects a red bow to wear in her hair with her peach dance dress.

A few weeks ago, we went to my parents' house for dinner and lo and behold, there in the middle of their dining room/living room area, was a gigantic "fashion tent and runway." Seriously. Only a grandparent could indulge their grandchild by obliterating their formal living space and turning it into Project Runway. Lauren was in heaven and was only too happy to practice her modeling skills. So without further ado, let's start the show . . . . . .