As you may recall, I'm the mom of a six year old girl. I'm also the former stepmother of a now tween girl (who will be 11 this fall). I've already voiced my concerns here on Workerette about the images young girls are subjected to and the fashions they are taught are "cool" and acceptable to wear. For the obvious reasons I also feel it's important for parents, especially mothers, to be involved and have an influence over how their teen or tween dresses.
Clothing says a lot about a person, and day after day I see items on the teen fashion scene that I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing as an adult female, let alone allowing a young lady to wear. That's why I was interested in R. Lilly Tuckerware when I received the opportunity to provide this sponsored review. R.Lilly Tuckerwear offers trendy fashion and clothes for teen and tween girls. Woman entrepreneur Nancy Ganz established R.Lilly Tuckerwear to address the clothing needs of her own tween daughter and her daughter's friends.
I went and checked out the website, and here's what I think of it:
First of all, the site is interesting to look at, and the illustrated items definitely fit in the area I think are appropriate for a young lady in her tween years. The girls shown as models are a bit younger; I'm not sure how attracted an older teen would be by the fashions shown on the girls, but the clothing items themselves would probably draw them in more. In the actual shop area, these trendy clothes are laid out in easy to view boxes so girls can mix, match, and combine to create their own fun looks.
Their Style Girls page offers girls an opportunity to share pictures of themselves in a semi-protected environment, allowing them to show off a look in a fairly controlled manner. Because we strictly limit our children's Internet access, I was pleased to see a specific page for parents that not only explains the site but also offers easy access to R.Lilly Tuckerwear's policy regarding privacy and safety. While I would not be swift to allow my girls to post their pictures here, the concept is a fun one.
I am also a little torn when it comes to the "attitude" options. I really love the concept here: girls are shown a full outfit as an example, and they are also offered ideas and comparisons to help them find their own look or attitude, such as favorite books, songs, and the like. The pictures are adorable, the children modeling are adorable - but the looks themselves aren't all what I would approve for my own kids. For instance, Chic Girl attitude is fantastic, per se; the girls look cute and the hair tips are, well, something a "grown-up" or older teen could easily make use of. Quietly Cool Girl and Sporty Girl are fun and funky, without being too over the edge. My personal concerns lie in the looks (literally, the facial "attitude" looks and makeup) of Techno Girl and Out There Girl. Would I allow my girls to copy these clothing choices? Most likely. Would I tolerate those facial expressions or makeup applications? Most likely not.
As a parent, as a mom, I try to be involved in my children's choices and the people and attitudes they emulate. I really appreciate that many of these apparel items can be layered, look comfortable, and I am grateful that such options are available and made in the U.S.A. The cut of many of the items is such that some girls would skip the layering; I wouldn't allow mine to, but at least there are plenty of choices and ideas, and the girls are encouraged to be creative!
All in all, I think R.Lilly Tuckerwear is well worth checking out if you're sick and tired of the pervasive smutty attire being marketed to your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and young ladies in general. I can only give kudos to any woman entrepreneur, and her company, who will take the time to create items that our girls can feel empowered and proud to wear without feeling like they are selling their souls (or bodies!).
(This is the Quietly Cool Girl look, by the way. Cute, cute, cute!)
Comment Preview