What’s Going On With GrandGirl #1’s Sartorial Sensibility?

I have no experience with little girls since I raised 2 boys. But what I do have right now is a sneaking suspicion that GrandGirl #1’s behavior is suggesting that I have met my fashion soul mate.

She’s demonstrating a strong passion and preference for necklaces. And why not 5 mismatched strands, all at one time?

Everyone is a blend of nature and nurture, but what we know for a fact in this situation is that nurture is NOT at play. Her mom does not accessorize regularly. And there are no other exposures to people bedecked in jewelry.

She is arriving at this preference entirely independently.

Case in point…a recent text from my daughter in law:

“This morning’s fit was over her (GrandGirl #1) wanting to wear a bunch of necklaces. I think it’s so interesting because whenever she goes in my room, she points at certain necklaces hanging on a jewelry stand and she wants to wear them. When we go to the store and she sees necklaces, she wants those too.”

Well. That’s my girl! I strongly connect to fashion in all its may forms and I have since I was very young. One expression of this interest was dressing up my Barbie doll to send her out into the night. I had no idea where she was going, but she needed a smashing outfit and great heels for her hyper arched feet.

My response to the text:

“This is a genetic expression that I passed on through my son! It’s all my fault! But I take full responsibility!”

I have memories from when I was little of going into my mom’s closet and trying on her heels, boots and jewelry. I had an intense interest, not because she dressed up all the time – only on Saturday nights – rather, it was on an aesthetic level. I thought everything was very compelling and attractive.

My son thinks that this could be a passing phase, since young children move through many of them.

Hahaha, I believe otherwise!! It could be wishful thinking on my part but I have a gut feeling on this one. GrandGirl #1 is fiercely drawn in this direction and when that happens to any of us, we may as well surrender to our innate impulses.

I have processed this topic from my own experience and what I understand is that fashion is about so many elements like design, proportion, color, fabric, style and trend. It’s also self-expression and a form of curation and collecting.

I fully support my granddaughter’s urges and I definitely intend to nurture her nature later in her life! In her Nana, she will discover a complete kindred spirit.