Quinoa absolutely loves a juxtaposition. And irony. And gummi bears.
June 19, 2013 10:05 AM Subscribe
My Imaginary Well-Dressed Toddler Daughter. Pinterest collection featuring the high style exploits of "Quinoa," an imaginary stylish toddler with her imaginary stylish friends.
When did Gwyneth and Chris have another kid? Because I could totally see this being written by someone like them.
But there were definitely some gems while some like "The only thing Quinoa likes to rescue more than puppies are children that shop for clothes at Wal-Mart" just seemed a bit mean spirited.
posted by vuron at 10:12 AM on June 19, 2013
But there were definitely some gems while some like "The only thing Quinoa likes to rescue more than puppies are children that shop for clothes at Wal-Mart" just seemed a bit mean spirited.
posted by vuron at 10:12 AM on June 19, 2013
Her friend's name is Chevron. I love it.
posted by sweetkid at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
5 ever-reloading columns that aren't aligned. What direction do you read?
posted by DU at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013
posted by DU at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013
Quinoa always keeps a spare "urban outfit" in my purse in the event we're going to be around a lot of chain link fencing.
Ok, heh
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Ok, heh
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:15 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Love this. Thanks for posting it.
posted by zarq at 10:16 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by zarq at 10:16 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
awesomee
http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/db/34/c9/db34c9e98a30bb8dab4f93dccacd8601.jpg
posted by meta87 at 10:20 AM on June 19, 2013
http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/db/34/c9/db34c9e98a30bb8dab4f93dccacd8601.jpg
posted by meta87 at 10:20 AM on June 19, 2013
Her friend's name is Chevron. I love it.
Ridley & Harrington are totes jealous of that kid.
This is hilarious.
posted by mintcake! at 10:25 AM on June 19, 2013
Ridley & Harrington are totes jealous of that kid.
This is hilarious.
posted by mintcake! at 10:25 AM on June 19, 2013
I like the fact that how Quinoa actually looks (race, hair color) is totally flexible. Because she's imaginary.
posted by sweetkid at 10:27 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 10:27 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
OK, Quinoa is pretty much the greatest fake toddler name ever. I just know I would absolutely hate her parents. In fact, I do hate her parents, even if they're not real. GOD I HATE THOSE PEOPLE SO MUCH. I HATE THEIR STUPID FACES!
posted by bondcliff at 10:29 AM on June 19, 2013 [20 favorites]
posted by bondcliff at 10:29 AM on June 19, 2013 [20 favorites]
Please stop saying 'totes.'
posted by jonmc at 10:31 AM on June 19, 2013 [13 favorites]
posted by jonmc at 10:31 AM on June 19, 2013 [13 favorites]
I'm seriously thinking I totes might want to copy some of these outfits though.
posted by sweetkid at 10:33 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 10:33 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
DU: "What direction do you read?"
It's not supposed to be a linear experience. They're known for their 'post-it note'-style design.
posted by zarq at 10:33 AM on June 19, 2013
It's not supposed to be a linear experience. They're known for their 'post-it note'-style design.
posted by zarq at 10:33 AM on June 19, 2013
jonmc: "Please stop saying 'totes.'"
Adorbs!
posted by zarq at 10:34 AM on June 19, 2013 [44 favorites]
Adorbs!
posted by zarq at 10:34 AM on June 19, 2013 [44 favorites]
"The only thing Quinoa likes to rescue more than puppies are children that shop for clothes at Wal-Mart" just seemed a bit mean spirited.
The whole thing is targetted at snobby rich parents, no?
posted by Hoopo at 10:40 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
The whole thing is targetted at snobby rich parents, no?
posted by Hoopo at 10:40 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Totes is a good name for a kid. I'd better have another one.
posted by davejay at 10:46 AM on June 19, 2013 [12 favorites]
posted by davejay at 10:46 AM on June 19, 2013 [12 favorites]
The whole thing is targetted at snobby rich parents, no?
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing; some parents go to great lengths to make their toddlers look like fashion-conscious adults, thus ensuring that their children will either grow up to be fashion-conscious adults, or will react so violently in the other direction that they'll bring punk back.
I think it's focused on them.
posted by davejay at 10:47 AM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing; some parents go to great lengths to make their toddlers look like fashion-conscious adults, thus ensuring that their children will either grow up to be fashion-conscious adults, or will react so violently in the other direction that they'll bring punk back.
I think it's focused on them.
posted by davejay at 10:47 AM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
[silently slips gift-wrapped pair of Isotoner gloves into Jon's locker]
posted by mintcake! at 10:48 AM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
posted by mintcake! at 10:48 AM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
"Quinoa! You stop teasing your sister Spelt, or so help me, I'll tell your father, Farro."
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:48 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:48 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
This is every other kid in Seattle, probably including ours. We definatly went through a "WTF, how many packages from Etsy?" phase.
posted by Artw at 10:50 AM on June 19, 2013
posted by Artw at 10:50 AM on June 19, 2013
some parents go to great lengths to make their toddlers look like fashion-conscious adults, thus ensuring that their children will either grow up to be fashion-conscious adults
If toddler fashion had any actual impact on a person's adult fashions, there'd be a lot more Ninja Turtle T-shirts walking around my office.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:50 AM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
If toddler fashion had any actual impact on a person's adult fashions, there'd be a lot more Ninja Turtle T-shirts walking around my office.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:50 AM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
The friend Chevron, cousin Harrington... my favourite though is the boy she's been warned about named 'Hallifax'.
posted by variella at 10:51 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by variella at 10:51 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Speaking of imaginary daughters...
The Milk Carton Kids - Charlie
posted by MrVisible at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2013
The Milk Carton Kids - Charlie
posted by MrVisible at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2013
Quinoa tries to understand what it was like to grow up in the nineties by wearing Doc Martens, babydoll dresses, and expressions of apathy.
As someone who was very briefly lost in the weeds of Toddler High Fashion, I can really appreciate this, and laugh.
posted by 41swans at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
As someone who was very briefly lost in the weeds of Toddler High Fashion, I can really appreciate this, and laugh.
posted by 41swans at 10:54 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would dress my never-to-exist future toddlers in some sort of bleak shapeless stalinist unitard as an obnoxious social statement. They would carry around a grimy beet for maximum authenticity.
posted by elizardbits at 10:57 AM on June 19, 2013 [36 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 10:57 AM on June 19, 2013 [36 favorites]
mintcake!: "[silently slips gift-wrapped pair of Isotoner gloves into Jon's locker]"
We should bring back Totes Overshoes. Those rubber covers popular in the 70's and early 80's that you put over your own shoes to protect them from the rain.
posted by zarq at 10:58 AM on June 19, 2013
We should bring back Totes Overshoes. Those rubber covers popular in the 70's and early 80's that you put over your own shoes to protect them from the rain.
posted by zarq at 10:58 AM on June 19, 2013
If toddler fashion had any actual impact on a person's adult fashions, there'd be a lot more Ninja Turtle T-shirts walking around my office.
I work at a major internet company, and, uh, there are a lot of Ninja Turtle T-shirts walking around my office. Heh.
FWIW, it's not the fashion itself; it is the parent making such a big fuss over it, picking out clothes for them, making sure everything matches, taking them to the high-end stores, and so on. Normalizing that sort of thing, so the kid thinks that's just what they should do with clothes. Which, to be fair with all snark aside, is fine if that's the kind of thing you want your kid to care about. I just think a lot of parents do it because they feel their kids' choices reflect theirs, and you know, that whole keeping-up-with-the-joneses thing.
posted by davejay at 10:58 AM on June 19, 2013
I work at a major internet company, and, uh, there are a lot of Ninja Turtle T-shirts walking around my office. Heh.
FWIW, it's not the fashion itself; it is the parent making such a big fuss over it, picking out clothes for them, making sure everything matches, taking them to the high-end stores, and so on. Normalizing that sort of thing, so the kid thinks that's just what they should do with clothes. Which, to be fair with all snark aside, is fine if that's the kind of thing you want your kid to care about. I just think a lot of parents do it because they feel their kids' choices reflect theirs, and you know, that whole keeping-up-with-the-joneses thing.
posted by davejay at 10:58 AM on June 19, 2013
I would dress my never-to-exist future toddlers in some sort of bleak shapeless stalinist unitard as an obnoxious social statement. They would carry around a grimy beet for maximum authenticity.
Grimy beet is now my go-to phrase for...well, I haven't figured it out yet. But SOMETHING.
posted by davejay at 10:59 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Grimy beet is now my go-to phrase for...well, I haven't figured it out yet. But SOMETHING.
posted by davejay at 10:59 AM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
I like that picture of Quinoa where she totes that puppy around.
posted by adamrice at 11:02 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by adamrice at 11:02 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
"Mommy, this is what I like to wear when we go out to buy your tampons." - Quinoa
I am always amazed at how smart three-year-old's actually are.
posted by QueerAngel28 at 11:06 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I am always amazed at how smart three-year-old's actually are.
posted by QueerAngel28 at 11:06 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
"Quinoa! You stop teasing your sister Spelt, or so help me, I'll tell your father, Farro."
Oh, come on. We all think those are lovely names, amaranth?
posted by maudlin at 11:08 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
Oh, come on. We all think those are lovely names, amaranth?
posted by maudlin at 11:08 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
I wish that were true. My daughter has some distinct preferences. She likes her purple, shiny shoes and pictures of monkeys on her clothes. Also, anything with Elmo.
posted by Area Man at 11:16 AM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
I wish that were true. My daughter has some distinct preferences. She likes her purple, shiny shoes and pictures of monkeys on her clothes. Also, anything with Elmo.
posted by Area Man at 11:16 AM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
I would totally subscribe to Area Daughter's fashion magazine.
posted by Etrigan at 11:20 AM on June 19, 2013
posted by Etrigan at 11:20 AM on June 19, 2013
Aside from the Elmo requirement you have described what I am wearing today. So, uh. This is what you have to look forward to, basically.
posted by elizardbits at 11:27 AM on June 19, 2013 [10 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 11:27 AM on June 19, 2013 [10 favorites]
I love the idea of levitating toddlers. It adds a whole new dimension to the eternal question - how many 5-yr-olds could you take on in a fight.
posted by Solomon at 11:28 AM on June 19, 2013
posted by Solomon at 11:28 AM on June 19, 2013
Oh, come on. We all think those are lovely names, amaranth?
We almost do.
posted by amarynth at 11:46 AM on June 19, 2013 [16 favorites]
We almost do.
posted by amarynth at 11:46 AM on June 19, 2013 [16 favorites]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
They totally do.
posted by sweetkid at 11:47 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
They totally do.
posted by sweetkid at 11:47 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
It was sad clicking on one of the pics and going right to one of the mommy blogs this pintrest is making fun of.
posted by frecklefaerie at 11:55 AM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by frecklefaerie at 11:55 AM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
"Quinoa! You stop teasing your sister Spelt, or so help me, I'll tell your father, Farro."
Milo
Milo
posted by benito.strauss at 11:57 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Milo
Milo
posted by benito.strauss at 11:57 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
You do not have a toddler.
posted by pencroft at 11:58 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
You do not have a toddler.
posted by pencroft at 11:58 AM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I want to have playdates with my imaginary daughter and Quinoa. I think I'll call her Willoughby or Penn.
Then again I have a cat named Marlowe so I'm a snobby hipster parent already.
posted by sweetkid at 12:00 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Then again I have a cat named Marlowe so I'm a snobby hipster parent already.
posted by sweetkid at 12:00 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
They totally do.
Yeah, it's pretty much at the top of the list. Why do you think getting them to PUT ON THEIR FUCKING SHOES is so hard?
Also, as expected, Tumblr did it first, but without the snark.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:00 PM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
They totally do.
Yeah, it's pretty much at the top of the list. Why do you think getting them to PUT ON THEIR FUCKING SHOES is so hard?
Also, as expected, Tumblr did it first, but without the snark.
posted by mrgrimm at 12:00 PM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
Also, as expected, Tumblr did it first, but without the snark.
Oh my word.
I'm so glad I started this thread.
posted by sweetkid at 12:03 PM on June 19, 2013
Oh my word.
I'm so glad I started this thread.
posted by sweetkid at 12:03 PM on June 19, 2013
davejay: "Toddlers don't care what they're wearing"
Some might not but mine did then and still do.
My daughter doesn't like to wear pants. Only dresses and skirts, with or without leggings. But the leggings can't be too thick because that means they're actually pants. It has to be 30ºF or lower before she'll agree to wear any kind of pants without a fight. And then she'll deign to wear thick leggings or sweatpants without a skirt if she absolutely must, but that's alone is a five minute fight, to say nothing of the fight we go through if she has to wear denim jeans.
My son hates jeans, too. And shirts with collars. But he wears them because I do, and he likes to look like Daddy. But still, it takes convincing.
posted by zarq at 12:05 PM on June 19, 2013
Some might not but mine did then and still do.
My daughter doesn't like to wear pants. Only dresses and skirts, with or without leggings. But the leggings can't be too thick because that means they're actually pants. It has to be 30ºF or lower before she'll agree to wear any kind of pants without a fight. And then she'll deign to wear thick leggings or sweatpants without a skirt if she absolutely must, but that's alone is a five minute fight, to say nothing of the fight we go through if she has to wear denim jeans.
My son hates jeans, too. And shirts with collars. But he wears them because I do, and he likes to look like Daddy. But still, it takes convincing.
posted by zarq at 12:05 PM on June 19, 2013
pencroft: "Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
You do not have a toddler."
For the record, my toddler did not care. In fact, given a choice, he did.not.want. clothes. He would have been perfectly happy naked, wearing a pharaoh hat from the museum, and his buzz lightyear noisy arm band thingy. Actually, I'm pretty sure he spent a lot of time that way. But when I insisted upon clothing, he was completely indifferent to what it was. He's 10 now, and still completely indifferent. His choice this morning was eye-watering; multicolored tie-dye shirt 2 sizes too big, long black cotton shorts with green dayglo skulls, and unstrapped brown sandals.
posted by dejah420 at 12:05 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
You do not have a toddler."
For the record, my toddler did not care. In fact, given a choice, he did.not.want. clothes. He would have been perfectly happy naked, wearing a pharaoh hat from the museum, and his buzz lightyear noisy arm band thingy. Actually, I'm pretty sure he spent a lot of time that way. But when I insisted upon clothing, he was completely indifferent to what it was. He's 10 now, and still completely indifferent. His choice this morning was eye-watering; multicolored tie-dye shirt 2 sizes too big, long black cotton shorts with green dayglo skulls, and unstrapped brown sandals.
posted by dejah420 at 12:05 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
It was sad clicking on one of the pics and going right to one of the mommy blogs this pintrest is making fun of.
Don't be coy. Give us a link. All the pictures I've clicked on have been Twitter, Facebook, or some Russian fashion site. ... Ah, I found one.
Also, why is it sad?
posted by mrgrimm at 12:06 PM on June 19, 2013
Don't be coy. Give us a link. All the pictures I've clicked on have been Twitter, Facebook, or some Russian fashion site. ... Ah, I found one.
Also, why is it sad?
posted by mrgrimm at 12:06 PM on June 19, 2013
He's 10 now, and still completely indifferent. His choice this morning was eye-watering; multicolored tie-dye shirt 2 sizes too big, long black cotton shorts with green dayglo skulls, and unstrapped brown sandals.
And what if you said, "no, you can't wear this. here's a blue polo shirt, khakis, and topsiders." He wouldn't care?
posted by mrgrimm at 12:08 PM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
And what if you said, "no, you can't wear this. here's a blue polo shirt, khakis, and topsiders." He wouldn't care?
posted by mrgrimm at 12:08 PM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
Toddlers don't care what they're wearing
Sorry, should have been more specific: Toddlers don't care if what they're wearing is fashionable.
I had two myself
posted by davejay at 12:10 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Sorry, should have been more specific: Toddlers don't care if what they're wearing is fashionable.
I had two myself
posted by davejay at 12:10 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
mrgrimm: " He's 10 now, and still completely indifferent. His choice this morning was eye-watering; multicolored tie-dye shirt 2 sizes too big, long black cotton shorts with green dayglo skulls, and unstrapped brown sandals.
And what if you said, "no, you can't wear this. here's a blue polo shirt, khakis, and topsiders." He wouldn't care?"
Na. I make him put on golf shirts and khakis to go golfing with his grandfather, but mostly, I don't care either. ;)
posted by dejah420 at 12:15 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
And what if you said, "no, you can't wear this. here's a blue polo shirt, khakis, and topsiders." He wouldn't care?"
Na. I make him put on golf shirts and khakis to go golfing with his grandfather, but mostly, I don't care either. ;)
posted by dejah420 at 12:15 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
You do not have a toddler."
For the record, my toddler did not care. In fact, given a choice, he did.not.want. clothes. He would have been perfectly happy naked, wearing a pharaoh hat from the museum, and his buzz lightyear noisy arm band thingy.
That's caring. Naked is also a fashion choice.
posted by sweetkid at 12:31 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
For the record, my toddler did not care. In fact, given a choice, he did.not.want. clothes. He would have been perfectly happy naked, wearing a pharaoh hat from the museum, and his buzz lightyear noisy arm band thingy.
That's caring. Naked is also a fashion choice.
posted by sweetkid at 12:31 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
davejay: FWIW, it's not the fashion itself; it is the parent making such a big fuss over it, picking out clothes for them, making sure everything matches, taking them to the high-end stores, and so on. Normalizing that sort of thing, so the kid thinks that's just what they should do with clothes. Which, to be fair with all snark aside, is fine if that's the kind of thing you want your kid to care about. I just think a lot of parents do it because they feel their kids' choices reflect theirs, and you know, that whole keeping-up-with-the-joneses thing.
There's an American Apparel ad that is for their (new?) line of clothing for toddlers, which I guess in most peoples' eyes means dressing them up as "hipsters". My friend works at a restaurant that has a little play area for kids. She told me one day she saw a child there with a Chrome messenger bag and Doc Martens on.
I guess living in Portland, OR there's maybe a larger chance of seeing "hip" children around, but it's a strange sight still. I've witnessed it on the street myself, mostly with these post-punk, greaser couples who're in their 30's and have full sleeved tattoos and a kid. I suspect people want their children to reflect the way they either dress or did dress at one point. It makes me wonder if these kids are going to school dressed this way. I grew up going to a private school for a little bit and I wore uniforms. I rarely saw the way my friends dressed outside of school other than a few close friends, and it was mostly t-shirts and shorts. I personally wore plain colored t-shirts but I had a few that probably had a truck or something on them. If these kids are going to school this way, what does it say to other children? I'd imagine it comes off as a symbol of status either to their classmates or the parents of the classmates. The child obviously isn't going out and buying these clothes themselves.
I had this same discussion with some friends and one of them said that he felt it places an emphasis on materialism to the kid at a young age when maybe they shouldn't, or aren't able to, process materialism, and that it's wrapping up their identity (or lack of one) in such a concept. I agreed, to a point, but I'm largely on the fence. I think for us 20-somethings it's a little strange to see a child dressing the way some of us dress. It took me this long to figure out a "style" that I'm comfortable with, a "look" I wish to present to the world. The way you dress is important as much as a lot of people disagree. My identity is heavily wrapped up in the way I dress due to factors and influences that I obtained as a teenager. I use to be in the hardcore metal scene so I have a lot of shirts with fonts that make it hard for you to read. That was an important part of my life, those shirts provide memories to me and I love them. I have incorporated them into my style in a way that isn't necessarily the way a supposed "punk" kid would, but isn't really "hipster" either. None of my friends have shirts like mine and dress that way, but we all have similarities in our respective styles that reference each other and make it known that we are a "group" of friends. In reality, I'm sure people mostly just look at us as a group of hipsters. Mission failed.
I had to grow up and figure these things out for myself. My parents weren't rich, they couldn't afford to dress me in American Apparel v-necks and tight jeans when I was a kid (but then again they also weren't aware of such things). It's slightly strange to see "Harrington" wearing an outfit that I have worn before, minus the bandana. I have dress shirts in that color, rolled the sleeves up and worn maroon cut-off shorts with them. It took me some time and growing up to figure out that that combination looks good on me, and exposure to different circles of people and socializing and getting compliments or having girlfriends tell me they didn't like my outfit. I know a lot of people probably think that's all really stupid, especially a lot of people my age who "don't care what other people think about them", but I find it important and I don't see anything wrong with that. But then again I'm 24-years-old, surrounded by a bunch of people who're in the same age group as I am.
I don't know what it would be like to dress the way I do currently but to be a young child. I figure because of societal changes that maybe children are maturing faster than I did, or faster than my parents did. Do children these days have a more informed identity than I did when I was their age? When I was a kid I did nothing but play computer games and sit online. I was a total nerd, but that wasn't necessarily part of my identity as a young kid. I started using computers and the internet at a young age because my parents thought it was important for me and because my father used computers in his job. This informed my identity later in life, but not so much as a child. I suspect that children whose parents dress them fashion consciously will be influenced by that later in their lives if there is a big emphasis on it. Likewise, I'm certain there are children who maybe see their older siblings or cousins dressing a certain way and if given availability will dress that way too, for whatever reason. Most likely because they want to be like their cool older brother/sister/cousin. Are they cool because they're older, or because they dress "cool"? When I was a freshman in high school and didn't have any clue on how to style myself and had no identity I remember seeing these kids who were a few grades ahead of me (probably juniors or seniors) and they were dressed "cool". I figured out that they were definitely the indie kids of my school and I so desperately wanted to be friends with them because it was 2003 and I, too, knew about Broken Social Scene and Death Cab for Cutie and a bunch of other bands and in general had an eclectic taste in music but also I wanted to dress like them. It's only now, in my 20's, that I do indeed dress like them (I got sidetracked by the whole hardcore metal scene).
Sorry for the personal meditation on my life and style here, but this is a topic that is vivid in my life and that I have spent some time thinking and writing about in my journal 8)
posted by gucci mane at 12:33 PM on June 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
There's an American Apparel ad that is for their (new?) line of clothing for toddlers, which I guess in most peoples' eyes means dressing them up as "hipsters". My friend works at a restaurant that has a little play area for kids. She told me one day she saw a child there with a Chrome messenger bag and Doc Martens on.
I guess living in Portland, OR there's maybe a larger chance of seeing "hip" children around, but it's a strange sight still. I've witnessed it on the street myself, mostly with these post-punk, greaser couples who're in their 30's and have full sleeved tattoos and a kid. I suspect people want their children to reflect the way they either dress or did dress at one point. It makes me wonder if these kids are going to school dressed this way. I grew up going to a private school for a little bit and I wore uniforms. I rarely saw the way my friends dressed outside of school other than a few close friends, and it was mostly t-shirts and shorts. I personally wore plain colored t-shirts but I had a few that probably had a truck or something on them. If these kids are going to school this way, what does it say to other children? I'd imagine it comes off as a symbol of status either to their classmates or the parents of the classmates. The child obviously isn't going out and buying these clothes themselves.
I had this same discussion with some friends and one of them said that he felt it places an emphasis on materialism to the kid at a young age when maybe they shouldn't, or aren't able to, process materialism, and that it's wrapping up their identity (or lack of one) in such a concept. I agreed, to a point, but I'm largely on the fence. I think for us 20-somethings it's a little strange to see a child dressing the way some of us dress. It took me this long to figure out a "style" that I'm comfortable with, a "look" I wish to present to the world. The way you dress is important as much as a lot of people disagree. My identity is heavily wrapped up in the way I dress due to factors and influences that I obtained as a teenager. I use to be in the hardcore metal scene so I have a lot of shirts with fonts that make it hard for you to read. That was an important part of my life, those shirts provide memories to me and I love them. I have incorporated them into my style in a way that isn't necessarily the way a supposed "punk" kid would, but isn't really "hipster" either. None of my friends have shirts like mine and dress that way, but we all have similarities in our respective styles that reference each other and make it known that we are a "group" of friends. In reality, I'm sure people mostly just look at us as a group of hipsters. Mission failed.
I had to grow up and figure these things out for myself. My parents weren't rich, they couldn't afford to dress me in American Apparel v-necks and tight jeans when I was a kid (but then again they also weren't aware of such things). It's slightly strange to see "Harrington" wearing an outfit that I have worn before, minus the bandana. I have dress shirts in that color, rolled the sleeves up and worn maroon cut-off shorts with them. It took me some time and growing up to figure out that that combination looks good on me, and exposure to different circles of people and socializing and getting compliments or having girlfriends tell me they didn't like my outfit. I know a lot of people probably think that's all really stupid, especially a lot of people my age who "don't care what other people think about them", but I find it important and I don't see anything wrong with that. But then again I'm 24-years-old, surrounded by a bunch of people who're in the same age group as I am.
I don't know what it would be like to dress the way I do currently but to be a young child. I figure because of societal changes that maybe children are maturing faster than I did, or faster than my parents did. Do children these days have a more informed identity than I did when I was their age? When I was a kid I did nothing but play computer games and sit online. I was a total nerd, but that wasn't necessarily part of my identity as a young kid. I started using computers and the internet at a young age because my parents thought it was important for me and because my father used computers in his job. This informed my identity later in life, but not so much as a child. I suspect that children whose parents dress them fashion consciously will be influenced by that later in their lives if there is a big emphasis on it. Likewise, I'm certain there are children who maybe see their older siblings or cousins dressing a certain way and if given availability will dress that way too, for whatever reason. Most likely because they want to be like their cool older brother/sister/cousin. Are they cool because they're older, or because they dress "cool"? When I was a freshman in high school and didn't have any clue on how to style myself and had no identity I remember seeing these kids who were a few grades ahead of me (probably juniors or seniors) and they were dressed "cool". I figured out that they were definitely the indie kids of my school and I so desperately wanted to be friends with them because it was 2003 and I, too, knew about Broken Social Scene and Death Cab for Cutie and a bunch of other bands and in general had an eclectic taste in music but also I wanted to dress like them. It's only now, in my 20's, that I do indeed dress like them (I got sidetracked by the whole hardcore metal scene).
Sorry for the personal meditation on my life and style here, but this is a topic that is vivid in my life and that I have spent some time thinking and writing about in my journal 8)
posted by gucci mane at 12:33 PM on June 19, 2013 [4 favorites]
I have heard reports of actual children in fedoras in NYC.
posted by mike_bling at 12:41 PM on June 19, 2013
posted by mike_bling at 12:41 PM on June 19, 2013
I have heard reports of actual children in fedoras in NYC.
Ridiculous, everyone knows children should wear porkpie hats.
posted by Area Man at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
Ridiculous, everyone knows children should wear porkpie hats.
posted by Area Man at 1:05 PM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
I have heard reports of actual children in fedoras in NYC.
Retro babies say "huh" and "eh?"
posted by mrgrimm at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2013
Retro babies say "huh" and "eh?"
posted by mrgrimm at 1:16 PM on June 19, 2013
May I please entice all of you, every single one, to read the companion book to this Pinterest board: Anagrams, by Lorrie Moore?
(The last, novella-length story is the relevant one, but you should read start to finish for maximum impact.)
posted by mudpuppie at 1:17 PM on June 19, 2013
(The last, novella-length story is the relevant one, but you should read start to finish for maximum impact.)
posted by mudpuppie at 1:17 PM on June 19, 2013
If I had access to it right now, I would totes post a picture of toddler me in wee Highland dress and a tam o shanter. No, I'm not remotely Scottish, mom just thought it was hilarious.
posted by octobersurprise at 1:18 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by octobersurprise at 1:18 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Anyone else find this as smug and pretentious as the people it's trying to make fun of?
posted by TheFlamingoKing at 1:37 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by TheFlamingoKing at 1:37 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Wes Anderson is going to turn Quinoa's life into a movie, isn't he?
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:38 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:38 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
So I would dearly love to dress my boys well, but the fundamental blocker to that idea is that they grow like weeds and we do not have unlimited time or finances to find Just The Right Shirt at a thrift store.
Because, otherwise, anything that fits either of them right now will most likely not fit them in a month, and so we go for inexpensive and durable. The 8-year-old gets the new stuff, the 3-year-old gets the old stuff, and by the time he's done with it it's donation fodder or trashed.
I mean, I love the idea, and I love looking at the pictures, but I can't help thinking that the parents of these kids must have a shit-ton of disposable income and, more importantly, disposable time.
posted by scrump at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
Because, otherwise, anything that fits either of them right now will most likely not fit them in a month, and so we go for inexpensive and durable. The 8-year-old gets the new stuff, the 3-year-old gets the old stuff, and by the time he's done with it it's donation fodder or trashed.
I mean, I love the idea, and I love looking at the pictures, but I can't help thinking that the parents of these kids must have a shit-ton of disposable income and, more importantly, disposable time.
posted by scrump at 1:50 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
the parents of these kids must have a shit-ton of disposable income and, more importantly, disposable time.
A lot of these are modeling shots.
posted by sweetkid at 1:52 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
A lot of these are modeling shots.
posted by sweetkid at 1:52 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
It's like Anthroparodie for kids' clothes! I can't get over the names of Quinoa's friends.
posted by purple_bird at 2:02 PM on June 19, 2013
posted by purple_bird at 2:02 PM on June 19, 2013
I've never understood parents who have the time (or money) to dress their toddlers like that. I have two toddlers and I'm happy if I can get them into something without obvious stains on it.
posted by Dr. Twist at 2:22 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Dr. Twist at 2:22 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
His choice this morning was eye-watering; multicolored tie-dye shirt 2 sizes too big, long black cotton shorts with green dayglo skulls, and unstrapped brown sandals.
Your kid is an IT guy?
posted by bongo_x at 2:23 PM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
Your kid is an IT guy?
posted by bongo_x at 2:23 PM on June 19, 2013 [6 favorites]
Yeah, most of these are commercial models.
I would dearly love to dress my boys well, but the fundamental blocker to that idea is that they grow like weeds and we do not have unlimited time or finances to find Just The Right Shirt at a thrift store.
Seriously. The growing is the thing. There's ZERO point in spending money on nice kids clothes unless there is a wedding or something to go to.
posted by mrgrimm at 2:29 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
I would dearly love to dress my boys well, but the fundamental blocker to that idea is that they grow like weeds and we do not have unlimited time or finances to find Just The Right Shirt at a thrift store.
Seriously. The growing is the thing. There's ZERO point in spending money on nice kids clothes unless there is a wedding or something to go to.
posted by mrgrimm at 2:29 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
Wes Anderson is going to turn Quinoa's life into a movie, isn't he?
Yes, with Bill Murray as the surly-yet-enchanting concierge of Quinoa's building.
posted by octobersurprise at 2:33 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yes, with Bill Murray as the surly-yet-enchanting concierge of Quinoa's building.
posted by octobersurprise at 2:33 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I would love it if the Quinoa movie, like the Pinterest, had her always being played by girls of different races, hair color, age, etc in different scenes of the movie. Never the same Quinoa.
posted by sweetkid at 2:37 PM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by sweetkid at 2:37 PM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]
FWIW, it's not the fashion itself; it is the parent making such a big fuss over it, picking out clothes for them, making sure everything matches, taking them to the high-end stores, and so on
It's not even the parents -- it's the people whose jobs it is .... following with all seriousness "what's trending" and at least partially believing that creating expensive distinctions is in some way worthwhile and laudatory. That it MATTERS.
posted by vitabellosi at 3:41 PM on June 19, 2013
It's not even the parents -- it's the people whose jobs it is .... following with all seriousness "what's trending" and at least partially believing that creating expensive distinctions is in some way worthwhile and laudatory. That it MATTERS.
posted by vitabellosi at 3:41 PM on June 19, 2013
There's an American Apparel ad that is for their (new?) line of clothing for toddlers, which I guess in most peoples' eyes means dressing them up as "hipsters".
Woe, my poor little 7-month old is never going to fit in baby skinny jeans.
posted by Hoopo at 4:21 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Woe, my poor little 7-month old is never going to fit in baby skinny jeans.
posted by Hoopo at 4:21 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
There's ZERO point in spending money on nice kids clothes unless there is a wedding or something to go to.
Agreed. Costco pajamas, man. $6.99 and she fucking loves them, it doesn't matter that she's been through 3 sizes already at that price.
posted by Hoopo at 4:35 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Agreed. Costco pajamas, man. $6.99 and she fucking loves them, it doesn't matter that she's been through 3 sizes already at that price.
posted by Hoopo at 4:35 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I bought my daughter's summer wardrobe at Target this year. In case you haven't seen what's hip at Target for the 6-8 year old set, it's all rainbow foil, neon colors, sequins and rhinestones. Tacky as hell. Whatever, she's six and she loves that shit, I got it all.
We went for a playdate with Quinoa, whose mom remarked acidly on the mass-market appeal of my daughter's clothing. "Oh, yes," I responded coolly. "I believe in letting my daughter self-actualize through her clothing choices. She lives life large."
I have no idea what I meant by this, but it got Quinoa's mom to shut up.
posted by KathrynT at 6:19 PM on June 19, 2013 [17 favorites]
We went for a playdate with Quinoa, whose mom remarked acidly on the mass-market appeal of my daughter's clothing. "Oh, yes," I responded coolly. "I believe in letting my daughter self-actualize through her clothing choices. She lives life large."
I have no idea what I meant by this, but it got Quinoa's mom to shut up.
posted by KathrynT at 6:19 PM on June 19, 2013 [17 favorites]
KathrynT, I love all your mom stories. You sound awesome.
posted by sweetkid at 6:28 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by sweetkid at 6:28 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
Quinoa has toys made out of wood.
posted by Artw at 6:34 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Artw at 6:34 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm never going to look at the food item quinoa again without thinking about fashion.
posted by sweetkid at 6:55 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by sweetkid at 6:55 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
This is probably shallow of me, but it kind of amazes me how the go-to look for child models now is brown hair and olive skin. I remember being a kid and being kind of sad about the fact that all (white?) girls in the media seemed to have very pale complexions and either light blond or dark brunette hair. Seriously, I remember thinking something was wrong with me.
Not that I was remotely as gorgeous as these kids (I certainly didn't have the apathetic look down pat), but it kind of blows me away how much little girls are taught to be worried about their looks and how they match up with media images. I'm sure there are pale girls with just plain blond or black or red hair seeing pictures like this and thinking there must be something wrong with them.
This is not intended to be a social commentary on the Quinoa phenomenon. Just an observation about the current "look" for child models.
posted by Sara C. at 6:56 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
Not that I was remotely as gorgeous as these kids (I certainly didn't have the apathetic look down pat), but it kind of blows me away how much little girls are taught to be worried about their looks and how they match up with media images. I'm sure there are pale girls with just plain blond or black or red hair seeing pictures like this and thinking there must be something wrong with them.
This is not intended to be a social commentary on the Quinoa phenomenon. Just an observation about the current "look" for child models.
posted by Sara C. at 6:56 PM on June 19, 2013 [2 favorites]
Those of you who are parents who would love to dress your kids like this but can't afford it need to get yourselves some spinster aunties. Because we have the disposable income to make this happen. I can always be counted on to buy the least practical, most ridiculous items for my nieces and nephews. Does a 2 year old need a leather motorcycle jacket and furry ear flap hat? Probably not but it sure is cute! Does my niece need an all-white faux fur jacket to wear to Christmas Eve church services ("Um, maybe open that one a little early?")? Nope, but she rocked that thing like the diva I hope she grows up to be.*
If I had a kid none of this would be practical and I know their parents are all over buying as many boring t-shirts and sweatpants at $4.99 as possible because that's the day-to-day reality. But when Auntie MeMe's around? FASHION SHOW! FASHION SHOW!
* I did draw a line once when my mother said "The boy needs jeans, please get some jeans" and I went into my local kiddie boutique to buy some. They had Rock and Republic baby jeans for $70. That was too much for me "Sorry, but... he's going to POOP IN THESE." Off to Baby GAP sale rack for that one.
posted by marylynn at 7:58 PM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
If I had a kid none of this would be practical and I know their parents are all over buying as many boring t-shirts and sweatpants at $4.99 as possible because that's the day-to-day reality. But when Auntie MeMe's around? FASHION SHOW! FASHION SHOW!
* I did draw a line once when my mother said "The boy needs jeans, please get some jeans" and I went into my local kiddie boutique to buy some. They had Rock and Republic baby jeans for $70. That was too much for me "Sorry, but... he's going to POOP IN THESE." Off to Baby GAP sale rack for that one.
posted by marylynn at 7:58 PM on June 19, 2013 [8 favorites]
I would dress my never-to-exist future toddlers in some sort of bleak shapeless stalinist unitard as an obnoxious social statement. They would carry around a grimy beet for maximum authenticity.
posted by elizardbits at 1:57 PM on June 19
You should probably shop Skyler Berman's yard sale.
posted by peagood at 8:05 PM on June 19, 2013
posted by elizardbits at 1:57 PM on June 19
You should probably shop Skyler Berman's yard sale.
posted by peagood at 8:05 PM on June 19, 2013
yea see, somehow I like Quinoa's pinterest but think Suri's Burn Book is uncomfortable and a little mean.
posted by sweetkid at 8:09 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by sweetkid at 8:09 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
i don't think that baby truly represents the sartorial struggle of the proletariat
sry
posted by elizardbits at 8:12 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
sry
posted by elizardbits at 8:12 PM on June 19, 2013 [3 favorites]
I'm never going to look at the food item quinoa again without thinking about fashion.
I can help you here. Quinoa: the delicious food that looks like condoms for gerbils.
You're welcome.
posted by ocschwar at 8:22 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
I can help you here. Quinoa: the delicious food that looks like condoms for gerbils.
You're welcome.
posted by ocschwar at 8:22 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
speaking of rodent genitalia
hamsters have comically immense nuts
posted by elizardbits at 8:29 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
hamsters have comically immense nuts
posted by elizardbits at 8:29 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]
This reminds me of the children in Bertie's class in Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series. Their names include Tofu, Olive, Larch, Hiawatha... (Tofu's parents are vegans, and according to Olive, his mother died of starvation.)
posted by lollusc at 2:15 AM on June 20, 2013
posted by lollusc at 2:15 AM on June 20, 2013
Woe, my poor little 7-month old is never going to fit in baby skinny jeans.
Any kid named Woe has hipster already built in.
posted by scalefree at 6:16 AM on June 20, 2013 [5 favorites]
Any kid named Woe has hipster already built in.
posted by scalefree at 6:16 AM on June 20, 2013 [5 favorites]
There's ZERO point in spending money on nice kids clothes unless there is a wedding or something to go to.
Agreed. Costco pajamas, man. $6.99 and she fucking loves them, it doesn't matter that she's been through 3 sizes already at that price.
I'm going to correct myself here and say it's worth it to spend more on pajamas without flame retardant, although I don't think you have to anymore. The major manufacturers and state governments have FINALLY caught on.
Also, I'm gonna backtrack on the ZERO point claim. If you like to dress well and want to dress your kids well, who the fuck am I to tell you there's no point to it.
we do not have unlimited time or finances
And to be truthful, the former is almost more important than the latter (to a point). The growing thing is a double-edged sword: there is a shitload of awesome used kids clothing for cheap ... if you can find it and have the time to search, search, search.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:49 AM on June 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
Agreed. Costco pajamas, man. $6.99 and she fucking loves them, it doesn't matter that she's been through 3 sizes already at that price.
I'm going to correct myself here and say it's worth it to spend more on pajamas without flame retardant, although I don't think you have to anymore. The major manufacturers and state governments have FINALLY caught on.
Also, I'm gonna backtrack on the ZERO point claim. If you like to dress well and want to dress your kids well, who the fuck am I to tell you there's no point to it.
we do not have unlimited time or finances
And to be truthful, the former is almost more important than the latter (to a point). The growing thing is a double-edged sword: there is a shitload of awesome used kids clothing for cheap ... if you can find it and have the time to search, search, search.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:49 AM on June 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
We went for a playdate with Quinoa, whose mom remarked acidly on the mass-market appeal of my daughter's clothing.
I'm curious what she said. That seems incredibly rude.
Those of you who are parents who would love to dress your kids like this but can't afford it need to get yourselves some spinster aunties.
The problem is not finding people willing to buy your kids clothes. (Hi, Grandmas.)
The problem is finding people willing to buy your kids clothes that look GOOD.
Woe, my poor little 7-month old is never going to fit in baby skinny jeans.
LOL. Just try 'em with cloth diapers. My little girl always looks like an extra for the Baby Got Back video.
I'm in Berkeley and SF and haven't really seen the crunchy name thing yet (maybe it's a NY thing?). "Lily" and "Emma/Emmy" seems to be the most popular girls' names, and "Jacob" and "Liam" are definitely rolling for boys.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:54 AM on June 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm curious what she said. That seems incredibly rude.
Those of you who are parents who would love to dress your kids like this but can't afford it need to get yourselves some spinster aunties.
The problem is not finding people willing to buy your kids clothes. (Hi, Grandmas.)
The problem is finding people willing to buy your kids clothes that look GOOD.
Woe, my poor little 7-month old is never going to fit in baby skinny jeans.
LOL. Just try 'em with cloth diapers. My little girl always looks like an extra for the Baby Got Back video.
I'm in Berkeley and SF and haven't really seen the crunchy name thing yet (maybe it's a NY thing?). "Lily" and "Emma/Emmy" seems to be the most popular girls' names, and "Jacob" and "Liam" are definitely rolling for boys.
posted by mrgrimm at 8:54 AM on June 20, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm curious what she said. That seems incredibly rude.
Something along the lines of "Oh my, what a . . . bright. . . outfit! Is that really all that was available?" So, yes, quite rude, frankly.
posted by KathrynT at 9:28 AM on June 20, 2013
Something along the lines of "Oh my, what a . . . bright. . . outfit! Is that really all that was available?" So, yes, quite rude, frankly.
posted by KathrynT at 9:28 AM on June 20, 2013
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posted by elizardbits at 10:07 AM on June 19, 2013 [5 favorites]