These six words always make me smile. “Mommy, we want to dress up!”
They typically are followed by giggles, a rush to various boxes containing dress-up clothing and a rustle of fabric. My four-year-old twin daughters certainly love sorting through the contents of their costume bins. Soon tutus, superhero capes, dresses, jackets, necklaces and tiaras are strewn on the floor as the girls look for just the right pieces to create an outfit. Their desire to express who they want to be in that moment knows no bounds. Both parade around all dolled up in frothy tulle, shimmering beads and sometimes even a petite graduation cap.
Throughout time the game of dress-up has enabled children to pretend to be someone or something else. Perhaps a parent, a favorite character from a book or even the family pet. When I was little, I too loved this pastime. In my dress-up trunk was combination of goodies that came from my grandmother’s closet and costumes from past dance recitals. The mixture of ornate kids’ outfits and elegant grown-up clothing sparked my creativity. So much so, that my early love of fabrics, texture and color planted the seeds for my career in Fashion Design as an adult.
I have wonderful childhood memories of playdates with friends where we donned floral printed wraps, Amish bonnets and shoes my mother had contributed to the mix. We sure felt fancy! I grew up in New York City’s far West Village. Sometimes now I wonder what our neighbors thought when catching a glimpse of my mother strolling to the corner deli with little kids decked out in faux fur wraps, cowboy hats and oversized sequin handbags. Always a good sport, my mom let us dress to the nines as we tagged along on her daily errands.
Years later, I am now raising my twins in Manhattan. A favorite spot of my daughters is “Let’s Dress Up.” Located in the city’s Upper East Side, this princess themed play space is like stepping into a fairytale. Bejeweled dresses line almost half the entire length of one wall. Children can choose which gown they want to wear. Once on, whether it be shimmery, gauzy or velvety, the fantasy has begun. Next, little attendees gather round to choose beaded necklaces, sparkly clip on earrings, jewel encrusted crowns, glitzy purses and sparkly shoes. After their fingernails are painted with glitter nail polish, the various princesses sit down for a royal tea party. They chat and giggle. I love observing all the fun, but part of me would like to join in.
I guess, like many women, my love of dressing up has never ended. Only now the high heeled suede boots in the closet are mine, and not my mother’s. They fit properly, instead of being many sizes too big. And yes, I certainly have worn them to the corner deli…along with a sparkly necklace or two!
