Online shopping: An Inner Dialogue

Vests
Boots

Here is the problem with online shopping during the holidays. I try so hard to keep my attention focused on all the gifts I need to buy for others, but then the incredible sales suck me in. I start browsing for stuff I don't need and begin my own internal dialogue:

Me: "Plaid flannel shirts! You've been wanting to get a plaid flannel shirt!"

Myself: "Teal, you are shopping for others. Move on."

Me: "But look at the price! So cheap! What about pairing it with this fur vest?"

Myself: "Fur vests are a fading trend. I don't need it."

Me: "You deserve a fur vest! And ankle boots!"

Myself: "No! Now stop it!"

Me: "You can at least afford an infinity scarf, right? Or some aviators?"

Myself: "Well, I do need protection from the elements this winter. I mean, safety first..."

I am so strong-willed and so weak at the same time.

The Twenty Year Cycle

When I was in high school in the '90's, bell bottoms were in style. It was when my mom told me about all the bell bottoms she wore in the '70's that it hit me: fashion is on a twenty year cycle. What we as teens see as visionary and brand new is really just a retread version of the trend of the moment that women wore two decades prior. A recent trip to Forever 21 cemented this revelation. Kelly Kapowski and Donna Martin were never more in style than they are now. Observe:



Flowered sports bras as shirts - not so bad when your jeans cover your belly button.



High-waisted faded denim - not just your mom's jean.



Tight floral Lycra minis - the print is almost identical to Donna's dress. And don't even get me counting the number of blazers in this picture...oh, whoops.

As I smugly looked at the store full of crop tops, leggings and floral prints from my youth, I wondered what young girls will take from our current decade when it is twenty years from now and trot out like it is a new concept. Then I realized I sounded old and bought two pairs of bright pants just to stay relevant.

And of course, in my Google searches for images, I came across this. As a child of the '90's, I'm legally obligated to share:

Christmas Wish List for Baby

It's Keagan's first Christmas, which means that Mommy and Daddy are bound to go overboard. Lights, decorations and of course, presents, will be in abundance. I'm trying to resist every 50% off sale sign I see. Even with great deals, a wallet can easily be blown out due in the midst of Christmas cheer. To keep myself in check, I've prepared a little list of things on Santa's list for my little toddler.

Green Toys Sand Play Set

Beaches surround us, not to mention sandboxes at the three local parks within walking distance of our home. I'd love to give him the tools to help foster his creativity.

Books, particularly Sandra Boynton

Board books are perfect for an 11-month-old and I'm a big fan of Sandra Boynton. While he is rapidly becoming more interested in what's inside the books (Snuggle Puppy has become an instant classic in our household), chewing on the outside continues to be the priority.

Deluxe Mini Play Cube by Anatex

This is our one big-ticket item, but from first-hand experience, I can say it is worth it. Keagan was absorbed in this cube for a solid half-hour, tinkering with all the knobs and letters. Anything that can capture his attention and stimulate his mind and hand-eye coordination for that long is worth investing in.

Fisher Price I Can Play Basketball

Speaking of hand-eye coordination, have I ever mentioned that basketball is my favorite sport? Did I also mention that my son is in the 105 percentile on height? I'm not going to be some crazy sport parent, but there is a solid genetic chance that my son will love basketball just as much as 6'5" Daddy and 5'11" Mommy. I'm all about providing the opportunities to try it out! College recruiters, get in line now and bring your athletic and academic scholarship offers with you.

Stride Rite Brayden Hook and Loop

And since this is technically a style site, I'm throwing in some kid fashion. Keagan is throwing himself from ottoman to couch these days with a solid 2-3 unassisted steps in between. Shoes now become a priority. I love Stride Rites - good quality, easy to slip on and off and great support for his developing balance. They can be pricey, but I have seen pairs on sale at Nordstrom Rack for very reasonable prices. And how cute are baby shoes, honestly? I let loose a big SQUEE every time I see them.

What is on your holiday list for the little ones?