When I think of affordable chic trendy clothes, Forever 21 comes to mind. When I’m up for the hunt, I’ll browse the racks for cute tops but usually avoid their way-too-skinny jeans. And I definitely check out the accessories. But between the groups of teenage girls clumped at different spots in the stores, the popular crowded fitting rooms and the over-picked racks, shopping at Forever 21 can be an adventure.
My daughter just turned 10 and soon enough she will be the one shopping at Forever 21 with her friends. So I was a little shocked when I heard about their new marketing strategy to sell maternity clothes in their stores under their Love 21 Maternity label. As a teenager, I loved to experiment with clothes but not to necessarily pay designer prices. I still do, and I see the same qualities in my daughter. Forever 21 was always a good option to express your inner fashionista without going broke. But this new move makes me think twice about going to their stores with my 10-year-old.
As a mom trying to balance fashion freedom, self-expression and a focus on higher education and setting goals, I’m conflicted by the message of making maternity clothes readily available where your shopper’s average age is between 14-22 – at least that’s who I see when I shop at Forever 21. My daughter is already surrounded with Hannah Montana all grown up cuddling with her boyfriend, i-Carly kissing a boy in his room, and while she doesn’t watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager, the continual advertising for this show on the Disney Channel is a constant reminder that teenage sex and pregnancy is becoming too much of a norm for today’s generation.
I am in constant battle with the barrage of images and often conflicting messages (i.e., Bristol Palin’s abstinence ads after having her baby) that surround my children, I don’t need the added pressure of having to explain why the cute mini skirt is right next to the spandex-banded maternity jeans. However, it does open a dialogue, and we can always talk. A conversation. Imagine that.
I think for now, we’ll be doing a little less shopping at Forever 21 and a little more girl talk.
~Muriel
My daughter just turned 10 and soon enough she will be the one shopping at Forever 21 with her friends. So I was a little shocked when I heard about their new marketing strategy to sell maternity clothes in their stores under their Love 21 Maternity label. As a teenager, I loved to experiment with clothes but not to necessarily pay designer prices. I still do, and I see the same qualities in my daughter. Forever 21 was always a good option to express your inner fashionista without going broke. But this new move makes me think twice about going to their stores with my 10-year-old.
As a mom trying to balance fashion freedom, self-expression and a focus on higher education and setting goals, I’m conflicted by the message of making maternity clothes readily available where your shopper’s average age is between 14-22 – at least that’s who I see when I shop at Forever 21. My daughter is already surrounded with Hannah Montana all grown up cuddling with her boyfriend, i-Carly kissing a boy in his room, and while she doesn’t watch The Secret Life of the American Teenager, the continual advertising for this show on the Disney Channel is a constant reminder that teenage sex and pregnancy is becoming too much of a norm for today’s generation.
I am in constant battle with the barrage of images and often conflicting messages (i.e., Bristol Palin’s abstinence ads after having her baby) that surround my children, I don’t need the added pressure of having to explain why the cute mini skirt is right next to the spandex-banded maternity jeans. However, it does open a dialogue, and we can always talk. A conversation. Imagine that.
I think for now, we’ll be doing a little less shopping at Forever 21 and a little more girl talk.
~Muriel
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