Let’s assume you have already tried the shopping-together scenario, where you and your teen visit their favorite store—only for you to have a heart attack over both the cost and appearance of the clothes they pick out.

“You cannot wear THAT to school,” you say.

“But Mom, EVERYONE is wearing these!”

“Well, I am NOT going to pay that much money for a pair of jeans with holes in them!”

This is followed, of course, by the dramatic eye rolls, crossed arms, and a tear-streaked, red face that highlights just how uncool you are. The next step? Considering whether to give your teenager a clothing allowance. Should you do it?

There are several benefits to giving your teen a clothing allowance. For one, giving them $200 and expecting them to find a week’s worth of school outfits will definitely teach them the value of money. They’ll quickly realize that $200 doesn’t go far—especially when shopping at Abercrombie for tattered jeans. If they blow their entire allowance on just two or three items, you’ll have to be the bad guy and let them learn from their mistakes. It’s amazing how appealing Walmart might start to look after that experience. And no teen wants to show up at school wearing the same outfit twice in a week.

Another advantage of handing over control of their clothing purchases is that it can eliminate the awkwardness that often comes with shopping together. As a parent, it stings to know your child is embarrassed by you, but this is a normal part of their development. Try to overlook it for now. Giving them this freedom also allows them to develop their own sense of style (even if it frustrates you) and learn how to dress themselves appropriately. Will you always like what you see? Probably not, but as long as their clothing choices fit within the school dress code, you should remain open-minded. Think back to your own teenage years—remember those awkward ensembles and wrinkled outfits that made your mother cringe? Your best hope is that, with time, they’ll develop better taste.

A final benefit is that your teen may learn how to shop smart. They might start bargain hunting, using coupons, or even saving up for the items they really want. If you provide an allowance that only covers the bare essentials and tell them they must work or do chores for extras, chances are they’ll start looking for sales, trading clothes with friends, or shopping at high-end thrift stores to stretch their money. These are valuable financial skills that will serve them well throughout life.

The Cons of a Clothing Allowance

Of course, there are downsides. You’ll likely still end up buying essentials like underwear, shoes, and bras because they won’t want to spend their money on those everyday items. There’s also the possibility of unexpected purchases that go against your moral standards, which could lead to arguments and forced returns. Stick to your guns—don’t let your child dress inappropriately, even if it means a battle.

Another challenge is accepting that they’re growing up and making their own decisions. But if you never allow them to make choices, take risks, or learn from their mistakes, they won’t develop good decision-making skills—something far worse in the long run. Try to be proud of them, even when they spend money in ways you don’t approve of. Most importantly, if you set a clothing allowance, stick to it. If you constantly give them more money when they run out, you’re not teaching them anything valuable about budgeting.

Should You Let Your Teen Shop Alone?

This brings up another question: should you allow your teen to shop alone? Many states in the U.S. have laws prohibiting minors under 18 from being unescorted in malls and shopping centers. The days of dropping your teen off for a solo shopping trip, lunch, and a movie with friends are largely over. Before you leave them at the mall, check with the mall authority regarding their policies. These laws exist for a reason—to protect both you and your teen.

That said, you don’t have to embarrass your teen by hovering over them in the store. Instead, stay a few feet away, allowing them some independence while being close enough to supervise. This way, they won’t have to endure the horror of a classmate reporting that they were caught shopping with their mom or dad.

One final tip: the more you dislike an item your teen chooses, the more determined they’ll be to buy or wear it. If they make a poor purchase with their allowance, resist the urge to intervene. Instead, smile, shrug, and let them learn from their mistake. As long as their outfit is appropriate and doesn’t cross major boundaries, let them experience the consequences of their own fashion choices. These real-life lessons about money, shopping, and keeping up appearances will stick with them far longer than any lecture.

So, go ahead—be brave! Giving your teen a clothing allowance may be frustrating at first, but it’s a worthwhile experience in the long run.

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So, how many shoes does a woman really need?

Many decades ago, women (and men) pretty much had one pair of shoes that were designed to not only support the foot but also to last the course of a year. If you were doing well financially, you had maybe two to three pairs of shoes. Shoes back then were made of leather (and by hand) and were not designed with fashion in mind. If you go back to your parent’s generation, the average pairs of shoes owned by women were 3 pairs. 20 years ago, women owned around 3-5 pairs of shoes. Of course when women officially hit the professional workforce, the shoe industry experienced one of the highest growths every recorded and shoes started becoming more of a fashion statement than a necessity. Even in recent years with the recession, show purchases among women alone equaled an estimated 42 BILLION dollars per year.

Today, a Reuter’s poll shows that most typical middle class women proudly own at least 19 pairs of shoes. 19, doesn’t sound so bad does it – especially when you consider having a pair of shoes in every color to match your outfits. Plus, you need shoes to work out in and enough pairs of flip-flops to make those pedicures worth the money. Yet the same poll also indicated that around 60% of the average female population owned around 30 pairs of shoes and many own hundreds of not several hundreds of pairs of shoes. The worst part is that on average most women admitted to only actually wearing 4 different pairs of shoes per year. Still those stilettos, sling backs, boots, and flats sit happily in the closet and are admittedly a result of impulse shopping.

Around 7 out of 10 women polled admitted to hiding the shoe purchases from their mate, because they knew at the gut level that they already had too many pairs of shoes. Yet, this guilt doesn’t stop them from buying more. Why? Psychoanalysts say the reason is pretty straightforward. Shoes, unlike clothes, fit well. A woman can go into a store and try on a pair of shoes without feeling guilty about gaining a few pounds or experiencing the stunted self-confidence that results from realizing that they cannot button up a pair of Size 10 jeans. On the contrary, the shoes always fit. And, for many women conditioned to doing for others, a shoe purchase is something they can justify as ‘just for them.’

Plus, with shows like Sex and the City, and even makeover programs like What Not to Wear women are becoming increasingly aware of the power of shoes. Let’s be honest, the sex appeal of a woman wearing black stiletto heels is undeniable for both sexes.

The medical term for people addicted to shoe shopping (and buying) is omnio-mania. The Greek word translates literally to shopping insanity and afflicts an estimated 31% of the female population. Sadly, if the woman in your life has too many shoes it could signify an emotional or psychological problem, especially if this shopping habit stresses the budget or takes precedence over more important financial responsibilities. Psychologists also link excessive shoe buying back to childhood feelings of not feeling supported or taken care of by their parents. The larger issue of excessive shoe compulsions also is evident in theories of consumerism, where having more is often seen as a measurable way to move up the social ladder.

Additionally, considering the fact that women are willing to jeopardize their health and endure bunions and blisters (and are the number one suffers of health problems related to ill fitting footwear) in order to wear stunning shoes – it seems relevant to surmise that women and shoes often go together as happily as peanut butter and jelly.

And then of course, there is another reason. Perhaps some women just love shoes and just love being able to style up their wardrobe by having the abundant option of pairing their favorite jeans with red cowboy boots, heels or a pair of humble ballet flats depending upon their mood.

How many shoes does a woman really NEED? If you are bartering the subject of needs versus wants, the answer would be dependant upon lifestyle and climate. Seemingly, any person could get away with wearing one pair of tennis shoes all year long with every outfit. Add a pair of flip-flops and some black flats and seemingly, she would have adequate footwear to pertain to any occasion. Yet, try to explain this to your wife or girlfriend (or daughter) and chances are she would be hard pressed to believe it. After all, life is definitely better with gold cowboy boots!

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Twins come born in with the characteristic of constantly trying to prove their individuality; and are often stymied in their attempts to be their own person by parents who think that since they were born together, they are the same. Lets be frank, there is nothing more disgusting than a mother of twin girls who sends them out in public in the same outfits all the time. Yet, in every elementary school across the United States – there is likely one set of twins whose mom is capitalizing on the attention that being a twin draws. This not only makes it hard for your girls to blossom, but makes it hard for peers to see the sisters as something besides a package deal. Since this article is about buying clothes for twin girls – we will divide the tips into sections based on age with the purpose of supporting both individuality and being economical.

The First Year of Life

During this year, it is okay to dress them the same. Sure, it’s cute and fun and looks good in pictures. However, in order to get the most for your money – you should buy clothes that are practical. Instead of shopping for each girl – go out and buy 4 sleepers, 10 long sleeve onesies with different designs, 12 pairs of socks and enough gowns or pajamas to get you through several days. You should definitely spend the bulk of your clothing allowance on clothes that are both durable and that wash well, because you will be doing a lot of laundry. Resist clothes like jeans, lacey dresses, and ruffled frocks that will cause them to be irritable. Instead, find just a few outfits for special occasions. Whether you want them just alike or not is up to you. But remember that the general public will not be able to tell your twins apart, regardless of what they wear and despite the fact that they are fraternal twins. The nature of the beast when it comes to twins is that even with different color eyes and hair; people assume they are mirrors of one another.

The majority of twins are born small. Yet like any other advice when it comes to buying clothes for infant, you will do a lot better buying clothes big. Savvy moms know that newborn outfits are simply a wasted expense because few babies fit into them for more than a week or two. Some never do. Instead, choose outfits in the 3-6 month range which will give them some longevity in the closet. If one twin is bigger than the other is – that the smaller twin will be fine receiving the hand me downs. Just make sure to filter the pictures you put in the album so that they don’t give you a hard time when they are teenagers.

Pre-School

By this point, your twin girls have an opinion. Even a two year old knows what color they like and will try and pick out clothes for themselves. Yet, many twins in the pre-school age group are still dressed alike like dolls. If this is what your girls want, than go ahead and indulge it. However – if they seem to be developing different tastes and want different things, you owe it to yourself to let them be different. Another tip is to find clothes that aren’t too expensive. Toddlers and pre-school children are notorious for ruining clothes! Mix and match outfits made out of cotton knits are perfect on the pocket book, adorable and can double your twin wardrobe. By this point, if you haven’t already – you should give your twin girls a space all their own. Even if they share a room or closet, start dividing it to give each of the girls some ownership and individuality. Some clothes, especially if they picked them out themselves, should be worn exclusively by the twin who chose it. If you forget, certainly your girls will remind you.

When buying clothes for twin girls, instead of buying two of everything, which is common in the twin world, buy clothes in different colors. Having enough pairs of colored pants, jeans, jumpers and dressers can help you build a twin wardrobe without a lot of money. And of course, every set of twin girls needs some adorable shirt that they can wear with a cliché twin saying on it. You might as well do that type of stuff now, because when they get a little older – they may not allow you to do it.

No matter if you dress your children alike or let them pick out their own clothes, you should make sure each twin has their own pairs of shoes that they don’t share. Pediatricians recommend children don’t share shoes because it can be bad for their feet, especially if your twins are different sizes or weights.

Elementary and Beyond

Buying clothes for twin girls, as they get older is easier, but nonetheless expensive. When they are old enough to shop with you, let them have some say so in their clothes. At some point, they may appreciate the fact that since there is two of them; they can double their wardrobe options by sharing. Please, for your girls sake – get out of the routine of dressings your twins like twins. Many twin girls grow up this way and don’t realize that the rest of the school is laughing at them. There comes a time, when it is important to realize their individuality through clothing and let go of the clone wars that twin moms often have with themselves. You had two children at once, not one child who divided into two.

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It is important to think about your reasons for buying children’s jewelry, especially if they are very young. Although the crystal-adorned, 14K gold nugget necklace may be just as precious as your child, it might not be worth the money. Remember, jewelers and marketers know that at this stage in your parenting journey, you are under the spell that money doesn’t matter. In fact, you may find that keepsake pieces commemorating birth or the first years of life are more costly than items that many adult women would wear. Also, realize before you buy that many young babies are extremely allergic to metals, even precious ones, and are unable to wear jewelry around their wrists or necks without breaking out.

With a toddler, it is nice to purchase them something or give them a gift; however, it is not so smart to allow them to wear it. Think about how they destroy clothes in the course of a day, and you’ll see how silly it is to expect them to keep a precious necklace or pair of earrings intact. Your child won’t know the difference between something glittering from the toy aisle and something that was their great-grandmother’s. Act accordingly so you don’t risk losing something that is truly priceless. If they’ve been given something meaningful and beautiful by a relative, allow them to wear it for special occasions and keep it in a shadow box when they aren’t wearing it. This will teach them to appreciate it.

As your child gets older, they may naturally gravitate toward all that sparkles and glitters. They may covet birthstone earrings, or you may have a son who wants a nice watch. Children also enjoy having personalized jewelry ranging from earrings and necklaces to chokers and key chains. You can find a large array of stylish, personalized jewelry for tweens and teens in any mall. If your child has an unusual name, search online for companies that personalize jewelry. Today, birthstones aren’t as in fashion as they once were, but a hip piece with a birthstone can be something they appreciate for a long time. You can also find these pieces for young boys that are personalized as well.

If you are buying jewelry for children, be sure to look for pieces that are made solidly. Check the clasps carefully and make sure that all the soldered pieces are of high quality. Children will likely play with any jewelry that they wear. Even though thin necklaces designed for little girls are dainty and beautiful, you should opt for better-made chains that won’t break easily. If you want the jewelry to withstand the test of time and be something they still have when they have children of their own, you should definitely make sure that it is made well.

Earrings are easier to buy. However, remember that any hoops or dangling earrings can easily become entrapped in clothing or pulled out if worn when they are active. Each year, thousands of children rip their earlobes because of earrings. This is not an easy thing to repair and often means that they cannot wear earrings for the rest of their lives. Also, any jewelry with stones should be checked by a jeweler periodically to ensure that the settings are still secure. On another note, if you have given your daughter a special diamond, you may want to secretly pull out the diamond and replace it with a zirconia until they get older!

Buying jewelry for children is definitely a great gift idea. There’s a good chance that your children won’t appreciate the expense of the gift at the time they receive it. If you have a special piece of jewelry that you don’t want to see lost or damaged, your best bet is to save it until your child is older. The idea of giving your child jewelry strongly outweighs how well they will actually take care of it. Purchase smartly, shop around, and look for pieces that are specifically made to withstand the abuse of children. There are ample places online that offer exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces, and your local malls or department stores are also great places to find inexpensive pieces that will fulfill your child’s dreams of jewelry, but not leave you heartbroken if and when something happens to it.

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Clothes are a necessity, but many families miss opportunities to save money when shopping. A “sale” label doesn’t guarantee the best price, so being informed about brands, stores, coupons, and other options is crucial. Here are practical tips to help you become a savvy shopper and stretch your clothing budget.

Evaluate Special Deals and Offers

Beware of enticing special offers like free shipping or “buy now, save later” promotions. These are often designed to lure you into spending more on items you wouldn’t typically buy, undermining your goal of saving money. Before making a purchase, ask yourself:

• Could this item go on a better sale soon?
• Is this something you’ve needed for a while, or are you buying it just because it’s on sale?
• How disappointed would you be if you returned later and the item was gone?

If you think a better deal is coming, wait. If you’ve needed the item for some time, consider buying it. If you’d be very disappointed to miss out, take it home. However, if you don’t need it, expect a better sale, or wouldn’t mind it being gone later, walk away and save your money.

Smart Shopping Strategies

When shopping for clothes on a budget, using cash is ideal. Cash is finite, making it easier to stay disciplined at checkout, especially when you know it must last until your next paycheck. Credit cards, including store credit lines, can lead to overspending and buyer’s remorse. However, if you consistently pay off your card balance or use credit cards for rewards, they can be a viable option. Always understand your card’s interest rates and any hidden fees, including store charges added to purchases.

Shop Online for Better Deals

Stores often provide exclusive online promotions to boost traffic and customer loyalty. Take advantage of these, even if just to price-match from home. Bookmark sites like www.sierratradingpost.com or www.overstock.com, known for clearance prices and great shipping offers. Researching online can lead to significant savings over time.

Explore Thrift and Second-Hand Stores

Not all thrift or consignment shops are equal, but many offer quality clothes at a fraction of their original cost. Stores like Plato’s Closet, available both in-store and online, maintain strict standards for consigned clothing. Some even offer store credit for items you bring in, adding extra value to your shopping experience.

Budget clothes shopping requires time and discipline, but the effort pays off. By shopping online, comparing prices, and resisting impulse buys, you can maximize your savings. With these strategies, you’ll stretch your dollars further while building a wardrobe that meets your needs. Shop smart and make every purchase count.

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AND….What is so bad about dressing your age?

Dressing with Elegance and Confidence

First of all, women who try to mimic their teenage daughters while carrying their 30- or 40-something body (a body they should be proud of) will immediately take issue with this article. They’ll say things like, “I can dress how I want. I work hard for this body. I look good in those clothes. This is what makes ME feel good. I am not trying to be something I am not.” And even more telling—”YOU’RE JUST JEALOUS!” Yes, they will think that anyone who gives them a sideward glance because their muffin top is hanging over their jeans (along with their breasts) is just jealous and wishes, deep down, that they had the body (or the wife) along with the guts it must take to leave the house in clothes meant for the stick-figure body of a blossoming teen. Let’s be real. Just because something comes in your size doesn’t mean you’re meant to wear it.

The hard, cold facts of getting older seem to throw many women for a loop. They feel somehow that they are destined for embroidered tops with fleece pants to match, mom jeans, and the bowl haircut that seems to reside on the heads of most women over 40. But that is absolutely not true. In fact, there are some really cute, adorable, refined, and sexy clothes that women can find outside of stores meant for teenagers. These clothes could truly flaunt what these women have to offer, while remaining tasteful and appropriate. Come on, ladies—what was so great about being a teen, or even a twenty-something?

Okay, so who’s going to tell her? Are you going to stop a lady in the grocery store, or tell your mom, wife, sister, or friend that she dresses too young for her age? If you don’t, you’re just as much to blame for the blasphemy as she is. Chances are, you sit idly by and watch her get dressed, without so much as a “Are you really going to wear that?” This makes you partly to blame. After all, we cannot let the people we love or are friends with become one of those women—you know, the kind that everyone is talking about behind her back but no one has the guts to confront. It becomes obvious over time when she continues to wear clothes meant for youth—that she isn’t getting the message, and she feels everyone in the world is just jealous of her.

Certainly, there is a medical term coined just for this phenomenon. The sad part is that no woman should feel either confined or judged by the clothes that they wear. And even sadder is that this poor woman is waving a red flag, showing just how distressed she is emotionally with the status of her age. Why? It isn’t just her to blame. In society, women are often given the subliminal and outward message that we have to be beautiful. And very few times does aging and beauty combine. In fact, we toss away most stars and celebrities as soon as their age begins to catch up with their face. We replace them with younger and more attractive women, forgetting that the beauty of a woman is not just her youth but her experience as well.

Given the choice of getting to know two women—one young and flamboyant, the other older and sophisticated—90% of us would choose the latter. So, what’s wrong with dressing our age? Few women would go back to those uncertain, helter-skelter years of youthful existence, given the chance. So why do we try to look like that again? And even fewer women would want their daughters to suffer in silence in a world that seems to identify women as EITHER pretty or ugly. Age does not make a woman ugly.

No, you shouldn’t be told what to wear. You should be able to make decisions for yourself based on what makes you feel good. You have the right to wear the clothes you find sexy. The thing is, if you are one of those women afraid to dress your age, you don’t look your best. Those looks you get? They’re in awe, not admiration or jealousy. Your daughter doesn’t want you to raid her closet, and the juniors section is meant for juniors. This doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable, hot as a firecracker, and sexy as hell—you can. Just not in those clothes!

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Shoe care can seem overwhelming due to the variety of materials and maintenance methods, often leading people to neglect it altogether. However, ignoring care can cause shoes to wear out prematurely. The following tips provide a clear starting point for cleaning and maintaining common shoe types, ensuring they stay in great condition for as long as possible.

Leather Shoes
Regular care is essential for leather shoes, as neglected leather can dry out and, in severe cases, crack, ruining even high-quality pairs. While shoe polish adds shine, a comprehensive care routine is necessary. Use a leather cleaner, available at most department or shoe stores, to protect against environmental damage. Weatherproofing sprays or rubs are wise in moist climates, while leather conditioners keep shoes soft and supple in hot, dry areas, preventing unnecessary drying.

Suede Shoes
Suede, popular in designer boots and shoes like Uggs or Acorns, requires special attention due to its delicate texture. Moisture and dirt can easily stain suede, so avoid using polishes or conditioners, which can damage the material. Specialty sprays offer protection against moderate weather and dirt, but avoid exposing suede to excessive moisture or mud. For cleaning, use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently remove dirt.

Specialized Care and Storage Solutions

Tennis Shoes
Tennis shoes, a wardrobe staple, are versatile in both function and cleaning methods. Consider the materials—some feature plastic, velvet, or other specialty designs—before cleaning. For standard materials, a damp cloth or a toothbrush with Windex can effectively remove dirt or smudges. For leather-like tennis shoes, use a conditioner or rub-on cleaner. Spray-on cleaners or weatherproofing mists can preserve most tennis shoes, and some can safely go through a gentle wash cycle, depending on the material.

General Care and Storage Tips
Preventative care extends the life of your shoes. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and accelerated wear. Store shoes in a closet or under a window bench for easy access. For boots or shoes prone to getting wet, choose a space where they can dry easily. To maintain the shape of tall boots, retain their original paper inserts or use rolled-up newspapers or balled-up socks as substitutes.

For high-heeled shoes, avoid storage that strains the heel. Over-the-door hanging shoe organizers save space and protect heels. For shoes used infrequently, store them in their original boxes, which stack neatly and often feature pictures for easy identification. If space allows, repurpose a tall bookcase into a shoe storage hub, keeping shoes organized, protected from sunlight, and safe from being crushed in the closet.

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Credit Card Wisdom

When buying clothes online, consider your payment method carefully. Most shoppers use a credit card, but if you frequently shop online, a PayPal account or similar service may be more convenient. Choose a credit card that offers rewards, such as points, cashback, or exclusive store discounts for cardholders. Store-specific credit cards often provide special coupons or deals.

Protect yourself from identity theft and fraud by shopping only on verified, reputable websites and limiting shared personal information. Consider using reloadable cards, like Visa Green Dot cards, which function as both debit and credit cards. These cards are limited to preloaded funds, reducing risk if compromised, yet are accepted wherever credit cards are used.

Understanding Shipping and Returns

Shipping and return policies are critical when shopping online. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers often have specific rules that can impact your experience if overlooked. Before purchasing, check which shipping companies the retailer uses, as some deliver only to home addresses, while others ship to PO Boxes. Thoroughly review return policies to avoid being stuck with ill-fitting or incorrect items. Some retailers offer excellent shipping and return programs, often driven by customer loyalty and repeat business. If you find such a retailer, share their name with others to support their quality service.

Try Before You Buy

Ensuring the clothing you buy online matches your expectations in fit and color can be challenging. Reading product or company reviews can provide insight into others’ experiences, but approach reviews cautiously. Some may be biased or falsified for personal or financial gain, so take both positive and negative feedback with a grain of salt. To increase confidence, visit a physical store to try on similar items, especially for shoes, as many brick-and-mortar stores carry comparable inventory to online retailers.

When buying clothes online, take your time to find the best deals. The internet’s accessibility makes price comparison easier than visiting multiple stores in person. Sign up for retailers’ email newsletters for exclusive coupons, sales alerts, and product release updates, which can enhance your shopping experience and savings.

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The eighties. They weren’t such a bad time if you think back to them. In fact, they were pretty ‘badass,’ considering the style and trends that erupted back then.

Truth is, Madonna had some pretty awesome songs, and the style of dress that came along with them—a mix of grunge and aerobic wear (don’t forget the scrunch socks)—was pretty hot. Just recently, you may have noticed that leg warmers are coming back in the form of ‘boot socks’ (no idea why boots NEED socks). Neon clothing, which literally makes you glow in the dark, is also a hit at local high and middle schools. Look a little more closely, and you’ll see that girls are again wearing ‘friendship bracelets’ and ‘slap bracelets,’ tying bandanas around their legs, and even carrying around those trendy Trapper Keepers from the ’80s that made scholarly organization a breeze.

Fads Come and Go, But the ’80s Are Forever

For decades, it’s been a fact that all fashions come back around. The funny thing is, if you try to crawl into your attic to get out your Jelly shoes, Swatch watch, or your skinny jeans with the zip-up legs for your daughter to wear now, she will likely roll her eyes and exclaim, “OMG MOM. It’s not cool anymore!” If she only knew, right?
Kids today think they are so far ahead of the fashion meter that there’s no way parents could understand. But most of the fashions that are coming back for the youth today are rooted in the wonderful 1980s. A few months ago, Wendy’s even brought back the “Where’s the Beef?” commercials (classic ’80s), which has teenagers thinking it’s cool and trendy to buy the t-shirts again. (Bet you have one tucked away in storage.) Ripped jeans for both girls and boys are back in style, and parents are paying tons of money to buy them at the mall. Chances are these parents (meaning you) think the fad is just as silly as their parents (meaning yours) thought it was, wondering why anyone would pay $55 for a pair of jeans that are already shredded.

Remember Vans tennis shoes and breakdancing? Why are so many people on hit shows like American Idol, The X Factor, or iCarly wearing Vans while breakdancing? And why won’t your child believe you when you tell them you used to wear Vans and breakdance? After all, the ’80s were the generation that first launched rap music, starting with “The Freaks Come Out at Night!” Guarantee, if you spun that little gem of a song for your children while sitting in the carpool line, your kiddos would think you were cool! Or, how about at the next sleepover your daughter hosts? You could bust out Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th (the originals) to show them just how ‘boss’ horror movies were during the ’80s compared to today.

One thing that hasn’t come back, however, is BIG hair (at least for girls). While most young boys are walking around with puffy quaffs that resemble The Beatles, girls today are opting for the ’70s fad of straightening their hair. Instead of using ironing boards and irons, they now use hot irons, which make the process much simpler. If you’re a mom still curling feathered locks to try and mimic Farrah Fawcett, chances are your kids are laughing at you and calling you a dork. Or, they might just be embarrassed to be seen with you. The Miami Vice look hasn’t come back either, so it’s best for all fathers of pre-teen or teenage children to avoid trying to look like Don Johnson. (And definitely stay away, at least for the moment, from ‘Members Only’ jackets. Don’t worry, they’ll be coming back soon enough.)

Let’s face it—when it comes to fashions and fads, each generation has always tried to be a leader or innovator, introducing new trends and having a style all their own. And while today’s generation of young people may think that the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s were a bit lame, the truth is that ALL of their fashion and trends are actually rooted in these three decades. Even so, your kids just aren’t going to think that Mom (or Dad) is that cool. They certainly aren’t going to believe that you ever wore parachute pants or cat suits or were from the generation that first introduced Nintendo. And at some level of your child’s existence, it’s their responsibility and right in life to give you a hard time about the way you look and the clothes you wear.

Even if you scrounge up your old belongings to give them authentic gear from Aerosmith or KISS concerts, they’re probably going to be happier with the prints from Old Navy or Target. Even if you take them to the skating rink and show them all of your fabulous moves you learned from hours (and hours) spent skating when you were young, they’re going to think you’re a dork. And that’s okay because you know that your kids (and all other kids today) have no idea what ‘cool’ really is and are nothing more than copycats trying to ride the wave of coolness that the ’80s generation has left behind!

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Rule #1 – Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!

Okay, so it’s pretty neat that you and your daughter wear the same size jeans. But as a 30 or 40 something mom, fitting into jeans with the stylish rips and fray won’t actually make you look cool (or attractive). In fact, it might make you look like one of those middle-aged women who are trying exceptionally hard to defy the fact that she is getting older. Some clothes, such as halters, short shorts, graphic tanks, and stylish jeans are simply not meant for mom to wear. And similarly, lacy tops worn under suit jackets that mom wears to work are not meant to double as shirts for a teenage daughter. Plus, how embarrassing would it be for your daughter to be seen wearing an outfit that her mom just sported to the grocery store? While certain pieces of clothing can definitely transcend generations many cannot. So choose wisely.

Rule #2 – Set Some Boundaries

You have two closets for a reason. If you want to set up a place for the two of you, where you can share communal accessories like belts, hair clips, layering t-shirts, standard jeans or work out clothes then fine. However, having a place for you and your daughter to call their own, where the clothes are off limits to others in the house, can ensure that boundaries are in place. And boundaries are a good thing. It’s not just okay, but wise to have clothes sharing rules in place! This way, should your daughter steal your $100 top from your closet, there will be a rule infraction punishable by discipline. And, this will keep you from being tempted to flirt with your ‘dreams of yesterday’ by wearing some outrageous teenage fashion.

Rule #3 – Put Yourself in Your Daughter’s Shoes

Shoes are one thing that people should NOT share. Let’s face it, footwear for women has already become unhealthy enough, and teens today are flopping around in flip-flops and sandals that offer no support for their feet. Even so, if you and your daughter are constantly swapping and sharing shoes, you could be potentially causing you and her some real pains in the foot! When you wear shoes, experts say that you leave a footprint in the shoe itself, which after time helps to support your feet. Shoe sharing, disrupts this footprint and can lead to you and your daughter experiencing some pretty uncomfortable problems down the road. No pair of shoes, even if two people have the same size foot, will fit two people the same. If you really love the shoes, then buy two pairs. Of course shoes meant for a rare special occasion, can be shared without a problem – but when it comes to shoes you wear everyday, avoid sharing. Plus, the older YOU get, the more important it is to find shoes that are not just stylish, but that support your body as well.

Rule # 4 – Be Compassionate of Your Daughter’s Size

Okay, so for mom – the fact that she can fit into her daughter’s clothes is exhilarating and helps to boost your self-confidence. But how does this make your daughter feel? Teenage years often bring about a certain sense of awkwardness for your daughter and as she grows into her body, she may not have the hourglass figure of her dreams. Knowing that she is the same size as her mother – even if mom isn’t heavy, doesn’t always go over well in the teen confidence department. And for moms who are thinner than their daughters are, the feelings of body insecurity can be heightened even more.

Rule # 5 – Respect Each other’s Taste in Clothes

While sharing clothes is a great way to expand both your and your daughter’s wardrobe, the two of you should keep an open amount of respect for one another’s tastes. In other words, make sure that when you shop for clothes, you aren’t holding yourself or your daughter to the standard that the pieces of clothing have to be a match for both of you. It’s okay, and actually a positive thing, for the two of you to hang on to a personal sense of style and fashion. And remember, just because you don’t agree with what your daughters tastes are (or she hates yours) doesn’t mean you should inflict your will upon each other.

Rule # 6 – Avoid Matching Outfits

Okay, passed the age of, well…6 – mom and daughter should not try to match outfits. In fact, you shouldn’t even try to match the same outfits in different colors. This sets up too much room for comparison between the two of you, and for a plethora of reasons is not something you should consider when sharing clothes with your teenage daughter.

As long as you remember these rules, sharing clothes with your daughter can be a bonding experience. In fact, shopping together and learning fashion tips from one another is often an important part of the female relationship. Yet, if sharing clothes seems to turn into a constant catfight between the two of you, then you might want to nix the idea altogether – at least for a while.

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