The kids are alright! Style from your childhood

Embarrassingly, I often see clothes I want in the kids section. I am sure my depth perception is responsible. If I am strolling though a department store, I don’t often register the size of a garment until up close. This results in often thinking “Ooo that looks nice… ” and then upon approach finding it to be for three year olds. It’s an unpleasant optical illusion that often has my questioning my taste and maturity level. And between you and me, I have on more than one occasion bought a dress designed for a child to wear as a top. I like to think of it as ‘creative shopping’ rather than just plain weird. In the words of Chiddy Bang “I’m never growing up!”.

How often though have you been flicking through old photos and seen a great top or shoes on your younger self that you wish you had saved? I used to have the cutest T-shirt with a pineapple on it. I was six, but I still think I could squeeze into it. Maybe I am just too much a fan of the eighties, but I constantly find my self having retrospective fashion jealousy. This is not unique to me, I believe. My boyfriend recently saw some amazing track pants he had as a child and went so far as to call his mother to see if they were still kicking around in the attic. If you flick through magazines you can spot many celebs and card-carrying ‘fash pack’ personalities wearing clothing more suited to the playground than nightclubs. Is it that kids clothes are being created by better designers? Or has our obsession with youth created a generation of adults who think dressing like a tween is a good idea?

Either way, I have scoured the hottest trends that are inspired by those who can’t watch PG rated movies… no givesies backsies!

Overalls

Alexa Chung is probably the most biggest serial kid-trender. She has been spotted wearing frilly socks with loafers, a backpack and even carrying a lunch box! (well… it was a Chanel straw bag, but it was very lunchbox-esque). I like the overall look, but I think it must be accompanied by some fantastic and very grown-up jewellery.

‘Little house on the Prairie’

Maybe I have just watched The Virgin Suicides too many times, but a lacy, prairie inspired top or dress is still one of my favourite looks. Team this with a denim jacket, chunky boots and a navajo print scarf and you have a perfect day look.

Gumboots

Again, another Brit made this happen. Kate Moss wore a pair of gumboots while stomping around in the mud at the Glastonbury Music Festival and next thing we know, we are wearing them to shopping malls. I think these are best for true country moments, but damn they look good! Not completely restricted to children, but definitely remind me of splashing in puddles.

Mickey Mouse

If Rihanna is wearing it, it MUST be a trend. Mickey Mouse T-shirts have been around for a while, and definitely not only worn by kids. This is such an easy look with jeans and a great cardigan or blazer. Like the cute T-Shirt on right? It’s the Jack Nimble T-Shirt from Birds of A Feather available from InCityFashion!

Rompers

How I love a romper. I used to be terrified of them, being all buttoned in… but now I love it. A romper gives you endless possibilities for accessories and is a great way to show off glowing skin and some killer high heels.

Labels on my radar: I Love Milk and Honey, Karen Walker, Seduce, Ksubi, PAM, Birds of a Feather, Paul & Joe, Miu Miu, Markus Lupfer, See by Chloe, ACNE, Tibi, Marc by Marc Jacobs.