Shopping with Your Daughter

All of a sudden it was over. I no longer had 'outfit control.' No more pretty little dresses and black patent mary janes. No more pastel colors and pink nail polish. No more little girl.

Suddenly she'd prefer to shop on her own, online, or with her friends. She's flipping through magazines and folding down pages. She's taller, more beautiful than ever, and she can wear ALL my shoes, yes even the Pradas!

She's got pretty good taste however, (she takes after her mother), and this new teen shopper is beginning to interest me, a lot.

I want back in!! Not for outfit control, but to be a part of this time in her life when she is making her own choices, spending her own money, and developing her own sense of style. I remember this. This is fun.

But I'm the MOM. We all know how shopping with your mother is not cool. But Mom's have an advantage. They've got more money, a car, and they can be tricky when they need to be.

So..... how about a shopping spree in Soho, New York City. Ah yes, the bait is out!-and snapped up in seconds!

We drive in on a perfect early fall day. The Hudson River is windswept and winking in the sunlight. The West side Highway is empty, my daughter's favorite radio station is on, and we arrive downtown at Canal Street in no time.

On Cobblestoned streets we stroll seeking treasure. West Broadway, Greene Street, Mercer, and Prince. Spring Street, Wooster, Broome, and Broadway.

Soho is perfect for teens seeking style. Between high priced designers and street vendor arts there is so much in the middle. We both love the retro and vintage stores; we found the best deals at hip trend spots on Broadway, and spent an hour at Pearl River Mart admiring the wonderful Chinese imports.

We had lunch at The Antique Garage on Mercer Street which completely ensconced us in New York City downtown chic. We talked and chatted. We did not argue about what she chose. She has her own point of view now.

I am having so much fun just being a part of it. I love being her Mom, and now I can wear HER shoes.