Finding Age Appropriate Clothing for Tween Girls

As tween girls make their voyage towards their teen years, they begin expressing themselves through clothing choices. Unfortunately, the media perpetuates very impractical images of what young women should look like. Ultra-thin models wearing scant and tight fitting clothing with plunging necklines adorn magazine covers and are flashed over many network television stations. As a result, the clothing options for tween girls tend to be styled and suited for much older women.

Apparel geared toward elementary school-aged children can make a tween feel babyish and awkward, while clothing for teens can be inappropriately revealing at this juncture. A transitional line of clothing that offers trend-right styles yet is cut appropriately for young girls, can empower tweens to feel confident and strong and encourage a healthy style sense. Tween-friendly lines like Ragdoll and Rockets and T2Love offer great pieces-cardigans, tunics, jeggings etc.- bursting with colour and bold prints that allow girls to express their individuality while looking stylish and most importantly feeling comfortable.

Tween bottoms can be another headache to shop for if you're not looking in the right places. A ruffled hemline on a skirt in primary colors might feel too young for your tween, while a jean skirt that doesn't leave much to the imagination is outside of your comfort zone. Pinc Premium offers an amicable solution. Their Bubble Skirts have an appropriate length and a bit a flounce adding a touch of sophistication and style without giving away the farm. Their leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans are super soft with lots of stretch allowing for ease of movement.

Social events can also pose wardrobe conundrums, but if you know where to shop, finding the perfect look can be a cinch. Blush by Us Angels designs gorgeous special occasion dresses specifically cut for tweens. They use beautiful chiffon, impeccable design and craftsmanship to create pieces that will make any girl feel like the belle of the ball while still allowing her to look her age. Pair dresses with a slight wedge heel or a patent ballet flat for a look that's not only in vogue but also appropriate.

Finding clothes that both mom and daughter can agree on doesn't have to be a cause of stress and frustration. There are some fab options out there. You just need to know where to look.

Happy Shopping!

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Help Teen Girls Dress Tastefully For Spring

Spring is nearly here! Even though it may be 10 degrees below zero today, spring is nearly here.   

The robins will soon return, the tulips will soon emerge, and clothing will soon cover less. Spring is wonderful, and at the same time can cause mothers everywhere to question their daughters' judgment. Does that scooped neck top scoop too much?  Do those shorts climb up the bum? Wouldn't that skirt be just as fashionable if it were two inches longer? Are those jeans too tight?

While this seasonal change can be stressful, it can also be a time for girls to stretch their personal confidence and individual style. They can do this without stretching their clothes too far. A few tips to make the transition a breeze:

Love the layers. Layers don't have to mean turtlenecks or heavy sweaters. Layers for spring include multiple camisoles in more than one color. Find different cuts based on body curves to cover cleavage while still looking healthy and fit. 

Go with 3-inch inseams. A 3-inch inseam is a reasonable standard for shorts. Measure the inside of the leg, and insist the inseam (from crotch seam to hem) is at least three inches in length. Anything less rides up the bum.

Add leggings. Leggings give versatility to a favorite shift.  If a shift or top has become too short due to growth, add leggings for interest and modesty. Plus, leggings cover a portion of the upper leg that doesn't always need to be seen, particularly as protected skin emerges from the long winter months. 

Add a sweater or bolero. Summer styles in early spring can seem shocking. We just aren't in the habit of seeing all that skin. Yes, we get comfortable with it as temperatures rise, so in the short-term, add a sweater or jacket to balance the look. 

Add a scarf.  Scarves continue to add interest and creativity to any outfit. When wrapped loosely around the neck, they fall across the front, covering cleavage that isn't covered by a cami. Have fun! Go with color. Scarves even start great conversations.

As always, have a conversation with your daughter about what is suitable and what isn't. Refrain from judging her style - you simply won't agree on what is attractive and what is not! You can, however, agree on what parts of the body should be covered and with how much fabric. Spring is just around the corner, and girls can dress tastefully and love their new spring looks.  

Janet Polach is owner of Zelaz, an on-line teen and tween clothing retailer. Zelaz specializes in clothes you love and your mother will not hate. Basically, fashionable clothing which is chic and tasteful. Zelaz has sizes to fit human-sized tweens and teens. For instance, someone developed on top and small on the bottom will find fashions to fit. Zelaz donates five percent of all sales to charities that help improve the lives of all girls.

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