Rock Chick

Over recent weeks we've graduated from the pink sparkly princess stage and we’ve now entered the Rock Chick stage, or at least IJ has, so she tells me.

Apparently this stage means embracing all things black and purple and using words like ‘random’ in conversation, rather randomly as it happens. 

It also involves mimicking all things iCarly, which is a new addition to our weekly TV viewing. 

It’s an interesting pre-teenage stage that takes a little getting used to and is guaranteed to leave any parent feeling slightly out of touch, but I quite like it. And it's nice to see a slightly more confident personality emerging in the little girl who previously wouldn't experiment with her hair or clothes.

IJ's been trying out two pieces from the Moxie Girlz clothing range at Argos. The long sleeved t-shirt she absolutely loves and has worn it non-stop. She's even worn it to a friend’s party, which is a definite sign it's a hit. Few items are usually deemed good enough to be displayed amongst her peer group.

The hooded sweater has been less of a hit unfortunately. It is lovely when it’s on but basically there is so little ‘give’ in the material that IJ isn't able to put it in and take it off by herself, so she’s hardly worn it, as it's no longer cool for your mother to help you get dressed. Opting for a larger size (she’s wearing age 7 – 8) would leave it too long on the arms and body, so it’s the lack of stretch in the material that seems to be the issue here.

The crucial bits worth mentioning, that probably aren’t that cool to talk about, are that the t-shirt washes extremely well and hasn’t lost any of its colour.  I’d definitely buy another one. The hoodie we haven’t had to wash. It’s not a product we’d buy, as IJ wouldn’t get enough wear out of it, even though the design is lovely. 

The t-shirt is priced at £8.99 and the hoodie £13.99. They are both from the clothing range at Argos and reduced in the sale at time of writing. We received them free of charge to review.

Comments

[Nicki Cawood]

I must have a nosy as the Argos clothing to see what they do for boys - thanks.
Reading about the different style stages the girls go through I'm glad I have boys, I'm assuming that as the boys get older their pants will get higher and their jeans lower. That's right isn't it? *Hopes*

[Rosie Scribble]

I was impressed with the quality Nicki, so worth a look I'd say.

Based on research in our local park (ha!), boys' pants do seem to get higher and their jeans lower. I think the trend is so show off said pants and never quite pull the jeans up fully. And big metal belts seem to be popular too. I've also noticed the use of black eyeliner and long black jackets, but I think we're swaying into a different area there. Eek.

[Iota]

I don't really like the Rock Chick stuff, I have to say. But you've given me pause for thought. I've always seen it as rather limiting - suggesting to girls that what they should want in life is to be a rock star (nothing inherently wrong with that, but it's not the ONLY thing). And that being sassy and feisty is all. But you've made me wonder if it has its positive side - encouraging confidence, and something easy to latch on to when you've grown out of the pink and sparkly stage.

[Nicki Cawood]

Great stuff. So go with Argos and veer away from saggy ass jeans. Got it :)

[Rosie Scribble]

And avoid black eyeliner!

[Rosie Scribble]

Your comment has really made me think, Iota. I really hadn't thought before about the clothing being limiting. I know what you mean and I suspect a lot depends on the attitude of the wearer. It could certainly promote the need to be sassy and feisty, but for other children - like IJ - I've seen a move away from sparkly pink clothes into something a bit more daring (for her) as a sign of an emerging confidence and sense of identity. I'd never considered the clothes to be associated with being in a rock band and IJ would hate the idea of that, but I suppose they are now I've given it some more thought. Without doubt, over the next couple of years I'm going to spend some time thinking about the clothes available for older children and what message they are sending out. I'm become fascinated by this now! I think it's a really interesting area.