How to Dress Your Toddler

Sometimes, especially while thumbing through People magazine's StyleWatch section, I can picture Katie's picture there, all grown-up next to a 60 year-old Mary Kate Olsen (wearing a burlap sack, beret and high-heeled birks) in her latest get-up. Now, I am extremely proud that the girl can dress herself. But does that mean that she should? Case in point:

These adorable bear-bottomed BabyGap tights were irresistable to Mommy, shopping for back-to-school clothes at the outlet mall this fall, but she had no idea that they would be paired with:

these play shoes a la Tarjay (which are super easy on and off for toddlers - velcro people, is a mother's best friend).

Likewise, this hand-me-down jean skirt waited patiently in Katie's closet until she was big enough to fit into it, but Mommy had other plans for it, other than being paired with:

which is actually a pretty cute top, but when you put it all together:

it is a trainwreck!

Yup. I'd hide under the bed if I dressed myself like that too! (Mary Kate, is that you under there?)

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to dress her up like an overly coordinated garanimal, but her taste in clothing really cracks me up. And it is not just what she chooses for her wardrobe, but the way she explains how she will wear each piece (and tights seem to be a favorite item these days) so matter-of-factly, like she has put great care and consideration into how the ensemble will look, or not look -- see below the lack of clothing phase (thankfully it's too cold to pull this off now):

But wait! Just put on a pair of TIGHTS and you can return to those sunny days of summer when all you wore outside was your panties and a t-shirt (but be sure to wear your rubber boots, long-sleeved shirt and vest with your tights)!

Then again, I should've seen it coming:

Here she is, almost exactly one year ago (same boots, same missing pants).

Mary Kate, take notes.