Todays outfit is a yellow leopard print dress, first let me tell you a story…
Out of the blue my eldest child Kiara (aka Kiki) told me she’d like to give her hair to charity. I hardly took any notice believing it to be a throw away statement typical of a 10 year old. Kiki has always disliked wearing her hair in a pony tail claiming she looks like a boy so I was understandably skeptical when she brought it up again the following day.
Clearly we needed to clarify how this was going to work. I explained that it’d take 2-3 years for her hair to grow back if she didn’t like it & reminded her of the outbursts against wearing her hair tied up for P.E.
Nope she was adamant.
Therefore I set her the task of researching how to go about donating hair & what the requirements were, effectively giving her an out to change her mind. However she didn’t change her mind in fact she was straight back to me in a heartbeat with all the answers. Hmmm she is serious, I thought.
Here’s the thing, I want my children to care enough about the community & the planet so they’re naturally proactive & not merely paying lip service. I’d like them to become adults with empathy who see the entire picture & not just what’s effecting them directly. Little things such as recycling or noticing litter & picking it up are part of the every day for them. Equally they’re made fully aware of how tough life is for many children & what can be done to help. So why am I hesitating on this? Isn’t is exactly the type of thing I’d advocate?
My concern was Kiki’s reaction to having very short hair, coupled with being the only girl in her entire year at school sporting a cropped cut – surely that isn’t the reason? Perhaps I’m over thinking it? Questions questions running through my mind.
As a hairdresser I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve cheerfully said to women “It’s only hair, it grows back”. I regularly cut my own hair quite short purely for a change of look, what is the big deal?
Then it hit me – I didn’t want her to feel disappointment. In that moment I decided this kind of thinking is irrational & does the child no good at all so I shook it off.
Ok Kiki let’s do this!
First she thoroughly washed & dried her hair as explained on the Little Princess Trust website. Next, I set up my camera to film the haircut for her to watch later. Then we began.
You can check out the short movie we made on YouTube. Apologies for the amateurish edit, this is something I desperately need to work on so I can get some make up tutorials in the can for you. Time is always against me right now with the loft conversion going on & school holidays too! sigh
Here’s where it gets truly shocking…
From the moment Kiki stood up & ran her fingers through her newly cropped hair she’s been different. It’s a week tomorrow & I’m still seeing it. What am I talking about exactly you may ask?
Well to put it simply it’s her attitude.
She’s been helpful around the house, thoughtful to her siblings & what’s even more outrageous, she actually does what I ask of her without arguing or MOANING!!!
I KNOW! Who knew this would be the result? Not me that’s for bloody sure.
This week my child taught me how to parent a little better than I was doing the week before. It has given me pause for thought yet on reflection it is rather obvious. When you do something selfless & kind you end up feeling really rather good about yourself. Bonus? – MUCH.
Let’s hope it lasts or she’s off to help out at a food bank….wink
Now for a flippy little dress of Spring yellow leopard print
This Billie & Blossom dress I found on a Dorothy Perkins sale rail a couple of years ago for the princely sum of £22. Simply pairing it with black accents elevates it to CHIC therefore once again it’s my Chanel Mini to the rescue. I’m going for slight lift with a wedge heel & thrown a basic black cardi over my shoulders in case the sun disappears behind a cloud.
The Chanel bag & Lanvin shoes are somewhat more expensive than the dress, although I do enjoy a great deal more wear from them throughout the entire year. For some of these other outfits wearing the bag see this & this post & for the shoes see here & here. If you’re looking to invest in a Vintage Chanel bag have a look at my shop page, where I’ve scoured the internet so you don’t have to.
Comments ( 19 )
Liz
Oh wow Michelle, you must be so so proud of Kiki and how interesting the change it has brought about in her. I might send my two to you to see if the same would happen.
I love your dress- I adore yellow and I adore leopard print so this is right up my street. Your accessories are timeless classics that will work forever and they are so chic and versatile.
Have a lovely weekend, love Liz xxxxx
retrochicmama
Hi Liz, yes her reaction was unexpected & very nice indeed xxx
Michelle – The Barefaced Chic
I was totally gobsmacked when I saw the pic you posted on Instagram. It’s so good to know that you have raised a child who not only thinks of others, but acts upon those thoughts.
You must be so proud! Kiki looks beautiful!
Michelle xx
retrochicmama
Thank you Michelle, I am indeed very proud of her although I was surprised she came up with the idea herself.
Mxxx
Abby@midlifecrisisnut
This post – kept me speechless from A to Z. First I saw the beautiful pictures of yours, then I read the story about Kiki (pictures with I already saw on pinterest). I can only emphasise how impressed I am with your daughter (please tell her that, it’s really important). Her act is so selfless, so beyond good and so courageous! She’s an amazing little lady and an example to follow. You’re beautiful in your pictures too, love the prints and always adore you in a dress! xx Abby
retrochicmama
Aww thank you so much Abby that’s very kind. I did tell her whenever a positive comment was made on social media & to be honest she just kinda shrugged. I think that’s probably the best reaction from her because ultimately it’s the kids fighting cancer who are really brave & Kiki knows that.
We posted to social media to highlight the Little Princess Trust & give them a shout. Hopefully they’ll get a few more donations out of it.
xxx
Abby
Gorgeous dress! I really love the print!
retrochicmama
Thanks Abby & welcome! Hope to see you here again, xM
sequinist
What an amazing post, Michelle. Kiki is a little gem; you are clearly parenting right! I love that she decided all of this independently, and didn’t waver after she’d made her decision. She’s my kind of girl.
As for the dress, well, you couldn’t have possibly worn anything more cheery and springy in front of those daffodils, those little yellow faces of sunshine behind you! Why don’t I ever find anything like that on a sale rack?! You and all of the photos are gorgeous. xx
retrochicmama
Thanks Lisa, yeah she has her moments 😉
I was giddy with excitement when I saw the daffs pop out as I had only been going to this particular park since Winter. Of course my first thought was about shooting a post.
Mx
sandypatti
Kiki is a little angel on the earth! (and I love her short hair). You look delightful too in that leopard print frock. Thanks for sharing, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
retrochicmama
Thanks Patti! She can be a right little devil at times too 😉
Mx
ljdove23
Oh wow what an amazing child you have raised, you must be so proud!! She really suits the short hair too! I love the dress, you look great! #Brilliantblogpost
retrochicmama
Thank you that’s a lovely thing to say. I am very proud of her but you know kids, it’s all a learning curve. It’s the teen years that scare me hahaha 😉
ljdove23
Don’t I know it! My eldest is 12 next week, it’s creeping closer!!! 😬
Michelle
Huge congratulation to you on having raised such an awesome young lady! That a huge thing for her to have done. It’s extraordinary how much much confidence it gives then when they make a decision and follow it through.
And this dress is so lovely, I’ve nabbed a couple of Billie And Blossoms from Dotty Ps and they always seem to be a great fit and cute designs.
M x
retrochicmama
Aw thanks for saying that Michelle, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I feel I’m still very much learning this Mother lark 😉
Funnily enough I hadn’t heard of Billie & Blossom until I stumbled upon this dress but I will certainly be keeping my eye on them from now on.
xxx
Bargain Baglady (@bargainbaglady)
What a gorgeous little spin on a leopard print dress! I absolutely love it!
retrochicmama
Thank you, it was a fabulous find 😉
Mx