Name Brands

My daughter insists that I buy her only certain brands of clothing,
especially jeans, for school. She says she needs them (such as Mudd
jeans) to "fit in" with the other girls.

Should I give in to her or just buy her the best value clothing for the
money?

internetchick...

I would set a reasonable clothing budget, and if she wants to go beyond
that she needs to work for the money. I wouldn't give in to that. I see
Mudd Jeans at Ross all the time for what the cheaper brands go for. If
you went to discount shops she could buy brand name stuff without being
spendy. Personally, if my kid said that to me I would change that way
of thinking with volunteering at a homeless shelter. I may be reading
your post wrong, but she sounds a bit like she feels entitled.

ford.aristotle...

This is a question that has just as much to do with relationships as it
does with fashion or finance. A young woman's appearance is important,
and plays a major role in the development process. Remember also, how
you respond to situations like this will play a part in how she will
define other situations - including how a man should provide for a
woman. Do you want her husband to give her his best? You are the model
for that now. I would buy her the MUDD jeans, but let her know that it
takes work to have the things she wants (but don't lecture). She also
may need some encouragement in the looks department. It's okay for
'dad' to say, "You look nice sweetheart". If she hears it from you,
she will be less materialistic and even better; she won't need to hear
it from a horny "male school friend".

Go for it dad! Let her have the jeans. She will begin to expect
quality in other areas of her life and work to get it as she matures.
Then, hopefully, you'll thank me later.

Take care,

Aristotle
Marketing Director
Erin Marie Fashions