Fashion Sense...

The day that your child decides that he or she no longer requires your fashion advice is a day every parent will face.
If you haven't faced it yet, it wouldn't hurt to read this post as a preview of things to come.
If you have been there, or find yourself there now, welcome to the club.
We're glad you're here.

This is a new beginning for both of you and an opportunity for you to grow as a parent.
You will need the following tools/supplies:

A) First of all, you will require a well defined set of boundaries in regards to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in the world of fashion "according to you."
The better defined the boundaries are, the more prepared you will be, because it is the child's sworn duty to buck the system, challenge the authority, and attempt to move the boundary lines. Do not be dismayed when the child fulfills his sworn duty. Take comfort in the fact that this is the sign of a healthy child and others have gone before you and lived to tell the stories.

B) You will need to have your tank filled with a premium quality fuel. And I am obviously not referring to the gas tank in your car. I am referring to the tank that fills you personally. In other words, get plenty of rest, surround yourself with a team of support, and invest in yourself in some way or another. Regular pedicures can be an excellent way to keep the personal tank filled.

C) Learn to bite your tongue. Patterns do not have to be friends to be worn out together. Colors that have been sworn enemies for years, can get along remarkably well despite how it may appear. And just because it looks uncomfortable doesn't necessarily mean that it is. At least not for you.
Keep in mind that you aren't the one wearing it. As long as you are comfortable, the fashion statement fits within your prescribed and pre-stated boundaries, and you have a good pair of sunglasses to offset any unusual glare, you should be fine. Bite your tongue.
It wouldn't hurt to carry a tissue with you. Tongues tend to bleed easily.

D) Hair grows back. And while you are very happy for your friend because her child still listens to her in that regard, you are not parenting your friend's child.
You do not love your friend's child with all of your being.
Your relationship with your friend's child is not on the chopping block.
Once again, as long as it falls within your prescribed boundaries, learn to live with it.
It may be difficult at times to be seen in public with such creative genius, but not everyone is as lucky as you are.
Wear the sunglasses.

E) The final two things you will need in your tool kit is love and patience. Love is this wonderful gift that comes from God.
It gives us the ability to overlook a multitude of sins, wrongs, mistakes, and fashion errors. Love is amazing. It looks at the most awkward of stages and sees something beautiful. Something budding. Something growing and learning. Something worth coming alongside and cherishing.
Something worth waiting for.
1 Corinthians 13 - The Bible.

And if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
I've been through this four times and this too shall pass, my sweet friend.

xoxo