Glasses Wearing and the Negative Connotations of being a Geek

Today I wrote this post about clothing featuring glassing wearing animals in response to an article in the Daily Mail that I read this morning.  As a parent of a glasses wearing child it resonated with me, although my opinion differs to that of Aneliese, the mum at the centre of the story.

The Daily Mail reported that the decision by Tesco to ban the image of glasses in childrenswear alongside clothing featuring words such as geek or nerd, was following a campaign by Aneliese, whose little boy wears specs, which 'forced' the retail giant to remove these clothing lines.  In fact Aneliese was just one of many people who complained about one particular t-shirt design  featuring a cartoon character in glasses alongside the slogan 'geek' in an innocent Facebook rant.  She did not launch a campaign, nor did she demand the removal of all clothing lines featuring glasses.  As is common with Daily Mail reporting, the story was taken out of context. She did not give an interview to the DM and the information was pulled from another publication and twisted to sensationalise the truth.  This afternoon, I have spoken to her on Twitter and found out the facts behind the headlines.  This isn't a story of political correctness gone mad, as implied in the article that I read this morning.

Aneliese's little boy has been subject to some horrible abuse because he wears glasses which have powerful prescription lenses. The Daily Mail and subsequent articles, including a mention on The Wright Stuff have opened this family up to a world of online notoriety.  Some responses to the story have been supportive but unfortunately some people have used it as an excuse for bullying her 19 month old son.  Grown adults have stooped to the lowest levels of trolling, victimising a baby because he looks different.  They have been thrown to the lions by the media.

I sympathize with her situation, so I felt a duty to post this to offer a different viewpoint.  Although I've personally never had to suffer the horrendous situation where my son has been laughed at and cruelly called a 'geek' or a 'nerd' for wearing glasses, she has, which is why she feels there is such a negative connotation to these words when used in conjunction with an image of a character in glasses. Her argument is why don't clothing retailers use a word with a more positive connotation such as 'cool' or use no wording at all. She is not against glasses being featured on clothing, as the DM article suggested, in fact she said she thought that was 'nice'.  It is just the profiling of glasses wearers, labeling them as geeks or nerds that she objects to, as it can provide fuel for bullies to use against these children.  No other disability or impairment would be used on a t-shirt in this way alongside a potentially negative association.  I see that point of view and if Freddy had been the victim of name calling I  too would be angry to see those very same words used so flippantly.

It was interesting to talk to Aneliese on Twitter today.  It has reminded me that behind every DM story is a real person who has not necessarily been correctly represented.  Although I still love merchandise that embraces my son's difference in a positive way and allows him to feel 'normal' and represented in popular culture, the stereotyping of glasses-wearing on children's clothes could be used against other children. We mustn't forget that while many of us now regard words such as 'geek' as trendy and desirable rather than detrimental, somebody else's child may have been the victim of bullying because of the previous negative connotations associated with the same word. It's a sad fact that children (and adults) feel the need to attack others who they feel are 'different' and if my son had been treated in the way that Aneliese's precious little boy has been, I too would be up in arms.

We need retailers to continue to represent glasses wearers in merchandise.  Glasses are super cool at the moment and very fashionable. This is great for us mums of kids who wear them. Geek chic is very trendy and being a nerd is no longer seen as a bad thing since being adopted into youth culture. This has helped to break down barriers and reduce prejudice and I've never heard 'geek' or 'nerd' used as an insult to any of my glasses wearing children.  I'd hate to see a reversal of this trend.

I personally do not believe that slogans on clothing will suddenly cause bullying, however if my child had been subject to the same abuse as Aneliese's son, I'm sure I would also be ranting on Facebook about the glamorization of a word I'd heard used as a hateful, hurtful insult.

My New Look Wish List

As a mum of three fashion conscious girls, I am a regular in New Look.  Much of  my daughters' clothing comes from there and I enjoy shopping with my favourite fashionistas as we browse the latest styles, fashions and trends. Although they enjoy picking out items to revamp their own wardrobes and to get the latest looks, they also encourage me to treat myself to some long overdue key pieces that will bring my dress sense up to date.  So next time I find myself shopping in New Look for Kizzy's latest party dress, Ella's latest skinny jeans or Meg's latest ankle boots, I will definitely be looking out for something for myself too!

The Monochrome Look

I really love the current trend for monochrome.  It is such an eye-catching style, reminiscent of the Mod era of the 60's.  New Look have a gorgeous range of dresses, trousers, tops and accessories that can give you this season's monochrome look.  You can go all out in black and white, or add a key piece to your everyday outfits to pay homage to this latest fashion must-have. I have chosen a wishlist outfit comprising of some of New Look's new seasonal lines.

The Te Amo chevron knitted jumper is a gorgeous design, with its flattering and very fashionable shape.  Teamed with some high waisted jeans this would look great and be comfortable to wear.  The Chelsea Boots are gorgeous and a real classic that can be worn throughout the season.  The Le Breve quilted jacket is stylish and practical and would be perfect at this time of year.  I can imagine going on a walk with the family wearing this outfit.  It'd look good and feel good to wear, being casual, comfy yet totally on trend.  I think my girls would approve too!

Te Amo Black and White Chevron Knitted Jumper £24.99 

High Waisted Jeans £22.99

Black Leather Chelsea Boots £69.99

Le Breve Black Quilted Jacket £69.99

Disclosure

Perfect Christmas Outfits From Next

I have that festive feeling bubbling in my belly!  Our choccie advent calendars are on standby ready to count down the days until Christmas Day.  The chill in the air teases us with the prospect of snow.  The Christmas adverts are taking over the TV.  And Next have their Christmas collection on line!

When Northern Mum asked us to show her our dream family day Christmas wardrobes, I was happy to pour through pages of sparkly, glittery party wear and funky, woolly Christmas jumpers to find outfits for Ian, the three littlest, my baby grandson (due on December 18th!) and myself.  Oh to win the £500 prize and make my fantasy shopping a reality (otherwise we will be donning our novelty, velvet Mr and Mrs Santa outfits for another year!)

Ian's Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83 

The whole James Bond vibe of the recent months has given me a slight fetish for men in sharp suits and there isn't much sharper than this white tuxedo jacket.  With hints of Michael Buble and John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, it reeks of  rampant exhibitionism and frivolous fun.  The patent wing cap shoes would keep him looking sharp right  down to his size 12 feet.  I'd like to share my Christmas day with my husband infused with the magical confidence that will overtake him because of this tuxedo!  To keep him grounded and to remind me that my novelty T-shirt wearing hubby is still somewhere inside that flamboyant get-up,  I'm teaming it with novelty festive fairisle socks (and probably his novelty red velvet Santa boxer shorts too).  I'd also need to give him a bib so he doesn't dribble gravy down his front, because white tux's are unforgiving when it comes to food spills.

Ella's Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83 

My trendy teenager would absolutely love to dazzle in this sequinned, snowflake jumper.  As it's long, she'd probably call it a dress and team it with nothing more than a pair of woolly tights. But just in case she was feeling modest, I've included a pair of skinny party jeans with just a little added sparkle..  The wedge  boots are really gorgeous.  The hidden 8cm heel will add a couple of inches onto her height, which will be much appreciated by Ella as she is very dinky.  The absolutely awesome Reindeer Onesie would be the snuggliest, cosiest outfit to relax in, whilst sleeping off the excess of Celebrations and candy canes.

Kizzy's Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83 

I adore this outfit for my ten year old Kizzy.  It's funky, fashionable and fun.  It's got attitude, just like my tween.  The black hi-top boots are practical but the patent shine gives them a feminine edge.  They look so comfy too!  I adore the winter shorts and tights combo.  Sadly I don't think I could pull this look off as a 40 something housewife, but I think it is a great fashion statement for the young generation.  The sequin tie top has just the right amount of sparkle to combine festively feminine with edgy.

My Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83 

My fantasy outfit would be enhanced if Santa could deliver a miracle weight loss potion to me in time for Christmas day.  Failing that, the rather stylish bodyshaper will be excellent for sucking in my wobbly bits, holding up my boobs and cinching in my waist.  Hopefully it will cope with the strain as the Christmas dinner feasting puts it under extra pressure.  I adore the embellished tunic dress and the lace shoots (shoe boots...get it!) are incredible. (Would my bunions squeeze in?  To right! Even if it took a crow bar I'd get my feet into these pretty, girls' shoes!)  I don't ordinarily wear much jewellery, but the bracelet watch is a lovely piece that not only looks gorgeous, it also helps you time your Brussel Sprouts as they boil on the hob.  Very handy!

My Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83

I love dressing Freddy!  My little dude looks so cute all dressed up on special occasions.   The mandatory festive jumpers are a definite must have for a three year old.  I've picked out two, a Snowman design and a Reindeer design,  because he is guaranteed to spill dinner, chocolate and fizzy pop at various points during the day.  The jeans are well cut and look cool and will cope with a day of crawling around on the floor getting presents from under the tree and then playing with all his new toys in the middle of the floor while us grown-ups watch a Christmas day edition of Surprise Surprise!  The trapper hat and boots will be excellent if any of his presents require being outside, keeping both toes and head warm and toastie.

Ted's Christmas Outfit by wendymcd83 

Hopefully by Christmas I will be blessed with the title of Grandma to my baby grandson Ted.  If not, that means he is overdue and needs to be induced after Christmas day, meaning that all his newborn sized "Baby's First Christmas" romper suits will have been purchased in vain!  Plus his mum, my future daughter-in-law Jade,  will be extremely fed up making us all feel bad for her!  So fingers crossed for Ted's timely arrival!  I have picked out an outfit for Ted based on the desire for him to come on time in the week before Christmas day.  Being called Ted, I couldn't fail to fall in love with the aaron cardigan with teddy bear ears!  Awww!  The fairisle romper suit and two piece outfit are so stylish...real baby chic.  The matching I Heart Santa bib will be ready to mop milky spit ups.  But the 'piece de resistance' is the Christmas Pudding bobble hat.  All this baby cuteness is making me feel very grand-maternal indeed and looking forward to a festive cuddle with my son Joe's firstborn.

I have spent a fair few virtual pounds putting together these gorgeous Christmas Day outfits and I have loved every minute of it.  There are definitely a few key pieces that are now on my Christmas shopping list.  The Next range of Christmas clothing, accessories and gifts is really lovely to peruse...there are so many fabulous things.

Take a look at www.next.co.uk for some inspiration this Christmas.

Check out outfits and inspiration on my Pinterest Board and my Polyvore account where full details of the items in my outfits can be found.


And because I'm now feeling all festive, here is a Christmas photo of me and my kids!

Bonfire Night Fashion with Next

This weekend we will be donning gloves, scarves and hats and venturing out into the cold, dark November evening for Bonfire Night.  Ready for rockets, sparklers and Catherine Wheels, my children will be looking forward to the explosive fun of November 5th.

Next have a wonderful range of clothing for the older children in their Winter range which would be perfect for this weekend and beyond, seeing your children through the chilly weeks ahead whilst still looking stylish and trendy.

My 9 year old daughter Kizzy would be delighted to wear this ensemble from the older girls' collection for girls aged 3-16 years old.  It would be warm and cosy, practical and bang on trend.  The layered look is really fashionable and perfect for the colder weather.

Checked Hoody £16-21

Hooded Gilet £20-26

Mid wash Jeans £16-22

Suede Duck Boots £24-30

These gorgeous Winter Warmers are fabulous.  I love the colours and the design.  The boots are great and such good value, I love the fur lining.  Find these and other key items for winter online or instore at Next.

The Dress Sense Dilemma!

I have just returned from a shopping trip, looking for clothes to wear for Cybermummy.  I went to Republic and I loved lots of things.  Gorgeous denim hotpant dungarees, a skull design boob tube, a floaty, floral, zip-up mini dress, a funky cardi worn over a top that showed your midriff. Then it suddenly hit me....I have the dress sense of a skinny teenager trapped in the body of an overweight middle aged woman!

Somehow my mind and taste has not progressed since 1985.  I'm mentally stuck in a place where the idea of wearing middle age appropriate clothes fills me with repulsion.  My 16 year old self refuses to vacate the part of my brain reserved for fashion sense.  It is an actual problem...there should be some form of therapy for this mental issue!

I found myself admiring the funky slogan vests with "I'm the one your mother warned you about" then thought what the hell was I doing!!  The only reason that would apply to me would be if I became a Cougar-like stalker of young men.  Their mothers would most definitely be warning their sons against the strange, greying lady, in the "mutton dressed as lamb" ensemble,  who was giving them the eye.  Wrong on so many levels!  The slashed sided T-Shirt with a rib cage design on it also struck me as being pretty cool...again, I could just visualise my pasty belly  and nursing bra showing through the slits which were designed to show the taut, unstretchmarked flesh I had as a teenager!

The clothes I liked didn't seem to be available in a size above a 10 (probably for the best to be honest).  Teenaged daughter Ella happily pointed out that I could buy them for her instead, and with her amazingly svelte six 6 figure, she is definitely a better brand ambassador than I could ever hope to be.

So I returned from my trip empty handed bar a sensible beige cardigan which was reduced in Primark. (Ooh get me!! Rock and roll or what!) So, I'm back to square one without  my uber cool outfit for Cybermummy.  But at least I know that next time I hit the shops I should probably head off to M & S or somewhere a little more age appropriate!!

Me in 1985 rocking the animal print/pyramid look!!