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As I was sorting through the items in my toddler daughter's dresser drawers and closet the other day, I realized something. She has a better wardrobe than I do. As fast as she is growing, everything she has will likely be too small within six months. Yet, she has more clothes, for more specialty occasions, in better condition than her mother. How does this happen?

There are many reasons for this phenomenon, yet it is also incredibly simple. First, kids' clothes are cute. Really, really cute, especially the items for little girls. In addition, they are generally less expensive than adult items. Add to that the fact that my daughter loves clothes and enjoys shopping for them. I enjoy the pleasure of buying the things she covets more than I enjoy buying things for myself.

When I became a mother, I chose to stay at home with my daughter. I work, but I do contract work from home. Since I do not go into an office on more than a sporadic basis, I need very few clothing items that are suited for the work world. Most often, my days involve either sitting alone at my computer after a preschool drop off, or trekking to the park, mall, pool, playgroup or other kid friendly venue. I am likely to get covered with drips of toddler food and beverage and I need to be able to climb up a jungle gym to get a stranded child or kneel in the sand to help build the perfect sand castle. For all of these reasons, I opt for comfort. This means that my outfit of choice tends to be a t-shirt and jeans or shorts. Yes, I even own a pair of overalls.

I watch those wardrobe makeover shows and I see them replace all the clothing on women like me. I understand that I would look more stylish in a linen blouse and slacks. But, when my daughter placed her chocolate covered hands on my fanny, it would have to go to the dry cleaner instead of allowing me to just zap it with oxi-clean and throw it into the washing machine. Yes, little dresses are flattering, summery and cute. But, when you are perched at the edge of the sand pile in the playground, they are not terribly practical since there is no way to sit gracefully without exposing your nether regions. Strappy sandals? I love them, but they flap and fly when I have to race after an escaping toddler who is chasing a squirrel, bird, butterfly or invisible fairy.

So, I will continue to watch and learn how I ought to dress. But, in the meantime I will stay comfortable in my mommy clothes and live vicariously through my little one's wardrobe.