Francine and her daughter Anne

I am so tired of Anne only wanting to buy the newest, hottest, most expensive clothes. I know as a 19 year soon-to-be college student she only wants to fit in when the school year starts, but I just want her to be able to express herself and find her own style. I always tell her that she will look beautiful in anything. She always think she looks to fat or too ugly, or not sexy enough, but I just want her to be comfortable in her own skin.

Today, I made a deal with her that I will buy her an outfit of her choice as long as I get to buy her an outfit first to prove that she doesn't need to spend huge amounts of money on the newest throw-away trend to look good.

"Mom, are we seriously going to that weird second hand store? Only poor people go there..."

"Yes Anne, we are going to "that weird second hand store," and while some of the less financially gifted people may be attracted by the low prices, the most resourceful and frugal also shop there!"

Anne rolls her eyes, "Fine, as long as we still get to find an outfit for me at the mall..."

We entered the fluorescently lit store. There was a fire sale going on at the moment of which Francine commented on. Wow honey look! Just about everyone piece of clothing is half off! And it's already so cheap!"

"Mom, it's so cheap because no one wants any of this junk." Anne retorted. "God I will never find anything good in this mess forgotten hand me downs."

Anne and Francine were for 20 minutes before Anne frustratingly piped up, "Mom, I can find anything good, none of it is my style."

"Oh hush now Anne, you're just not imaginative enough. Here, what about this super smart gray business skirt?"

"Ugh, no mom that is totally boring." Said Anne.

"Okay then you party pooper, if you can't find anything you like and you keep shooting me down, let's see how you like to try to find clothes for someone else. I will pick out an outfit for you while you pick out an outfit for me, and then we will try the outfits on together and decide who did a better job. Deal?"

"Okay, then you're on!"