We all know a lot about bows. Wrap gifts you receive for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
If you grew up with long hair, chances are your parents, siblings, or friends tied ribbons into braids or ponytails before going to school or special events.
While many people associate ribbons with gifts and accessories for little girls, these ribbons are making a comeback among Millennials and Gen Z. In an attempt to hold on to the last bits of childhood we have left, many of us are turning to these items that remind us of our childhood. To get it back. But have we gone too far?
There was a recent discussion about kids shopping at Ulta and Sephora, mostly trying to buy products from brands like Drunk Elephant, which sells premium moisturizers, retinol, and other serums formulated for adult skin. . Many adults observing this phenomenon are upset that these tweens are occupying traditionally more adult spaces and using products not intended for delicate young faces.
While I understand where many of these adults are coming from (especially since many of these children have been reported to be rude to other customers and employees), these children… We also understand why many are looking to beef up their skincare arsenal. It is not an unusual phenomenon for children in late elementary school and middle school to start looking older.
I remember this feeling well. When I was his teenager, I couldn't wait to be seen as older, have adult responsibilities, and generally be taken more seriously. It wasn't until I actually took on these roles that I realized it wasn't everything I had imagined, and I looked back at my younger self and wished I had enjoyed my childhood more when I was actually a kid. I thought it was good.
In recent years, it's become clear that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I've noticed more and more conversations with peers describing this exact feeling. It also explains how returning to old interests, objects, and even food can remind people of childhoods they wish they had cherished more.
Largely for this reason, and the recent rise of the so-called “coquette” aesthetic, the bow has been repopularized among women, who would have surpassed it years ago on many social measures.
I understand that bow-themed items are popular these days, but I feel like the bow craze is getting out of hand. I've noticed ribbons on earrings, necklaces, pajamas, phone cases, and just about every other piece of clothing or accessory you can think of.
Because of their ubiquity, bows have become the internet's latest micro-trend, and I believe they will eventually share the same fate as cow prints, mushrooms, and other patterns and fads that have gone out of fashion as quickly as they became popular. Masu.
But how do we fix this? Too often, the pressure to fit in and be seen outweighs the critical analysis needed to make smart, sustainable purchases. We often feel like we are too small and powerless to make a difference.
I think the first step is to identify trends that are gaining in popularity and assess whether they are likely to be timeless and worth investing in.
But I think the most important thing is to understand that you don't actually need these products. Clinging to bow-themed products and other materials will not allow you to remember your childhood. Instead, it just fills you with buyer's remorse.
Connecting with the people who brought you joy when you were younger, or who made you feel young again, is the only way to truly combat feelings of sadness and nostalgia about aging. By hugging your loved ones and making memories, you'll save money and the planet while also soothing your inner child.
