LIVING THE FANTASY

LIVING THE FANTASY
It's not just tots who are caught up in the princess fantasy. This spring, wedding trends abet anyone's inner princess. Pink and gold are popular wedding colors, says Darcy Miller, editorial director for Martha Stewart Weddings, and big ball gowns are back, says Brides' Editor in Chief Millie Martini Bratten. As for those parents whose daughters aren't old enough to be planning a wedding, here is a mix of strategies for coping with the princess storyline.
Revise it: "We know that what goes into girls' or boys' imaginations and play is practice for life," says Lyn Mikel Brown, co-author of "Packaging Girlhood." "If we want those life skills, we have to infuse their play with a variety of options."
So discuss the princess DVD -- "Isn't that an interesting way for the story to end? Can you imagine another way for the story to end?" Or: "You're a princess and you have a castle--how would you build that out of blocks?"
"There are all kinds of ways to tie in female empowerment with the princess theme," Parenting's Camille Chatterjee said.
Discount it: Between Hanna Andersson tights and Disney dresses, a parent can drop significant sums dressing a daughter. Chicago mom Danielle Colyer skips the licensed costumes and shops at dance stores such as Discount Dance Supply online, for higher-quality tutus and shoes that also fit the princess bill.
Fight it: Check out T-shirts and onesies that say Future Princess, with Princess crossed out and replaced with President, at cafepress.com.
Join it: Known (and mocked) for wearing tiaras regularly, Erica Rose, a former "The Bachelor" candidate, has launched her own line of tiaras with real pearls and diamonds, in the 5,000 range. E-mail infot-erica.com to learn more.