PBK's Ultimate Barbie Dream Room
Pottery Barn Kids arrived in the mail last week, and as I’m apt to do, I tossed the catalog aside. The high prices, combined with the über-organized kids’ rooms are too much for me. The catalog’s photography instills feelings of inadequacy, as in; I wish my play space looked that good. Or more accurately, I wish I could afford a room like that. I understand that catalogs have to visually appeal to customers to sell merchandise, but I’m asking, does anyone know a kid whose room reflects the catalog? Infants don’t count here. I’m talking moving, active, curious kids with lots of toys and books. Is a Pottery Barn Kids’ room really possible?
One thing that I never imagined was finding my 3-year old flipping through the pages of the PBK catalog. After dinner, I discovered her eyeing a spread that celebrated, “50 Years of Barbie,” with a sub-headline that reads, “Inspired by her classic style, our exclusive bedding creates the ultimate dream room for your biggest Barbie fan.” Who knew Barbie had classic style? I think back to some of the hot pink 80’s numbers my Barbie wore, and classic doesn’t come to mind, but I digress. Lauren was eyeing the all pink bedroom with great interest. I asked her if she liked the room, and she said, “Yeah (as in duh, Mom). It’s all pink!”
A few days later, we were in her bedroom, and she casually brought up the catalog. “Do you know, I saw that room in that book, and everything was pink. The bed was pink. The walls were pink. It was pinkalicious!”* I laughed out loud—amazed by how Pottery Barn Kids could influence a 3-year old. I mentioned that pink was already part of her room—there are pink rosebuds in her quilt and throw pillows. Plus I like that her walls are a contrasting blue, no need to go all Pepto Bismol here. “But I want it,” she said. “I want a pink room.”
Sigh. What’s a parent to do? I’m going to hold out hope that her favorite color changes. If not, I guess you’ll find Ted and I painting her room pink one weekend. But there is no way I’m buying a Barbie duvet cover, coordinating dupioni silk quilt and tulle bed skirt. That’s where I draw the (pink) line.
*Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann is one of Lauren’s favorite books, and definitely worth a read.
Meet the Hazards 