Disclaimer: Yes, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Clever Belle. No, I didn’t receive any compensation for it other than some supra-cool shirts for the gals. Yes, I know and admire one of the company’s co-founders. No, I was NOT seen trying to squeeze into one of Nora’s shirts because I like them so darned much. We good now?
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“Creative clothing options for girls who want to succeed in a real career instead of marrying into royalty.”
It’s one of those things that doesn’t really hit you until you’re the parent of girls: the near-suffocating amount of slogans and images showcasing- shall we say- values that you as a Mom or Dad don’t necessarily want to perpetuate. “Too pretty for homework,” is one that I’d enjoy lighting on fire. And while fairy tales and princesses are a permanent part of my household (I am, after all, the one who recently relocated two gigantic dollhouses from my childhood home and generally believe that most things are better with glitter), nothing makes me happier than seeing my girls build a structurally sound tower or quiz each other with math problems like game show hosts. (Do you know what else my daughters are too pretty for? Gender wage gaps.)
Still with me? Then you’re gonna love this Chicagoland clothing company. Clever Belle, created by siblings and featuring original artwork by local Chicago artist Jason Tank, hopes to empower girls in all the ways that they’re “brilliantly beautiful.” The shirts fall into five categories: Education (with an emphasis on STEM), sports, volunteerism, the arts & music, and nature & the environment. Did you know that between the ages of 8-12, many girls begin to lose self-esteem and withdraw from activities they enjoy? (And as the Mom of a five year-old who was recently told that she shouldn’t be drawing or reading because everyone was playing “dress-up princess,” I can attest that it starts even earlier than that.)
“We believe that girls’ self-esteem stays intact when they develop a love of learning, are able to participate in hobbies or sports that encourage them to pursue their passions, appreciate nature, art and music; and give back to their communities. Our mission is to encourage girls to pursue their dreams and see themselves as having the strength and ability to respond to the negative stereotypes and bias that they experience,” says co-founder Jenny Tank.
And permit me a moment of shallowness- these shirts are soft, well-made, sure to be go-to favorites…and cute as heck. Because clothing can be as empowering as you’d like, but it still has to fit. Just. Right. (Amiright?)
But don’t take my word for it; check out this smartypants cutie pie rocking her current favorite, the Jane Goodall tee. “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Think this is a brilliantly beautiful idea? Want to get your own shirt- er, for your daughter? You’re in luck- and you need to be quick. Clever Belle is kickstarting through June 6th. Help them help your daughters, sisters, nieces, granddaughters, neighborhood children, and other females you’d like to see make smart, brave choices about confidence and career, unrelated to anything they’re seeing in their targeted media. (…Which should be everyone. You realize this, yes? We should want this for all females. Okay, good.)
You know what to do. (It includes saving me that Malala one.)
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Go check ’em out! Here’s Clever Belle’s Kickstarter campaign, website, Facebook page, and Instagram account. Happy empowering, friends!
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