Being a child is so ironic. I spent a good part of my younger years wishing away curfews and maths lessons, longing for the day I’d be old enough to own my own makeup bag– a proper one, filled with items that shimmered and smelled like strawberries. Yet now, I’d give anything to revisit just one slow, sunny day in my school uniform, doing cartwheels in the playground and loyally orbiting the girl I’d be having over for a playdate that evening. To sit on the carpet where my teacher would read us illustrated stories or, as a treat, project episodes of Charlie and Lola onto the whiteboard.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ll take any excuse to revisit the media I loved ten, or even fifteen years ago, whether it’s a quick flick through an old Fancy Nancy book or a full episode of Peppa Pig on my fyp. And there’s so much more to appreciate with older eyes– the oddly specific details that once felt throwaway now feel strangely aesthetic.
It almost feels like the best of both worlds now, as we can draw creative inspiration from our childhood icons, while revisiting them with the freedom and independence of young adulthood. So, let’s take some notes:
Lola and Lotta
Lola wears mismatched tights, has strong opinions about vegetables and lives in a home that my junk journal would be jealous of. She’s the ultimate queen of textures and layering, and in Lola’s world, there’s no such thing as clashing patterns.
Small details:
buttons (a lot of them)
colourful accessories (tights, hats, scarves, gloves) that are co-ordinated with small coloured details in the outfit
pink drinks– pink milk, an iced coffee or strawberry matcha latte
patterned dresses, particularly floral
patchwork accessories, makeup bags or blankets
bows or butterfly hair clips
creative layering
Angelina Ballerina
Before ballerina capuccina, there was Angelina Ballerina: the princess of coquette, tea parties and the pink and turquoise colour combo. I like to think of Angelina as the clean girl, pilates princess of the modern era, who would go wild for Rhode and Lululemon.
Small details:
brands: Lululemon, alo, fun+cute, JW PEI
coquette bows and ribbons
mary janes and mary jane sneakers
pretty pastels
lace, tulle and satin fabrics
carefully curated tea parties with petit fours, iced buns and delicate flavours
hand painted pottery
Madeline
“We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love each other.” Madeline is polite, curious and loyal. Dressed in her signature yellow trench and navy pinafore, she spends her days exploring art galleries, zoos and grand old cathedrals in cities around the world with her classmates.
Small details:
navy blue and yellow colour pairings
a yellow trench coat
black mary janes with white socks
hats, bows and other hair accessories
city breaks and day trips
bread and butter, of course
Fancy Nancy
Fancy Nancy has become something of a TikTok icon lately, inspiring character-themed gatherings and whimsical hosting. There’s no such thing as ‘too extravagant’ for Nancy, who loves dressing up in tutus, feather boas and ruby slippers, as well as anything with a touch of Parisian flair.
Small details:
fairy lights and paper decorations
handmade paper crowns and placeholders
french cakes and pastries- petit-fours, macarons, gâteaux
gingham, polka dots and floral patterns
extravagant accessories- feather boas, statement sunglasses and headbands
lace, tulle and satin
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Whether he’s chomping his way through a crunchy pear or a juicy apple, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is constantly surrounded by and abundance of colour (and food, of course). He lives his life in watercolour and channels his vibrant appetite into a stunning butterfly at the end of his story.
Small details:
bright primary and secondary colours (reds, greens, blues, yellows)
striped and gingham prints
monochromatic green or brown looks, featuring pops of red
fluffy or fuzzy knitwear (bonus points if it’s green)
colourful snack plates and charcuterie boards
farmers market dates
vibrant tablescapes