Well, I was going to write about a hero I know, but instead I want to know why clothes for women and children are looking more and more like streetwalker outfits?I saw a pair of "shorts" in the women's section of one of my favorite stores the other day that were maybe 10 inches in length in total, scissor-cut bottoms, basically Daisy Dukes that I don't even think would fit my 10-year-old daughter. When I saw this, and the other skimpy garments around it, I just snapped.

I am sick to death of having one of two options when shopping for clothes these days, which is to dress like a "What Not To Wear" candidate, or give into this look that 20-ish year-olds with lean, slim, boyish-type bodies are barely pulling off. I am a 40-year-old woman looking for professional, sophisticated, chic and modern clothes, a combination that seems non-existent without the clothes also looking like I'm about to go clubbing. Even the high-end, specialty shops that are out of my price range can't seem to offer the basic items, like a simple, basic black skirt that is not mini or past my calves or trousers that don't have an elastic waistband practically touching my ribcage or that hang so low on my hips I'm worried about bending over wherever I go.

So, here's the deal. The way I am making my voice heard is that I am simply not purchasing the garbage that is hanging on the racks right now and I'm just going to keep wearing the clothes in my closet over and over again until they are thread-bear or the buyers give me something that is worth my money, whichever comes first.

But what about my 6- and 10-year-old daughters who are ever-growing and are always in need of new clothes and don't have the option I have? I am even more appalled at what I see hanging on the store racks for these young girls who are trying to form healthy images about their body. I have seen thong underwear ... yes, thongs, for girls ages 10-15. I want someone to give me one reason why a 10-year old needs to be wearing thong underwear. I have seen skirts that, when worn, the child cannot bend over without revealing everything to the whole wide world. I have seen shirts that are see-through, skimpy tank tops that look like pajamas, and don't even get me started on their shoes.

Parents of young children, I urge you to open your eyes and see the gradual, subliminal and eroding effects these clothes are having on our daughters (and sons) and their self-image. The only way we can make any impact on what's happening with our options in the retail world is with our wallets. Let your wallet be the voice of disapproval and disgust and DO NOT BUY the clothing that you know is inappropriate for you or your young daughters or sons. Look into second-hand stores, shop online (eBay has a lot to offer in the way of "gently worn" clothes). Do whatever it takes to send the message that we will not be force-fed any garbage, whether it be on television, food choices in the supermarkets, and now we can add inappropriate clothes to the list. Know and own your power and take a second look at what you have in your closet, even if it means investing a few dollars in dry cleaning or mending a few of your clothes. Believe me, our message will be heard loud and clear when many of us stick to our guns and stand our ground so the only thing that will be attracted to these clothes is a lot of dust.