Mom in designer wear shamed for dressing kids in 'Walmart clothes', hits back with bold response

Caitlin Fladager (@caitlin.fladager), a digital creator from Vancouver, Canada, is known for boldly sharing her opinions, often tackling taboo topics and challenging stereotypes. This unapologetic approach has made her a frequent target for online trolls. In July 2020, Caitlin took to Facebook to address something many parents shy away from discussing. She responded to a mom who criticized her for wearing designer clothes while dressing her kids in Walmart outfits. Caitlin’s fierce defense sparked widespread support from thousands of people who appreciated her honesty.

“Your kids only wear clothes from Walmart, while you get dressed up a lot. Not a good look for you as a mom. That statement is something I get a lot,” Caitlin wrote in the post. She confessed that it was true that most of her kids’ dresses were from Walmart while she bought her clothes from other brands and stores. The reason for this choice, she said, was that she is “not a kid” and kids are kids. They like to play, and when they play, they get their clothes dirty.

Continuing the post, she listed some reasons why she bought her kids’ clothes from the supermarket. “Because I am not constantly outgrowing them like my kids are. I am not constantly spilling food and dirt all over my brand-new clothes. I am not outside running around in the dirt for hours on end. I am not tripping and ripping holes in brand-new clothes. I am not changing my mind daily about what color I have randomly decided I don’t want to wear ever again. I am not a kid.”

Caitlin described her kids as “messy,” noting they love to play in the dirt and spill food. And she strives to be a mom who sees them spill and still takes it to be no big deal. She strives to be a mom who teaches her kids that “there is more to life than having nice, expensive clothes.” Besides, her kids love being in Walmart clothes. “I buy them cheaper clothes because I refuse to be the mom who yells at them for spilling a drop of ice cream on a brand-new shirt,” she proclaimed. Along with the outspoken note, she also included a photograph of her daughter Ariana and son Jack dressed in Walmart clothes, holding ice-cream cups, as melted cream dripped and dropped on their dresses.

Her undaunted spirit attracted 19,000 reactions from people and 1,600 comments on the post. People praised her for the choice of her kids’ dresses. Alicia Clokey said, “They are your children. You shouldn't have to explain yourself to these Karens. I hate how people can judge moms, knowing the kids have what they need. It's annoying. I’ve gotten stuff like those a lot.” Steph Riley noted with shock, “Someone actually said that? Why does that matter to someone else?”

Susie Billiot commented, “I'm a grown adult and I wear Walmart clothes every day for all the same reasons. What's wrong with that? They’re clean and they're paid for with my hard-earned money.” Tammie Ridley added, “I buy my clothes at Walmart, thrift stores, and yard sales. I refuse to pay stupid high prices just because of a name.” Charles Jr Bronner brought attention to how social media can sometimes be so toxic. Instead of shaming, people should try to respect each other. 

Caitlin has also faced criticism for her fashion choices as a wife and mom, but she consistently stands up to the trolls with logic and courage, proving she’s doing her best despite the negativity.