One: I promise you, that despite all or any appearances, she is wearing not a touch of makeup. It must have been the flash that did it.

Two: I swear that I have never, ever encouraged the pink polyester and tulle look. This is not some sick fantasy of making my daughter what I was not.

Three: I haven’t discouraged it very much either, because I believe that she has the right to make choices, even if her choice is to look like this.

Four: It will all come right. I don’t look like that anymore, and neither will she.

Footnote: She decided to put on last year’s Mary Janes to complete the outfit. As I helped her fasten them I protested that they were too small. “Oh” she said airily, “Mommy, it doesn’t matter. They are pink”.