The girl who begged their mom to buy monkey graphic hoodies, a changeable chain link bracelet and used a messenger bag as a backpack. Chances are you have entered your adult years by now. But like me, you will always appreciate growing up as a Limited Too girl. You lived the life, and only you can understand the following.
1. Gauchos were the best of both worlds.
It seemed like the greatest fashion invention to date, pants that when you put your legs together looked like a skirt. It was comfort and fashion all in one; Some even had graphics or bedazzles on the hip and they were all made of cotton. You had them in a rainbow of colors and wore them to the playground, birthday parties and even holiday gatherings. Plus, they went perfectly with your camis and tanks.
2. Everything was better with an initial.
Sure, you could have bought the plush purse in a solid color or leopard print, but why not add your first initial. When I added a “K” on the front of my belongings, they became prized possessions. Soon I was buying initialed pillows, messenger bags and jewelry in case my family forgot my name. My sister could no longer touch these belongings, and she didn’t want to. Everyone knew it was mine and that was totally awesome. It could even be credited for the start of the monogram phase…
3. Wearing your sport was cool.
This first started for me when Limited Too came out with the matching outfit sets which included capri sweats and a hoodie. I owned the gymnast and dancer versions, each which came with their own color palette. Eventually this trend turned into more sport themed apparel such as gym shorts, graphic tees, links for my chain bracelet and even socks. Apparently, graphic socks were going to let everyone know I was in-training.
4. All furniture should be inflatable.
Whether it was a love seat, a table, or a chair with a footrest, it was better if it could be inflated. Each item required an air pump; it was impossible to blow it up otherwise. It also partially deflated when you sat in it and often needed additional air. Inflatable furniture was painstakingly dysfunctional and uncomfortable but was a necessity to turn a room retro. Besides, regular furniture didn’t come in neon green and hot pink! As if furniture wasn’t enough, inflatable backpacks game into fruition shortly after.
5. Sequin accessories were a necessity.
From headbands to purses and belts, every Limited Too girl owned an abundance of accessories adorned in sequins. One of the most recognizable being the slouchy crochet tote bag covered in sequins. It was perfect to hold your sleepover clothes, attend a family dinner out or mall crawl to the nearest Claire’s. Sure the tote was a must-have, but other accessories such as hats and headbands were a close runner up. Oh, and we can’t forget about the famous stretchy belt! We wore them religiously over top of camis and tank tops for special occasions, but seriously who thought it was a good idea to wear a sequin belt around our stomachs?
6. Cargo pants unzipped to become capris and shorts.
These pants were the best purchase you could make. Not only were cargo pants extremely fashionable, but they could unzip to make three lengths of pants. Hot playing kickball in gym? No problem, unzip to shorts. Cold in the morning? Add the bottom section. It was the solo item in Limited Too that my mom believed was worth the higher price tag the store was known for. I was devastated when I unzipped the bottom portion of my magenta cargos and left them at a friends house. It just wasn’t the same after that.
7. Your cami collection took up several drawers.
They came in every color imaginable, and you owned them all. Some had gems along the neckline or were outlined in lace. They were the most versatile item in your closet, and could be worn with gym shorts, skirts and gauchos; Over tank tops, and under v necks only for the most stylish. It even went so far that my friends and I had matching ones we wore as costumes in the talent show.
8. You were heartbroken when Limited Too closed.
Although Justice was owned by the same company, it felt as if an imposter had taken over your beloved store. The company had failed us '90s kids and taken its in-store photo booth with it. The familiar sites of glitter and cropped sweaters were replaced with neons and those awful flow tube tops. No matter how many times you tried to shop at Justice, it didn’t come close to Limited Too in its glory days. The sudden closure left a gaping hole in all of our hearts. It was the end of an era for us Limited Too lovers, and it forced us to grow up quicker than we wanted to.
