Victoria's Secret

Oh hell no! Victoria's Secret is out of control! Did you notice a few months ago when they did their big televised fashion show that they had Justin Bieber on there? At first it was like, Ew. What's that little girl doing on stage singing Justin Bieber songs? Isn't that kind of weird? And then I realized it was the Biebs and I thought it was still strange to have him there, because he's like barely legal. I guess maybe that's why Victoria's Secret went with an obvious homage to CandyLand. Maybe they thought it would make him feel more comfortable?

Well, now it's clear why they invited the Biebs to come. Vicky's Secret has decided that they'd like to launch a line of bras and undies aimed at the middle school crowd. Y'know, the girls trying to attract Bieber's attention. OK, actually, VS says they are aiming their marketing dollars at high school girls. (But if they catch some middle schoolers in their nets, so be it, right?) I'm sure Biebs signed on, because he's tired of getting hit on stage with cotton full-coverage panties printed with the days of the week on them.

Victoria's Secret can say all they want about how they're trying to get these products out to 16-year-olds, but I'm not buying it. And even if they were, from what I've seen, this crap isn't even appropriate for a 30-year-old.

Of course, I think the middle schoolers would like more choices than rainbows and My Little Ponies, but this is the same company that enjoys branding our daughter's slouchy sweatpants with the PINK logo across their asses. Why am I not reassured that their bras and panties for young girls are going to be any better than this shit?

Oh I know what's better: a lace trimmed thong with the words "Call Me" emblazoned across her cooch. Are you fucking kidding me?? For my kid? Sorry, kid. Looks like it's cotton grannies with unicorns and snowflakes for you still.

As much as I'd like to, I really can't blame Victoria's Secret though. That's just what they do. They're in the business to make money and find more and more consumers for their cheeksters and thongs - even if their new consumers barely have enough cheeks yet to fill them. I blame the parents of the young girls who are buying this shit. Where are the parents when these girls are buying "Wild" panties? Updating their Facebook status? ("Shopping for some new undies for Ahlyssah. Cheetah print thong or zebra cheeksters. Decisions, decisions! She's growing up so fast!") Or are the moms getting a matching pair too? ("Call Me" for Kassidee and "Wild" for Mommy.)

WTF, young ladies?? No self-respecting young woman should have "I Dare You" on her ass. (Or is that the front? Who can tell??) What exactly are you daring us to do? What about "Too Hot" on her crotch? That sounds like a medical condition you should get checked out, because it's definitely not the amount of material in those panties that's making you hot.

I could rant and rave all day long about this, but instead, I'll let Baby Sideburns do the talking for me, she sums up my feelings perfectly:



I am so tired of manufacturers making products that make my daughter look like a skank. Why do parents keep buying this stuff? It is hard enough raising a daughter in this world without hooker heels for elementary school girls and padded bras for middle schoolers and thongs that say "Feeling Lucky" for high schoolers. We don't do it to our sons. There isn't a marble sack we can buy for him that says "Text Me" or boxer briefs that say "Up For Fun."

Ugh. These manufacturers get bolder every year. By the time Adolpha is in high school, I'm guessing Victoria's Secret will have panties that say, "Poke Me."

68 comments:

viewfromdownhere said...

Nothing says class quite like clothing with some slutty saying on the ass :-) Classy class class. Let's teach them early!

Unknown said...

I love that as I am reading this, there is a Victoria Secret Ad next to the post. Great Post!

Unknown said...

I know what you mean.......besides the fact that Victoria ain't got nothing to hide my secret... I feel dirty just walking by. I can remember years ago growing up there was a Victoria's Secret and a Fredrick's of Hollywood in the mall we went to all the time. My mom and grandmother would not even go down that hallway in the mall. Even then these two stores were at the end of the hallway.

I don't get it I really don't. Those underware/panties/strips of cloth do not even look comfortable. Don't get me wrong I like many had my skimpy panty stage and then got tired of picking at my butt all the time to remove the floss from where it was creeping. But really? I don't know about your 5th grader but I've got two nieces that just started wearing button front pants and remembering to change their undies every day. Not real sure they need butt floss to complicate things.

ldmay said...

i dunno....I usually agree with 99.998 percent of your rants Jen, but I think you're off on this one.

Idgaf what my girls wear UNDER their clothes, to be honest. If they want to wear cute panties, sexy panties, grannies, no panties at all...whatevs, its their business. The only person that sees their drawers is me, when i take them out of the dryer.

I concern myself more with what goes over the underwear....you know, the part people can see. I make them dress conservatively, and carry themselves like ladies....but if they want cute panties, then so be it.

I'm more infuriated at the companies that are skanking up our little girls with their outer-wear than undies. I mean, have you SEEN the shorts most girls are wearing these days? Ugh.

KathyD said...

This reminds me of an episode of "South Park" that my nephew insisted I just HAD to see. It was both hysterical and frightening... because it's almost true!! http://southpark-zone.blogspot.com/2008/01/s8-stupid-spoiled-whore-video-playset.html
I think it should be required watching for anyone raising a daughter cause good god... I've seen folks walking around with their 10 year old dressed like she's an intern at a porn shoot!

MyBelle said...

Prostitots and Prostiteens have to shop somewhere!

Krysti said...

My parents must have done their jobs, because at 25 I go into VS for a small list of specific things, and none of them include underwear that crawls up my ass or bras that push my boobs out of my shirt. Underwear should be comfortable--it's on under everything else!

I don't understand girls who wander around picking out underwear from the actual Victoria's Secret side at all. If you're going to get something, go to the Pink side! They at least have bright colors and flowers (and bras down to the 32A "push up size"). The last thing a twelve-year-old needs is a lace, see-through teddie with detachable thong or a bra that pushes their barely-existent cleavage to their face.

Allison said...

Well, except, that when your girls get to be the age to want to wear these, it's not just to stay under the clothes...and you'll probably have no idea who else is seeing them. I think you missed the point- that this is sending messages to girls that they are pretty much here as sex objects...and they should act like it and embrace it. I guess if you're fine with your girls internalizing that message, even if others don't see it, then alrighty. We have our answer about what type of parent would buy this stuff.

FreshGreenKim said...

Something I haven't seen much talk about either, but has always been a concern of mine as the parent of two daughters is that when our girls wear something branded from VS, even if it's just a hoodie or sweatshirt, they are advertising to the world (including creepy people who make a habit of ogling our babies) that they shop in a store that sells sex. Not on my watch.

Kathy at kissing the frog said...

Yet one more reason I am so glad I don't have girls. HOWEVER, I do have boys, so I will have to talk with them about not wanting to see a girl's panties. And perhaps staying away from girls who show you their panties. Aye yi yi, can't they just stay in a closet until they're 21??

Anonymous said...

OMG! The description under 'wild' is hilarious!

I've come to the conclusion that everyone hates women - and girls. That's the only conclusive reason I can think for the way societytreats women, including other women.

MyRachTN said...

Idmay, here's a tip from my younger and stupider days. If your teenager says she just wants sexy underwear, you're not the only one seeing them. And I doubt anyone else is doing your daughter's laundry. I said the same thing (Mo-om, no one is going to see them under my clothes!), she believed me, and I made a lot of mistakes. Girls want clothes like this because they want to be what the media is telling them to be: SEXY. The problem is they're not ready for it, mentally, emotionally, or physically.

Anonymous said...

THIS IS NOT TRUE, Y'ALL. I work for VS. The PINK line is aimed at college age WOMEN. This is an internet rumor because VS Pink used the headline "Bright Young Things" and the Internets went crazy. Pink has never been aimed at middle schoolers! Their demographic has always been college age women. And shame on you for calling women who wear cute undies "sluts!" I expected better from this blog :( Also, NONE of the links connect to any actual Victoria's Secret reps. Do some real research, please.

Kris at AintNobodysMama said...

I love, love LOVE your descriptions! Maybe next Fruit of the Loom can parter with Lego to make Cock Block undies for boys.

Kris at AintNobodysMama said...

*partner

Lucky Mama (Little Rock Mamas) said...

You can add me to the list of moms saying "Hell no!" I won't even let my daughter (she's 3) watch the Little Mermaid, because I think the message of changing yourself to be with a man is total BS. I'm certainly not going to let her wear undies that advertise she's the chick whose number is on the bathroom wall with the description "For a Good Time Call ...." WTF?

Jon-Michael said...

100% True Facepalm Moment whilst reading this essay; a Victoria's Secret banner add on the left.

Jenna said...

Thank God I have sons...

ldmay said...

To each their own I guess. I've always been a pretty big proponent of the idea that parents should be open with their kids, and keep communication open so that their kids aren't afraid to come to them about things. It worked for me as a kid....I always knew I could talk to my mom about anything, and I wore whatever underclothes I wanted to, as long as my mom had control over my outer clothing, and it worked pretty damn well for me. I didn't sleep around, wasn't a "slut" as Jen references above...and I actually went on to make a pretty damn successful life for myself, and I've been married for 10 years to a guy I've been with since I was 18. So, no, I don't think that allowing your kid to wear underpants of their choice will make them be a slut or hide things from you. What I DO think will cause kids to hide things, is the attitude that anyone who wears a thong is a slut. Thats a pretty damn ridiculous mind set, imo.

And by the way, my girls are 16 and 18...so yeah, they are at the age where they want the freedom to pick their own undies, and to date, we haven't had any catastrophes that I can link to their choosing a thong over Strawberry Shortcake granny panties.

Unknown said...

I think I just threw up. Companies marketing to middle school and high school girls is smart business on one hand, because they have lots of disposable income and a generally very bad sense of fiscal responsibility combined with low impulse control. HOWEVER – “call me” on your cooter – REALLY? I can say with certainty that if you have to ask him to call you while he is staring at your crotch the answer will be no, he will not be calling you – maybe you could write your phone number on the panties with a sharpie and leave them as a parting gift? AND I do not find flirting with boys via underwear cute or playful. FYI – boys have no desire to read your crotch, they will rip those puppies off in the backseat of a dark car without noticing and men will most certainly be creeped out (at least I would hope so!). That being said – would my 16 year old self have bought these? Only if they came in a silk/sateen….

Karisa Tells All said...

I thought you were making up the "Call me" and "I dare you" undies until I saw the photo! How dumb. I also take issue to VS's marketing toward younger girls because, when I was shopping for honeymoon lingerie last spring I could not for the life of me find anything dirrrty enough for a grown woman. Everything was fluorescent, polka dotted and emblazoned with a stupid saying like "I'm blogging this." (Which I actually almost bought...even though I was so not blogging this.) What are the actual adult skanks supposed to wear??

J A said...

I actually like The Little Mermaid. Ariel is one of the few Disney princesses who does not wait for a prince to rescue her. She gets sh*t done herself, and Prince Eric is sort of a pretty backdrop. I like that.

Anonymous said...

Amen. Yesterday I realized I need to start shopping in the girls section vs toddlers for my almost 5 yr old. At first I was excited. Then I saw how much shorter the shorts are, how sexy the swimsuits suddenly are - I was horrified. I'm going to start sewing her clothes myself. She'll be the kindergartener wearing housecoats. And now that I know what awaits us from Victoria's Secret, I'll also get started on my homemade underwear patterns.

J A said...

A few weeks ago, a lace thong of mine fell on the floor in the hallway when I was doing laundry. My 15-year-old stepdaughter found it and didn't understand what it was. She thought my husband was joking when he said it was underwear. I can't tell you how happy that made him.

Unknown said...

Yet another reason I am thankful and blessed to have BOYS! However I do have nieces, and there is no way in hell I'd ever entertain the idea of shopping for them, or taking them to shop, for any VS anything. I did not venture into VS until I was 19 and out on my own, with my own place, job and income. And even though I did have the thong phase & the push-up-super-plunge phase, I never sank to covering my lady-bits with skanky conversation-heart sayings.

I can completely understand wanting to wear pretty things just for yourself. But any parent whose daughter suddenly decides she wants specific things from VS or Freddys or some other place I'm too old to know about had better take a moment. Because you aren't the only one seeing those undies, and she's gotten the idea from somewhere. Most people progress in increments - add a little lace to the granny panties. Change the cut a bit. Change up the color scheme. Not just, I'm done with grannies let's hop on the VS train to less than tasteful cooter-covers!

ldmay said...

your 15 year old step daughter is lying. lol

Unknown said...

I had sexy undies when I was a teen... and I loved to show my boyfriend. It IS the purpose for those things. Anyone who says different is either in denial or don't really care what your daughter's sexual behaviors are.

I don't usually get angry about this stuff... but some of these comments - so offended that you would have limits... ridiculous.

Your girls are worth more than being objectified

Anonymous said...

I saw that, too!! WTF?

PimmyVuh said...

The only purpose for skimpy underwear that says "Call me" is for the buyer to sext a picture of themselves in their underwear. I'd like to see what VS says after some teen girl sexts the picture and it gets sent around the school and the girl gets bullied or tries to kill herself. I know that's dramatic, but what will be their response then?

Confessions of a PTO Mom said...

The catalog we received yesterday in the mail is almost porn. I'm inclined to call them and ask them to remove our address from their list. I have young kids. They do not need to see that in the mailbox.

phunk said...

This makes me vomit a little in my mouth. Much like the T's that became popular for young girls & toddlers a couple years back with slogans like 'hottie' on them. Uh-fucking-uh.

Wendy at Taking the Long Way Home said...

Last summer, I did a school physical on a precocious 12 year old, who was, truth be told, quite cute. She was wearing Vicky's hipsters, with the statement "I <3 my boyfriend". She told me I should get a pair and I told her my husband probably wouldn't appreciate the sentiment. We all laughed about that. Then she told me the underwear would make my butt look better. Yes, she was12. Sigh.

DizzyLizzy said...

Jen i think you might have given them the slogan for next seasons tasteless undies with that "poke me" sugestion!!!!! LOL

Amanda said...

I was what you would call a good girl, to the point of being a prude growing up. I have had one man see my underwear, and I am married to him. However, I liked to wear pretty underwear. I still do. My husband couldn't care less, he would rather I have nothing on.

This, however, is not about pretty underwear. This is about suggestive messages on underwear aimed at a younger audience. Give me a break that this is aimed at college age women. I call BS! Sure that's what they say they market these products to, but the fact is, you see 14 year olds walking around with PINK across their ass all the time. It's just like how Camels cigarettes weren't marketed to try to attract a younger generation to start smoking, by choosing a cartoon character to emblazon their boxes, right? Stop being so naive.

The thought of allowing my daughter to wear something like this? YEAH RIGHT! I don't think so. I won't be shopping at VS with her until we are planning her Bridal shower.

Amanda said...

I bet you never sell these items to younger girls. right? Stop being so naive.

Amanda said...

Swim suit shopping for little girls, (mine is 7) is AWFUL! Just try to NOT buy a bikini! I end up buying bikinis, and a matching rash guard shirt. It costs twice as much, but my daughter is covered up, which works both for the sun, and for the eyes!

Amanda said...

"Your girls are worth more than being objectified." This is my new favorite quote, EVER. You are my hero, and I am giving you a virtual standing ovation!

Unknown said...

Even if this is marketed toward college age women, why do we want any women wearing "I Dare You" or "Call Me" on their hooha!?? What kind of message is that for the women or the men/boys? I'm only good for sex?

Unknown said...

And these are not just "cute undies," they are selling sex, plain & simple, & if you think otherwise, you're delusional.

Chariot said...

I disagree about The Little Mermaid. Ariel always dreamed about life outside the ocean. She never changed herself for him. It was for her dreams.

Now, the movie Grease I have a problem with. Loved the movie but it definitely gives girls a message that you need to change yourself for a man. She changed her look and started smoking for him.

It's why you like me said...

My favorite part of this? The Victoria's Secret ad on the left of the page while I read this!! Are they coming up with a new store? Like "Little Vicky's"? This is wrong and I'm glad I have boys except these ho bags are wearing these for my boys so maybe I'm wishing I hadn't had kids

BadParentingMoments said...

Fucking. Ridiculous. Hey boys, I have words on my crotch. I think they should take it to the other extreme and use slogans like, "Take me seriously." and, "future chemist". Because, let's be honest, I believe anything a vagina tells me.

Unknown said...

It's not true - the line is aimed at 15-22 year olds. No worries. Teenagers can buy sexy undies - it's okay. I did when I was a teenager - didn't you? Ha! No more of course. :)

Jack said...

That's google ad's for ya!

Anonymous said...

Oh thank goodness! I thought I was the only one who thought those adult-style bikinis for little girls were inappropriate. My daughter is only 2 and it's hard to find decent one pieces or tankinis that are cute and offer good coverage. Skimpy looking bikinis, however, seem to be everywhere. For 2 year olds! It drives me nuts. Glad to know I'm not alone.

Sammy said...

Isn't the "Pink" line already marketing to the teenage group? I mean, I like to get myself a nice set of skivvies, but I think most adults know that emblazoning anything across your ass it a bit trampy.

Unknown said...

Using "skanky" and "tween", and similar words, in the same sentence is kind of screwed up. There is no such thing as "skanky" underwear. There IS underwear that is far more suited to adults, like these are.

Anonymous said...

I totally agree, Jen. They may claim marketing to 15-22 year olds, but most 22 year olds are not that interested in the Biebs. Their marketing says it all. BTW...there is no way my daughter is wearing anything like this until she is out of my house. I think marketing this type of stuff to anyone under 18 is inappropriate. When my daughter is 16, if I ever find underwear like this in her drawer (and I hope I raise her well enough such that I don't), it's going in the trash.

Unknown said...

Ridiculous that this kind of crap sells.

Kim Bongiorno at Let Me Start By Saying said...

Limited Corp. is the company behind VS, and they have been smart about how to make money from women's insecurities for decades. Now they are preying on the girls who see their moms watch the Desperates-R-Us on The Bachelor and the expensively whorishly-dressed women on Housewives of Bladdity Blah. They see their moms fawn over these women who use this kind of language and show off their sexy lingerie, and so the girls think it's the cool thing to wear. Then the moms want to bond with their girls, so they'll buy it. it's sad, really. If my daughter said she wanted to wear this, I would explain why she can't. I'd tell her that she deserves more than to cheapen her private parts that are covered by such advertisements for trouble.
I'm embarrassed for Sticky Vicky's and the people that earn a living there knowing they're selling panties that suggest the tweens taking them home are headed for the pole, not for soccer practice.

Unknown said...

I love you Jen but this is one of your posts I disagree with. This line looks to be geared towards spring break college students. I think the responsibility lies with the parents of the middle schoolers that let their kids wear underwear meant for adults.

TNMom said...

My mom saw and sent me a pic of a sparkly stack wedge shoe in Sears in a toddler size 10. That is what size my 3 year old wears....it's not just Vicky! And just like you pointed out, it's not them, they are just going for the $$, naturally, and marketing to college girls (still too young for this smut IMO, and if you think middle schoolers are not buying it, your drunk), it's the parent, or lack there of. That is the J-O-B of the parent!!! C'mon mothers...pull your head out of your "PINK" ass and mother these babies! Lord! <3 Devan

Janine Huldie said...

I thought this is what the Pink line was for and now I so confused as to who the hell that was marketed to. But seriously, am dreading when my girls reach the teenage years now not only for Abercrombie and Hollister, but for this, too! Shoot me now!!

Amy said...

Hi-
I have only sons, but as a woman who was once a girl, I will offer my opinion.
1)I believe that parents should really be vetting their kids clothes, and in the case of underwear, if you want your kids wearing less sexy fare, don't buy them any. I realize many teenagers have jobs which enable them to buy things and hide them from their parents.

2)A lot of people have been saying:"But who sees them?" meaning either that since they are undergarments, no one would know anyway, or that their daughters certainly aren't having sex, so of course no boys are seeing them.

I think that is wrong on both counts. I, like every other parent, hope my children hold off on sex until they are ready, preferably out of high school at least. I realize this is not very likely, and my husband and I plan to discuss this issue with our children when appropriate. (they are 4, it is too early)

Also, even if teenage girls aren't having sex...do they still have gym class? Back in my day, when we wore onions on our belts, we had gym every day and had to change to gym clothes with the other girls every day. Whether or not you have boobs, or the right kind of underwear is most definitely a factor in the social hierarchy. Girls with sexy underwear may mean to intimidate other girls with it. Of course, if gym class no longer exists, this is moot.

Unknown said...

I agree. Wanting pretty panties or pretty bras can be for yourself. Like wanting a cute nightgown. But wanting 'sexy' underwear with messages that are clearly not for yourself means one thing-you want to show it to people. Maybe she's not having sex yet-but that doesn't mean she isn't sending a picture to someone or showing them off at a party.

As for the statements these are meant for college girls-the messages are awfully juvenile. When I was in college, I wouldn't have wanted "Call Me" on my crotch.

Anonymous said...

I did a post on this a few weeks ago and am glad to see others finally catching wind of it. Even turned mine into my audition piece for Listen to Your Mother. The other one that chaps my tail is Abercrombie. As the mom to three teen/tween girls, I'm suffocating from all the retail sexualization that goes on.

RachRiot said...

Next, VS will make sexy undies that say "That's not a Brazilian, I just haven't reached puberty!"

Aaand.. I just grossed myself out.

Diane, Kate said...

PIWTPITT, me and my mom read your blog constantly, and I usually agree with what you have to say. But today, I disagree.
Coming from me (a modest 17 year old girl), I have never bought any of the "call me" underwear. I honestly go right past it and to the regular people underwear. My mom takes me to VS because they're great at figuring out your exact bra size and finding the right bra for your body. If i had picked up a neon-zebra print thong, she would say "What the heck, D." I have friends that wear that type of underwear, and it doesn't make them racy. It's a personal preference and whatever they think is comfortable. Yes, I had a VS bra in middle school, because of ridiculous puberty, but that doesn't make me slutty. It just means I wanted a bra that would last longer than one from Target.
Besides, it seems to me that this is towards college age girls. VS may claim everything to be "Very Sexy", but that doesn't make them a bad company. Young girls (middle school - college) can make their own choices with what they wear. Whether their moms know it or see it falls on how well their relationship is. I just don't see why you're hating on VS, when they're just trying to put out a swimsuit line for Spring Break.

Diane, Kate said...

I don't think VS is to blame for girls my age (17) wearing underwear with words on them. It's all the girls choice. Besides, I (Straight A's in school) wear VS underwear, maybe not the "call me" ones, but it doesn't make me a slut.
Y'all need to stop stereotyping teen girls as sluts by what undies they're wearing.

The Macons said...

Hahaha I just laughed so hard at this. Read the first part and went eeeewwww then read the second and was like YEAH! Hahahaaaa

Lucky Mama (Little Rock Mamas) said...

I think it was the whole idea of Ariel giving up her voice so she could be human AND get her man. That just always bothered me. I'm a bigger fan of Belle -- she does the rescuing in that story. :)

Linda said...

Yeah, hilarious and so wrong!

Linda said...

Right on, AJ! Clearly people don't understand how advertising works. They buy into the nonsense and then say it has nothing to do with advertising. Face palm for sure.

Old Loripalooza Site said...

Preach it, sister. It's so disgusting and they're targeting younger and younger girls every year!! I remember when Bratz dolls, or is it Brats dolls, came out. They looked like total skanks. It made me hate Barbie a little less.

Unknown said...

Even if this line is marketed toward divorced 40-year-olds, "Call Me" on your undies is not for, as Jen says in her essay, SELF-RESPECTING women. And that is the issue: self-respect.

SDJaye said...

Oh my my my... what will they think of next? My guess? Some genius will actually think it's a great idea to develop and market "NuvaBling" from the SNL sketch.

Virginia Llorca said...

But. . . nail on the head.

Virginia Llorca said...

Personal preference says something right there. Glamour Magazine had "teddy bear tricks" when I was young (Gutenberg Press) and they worked. But that was considered outrageously flirtatious. I remarked about the sixth grader wearing red pleather jeans with bedazzles to the little "dance" they had and people got all over me saying it had nothing to do with personal morality criteria. That is called marketing. Marketing yourself. And mommy bought them.

As an aside, I have probably been "around the block" many more times than most of you. I am a granny and I sell "racy".

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