She's become one of my favourite customers. She dresses up to come to farmers' market every week, and her outfits are wonderful; individual and wild and devil-may-care. She may be wearing clogs or ballet slippers, and always a smile. she knows, even at this little age (and i have no idea exactly how old she is, three or four maybe) that it's a struggle to be an individual in a world where everyone dresses and does the same. I have the feeling that every little girl goes through this age of creative self-expression, and i think it's wonderful. Boys are more limited in their clothing choices, though I have seen little lads sporting tutus, unicorn-horn hats and the like, but they are rarer. I never fail to reward these little ones with an admiring comment and a thank-you, as they cheer the place up, little rays of sunshine in a hard and cynical adult world.

Cue the memory of a father and son one rainy Sunday at the farmers' market in San Rafael, California, both in new raingear, the lad had brightly-coloured boots and was itching to jump in the puddles. Encouraged by Dad, who led the way jumping into a two-incher, the boy delightedly ran up the market splashing in every puddle he found. Dad turned a bleak cold, wet and windy day into a game they could both enjoy.It was thrilling to watch. Son allowed to be a child, father reverting to his own childhood.

As a man who for years, daily wore a kilt, I admire anyone who dares to be different` and express themselves in protest at a bland world of look-alike fashion or tradition. bucking the trend dos make one stand out, helps identify us as individuals; I'm in many people's contact lists as "Kevin the Kilt" and I can hardly wait for my next visit to Seattle when I can visit Utiliklt's shop and buy one or two more and reclaim my place in the world.

Meanwhile I salute all the colourful fashion iconoclasts out there rebelling against the drab and the sameness, even if it's just odd socks. Embrace and celebrate your inner child.