I've noticed the same trend. Actually, my sister and I were shopping for shoes the other day (she is 18, I'm 21), and had to get through the little girls section to get there. I have no little sisters, or other little girls I might be buying for, and so was shocked at what I saw: clothes designed for 'tweens and lower, that were basically just smaller versions of the juniors section. Specifically, the 'naughty girl' section. Khaki skirts high enough to show off panties when the girl bends over (and some even before), plunging necklines, midriff-baring tops, and of course the ever-present snarky graphic tees. I wouldn't want my 18-year-old sister wearing this sort of thing, much less if she was 10 or 12!

But, unfortunately, slutty 'tween styles are a catch 22. Our society has started to sexualize girls starting at younger and younger ages. The worse outfit my barbie doll growing up wore was a bikini, and it was a pretty standard one too; nowadays, dolls such as Bratz (aimed at 'tweens and younger) sport styles that look straight off the street corner. Pop music stars, such as Britany Spears and Christina Agulara, regularly wear outfits onstage that look like they were designed for a "working" woman -- and I don't mean 9-to-5 at the local office building. Is it any wonder that little girls are trying to emulate their favorite idols, whether they be music, movie, or toy, by adopting their style of dress? And, of course, the clothing companies are going to make what sells. Which means that now girls are starting to see themselves (not just their favorite pop idol) as sexual beings at a younger and younger age. Which means they dress that way.