She's A Great Girl

Proud mom Katie Holmes is enjoying watching her fashionista daughter Suri grow up

- Lindsay De Freitas

THINK of Suri Cruise and images of a wide-eyed toddler clutching a doll or teddy in one hand and clinging to her mother with the other might well come to mind.

But shy little Suri of yesteryear is long gone – along with the comfort blankies and cuddly toys. And in her place is a long-limbed fashionista showing off her sartorial flair every chance she gets.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ daughter is now on the cusp of her teenage years and she’s blossoming into a beauty.

At 11 years old, Suri is a great mix of her movie-star parents, her dark hair and olive skin off-set by piercing deep-blue eyes. Single mom Katie (38) will have her work cut out for her when the dating days come along, but for now the two are just happy to spend time together.

They’ve always been a tight twosome and judging by recent photos of the pair holding hands as they run errands, the tantrums and tirades of the tumultuous teenage years are still a way off.

While Katie kept things casual in a jeans and T-shirt combo, her daughter was feminine elegance personified in a floral patterned dress with a Peter Pan collar, a pair of gold pumps and an oversized pink bow in her brown bob.

Suri is a stylish kid. On another occasion she opted for a more functional look in a pink and purple dancer’s outfit. A day later she headed out for dinner with her mom, dressed in a floral lilac frock offset by an oversized yellow bow.

“You know, she’s 11-and-a-half and she’s a great girl, and she’s doing so well,” Katie told US TV presenter Matt Lauer. “I’m enjoying this time. I’m not so worried yet about the teenage years.” Is Katie concerned Suri will stop finding her cool, Matt asked. No, Katie replied. “I never was cool. So I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m totally ready for this.”