Playing Around

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

I know, I know – it maybe doesn’t feel as if it’s the time of year to play. There’s so much to do, the holidays can be overwhelming (from family to travel to gift giving and buying), and if you’re like me you’re so so behind. When I start to think (or overthink) about all the things on my to-do list (and then look around at my upcoming house repairs), I truly don’t want to play. Or holiday. And yet- playing is I think what’s needed at this time of year. It’s what makes the season oh-so magical.

Here- I am not playing with holiday themes per se (though this is a great combo for a Thanksgiving outfit!) but with layers:
this is a workout onesie (jumpsuit?) under a
vintage leather skirt
paired with a chiffon leopard print top.

All of these pieces would be fantastic on their own- or paired with like fabrics. But- what if layering wasn’t just a piece under a sweater or a coat? Or what if leather went with a soft fabric?

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And let’s not forget the strappy (Apple is telling me that’s not a word but Carrie Bradshaw and I would beg to differ!) gold shoes! That add just a bit of whimsy.

I am playing with all these options- and then the posing. Against a blank wall. Popped hips. Pulled shoulders.
Lately (with all the chaos in my life and the house), I have worried that I have lost my fun in both dressing and taking pictures (part of the basis this very blog is based on). And when you LOVE something – like playing dress up and wearing outfits and taking pictures of them– it is awful when you feel as if you may be losing it. The only way I know to get it back? Playing. Trying things on. Pairing things up.

Honestly? Originally, I didn’t plan to wear any of these pieces together. I started with a completely different look- hated it- was going to the gym so had the onesie on- then started to play. And I LOVED it. I ended up wearing this combo to 2! different meetings!

a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top
a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top

And the playing around didn’t stop. Yes- the blouse (linked below) is traditionally meant to be worn with the zipper in back (though that does leave you with still oh-so-much room to play as the zipper goes both ways!), but I couldn’t help but realize that put on backwards the top is still oh-so-chic. And takes a look to a completely different level!

I know – tis the holiday season and it’s oh so full and the to-dos and musts are overwhelming. But. The holiday season is nothing without magic. And magic is impossible without play. So- I hope that your shopping from food to gifts is as painless as possible. That family is easy going. That Hallmark movies have nothing on you. But I also hope that you have time to play around (and make your own magic). Even if it’s just an outfit combo. Or a picture.

This skirt is vintage, these shoes are from seasons ago- but I’ve linked options as well as this exact top and catsuit (onesie?) below. XO RA

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a woman in a brown leather skirt, black leggings, gold heels, leopard chiffon top