This week I have been feeling a little bit blah. I can’t pinpoint a particular reason for feeling this way, it’s just kind of there. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve been on the school grind now for 100 days. It’s possible that the day to day is starting to feel a little too routine.
Or perhaps it’s the fact that we are facing the longest part of winter with not much to look forward to until warmer weather comes.
Most likely it’s that all of the cute spring clothes are not yet in stores and if they are, we can’t wear them yet! Ha, I am kidding…. sort of!
But in all seriousness, blahhhhh central over here. It’s not a vibe I like especially because I have dedicated so much of the last year to working on feeling good. Anyone else ever find yourself feeling a little “flat” but can’t figure out why? Maybe that’s a blog topic for next week!
Anyway….Yesterday I had coaching sessions and decided to put on a cute leopard print skirt.
I thought, well a fun outfit might make me feel a little brighter.
And wouldn’t you know, it definitely did!
It got me thinking a little bit about why I chose a leopard print and the power behind being a woman who wears animal print.
Now, we all know that leopard is EVERYWHERE right now. For some of us, leopard print is another form of neutral but for others it’s more of a statement piece. And get ready ladies, this spring, snakeskin print is going to be everywhere.
YASSSSS! You better believe this mama already has some snakeskin print wedge sneakers and a kimono on pre-order. I am not so patiently waiting their arrival!
But, no matter where you stand on the animal print bandwagon, I will say this:
Every woman should own animal print as part of her wardrobe. YES, even the most conservative woman should have it!
Why you ask? Well, what I experienced this week with my skirt was really telling for me. There was a reason I specifically chose leopard over any of the other cute skirts hanging in my closet.
I could have picked a pink velvet or camo print skirt or even a black knit or leather one. You get the picture, you name it, I have it. But yet I picked leopard. What drew me to that skirt?
I decided to look into it a little bit further and I realized that there is some real psychology behind this print and why I chose it on a day I was feeling particularly blue.
So for starters, according to astrologyweb.com, Leopards symbolize physical strength, perseverance, confidence, power, intelligence, beauty, independence, leadership, steadfastness, swiftness, gracefulness and female mystique.
Basically everything I want to be known for in my life or described as to others is wrapped up and delivered in this one print.
So by putting that skirt on, I was subconsciously channeling alls those attributes into myself. I was letting go of the blandness I was feeling and telling the universe that I was ready to embrace a new vibe.
An unstoppable vibe. An attractive, sophisticated, powerful vibe. A high vibe.
All of that from a simple skirt! That I got on clearance at Target. I mean, talk about deep right?!
What I realized, is that when we choose our clothes to wear, we are choosing to tell a story to the world. Think about that for a minute and think about your daily ensembles. What do you put on your body and what messages are you sending to the world?
I believe that every woman should wear animal print, because when we do, the following happens:
We Showcase Our Confidence. Wearing an animal print sends a message to the world. You are saying I am strong, I am confident and I am not afraid to be seen! It doesn’t matter if you are wearing a simple bootie or a head to toe look – the print screams confidence. In fact, in 1954 Christian Dior famously wrote, “ To wear leopard you must have a kind of femininity which is a little bit sophisticated. If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it.”
He was implying that the print was a bit daring or a bit wild. It takes a confident woman to pull that look off. Now, of course we need to consider the era that was written, as so much has changed in our culture and our fashion since 1954. BUT the perspective is still there. A confident woman wears animal print. And sometimes, even if you don’t feel so confident, simply wearing a look that speaks for itself can help you feel more sure of yourself.
We Empower Ourselves. Think about it – when you pick a graphic tee or a sweatshirt or a designer bag with a visible brand, you are sending a message about who you are, what you value or what your activity is for the day. It’s kind of the same thing with leopard (or any animal print really).
Think again about what a leopard embodies. By wearing the print, you are essentially taking on those characteristics like I did. You are telling the world you value strength, intelligence, steadfastness, gracefulness and style. And when you value those things, you tend to portray them more in your own daily life.
We Stay on Trend While Remaining a Classic. There are a lot of looks out there that are just not for everyone. And some will come and go in a “what were we thinking” moment. Pretty sure we will all regret the bicycle short trend coming back (yes, the Kardashian’s weren’t wrong, it’s happening) in a few short years. But leopard is a forever classic!
I can almost guarantee that any fashionista whether she is 21 or 91 has leopard in her closet! Even the most conservative, traditional woman can wear the print knowing she isn’t following a trend but remaining a classic. She is staying true to herself while looking fabulous in the process. Win/Win.
So the next time you are feeling a little blue, reach for your animal print. Throw it on and see what it does for your attitude and your day.
And if you don’t own anything just yet, I encourage to go out and buy something chic. Start with some earrings or a belt or a cute purse or a pair of flats. Find an accent piece you like and then actually wear it!
Allow yourself to feel confident, empowered and like you are an on-trend classic that never goes out of style.
When you do, imagine me saying to you, yasssss girl, you are rocking that look like the confident woman you are!
And remember ladies, you’re never fully dressed until you sparkle!
