I am an animal in October. And I am referring to more than just dressing up like Big Foot and gorging on Halloween candy… (although I do that too.) Let’s face it… animal print looks amazing in the backdrop of early fall. It’s the kitsch neutral. It’s the cat’s pajamas. The bee’s knees. The dog’s tuxedo. You get the picture.

I love all things animal print.

And there is no better time of year to rock this seemingly haphazard, caramelized mixture of brown, black, camel, and rust. I don’t discriminate on animal print, leopard, cheetah, tortoise, or snakeskin, …. bring on the faux wildlife. And luckily it’s everywhere. Stores are packed with the animal print nation. It’s a tad “overkill” but so are the fake leaf centerpieces and tacky plastic Frankenstein dolls. Dude… It’s all in good fun.

Personally, I steer more towards animal print in October because the concept and look more closely represents how I imagine myself as the season’s change. I don’t picture myself sipping a chai tea latte and baking mini loaves of pumpkin bread. I won’t be crocheting you a Halloween costume anytime soon.

Animal Print = Baddassery

Animal print lends to feel of badassery and warmth that I attempt to channel in the fall. I recently read a quote by one of my adorned heroines Rachel Cargle @thelovelandfoundation “I am the softest and most ruthless I’ve ever been” and that for me is the crux of my sober becoming. When I look at animal print, I see power. I see the beauty and the ability to feel wild. I want to emulate all those things on the red carpets of my life…AKA….a Saturday trip Starbucks and the post office.

The animal print lover is a non-conformist, sexy, independent, and brave. It’s entirely possible my memoir will be titled “The Meditations of the Soft and Ruthless.” I want to emote and empathize yet set clear boundaries about how I expect people to show up for me. Let those crocodile tears fall followed by a firm handshake or a tough loving hug. I want to be frivolous and firm. I want a seat at the corporate table and a yet a radical place in the recovery movement.

Wearing loud cheetah print while teetotaling along at a party is the most radical act of nonconformity I can muster on a Friday night. Advocacy is what I live for. It says “Recovery Warrior hear me roar!!!”

Roar!

I love the subtle yet definite contrast of black and brown. The combination creates its own neutrality. I love to pair it with gold jewelry and hints of fire-engine red for a pop of color. I love that you can rock out with animal print or dress it up in a sophisticated style that says, “I hide coffee stains and get shit done” In the spirit of badassery, Glennon Doyle refers to her followers as “God Damn Cheetahs” and not in a hustle culture sort of way. More like, authentic brave women who aren’t afraid to shine a light on their wild and take ownership of their desires.

Get wild, live sober.

Pilfer your kid’s candy and dress up like RuPaul for Halloween. Pop bottles and chug seltzer. Hide in plain sight while wearing the loudest outfit in the room. Wild animals live authentically, and people just gaze at their power in awe. That is how the sober life feels when you come into your own style.

Honestly, I want you to wear it ALL and love yourself anyway. But for fig’s sake, avoid the caramel apples. They wreak havoc on all your hard-earned post sobriety dentition. And yet, toothless and savage…….. I’ll still love you regardless.

P.S. Go easy on the judgment of my amateur photography, it’s pretty hard to capture the wild.

Grace & Glam,

Kate

Just can’t get enough of Kate? Yeah, we don’t blame you. She’ll be reporting once a month on the “Who, What, Wear” of it all. Until then, check out her previous post – Getting Ready for Life and The Artist’s Way and Fall Fashion is Here!

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Resources Are Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.