Bliss Warrior

THANK GOODNESS FOR GIRLS WHO PLAY DRESS UP

Arriving after work and bundled up in a sleek black coat, Caroline is pale and breathtakingly gorgeous. “I’ve missed you so much,” I say, and I have. Trapped in Los Angeles for months, it is delightful to be back in New York with friends.

She kisses my cheek and says, “It’s been too long.” Caroline is a lingerie designer and dear friend and has come over to play dress up. “You look amazing,” she says.

“What until you see what’s under this dress.”

She smiles and is radiant. “Show me.”

“I will,” I say fixing a garter, “but you have to do me one favor first. Put this on.” I show her a satin and chiffon babydoll dress I handmade with her in mind.

“It’s beautiful,” she says, and I help the fabric fall around her tiny body.

PLAYING DRESS UP

Young girls often invite their friends over to play dress up. They exchange clothes, pose in front of mirrors, role play, and, sometimes, take pictures. As we grow up, some of us forget how magical it is to play dress up with a special girlfriend.

The next time you have a day off, invite one or two very close, trusted, open friends over to play dress up and have a make-shift photo shoot. Ask them to bring over their best and most beautiful lingerie; the pieces they rarely get a chance to wear. Encourage them to bring costume pieces like wigs, platform pumps, and sequined shawls. Tell them you want to take turns trying on outfits, drinking wine, styling each others’ hair, playing with make-up, and taking really gorgeous pictures just for fun.

If there is a man in your life and all of your friends trust him, they may agree to allow him to play photographer.

Caroline and I took turns running into the bathroom, changing into new outfits, and delighting one another when we reappeared in new stockings and lace. I decorated her with my jewelry, belts and ribbons, and she glowed under the candlelight, reminding me to be thankful for all the truly beautiful friends I have.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
BLISS WARRIOR