Chillin'

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About the Image

Some evenings feel touched by a little extra magic: soft snow, glowing lights, and the sense that something unexpected might happen if you linger just a moment longer.

Today’s look is inspired by Belle Epoque’s newest release for the current round of Collabor88. Tessa is a beautifully tailored two-piece ensemble that balances elegance with a hint of daring. The cropped jacket features a plush fur collar and regal gold buttons, while the skirt dips low in the back and is dramatically fastened in front with an oversized pin, much like the closure of a traditional kilt. The pieces can be worn together or mixed into other outfits, making Tessa both striking and versatile. It comes in twelve fabric options, from soft, wintry blue-and-white to bolder combinations of pinks and blacks. Be sure to pick up a demo of Tessa while visiting Collabor88.

Adding a touch of woodland whimsy is Serena’s unexpected little companion. The Sweater Squirrel Holdable is a new release from Aardvark for the current round of Access, and it feels like something straight out of a winter fairytale. The squirrel can be held in either hand and includes three hold positions, along with a HUD that lets you customize the color of its fur, sweater, bow, or hat. You can even give your squirrel a name and toggle its tiny squeaky sounds on or off. Best of all, it includes Everlove Pairing, allowing your little friend to find a romantic companion of its own (compatible across all Aardvark pets with no breed restrictions). Stop by Access to meet this charming little snow-day sidekick for yourself.

Complete credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.

The Story

Serena stepped out into the softly falling snow, the warmth of the bar still clinging to her like a memory. Inside, fairy lights twinkled over half-empty glasses, and Luna’s laughter still echoed in her ears. It had been one of those after-work drinks that started casually and ended with secrets spilled and plans dissected.

“Sooo,” Luna had said, swirling the last of her cocktail, “…how dressed up is ‘very dressed up’?”

Serena laughed, adjusting the fur on her collar. “That’s the thing—Gavin wouldn’t say. Just that it’s ‘something special’ and that I should wear the dress.”

Luna’s eyes widened in theatrical delight. “Ohhh. That’s either reservations at the restaurant-whose-name-you-can’t-pronounce or… surprise-engagement-adjacent.”

“Don’t you dare,” Serena replied, though she smiled despite herself. “It’s probably just him being romantic because he’s been working so much.”

“That might be worse,” Luna teased. “Nothing causes panic like not knowing which shoes to wear.”

They’d parted with hugs and promises to text. Now Serena paused under the glow of a heat lamp, savoring the quiet hush that only winter evenings seemed to bring. Snow dusted the pine branches nearby, and the word chillin’ glowed warmly behind her in neon script on the wall of a drink kiosk.

That’s when she heard it.

A tiny chrrk.

Serena looked down—and blinked.

Sitting neatly by one of the café chairs was a squirrel. Not just any squirrel, but a squirrel wearing a tiny knitted sweater. Blue. And perched jauntily atop its head, nestled in its fur, was a small yellow bow.

“Oh my,” Serena breathed. “You cannot be real. How much did I have to drink?”

The squirrel blinked up at her, entirely unbothered, paws clutching a treasured acorn.

“You’re… someone’s pet. You have to be,” she murmured, crouching slightly. “Because nature did not do this on its own.”

The squirrel tilted its head, as if considering her logic.

Serena glanced around the patio. No one else seemed to notice. No frantic owner calling out. Just snow, lights, and this absurdly fashionable woodland creature.

“Well,” she said gently, pulling out her phone, “I happen to know a veterinarian… and I get priority service.”

She tapped Gavin’s name.

“Hey,” he answered, warm and familiar. “You’re calling late. Everything okay?”

“Yes,” Serena said, watching the squirrel calmly inspect the hem of her coat, “…and no. Hypothetical question: if I found a squirrel wearing a sweater and a bow, could I bring it to your clinic?”

There was a pause.

“…Serena.”

“I’m serious.”

Another pause, then a laugh. “Only you. Yes. Bring the squirrel.”

She smiled, relief and amusement bubbling together. “Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

The squirrel chose that moment to climb onto her hand, light as a snowflake, as if the decision had already been made.

“Well then,” Serena said softly, standing back up. “Looks like we’re all going somewhere special tonight.”

CREDITS

Serena

WINGS TF1208 Hair (NEW @ Collabor88)
Angel Eyes Messy 26 Hairbase
WarPaint Seeress Eyeshadow
IKON Confident Eyes
Glam Affair Yana (+ Blush & Lip Toner)
Izzie’s Cold Nose Blush
Izzie’s Subtle Smile Lines (NEW)
ORSINI Lysabdre Earrings
Belle Epoque Tessa (NEW @ Collabor88)
Ysoral Tyana Belly Piercing (Advent gift)
Glam Affair Ethereal Essence Silky Matte Addon (NEW)
Kibitz Emily’s Rings
Veechi Holiday Mattes Short Almond Nails
DDL Glow Handbag