Go Shorty, It's (Almost) My Birthday

I'm going to party like it's my birthday -- but not like I did in 2003 because I wouldn't survive that hangover.

Sunday is my birthday, and let me tell you, I love my birthday. My parents will tell you it’s a week-long celebration. My sister might say it’s a month-long. That has changed now that Charlie’s birthday is two days after mine, but on February 18, I like the day to be about me. I love the calls, the texts, the drinks, the cake, the free birthday gift at Sephora. 

But getting old is weird. I know there’s a lot to celebrate about aging – the mere fact that you’re getting to do it is, in fact, a privilege. And I do love the self-assuredness and self-acceptance I have in my 40s that I most certainly did not have in my 20s or 30s. I’m more self-aware of my strengths and weaknesses and more confident in acknowledging both of those things. I absolutely love my watching kids grow up and discover who they are. 

That said, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that there are a lot of things that suck about it. I hate the wrinkles, the gray hairs and the weird hairs that pop up (IYKYK). I hate the hangovers that come with two glasses of wine and the fact my stomach now sees cheese as the enemy. 

I also hate that I often feel like I’m doing it wrong. Some of it might be this vision I have of a woman my age, who looks decidedly older than me. She has kids older than me and wears jeans and sweaters, not crop tops and wide-legged pants. She has a sensible bob. She doesn’t curse and she most certainly does not have a nose ring. The logical side of me knows that my vision is ridiculous. But I grew up watching Clair Huxtable and Maggie Seaver, and when my mom was my age, she had a 21-year-old and 16-year-old. The vision can be hard to shake.

So am I doing it wrong? Who knows. Maybe the better way to measure aging gracefully is how true you’re staying to yourself. You want to wear the crop top? Wear it. You want to keep the nose ring? Do it. You want to get a face lift? Maybe not that. But Botox? You do you. And always, celebrate your birthday. It really is a privilege. 

This pic is from two years ago, but I swear I still look the same. At the very least, I still own this shirt.

In honor of my birthday, here are a few things that I love that some might say aren’t for a woman of my age, to which I say fuck off. 

*I personally and independently select these items and will never recommend something I wouldn’t use or buy myself. If you decide to purchase something through one of my links, I may earn commission through affiliate links. You can learn more about affiliate marketing here.

1. Lulu Lemon, Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeved Crop, $79, lululemon.com

   When I exercise in my basement, I wear a sports bra and leggings. Why make more laundry and add a shirt into the mix? Also I work hard for those abs. But it’s COLD down there in the morning. This shirt provides the perfect amount of coverage for some warmth but also let’s me feel like I look good for my workout. And looking good for a workout is the first step to a good workout if you ask me.

2. Women’s Rib Full Length Bodysuit, $35, target.com

   I’m not entirely sure what I was thinking when I bought this, but I am definitely glad I listened to the voice that said “do it.” The fabric is soft but has a nice amount of support, too. I’m not so bold to walk around in just the bodysuit (yet), so for now I’m pairing it with an oversized cardigan. And even with the extra layer, I still feel like a badass in it.
   

3. Hanes Boys’ Tank Undershirt, $9.98, amazon.com

   These were a staple in my 20s (I will not tell you what we called them), and twenty years later, I’ve brought them back. I kept trying to find a casual white tank and I was always disappointed. These are cheap but get the job done. I love how layering two of them looks a little edgy — or maybe it’s disheveled. Either way, i’m here for it.
   

4. Bayse, Amari Dress, $109, baysebrand.com

   Remember my very first post when I bought the damn dress? This isn’t it, but it’s close! (Sorry, they don’t have that one any more.) The fabric is stretchy but thick and holds you in just the right places. It’s comfortable but sexy. It’s the type of dress that you’ll buy, keep in your closet and pull out for the perfect occasion.