L, a lovely reader of ours from San Francisco came to us with this question about her upcoming special birthday party:
“I’m turning 40 in a few weeks. My husband is throwing a dinner party for close friends at a nice restaurant and then we’re coming home for cake and cocktails. I’m pretty casual in my everyday style but I was wondering…if you have any fabulous ideas for an outfit to make me feel special.”
Oh heck yes, L! I had to jump in on this one because I had (still have) soooo many ideas. I hope one of these inspires you, L and makes your day extra special! Happy birthday from all of us at TME!
Outfit Details
Jumpsuit – Susana Monaco’s Strapless Jumpsuit, $220 at Shopbop. Sleek, simple, and gorgeous. The perfect backdrop to add bold accessories too.
Pumps – Cecelia New York’s Roxanne Sandals, $259.95 at Nordstrom. My dream gold pumps right here. I’ve been needing an excuse to buy them and wear them, so live my dream for me, please!!
Earrings – Celestial Linear Earrings by Bauble Bar, $38.00 at Nordstrom. Love these earrings so much I used them in two outfits! I love how drop/linear earrings elongate the face, and these are perfect without being too overwhelming (and you can’t beat that price).
Bag – Sheryl Clutch, 89.00 at Anthropologie. Clutches are another guilty pleasure I wish I could indulge more often, ya know — like one for the grocery store, one for the Y, one for Starbucks? Makes sense right? :/ Totally.
Outfit Details
Blouse – CAMI NYC’s Skylar Blouse, $198.00 at Shopbop. Just love this blouse AND I love CAMI NYC — even though I sound like a broken record about how much I love them.
Pants – David Lerner Pintuck Flare Faux Leather Trousers, $176.00 at Nordstrom. These are my favorite new faux trousers. I’ve been loyal to my [BLANKNYC]’s for a few years now, but if I was to pull the trigger, it would be on these bad boys. I think the cropped flare look is just perfect on them.
Bag – Cascade Fringe Triangle Bracelet Bag, $275.00 at Nordstrom. How chic is this evening bag/clutch?? File this one under “dream fancy pants wardrobe.”
Shoes – Alias Mae’s Addax Sandal, $189.95 at Nordstrom. Simple and stunning.
Outfit Details
Dress – AFRM’s Lala Midi Dress, $138.00 at Nordstrom. You guys have probably figured out that my biggest Fall/Winter trend this year has been Animal Print evvvverything. I love this dress. It’s a flattering fit that’s not too flashy or skin-bearing, but it has just the right amount of spunk.
Earrings – Celestial Linear Earrings by Bauble Bar, $38.00 at Nordstrom. Same earrings as in the first outfit, because I love them so much.
Pumps – Paloma Open Toe Sandal by Michael Kors , $149.95 at Nordstrom. Okay, these are my new favorite pumps at Nordstrom. Seriously. I scrolled through 49 pages of heels on Nordstrom’s website, and these were it for me. Get used to seeing this from me.
Outfit Details
Blouse – Ramy Brook’s Paige Top, $295.00 at Shopbop. Just gorgeous. Stunning. All of the words.
Jeans – The Insider Crop Jeans by Mother, $205.00 at Nordstrom. A still gorgeous, standout look, with a little more of a casual vibe for a more relaxed evening and cocktails with friends.
Earrings – 8 Other Reasons Foxy Hoop Earrings, $30.00 at Nordstrom. Elongated gold-plated earrings.
Pumps – Paloma Open Toe Sandals by Michael Kor, $149.95 at Nordstrom. My new favorite pumps, same as the ones in the previous outfit, but soft and blush.
Outfit Details
Jumpsuit – Night Out Metallic Jumpsuit by Leith, $69.00 at Nordstrom. OK, another one of my “if only I had a reason to wear this” wardrobe items because I love it and it’s super well-priced too. BONUS — the reviews are excellent!
Pumps – Pia Pumps by Pelle Moda, $154.95 at Nordstrom. Round-toe d’Orsay pump with a sculpted heel has a stretchy mesh cuff around the ankle for better comfort and support.
Necklace – Something Navy Long Rhinestone Lariat Necklace, $23.40 exclusively at Nordstrom. Simple and classy, a lariat necklace draws attention to the v-neck cut on the jumpsuit.
Earrings – Faidra Thin Drop Acrylic Oval Hoop Earrings by Baublebar, $34.00 at Nordstrom. Chic, contemporary acrylic oval hoop earrings are modern and fun — and lightweight!
Outfit Details
Slip dress – Reformation’s Crimini Slipdress, $128.00 at Nordstrom. This Reformation slip-dress with a side slit comes in several different color options: rajah (or tiger print), western (red with tiny white floral print), Quito (black with white daisies), black, and green.
Tee – Halogen Short Sleeve Crew Tee, $29.00 at Nordstrom. Simple, fitted, affordable. A perfect plain white tee to wear under a slip dress.
Booties – Coma 3 Block Heel Booties by Jeffrey Campbell, (45% off) for $89.50 at Nordstrom.
Necklace – Knotty’s Crystal Jewel Statement Necklace, $48.00 at Nordstrom. LOVE this bold, bada$$ statement necklace.
Hope everyone feels special on their b-days!!
xx,
Jess
San Francisco. Never San Fran. And NEVER Frisco.
Knowing nothing of L’s body style, my picks are 1 and 4. You’ll get a lot of mileage out of those components for years after your awesome party. ? Have a great 40th!!
Oh Jess. How I want every single piece. Love it all. My life requires nothing so fancy… but boy oh boy, I sure wish it did!!
Great choices! I think #2 and #4 would work the best in SF (yes, never San Fran).
Love the leopard dress and the slip dress. You can get so mileage out of those pieces after the party!
Deb V. and Elizabeth A. Thanks for the ‘San Francisco’ feedback, I went back and changed it! I outed myself as an obvious non-local lol! Much appreciated!
xx, Jess
Love all of these outfits! 1 and 4 are my favorites. I have an almost identical jumpsuit that is super flattering and a lot less money from Express. Sizes are limited in black online but you might be able to find it in stock at a store: https://www.express.com/clothing/women/strapless-sweetheart-neck-jumpsuit/pro/07920883/color/PITCH%20BLACK/
awesome! thanks KB for the affordable option, an always welcome addition!
xx,
Jess
I love the leather and lace outfit and the fun and flirty one too! So cute?
great outfit ideas!! I have a 40th birthday girls weekend in Vegas coming up in May and I’d love some ideas for a packing list. what to wear for dinners, show, shopping, pool and spa, etc. Thanks!