I turn 43 today and feel fabulous because I’m enjoying my birthdays even more in my forties than I did in my thirties. I find that I get more self-aware and self-accepting with age, which is liberating and empowering. I embrace being a fashion professional in my mid-forties because it’s important that all ages are represented in the world of style. This makes me even more determined to continue doing what I love to do, which is helping others find their magical sense of style. And making sure we have fun along the way. 

I’m wearing three new items in my birthday outfit, along with one old piece and one iconic, vintage piece. I get a kick out of mixing new and old wardrobe items in one outfit because it gives me satisfaction to know that my old pieces were good purchases and are still going strong.

The new Jil Sander Gaberdine skirt was a gift from Greg. It’s unheard of for there to be one item left on the sale rack in my size. But there it was waiting for me and meant to be. I tried it on and when Greg said that it was the best skirt he had ever seen, it found a new home. 

You know when you love something so, so, so much that you don’t want to take it off in the dressing room? That’s what happened with this skirt. I love the fit, which is unlike most straight skirts. The waistline comes up above my natural waist so it’s high-waisted. The side seams stand away from my thighs and bottom so it’s not fitted like a pencil skirt. It doesn’t have a slit because it’s sufficiently roomy when I stride. And it has two front pockets — my favourite part. It’s made of a very stiff and thick cotton that does not drape, yet it’s comfortable to wear. 

I tried on several tops with the somewhat unique shape of the skirt to figure out which combinations worked best. Tucked soft draped tops were the ticket. Untucked tops, unless they were very short, looked awful because you need to showcase the structured waist detail of the skirt in order for it to look fab. And stiff tops looked too stiff against the rigid fabric of the skirt. Enter the Alyssa shirt from Club Monaco in electric blue, and also a gift from Greg. It has snaps instead of buttons, and long chest pockets. The slightly dolman sleeves make for a nice change, and I adore its roomy fit and extra sheerness. I buttoned up the snaps right up to the top and layered a black camisole underneath. 

I like the outfit best sans topper because it’s strong and simple that way. But we often need a cover-up for part of the day in Seattle, so I must have that option too. My old black tuxedo jacket fits the bill because it’s cropped and semi structured, thereby complementing the lines of the skirt. Part of the jacket is boxy and stands away from the torso, just like the skirt. They match! Plus black, white and bright blue is an attractive colour palette, that I’m wearing more often this year. 

I can’t believe I found comfortable ankle strap pumps after searching for them for over a year. Patience does pay off. The dainty and low heeled Okala pump is just how I wanted to finish off the outfit along with the black Chanel clutch that I’ve had for twenty years. I’ve put the new pumps through their paces for two hours of shopping and I’m thrilled to report happy feet! I like to keep the ankle straps loose because it’s comfortable and to my eye, looks flattering that way. No jewelry other than a watch, wedding ring and specs.

I’ll be wearing this tonight when we celebrate my birthday at Nishino. I also look forward to wearing the blue blouse with black bottoms, and the skirt with a black top and knee-high boots. This outfit has a high happiness factor because it incorporates items that are gifts from Greg. Outfits like that are the best of all.