Thoughts on Turning 34 + The Perfect Spring Dress
The Most Flattering Spring Dress
I’ve been a fan of the French fashion brand, Rouje, for awhile now. It was started by the French fashionista Jeanne Damas and includes a collection of feminine skirts, dresses, blouse, denim, and even beauty! I got my feet wet by ordering one of their popular skirts and since then I’ve been hooked! I own two skirts, two dresses, two blouses, a blazer, and a belt from Rouje so far. But every season I like to add something new!
The Gabin Dress
I honestly should have bought the famous Gabin dress earlier. It’s literally perfection in a dress. Plus the prints are always spot on. This season, you’ll find the dress in colorful dots and dark florals. I’ve always been a fan of lilac but don’t really have much of this shade in my closet so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to add some.
The Gabin dress is a wrap dress style but unlike other wrap dress that I have, this one does a pretty good job of not revealing too much. The skirt portion doesn’t fly open when you walk and the top portion stays closed as well because of the buttons.
I took this dress on it’s maiden voyage for my birthday brunch at a French cafe called Cafe Stella in Silverlake. It’s such a pretty location and the restaurant has beautiful semi-outside seating. I’ve never been to France but it really does feel like you’re in Europe. I’d definitely recommend stopping by if you are around the Silverlake area.
Shop ‘The Perfect Spring Dress’ Look
Outfit Details:
Rouje Dress (mini dress version)
Clare V. Bag via Shopbop
Topshop Shoes (love this similar pair!)
Cloverpost Necklace via Shopbop
Mejuri Earrings c/o – 10% off your first purchase!
Ray-ban Sunglasses via Shopbop
Thoughts on Getting Older
Speaking of my birthday, I turned 34 on March 15th! It’s really surreal to even say that. Honestly, I feel like I could be turning 24! And it’s crazy to think that I’m closer to 40 than I am to 20. I’ve always been a late bloomer and can relate more to the younger crowd. It’s probably because we are at similar stages in life. I’m still trying to figure out my career and just had my first kid – something that I feel like a lot of 26 years olds are experiencing – lol.
I know some people dread getting older, or want to hide their age. But I’m truly grateful to be turning a year older and I have no problem telling people I’m 34! Life isn’t guaranteed so I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to experience 34 years so far. And age is just a number. I feel the same as I did when I was 20 – except a lot wiser.
Being Comfortable In Your Skin
I think the greatest gift that comes with age is becoming comfortable with who you are. In my 20’s, there was always something about myself that I was focused on that I didn’t like. My hair, my nose, my body, etc… I also compared myself a lot to other people, and always found fault with myself. My 30’s have freed me from those negative thoughts and it’s so nice! That’s not to say I don’t still criticize myself sometimes. But it’s not all-encompassing like it was when I was younger. I also used to worry a lot about what pregnancy would do to my body. I think I managed to come out of it pretty unscathed! The biggest change is that my boobs are now two different sizes…lol. It’s actually pretty noticeable – one is a D cup and the other is maybe a B? This would have killed my in my 20’s! But now…who cares! I have a beautiful baby boy because of it.
I guess my point is that you’re 20’s are kind of hyped up as the “prime of your life”. But there’s so much uncertainty and trial and error during that period. We should be celebrating wisdom and experience and age instead of always wishing for those years back. I know when I’m 40 and 50 I’ll still feel like I do now but with even more knowledge and self acceptance – and that’s something I’m looking forward to!
What are your thoughts on getting older?
Now onto Flashback Fashion Friday! Here’s a look from last March. I still loooove these pants and need to break them out again soon!
The pick from last week’s link up is Christine from Bon Chic Style! I love a good blazer so this look is right up my alley!
I’d love for you to link up your fashion posts for a chance to be featured next week! Happy Friday!
Linking Up: A Labour of Life, Elegance and Mommy Hood, Curly Crafty Mom, East Coast Chic, MummaBStylish A Pocketful of Polkadots, Lizzie In Lace, Shelbee on the Edge, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Sharing a Journey
I love this dress! I personally, love turning older. I think you get so much wiser as the years go on. Plus, it is an excuse to try out different clothes!
xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com/
Yes! I love the wisdom and knowledge that comes with getting older! I was so stupid in my 20’s….lol. And my style is only getting better with age so I appreciate that too 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I definitely identify with your thoughts on getting older. I turned 35 this year and though there is part of me that feels like I wish I had the freedom and the energy of my 20’s, I definitely could do without all the drama and angst of my 20s! My husband and I are only now thinking about having a child and we feel “behind.” At the same time, I know that when we do have kids, we’re going to be happy for all the time we got to spend with just the two of us! Everyone has a different path and now that I’m in my 30’s, I appreciate it!
Virginia | More to Mrs. E
Yes! I can definitely relate to everything you said. I wanted to have a lot of time with my husband before we had kids so that’s why we waited awhile 🙂 I still wasn’t 100% sure I wanted to have kids even at 31…lol. It was hard to give up that freedom but obviously I’m glad I have my little boy 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love wrap dresses. I hope to see you on my Fancy Friday link up party.
Thanks Nancy! 🙂
It’s so wonderful you are in a place where you feel good about getting older! I definitely feel like I’m behind the curve and have more in common with my eight years younger sister than my two years older brother 😂
Happy Birthday, I hope this is a fabulous year for you!
Chic on the Cheap
Thanks so much Lydia! Yes – I’m always relate more to people younger than me too…haha
Happy belated birthday, lady! Pisces are the best. 😉 Also, that dress looks great on you—lavender is THE color for spring!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Thanks so much Cheryl! Yes – I’m seeing a lot of lavender around and loving it! 🙂
been wanting to try Rouje, I like Jeanne style. I turn 34 lates this year and I’m just so grateful I get to be alive and well.
xo
Pinksole
Yes, I love Jeanne’s style! Definitely give Rouje a try if you get a chance!
Happy Belated Birthday! Every decade gets better and better! Wishing you a fabulous year! Love your lilac dress – it’s so pretty on you!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks so much Jill!
Beautiful dress and happy birthday.
Thanks so much Julie!
Happy belated birthday. That dress is SO beautiful on you! I love the color, the fit and those woven shoes with it!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks so much Carrie! 🙂
oh, Happy Belated Birthday! 🙂
I love the color of the dress, so pretty! I have had a love affair lately with midi dresses, and this is so pretty! I love the white accents. I know what you mean about age and confidence or acceptance. It is so true!
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks so much Jess! I looove midi dresses. I think the length is perfect! Have a great weekend!
~Jessica
I couldn’t agree more with you Jessica! Birth days are such special occasions and I love that you enjoy them. I know of people that want to hide because yes, a birth day does mark another year older but like you, I love my birth day. It has taught me life lessons about confidence, body acceptance, friendships, etc that I feel like I wouldn’t have in my 20s. I have not heard of Rouje but this dress is perfection. The lilac is such a beautiful color and it really suits you. Your handbag is really cute – sophisticated and classy. I hope your Friday is going well and wishing you fabulous weekend ahead.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thanks so much Maureen!! I’m definitely looking forward to getting better with age! 🙂
That’s a gorgeous dress, the colour is gorgeous and the fit and cut are super romantic.
I’m 22 and I can’t wait to be in my 30’s. I feel so lost right now, I’m not really doing anything at the moment (not from lack of trying) and I feel like people around me who are older keep telling me “when I was your age I already had kids”, “when I was your age I was already living on my own”, “when I was your age I already had a steady job”, “when I was your age I already had a degree” and even if they’re not trying to be rude I can’t help but feel like a failure. I wish I could see what my life is gonna be like in my 30’s and relax but I can’t help but stress about my age, I feel like the numbers are moving but I’m exactly the same. Did you feel like that in your 20’s?
Sorry for the rant and happy birthday!
Marta – http://www.aroundcolours.com
Girl – I felt the same way! I graduated from college and then went back home to live with my parents to try to figure things out. I was always working towards something but still never felt like I’d found what I was supposed to do. I grew up in a small town and all of my friends were already married and having kids by age 25 – (I had my baby at 32!). I would say just have a goal and always be working towards something – even if you aren’t sure what you are doing. Try new things, learn as much as you can, and surround yourself with people who encourage and support you! I still don’t really have things figured out….lol. But I try not to let the age number get to me and just keep pushing myself to be the best version of myself I can be!
Thank you so much for your kind words and advice, it means a lot 🙂
Wow, happy birthday – i can just about remember being 34! Wrapped up with my five children at that age! So life went fast most days – lol Enjoying life at 54 now and feeling much more comfortable in my body! You look amazing and love this dress. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Thanks Jacqui! Wow! I can’t imagine having 5 kids right now…lol. I don’t know how you did it!
Beautiful dress, Jessica! And a very happy birthday to you! Let me tell you, as great as the 30’s are compared to the 20’s, the 40’s are even better! I feel like I am in the prime of my life right now at 44! I wish you the most amazing year at 34 and many more to come!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks Shelbee! That’s so good to hear! I’m hoping each decade gets better and better! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
I see getting older as a blessing. It means we are alive and it is something to be celebrated. Growing older is a privilege, not a tragedy. Btw You look gorgeous in this dress. Such a beautiful and feminine styling.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Yes! I agree – getting older is definitely a blessing and a privilege! I’m so grateful to turn another year older 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
I love your outfit so much! I want everything!!! And happy belated birthday (although I think I already told you lol)! I totally agree. I think your 30s are MUCH better than your 20s. You feel much more confident in yourself. I also feel like I’m still 25 too haha and no babies for me yet 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Thanks so much Lizzie! 🙂 I agree – loving the 30’s so far!
Love the dress; suits you perfectly! Happy belated birthday!
ANOUK
Thanks so much!! 🙂
fun post! I love your purple dress! looking super chic and cute!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Thanks so much Kelsey! 🙂