One really cool thing about getting older is that you start to get a better idea of who you really are — the kinds of things that matter most to you, what lights your fire, gets you angry or makes you happy or sad.
That is, unless you’re one of those lucky devils who knew exactly what you were meant to be/do from the start.
Yeah…that’s not the way it’s been for me. I’ve spent a lot of time falling and getting back up again, but c’est la vie, right? What else ya gonna do?
I guess I’m a late bloomer, but like Tabs always says (okay, not), better late than never! 🙂
One thing I think I have figured out over the years is that I’m not a huge fan of strict rules.
In most cases.
Birthdays are the exception. I do believe that everyone should go big on their birthdays, because birthdays rock, like by going big on a birthday outfit, or by wearing a special occasion nail polish, gloss or perfume.
Something to put an exclamation mark (!) on the day to help yourself feel special.
And BAM! — this year, I began my thirty-eighth year on our planet with cheetahs on my bum.
And I feel pretty good about it, too.
I stumbled on this Jungle Romper a couple weeks ago at my local Anthropologie store. I liked that I could picture Gwen Stefani wearing it while shopping for muumuus and mangoes at a farmers’ market in Hawaii (that’s an invaluable test right there).
More reasons I 
it…
- It’s easy to dress up or down. I might wear it with a blazer, nude wedges, dainty gold jewelry and a structured satchel when I’m in the mood for fancy. For chill days, maybe a cardigan, or a khaki or denim jacket, beaded flip-flops or sandals, big hoop earrings and a cross-body or messenger bag.
- Pockets. Secret storage, ma! It’s big enough for an iPhone and a handful of cat treats (VERY IMPORTANT).
- Loves to travel. This romper worked out well on my trip to SoCal last month. It held through a long, 16-hour day with barely any wrinkles to show for it and remained comfy the entire time.
- It’s strapping! It also comes with straps…if you want to change the look, although I prefer to wear it strapless because I think it’s easier to get into and out of on bathroom breaks (was that TMI?).
This year my birthday was pretty mellow, which was exactly what I wanted. Brunch at a place up here in Novato called Hilltop 1892, and then cake and ice cream back at the house.
Of course, that I had cheetahs on my booty made it all the better. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Looks like you had a good birthday with your family! Love the Kate Spade bag!
Hi Chelsea,
It was really nice. I had a great time. 🙂
How was your weekend?
Pretty good! I had a funeral to go to for my favorite of Zack’s aunts, but that wasn’t entirely unexpected. We got to see a lot of his family, and my brother and his wife were in town this weekend, so I got to see them.
Happy Birthday, Karen <3
Love the romper! Who wouldn’t want to havr cheetahs guarding their booty?
Hope you had a lovely birthday celebration and hello to your mom!
Hi Shev,
Thanks. 🙂 Big cats belong on yo’ bum!
How was your weekend?
That’s a very cool romper! Love the animal print! Anthropologie is one of my favorites, they always have really fun and interesting products. Very sweet photos.
Hi Alice Ann,
I love that store, too. I could easily spend hours in there! Have you been there lately? Let me know if you’ve seen anything cute. 🙂
I am glad you had a nice birthday, Karen! The outfit looks stunning on you. In that picture with your sunglasses on you look like a movie star!
Hi Agata,
Thank you! How was work this weekend? I hope it wasn’t too bad.
Work over the weekend was really stressful and today is my 9th day of work in a row…Tomorrow I finally get to rest though 🙂
Sounds like you had a great birthday Karen! I love the look of those yummy b-day cakes. And your outfit is just super awesome, I love everything about it! Cheetahs, the fact that it’s a romper and yep, it looks so versatile too! Here is to another great year! ^^
Hi Teri,
How are ya, girl? Did you have a good weekend?
congrats
Thank you, Icequeen. I hope you had a nice weekend. 🙂
Happy Birthday Karen! Cute romper and I’m envious of those delicious looking birthday cakes!
Great outfit! Birthday: ur doin it rite.
Happy birthday Karen! Looks like it was a fun one! : )
Joyeux anniversaire !
Great piccys 🙂 karen… Happy bday.. Cakes are yum 😛
Oh yeah, you go, girl! Happy birthday again! Love your outfit, and your parents are SO sweet! <3
You look amazing!!! That romper is everything. I just got the Givenchy Le Rouge Coral lipstick and I think it would be killer with this outfit. Have you tried their summer limited Ed. Colors? Gorgeous and creamy. I don’t see anything wrong with buying clothes to match my lipstick lol. Off to Anthro!!!
Your outfit is adorable! Nice job getting 2 cakes for your b’day, too. I hope you had a great day! 🙂
Happy bday Karen. U look fantastic, the romper is badass, and the cakes delish.
awww you look great! happy belated birthday! that ice cream cake looks DELICIOUS!
Happy Birthday Karen!!! Yesterday, June 10th was my birthday!!! No WONDER I like you so much, fellow Gemini!!!
Hi Beverly,
Yay, gemini! What did you do for your birthday?
Happy Birthday Karen! Doesn’t it feel good to create your own rules? That romper is so cute & fun!
I’m in love with that jumper! Happy birthday, fellow Gemini!
Happy Birthday! Girl, you are rocking that tiara!
Happy Birthday Karen!! I hope you received lots of birthday love and attention!
That jumpsuit looks AH-MAZING! Seriously. I haven’t loved one as much since my Mum rocked a full length black one in the 80’s (if only I had her figure!). The print is awesome! I could go on (and use lots of exclamation marks) but I’ll stop and just say this look has totally inspired me! 😀
38?! Shut the front door! I had to make sure I read the number right. You look 30, tops! Well, can I just say that you’ve aged beautifully! Also, saw that romper the other day and I had to really talk myself out of it. Wish I didn’t…it looks fab on ya!
Happy Birthday! Your parents look so sweet. Thirty-eight is just a number,stay young at heart.
Happy birthday, Karen! You looked beautiful :). I love that outfit!
Oh my gosh, your romper is so cute!! I just love that jungle print!