And in honor of my big 5-0 birthday today, keep scrolling for a little Q&A about my growing up years.
Sooo....this is one of those outfits that didn't quite turn out the way I pictured it in my mind. In fact, I wasn't going to post it, but then decided it would be a good example of "what not to wear". The concept (see the lovely lady on the left) was there, but the execution on my part fell short. At least I was having a good hair day.
I recently purchased this Octavia skirt and I love everything about it. It's flowy and feminine and I don't have anything else like it in my closet. But I'm clearly at a loss for ways to style it. The shirt should have been tucked in, because the proportions are all wrong. And I like the nude pumps instead of black. Better luck next time. Suggestions?
When and where were you born? Any special stories about your birth? I was born on May 10, 1967 in Berkeley, California. I was my parent's first baby, and they were young and nervous. On the way to the hospital, they were stopped by a large Vietnam War protest. My dad had to get out of the car and plead with the protesters to let them through.
Why were you given the first (and middle) names that you have? My father had a previous girlfriend named Lana, and when he suggested it to my mom, she thought it was pretty. He failed to mention the ex-girlfriend part until I was five, and mom wasn't happy. My middle name is Lee, same as my mom. Don't I sound like a southern belle?
What's your first, most vivid memory? Mom was taking me to preschool when I was four, and I decided to see what would happen if I opened the door while the car was moving. There were no car seats in 1971, but I didn't fall out and nothing bad happened. It was the first time I'd ever seen mom SO mad though, and I still remember it to this day.
What were you like as a child? What did you do for fun? Being the oldest, I was studious and responsible and very sensitive. My brother is only 18 months younger than me, so we played together a lot and I was a bit of a tomboy. We grew up in North Carolina and spent most of our time outside, playing in the woods and eating honeysuckles.
What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child? A Donny Osmond album, "Disco Train". I had the hugest crush on Donny, and I obsessed over that album for months before my birthday.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher. I used to hold "school" for my siblings and the neighborhood kids. I can't remember when/why that changed.
When did you learn how to drive? What was your first car like? Driver's Ed was part of our high school curriculum, and my teacher had us run errands during class. We went to the pharmacy, the grocery store, and to pick up dry cleaning. Seriously. My first car was the ugliest Mercury Montego with red plaid seats, but I loved it.
How did you spend your previous "decade" birthdays? On my 10th birthday I got to have my first slumber party with friends from school. I don't remember 20, but I was just home from my second year of college, so I was probably working. When I turned 30 I was pregnant and on bed rest with Thomas, so that was a fun one. And 40 was really special because George planned a surprise vow renewal party in Sonoma.
How do you feel about growing "old"? Bring it on, because the alternative is worse!
Beautiful then, Beautiful now and wishing you the BEST Birthday of all....I swear you just get better with age, I love you to pieces and you get your birthday hug NEXT WEEK!!! 50 x's and o's!!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally think the outfit would have worked with the shirt tucked in! And the story of how your parents picked Lana is hilarious! Happy happy birthday, friend!
ReplyDeleteI love this! Happiest of Birthday's my friend! I love that last part, because the alternative is worse, so true! Also I think if you had just tucked in the shirt it would have been better, I even like the black heels, but I get why you don't like it, I hate when that happens! That was my last weeks outfit!
ReplyDeleteI think this outfit would def. work better with the shirt tucked in and nude pumps!! I think the waist just needs to be brought in a little and tucking it in or belting it would do that! And the lighter shoes would lighten up the bottom of the look! Happy Birthday! Loved learning a bit more about you!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
Happy Birthday, Lana! Lana Lee!
ReplyDeleteI hope the Vietnam protestors were nice and let your parents through!!
This is such fun.
I love reading the meaning behind your name and how they came to it. I love your name. Most importantly Happy 50th birthday to you! Such a special birthday and I love your re-creation of the look. Also, you can try the blouse tucked in, next time.
ReplyDeleteWelcome by tomorrow and linkup, Lana. Thanks.
Bring it on, indeed! Love your last point. Also- I'm going to bring you a graphic tee to go with that skirt!
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with the others that tucked in would have been perfect! I love your big 5-0 Q&A! It's uncanny how similar we are! Happy milestone birthday! Mind if I use the same questions for my big 5-0 bday?
ReplyDeleteHappy Happy Birthday, Beautiful!!! I love that you posted a look that didn't work for you. I think you look great!
ReplyDeleteI need one of these Octavia skirts! Seriously they are beautiful and flow and the perfect length. I didn’t realize you were born in Berkeley, I’m live less than 5 minutes from Berkeley. LOL the story about your name is pretty funny. My sister’s named after a TV character. Good Ole Donny Osmond! I love you outlook on getting older. I feel the same way! Bring it on :) I’m ready for it. Happy Birthday my friend
ReplyDeleteThe octavia skirt is awesome!wishing you a very very happy birthday!You are getting better and not older.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Joanna
I think your outfit turned out pretty good! I have a blush skirt like that except shorter and I have trouble styling it as well. I think I may pack it for Toronto. I hope you had a great birthday. I hope I look as good as you when I am 50!
ReplyDeleteBrighton is just so cute....but I'm not going to lie I don't think you are giving yourself enough credit! You look amazing to be 50 girl..just amazing. I hope you had a super day.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! Your Q&A was fun to read! I was a Donny Osmond fan too! Your outfit recreation is cute and I love that you posted something you didn't like!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Happy birthday
ReplyDeleteOh, Lana, that skirt is so pretty. I have tried several tulle skirts this spring but couldn't find one I loved on me. This one is just perfect and I love it paired with the chambray shirt.
ReplyDeleteHow romantic to have your hubs plan a surprise marriage renewal for your 40th birthday. He's a keeper.
It's so fun to hear about your life growing up! Happy belated birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such amazing post
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