Well, I tried, but despite all the treatments and strategies to avoid breakdown, the road to 40 was just as difficult as I expected. Over the past year, I’ve been through a lot of self-reflection, some mixed emotions, and a few breakdowns. Since this was so difficult for me, I decided to use it as an excuse to plan my first girls trip to celebrate turning 40 in style. That means shopping.
When deciding on a location, I considered factors such as ease of travel, proximity to the beach, things to do and places to eat. We landed in Miami. If you think flights and hotels are the most important purchases during the planning process, you’re wrong. Because I’m using this trip to celebrate myself in a loud, self-loving, stylish, and slightly over-the-top way. This requires purchasing something like a YOLO that may not be suitable for use at home right out of the box.
So, in no particular order, here are some of my guilt-free #momsdomiami purchases that the 40-year-old will be rocking on the beaches and boulevards in just a few weeks.
The perfect day-to-night transition piece, this L*SPace dress is comfortable yet edgy. And it was in the perfect spot for a little peek-a-boo moment—away from all of my mom’s insecurities—and it wasn’t risky enough to feel too crazy. Adding some pacifiers to my (now saggy) double A boobs would make me a walking party!
These cute, lightweight, and super comfy pajamas are a special treat and free me from the constraints of typical underwear and worn-out T-shirt pajamas. I know, I know—they’re not necessary. But who wants to review it in an early morning hotel room with someone wearing her husband’s old Celtics T-shirt (with holes in the armpits)? To me, it’s worth the splurge.
I bought these comfortable, lightweight, slightly stretchy white jeans from Hey Joanie. These will pair perfectly with a cute top for a night out or lunch during the day. They have the perfect blend of tight and loose in all the right places, creating a look that’s comfortable and stylish without looking frumpy.
Then I went a little crazy and chose a night-time bustier with dazzling embellishments and some mesh detailing. Look, I said this was going to be YOLO, okay? Does it look perfect on me? No. Also, yes. But whatever. When you’re in Miami – that’s what it says, right?
I’m so excited about this dress from Show Me Your Mumu. It’s simple and effortless, perfect for summer colors and looks great paired with my (fake) tan. I imagine this wears off at dinner, then lasts for 40 minutes when I try to go out, and ends up back in the hotel bed in new pajamas (see above).
And of course, swimsuits! This piece feels cool while still being somewhat covered and comfortable. Watch out for crazy tan lines in this product, but guess what? I don’t care because I’ll be heading straight back to Boston to buy leggings and a baggy sweater to comfortably cover up any crazy tan patterns!
This is #miamimusthaves of a middle-aged mom trying to escape in fun and cool fashion with her girlfriends for a potentially exhausting but very memorable weekend. Cheers to me!
step is a former lawyer and mother of four who often swears. Find her on Instagram @sammbdavidson.
