James Perse sleeveless pocket maxi dress | size 2
James Perse fleece bomber jacket | size 2
Vince Blair sneakers
3.1 Phillip Lim Ryder Satchel
Thank you all for the birthday wishes on Friday’s post, I loved reading them. And now, I’m not even sure I can describe how wonderful my birthday (weekend) was.
You may (or may not) remember that my father surprised me for my 40th birthday. Well, with the help of my husband, he did it again. My dad and step-mom showed up at my front door Friday afternoon, much to my confusion; I almost didn’t let them in I was so stunned. You know how it takes your brain some time to process something completely unexpected? Well, yeah, that’s what happened. But it was amazing, and we’ve had the most wonderful weekend. (and it’s not over yet!).
My father & step-mom lived in Dallas 15 years ago, so we spent the weekend visiting some of their favorite places. And since I am much like my father, they pretty much revolve around shopping & eating. Not a bad way to spend the weekend, if I may say so…
On Saturday we visited Highland Park Village and spent most of our time in James Perse. Where else?? I ended up with the fleece bomber jacket as my birthday present (Leo got me the dress for my birthday during the Saks F&F code), and my dad got a pair of cords from my step-mom as an early Christmas present! It took some convincing, but he tried them on and they are SO GOOD on him, they fit perfectly. In fact, he’s worn them constantly since he got them (they look much better on him in a slimmer fit than on the model. Just saying.) I think he’s a convert !!
We ate at some of my favorite restaurants, and just generally have had an amazing, wonderful time together. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present than having my family around. That’s all I ever want, really.
And just a note on the dress & jacket: as I was wearing this outfit yesterday, I thought it was quite possibly one of my favorite outfits ever. As I passed mirrors, I was always shocked to realize that was me I was looking at; I felt so much like me, but also looked “different” because I have focused more on covering up my hips/butt lately (for various reasons). Wearing a short jacket is a bit out of my comfort zone, but it’s a silhouette that is pretty flattering on me because it accentuates my waist.
The fit/quality of both items is very good; they’re so soft, and really nice to wear. I highly recommend them. But what else is new…
Happy Monday! I’m still enjoying family time for another day; I hope you have a wonderful week 🙂
You look fantastic and comfortable and OH MY GOD that dress has pockets?!?
I’m so glad you had / are having a wonderful birthday weekend! What a fantastic surprise to have your dad and step-mom show up! And that they know that it means so much to you!
And again, to echo what everyone else said on Friday, so great to have you share your journey to feeling comfortable in yourself. Thank you!
Happy Birthday week (yes, they should last a week). Love the outfit….you may make me a James Perse convert – just so expensive in Canada.
You look super awesome. You dazzle in that dress and jacket! Happy to hear you had such a wonderful birthday.
That outfit looks killer on you and I love the pockets!! Goodness, everything should have pockets. I wish my body had pockets, like a kangeroo.
So glad you had a good birthday!
YES!!! it has pockets. wonderful pockets actually. i walked around with my hands in them most of the time!!
i know!!! i want pockets in EVERYTHING.
thank you 🙂
thank you so much!
haha! my birthday feels like it’s going to last a month…
thank you!
A friend of mine celebrates her birthday for as many days as she is turning years. This year she turned 30 and celebrated the entire month. I think she has the right idea :).
I love the dress you have on, but I need one that has more stomach camouflage 😉 The next time you go to James Perse, I’d love a review of this dress…it also has pockets!
http://www.jamesperse.com/women/apparel/dresses/womens-funnel-neck-tunic-dress-wtc6798?cm_filter=WOMEN%2FAPPAREL%2FDRESSES
Glad you had an amazing birthday! Wanted to be sure and let you know your hair looks fantastic – that is a great length and very flattering on you. I recently made the decision to abandon my quest for long hair and got mine cut about the same length as yours. Definitely more flattering and more chic (for me). It is crazy how we always feel the pressure (internally or externally) to have long hair to be “sexy.”
Happy Belated Birthday! I try not to be on the computer too much on the weekends .. so I missed your post.
Love the bomber jacket! Looks quite stylish and a little more dressed up than perhaps just wearing a sweater.
Monica.
Grechen you look amazing. This dress/jacket combo flatters your figure so well. And look at this radiant face!
Happy birthday!!!
I’m late to the party but wanted to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Grechen! Sounds like you are having a fabulous time w/your family. As usual, you look beautiful!
Happy belated birthday!! It sounds like you had a fabulous weekend celebration. 🙂
Love this outfit and I’m apart of the put pockets on everything crew. I recently bought a flannel shirt from Madewell. I’m so not a flannel kind of gal but it had pockets so I felt compelled to buy it.
Anyway, you look fabulous, I can tell that you feel fabulous and I hope that this new year brings you even more fabulous things and feelings!!
Happy birthday!!!!! So happy to hear it was awesome!! Love the outfit!!
You look happy in these photos. Glad you had a great birthday.
Happy Birthday, Grechen! What a wonderful surprise. Your family sounds so sweet. 🙂
they didn’t have that one last time…i would love to try it on!! i will let you know when i find it 😉
this raglan tunic dress might be a good option also: http://www.jamesperse.com/women/apparel/dresses/womens-dolman-raglan-dress-wmu6810?cm_filter=WOMEN%2FAPPAREL%2FDRESSES
i saw it at nordstrom but didn’t try it on, it looks great – the same material as my maxi dress…
YES!
and thank you 🙂
Very, very happy birthday, Gretchen! I only recently discovered your blog through Sally McGraw, but your style and your thoughts are so refreshing, and I’m always glad to see your blog on my reader.
Happy birthday week, Grechen! Love this outfit – you look fantastic in it! I enjoyed reading your birthday recap – but missed getting details on the birthday cake!
A belated Happy Birthday, Grechen! You look so beautiful and relaxed in these pics.
Wowza! You look so chic, comfy, fit, JP, YOU…all the criteria wrapped up in one outfit! But then I remind my self, “It’s the woman that makes the clothes” 🙂
And the concept of shopping with my father is so foreign, I can’t even wrap my head around it! (Lucky girl!)
What a perfect Birthday weekend!! You look great and you’re right, the top is super flattering! I love it with the dress…I’m a huge fan of maxi’s in the winter 🙂 I’ve just moved to the US from India so thanks for the inspo for my winter wardrobe 🙂