Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to some pictures listed.

Happy Birthday to me!

This year, the most important thing for me was making sure I was happy. I know that sounds so simple, but I feel like sometimes we forget what it really is to celebrate yourself and celebrate more life. We get so caught up in who has the best birthday outing, the most designer details , and the most social media following.

I did not want to get caught up with the stress of planning, researching, and obsessing over every detail. I tried my best to let inspiration come to me. From my outfits to my outings, I just let everything fall into place.

Taco Tuesday

My birthday (August 6th) fell on a Tuesday, and what a better way to celebrate than by participating in Taco Tuesday. I came across a trendy Mexican restaurant called Vida Verde, located on West 55th Street. I immediately fell love with the atmosphere and aesthetic of the restaurant. The decor was adorned in festive, vibrant lights and colors, as well as, beautiful floor to ceiling murals.

Just like the vibrancy of Vida Verde’s walls, I wanted my outfit to pop. I usually gravitate towards anything black or more on the neutral side. I knew this year I wanted to express myself through color.

This outfit started with these unique Miu Miu heels that I came across a few months prior. Now, most people that know me know that pink has never really been my color of choice, and can probably count the number of times they’ve ever seen me wear it. However, something made me fall in love with these heels. My favorite detail was the retro shape of the heel, while the sequin front strap added a hint of glamour to what would be an otherwise ordinary ankle strap sandal heel. When I found them, I knew they would be the perfect birthday shoe.

At this point, already having pink shoes, I figured I might as well just go with it, and embrace this new found appreciation for the color pink. My bubblegum pink corset was the perfect contrast to the magenta heels. Rather than finding a top that would match the shoes, it was important to let the shoes shine by finding something that would compliment them instead. This House of CB corset, more beautiful in person, was the perfect shade of pretty pink, and the simplicity in structure molded perfectly to my frame. (Not to mention their packing is to die for.) Then, adding my favorite Levi denim shorts helped marry the two items together, giving that fun and flirty look.

Duane Park

My birthday celebration continued with a visit to Duane Park in NYC. This restaurant was an experience; I’ve had this on my list of places to go for about a year, and this seemed like the fitting opportunity. The staff was immediately welcoming and attentive throughout the night. Once you step through that door, the ambiance feels like you have really stepped back in time. The three course dining, live music, accompanied by the electric vocalist and dancers was more than I could have imagined. it was the true essence of an upscale supper club.

Of course, I took this opportunity to get dressed for the occasion. I wore a lilac backless fringe romper from Prettylittlething paired with barely there strappy sandals by Something Navy. I accessorized with a statement tassel earrings and white retro sunglasses.

Animal Planet

Everyone knows Sunday’s are for brunching, and naturally that is how I wanted to end my birthday celebration. I enjoyed a chill, hearty brunch at Essex Restaurant on the Lower East Side. I wanted to keep this look simple. A mini zebra slip dress from Urban Outfitters made a statement with my favorite black sunglasses and a red lip. Animal print was a big trend this summer, and I wanted to highlight the zebra print that you don’t see as often.

The street art seen as the backdrop in my photos was showcased at the CitizenM Hotel in Bowery, where I stayed in the city.

Overall, I had an amazing birthday, and I am extremely grateful that I have been blessed with more life. I have always felt like birthdays are almost like a second new year for a person, an opportunity at a new start. Thank you to all my friends, family, and loved ones who celebrated me in any way.

Love.

A.