Weird Things in My 40s.
I’ve written in the past about some of the surprises that have come with aging, but the other day, I generated a narrower list of the odd and unexpected phenomena of being in my 40s:
+Only want to wear soft clothing and pants that barely touch my body;
+Overstimulated by bathroom fan and kitchen hood vent;
+Worry about everything at 3 am and then wake up and feel fine;
+More circumspect — about everything. I automatically assume even legitimate calls/emails from my bank to be a scam. Sometimes this is helpful, I think, but I also find myself more guarded, less likely to believe things are done with good will, and dislike this new misanthropy.
+Suddenly have opinions backed by actual experience;
+Less worried about what other people think about me (finally);
+Generally assume no one is paying much attention to me — this is liberating, really; I feel like I spent too much of my 20s peacocking around;
+Absolutely must stretch before running or my knees lock;
+Speaking of, generally not interested in seeing my knees;
+Cannot prevent myself from commenting on mature trees or speculating about the mystery cars parked on my street;
+Feel like a true expert in myself;
+Relate more to the older characters in novels and film — i.e., more a Lorelei than a Rory; find myself examining Mrs. Bennett and Marmie March with new sensitivity;
+Better able to take the long view;
+Frequently find myself deep in Reddit threads about cardinals and other birds (ahem);
+Hair: thinner, skin: thicker;
+Feel proud of myself
What would you add to this list? What have been some of the unique markers of entering your 40s? (Or, if in a different decade, share what your key discoveries have been in your 20s, 50s, 70s, etc!)
Post-Scripts.
*I shared some of this list on Instagram and was overwhelmed by how many of you related to the bathroom fan / hood vent. LOL. Why are we this way?! And one of you wrote in to say, in your 40s, “I finally feel like I own the name mama.” How beautiful is that? I related deeply — it takes a long time to become. And I feel like I’m constantly remaking myself as a mom, too.
+I don’t want anything to change.
Shopping Break.
+We did end up ordering this bed over the weekend (cannot wait for it to arrive) — but wanted to share that I discovered an amazing look for less here. Literally 1/3 the price. While you’re there: Quince just launched a line of very chic table lamps: this, this! The former looks a LOT like this Serena and Lily, but half the price. And their popular teddy boucle chair was restocked!
+On the fashion front: they also launched these Ralph Lauren-coded cableknit cashmere sweaters!
+This electric heating pad is, well and truly, the best thing I’ve purchased for myself in years (seen in photo at top of post). A Magpie recommended it when I tweaked my back two weeks ago and — how have I lived without? Obviously for aches/pains/cramps but I’m actually sitting here at my desk with a minor head cold and feeling so happy with it in my lap. Like a warm hug all day long.
+Speaking of warm hug all day, wearing these cashmere pants right now (also seen a little bit in photo at top), and – at time of writing – they are still on Cyber Week sale. Run narrow/slim — I’d suggest going up a size. So cozy. These are more straight leg than my other cashmere pants from Tuckernuck (which are wider-leg) but I love both!
+Now is the time to buy your future self a habit tracker. Perfect for January intentions! I love love mine and also love when my girlfriends send me photos of theirs!
+Every year, I get a couple of wears out of my Gucci logo tights. They’re so extra and flashy but add this little zip to an LBD that I can’t resist. I keep everything else simple — plain LBD, plain black pumps — so that it feels balanced. Mango has a really fab look for less pair.
+Keep hearing about the brand Penelope Chilvers! Love these boots and these sneaker/boot hybrids.
+I just picked up this tinted moisturizer/skin tint and am — obsessed. Has anyone else used? It makes your face look absolutely perfect, but like you’re wearing nothing? It’s blurring, glow-enhancing, color-balancing, and offers a tiny bit of coverage?! LOVE,
+Rifle’s holiday gift wrap is still discounted for cyber week! Some of the sets are incredible values, like this pack of three rolls, 40% off! I ordered all of the cardinal motif options (wrap, bags, tags) because you know — it’s my “spark” bird!
+I also absolutely adore this champagne motif roll from Dear Anabelle. I’ve ordered one roll of this for the past two years in a row and use it for really special, small gifts! I’ve crossed paths with the founder of this brand and she is so lovely and pays such wonderful attention to detail. She also makes the most gorgeous, thick gift tags. PERFECT cursive.
+Back to RL for a sec: OMG and OMG. I love it! They are really making a comeback with their ready to wear! I’ve purchased several items from them this fall, and I find they have a fresh, relevant fashion perspective. I’ve always loved their legacy but some of their clothes skewed a little fuddy duddy for a minute? Back to center! Other items I love: this short-sleeved fair isle knit, this wool-blend cardigan, this cord puffer. I also have a soft spot for their teddy bear sweaters on boys!
+Really cute lounge set for a tween. This is the kind of thing my daughter would LOVE.
+This new brand sent me one of their garment bags and it is SO gorgeous and well-made! I actually didn’t own a garment bag prior to this and am delighted by it. You can have it personalized with a name. Would be such a chic gift for a bride!
+The high end ski brand Perfect Moment just did a cool collab with H&M — love this base layer and this mohair scarf.
+SWEETEST coat for a little love.
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