44th Birthday...

Hey Family!!!!!

Today 44 years ago I was born into this world. Many times I want to shout from the rooftop hey I'm 44 and I got a baby whose 1 year old. Have you ever had that type of moment?

This will be one of my quietest in my 4 years of being in my 40's. I was trying to figure out how to celebrate my birthday because I do something big every year well at least I started to when I hit 40. You know one of those midlife get your life because all you did was home, work, Church kind of thing. Now it's not so much about getting your life but in the living of your life and hopefully in a stylish and enjoyable way. Because I'm a working single mom today will be really quiet because I have a teething baby and a long work day today.

I did think about one way to celebrate my birthday and that's taking a fashionable look back on the 4 years of being in my 40's. I was just thinking back and remembering how this is the best time of my life. Of all the things that I've done and of all the places that I have been around the world and the experiences that I have gained in the military and living in the Chi. I must say every year gets better.

Each one of these looks is a day that I truly remember because I decided I was tired of just existing and decided to live my life and so here we go back down memory lane.

40th Birthday:
The first photograph is a birthday celebration going to see a concert my first one as a grown up. Really my first one in life Wow. I was 40 years old the outfit really expressed where I was at that time. It was leather knickerbockers, royal blue blouse, a beautiful zippered vest. And at that time, starter dreadlocks. I went to a concert to see a young lady named Ledisi and the Robert Glasper experience. Both were beautiful.

41st Birthday:
The next one was a trip to New Orleans. Oh how I enjoy that City and oh how I want to make sure that I experience it with my daughter. My day started off really really beautiful on the Riverwalk. I enjoyed the French quarter and all of the sites. My birthday was exactly how I wanted it to be breathing, living, enjoying the fresh air I wore this beautiful linen brown skirt and a printed tank top and a beautiful Kangol hat that was leather and had animals print on it.
I found it thrifting.

42nd Birthday:
This has to be just the most memorable birthday that I ever had. I connected with a artist a photographer and did futuristic afropunk photoshoot I just loved this time. He got my vision I wanted to show Beauty and strength without a whole bunch of makeup and props so I went and Thrifted all my outfits and we just went with the flow.

43rd Birthday:
I must say this was the most memorable or the most sentimental. And because of my beautiful daughter and we scheduled a Sip & see. A Sip & see is basically where people come and celebrate your daughter's birth. With Punch or whatever adult beverage you have for them and they see the baby. It was fun for me because I dreaded having a baby shower at 43 years old. And so you can't really fully see the outfit but you can get the gist of it it was an altar shoulder denim top wrapped in a leather brown belt and some printed pants and a yellow head wrap.

44th Birthday
Last but not least is simply who I am now and evolved into being. I realize that I didn't have to do anything big or anything special on my birthday if I just live, if I dress according to who I am, if my days are spent in laughter and wonder and joy. Everyday is a birthday or everyday is a holiday especially around this time. My daughter's birthday is literally one month before mine then we have Easter then we have my birthday then we have Mother's Day. I feel like the MVP. So just a simple picture of us doing what we do.

Thank you for taking the time to read or just look at the pictures or both and as always be well on your fashionable Journey.

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

46 Comments

  • Sisi replied 5 years ago

    Happy Happy Birthday Ledonna! I wish you all the best. Can't wait to see how you will celebrate this year (may I suggest garden party? :) )

  • replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, Ledonna!!!!  Best wishes.  

  • Lucy replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday! Wishing you the loveliest of days.
    I love your photos and your journey. The pictures tell a thousand stories. 

  • Jessikams replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday Ledonna! My mother had me at 43, and I am now 40. It’s an interesting time of life isn’t it? Hope you keep on enjoying, for many more years—

  • Inge replied 5 years ago

    I loved seeing these pics, Ledonna, thanks so much for sharing. And a very happy birthday to you!! I hope you have a brilliant day and will feel thoroughly spoiled by family, friends and little Zi'Joy!!

    Inge
    xxx

  • Style Fan replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, Ledonna!  What great pictures.  Your style is so alive and vibrant. 

  • Lesley replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday! Photo 6 is just incredible! 

  • Jenni NZ replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday Ledonna! Mum had me at almost 41. There are plenty of older mothers these days. You look amazing!

  • Kathie replied 5 years ago

    Wishing you a wonderful birthday! Thanks for sharing your memories- that is an incredible skirt in #6.

  • Carla replied 5 years ago

    You are simply amazing! I had my third daughter at 41, you are in good company :-)

  • Helena replied 5 years ago

    Fab beyond fab Ledonna! Happy birthday from another 1974 baby ... We are a fine vintage, I must say!! Xoxo

  • Brooklyn replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday! You are fabulous!

  • replied 5 years ago

    Yay- what a great recap!  Hope today's birthday is just the way you want it!

  • Chris987 replied 5 years ago

    Have a great birthday! Your personality and writings are so joyful and inspiring. Here's to the next 44! When you hit 88 your daughter will be just about the age you are now....wow, think about that! :-)  Wonder where fashion will have taken us all by then?

  • Angie replied 5 years ago

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ledonna. Keep celebrating how fabulous you are. You and lil' Nugget's birthdays are well timed. Let the festivities continue. Much love to you. xo

  • texstyle replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, Ledonna! Wishing you a day filled with love and smiles. Thank you for sharing your b-day breakdown, very fun reading.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Hope your day and new year are full of light & love. And cake! :)
    Happy Birthday, Ledonna!

  • Joyce B replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, Ledonna! Many happy and healthy returns.

  • Bonnie replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday! I suggest going on a picnic to celebrate your birthday.

  • Suz replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday, Ledonna! What a gorgeous retrospective of your amazing spirit (not to mention, fashion moxy!) Your energy and love of life shine through. 

  • SandyG replied 5 years ago

    Have a colorful, wonderful and happy birthday today! (and every day, natch!) Love the photos that show your energy and journey to your 44th! 

  • anchie replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday! Lovely photos and great idea to have one taken to memorize birthdays that reflect different stages in life.

  • Cardiff girl replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday to you ,stylish lady,here’s to many more!

  • replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday Ledonna, you look amazing. I love the incredible high style of 6 and 9 is just totally adorable.

  • Kate replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, dear Ledonna!

    I remember the images from that AfroPunk photoshoot with pleasure. You have had many many memorable outfits over the years—your Shaft leather trench ranks high on the list for me, and of course, all your overall looks—but that gorgeous long skirt and gold bustier from the AfP shoot, and you looking so fierce, free & fab, well that one sits at the top of the list. Simply wonderful.

  • rachylou replied 5 years ago

    !!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!

  • Amy Isabella replied 5 years ago

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY my lovely. Thanks for sharing your amazingly gorgeous pictures and wonderful memories. Your little one is just tooooo cute for words.

  • Thea replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday Ledonna! 
    Thank you for once again sharing your inspiring writings and photos, as always your joy shines through! Best wishes for a fabulous year!

  • Ledonna N. replied 5 years ago

    Torontogirl- Born in the same year alright now!!!!!!

    Chris987 oh lawd. I try not to think that far in advance. Lol. But i van just imagine. You are always so supportive and encouraging. Thank you

    Angie I'm not big on parties but i cannot helpbut be happy during this time. Cause for celebrating.

    Clara alrigjt now for the over 40 birthing babies its good to know there are more of us.

    Kate awe you remember awe lol that was such a fun. I love my "Shaft" coat. That AfroPunk photoshoot is still my most favorite.

    Thank you all So much from the bottom of my heart. It is more than appreciated that you took the time out of your day to think of me. May today bring you joy laughter and peace.

    Here are a few more photos from the Afro punk futurist photo shoot. If interested.

  • replied 5 years ago

    Fierce pics of you!
    Is that a Jackson 5 mural? Love it.

  • Anne replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday Ledonna! Wishing you the very best!

  • Ledonna N. replied 5 years ago

    Jlpp Yes it is I want to go back and do photos with my daughter.  Not to the abandoned stadium we used but to the park and the Jackson 5 mural

  • kerlyn replied 5 years ago

    Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Ledonna!  Lots of love to you and that gorgeous baby!

  • cindysmith replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday, you beautiful woman!

  • Jaime replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday Ledonna! Your pictures are amazing and the ones from the photoshoot are incredible. ZJ is a lucky girl.

  • Greyscale replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday!!

  • deb replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday, Ledonna, you are the best!

  • Jane replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday! Wishing you a beautiful bountiful year ahead!

  • Liesbeth replied 5 years ago

    Wow, that photoshoot sure looks amazing, you do look FIERCE! Happy b-day!

  • Mainelady replied 5 years ago

    Happy birthday! I so enjoyed seeing glimpses of your celebrations and fabulous fashion. Living life, owning who we are and being comfortable in our own skin every day is where true happiness comes from. Everyday is a celebration. Enjoy yours!

  • Freckles replied 5 years ago

    Very happy birthday wishes sent your way.
    Thank you for your inspirational post and amazing pics.

  • Aida replied 5 years ago

    Happy Birthday Ledonna! So fun to go through the past few birthdays with you. I remember the photo shoot, what a fabulous set of photos. Cheers to an even better 45th.

  • JAileen replied 5 years ago

    I hope you had a happy birthday!

  • unfrumped replied 5 years ago

    Fabulous photo journey. Happy Birthday!

  • Janet replied 5 years ago

    What great pics and memories, Ladonna! I’m late to the party, but happy belated birthday to you!

  • pil replied 5 years ago

    Belated happy birthday wishes to you, Ledonna! I remember your awesome birthday photo shoot pictures!

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