When I was at Barnes and Noble the other day, this book caught my eye:
Being over 30, I was intrigued. This book is based on the list created by author Pamela Redmond Strathan and was published in Glamour back in 1997 (when I was a measly 17 years old). The book has notable women elaborate on the list but you’ll find it below in its concise glory. I’m proud to say that I know or have most of the things on the list, although I still need a little bit of work on a few as well. That said, the reason I like this list is because it’s less about ticking things off a list and more about being empowered, self sufficient, and mature. But to have some fun, number 3 on the HAVE list caught my eye and got me thinking.
By 30 you should have something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
What would I wear if the employer of my dreams wants to see me in an hour? What would I wear if the man of my dreams (my dear husband) wanted to whisk me away on a fancy date in an hour? Well, here’s what I came up with.
Employer of My Dreams Outfit:
suit : tahari @ annie sez (similar) | blouse and necklace : banana republic | shoes : michael kors pressley pump | tote : louis vuitton hampstead mm
I’m a huge fan of a classic navy suit. In this case I would tone it down as much as possible but for a day in the office, it’s easy to pair it with bright colors and jewelry for a trendier look.
Man of My Dreams Outfit
full-skirt belted brocade dress : ellen tracy @ annie sez (similar in blue) | black patent pumps : christian louboutin pigalle plato 120 | white studded clutch : rebecca minkoff mac stud clutch | bracelet : arden b necklace (old)
I just love the silhouette of this dress, it’s super flattering and the shoes help enhance my legs :).
So, what do you think? Do you have your outfits in your head for these occasions? Also, read the list below and if you’re 30, let us know — do you feel comfortable that you know and have all the things listed?
The List
By 30, you should have:
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few facets of life that don’t get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.
By 30, you should know:
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend with-out ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
8. Where to go—be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a yoga mat—when your soul needs soothing.
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30!
T shirt : H&M, Necklace: Banana Republic; Pants: Club Monaco; Clutch: Rachel Rachel Roy; Shoes: Aldo
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