I turned 31 on Friday, and although I did think about doing a little post about my thoughts on aging and my hopes for my next year of life, I really just... couldn't be bothered? I guess? Honestly, after all the buildup of turning 30, I basically greeted 31 with a shrug, opting for sushi and a movie over any kind of a party.

I did, however, take a couple of days off work, because why not, and on my birthday I ended up getting up early and catching a bus downtown to take photos. Frankly, capturing this 1940s dress set was probably the best part of my birthday!

Although I didn't get a particularly clear photo of the print, it's some kind of classical scene with a piper and dancing people. I tried it on a while back, winced at the price, and left it behind. After I traded some things in for store credit, though, I couldn't resist bringing it home. It's a dress and jacket set, and honestly, I'm already in love with the versatility that comes with two pieces. It's great now, as a spring dress, but I ended up wearing the jacket and a solid black skirt out to dinner later that evening, and the dress will be lovely by itself when the weather gets too hot for long sleeves.

While I arrived at my chosen location (the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago) a little later than intended and couldn't get some of the shots that I wanted, I'm still pretty pleased with what I did get. As you can probably tell from the frequency with which I use them, I love shooting photos in and around museums. I've always been a little obsessed with those neo-Classical artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, like Lawrence Alma-Tadema and the like, and those sorts of locations just transport you right into one of those paintings. And, of course, who doesn't want a little white marble and classical statuary to class up the metaphorical joint, am I right?

I don't wear stockings like this very often, but I found them cheap on Amazon (Leg Avenue, $8 a pair) and decided to give them a go. I love the look, but wearing them did give me a bit of an issue. Let's just say that I don't recommend drinking a large coffee, situating yourself well away from any public restrooms, and then wrestling with a garter belt as you try very hard not to pee on yourself, if you get my drift.

Anyway, that was my birthday! What did your last birthday look like? Did you take the opportunity to do something big, or did you keep it pretty low key?

Dress, Choker: Knee Deep Vintage
Shoes: Chelsea Crew "Lana" Heels
Stockings: Leg Avenue