It’s 40th season around these parts.

It began 3 years ago. And it’ll be on for another 3 years at least in our circles.

And its such a good thing.

Why? Well, I just love 40ths.

People seem so much more relaxed. Its like the angst of our younger years has finally lifted and people are at peace with their lot in life. As for the guests, we all appreciate a rare big night/day out and go to some effort to get dressed up and to buy a thoughtful (usually group) present.

And the speeches, those heartfelt speeches, always make me cry. Especially when the kids chime in with their two cents worth.

It’s such a privilege to share in these special milestones. I can’t wait to celebrate mine in another 18 months and I’ve been busily collating lots of great ideas.

Anyhoo, I digress.

On Saturday, we were lucky enough to be invited to two 40ths for two fantastic blokes on the one day. What a day!

The first was an afternoon soiree (drinks and nibbles) at the fabulous Bouzy Rouge. Bouzy Rouge is a Spanish/Portugese restaurant in inner city Richmond, with fabulous decor – think Versace bling meets hunting lodge chic. Our 40th was held upstairs in the private function area (super cool). It was a lovely afternoon of great food, conversation, wine and speeches. I may have even had a teary or three at the gorgeousness of it all.

I pondered what to wear and opted for this Gorman Botanical Dress which I’ve been waiting to wear since I bought it last month. I successfully style-stalked this frock all season and snapped it up when it was reduced from $199 to $139. Strangely, it is still on sale now, but has been marked back up to $179.

I’ve been a huge fan of Gorman’s Autumn Winter 2014 Range. I love Gorman at the best of times, but I’ve been super impressed with this season’s great prints and colour. This botanical print is the perfect example – it’s modern, different and relaxed. I also see it as being distinctly Australian. There’s nothing like it anywhere else. I do love a floral and this modern take with it’s gorgeous autumnal colours was a no brainer for me.

By the way, if you are a fan of this print but not the frock, this print also comes in a different style of dress, a skirt, tee, silk top, socks and a rain coat.

On the accessories front, I added this Bohemian Traders Coin Necklace in Daisy (one of my faves) which picked up the yellow in the dress nicely. I also liked the contrast of the old coins against the modern print.

My earrings are simple coin earrings picked up at a gorgeous little shop called Tingo on my recent weekend away in Mt Martha.

My boots are Vintage Heeled boots from Boden bought a couple of years ago. (For similar, try these). Their height was a must for this dress. Because it is quite short, I bought this dress knowing it was a heels only affair.

This shift style dress is a bit different for me. It’s not as flattering as a waisted frock but it’s loose, relaxed fit is comfortable and the shorter length prevents it from being shapeless and frumpy. It was pretty short though when I was sitting down. Thank goodness for opaques is all I can say.

A quick trip home to get the kids sorted and ready for bed, and a quick change later, it was off to our second engagement – a cocktail 40th. As the host is a very cool and sought after DJ with his own corporate events company, we knew we would be in for a fabulous night of dancing, food and a first class fit out.

What we didn’t expect was the roving magician, a performance by Miss Burlesque Australia, the hilarious video speech from his bestie who sent a tribute from abroad and speeches by his two young boys. Oh what a night indeed!

So what to wear to a cocktail 40th? I opted for this Marcs Montage Print dress which I have been lusting over and snapped up in a one day 20% Marcs storewide sale.

This dress is an investment – even with 20% off it was exy (over $200) – but I did the maths. It’s not only a gorgeous frock, it’s a practical one because it works back with black shoes and accessories but has enough pop and wow factor to be perfect for a cocktail party, future 40ths and other dressy do’s. It will also transition nicely to my work and date night wardrobe once it has had a few nights out on the town.

The tie waist and flippy skirt is flattering as well and perfect for a night of dancing.

On the accessories front, I kept it simple with a pair of pink Mimco studs (for similar, try these) and an old faceted black bangle and ring. My black Mimco envelope clutch with its wrist strap (from a couple of seasons back) was perfect. Here is this season’s version.

I wore my heeled Seed Ankle boots for height and a streamlined look. You can shop a similar style here.

Have you been to a 40th, other milestone or special event lately? What did/do you wear to such a do?