Help me choose a 40th birthday present to myself

[mangoamango]

Hi all,

I will be 40 in December and want to mark the occasion with a present to myself. I'm hoping for something special but that can still be used regularly (rather than something to be saved "for best" or only trotted out on special occasions) and that will help me to feel like an actual grown up (you would think that the mortgage, child, car, career and various other obligations would do the trick but apparently not - in my head I'm still 23).

So far, I have thought of:

• a timeless style leather jacket (but I'm not sure what that would look like)
• a string of pearls (I absolutely LOVE pearls but I'm on the fence as I'm not sure I could carry them off on a day-to-day basis and I think they'd be relegated to 'best')
• a watch (but I have a perfectly good, all-be-it relatively cheap watch that I wear every day)
• a really good quality work/hand bag for lugging laptop, tablet and assorted junk around
• a bracelet

Style-wise, I love anything with a shot of colour, preferably blue, definitely lean towards boho/shabby chic. My ears used to be pierced but have long-since healed over (another idea was to get them repierced and buy some earrings but the reason that they healed over in the first place was that remembering to put earrings in the morning and take them out at bedtime was too much of a hassle for 25 year-old me and I didn't really like the feel of anything dangly/heavy). I tend to wear cheap and cheerful necklaces (with the emphasis on the cheerful) and have worn only three rings for the last 14 years (my grandmother's wedding ring on my right ring finger, my engagement ring and my wedding ring on the left ring finger).

I have a budget of around £400 in mind but could go higher for something that I really fell in love with.

So, oh wise people of the style and beauty board, what would/did you do if you were in my shoes? What accessories/pieces do you have that make you feel grown-up and as if you have your life together?

All suggestions, recommendations and inspirations gratefully received. TIA

PS I am fully aware that this is a first world problem of the highest order. I have other problems that are much more important in the greater scheme of things but this is the one I'm choosing to focus on right now...

I was taken to Harvey Nics by my husband to choose some Louboutins for a birthday once. The whole experience, especially the lovely lady serving me and advising me on different leathers/fits/sizes was amazing and now 5 years on I still love my shoes and they make me feel epically powerful at work. I also believe they are the most comfortable high heels I have owned.
Chose a simple design so very versatile.

I've just had my 30th and asked for a Pearl necklace. I also got given the most beautiful set of Pearl earrings. The earrings go with everything while the necklace is for best so I recommend getting your ears re pierced and some Pearl earrings. Mine are from Yoko x

I’m 40 in October and I’m having a ring made by the same jeweller who made our wedding rings. It’s going to match and stack with the wedding ring (I don’t have an engagement ring - this one is going to represent what I’ve achieved in the last few years and how positive I’m feeling about turning 40).

Sorry, waffled there, but my point is I’m all for buying yourself a 40th present that really means something.

I agree that pearl earrings are more versatile than a necklace, if your look isn’t so formal. I do love a pearl necklace though. Maybe you could go for a more contemporary pearl necklace that can be worn everyday and dress up or down, rather than a classic string?

I have a pair of stud diamond earrings, I never take them out. Had them in now for 7 years. Will never change them.

Also thinking of treating myself for my 40th (but I have a lower budget) and I’m going to get a watch, probably a vintage man’s watch (I have a few styles in mind but still researching). I bought myself an All Saints leather jacket for my 30th and it’s still buttery soft and looks like new.

I would definitely go jewellery - I had a lovely watch for my 50th and I can't quite believe how much I love it / plus it gets worn practically every day

I have pearl necklaces - there are some lovely contemporary ones out there - depends how much you would wear a necklace

Other options - silver bangle - timeless, easy to wear - lots of choice out there

thanks for all of the suggestions. The more I think about it, the more I think I want a pearl necklace. This one is on sale via a designer outlet website I use at the minute and I think that it is modern enough for me to be able to wear it regularly. What do you think?

I've also decided to get my ears repierced this week and since this will come in under budget, I'm thinking of adding some matching earrings.

Seeing you like blue and would like a leather jacket. I just bought this and absolutely LOVE it www.hobbs.com/product/dakota-leather-jacket/0221-3199-3472L01-NAVY.html#q=leather%20jacket&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=0221-3199-3472L01-NAVY&pos=1
I'm 40 next year and was looking for something timeless as well, had wanted one since I was 30.

I got a tag heuer aquaracer (smallest Cheapest one) and am saving for another one. I wear everyday and cherish it. Bit more than your budget but with it if you can stretch to it.