The Real Housewives of Atlanta - Season 11

Source: Bravo / Getty

Today is model and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey‘s 52nd birthday. Our fingers are crossed twice in the hopes that we’ll look this fabulous when we get to that age.

But before she was living her best life in her 50s and starring in RHOA, Bailey was known for striking a pose as a model, being on the arm of handsome men (including actor Leon Robinson, the father of her daughter, Noelle) and being a socialite of sorts at all the events. If you take a look back at old photos of Bailey before she joined the series in 2010, before she was rocking super long and big extensions and going tit for tat throwing shade trees, the beauty still managed to turn heads. In honor of her 52nd birthday, check out a few throwback images of Bailey before she had a peach, and back when she loved to have her hair cut low, by hitting the flip.

Cynthia Bailey

Source: Evan Agostini / Getty

Opening of New Equinox Fitness Club

Source: Sylvain Gaboury / Getty

The NBA Store hosts the '2nd Annual Back-To-School Style Preview'

Source: James Devaney / Getty

'Brown Sugar' - New York Premiere

Source: Jim Spellman / Getty

2002 BET 'Walk of Fame' Honoring Stevie Wonder - Show

Source: Pete Mitchell / Getty

The 3rd Annual BET Awards - Arrivals By Galella Ltd

Source: Jim Smeal / Getty

'Honey' - New York Premiere - After Party Hosted by Andre Harrell

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

Cynthia Bailey birthday

Source: Paul Hawthorne / Getty

Devyne Stephens' 2009 Annual Christmas Gala

Source: Moses Robinson / Getty

Jacquie Lee's Announcement Party

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty