So, I’m not quite sure how I let this happen, but TheFashionMagpie turned three about a month ago (end of March) and the occasion passed by unremarked. That’s no way to treat one of the loves of my life! This little fashion blogeroo has taught me a lot about…a lot. And a lot that is not fashion-related, surprisingly. First, I’ve come to value the importance of “a room of one’s own,” in the abstract. Virginia Woolf was onto something — having a creative space to hone your voice and opinions is truly life-giving and self-affirming. Second, the power of self-conviction. This blog has taught me to trust myself and my instincts more than any other enterprise I’ve undertaken. Third, the absolute joy of aesthetically beautiful things. Yes, fashion can be frivolous, and folks can take it far too seriously, but at the end of the day — why wouldn’t you surround yourself with beauty?! It seems simple enough. And finally, the warmth and goodness of others. So many of you have written me the loveliest notes and kindest words — I’m humbled by it. Bisoux to you all!
In the honor of TFM’s big 3-year bloggiversary, I’m concocting my dream outfit. First: this stunning Giambattista Valli sheath (don’t even ask the price…) with an obligatory party hat and some sparkly danglers (Alexis Bittar, $275, Nordstrom) —
— and some flashy heels (Jimmy Choo, $950, Net-A-Porter) and this fun clutch — love how its geometry plays off of the lines of the dress above (Kotur, $650, Neiman Marcus):
I’d further accessorize with this sparkly camera strap (LOVE. — $120, Bloom Theory):
Now that I’m all (imaginatively) decked out, I’ll present my “Best of Year 2” Highlights.
1. The Purchase of “Alix”
My loyal readers know how much I died over the hectagonal, toffee-colored gorgeousness of the Alexander Wang Emile tote ($975, Kirna Zabete). When I finally bought one, I affectionately named mine “Alix.” (A very French name — pronounced “Ah-lee-kssss.) This indulgence has brought me many a happy morning.
2. Suzanna Dai Statement Earrings
I snapped up these beautiful “Rio de Janeiro” earrings ($138, Suzanna Dai) earlier this season, and they’ve quickly become my favorite member of the Magpie Jewelry Family. They always draw a lot of attention, and they snazz up any old thing. I’ve worn them with everything from floor-length evening gowns to jeans and a tee. Love you.
3. Corals and Peaches and Tangerines — OH MY.
I’ve been beyond ecstatic over the predominance of reds, peaches, corals, and tangerines that have graced many-a-storefront in the form of lovely and wearable separates over the past year. Talk about a universally flattering color palette! WOO! Commemorate with the paint chip table runner ($55, Leif Shop — also available in placemat form) below:
4. Vibrant Work Out Gear
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: brightly colored gym gear is a huge exercise motivator. Thank you, Nike, for giving me a little extra boost with your punchy running shoes ($90, Zappos).
5. Colored Denim
Yeehaw, I have been all.over.this.trend. I’ve scored J. Brand jeans in tomato red, neon coral, cobalt, and now have my eye on a pastel pair.
6. Peplum.
A new love, but a love nonetheless. I’m so intrigued by this style that I’m inclined to go overboard…(Top, $49, H&M — similar here; skirt, Jason Wu, $2,165, Kirna Zabete):
7. The Easy Reader
I would be lying if I didn’t profess what a small joy my Timex Easy Reader ($70, PiperLime) is on a daily basis. I hadn’t worn a watch since I was maybe seven or eight years old — and then I found this cheapie Timex (Rachel Zoe and Olivia P. are also fans) and fell in love.
That is — until this upgrade replaces it.
8. Neon, Neon.
I mean, it wouldn’t be 2011-2012 if I didn’t pay homage to this mega-trend. I’ve invested in this trend quite a bit, favoring this citrine yellow hue or hot pink over all. Love this Kate Spade tote ($328, Kate Spade) — but I snagged the iconic Cambridge Satchel ($155) in the same hue, and am happy with where I am with it.
9. Diptyque
If the last year had a scent, it would be Diptyque’s Baies ($60 for candle). I went bananas over this brand the past year, buying room fragrance, candles, body oil, and much more.
Love the scents, love the quality, love the packaging. Done and done.
10. Loubs.
I’m still head over red-soled heels for all things Louboutin, but especially for the incredible neons he rolled out this season. I don’t own a pair, but I daydream about them every second.
In closing, THANK YOU for a fabulous year. I’d like to give back by offering one lucky reader a SPECIAL MAGPIE SURPRISE! Just leave a note on this blog post telling me what your favorite post this year has been, and I will randomly select and announce a winner next Thursday, 5/17! You get two entries if you follow me on Pinterest. XOXOXOXO!
Hey Jen!
My favorite posts thus far have been your holiday gift guides, and any and all of your posts featuring a nautical theme. I also just love any post that gives a shout-out to our dear alma maters of Visi/UVA! Can’t help but be influenced by the beauty and tradition of both schools!
Hey Jen!
As always I love reading all or your posts – I especially loved “checked out” from last week. I am a true JCrew girl at heart and I loved/would wear everything in that post! I can totally relate to your underlying love of all things preppy while still incorporating things that have a little edge or flair :)I also get so excited when you talk nautical, one of my favorite looks!
I loaded up the blog today as I have been thinking about the many summer weddings I have coming up. You always seem to have great advice on what to wear for different occasions…and lo and behold thats exactly what your post for today was about! You read my mind girl!
I also have to note I love all of your anecdotes about Mr. Magpie – they make me laugh and think about my own hubby! I think he and Mr. Magpie would have a lot in common haha!
Thanks for continually bringing a little smile to my day! Happy 3 years TFM! xoxo
i absolutely love your blog and i’m so glad i stumbled upon it this year. i’ve been really struggling with wedding attire this season. i just want something different that i won’t see some slight variation of on every girl at the party. that lavender maxi dress is so dreamy 🙂
Congrats on 3 years! I came across your blog a few months ago and I absolutely love it! I’d have to say your most recent post “Guest Who?” is my favorite. My brother is getting married in July, and I’m totally stumped on what to wear. Thanks for giving great suggestions!
WOW just one is so tough! Every post has something so great to offer, but my favorite would have to be a toss up between “Making My Blush” and “Minty Minx”. I LOVE pink and mint green so seeing a whole post for my two favorite colors were so fun!! Thanks for all your fashion advice, it has been so helpful!!
happy 3rd birthday! you have quickly become one of my favorite blogs to visit! my favorite post this year has been “i work out”! you inspired me to update my gym wardrobe to represent my personal style with bright sports bras, new nike leggings and a killer pair of sneakers. this helps keep me motivated to get my behind to the gym and continue my weight loss goals. (i have recently lost 50 lbs and hit a plato before the work out post).. since revamping my gym style i have been albe to push past the last 10 lbs and have never felt better!!! thanks for the inspiration not only in the sports wear department but all year long! ps: love pinterest as well xo
Congrats on three years! My favorite posts of yours are the hodgepodge ones, like “Things I Want Today” from January. Every post is great though, and always inspires me! I’ve found so many great things on TFM. Thanks so much! xo
PS – I also follow you on Pinterest!
Love, love, love this birthday post. And you’re spot on with all the faves for the year. I’ll have one of everything please xx
Is it too self-serving to say the sisters post?
If so, I must say I loved the post about being stylish & office appropriate (The Work It Circuit).
I loved your Valentine’s Day post “Making Me Blush.” After a horrible relationship year for me last year and a less than stellar V-day (more like D-day), I really wanted this Valentine’s Day with my new guy to be the right balance of romantic yet fun. I was completely stumped about what to wear; I’m not really a huge fan of bold pinks and reds. After your post went up, I was really inspired to go the blush pink route. I recreated a version of your pink blouse-leather skirt outfit, substituting in a leather pencil skirt rather than a pleated one! It was the perfect combination of chic, sexy and festive! I really think it attributed to a romantic and perfect V-day. My guy complimented me the whole night and I just felt so loved and glamorous; considering I spend most of my time in suits this was a surprising change.
Reading all the posts here, I think it’s great how much your style and posts inspire women to feel more confident. Happy Blog Birthday! Wishing you get another three years of blogging success.
Thanks so much for sharing, Leela! Loved that blush post as well. So glad you’ve found a little fashion inspiration here at TFM. Thanks for reading, darlin! xxx
My favorite is all the floral in January’s “Blooming”!
Thanks, Adele! xxx
Love the It’s About {Mari-}Time! post from January…love all the nautical inspiration!
Following on pinterest too!
P.S. Love any post with Olivia P too!
OMG, Olivia is my fashion guru. She’s almost too perfect. Thanks fo entering (and following me on Pinterest), Donna!
I love every single one of your blogs, but I guess I’d have to say that my favorite is “The Palm Beach Vibe” (January 25, 2012).
I also love your Pinterest pins!
Happy anniversary!
Thanks, Vicki 🙂 Good to hear from you again! xxx
I absolutely adore your blog! A friend of mine who was living in DC told me about it back in October of 2010, and you had a post about this fur vest from Topshop that I had to have. I’ve been hooked ever since!
I love your style and always find great new ideas for my wardrobe from your posts. As a Southerner living in the Big Apple, you’ve shown me creative ways to incorporate fun preppy bright pieces in a stylish way. You also have great posts with cute but professional office looks. Your love of fashion and all thing beautiful shines through in each post. Also you are so sweet to your readers. I have emailed you with some questions and you always respond with great ideas and creative Polyvore sets. The Fashion Magpie is definitely my favorite fashion blog out there. I am always thrilled when a new post pops up on my Bloglovin feed.
My favorite post from this year was definitely “Block it Up”. I’ve been loving the color blocking and neon trends.
I can’t wait to read more over the next year. Happy bloggiversary!
P.S. Love your pinterest too!
One of my favorite posts would be from February 14th – Making me blush! Hope all is well lovely lady!
Yay! Thanks for the support, Claudia! So happy for you and your recent engagement, by the way! YAY!
Wooohooo! Congrats!
I started reading your blogs a few months ago, and its made such a big difference to my wardrobe. To tell you the truth, today’s blog has been my favorite. I know its a “fashion” blog and i’m not choosing and blog particulary on the fashion, but there is one thing you said that stood out in this blog, and has made a difference to me. “— having a creative space to hone your voice and opinions is truly life-giving and self-affirming. Second, the power of self-conviction. This blog has taught me to trust myself and my instincts more than any other enterprise I’ve undertaken. Third, the absolute joy of aesthetically beautiful things.” I think i’ve always been rather shy to fashion, which is complete oposite to my personality. I love looking at things, saying theyre beautiful, picturing myself in it, and then walking away. Maybe its because of certain physical insecurities. I see something on someone and think wow looks great on them, but not on me. But i don’t give myself that opportunity (quite honestly, i think some people NEED to do that as well lol). Or i get overwhelmed and walk away, and speed right on over to the children’s department for my daughter. I’m not saying i looked like a slob, just that my wardrobe didnt represent me, or who i wanted to be.
I came accross your blog and i freaking loved it! I love how you put pieces together, how you’re a dreamer and (try- lol) to be realistic. I love how much you love it, and how daring you are.
I’ve been so inspired, and i’ve started to be daring as well 🙂
But more than that, i’ve tried to gain self confidence and its done many changes in my life. I feel like a hot, young mom. WORK. I go into work with much more confidence. I dont feel as intimidated by the fahsionista lady i work next to. Yes, my clothes may not be as expensive as hers, and yes i may not have been everywhere she has, or have gone shopping in Italy, BUT i walk in and dress as if i have! I’m more assertive and confident when i speak to patients and esp with my boss.
Some people say clothes dont matter, its what in the inside that counts. Well, as can agree with that, i also disagree. They matter. Its helped the inner me, and the outer me now gives the silent impression i want, and shows part of the inner me i’ve kept away.
OK. Enough of the sappy talk.
All in all, your blog is coolbeans 🙂
btw. the fact the replied to my email one time was totally awesome. I ended up getting this bag instead:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/marc-by-marc-jacobs-take-me-tote/3270196?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=0
Erica! This has to be the BEST COMMENT EVER. I love love love this new attitude that you’ve designed for yourself! I’m so proud of you, and I just barely know you! YAY! Thanks so much, darlin!
xxx
I am fairly new to your blog but I have loved every post! Especially the ones that include high end fashion as well as affordable items that are still hot and trendy!! Thanks girl and happy blogiversary! I look forward to continue reading!!
I am a follower on pinterest!!!
Thanks, doll! Checked out your blog and was mad impressed with your 10K accomplishment! PROPS. xxx
I loved your “hot tamale” post!!
Hey Jen!
Love this blog so much. In an effort to try and save money, I force myself to stay at the office during lunch. I used to spend my hour break driving around, running errands, or at the mall (dangerous idea… being rushed to shop always leads to bad purchases). Now I go for a 30 minute walk outside at the nearby park then spend the rest of my lunch reading this blog!
My favorite post this past year of The Fashion Magpie was “I’m a Barbie Girl.” It reminded me so much of when I was a child playing Barbies with my sister and creating Barbieville Drive (as we titled it) in our bedroom. I’m talking a neighborhood of Barbies that took hours to clean up every night before bed. I love the idea of dressing up in polished, preppy pink and feeling like a Barbie for the day!
Keep posting so I can keep enjoying my lunch breaks at work!
OMG!!! Kelsey! Thanks for your sweet words. I’ll keep the posts coming…and I have to say that the Barbie Girl was probably my favorite post this year, too!
My favorite post of the whole year? Whoa! That is hard. I would have to go with any post where you do your ‘top’ anything. Your top things for the new year, your must have etc. PS – puhlease do a ‘what to wear during wedding season’ post!
LOVED your The Palm Beach Vibe post from January. Featured my fave shoe ever (Jack Rogers) and introduced me to new jewelers
Thanks, Amy and Anderson, for reading! Big hugs. Anderson — yes! This is in the works…I’ve had multiple requests for this, so I will def share soon. xxx