Ask Magpie: Denim Dresses, Work Tops, Milestone Jewelry.

*Still not over the Carolina Herrera dress above. Will never be. Love love.

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***The Lake sale ends tonight! This patio dress (see me in it here) is a fantastic cover-up/beach-dress/lounge situation, and it’s $59 shipped!

Q: Downtown NYC wedding – fancy steakhouse and martinis in September. Early SATC vibes.

A: Oo la la! Pour yourself into this Veronica Beard or try this retro-made-modern Bernadette. I also love this dramatic black Rhode and this spectacular Barbie pink Damaris Bailey for the occasion, and think you could totally go the dramatic feather route if that’s your bailiwick — something like this with glitzy heels and an architectural clutch. Cin cin!

Q: Denim dress for fall.

A: Love the ones from Aligne. Gap has a great mini-length one that I was just looking at — imagine styling over a turtleneck for fall. While there, consider this denim jumpsuit from Gap. SO cute.

Q: Interesting tops for work — pair with black pants/skirt.

A: This embellished J. Crew or this bib-front Gap would shake things up! So fab. Also love this style from Rochelle Behrens — looks so much like Loretta Caponi but under $150. This H&M gives me SEA vibes. I’m also really into ribbed polo sweaters right now — something like this or this. Like, imagine the navy tucked into a navy pleated or silk skirt? Very CBK. And don’t neglect the idea of a great collarless jacket or cardigan layered over a polished tee. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention (again) how much I LOVE these Spanx pants, BTW. Great for work. Polished but feel like leggings.

Q: New jeans?

A: A few of the pairs on my radar: Frame’s new slim Palazzos, Veronica Beard Carsons, Gap’s stride jeans, Citizens’ trending gaucho jeans, and SLVRLAKE’s Londons.

Q: Black tie gown for summer wedding in Munich under $400.

A: Fun! I love this Reformation, might order this daring Simon Miller to try (it might be TOO much skin but sometimes these models make the clothing look scanter than it is — the color is so right now and so good; imagine with this little bag), this Azeeza (clearance – soo good), and this citrus steal.

Q: A milestone piece of jewelry for myself. Under $500.

A: Ooo! Love this. My mind immediately went to this gold cuff bracelet I came across recently. Unusual and fabulous. I also love my Dorsey Kate necklace (in brass, its under $400) and have also been eyeing their gold heart necklace. And I have a few necklaces from Jane Win that I wear nearly daily — this one has become a permanent fixture (it has my husband’s initials on it). Finally, I’ve always loved this heart pendants from Aurelia Demark!

Q: Tall black boots for fall/winter.

A: You and me both, friend! I love the Toteme riding boots and just found them 40% off here. VERRRY TEMPTED. Banana has a similar pair for less here. The Khaite Dallas boots are also super-chic and on-trend.

Q: Baby’s Baptism in August.

A: Three options that have been very popular with Magpies for this occasion: one of the tweedy ones from Sandro (also love this), this Tuckernuck, and Cara Cara’s Blue Hill dress. Splurge: anything from Emilia Wickstead (Princess Kate vibes) or this Erdem. A few I would consider that are perhaps a bit less conventional but still communicate elegance: this Hyacinth House, this Loretta Caponi, this Alice + Olivia, this Doen, this Henry Duvall.

Q: Thank you gift for the boyfriend’s parents hosting one week at a vacation home in New England.

A: So sweet! I would consider a Jeni’s delivery, a Chappy Wrap throw, a spendy candle, a pair of Proper Table placemats, a gorgeous pitcher or decorative glasses from Hammett, and everyone’s favorite hand-wash-lotion duo. All polished gifts that anyone would love to receive. Of course, if you can graft off their known interests with something a little fancy, that’s even more special — like deluxe playing cards if they’re into games or fabulous olive oil from Eataly if they are gourmands. Or send them a gift card to a great local restaurant (or fabulous NYC one if they make it that way frequently!)

Q: Nice women’s watch. Brown leather strap or silver metal. Under $500. Thank you!

A: This is probably an irritating answer, but I would stretch budget a bit more and buy a second-hand Hermes watch on The Real Real. You can always upgrade the watch strap if not in great condition in another year or two after you’ve recovered from the initial investment — ha! Those watches are incredibly well made and will last a lifetime — you’ll never regret the purchase. I bought myself an Hermes watch ten or eleven years ago and it’s one of the only items I’ve consistently worn month in and month out. TheRealReal also carries other watch brands — for example, you can currently get an elegant Baume et Mercier watch (a little less expensive than Hermes) for under $400. Again, you can always replace strap in another year or two if you don’t like the patina! If you’re looking for something new, though, check out the elegant options from Lola Rose (I like this one), or take a look at Shinola, a made-in-America brand with heritage-style watches. Their Birdy is very attractive and just a tad over budget at $550.

P.S. In the quiet and the bare.

P.P.S. 3 A.M. parties. (Not what you think.)

P.P.P.S. My Amazon shop!