Image via Cecilie Bahnsen.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
Q: On the note of chic and sharp…I have my very first business luncheon upcoming, but haven’t the slightest idea what to wear. I would greatly appreciate any recs for budget looks that are still somewhat chic, but are not a dress or skirt?
A: These Madewell Harlow pants (remind me of Favorite Daughter’s popular pant) with a striped button-down (you might consider the options from Alex Mill or Everlane). Chic. If you don’t like the striped button-down, pair with a little cropped sweater-jacket like this over a luxe-looking white tee. Add some inexpensive slingbacks and a great pair of $10 shades!
Q: Self tanners.
A: I don’t use self-tanners because they always make me look orange. I’ve seen them work well on other people, though, so think it might just be my complexion? I have, however, polled Magpies in the past for their recs — the top three upvotes are always Salty Face’s tanning water, Isle of Paradise tanning drops, and St. Tropez mousse. Beauty icon Courtney Grow also swears by Jergen’s Natural Glow self-tanner, which you apply in the shower. Temptingly inexpensive!
Q: Do you have a black dress you would recommend for a funeral for someone in her 60s?
A: I am so sorry for your loss. I would look at Theory — they have beautiful, timeless black dresses in various silhouettes. I love this one.
Q: Classic tan wool coat.
A: Splurge: any of the ones from Max Mara. More reasonable: Aligne! I own this one. She’s gorgeous. Runs long/tall/lean — great for taller Magpies. If you’re on the petite side, you’ll likely need to have it tailored. I also love this one from Toteme.
Q: You had mentioned using a Pilates subscription at one point. Could you share more if you like(d) using this? For example, did you have favorite videos/instructors/routines? I’m thinking of trying this out and appreciate any tips.
A: Leaving this here for the team, as I haven’t found anything that has really stuck. I tried Melissa Wood Health (so many of you recommended), and I like her energy and the variety of videos she has (you can filter/sort by time, focus area, etc), but ultimately did not end up using it very often and let my subscription lapse. I think this has more to do with building a habit/routine. I always thought of the videos as “secondary to” running/biking or “if I have time leftover…” which is never a sticky starter. I’ve been better/more consistent about doing the core exercise videos from Apple Fitness+ right after I hop off the bike. I think this is because I use the Apple Fitness+ cycling videos, and I’m already in the app, with the TV set up and streaming, so it feels effortless to toggle over to a 10 minute core workout afterward on the mat beside the bike. All to say — finding a routine/setup with as few barriers as possible is key.
MWH and Apple Fitness+ are not pilates, though – anyone have any pilates videos they love?
Q: An inexpensive mesh bag (ideally machine washable) to hold a few pool toys.
A: These $14 ones come in great colors! We own and like these little guys — the kids can use to collect shells or you can sort their toys/goggles so that they each child has his/her own. Note dimensions, though — they are pretty small. Maybe the teenage size (I think this is a new offering?) is better? More expensive, but I’ve seen a lot of these Bogg bags at the pool. Easy to hose down, but have the added benefit of structure (can stand up right on their own).
On the subject of pool toys: how cute are these? And if you don’t have these, you need them this summer. THE BEST. My children played with them outside in the nice weather this past weekend! They are self-sealing, reusable water balloons! You can just dunk them in a bucket of water (or pool) to fill and the kids can do them on their own. SO much better than the kind you have to fill at the sink, and then have littering your yard!
Q: Favorite picks for outdoor toy storage (I think I remember reading once about wheeled bins?)
A: Yes – this mesh bin is a godsend for holding balls, mitts, garden toys, etc. The kids can wheel it out of the garage on their own and the mesh prevents mildew.
Q: Modest, casual shorts – practical to care for popsicle covered children in yet polished enough to run errands.
A: Many, many Magpies are devotees of Agolde’s long short (also available in a hemmed format — Madewell has an inspired-by pair to consider, too). I don’t know what it is about my proportions but they do not hit at the right length on me (I’ve also tried the non-long style)! I would try something like these from Rails (upgrade pick: VB; budget buy: Madewell). I also have and love these utility shorts from Madewell — they might be the only pair of shorts I routinely wear! I’m not much of a shorts gal, but these are tailored and flattering.
If you’re looking for something more casual, love these striped Kules (especially worn as a set, with the matching top!) and these “sweat shorts” from Frank and Eileen.
Q: Crossbody bag for European summer trip.
A: I really love my Paris64 one — small, versatile, zips closed, and no one else has one. I love that this bag can be dressed up with a cocktail dress or down with shorts/jeans. Lots of different fabric/color options, too! Also still a fan of Celine’s trio bags — you can still find on TheRealReal. Get in a fun color!
Q: Derby dress.
A: Love all my Derby girls this year! Had a few fashion requests about this event. I love this Simkhai, this OPT, this Rixo, this Rebecca Vallance, this Julia Amory, this Anthro, this Coco Shop.
Q: Styling gauze pants.
A: I like them worn as a set, with matching top (e.g., top and pant), or paired with a simple white tee and strappy sandals. I feel like you have to pair with cotton — I find they are so dressed-down, they look off if paired with a dressier blouse.
Q: Recommendations for Derby dresses for those of us over 50 who don’t want a maxi, a mini. Nothing low cut, nothing sleeveless and it MUST be comfortable to wear all day long. And to make this even more difficult, I am 5’3 and 98 pounds. It is REALLY difficult to find something without spending $1000. Ordered an expensive Tory Burch silk dress to try. Love Adam Lippes but too expensive. Found a few on sale that I love from Saks but I cannot return so I am not risking. Think Roland Mouret (but suspect not comfortable to wear 12 hours and move in all day).
A: What about this, this, or this from Cara Cara? Self-Portrait also has some pretty lace options that might be up your alley, like this or this. (Or this one on The Real Real!)
Q: Vinyl letters for your daughter’s water bottle???
A: These! (10% off with code MAGPIE10) I just ordered an A-Z set (I also have sets with just my children’s first initials) so I can have on hand to customize water bottles as gifts for my daughter’s friends. While there, I picked up this stationery set for her Easter basket! My MIL gave her a set of cards for her birthday and I was charmed to see her write notes to her little friends on them, all on her own. I realized I usually keep her personalized stationery (<<this boutique is run by a talented artist and fellow UVA grad) in my closet so she doesn’t tear through it, but wanted to get her something less precious to write notes on of her own volition.
P.S. All of my promo codes in one place here. I just updated these yesterday with a few new codes from Greatness Wins (20% off with JEN20), OSEA (10% off with MAGPIE10), and more.
P.P.S. I’m always updating my Shopbop hearts!
P.P.P.S. Still making my way out of a book hangover from this book. (More on book hangovers, and how to get out of them, here.)