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I just discovered an entire trove of Instagram direct messages that were “hidden” from me, and among them many shopping questions that I hadn’t answered in weeks! It also occurred to me that it’s been awhile since my last Ask Magpie — you are always welcome to submit questions via DM, comment, email, etc — and I thought I’d run this special edition format to answer a few of the more recent and relevant DMs that went unanswered. (I try my hardest to respond to every message I can!)
N.B.: I’ve modestly edited some of the questions so they are more legible via this format, as a lot of them said: “link for the shoes?” I’ve added a photo of the item in question wherever possible!
Q: Going to take a chance here and ask about a plaid long sleeve dress I remember you posting last Christmas? It had puff sleeves…trying to find the brand.
A: Nina Blanc, and she restocked this year, too! (Seen above; photo is a year old, hence my blonder and shorter hair!)
Q: Where did you get your incense smoker?
A: Mine is by Schoolhouse but from two years ago — I found the exact one I have on eBay though! A few other similar, adorable options: Perigold, this woodsman (!!!), this Santa Claus.
Q: Your green leather bag!
A: Mansur Gavriel – my most-worn everyday bag. The green wears like a neutral. It carries a ton and the strap doesn’t slip off your shoulder. Absolutely gorgeous.
Q: Will you please share where your ear muffs and mittens are from?
A: Earmuffs are Apparis and mittens are Varley!
Q: Which style of striped tee do you recommend from Kule?
A: The Modern Long. Perfect length. Slightly boxy. The best color combos. Run TTS.
Q: Do Petite Plume kids’ pajamas run true to size?
A: I’d say they run big — my kids routinely wear the same pairs for two years in a row, sometimes even longer. But I’d still order your child’s true size and just get the extra year of wear out of them. They’re so cute when a little oversized!
Q: Do you still have a code for Chappywrap?
A: JEN15 still gets you 15% off. I’m in love with this tartan throw for the holidays (great family gift) and they’re nearly sold out. The other one seen below is here!
Q: Green velvet Mary Janes you wore?
A: Larroude!
Q: Where did you find Uggs on sale?
A: Sadly those deals expired during Black Friday Cyber Monday — I was talking about the ultra-minis temporarily on sale at Shopbop — but these Discoquette slippers are still on sale at Nordies as of the time of writing this!
Q: Ruby red nail polish color you’re wearing?
A: My two favorite red nail colors are OPI Big Apple Red (bright, classic red) and OPI Got the Blues for Red (more of a burgundy), but OPI did recently release a really cool red that’s somewhere in between the two as a part of their Wicked collection called Nessa-ist Rose that I wore twice in a row, seen below.
Q: What size do you take in the Leset pointelle tees?
A: My true size. (N.B.: At time of writing this post, you can still score them on sale at Saks.) I will say I think they run a little short — I’m petite and I find they barely tuck into my pants. Maybe don’t throw in the dryer like I do…? Several Magpies have also written in to absolutely rave about Marea’s pointelle tee (some even writing: “this is better than Leset”) if you want to give that a go for comparison sake, too.
Q: How does the Alice Walk sizing run?
A: (Also seen in photo above!) True to size. Like perfectly TTS. Some of the styles, like the Weekender, are meant to be a tad oversized but take your true size in everything. I still stand by my obsession with that cotton sweater. It’s my favorite!
Q: Did you have to have your Lake Relax set hemmed?
A: No! I’m 5’0 and they hit the top of my foot unhemmed. I will say I have three pairs and all three have slightly different lengths — my taupe ones are definitely more cropped than the black and green. Not sure if that was just a limited edition situation with the taupe pair. But in any case I’ve never had to have any of them hemmed. The only athleisure I’ve ever had hemmed is this cashmere sweatsuit from Tuckernuck, and that was well worth the investment. I’ve gotten a lot of wear out of this set!
Q: Which Varley fleece would you rec the most?
A: I have both the cropped half-zip (Roselle) in the lilac pink and longer length style (Parnel) in ivory. If I could only pick one, I’d go with the longer length one. It is SO good for layering over leggings — covers the rear, but the waist still cinches in so it’s surprisingly flattering despite being a sherpa fleece.
Q: Where is your plaid tablecloth from?
A: You won’t believe the price, but it’s this $32 style from Amazon. I’ve probably had it four years at this point, and it launders so well and has a great weight to it. I bring it out every Christmas!
Q: In the past, you recommended earrings your daughter, Emory, enjoyed. I searched your blog, but cannot find the proper website. If you have a moment, could you please share?
A: Yes, they were Pip Pop Post!
Q: Remind me where to find the faux orange garland?
A: Ack! I think they’ve sold out now. The link is here in case restocked. These look very similar and have good reviews.
Q: Dresser from the photo in your bedroom?
A: It’s Serena and Lily’s Driftway dresser!
Q: Where is your brown felt hat from?
A: Janessa Leone. And it’s packable!
Q: Your son’s adorable pirate velvet slippers?
A: They are J. Crew but look JUST like my husband’s pair (same jolly roger embroidered on the toe) from Stubbs and Wootton. (You didn’t ask, but his sweater is from The New Society via Danrie and is just beautifully made — it looks like someone’s grandmother knit it. Heavy duty!)
Q: Diamond crossover huggies you shared last week?
A: Dana Rebecca!
Q: Wreath link?
A: Serena and Lily. Reusable – will use year after year – so a good investment versus buying a fresh one each year! Make sure to measure your door first. I had initially thought I needed the 24″ but 18″ turns out to be a very generous size for a standard front door.
Q: Meal delivery service you used and liked recently?
A: Sakara. My code JENSHOOP still gets you 20% off your order. I was very impressed. It is pricey but you’re paying for convenience and, honestly, to avoid decision paralysis. If you’ve ever had a personal trainer before, you know what I mean — you just show up and do what you’re told and don’t need to make any decisions. Sakara is the mealtime equivalent of that experience. Your lunch and breakfast are prepared and waiting for you, and it’s healthy. You don’t even need to think about it. You can customize your menu — just breakfast and lunch, just dinner and lunch, all three, etc — but we thought lunch was the real winner. The grain bowls were delicious, inventive, filling. We also kind of liked having a lighter / healthier lunch and then our more typical meat and potato dinners. Lan and I have been contemplating ordering a few weeks worth of lunches, maybe 3/5 days of the week, in the new year. Great way to reset.
Q: The velvet heels you’re wearing!
A: These are actually Sam Edelman’s Hazel! I bought them in this burgundy hazel a few years ago and I bring them out every holiday season, but they come in tons of colors each season. They are just perfect. I love the shape/silhouette/heel height — very Manolo. (The rest of the outfit details below here.)
P.S. What I bought Mr. Magpie for Christmas.
P.P.S. Holiday baking ideas.
P.P.P.S. Some of our more idiosyncratic kitchen gear.
Would you please share sizing and fit tips for Sezane? I’m considering some jeans and blouses but have never tried their clothing. The internet seems to be all over the place re sizing. Thank you!
Hi Priscilla! I generally find their pant/skirts/bottoms run small. I am a true 0 but take a 2 in their pieces and sometimes a 4 if it looks narrow — so my suggestion is to go one size up from your usual size. They usually provide good notes in the details of each item — there is almost always a note that says “runs small, take your next size up” or “if between sizes, go up.” I use that BUT based on the assumption I’m already going to go a size up as a base line. So, if you’re usually a size 6 in other brands, I’d take the Sezane 8. And if the notes say “go down a size,” take a 6; if note says “go up a size,” take a 10.
For the knits, I find they run true to size / more generous. I take an xxs or xs in most of their knits and tops.
So confusing I know!!
xx
Is that the Alice Walk cotton sweater in “Atlantic Green”? It looks so much more emerald here than in their stock photo. Now I’m considering it!
Hi! I’m actually wearing the dark moss here and it’s showing up darker than it does IRL. It’s like a true olive. I also own the atlantic green and it’s SO good. Sort of a forest green with a hint of blue.
xx
Hi! I’d love a recommendation for a Dopp kit for my husband – I know you both are thoughtful about your purchases!
Hi Ashley! Let me look into this. My husband uses an ancient Longchamp dopp kit I think I bought in Paris when I was 18 — ha! It’s similar to this but in their more iconic nylon: https://go.shopmy.us/p-10955178 It’s held up beautifully but I’m sure there are other options that are slightly slicker. I’d take a close look at Dagne Dover and Paravel — I’ve been really impressed with the quality of their travel pieces! I’ll keep my eye out on this one!
xx
Thank you!