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Q: Cardigan for fall.
A: This is my fav desk sweater (meaning, I keep it at my desk to throw on over everything I wear). Wear it belted or not; goes with everything; divinely soft. It’s a splurge but you’ll have it forever and wear it with everything. Many Magpies love this similar Jenni Kayne (look for less with this under-$50 find). A little less expensive but a great investment: this Alice Walk, which has sold out in some colors/sizes but will be restocked in September. I feel really confident about recommending all three of these brands as investment sweaters — you’ll have them forever, and reach for them constantly.
If you’re looking for something with less slouch / more structure, I also love the Alex Mill Nico (have in two colors), and this Gap is excellent. My mom has a few pieces from their CashSoft line and loves them. I’m so bummed I missed out on the red! Would have loved to have that this fall. Snag it if you can!
And for a hybrid between cardi and jacket — BA&SH’s Meredith (seen above) or Gaspard would go with everything.
Q: Need recommendations for formal wedding in Palm Desert late Oct. (with sleeves and I’m 71).
A: I’m obsessed with this in the chartreuse color, and this in the fig jam color. Bernadette’s gowns are spectacular and would fit the bill, too, and this La Double J is a TKO. This Zimmermann is a head-turning option, as is this Saloni (also on sale!). Finally, I think this hot pink number would be fun and unexpected with some great heels and big earrings.
Q: Congrats on your son’s big boy bed! I recently ordered six beds, in various sizes, including some from Pottery Barn, for our grandkids to use. I am stumped on what mattresses to get. I was going to buy them at a local Mattress Warehouse, but my husband thinks their inventory is of inferior quality . My daughter likes the ones from Pottery Barn. A neighbor suggests Saatva. Do you mind sharing what kind you’re getting for your son? Or any other thoughts? Thanks so much.
A: We agree with your neighbor — we bought my daughter a Saatva (<<this one) and will be buying one for my son, too! They are fantastic quality. We also use a Saatva in our primary bedroom (the Zenhaven) — my husband did a ton of research into mattresses when we moved (like, spreadsheets worth of research…!) and this one came up as the top pick time and time again. We have loved, loved, loved ours.
Q: Need help with my postpartum wardrobe. I am on the hunt for nursing friendly/loose fitting basics. I’m still wearing “postpartum” undergarments, so it has been a challenge to find pieces that are more modest. Also, looking for items I can move in, as I have started a routine of walking around our park in the mornings before the heat sets in. All the activewear I see is either cropped or too tight…
A: I can’t rave more about these Rory dresses from F&E. They are pricey but I believe SUMMER50 and/or ESCAPE get you $50 off. They are meant to be laundered (all of Frank & Eileen’s pieces are washing machine friendly), loose-fit and can be styled up or down, will work after nursing, and I think work for any age (from 20 year old to 90 year old). I would invest in one of those as a special treat for yourself. You could absolutely style with cute sneakers! (A slightly dressier take: Julia Amory’s breezy shirtdresses — so so soft and comfortable, and a very loose fit. Use code JEN-15 for 15% off.)
I also have personally been loving the look of a button-down (Sezane, Gap, Ayr) with a pair of inexpensive boxer-style shorts.
If you are wanting more active-wear/athleisure, have you considered Varley? I feel like they have looser fit but elegant sets, like this. Layer over a nursing tank, pair with great sneaks and huge sunglasses, and be on your way!
Q: Attire for a military promotion ceremony (daytime, brunch).
A: I would probably wear a classic, tailored sundress like this, this, this, or this with a wedge sandal like this (look for less with these).
Q: Best end of summer sale (especially dresses!)
A: Currently obsessing over two Tory Burches that are on sale — this patterned silk number and this khaki situation — both are in my cart and I reallllllly want to pull the trigger. This buy now, wear now HHH is so pretty and fresh – sure to get a few wears before the summer’s out. But Net-A-Porter is the real mother lode. Wowza. I have about 10000 tabs open, but here are a few favorites:
Their collection of Doen pieces on sale is also well worth a looksie-loo. Love this top with jeans.
Q: Golden yellow or olive green bridesmaid dress. Forgiving for a growing bump. September in LA.
A: This Ulla is so gorgeous, but you might need to test with where the waist falls on you and your bump! Could be perfect…similar story with this one. The waist could fit above the bump, or could be annoying!
Q: Bride ceremony accessories – hair jewelry or special idea?
A: Congratulations!! First – I love the idea of having a label sewn into your outfit with a special phrase, the date, your initials, etc. Makes for a pretty photo day-of and such a special memento. You could even just frame it in a lucite frame if you don’t want it stitched in…
For hair jewelry / accessories, Jennifer Behr is queen. Statement pieces that look elegant and not costumey, whether a classic satin headband, a romantic ribbon, or a jeweled hair comb. I also personally love (!!) the look of a blusher, and really wanted one for my wedding but was wearing a century-old veil with a train that many of the women in my family have worn, and it just wouldn’t have worked. She has some super chic ones — city hall vibes!
Q: Fall family photos. Nothing too ruffled or poofy.
A: Cara Cara has some really gorgeous fall patterned dresses that would mix and match well with other fall prints on your family — this is gorgeous and would look chic with a brown suede flat or boot. Doen’s burgundy toile would also be very pretty, but not sure if that’s too frou frou for you. I own and love this gingham maxi, also Doen — effortless! For something more muted, try this Simkhai. So elegant – what I’d imagine Duchess Kate would wear. Would look sharp with boys in little navy blazers! And I super love this maxi shirt dress from Boden. Just interesting enough.
Q: Rain boots.
A: Target has a great pair for under $25 in a chic taupe or black. I own and love my Hunter Refined Talls — not knee-height, more mid-calf. Much more flattering on us shorties, and they don’t look as clunky as the classic Hunters.
Q: September meet and greet cocktail party and coffee. Separate events.
A: For the cocktail party, I’d wear something like this or this with a brown suede sandal or wedge. For the coffee, I’d wear colored jeans (these, these, more options here) with a little blazer (look for less with this) or coatigan like this BA&SH, seen at top!