Ask Magpie: Makeup Setting Spray, Matching Sets, Wedding Guest Dresses, + More.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

First: had to mention Doen is running a Mother’s Day sale! It includes several of my favorite dresses: this mini, this smocked maxi, and this fab everyday striped dress. I ordered this top — now under $100.

Now onto the questions!

Q: Melamine plates.

A: We use these constantly, year-round, usually for breakfast or the children’s meals. I also love these patterned ones from Rhode, and the classic Juliska set (more of a splurge, but you’ll never get bored of them, and white shows food best). This inexpensive set in white has a Juliska-adjacent vibe — you get service for four place settings for under $80! Last but not least, I have consistent good luck with finding great seasonal melamine plates at Target — love these bold green striped ones, and I have and own these square snack plates in a different pattern and we again use them ALL the time. They’re great for children’s snacks / side plates of fruit at dinner / etc.

Q: Recently moved to DC. Any tips for dealing with hair and humidity?

A: I do not have this issue with my hair (the ONE charm of having very fine, straight hair) but have heard amazing things (specifically from Sydney) about this anti-humidity spray.

Q: Makeup setting spray that lasts.

A: This Charlotte Tilbury. Purchased on the rec of Katie. Wow wow wow. I’ve tried several sprays before this and always thought “smeh, did it do anything?” This really makes the makeup stay. I’m blown away. I usually need to “refresh” my makeup by afternoon, but not so with this bad boy. I also recently had my makeup done by an artist who I loved — the best makeup application I’ve ever had — and paid close attention to what she used: Nars radiant concealer, Armani foundation, Two-Faced mascara. At the end, she raved about this makeup setting spray. I have it on my list to buy when my CT is out!

Q: Hot mom summer – chic stuff to lunch with girlfriends AND chase our destructive toddlers.

A: I’m seriously digging the white Agolde shorts with a simple, but high-end tee and great sandals like these or fun ones like these. I also think all of these breezy, bold dresses from Mille are easy to wear and so chic.

Q: Would love to nail the “set” look of matching shorts and shirt.

A: Old Navy has a really cute striped set out (top, bottoms) in great colors. So easy to wear and inexpensive for a trendy look. If you want more of an investment, I love this Zimmermann set (top, shorts) and this Alemais one (top, shorts). Farm Rio has some sets that are midway between the two price points — I love this top, these shorts.

Q: Summer jammies!

A: Of course my top rec is Lake (I’ve been getting a lot of use out of this set — comes with both shorts and long pants depending on temp!), but if that’s not your style, you might consider the washable silk sets or ribbed cotton sets (<<own and absolutely love this dreamy set) from Lunya or this pretty pink set from Negative. I like the way Negative’s pieces are both supremely comfortable and sexy. Three other options: this ultra-soft Eberjey, the vintage-style nightgowns from If Only If, and this sweet nightgown from The Great.

Q: Eye mask for sleeping.

A: Full-disclosure: I rarely sleep with an eye mask as I prefer not to, but when I have been in situations that have warranted it, this Slip is a dream and feels like wearing nothing. My four year old son occasionally asks to sleep with an eye mask (!!) and has stolen two of these from me! If you’re a serious eye mask sleeper who needs black-out conditions to sleep, you must buy a Manta. I’ve seen this talked about and upvoted in countless Reddit forums. The people love it!

Q: “Run out to grab dinner” this summer — easy but nice-enough outfits.

A: I live in my lineup of Julia Amory caftans! I feel like they look polished when paired with Eleftherias and Dans La Main straw tote, sometimes with a statement necklace layered in.

Other dresses I love that play in a similar space (easy to wear all day, but still look polished): this Zara, this Loretta Caponi, basically anything from Juliet Dunn, Marea, and SZ Blockprints, this H&M, this Ciao Lucia, and Hill House’s Cosima dress.

Q: Summer work/play shoes.

A: I love these Freda Salvadors and these woven flats (upgrade pick: LR) — feel summery but still polished — for a low-key work environment (e.g., probably wouldn’t work in a law firm, but for most of us, perfect). Pair with shirt-dresses. For “play,” where to begin?! I mean, I am already dipping heavily into my sandals this season and have been consistently reaching for my Eleftherias, Gucci dad sandals, raffia DVs, and these Anthros.

Q: Summer shorts.

A: You must get these Agoldes. I am so late to the game but have been wearing constantly.

Q: Business professional summer for the office.

A: A summer weight suit from VB like this navy blazer and these pants. Pair with a crisp button-down like this in a contrasting color. Look for less on the suit with this J. Crew blazer (I own and can attest to quality – excellent) and pants. Also love the idea of this vest (look for less with this) with these pants (so, so good — I actually wore a twist on this outfit to two funerals recently, but swapped out the light colored vest for this and paired with black suede pumps like these). If you’re a dress girlie, I love this, this, this, this.

Q: On the hunt for a pink MOH dress for a July art museum wedding. Under $300 ideally.

A: My top rec is this Amanda Uprichard. Sexy, sophisticated, polished. If the vibe is less dressy, I’m obsessed with this linen Posse. Hot pink: this Anthro (20% off with MAGPIE20). If patterns are permissible: this Ref. Slip dress style: Rails.

Q: Easy midi/maxi casual day dresses for petites.

A: Hi fellow petite! This Anthro, this HHH (fits a petite figure well — I can take either an XXS or XS), this Doen.

Q:  A shopping request for a wedding weekend in the Hamptons this June 14-15. It’s my boyfriend’s good friend’s wedding, my boyfriend is a groomsman, and I’d really like to impress, as this is our first wedding we’ll be attending as a couple. I would love if the dresses were a nod to the beach and summer yet appropriate for the dress codes (rehearsal dinner: cocktail attire and wedding: black tie optional). Budget for rehearsal dinner dress: $200; budget for wedding guest dress: $500.

A: For the wedding: you’d absolutely turn heads in this La Ligne. It’s perfect for the Hamptons — their founders are out there all the time and they really get the vibe. If that silhouette isn’t your favorite, I’d consider this Simkhai. Pair with strappy heels and big gold earrings. For the rehearsal dinner: this Mango, this Faithfull (a little over budget), this Sancia (also a little over budget, but if you get the La Ligne, you save $50 on budget there).