Ask Magpie: Midi Skirts + Birthday Gifts.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds!

Q: Other than white shirt, what would you wear with the HHH rainbow skirt?

A: Oo, I love that skirt! I would also pair with a white short-sleeved button-down top like this or this (I own that skirt in a different pattern but you can see my styling with this silhouette here), or a denim button-down rolled up to the elbow. Would also look great with a white bodysuit and a lightweight, cropped cardigan layered over top.

Q: Midi skirts.

A: Of course you probably anticipate I’ll lead off with a denim option (I can’t help it!): this SLVRLAKE is the apex of the trend, and thanks to a Magpie for pointing out this chic ecru denim option from Banana. I also love this richly patterned style from Ulla and this denim one from her too — you can see me styling both here. This Zimmermann turned my head. I LOVE it with the matching top for a head-to-toe moment (pricey but SO good). The Great has some fantastic patterned options, like this green floral and this “picnic plaid.” Marea does such fantastic patterns in the lightest weight materials — great for these languid, hot days of summer — and this skirt would be an August dream. I like it paired with the matching top. For more of a classic look, you can’t improve on this timeless white or black style. For something ultra-feminine: LOVE this eyelet lilac!

Q: Cocktail dress for engagement party (guest), will be 7 months pregnant.

A: I would try this or this — you might order your true size and one size up to see which accommodates the bump better but love the look. Also love the look of this patterned a-line one. Reminds me of La Double J but much less. Splurge, but have always loved those lace caftans from La Vie Style House — just layer over a slip. Anthro has a similar style for a lot less here. Pair with great heels and big earrings.

Q: Birthday gift for best mom/grandmother who does the most but will return gifts…

A: How about a special photograph or hand-written letter, framed in a beautiful frame like this, this, or this? Other items that have gone over well with countless recipients: Lake Pajamas or robe; Alice Walk wraps; Chappy Wrap blankets (a bunch on sale as a part of their Warehouse Sale!); Goop exfoliator; elegant notebooks from Appointed (can be monogrammed).

Q: Shoes for work and play.

A: For work, you can’t beat a smart pair of ballet flats. Upgrade picks: Chanel or Manolo Maysale. (And I have and love this pair of Maysale-inspired mules that would also be a great work pick.) They with everything and much more comfortable heels but similarly polished. If you enjoy trends and work in a more creative environemnt, you might consider these trendier takes on the flat I shared earlier this week. Like, these Alaias would instantly elevate and transform a basic pair of black pants and a white button-down into fashion icon territory.

For play, I love a fun sneaker. These Autrys are SO cool, and of course you know I’m now team Adidas Samba.

Q: Tops to tuck into a black plisse skirt for fall.

A: On point! I’ve seen so much plisse for fall. I like this look paired with a basic crewneck sweater or polished long-sleeved tee, sleeves pushed up to elbow, for an understated 90s moment, or with a fitted ribbed knit like this (tone-on-tone, black top / black skirt).

Q: Jeans (not skinny) that don’t break the bank — 5’3.

A: Gap!!! I have the best luck with their denim, and they offer in petite inseam lengths. Currently loving their wide-leg options and anticipate getting a lot of wear out of their kick fits again this season (wore allll last winter/spring). Madewell is another gold mine for great denim at reasonable prices. Into this 90s fit and all of the styles I’ve tried from their “Perfect Vintage” line have been excellent — these are cool, and I wore these into the ground two seasons ago. Note that they also offer petite lengths!

Q: A boldly colored sundress for a special celebration.

A: I love the boldness! This La Ligne.

Q: Button-up shirts to wear this fall while nursing. Work-appropriate or casual.

A: I would stock up on the options from Everlane, Madewell, and Gap — not so precious you’ll mind if they get milk on them / end up wrinkled and thrown through the wash a ton — but still chic. That Gap one reminds me of SEA! Also love this iconic dark-wash denim shirt from RL. I still have oxfords of theirs I bought in my teens (!) and they just never go out. I also truly adore and reach for my gauze Xirena top allll the time — only gets softer with each washing and so comfortable and chic. Gap has a similar style for less. Like, throw on with the matching gauze pants for an easy weekend moment!

Q: Birthday present for a dear friend, something small but timeless (and not too $$$).

A: So lovely. I love to give a sweet piece of personalized jewelry, like this disc necklace, these birth flower necklaces, or these delicate rings. So many options for engraving — her name, her birth date, her initials, coordinates of a city you both lived in / loved, a secret nickname or inscription, etc.

Q: A new suitcase.

A: Splurge: Rimowa. More reasonable (and very chic – I bought one for Mr. Magpie for Christmas): Away (just launched a bunch of new colors) or Paravel (currently 25% off!). Some great travel gear here.

Q: Love the Isabel Marant boots you bought…look for less?

A: A little less: Freda Salvador’s Lorettas. SO good. If you’re open to a taller shaft (like Isabel Marant’s Denvee boot), this Blondo is super similar and currently on sale for $149. Also, if you’re OK with a variation on the theme, this Isabel Marant boot is currently on SUPER SALE and so cute.

Q: A standout fall cocktail dress for a law firm event. No budget. Dress to impress!

A: Oo la la. This Nili Lotan, this La Double J, this Rhode.

P.S. On female friendships and the things that matter.

P.P.S. Household favorites.

P.P.P.S. Every phase is a good phase of motherhood.