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Q: Jean that are not cropped.
A: Agolde, SLVRLAKE, and Mother have lots of great (chic, full-length) options — you might consider these, these, or these for everyday wear, or, if you’re on the trendier side, these wildly popular cuffed “Dame” jeans. I’m linking to most of these jeans at Net-A-Porter because I’ve been finding they offer a lot more consistent size runs and more washes than other sites! If you’re a wide-leg jean girlie, these jeans are under $100 and amazing. I own in black. They run a tad shy of TTS, so if in question, size up.
Q: An outfit for private school interviews.
ED NOTE: A Magpie commented that wearing jeans to an interview at the private schools in her area would not be appropriate. I would wear jeans without a second thought (dark wash, no holes, a nice blazer) in my area, but maybe best to exercise caution! Just a heads up!
A: A polished blazer like this or this (vibe for less with this), button-down (look for less), dark-wash jeans, and ballet flats with simple everyday jewelry. Recently, Mally K. Goldman wrote that (paraphrasing) a good blowout makes your clothes look better. I can’t unhear this and it’s so true. Any time you are attending an important meeting, it’s a big help to get a good blowout (at home, or out!)
Q: Matching father-daughter somethings for my toddler and her dad. He’s mildly jealous of the mother/daughter lavender Shit that I Knit hats. We run slightly preppy and live in Boston. Could be warm or cold weather appropriate. Budget $150 total for both.
A: The baseball hats from Harding Lane! My children and my husband own a few of their designs. So cute!
Q: Engagement picture outfits for my fiance and I – Central Park/Nantucket in late spring.
A: Congratulations!! I would look at Agua Bendita. They make the most beautiful dresses (insane detail / tailoring – you can tell the quality of the pieces when they arrive) that are sweet, polished, festive and just whimsical enough. One of their blue and white ones would be perfection. Also love this embroidered Loretta Caponi. A few others that turned my head: this ALC (on super sale), this Karen Millen, and this G. Label.
Q: Work bag under $350.
A: I’m really into these Proenza Schouler totes at the moment (somehow on sale for 65% off!). (Also available in a blue pinstripe.) They seem polished but roomy enough for laptop, etc. I also love these Rue de Verneuils. If those are too informal for your work environment, these Cuyanas are beautiful and specifically made for workerbees! These minimalist-chic Quince ones ($149!) are also chic.
Q: Parkas!
A: I love these Aritzias (best colors!), basically anything Herno but especially this or this, and the fun (more performance-oriented) ones from Halfdays, like this or this.
Q: A navy handbag.
A: If we’re talking splurge/designer, this Bottega or this Celine. More reasonably price: my Grace bag in the navy color (on sale for almost 60% off! — she is SO gorgeous and looks very expensive, almost Celine-like, IRL), this woven Clare V., this Naghedi, or this Madewell (I own and adore in brown!).
Q: Burnt orange (aka rust, terracotta, etc) items to wear to University of Texas football game.
A: This sweater or this sweatshirt with great jeans and interesting dressy sneakers; this top tucked into high-waisted, wide-leg jeans.
Q: A bag suitable for work that isn’t too precious to carry pumps and bottles in?
A: I would say Rue de Verneuil or Naghedi!
Q: Amazon purses! Like lady gray one you have. Something you don’t have to be too careful with.
A: This one reminds me of Naghedi; this one reminds of Bottega (best colors!); these are Rue de Verneuil-inspired; and I wear this sherpa belt bag constantly. Also like these colorful neoprene ones — would make great sport / mom life bag.
Q: Bride to be; comfy heels that can be reworn (so not white, lol).
A: Congrats! These Aquazzuras, these Amina Muaddis, Loeffler Randalls, Manolos. These tweedies could also be good depending on how formal you’re going!
Q: White long sleeved shirt, no “slim” or fitted, but nice to wear under a cardigan or alone.
A: These Ayrs, these Everlanes, these Lesets.
Q: Guest at a casual winter baby shower (baby is a girl!)
A: Hm – if it’s really casual, I would do nice jeans and a tweed sweater/blazer or fun blouse. If it’s a step above, I’d wear a dress from Doen like this or this, or from Parterre — they don’t feel too fussy/formal, are really comfortable, and still feel “pretty” / “feminine.” If Doen/Parterre is not your speed, I always come back to striped shirtdresses — this one is a fun twist.
Q: First communion dress for my daughter.
A: I like the one from Bellabliss! Have this bookmarked for my girl.
Q: Pants! Not jeans and not casual. Something to wear to Church that’s not a dress.
A: Have you tried the Spanx perfect fit pant? Polished, flattering, comfortable — great for pairing with a blazer or chunky knit. They remind me of the much more expensive HighSport pants that have been getting lots of praise lately. SPRWMN has some great, polished-looking styles, too — these cords would look amazing with a fair isle sweater. And people love Anthro’s Colette pants — dress them up with a striped button-down/blazer, or a patterned blouse.
Q: Dress for gala – Margaritaville themed.
A: Fun! Designers perfect for this theme are Borgo De Nor, Johanna Ortiz, Agua Bendita, and Farm Rio. They do lots of FUN, tropical, palm-motif dresses that are on the dressier end. My top pick: this Agua! She’s PERFECT.
Q: Classic black turtleneck sweater – similar to Alex Mill “Betty.”
A: I assume you’re asking because she’s sold out at Alex Mill? (Versus because you’re looking for something less $?). If it’s the former, this Everlane will be right up your alley. If the latter, you might look at this $63 style from Gap!
P.S. How do you meal plan?
P.P.S. A clarifying exercise for the new year.
P.P.P.S. Creating buffers when moving between modes — e.g., mom mode, work mode, etc.
For your next installment: looking for a dress for a black tie optional wedding in DC in March. I will be 8 weeks post partum so I’m on the hunt for something that will be flattering on my figure and also looking for no spaghetti straps or strapless as I figure I’ll want and need some more support!
Got it!! xx
Thank you for the engagement picture dress options! So intrigued by Karen Miller… I hadn’t stumbled upon her dresses during my own search.
I’m so glad! Yes, I own a few of her dresses and they hold up really well!
xx
I stopped in Madewell last week and tried on the mid-rise perfect vintage jeans – I think these would be a great addition to your list of full length jeans! At least they were full length on me and I’m 5’4” 🙂
Question for next time: I’m looking for a faux Roman shade or valance for a bathroom. Have you ordered window treatments on Etsy? Open to recommendations there or elsewhere! Would love a patterned shade.
Love Madewell denim – thanks for the reminder and for sharing with the team!
I added the other question to my list for an upcoming Ask Magpie so I can look into this!!
xx
Not sure what private schools are like in your area but where I live I would never wear jeans to an interview.
Ah, OK! I’m updating to mention this. I do think it would be suitable in our area, but perhaps will indicate to err on the side of caution if concerned! Thanks for the note.
xx