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Q: Travel-friendly clothing for a trip to Spain in November.
A: I’d pack chic sneaks and Mary Janes (or these), your favorite jeans, cotton base layers, a heavier sweater jacket (great look for less here), a dressier fall blouse like this or this, a dress that won’t wrinkle badly, utility pants, and a few statement sweaters (this, this). I’m thinking of lots of layers and colors that will be easy to mix and match.
LA LIGNE SWEATER // TOTEME BAG // DAUPHINE EARRINGS // VELVET BRYLIE PANTS // JENNI KAYNE COOPER CARDIGAN (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // DOEN TOP // NILI LOTAN JEANS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // LE MONDE BERYL FLATS
Q: Fair isle sweater.
A: I actually just got this one from Ann Mashburn. She’s so perfect – the colors! — and very soft. Veronica Beard also has some great options — this, this — for more of an investment, and I adore this one from Frame, currently 25% off as a part of their F&F sale. This pullover from Mille (15% off with JEN15) is also sexy chic. Some options under $250: this Bloomies, this Doen, this Boden, this Tuckernuck. I love the way fair isle looks paired with pointelle!
BLOOMIES // MILLE // VERONICA BEARD // FRAME // DOEN // ANN MASHBURN
Q: Question for a future post: what blouse should I wear under a gold Sezane double breasted pantsuit for November event? I don’t think the model is wearing any blouse (!) but I think a white/cream satin, silk or tuxedo shirt might work. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you!
A: So chic! I love the idea of a cashmere crewneck short sleeved sweater or ribbed henley, and agree white/cream would be good. I also think a really polished white tee would look great beneath. If you’d prefer a blouse, I like a stripe like this, or a statement style like this. For something classic, try this.
Q: A gold bracelet or cuff – something timeless that will get a lot of wear.
A: I absolutely love the bracelets from Aurelia Demark. They are customizable and so special. You can engrave a heart, have silhouettes for each child, etc. I would wear this daily if I owned. I have also been wearing this heart charm bracelet (under $200) a lot lately — you can see it here. I feel like the little heart dangling off feels so feminine, and softens my everyday look. Upgrade pick: Marlo Laz. For more of a bangle/cuff moment, I have been drawn to the fine jewelry options from Dana Rebecca — they all have the look of “family jewelry.” I love this bangle.
Q: For your next installment, could you recommend some outfits for an upcoming work trip in a few weeks? I will be meeting my team for the first time IRL, and as their lead I want to look polished and professional but not dowdy!
A: Not sure if this is more professional or casual? If on the professional side, I’d wear a dress like this or this with a sharp flat or kitten heel. If more casual, I’d recreate this exact outfit. In general, the formula of a smart blazer with dark wash denim is a good one!
Q: Any gift ideas for a handful of close college girlfriends that are hosting a baby shower for me next week? The theme apparently centers around my love for lemons and our beagle!
A: So sweet! I’d do a Hotel Lobby candle or a gift box of Caroline’s Cakes cake bites for each. Hard to imagine anyone not loving these.
Q: Flowy elastic waist pants that work for pregnancy. Due in Jan and don’t want only jeans and leggings.
A: Congratulations!!! I think you need a true maternity pant for this — otherwise, the waist will dig in or not sit in the right place as you grow. I’d go with these from H&M! Also like these knit ones, styled with an oversized striped button-down and great flats. Finally, I don’t know anything about them, but while researching this question, discovered these pants from the brand Bump Suit. Worth a test?
Q: Workout outfits.
A: I feel like a broken record, but I always feel best and chicest in my Beyond Yoga matching sets. Love this heathered gray (top, bottoms) paired with a fun sweatshirt and socks for a Lady Di moment. For something less throwback, I love this color-of-the-season brown set (top, bottoms) with a Varley fleece. One of my most-worn current combos (while still warm out) are these bike shorts with these quilted long sleeved tees from Addison Bay and these exact mid-calf socks. Finally, I love the styles from newer brand Year of Ours. I own and love this longline bralette, and have my eyes on these, too.
Q: A white bodysuit to tuck into wide leg pants and jeans.
A: Try Wolford! People rave about this bodysuit. I’d also contemplate Everlane – much less expensive but I tend to love what they make. Finally, I know a lot of Magpies swear by all things Skims! (This is a commonly listed/referenced “regrettably worth it” brand.)
Q: Slip on alternative to a lace up athletic shoe to provide support on long walks. Years ago I liked Bensimon but need more support these days.
A: These Veronica Beards are slip on (the laces are ornamental) and SO warm and comfortable — not to mention verrrrry chic. Just got them in this week and am obsessed. I’ve not tried these, but I’ve heard Kiziks are comfortable and their whole bit is that they’re slip on.
Q: I love the Kilte Liz set but it’s not in budget. Any look for less?
A: Try these pants with this cardigan!
Q: Is the Tuckernuck cashmere set itchy? Sizing rec?
A: Not at all – so soft. I love it! Runs TTS. Pants run long if you’re petite like me – I had to have mine hemmed.
Q: Toteme pointed toe flat look for less?
A: Ugh, I love them too. I will always be a fan of the pointed toe – so elongating and flattering. I found them on sale here, but other options are these Massimo Duttis and these Aeydes.
Q: Thoughtful/special wedding gift ideas/places to look for a couple who has everything.
A: Honestly, buy off their registry! If they have everything, they will have curated the list and it’s more likely to be used. But a slight twist on this that my MIL cleverly did: she purchased multiple serving dishes and extra accessories from our china line. I hadn’t even thought about this but it is SO fantastic to have two big serving bowls, two big serving platters, and even the coordinating creamer and sugar pots from our line! We use them all the time when hosting. So see if you can track down any special add-ons to their china. Maybe a serving platter, a big bowl, a coffee pot, egg cups, etc!
Another really special gift – one of my mother’s friends bought us the flag that flew at the US Capitol on the day of our wedding. She worked there so it had special resonance, but I believe anyone can do this. We now fly it out front of our home most of the year.
P.S. Who are you when no one’s watching?
P.P.S. Fall feels like…
P.P.P.S. On surviving a heartbreak.
Thank you for doing the Ask Magpie! I adore your style. Thinking ahead to colder days, what tights do you wear under dresses and skirts with your boots? I’d love to find a comfortable pair of tweed or patterned tights that are neutral enough to go with most outfits. Thank you, Mary
Hi Mary! Thank you SO much. I’m so flattered 🙂 For tights, I’m a tad boring. I really like the clean lines / neutral canvas of opaque black tights. I have a few ancient pairs from Spanx that I still adore. I keep saying I’ll upgrade to Wolford (people seem to love that brand) but haven’t needed to yet. For patterned, I love a dot print —
https://go.shopmy.us/p-8003315
These in the black are PERFECT.
xx