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Q: Paris in September!
A: Heavy on my mind, too, as I am preparing for a trip to Europe (Italy) this fall. It should be in the 60s in Paris at that time. I’d go for layers and flat, closed toe shoes. My mom has always advised to pick a color story — usually navy or brown for her — but of course black is timeless, too. Below, a brown-focused wardrobe that you could mix and match countless ways — e.g., the jeans with a simple striped tee beneath the cardigan; the jacket with a brown dress or the cardigan; etc. I feel like the cardigan is core to this — other chic options here, here, here. I also like a slip dress like this or this that you can layer beneath a cardigan / jacket for evening. Bonus: slip dresses take up next to no space in a suitcase.
G LABEL CARDIGAN // CZ STUDS // LOEWE SUNGLASSES // CARA CARA JACKET // STRIPED BUTTON DOWN (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS) // AMAZON CROSSBODY // FRAME JEANS // METIER TOTE // CHANEL FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THESE)
Q: Fall jeans and shoes to wear with them.
A: I have a whole post on denim I’m liking going live early next week but the TL;DR is that I think that the two styles to shop are a) barrel/gaucho style jeans (trendy last season) and b) wide legs. I think these chocolate brown beauties (seen above) are gooooood. Also love these, these, these. For shoes, try a loafer (15% off with MAGPIE15)!
Q: Dreamy soft pjs for kids.
A: We love the ones from Lake. Two other smaller, spendier brands I’ve loved in years past are Nella Pima and Petidoux. And Kyte makes beautiful, stretchy options in solid colors. One of my girlfriends had a little one in a hip cast for awhile and asked me for the softest, stretchiest, most high quality cotton basics because she just wanted her little one to be comfy — I recommended Kyte for that. Really easy on-off and beautifully soft.
A: Sneaks with a pop of color.
A: Splurge: Chloe Namas or Loewe Flows, both of which still feel relevant and fresh even multiple years since their introduction. More moderately priced: any of the pairs from under the radar brand Flower Mountain. Under $100: Sambas in a fun color, or Onitsuka Tigers.
Q: Black statement belt for fall.
A: I love the ones from Andersons. Look luxury, and lots of different tasteful but interesting styles. I know you said black, but how good is this one in navy or brown?! This Madewell is on-trend with the dramatic, glossy gold hardware, and would look great layered over a slip dress. Finally, I’ve actually been seeing a lot of the Prada logo belts — a bit flashy, maybe? but can look uber chic. Imagine layered beneath a smart blazer.
Q: Pool cover up that looks good with a 1-shoulder and high twist front suit. Friendly cotton / linen.
A: You might try a button-down, worn open, or nearly all open, to spotlight the neckline? Like this or this? Or pair with a pareo or beach shorts like this or this.
Q: Clothes that look pre-fall but still work in 100 degree weather in Austin. Mainly work tops.
A: Have you tried this one? She’s silky and loose cut but has that fall crispness. This linen gilet could be good, too. Julia Amory also has a bunch of very polished tops to consider — this shell is gorgeous.
Q: Something I can wear with bb that can be washed if stained. But that makes me feel good.
A: I love an easy, 100% cotton patterned dress for this circumstance. Something like this or this. The patterns don’t show stains/marks easily; the colors spark joy; the silhouettes are easy to move in; and with a 100% cotton fabric, you can wash and dry. Or you could try a tee dress like this — everything from this brand is specifically made to be laundered at home, which I love. I also really like the uniform of a circle skirt like this paired with a basic tee (possibly navy or gray – white does feel high-risk) and some trendy sneakers, ballet flats, jellies, or sandals. Finally, this is a perfect season for trying the less expensive Amazon versions of trends — $15 boxer shorts with an old button down, for example.
Q: Hiding the early bump work outfits!
A: Congratulations! So exciting. This dress was MADE FOR YOU. I like the idea of throwing a striped sweater around your shoulders with it. Not sure of dress code, but these JA shirtdresses are also very loose and body-skimming, and shirtdresses in general look polished and can be worn with the belt cinched a tad higher than usual (consider this one in a great red color, under $100).
Q: Anniversary gift for husband?
A: Loro Piana loafers. This is what I want to get Mr. Magpie!
Q: Late summer fancy cocktail party.
A: I’ve been drooling over this Bernadette, which is now 40% off. SO GOOD. Cute but chic but sexy but classic but modern. She’s everything. Also love this LaMareGold, this Wiggy Kit, this Coco Shop, this Julia Amory, this Alix of Bohemia, this Cara Cara, this Anthro, this CBK-inspired white mini.
Q: Kids back to school tennis shoes.
A: My kids are obsessed with their Sambas! In years past, my son has also loved this exact style of New Balance (he’s had three pairs in different colors — easy velcro on/off) and Van’s. And my daughter has been really into “Nikes in cool colors” for the past year or two.
Q: Western inspired boots for a concert — want some I’ll wear again so not cowboy.
A: Isabel Marant (hunt around for a pair on sale, like these or these!) — they have a Western vibe but read more urban/modern/not-costume. Look for less option: Freda Salvador’s Loretta boot.
Q: Birthday gift for 13 YO niece. has everything and into all things trendy.
A: My 15 year old next door neighbor freaked out when I gave her some Sol de Janeiro body products that had been gifted to me! Big hit. This tracks with something a mom at my daughter’s school said about her 12 year old daughter: that all she wants is new skincare / beauty products from Sephora! Maybe a little goody bag with some treats in it? Maybe avoid makeup unless her parents are cool with that — but something like this Summer Friday lip balm and hand cream from Selena Gomez’s brand? Or TikTok-popular Rhode beauty lip tints?
Q: Midi or maxi dress in lighter color for Labor Day wedding in MA. Shoes too.
A: I’m swooning over this. Love the bustier neckline. This ballet pink beauty is also stunning, and this yellow ray of sunshine is fun.
Q: Dress for family photo shoot – summer colors, fabric, with sleeves (not puffy).
A: I love Julia Amory’s Betty dress, this Mirth (own and adore), this Borgo de Nor, this Wiggy Kit.
Q: Dinner attire/shoes for CO girls trip next month.
A: So fun! I shared some thoughts on what to wear in summer in CO here, but think something like, this, this, or this would be perfect.
Q: Fall jeans for petites.
A: Check out Nelle Atelier! I just discovered this brand and all denim is for women under 5’2! Gap also and Madewell also have great petite options.
I may be in the minority here, but it saddens me to think about 12 year olds already wanting Sephora beauty products. I have a 12 year old niece who is into this as well. I don’t want to overly glorify our generation’s childhood (as there are pros and cons to growing up in each generation), but I remember climbing trees with friends up until I was 14 or 15, and didn’t think about beauty products till I was maybe 16… and even then it was drugstore brand tinted lip balms, not prestige labels from Sephora. I volunteer a fair amount at my kindergartner’s elementary school and sometimes help out with school-wide events with some of the older grades, and was similarly shocked to see 3rd grade girls with long polished nails that look professionally done. It made me wonder, do they still actually play with long nails done up like this? I feel like kids these days are growing up faster or wanting to grow up faster (physically/externally) and I can’t help but wish for a longer childhood for them. Or is THIS the new childhood? A part of me just cannot abide. Curious to hear others’ thoughts on this!
I’ll remember the potential 70s and layers, but I love the color palette and advice! Thank you!
Of course!! xx
I went to Paris at the very end of September 2023 and during the day it was in the mid/high 70s! It cooled off a bit in the evening but would definitely recommend layers, especially if you are on foot a lot during the day we got very hot.
Great intel! OK, smart to pack lighter layers for daytime!
xx