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Q: Wondering if you have any ideas for a cute quilted jacket in a fall floral? It’s a trend I want to try… I think you featured one last spring by Cara Cara? Hoping to keep it $300 or under. Love the idea of layering a slim turtleneck under it and pairing with flared jeans.
A: Yes! Mine is Cara Cara’s Marissa jacket — my exact pattern is sold out, but they release this coat every season in different patterns, and they are always reversible (!). There are two great ones currently deeply discounted, making them about half your budget: love this (perfect for fall!) and this (leans more spring/summer). These run pretty boxy/big — I would not size up. Also love this Mango and this Sezane.
Q: Shoes to wear with cardigan and leggings that aren’t sneakers and look polished yet comfortable?
A: Ballet flats or loafers look great with this situation. The two most comfortable pairs of ballerinas I own are these Schutzes (under $100 and such great colors/patterns) and these Loeffler Randalls (if you don’t like the elastic strap, just tuck it under the arch of your foot). And for loafers: I’m obsessed with this pair. Would look so good with black leggings and a longline cardigan. Also like these Bottega-esque ones from LR!
Q: An outfit that can really go from work to cocktails.
A: This black dress, these boots.
Q: Holiday event dresses.
A: Oo la la! Some ideas here and here, but my top of mind picks are: this Arianne Elmy, this velvet Ref, this black tulle sitch, this Reformation (in the prune velvet), this Galvan, this Saloni (ordered!), this ALC, this brocade Cara Cara.
For more formal affairs: this Veronica Beard, this Bernadette, this Staud, this Stine Goya.
Q: Just got engaged (!!!) and would love recommendations for purchases to celebrate.
A: OMG! Congratulations. I still remember the butterfly feeling I had for nearly the entirety of my engagement. Such a sweet, tender time! My first thoughts were this ring cleaner, a gel manicure, and a notebook to capture all your thoughts/ideas/plans/doodles for the wedding. I gifted one of my girlfriends one of these little “Tying the Knot” leather notebooks from Smythson when she got engaged (you can also have them personalized with your new initials at Smythson proper!), but I would probably treat myself to one of these bigger Appointed notebooks (my favorite paper brand — these are the only notebooks I use now) so I’d have more real estate for note-taking/inspo/lists/etc. if purchasing for myself. You can also add a monogram to it if you’re so inclined — I know some people are superstitious about not using their future married monogram to things proper to tying the knot…and you may not be taking a new name! But just a thought.
Q: An adult shirt with no ruffles.
A: For casual, my two favorite tops right now are this Doen and these pointelle tees from Leset. I also just ordered this fall plaid blouse to tuck into high-waist denim, and Magpies love these blockprint Frances blouses from Emerson Fry. I’ve also become such a huge fan of Goop’s G Label for elegant, sophisticated, understated basics with a twist. I’m sitting here at the moment wearing this henley (runs long, which will be nice for tall Magpies!) and how good is this black blouse?
Q: Outfit ideas for a weekend trip to DC in the end of October.
A: It will be chilly here — layers! I’d pack a pair of comfortable ballet flats to dress up or down, jeans and a fun tops or sweaters, blazer that you can throw on over a tee or dress, some boots if chilly or you’ll be doing lots of outdoor walking, and a versatile coat that can be dressed up for dinner or down for daytime. A dress like this (pair with either flats or boots) for a fun dinner out! Have the best time!
Q: What to wear to country club, down to the shoes, for activities for the whole family.
A: For something like a fall fest or dinner, I’d wear a dress like this, this, or this with flat suede boots. If more casual, polished jeans like these or these and a blouse or fun sweater with ballet flats. In general, anything from La Ligne and Veronica Beard feel perfect — polished, but not too stodgy. I’d put my daughter in a dress like this or a jumper with turtleneck and finish with little Mary Janes. And for my son: cords, a sweater, boots.
Q: Bump friendly fall dresses.
A: Tuckernuck has so many good options. I find that their buyers favor dresses without waists, so you can buy now and wear later. A knit dress like this or this for casual wear, a statement dress like this or this for dressy.
Q: What to wear in Christmastime in NYC.
A: Oooo la la. I immediately thought of this velvet bustier and pants situation, or the red ALC dress in my cart in the perfect poinsettia red. All with a fabulous coat. (More outerwear ideas here.)
I love these posts! Would love your thoughts on heeled shoes for date night and church – not too tall and preferably not boots. I find that I have plenty in spring/summer but not much during fall/winter. Thank you!
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂 So glad you enjoy them. I have added this question to my next Ask Magpie post!
xx
Hi Jen! Any recommendations for a dress to wear to a bridal shower in November? It’s in PA at a country club. Hoping to keep it under $300. Thank you!
Hi! Will answer this in an upcoming Ask Magpie!
xx