Ask Magpie: Raincoats, Cardigans, + Wallets.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via Sutterheim.

Q: A raincoat that is fun, functional, flattering, and not black.

A: I love these ones from Stutterheim; there’s also a longer version, seen above! The Scandinavians know inclement weather. Lots of great colors and the shape is so chic. I also own and adore this colorblocked one from Boden.

Q: Home fragrance? What does one do? Diffusers?

A: I use candles! We almost always have one burning between the hours of 5-10 in the evening. (Generally avoid during day unless we’ll have guests visiting, because I’m too scared I’ll run out the door to do something and leave one burning.) My favorites are by Hotel Lobby (they sent me a preview of their newest scent, Napa, available tomorrow A.M., and it is DIVINE for fall), Linnea* (my favorite for this season is Embers, which smells sort of like Feu de Bois from Diptyque, but half the price; get 10% off sitewide at Linnea with MAGPIE10), and anything by Cire Trudon (but $$$).

I’ve never really gotten into diffusers because I feel like they tend to make rooms smell really concentrated with scent? And I think a candle is prettier on a table, throws light, creates ambiance, etc. But I will say that Hotel Lobby sent me one of their new diffusers and I think I will test it in our entryway and see what I think? And I’d give Linnea’s options a try if you like diffusers just because their scents are so good.

*Want to add that a Magpie reader recently commented, out of the blue: “Just want to say thank you for the Linnea candle recommendation. I’m a self confessed candle snob. I’ve tried them all. These are the closet to Dyptique that I’ve found for a fraction of the price. They burn beautifully, and come impeccably packaged. Love the elegant milky vessel. I’m so impressed and delighted with the quality and value. I have the pear galette scent. It makes my home smell like a French bakery. Oui!” They speak for themselves!

Q: Ready to invest in a classic pair of black pumps. Which ones?

A: Manolo Blahnik’s BB in black suede, 70mm heel height, is the perfect heel. The iconic, the forever. A perfect silhouette and heel height. I have been contemplating buying these for years and years.

Q: Heart pendant I can engrave, but less expensive than your Dorsey one.

A: You can engrave these $154 ones with an initial on the back (and the brand just offered us 20% off with code JEN20. Alternately, you can engrave this Gorjana with up to 8 characters. I like the avant font in all caps for a nickname, initials, a date. And, not a heart, but the engraveable pieces from Merci Maman are so beautiful and a great quality relative to price.

Q: Best, comfy, thin-knit button up cardigan.

A: I’d consider La Ligne or Jenni Kayne if you want to invest. For something less expensive, try my Few Moda $80 cashmere one (love the fit and look but it is not the softest cardigan — not itchy but just not that brushed cashmere feel you might expect) or my pointelle one from Leset (very soft, but less shape).

Q: Cute sweatshirts.

A: I love the vintage style ones from Polo! Like this looks like something that might actually be in my father in law’s closet that I’d like to borrow. The ones from hot label Parke are cool, too – they can be difficult to find in stock. Personally, my most worn sweatshirts are this half-zip from Alice Walk (I own in a stripe and solid — I love these so much I’ve gifted to both my mom and MIL), Spanx’s Airweight half-zip, and an old navy blue Reformation sweatshirt that says CINDY CRAWFORD on the front. It has the perfect lightweight, soft feel and slouch. (Not sure if their solid sweatshirts are the same fit/feel but worth a shot!) Funny story: I wore this over the summer while we were in Colorado, and these guys started yelling: “Hey, Cindy! Cindy Crawford!” I began to look around for her — not realizing they were trying to get my attention and ask me for help with something. Ha!!

Q: November black tie wedding / would love to re-wear for holidays.

A: I am drooling over Posse’s holiday collection, not yet dropped — this would be so divine. This video from their Instagram account sold me!!! Also love this, this, this, this, all of which would be perfect for holiday, too.

Q: What to wear while getting ready for my wedding in June in Nantucket.

A: Ooo, congratulations! I feel like this is so specific to your aesthetic! A few different options for different styles: an ethereal white nightgown, a white Frank & Eileen set, one of the Lake kimono sets (in blue/white stripe), an Eberjey romper beneath a robe.

Q: Nursing-friendly Thanksgiving dress.

A: This *looks* like it would work with a nursing bra? Can’t tell from the neckline…this one is also great, and definitely would work. Also love the rich patterns from Cara Cara — this style and this one would be good. And this cranberry colored SEA!

Q: Maternity jeans that aren’t super $$$.

A: Gap! 100%!

Q: Looking for a chic hat to wear this fall that helps protect from sun.

A: Janessa Leone has the chicest fall collection out – how fab is this one?! Also love a fall textured ballcap. I shared some of my favorites here, at all different price points.

Q: A new wallet please! What’s everyone carrying?

A: I’ve had all kinds of wallets in my life, including this beautiful quilted Chanel one Mr. Magpie bought me for Christmas, but the one I can’t seem to part ways with is the Goyard flat pouch wallet with my Prada card case nestled inside. The flat pouch is the perfect length for holding cash and receipts and weighs nothing, and if you’re just slipping out for a cocktail or have a small bag, you can just grab your card case. I have been using this combo for years and can’t imagine going back. But if you want a true wallet, I’d get one of the Triomphe ones from Celine (small, large). They are gorgeous!

Q: Foolproof t-shirt bra. Any price point.

A: I wear my Natori Feathers if I’m wearing a t-shirt! So comfortable and gives great shape. I know this isn’t a true t-shirt bra – any other Magpies with rave reviews? I used to be a huge fangirl for True & Co’s bra — it really feels like you’re wearing nothing, never digs in, etc, but over time I felt like it didn’t give me the silhouette I wanted. Any other strong recs from the Magpie set?

Q: Metallic flats – not Mary Janes.

A: Margaux, Aeyde, or these fashion-forward high vamped Le Monde Beryls (also available in a silver mesh that will be the talk of the town).

Q: A short wool coat for early winter. Preferably navy, gray, or camel.

A: I curated several chic options that will fit the bill in this post, but strongly rec you consider this deep green color one from J. Crew. This is SO GOOD with the buttons and will wear like a neutral.