*Image via.
Q: Gift ideas for parents when visiting for a week.
A: Maybe something edible that can take some “hosting” responsibilities off your parents’ plate/surprise and treat them? I’m thinking a box of Callie’s Country Ham Biscuits or Jeni’s best-selling ice creams. Alternately, when my brother visited us for ten days last summer, he gave us a very generous gift card to a fabulous tasting menu restaurant here in DC (Rose’s Luxury) and we went out for a date night on him after they left. It was such an extravagant and fabulous experience, and of course we toasted him the entire night.
If you’re looking for something physical to present them with, a few thoughts…
WINE CHILLER + GOOD BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE
A GREAT PUZZLE AND/OR BOARD GAME TO WORK ON TOGETHER
Q: Everyday bra.
A: Honestly, I rarely wear anything but these cheap Amazon seamless racerback ones anymore. I take out the padding (removeable) and they so comfortable (like wearing nothing at all) and virtually invisible beneath all my day dresses / blouses. I am so much happier without underwire or straps that can slide off my shoulder! I know these aren’t for everyone because they don’t offer much support but they are my favorites. Have heard this very similar style from Spanx is a great option — looks like it might offer more support than mine, too.
Q: Cute PJs (have Eberjey long sleeves).
A: I’m a broken record here, but I live in Lake Pajamas and they have the best prints. Love the pattern on these, but the long-short set style is my favorite. I must own four or five pairs. I also love my pairs from Roller Rabbit. I have a few pairs of these shorts sets — come in such fun patterns — and one of their long pajama sets, too.
Q: Corporate office tops for spring to wear with wide leg pants.
A: My first thought was a fitted, polished crewneck tee or sweater to create an elegant, lean silhouette. Something like this would be perfect. Also love a striped button-down (look for less)or dramatic but crisp white poplin top like this, this, or this tucked into trousers. Ann Taylor has some great basics in neutrals that are a tad more interesting than your run of the mill blouse, too, like this or this. Both of them create an interesting silhouette. If you’re after pattern, Ulla and Xirena have some great pieces that would look fabulous tucked into trousers, like this and this.
P.S. Love these trousers.
Q: Sleeveless tops to wear with white jeans for casual summer date nights.
A: Oo la la. I love this Ulla (also love in emerald – on sale!), this SEA, this Zara, this Marea, this Susana Monaco, and this Hunter Bell.
Q: Summer dresses to wear postpartum and nursing as a new mama.
A: Congrats, mama! My preference was button-front dresses, preferably with a self-tie/self-cinch waist. Something like this, this, this, this, or this would have been right up my alley. Nap dresses are great too if you’re comfortable with pull-down styles. I also always had good luck with Zara during those early months — they are less expensive/less precious so if you stain with milk or destroy in the wash, it’s not as agonizing, and I also felt more willing to size up because I knew I probably wouldn’t feel horrible if I ended up getting rid of them after that season of life. Something like this or this or this!
Q: Classic black leather belt – not Amazon.
A: I love something simple and feminine like this, with a more delicate-looking buckle. This Nili Lotan is also gorgeous.
Q: Church dresses! Not too fancy. Modest and comfortable.
A: I love a pretty but tailored-looking shirtdress like this, this, this, this, or this.
Q: Affordable white one-piece swimsuit.
A: I love this one!
Q: Italy this July.
A: So fabulous. I hope you have the best time! I would pack lots of sundresses and comfortable walking shoes — a pair of sandals (I love my Hermes Orans — these are similar) and a pair of sneakers that you feel confident pairing with dresses. (I don’t often pair sneakers with dresses but when I do, I like the look of Supergas.) A few dresses I love for a summer in Italy that I can imagine styling down for day time or up with a pair of mules for evening:
THIS JULIET DUNN (SEE ME IN IT HERE — SOME SIMILAR STYLES FROM THIS BRAND ON SUPER SALE HERE)
A simple white or black dress like this would also be highly versatile, as would a pair of white shorts you can pair with a simple tee or a more dramatic top for a more dressy occasion. Also love the idea of packing this two-piece eyelet set — wear together for a statement or separately with a tee / pair of jean shorts.
Finally, a crossbody bag (or this) that can fit wallet/card case, phone, hotel key, etc. I love a little crossbody like this because it’s cute enough to wear out in the evenings but practical for daytime adventures.
Q: Chic midi coverup for the beach!
A: I love this flutter-sleeved style from Lake, this 9Seed, and this caftan.
Q: Mother’s Day brunch outfit.
A: I love this sweet pink eyelet number, this structured Cara Cara, this Hunter Bell, and this Cleobella.
Q: Cake smash outfit for photos for my son. No more than $75.
A: Happy birthday to him! I’d put him in something like this or this. The pictures will be so cute!
My “Ask Magpie” is kitchen related. Do you and Mr Magpie have a favorite meat thermometer? We currently use an old-school Pyrex one that we suspect is not very accurate. Don’t want one that needs us to use a phone app to operate – just need simple and accurate. This is for both oven roasting and grilling. Let me know if you have a recommendation!
Thermapen!!
https://fave.co/422Lfjg
The best. We use this for everything from candy-making to grilling! Every review we’ve ever read rates this one the highest.
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Thanks!!
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