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First, a little heads up to let you know that Minnow is running one of its rare sales starting today! I usually buy a few suits in a size or two up for my kids for the following season using this promo! I love their boardies for my son in particular.
Q: Statement denim jacket for fall.
A: Go with this unexpected red one from VB (seen above)! The shape is SO good and unexpected, and I feel like that brick red color would look incredible with white, navy, brown, all shades of denim! So good! Or, major splurge, the Loewe jacket I’ve mentioned dozens of times! I’ve been seeing a lot of cool denim jackets with contrasting cord collars, probably inspired by the Loewe — chic micro-trend. Love this one, this one. Not denim, but this canvas barn coat with the contrast collar is epic and sure to sell out by October. And no contrast collar, but the chore style of jacket is trendy this season again — love this under $100 one, and this $150 one. Such great lines!
Q: How does the Doen dress you got from the latest launch run?
A: I normally size down in Doen, taking an XXS instead of my usual XS, which is what I did with the Marielle (see me in it here). It does fit but BARELY – runs a tad narrow, especially at the button waist. I would advise taking your true size!
Q: We are expecting our first baby in November (a girl!) and I have three (THREE!) baby showers coming up in September. One hosted by MIL in Savannah, another hosted by my girlfriends in our town of Charleston, and a third by my mom and her circle of friends in the upstate of SC. A very busy month, but an exciting month indeed! I would love any and all recommendations for outfit inspo.
A: So exciting for you! Congrats. You will be towards the end of your pregnancy and in still-hot areas, so I’d advise loose-fit caftans. I love the ones from Mi Golondrina (this, this); Asha (lots of colors available); Tuckernuck; Maravic; or (splurge) one of the ones from La Vie Stylehouse or Loretta Caponi. If you’re after something with a bit more shape…
THIS THIERRY COLSON (PRISTINE CONDITION!)
THIS MIRTH (30% OFF APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY AT CHECKOUT)
Q: Pulled together everyday looks. Easy tops for my sitting at my desk.
A: I have a few different formulas I love: 1) I love a throw-on dress like this or this. Effortless and polished. Throw on with leather sandals now, loafers later. 2) A fuller skirt with a polished tee and layered gold necklaces. 3) A structured / interesting top to pair with white shorts or jeans, like this, this, this, or, of course, a great button-down.
Q: Black tie optional wedding in NJ end of September. Petite friendly.
A: So into chocolate brown right now, and I love this one — plus, price isn’t terrible! I love this, this, this J. Crew, this Rebecca Vallance, and this. I own the latter in pink and she is BEYOND gorgeous.
Q: 10 year high school reunion.
A: Not sure what’s on your agenda, but I like the idea of a chic, elevated top like this with wide leg jeans, and brown suede sandals (look for less with these). I feel like the key is to look easy-polished, and the sandal makes things feel a bit simpler. Pair with gold jewelry. If you don’t love brown, try a top like this with the white jeans. If the reunion is dressier, try this, this, or this, again with the flat sandal. Another option for day: the trending Colby pant (look for less) with a polished tee, button-down, or (if chillier) stripe sweater (look for less).
Q: Chic toy storage for our apartment living room.
A: I love these nested under a console table, or if you need a stand-alone structure, something like this or this — we used something almost identical in NYC and these were fantastic because the bins hide clutter but make items still accessible to little hands, and you can also line up books in some of the cubbies. Double check the cubby size but most are 13×13 (or around there) and you can find lots of cute bin options at Target.
Q: Fall work outfits for a business setting.
A: A blazer like this would be a fabulous starting point investment. You can pair with those trending silky pants (look for less); dark wash denim (if permitted in your office); kick flares; a polished skirt. A shirtdress like this or this is a forever piece, too.
Q: My sister is getting married in December. Need a long, black formal dress. Dramatic!
A: Congratulations! How about this, this, this, this?
Q: A gym bag.
A: These are brilliant because they have a separate shoe compartment! Also can’t beat a classic LL Bean bag with “GYM” or your initials on the side.
Q: Barrel denim with normal inseam (not cropped). The Madewells you shared are sold out in my size!
A: In a different price category, but Nili Lotan. I find this brand works better for taller Magpies.
Q: A small bag to use at a Taylor Swift concert in London. Doesn’t need to be clear.
A: This vanity-style Amazon, Marni, this Bottega look-for-less, this Behno, this Loewe.
Hi Jen, random question to add to this blog post, but you had previously mentioned a brand of clean period products recommended by your sister, and I’m wondering what the brand was. I tried searching but couldn’t find it. Thank you in advance!
Hi – yes! It was Rael!
https://amzn.to/4d7JSWB
XX
Slowly coming out of my postpartum fog, we welcomed our second child three weeks ago. I am currently snuggled up on the couch, little man beside me and my laptop open for the first time since his arrival. It feels wonderful to visit this little space again! There is a since of familiarity in reading your entries that makes me feel a little more like myself. Also, please send a few mom “good vibes” my way- loved this thought on your recent magpie diary!
Just in case I miss the next “ask magpie” prompt, I’d like to submit a request! I need help with my postpartum wardrobe. I am on the hunt for nursing friendly/loose fitting basics. I’m still wearing “postpartum” undergarments, so it has been a challenge to find pieces that are more modest. Also, looking for items I can move in, as I have started a routine of walking around our park in the mornings before the heat sets in. All the activewear I see is either cropped or too tight…Any magpies out there have a recommendation?
Brittney! Congratulations, and welcome back! What a lovely compliment. I’m so glad this little corner of the Internet offered you a sense of normalcy and calm! Definitely sending you good vibes and a soft landing!
Got your questions, too — will answer in an upcoming post!!
xx
Work from home folks: I’ve worn this exact jumpsuit since my honeymoon 7 years ago, for work, at the playground, during pregnancy and postpartum and breastfeeding. It’s still in great shape, it machine washes and dries normally, and I always get compliments. I wear a wide leg one for dressy occasions! https://leslunes.com/products/the-anaa-jumpsuit
My question is dressy but comfortable clothes in black for a crawling 8 month old girl (size 18m) and a 2 year old sensitive to scratchy fabrics (4t). We unfortunately have a family funeral expected in the near future.
Thanks for sharing the jumpsuit – looks so comfortable and effortless!
I will put some thought into dark clothing for your kids. I am so sorry to hear!
xx