Ask Magpie: What to Pack for an NYC Girls Trip, Men’s Gifts, + More.

*Photo above via.

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Q: NY girls’ weekend in December.

A: Love this for you! Just got back from a trip to see my best girlfriends from college and it was so, so fun. I can’t remember the last time I laughed harder! You can honestly get away with whatever in NYC. I’d probably rec some fun/on-trend jeans like the Agolde Dames, coated jeans, or faux leather kick flares and pair with a fun/festive blouse like this, this, this, this, or this for dinner out. Also love a bold feather moment for the season — this or this with patterned tights. (Would finish with a black platform pump — have heard these are shockingly comfortable and walkable.) For daytime: comfortable jeans, a cute little cropped jacket, and good walking shoes (either sneakers or flat boots) with a crossbody bag.

P.S. You didn’t ask, but on the subject of trips: a Magpie just made a strong case for the larger version of my M.Z. Wallace tote for travel. It has a sleeve that slips over the roll-a-board handle and has lots of other pockets. Think I need.

Q: Any suggestions for a men’s milestone gift that is in that tricky over 500 but not quite 5,000 range?

A: A wool topcoat from Ralph Lauren. Landon bought one for himself maybe a decade ago and it’s in constant use in the winter season. He can wear it over formal wear (suits, blazers, etc) but also dress it down over cords and sweaters. So handsome — he’ll never regret it, and the styles will persist until he’s 90! His parents bought him a classic Burberry trench coat when he was in his 20s, and he’ll have that forever, too. I personally think the wool topcoat is the better investment, but both are timeless. If he’s on the more casual side, buy him a Herno jacket. It’s the “quiet luxury” vibe x 1000 — handsome, understated, well-tailored. Other thoughts under $1000: a leather wallet from Hermes, a Loro Piano belt, Gucci loafers.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for an ice bucket for entertaining? It’s the only thing my mom asked for this Christmas. She’s 63 and has pretty classic/understated style, and I’d like to keep it under $100 if possible. She wouldn’t like a monogram, but I’m open to pretty much anything outside of that. Also, do ice buckets come with the scoop? (I’m 24… I probably should know if they do or even if “scoop” is the right word, but I don’t!) If so, I’d love to get her one that includes a scoop. 

A: This is so sweet and specific. I love the heirloom look of this Pottery Barn one.

Q: Heavyish coat for me, my husband, and my children.

A: Dressy/wool: this VB for you, the aforementioned RL for your husband, this La Coqueta for a girl, this Mayoral for a boy. Puffer/athletic: this Herno for you, this Herno for your husband, these Helly Hansens for your littles.

Q: Boots to wear with looser fit / baggier style jeans.

A: I’ve been doing a lot of recon on this question the past few weeks. I think these are absolutely perfect. After scrutinizing hundreds of photos, I really think you need a slim/contoured boot silhouette with a more delicate heel to balance everything out. These and these are similar and would also work well.

Q: I’d love some recs for a few pj sets! Unfortunately Lake isn’t in the budget but hopefully you have some leads on “look for less”…

A: Check out Honeydew! This set reminds me of the Lake Relax set and they have cute patterns, too. Most of their sets are under $50.

Q: 40th birthday dinner at Hotel Bel Air.

A: Oo! Happy 40th! I would personally get dolled up in a FAB dress like this, this, this, this, or this. Go big! If those are too loud, consider a statement top like this, this, or this with great jeans. Mr. Magpie’s boss (the most bad-ass woman!) once said “my life started at 40.” Onward!

Q: Leather jacket.

A: This VB — selling out fast, everywhere. It is SO good, and it’s reversible. Otherwise, anything Saks Potts. I also like the unexpected silhouette of this Alexis style — I’m not as big into the moto jackets right now, which seem to dominate leather jacket silhouettes, so this feels refreshing.

Q: Christmas nightgown for my toddler.

A: This Petite Plume. Currently 20% off as a part of an early Black Friday promo!

Q: SIL’s rehearsal dinner in Chicago in December. Pregnant and trying to conceal.

A: This velvet Rhode could be good — cinch the belt above belly and no one will know. I also feel like Tuckernuck tends to have silhouettes that skim the body but never hug it — skim there!

Q: Elegant black top to wear to holiday parties. I’m not big into feathers, embellishment.

A: This Tibi!!! Also love this on-trend Favorite Daughter, this Helmet Lang (50% off!), or anything from Wardrobe.NYC.

Q: Christmas dress for my 3 YO daughter.

A: This red velvet beauty or this tartan.

Q: White elephant gifts — under $40.

A: Kosas lipstick set, Nodpod, Appointed notebook, Regalis truffle popcorn, iWalk portable charger.

P.S. On being truly happy for friends.

P.P.S. It’s just that…life is short!

P.P.P.S. Is it harder for me?