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Q: Family photoshoot for me (mom). I’m petite and want a midi/maxi with short or long sleeves.
A: Splurge: something from Zimmermann, like this or this. More reasonable: something from Doen, like this or this. (I’m assuming fall color palette!). Cleobella is also worth a gander — picture perfect options. I also think these embroidered dresses from Asha are beyond gorgeous!
Q: Clothing for my 18-month-old daughter.
A: SUCH a precious age to dress. At that age, I LOVED to dress my daughter in little diaper sets like this, this, this, or this with ribbed tights and little boots. She had a pair from Donsje that I swooned over similar to this. For more casual wear, Gap classics! Loved her in overalls and onesies.
Q: White wedding dress (vow renewal), ideally that could be worn again.
A: Congratulations! SEA has some spectacular options — I would look at this or this. Over the Moon is also an amazing destination for this kind of purchase — so many beautiful little white dresses.
Q: Dress for September, Cape Cod, 6 months PP. My son is the ring bearer. No blue and white.
A: This is spectacular, and has the advantage of being modest/full-coverage, with a not-too-tight fit. Also like this Cleobella and this Doen for a fall special occasion, depending on dressiness, and feel like both would be appealing to me PP.
Q: Fall family picture outfits: two sons, one baby girl.
A: I really love the shirting from Luca and Luca. The little mandarin collar is adorable and elevates the look to princely European status. Ha! Pair with whatever slim-fit pants work best on your boys — for a fall look, you might try these cords from Gap, or chinos from J. Crew. Then have your baby girl wear a La Coqueta set that mirrors one of the colors in the shirt you’ve chosen for the boys. Pattern mixing is SO cute. So if they’re wearing these shirts, pick up on the burgundy in that pattern and have her in this. Or if they’re wearing this, she can wear this.
Q: Business casual office. Reluctantly going back to work post third maternity leave. Still so hot in TX.
A: I’m sorry about the reluctance! A huge transition, I know. Give yourself a soft landing (a lot of grace) and know that nothing is forever. I really love the ease of a black pant — these and these are both PHENOMENAL, so flattering yet comfortable — with a dressy white tee and little cropped blazer or cardigan like this, this, this, this, or this and chic flats or loafers. Another option: a striped button down like this or this tucked into high-waisted trousers like these, beneath one of these same blazers/cardigans. I also cannot rave enough about the pieces from G. Label — it’s exactly what I’d want in my closet if I worked a more traditional job. Elegant, tailored, sophisticated, easy to mix and match. I actually just ordered this denim shirt (marked down!) and think it would be KILLER with trousers. Finally, I’m forever a shirtdress gal, and this one is perfection (and currently 40% off).
Oh! One way to sweeten the return: treat yourself to a killer work tote. This is bananas.
Q: Outfit for newborn photos.
A: Congratulations, mama! I like the ease/chic-ness of a caftan like this, this, this, or this. Bonus that all are body-skimming!
Q: Cropped cardigan with detail to wear with a midi dress this fall.
A: I love this, this, and this, depending on the vibe you’re after. Also — this one’s not truly cropped, but own and adore it and plan to wear it all fall long.
Q: Things to get excited about fall but not clothing or home decor.
A: Some fun new tea from Harney & Sons like this or this and a beautiful new mug, some cozy fall reading and a weighted blanket, a cookbook oriented around the seasons (Mr. Magpie loves this vegetable one, and I’m eyeing this), and a great fall candle.
Q: Black tie wedding in Dublin next month.
A: This Nili Lotan, this Reformation, this Ulla, or this Monique.
Q: Any thoughts on a fun yet classic trench coat?
A: Love this Veronica Beard and this Sezane. Classic but with a more feminine silhouette/fit.
Q: Everyday work top — not button-down, but looks polished.
A: These from Everlane — I want one in every color.
Q: Denim chore jacket.
A: OMG love this look, especially with ecru denim. I like this Sezane, this Madewell, and this BR.