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Image via Metier.
First, two PSAs: 1) Shopbop’s 20% off promotion ends today. It’s full of such great staples for the season ahead. All my picks here. Can I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and try these ecru barrel jeans?! Mine arrived (ordered on the exclamatory recommendation of a Magpie reader) and they are FABULOUS. You can see me in mine here. 2) Veronica Beard is offering an extra 25% off all its sale items! My top picks here. Several of them have already sold out — but this striped henley is a must!
Q: New work tote, must fit giant laptop, brown leather.
A: Can I convince you to go seude, fabric de la saison?! I’m obsessing over Veronica Beard’s fall suede handbag offerings, especially this roomy tote (video demonstrates that a big laptop will fit). Sezane’s Gabin bag is a chic, logo-free look for less. Upgrade pick: this Bottega (swoon) or this Metier (seen above) If you’re committed to leather, I have always thought this classic Tods bag is timeless and will last a lifetime. Vibe for less: this Demellier, this Little Liffner.
Q: Napa in the fall.
A: You are going to have such a great time! We loved (!) visiting that area last fall. I’d pair jeans (trending barrel fits or classic straight legs) with fun blouses like this or this, great flats, and interesting top layers (chunky knits, quilted shackets, cropped blazers) for day (layers are key – can be quite warm at noon and chilly in the morning and evening) and Doen fall floral dresses like this, with a suede heel or sandal and a heavier-weight cashmere cardigan (on sale here!), for night. A bag like this will take you from day to night perfectly. Also, literally anything Jenni Kayne.
If you’re a visual shopper, I did three collages: one for dinner (seen below), one for wine-tasting, one for fancy lunch at a Thomas Keller spot.
DRESS // SANDAL // CARDIGAN // CLUTCH // BEST BALM BLUSH IN A GORGEOUS MERLOT RED
Q: Wool coat.
A: Caveat: some of these are wool blends — check materials before purchasing!
I promise not to make Sezane’s fall collection my entire personality, but it was so good — wool coats included. I love this one in the unexpected green (also available in neutrals). If I were to invest, I’d go MaxMara. One of these years I’m going to pull the trigger! They are timeless and exquisite. I also think the Toteme signature wool/cashmere coat is fabulous, and I can’t stop thinking about this scarf-collar style from SEA.
More on the casual side: this Sezane, this Rails, and this Veronica Beard.
If you are a taller Magpie, I’d rec this Loulou Studio. So slouchy-cool, and on sale! The proportions mean it will be very generous with chunky knits beneath (sometimes a problem with slimmer/trimmer silhouettes). But would totally swallow a petite.
Q: Work dinner, first time meeting the very chic (mostly gen-z) team IRL. Help!
A: Eek! That must feel so high-stakes! My principle advice is to wear something that feels like the most empowered version of you, and that you won’t be constantly second-guessing / adjusting while wearing. For me, if the dinner is on the more casual side, that would be a great pair of jeans, a cropped blazer, a polished tee, a heel or polished flat (<<this $60 pair is a go-to; it elevates and looks great with everything), and a grown-up hand bag like this. An outfit like this feels laidback but grown up.
Q: A dark olive green dress for a fall wedding.
A: I’m all about the slip dress for the season ahead. Adore this one and this one. I love the idea of layering with this short sleeved, embellished cardigan. (Look for less with this!) If you don’t love bare shoulders, try this Ulla (easy to dress up with an evening heel and bag). If you’re open to a pattern, this Zimmermann is gorgeous. And La Ligne’s Elodie is intriguing!
Q: 40th birthday outfits. I’m copying and doing Keswick/Charlottesville.
A: Happy birthday! You are going to have the best time! It’s such a special, and relaxing, place to ring in the big 4-0. I love that it has a little bit of everything — high end dining, lounge spaces, heated pool, fabulous spa, hiking and wine tasting not far afield, and of course Charlottesville itself!
Charlottesville is pretty laid back — something like this or this with a suede flat sandal feels right for early fall down there, but I’d still dress up for the big night! I love this with a suede pump, this (!!!!! my top pick) with gold jewelry, this, this.
Completely different from what I’m usually drawn to, but I can’t stop thinking about this fabulous Vince dress.
Q: Coat/jacket to pair with patterned dresses to help take them to fall.
Q: Bump-friendly outfit for fall family photos.
A: This Cara Cara!
Q: Decadent cocktail attire — think velvet, fur, satin, feathers — for a NOLA wedding.
A: This, with a major heel, or this Tuckernuck with big earrings.
Q: Niche but laundry detergent? Something OK for kids with sensitive skin.
A: I would give Honest’s baby detergent a try. I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried from their line — they are gentle, but they work (they don’t just feel like water?). And MIL swears by Persil, which is hypoallergenic, dye and perfume-free.
Q: Long sleeve dress for family photos – brown and blue.
A: This!
Q: I’m looking for a bag for Italy in September. Ideally something crossbody for daytime and a top handle/clutch option for evening. I would rather not take two bags. Something not too small but could fit in my travel tote. I’m planning a color palette of black and ivory with pops of red. Thank you!
A: Splurge: the Toteme t-lock in black or ivory! Also love my Paris64 mini bag – she’d be perfect. Comes in tons of colors!
Q: Cute everyday purse for when I’m out without my child. Budget $300-$400.
A: Madewell’s suede bucket tote is perfection! Also love Pam Munson’s market tote.
Q: Looking for outfits for my daughters (3 year old and 9 mos old) for family photos in October. I will be wearing the Cara Cara Lolita dress in Blue bogota scarf. Haven’t chosen husband’s outfit yet although he will be easy. Any thoughts? Thank you!
A: Love the dress! So chic! I’d put your girls in this and this with navy cardigans. The patterns are of sufficiently different scales — it will work and be interesting! Husband can wear the boring solids – hehe.
Q: Brown suede tall boots with reasonable heel.