By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via.

I am not great about packing in advance of a trip – I’m such a moody dresser; I usually wait until the last minute (i.e., night before) to see how I’m feeling and what I’m gravitating towards – but sharing below what I’ve dog-eared for a trip to Tuscany and then Como. Temps are supposed to be in the 60-70s in the daytime and 50-60s in the evening, so layering will be key. The theme is fifty shades of brown.

I know I will need to whittle this down (traveling for seven days – will share full itinerary and notes when we return), but here’s what I have laid out on my floor:

01. This cashmere toggle coat. Love that it works as a cardigan, over a simple tee with jeans, or as an actual jacket, over a dress or blouse.

02. Trying desperately to only pack two pairs, but want all three of these: brown wide-legs, ecru barrels, and dark-wash-wear-with-anythings.

03. Dinner dresses: this and this.

04. White pointelle long-sleeve, white short-sleeve, white slim fit.

05. Knitwear: this, this.

06. Leather maxi skirt.

07. Blazer – thinking this one because it goes well with the brown color theme.

08. Statement blouse — either (both?) this and this. I like the idea of pairing these with either casual jeans and a ballet flat for day exploring, or a heel and blazer for evening.

09. Dressy dress — we have one formal dinner planned. I love this or this.

10. Shoes: a) pointed toe suede or velvet pump (these are a really good buy at $150 – I have in a few colors; I have a camel suede that will probably be perfect, but also how good would a chocolate brown be?); b) comfortable and chic sneaks; c) ballet flats.

11. Athleisure: my Tuckernuck cashmere set for travel days; my Varley set (top, bottoms) to mix in on more casual days; chocolate brown leggings.

12. Striped tee – pair with leggings or jeans. Also cute as a top layer / sweatshirt situation.

13. Jewelry: fun heavy gold earrings to zhush up a daytime tee-and-jeans look; riviere for dinner; glitzy earrings to go with anything, from day to night.

14. Swimsuit — this is Mr. Magpie’s favorite on me. (There is a heated pool at one of the resorts!)

15. Pajamas and loungewear for post-exploring relaxation.

16. New lingerie – this and this, and these.

Already unclear what handbags to bring. Possibly something like this (I have in a brown color) or this (I have in brown leather) that will go day-to-night, but can be worn with a crossbody strap during the day. Definitely throwing this Celine phone sling in my bag — I found it so helpful the last time I was traveling, e.g., you just want to run down to the lobby / grab a drink at the hotel bar / need only phone, card, key.

For day-of travel, I’ll be revisiting all your tips here, but plan to bring my noise canceling headphones and external phone battery, wear my cashmere sweatsuit, and have my Kindle pre-loaded with light, diverting fare. I’m not a big eye mask person but am going to pack one because the flight is overnight. A lot of you recommended the Manta one. I’ll probably carry on this duffle, which is magical. It has a laptop sleeve (critical) plus a little flap you can slip on over your suitcase handle, and it’s very lightweight on its own. (Fits under seat!)

P.S. Magpies weigh in with tips on how to plan a great vacation.

P.P.S. How do you handle skincare while traveling?

P.P.P.S. Around this time last year, we had the most magical time in Napa.

By: Jen Shoop

This morning, republishing an edited essay on dating my husband after a few Magpies and I exchanged messages and thoughts on dating our spouses on Instagram. How do you date your spouse? Is it calendared, ad hoc, etc? Any tips? Please share in the comments.

****

Two years ago, a few days before Christmas, Mr. Magpie and I went out to dinner at The Dabney in D.C. It was the perfect pause from the holiday rush. We lingered over cocktails and Mid-Atlantic fare at the largely-empty bar, pleasantly marooned together for a few hours on a bitterly cold night. While there, I forgot that we were parents, responsible adults, business owners, employees. I forgot that we were anything but in love with each other.

I was reminded that night of a note I received from a Magpie several years ago, in which she wrote:

“Your relationship with Mr. Magpie is so tender and loving. Do you have a round up of relationship/marriage advice?”

In general, I feel wrong-footed offering advice on this front. First, even fourteen years in, I feel too green. Second, every relationship is idiosyncratic. And third, and I don’t write this to be coy or self-deprecating, but I think Mr. Magpie is the magic. He is patient, he is romantic, he cares about a lot of little things that (I have observed) many men do not, he is a noticer, he is an equal. I could go on and on, but I suspect that no one wants to hear all of the reasons I find my husband paranormal.

All that said, my take: 1) let him be himself, and love him for it — this means encouraging passions; stepping up to help with situations that are challenging for him; letting him surprise you with a changed mind, a new thought, a radical idea; 2) always assume the best of intentions; 3) date him.

This last suggestion feels the most tactical, so we’ll point the arrow there. Any time we go out, just the two of us, I remember Mr. Magpie at 20, at the start of everything, thick into the headiness of the befores. Can you remember the thrill of the beginning? The way you couldn’t wait to see him/her? The way your stomach would drop when he/she said something flirty, or wrote something sweet over AIM? Sometimes I write about the beginning of us, and I feel reborn. Going on a deliberately out-of-the-ordinary date — to lunch on a Tuesday somewhere adventurous, or for an 8 p.m. cocktail, when you’re usually curling up on the couch, at some ridiculous downtown bar, or to a controversial art exhibit — is the easiest way to unclip from “the everyday stuff” that can obscure or mute the magic of your relationship with your spouse.

A few finer-tipped suggestions: 1) Eat at the bar. We always have the most intimate conversations when sitting side by side, and there is something winningly low-key about the experience. Plus, you can usually get a last-minute seat, and often enjoy great service because the bartender can survey your meal progress more easily than a server. 2) Arrive separately. We aren’t able to do this as much anymore, but in NYC, it was easy to ask him to meet me at the bar around the corner after work. There is something romantic about appearing in the door decked out to meet your date. He hasn’t seen you primping in the mirror, swapping shoes, spritzing with perfume. He just sees you at your best. 3) Controversial, perhaps, but I love this: have him order for you, or vice versa. There is something about belonging to each other implicit in the act, and it’s an unexpected surprise. Variety is the spice of life. 4) Always have the date “start” in the morning — “I can’t wait for our date,” and “see you in a few hours,” and a real kiss.

Just after that trip to The Dabney a few years ago, I came across a quote from Matt Haig that summed it up perfectly:

“How to stop time: kiss.
How to travel in time: read.
How to escape time: music.
How to feel time: write.
How to release time: breathe.”

Spending an evening with your loved one — really seeing him, really leaning into the conversation — is a surefire way to hit pause on everything that does not matter in order to take in what does.

Post-Scripts.

+3 a.m. parties with my husband have changed over the years.

+Marriage is an act of optimism.

+I won’t soon forget any detail about my husband when I first met him.

+Twilight on the Potomac.

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+Updated my Shopbop hearts — obsessing over these Ugg slippers (almost have a boat shoe vibe? I still wear my sherpa Tazz slippers most days of the week!); this dramatic date night top; and these ribbed chocolate brown pants.

+I just heard that Dorsey has restocked its Lucien leverback earrings (a Magpie reader favorite, and one of my own, as well!) for the last time this year. If you have these in mind as a gift, now is the time! I love them so much. Personally, I think this is the chicest way to spend $210.

+A Magpie wrote to me with an impassioned “regrettably worth it” item last week — this Yves Durif vented brush. Color me intrigued! Who else is a fan?

+Seriously elegant wide legs.

+These Gap sweats have been very popular among Magpies the past two weeks. Just noticed they come in a chic espresso brown color — I think I need them.

+Make your man’s day by ordering him this waffle-knit crew or a fresh pair of lounge shorts (<<Mr. Magpie loves these).

+A look for less for the viral Skims tee.

+OK, I love this quilted plaid Barbour coat. The proportions, the collar, the tartan!

+Oo la, this embellished cocktail dress! Also love this pearl studded Zara dress — under $70.

+WOW Ann Mashburn nailed it with this marigold yellow wool coat.

+My daughter has been begging me for hoop earrings. Eyeing these for Christmas! I love this brand’s studs, too.

+I do not need another cropped blazer, I do not, I do not, I do not…!!!

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

One winter just after I’d graduated from the University of Virginia, Landon and I drove up to Deep Creek Lake for a ski weekend with friends. The forecast projected a blizzard, and even the Wisp Ski Resort website read: “Now is not the time to visit Wisp.” But if you are 23 and have already put down a non-refundable deposit on a group house rental, you drive to Wisp, snow squall bedamned.

We drove straight into white-out conditions. Landon was driving his black Jeep Cherokee, and we could barely make out more than three, four feet ahead of us in the headlights. It was scary, disorienting; I barely spoke for what felt like miles. But I remember Landon saying that all he had to do was keep sight of the dotted highway lines, and drive slowly.

Setting aside our sophomoric decision to drive through an ice storm, it’s not a bad metaphor, you know. Most of the time — in business, in parenting, in life — you can only see a few feet in front of you, and the best you can do is keep things between the guard rails. You can’t worry about the perils down the road, or the maneuvers they will ask of you. What you can do is carefully make your way through the space that’s immediately in front of you.

Another way of reminding myself to live where my feet are. And to send those worries out to pasture.

Repeating this to myself as I bat away the most absurd worry on my mind today: leaving my children for a full week later this month. I know, pull out the world’s tiniest violin. But I’ve not been away from them for more than three nights since they’ve been born — how can I do it? The answer, of course: focus on the right here and now.

*****

Also this week.

LEFT: An evil eye bracelet — I remember these were all over Greece when I visited in college and I always regretted not buying one. Don’t hate the idea of warding off evil. // RIGHT: Sunday donuts after Mass: a new ritual. I have been over-liberal with plying my children with activities and snacks during Church for too long, and mini will be making her first Confession and Communion this upcoming spring. I went cold turkey: no more activities, no more snacks, in the pews. Instead, if they keep it together, we get donuts afterward. We really love the ones from Sunday Morning Bakehouse.

LEFT: Jovencourt daquiri (recipe here) for Friday night happy hour while watching Robot Dreams with the kids — a really smart, captivating animated movie. // RIGHT: Our newest Chappywrap. We fight over these. The best prints, the perfect weight, and so soft. They just offered us 15% off with code JEN15!

LEFT: Surprised Mr. Magpie with pastries from Fresh Baguette. The coffee eclair! (BTW, every time I use an exclamation point, I think about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s quote: “Cut out all these exclamation points. An exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke.” But in this case, the exclamation point is warranted.) RIGHT: This Mansur Gavriel is probably my best purchase of the season. So easy to wear and such an interesting color.

LEFT: A perfect thin, ribbed, stretchy sock for pairing with every shoe this season. Six pairs for $9. // RIGHT: Regrettably, as good as they say it is: you need this dry shampoo.

****

Sunday shopping poetry…

HILL HOUSE DRESS // FALKE DOT TIGHTS // BYREDO BLANCHE ROLL ON PERFUME // AMAZON HAIR CLAWS // JENNY BIRD BANGLE // LA LIGNE SELBY TROUSERS // H&M COAT // CELINE HAT AND WALLET

Hill House launched a party capsule — this Valentino-esque red bow-front dress is too good not to contemplate for a big holiday moment. // Love a dotted, semi-sheer tight for holiday looks, too. Falke has great options. // Ordered one of my favorite scents in a roll-on for upcoming travel! // Just got these La Ligne trousers in. They also just launched loads of gorgeous new knits. How spectacular is this!? If you’re looking for the vibe for less, you might consider some of J. Crew’s offerings. // My hair claws seem to grow legs and go missing every few weeks. Just ordered these smaller ones to keep in my purses. // Jenny Bird has been having a moment — I absolutely love these gleaming (water durable!) gold bangles. // This H&M jacket is astoundingly chic. // My latest middle-of-the-night TRR finds: Celine ballcap, Celine wallet.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via.

+HOW TO DO ANYTHING: I loved this Instagram post from Katie Benn. It has a similar energy to Anne Lamott’s “Bird by bird” instruction on how to write: “Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he’d had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.””

It also reminded me of some business wisdom: do everything yourself until you become the bottleneck.

+VISITING THE HOBBS LONDON STORE (SPONSORED MENTION):  Last week, UK-based Hobbs London invited me to visit their brand new store in Tyson’s Corner.  The boutique itself is gorgeous – I wanted to spend all day trying on clothes in their beautifully appointed fitting room – but it was the wardrobe classics, and specifically the iconic outerwear, that caught my attention.  I tried on both their timeless camel Livia coat (available in a petite size so I will not need to have the sleeves shortened and the length hemmed!) and plaid-lined trench and felt like a million bucks.  These are gorgeous wardrobe investments that complement any age and style – I know that my mother would love the pieces as much as my youngest sister.  These are styles that feel right at home alongside my closet full of Veronica Beard, J. Crew, and Ralph Lauren.  I also tried on their mixed-media Trina dress in elegant navy blue – the top is a ribbed knit; the skirt is silky.  It was so flattering and I immediately imagined styling it five different ways: dressed up with heels for a cocktail party for school or work; dressed down with flats and a cropped jacket for a meeting or special lunch.  I’m deeply impressed with the pieces from this brand and anticipate spotlighting more of their collections in the future.

+EASY FORMULA FOR WIDE-LEG JEANS: I was at my girlfriend’s house on Saturday and she asked if she could try on her first pair of wide leg jeans for me (these, from Old Navy!; more of my wide leg picks here), unsure of the fit, the look, etc. I loved them on her and then sent her this simple styling inspo from Maddie Hull. Love the simplicity of a long-line cardigan and a mary jane to make the look easy and approachable — the proportions are also just right. A cardigan is a great way to make sure you can still spotlight your shape — sometimes a pullover can obscure where your hips/waist start and can look frumpy.

JENNI KAYNE COOPER CARDIGAN (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // OLD NAVY JEANS // MADEWELL FLATS // BEST $15 TEE // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG

+7 JAPANESE TECHNIQUES TO STOP OVERTHINKING: As a habitual worrier, this carousel really spoke to me this week. I especially loved slide six: “Wabi-sabi: embracing imperfection and transience.” I wrote about letting go of worries here.

+EVERLANE SALE: 25% off so many great pieces at Everlane runs through tomorrow. My top picks: these barrel leg cords, this cocoon coat, this long fisherman cardigan, and this henley.

+EYEING + BUYING: I wrote about this earlier this week, but Crown Affair’s dry shampoo (also available at Sephora — while you’re there, grab this lip butter, which I am addicted to) has totally knocked me out — it is SO good. Smells like heaven, really absorbs oil, and leaves hair looking fresh. A major RWI (regrettably worth it) item. Along those lines, I’ve been hearing such good things about another commonly-cited RWI: the Skims jersey tee. I have noticed that with all the barrel/wide legs I have in my wardrobe this season, I’m needing slimmer-fit/more contoured tees and tops to balance things out; the Skims seems to fit the bill. I ordered in short-sleeved and long-sleeved versions and will report back with thoughts.

Also, this week: 1) got my hands on a pair of the Larroude Milan boots in black (so so so chic), 2) started listening to Ina Garten’s audiobook; and 3) pinching myself, but gorgeous jewelry brand Dana Rebecca offered to send me an item from their collection, and I selected these crossover huggies. I feel like they’ll be such a great everyday earring.

CROWN AFFAIR DRY SHAMPOO // DANA REBECCA HUGGIES // LA LIGNE RIBBED CASHMERE CARDIGAN // SKIMS TEE // PISTOLA FAUX LEATHER PANTS // LARROUDE MILAN BOOTS // INA GARTEN MEMOIR // SUMMER FRIDAYS LIP BUTTER

+RESTOCK ALERTS: My VB Valentina sneakers and my wool Alice Walk cape were both restocked this week! These are two of my absolute favorite fall items.

+THIS WEEK’S BESTSELLERS: This classic black dress was number one this week. Something you can wear forever and that seems to go with any life stage, any event, etc.

01. TIMELESS LBD // 02. VERONICA BEARD MABEL BLAZER // 03. GREAT FALL WEDDING GUEST DRESS // 04. MY FAV CORDS (RUN TTS) // 05. BEST VINTAGE-STYLE SWEATS // 06. MOTHER SCIENCE SERUM (REALLY WORKS ON DARK SPOTS) // 07. WIDE LEG CORD TROUSERS // 08. VERONICA BEARD CORDS (ON SALE!) // 09. FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE POLO // 10. SOLDOUT NYC EVERYTHING SHIRT // 11. BEST AFFORDABLE SLEEPING PILLOWS // 12. FLEECE PULLOVER

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

MEETING: JOES JEANS UTILITY PANTS // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // SOLDOUT NYC LINEN TEE (JEN15 FOR 15% OFF) // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // SORU EARRINGS (15% OFF WITH JEN15) // LARROUDE BOOTS

MEETING / HAIR CUT AND COLOR: UNTUCKIT BLOUSE (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // LA LIGNE ISADORA PANTS (10% OFF WITH MAGPIE10) // LARROUDE BOOTS // LA LIGNE MINI MARIN SWEATER (10% OFF WITH MAGPIE10) // SORU EARRINGS (15% OFF WITH JEN15)

FINAL CRAB FEAST OF THE SEASON WITH FRIENDS: QUINCE CARDIGAN (SOLD OUT, BUT CAN SIGN UP FOR RESTOCKS; SIMILAR HERE; UPGRADE PICK: JENNI KAYNE) // LESET POINTELLE TEE // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // AGOLDE RILEY CROP JEANS // DAPHINE EARRINGS

SLOW MONDAY (STANDARD WRITING / MOM DAY): SABLYN JACKET // DONNI TEE // CITIZENS JEANS // DAPHINE EARRINGS // VERONICA BEARD VALENTINA SNEAKERS // TARGET SOCKS // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG

SATURDAY AT THE PLAYGROUND: DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS // MADEWELL BARREL JEANS (GO DOWN ONE SIZE!) // LA LIGNE MINI MARIN SWEATER (10% OFF WITH MAGPIE10) // DAPHINE EARRINGS

STANDARD WORK / MOM LIFE: MADEWELL BARREL JEANS (GO DOWN ONE SIZE!) // SOLDOUT NYC LINEN TEE (JEN15 FOR 15% OFF) //DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS // LA LIGNE RED SWEATER // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // SORU EARRINGS (15% OFF WITH JEN15) // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG

RECESS DUTY: AGOLDE RILEY CROP JEANS // VERONICA BEARD VALENTINA SNEAKERS // ALICE WALK WEEKENDER SWEATER // LESET POINTELLE TEE // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG

SPORTS MOM: MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // ADIDAS SAMBAS // BEYOND YOGA LEGGINGS // TUCKERNUCK CASHMERE HOODIE // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

“October is the opal month of the year. It is the month of glory, of ripeness. It is the picture-month.” -Henry Ward Beecher

I love that phrase — “October, picture month.” It really does show off, doesn’t it?

And a few other things that feel like October —

my favorite striped sweater

fall romances — light on plot, heavy on trope

flushed cheeks (fake it with this)

throw blankets – these are the best (we just got a second one because we always fought over who got this! and the brand just sent me a code: JEN15 for 15% off!)

the Dutch oven living on the stove

seasonal scents like this and this

low lighting by lamp only

house slippers

soft knit everything

stocking up on warm spices for fall baking

a tote bag full of library books

first chance to wear a wool coat (upgrade pick: Jenni Kayne) and cashmere scarf (look for less: Quince)

woodland spice hand soap

dudley stephens fleece turtlenecks (25% off with JENNIFER25)

f. scott fitzgerald

shoes in suede and more suede

COAT // SCARF // BOOTS // SPICE HOUSE CINNAMON // RUE DE VERNEUIL TOTE // EMBERS CANDLE // VERONICA BEARD SNEAKER (RESTOCKED!) // AMAZON LAMP // FITZGERALD BOOK // AMAZON THROW

LA LIGNE SWEATER // WOODLAND SPICE HAND SOAP // KNIT PANTS // STAUB COCOTTE // GOOP COLORBLUR LIP/CHEEK STAIN // BUSINESS CASUAL // HOTEL LOBBY NAPA CANDLE // CHAPPYWRAP THROW (15% OFF WITH JEN15) // ROTHYS CLOGS

I also wanted to mention that a) Everlane is offering 25% off through Sunday — my top picks here! I love the look of these cord utility barrel pants; and b) Target’s Deal Days are underway and I found multiple seriously chic things to contemplate, starting with these brown jeans, which are a great look for less for my Veronica Beard Taylors (but only $20!). Also, my favorite inexpensive bed sheets are included in the sale — these are SO GOOD. I bought them as “back ups” for our primary bedroom, and now I just alternate liberally with sets that are 5-6x as expensive! Not included in the promo, but this ecru canvas tote reminded me so much of the ones from Rue De Verneuil.

WIDE LEG BROWN JEANS // ECRU TOTE // COZY CREWNECK // BEST INEXPENSIVE SHEETS // CHIC CANDLE

P.S. Continuing with our game, what would October’s alt title be?

P.P.S. If you’re new in these parts, come introduce yourself here!

P.P.P.S. A playlist for quiet work, and thoughts on deep play.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

A few favorite in-between coats as we descend into fall —

JCREW SHACKET // QUILTED GAP // GREY ZARA // DOEN GREEN // H&M LOOK

01. The most gorgeous, sumptuous cashmere toggle coat (seen above!). I already have this packed for Italy.

02. Apologies for over-sharing, but this under-$200 barn jacket is one of my favorite buys this season. Just recently restocked! Take your true size if you prefer a boxier fit; I sized down to an XXS. I really like layering this over athleisure for “sports mom” mode.

03. J. Crew nailed it with this shacket. I’m obsessed with the camel color.

04. This cropped cashmere-blend shacket turned my head. I love the proportions.

05. Get the La Ligne vibe for less with this.

06. I love a quilted jacket — and the collar and crop on this style adds a little fashion-forwardness. Plus, the price is right.

07. I shared a bunch of Toteme-inspired “scoats” (scarf coats) in this broader roundup of outerwear for fall, but this slimmer-profile style from Zara now has my attention. Love the navy color and the styling with light-wash denim.

08. Another Zara gem. This one is in my cart!

09. I can’t get over this little H&M number. Selling fast.

10. An upgraded, belted version of my Everlane denim coat.

11. And a cute cropped denim jacket — the collar is everything.

12. This cropped toggle jacket reminds me of my Sablyn, but less expensive. I love the burgundy color.

13. Speaking of burgundy, love this sweater-jacket.

14. This plaid jacket is in my closet! Runs oversized, fyi.

15. A little heavier-weight, but I love every detail on this Doen topper — the lining, the toggles, the hood, the length, the color!

16. The Alex Mill Chiltern jacket in red is absolutely perfect.

P.S. My favorite fall sneakers. PSA that the pair I ended up buying were just restocked after selling through everywhere. They are shearling-lined and *slip on.* Laces ornamental! SO COMFORTABLE.

P.P.S. One of my favorite cocktails. Just made it last Friday!

P.P.P.S. Great hostess gifts.

By: Jen Shoop

Sometimes it’s not the grand gesture, the dramatic sprint through the train terminal, the hand pulling you out of harm’s way.

Sometimes it’s your husband finding your knee beneath the table

and you thinking:

little does he know he’s holding the world together right now

Wild, how something as fibrous as the brush of fingertips, a knowing glance

can have enough tensile strength to carry you straight through the worst of it,

as though escaping Tartarus on Titan-back

Post-Scripts.

+Love is…a salad?

+Marriage is…a lot of things, including the most fun I ever had.

+”Love is a modest thing, never making a fuss about the furnishings. 

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+This blazer, in the houndstooth, is giving Veronica Beard vibes but under $120. I would temper the formality of this look by layering over a polished white tee (<<ICYMI, this is the best $15 tee) and some barrel jeans (upgrade pick: also love these, which I own in a different wash).

BLAZER // JEANS // TEE // BAG (LOOK FOR LESS) // FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS)

+BTW, this Mansur Gavriel (seen above) has been a total MVP in my fall wardrobe. It’s so easy to wear and the color is so unexpected but still acts like a neutral to me? Can be worn with basically anything but I especially love it with my brown-heavy wardrobe. I noticed its also available in a really chic “biscuit” color.

+And speaking of barrel leg, these Everlane pants were restocked after selling out! Love.

+And! Speaking of Veronica Beard vibes, VB is offering 25% off some fab current season finds with code FAVES2024. I always go straight for the blazers: this, this, this.

+Chic fall phone sling option.

+Ordered my son this breton stripe tee. I also always buy him a few of these under-$12 striped tees from Zara each season. So cute with jeans.

+If you have small feet like me, it’s your lucky day — these Isabel Marant boots are perfection and over 50% off. A few other great Outnet scores: Veronica Beard fair isle, a cropped chocolate suede jacket, a fun paisley print Zimmermann dress, and an elegant tweed jacket (also available as a dress — very Jackie O.).

+Apparently this $199 camel knit coat is a perennial bestseller. Good value for a classic look!

+Lululemon vibes for under $20.

+If you like my VB brown wide-leg jeans, you might also consider these from Paige — almost $100 less.

+Pair either with this paisley print top.

+Just did a little shop for Mr. Magpie, and I bought him this overshirt, these cords, these trousers, and this button-down. I like a lot of the styling on Sezane for men – took some notes for him! I also got him these (under $200) suede loafers and these brown sneaks. Clearly on a brown kick!

+A cool way to leave your clothes smelling gorgeous.

+If you like my denim barn jacket (was restocked recently!) but want something a little less $$, try this — currently under $100.

+My daughter LOVES statement socks – they are sort of becoming a signature fashion of hers – and she went wild over this inexpensive set I picked up at Target.

+She’s soooo perfect.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

CRAYON // PAPER AIRPLANE KIT // JOURNALS // PUFFY PENS // JEEP SET // BARBIE DREAM CAR

I hate the word “hack” (…there are no hacks in life?), but one of my greatest “simplify your life” discoveries has been picking one gift to give each season to my children’s friends. This means I can buy multiples in advance, or at least know precisely what to buy when the next birthday party invitation rolls in. Last season, I gave a lot of these Stanley water bottles personalized with these vinyl initial stickers and cute straw toppers. I also gifted a bunch of these pouches that can be customized with these cute patches — what woman doesn’t love a pouch?! (I made my life even easier by also buying a bunch of these “GWrap” bags from Joy Creative Shop — you just slide the water bottle/pouch right in and seal with a sticker that you can write the recipient’s name on. So easy — no tape, no tissue, no cutting — and looks adorable.)

This season, I purchased a bunch of Ooly products and these journals to bundle together. I have a whole stack of them in my gift closet! I love the idea of giving something that’s not just another toy to toss into a bin and might in fact be useful at a restaurant, on a trip, etc. Exactly what I bought below:

THESE ANIMAL NOTEPADS

CRAYON STICKS (BUY ONE GET ONE FREE WHEN YOU ADD TWO TO CART!)

SCENTED MARKERS

FORTUNE TELLER KIT (I GAVE MY DAUGHTER ONE OF THESE AND SHE WAS OBSESSED!!!)

PAPER AIRPLANE KIT

MAGIC PUFFY PENS

CLEVER FOX JOURNALS

GLITTER PENS

I also lost track of the number of kids we gave these Schleich helicopter sets to — my son LOVES this toy and every little boy who has received it has adored it, too. The rotor actually works and the little net is thrilling to them?! This Jeep set (by the same brand) is also a favorite — the front has a retractable cord that my son loves to use to drag things around his room. And we’ve also given a bunch of these Revell model kits, too. My son loves to work on these model projects with my husband!

Also – a note that as of the time of writing this post, there are a few great holiday gifts for children included in Amazon’s big deal day (running through today). These are bigger items I would probably give my own children versus as a standard birthday gift! But they include the mini Yoto (my daughter loves hers!), an American Girl Welly Wisher, a big Lego set, a Barbie dream car, a huge set of Crayola markers, crayons, pencils, etc.

What are your go-to gifts for young children?

P.S. More gift ideas for young kids here. And toys you won’t mind leaving out here.

P.P.S. On maintaining wonder as a parent.

P.P.P.S. In case you need a reminder: you’re where you need to be today.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

Last week, I stopped into Madewell to get my hands on a pair of their darted barrel jeans. These jeans have been so, so popular this season, selling out multiple times. I ordered a pair back in August and they never shipped! I finally canceled the order and went to the source. I fell in love with them in this cool washed black color, but the driftwood brown is so, so good too. I changed into them as soon as I got home! (Wearing above with these $130 mesh flats and my favorite linen tee. I styled with my favorite La Ligne sweater, but look for under $200 with this or this.) Go a size down in thee jeans — I actually could fit into two sizes down but wanted them to be a bit looser/baggier so went one size down instead. I am telling you, if you are into the barrel jean but not willing to invest in a designer pair, these are the ones you want. (N.B.: apparently men like this fit?! My husband, my best friend’s husband, and several Magpie husbands chimed in to say “yes, I like them.”) If you want the look for even less, go with Gap’s under-$80 pair.

While in the store, I also ogled a few other ultra-chic finds under $200: this perfect cashmere cardigan (I found it in on-trend espresso in store but seems to have sold out online — other colors are also gorgeous), these studded ballet flats, and this look-for-less option for the SoldOut NYC chocolate “everything shirt” I raved about a few days back. (The SoldOut NYC top is also under $200, though, and 15% off with JEN15.)

Anyhow, the visit to the mall led me to round up a bunch of other everyday outfit pieces — things I’d reach for and combine for daily wear — for under $200. See below!

J. CREW CARDIGAN // DAPHINE EARRINGS // GAP SLOUCHY BAG // MADEWELL BARREL JEANS // INTENTIONALLY BLANK LOAFERS

EVERLANE RANCH JACKET // KULE SWEATPANTS AND SWEATSHIRT (ALSO LOVE THE SETS FROM GAP) // INTENTIONALLY BLANK LOAFERS // RL BALLCAP

MANGO SWEATER // ZARA COAT // J. CREW CZ RIVIERE NECKLACE // J. CREW SLIP SKIRT // MADEWELL FLATS

SANDRO FAIR ISLE SWEATER (MORE FAIR ISLES FOR THE SEASON HERE) // VELVET BRYLIE PANTS // MADEWELL FLATS // GAP SLOUCHY BAG

URBAN REVIVO BLAZER // DAPHINE EARRINGS // PISTOLA JEANS // KULE TOTE // ADIDAS SAMBAS

P.S. My version of a fall capsule wardrobe.

P.P.S. On preparing to lose a pet.

P.P.P.S. That one summer I behaved very badly.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

You need to know about the the Dyson AirWrap. It is the ultimate “regrettably worth it” item in my opinion. Worth every penny at full price and if you can get it at any kind of discount (occasionally you can find it 15% off at Blue Mercury; I also believe you can sign up for emails there to get it for 10% off), a bargain. I had wanted one for years but had major sticker shock — I felt some primal sense of justice in believing that a blow dryer should be under $200. But this one is different. This one will give you a salon-quality blow-out at home every day of the week, and will absolutely change the way you feel about your hair. I have not stopped singing its praises since I received, and am evangelical about it to anyone who will listen. My stick-straight, determined-to-be-boring hair actually holds a bend at the end — for days. I am now convinced that any woman with good hair owns one.

A few practical tips: 1) hair needs to be 90% dry before using the AirWrap attachment. I use the blow dryer attachment to rough dry first and then use the AirWrap to finish the ends. I watched many YouTube tutorials about using the AirWrap and the best advice someone gave: “hair needs to feel fluffy with a tiny bit of dampness to it, but cannot clump together at all.” This is accurate. 2) This is a powerful tool. It is quiet, but powerful. I strongly believe you need a heat protectant if you are using regularly — one of my girlfriends who has used hers religiously for years now insists you need to protect your hair or the ends dry out. I love this leave-in spray and then top with a few spritzes of this heat-activated “dream coat” product, which really gives you a glossy, polished finish. 3) I think “sealing” the curl in with the cold setting really prolongs the look.

A few other favorite finds below — these were a part of the Amazon Prime Big Deals going on in early October and they included a discounted Dyson AirWrap, but leaving this collage here anyhow, even though most are no longer on promotion. FWIW, I think all of these are worth buying at full price!

BEST NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES // THE DYSON AIR WRAP // LEAVE-IN CONDITIONING SPRAY // UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER // CHIC HAND SANITIZING SPRAY // TRAVEL MIRROR // ORGANIZATIONAL CUBES // COCOFLOSS

Notes and a few other finds below…

A TRAVEL MIRROR WITH LIGHTING — ENSURES YOU WON’T LOOK LIKE A CLOWN NO MATTER WHAT THE BATHROOM LIGHTING SITUATION IS AT YOUR HOTEL

HAND SANITIZER — CHIC PACKAGING, GREAT SCENTS

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER — WE BOUGHT TWO OF THESE

THESE ARE THE BEST NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES — MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH HAVE THESE AND I CHOSE THEM AFTER COMPARING WITH BOSE, APPLE, ETC — TRULY THE BEST

A few items for home: I love these storage cubes for organizing makeup (would also be great for toy or art supply organization), and you know my thoughts on Cocofloss. Addicted.

A few items for kids: the mini Yoto player! My sister gave my daughter one for Christmas and she loves it. Great for travel, too. Perfect Christmas gift. Also, this classic Lego set. My son lives for Lego! Finally, American Girl Welly Wisher! I’ve never seen these discounted before. My daughter loves her AG dolls.

All my top sale picks from the promotion are also in my Amazon store.

P.S. What goes into your “everything shower“?

P.P.S. On making everything important.

By: Jen Shoop

It’s a slow-release poison, to over-worry about what other people think. I would know; I’ve been queasy with its effects for too long. Since I was a child! Always big eyes and a quiet voice: don’t rock the boat. The time I interjected while my father was disciplining another sibling, and was told, crisply, to mind my own business. I was sick with my own comeuppance for weeks. I felt I’d misplayed my hand, revealed some horrible inner daemon, lost my seating as the responsible older sister. The time I shared a photo of my friend’s child without asking first, and upset him — the way I cried about this, the way I carried it like an albatross! I felt rotten, and still, ten years later, think about it too often when we’re together, prodding at how it’s reshaped his opinion of me. There are bigger things, too, of course, and smaller things, like the time I was trying to parallel park while an impatient driver raged and honked behind me in Lincoln Park. Eventually, he flew around into oncoming traffic to give me the finger and scream through my window. I nursed that for months, permitted his anger to make me wonder about my competency as a driver — I guess that spot had been too small, and I’d held up a lane of traffic for a few minutes…? For awhile, I avoided parking when other cars were close by.

There is accountability, and then there is…this. This tendency to gild the inelaborate. To see mistakes not as reparable via earnest apology, or opportunities to learn, but as markers of deficiency. It takes such strenuous work to give myself a soft landing; I am much more comfortable browbeating. Is this a Catholic thing, an oldest daughter thing, a me thing?

I’m posing the wrong question. Because the real one is: how do I move beyond this? I ask this acutely. I have been quietly struggling for years with the aftermath of putting up boundaries in a fraught relationship, and when I wake up in twisted bedsheets over it, I feel first a private pain, as sharp as a knife tip, and second, nearly as quickly, a low throb over how my actions disturbed the peace of others, and forever dented their perceptions of me. I hate the easy sorority of these sentiments. Can’t I please grow up and focus on the subject rather than its dubious predicate? I am taking care of myself, I am taking care of myself, I am taking care of myself, I whisper. But my soul cries back: and at the expense of whom? I feel then the ancient, inborn responsibility to keep the peace.

And whose peace am I keeping?

I am forty; I am exhausted with this routine. If I am honest, it makes me want to withdraw into the safest of scanned waters: the small ring of close family and friends who seem willing to accept me no matter my missteps. But really I know I must find a way to make like a duck: to let the water slick right off my back. Because I cannot hide in my own huddle forever.

I am writing my way through this, in private journal. Most of the time, instead of an answer, I find an apology. But nothing leaves until it has taught us what we need to learn. And something interesting is happening: I am finding the stitching ever so slightly looser. A little more room for myself. Yet again, life’s interruptions become a creative grist that sustains, and sometimes soothes.

Here, now, we are letting out the seams.

Post-Scripts.

+Overcoming a heartbreak.

+On writing as a daily practice.

+What are your favorite Substacks?

+More on soft landings — and something that felt a lot like grace. I am capable of those moments from time to time!

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+My notebook in the snap above is by D.C.-based paper brand Appointed — I’m obsessed with them. I love that you can buy them blank, lined, or gridded (each with their own merits) and the linen effect top is so elegant. Nice quality paper, too, that doesn’t bleed through. (I believe the code MAGPIEBYJENSHOOP still gets you 15% off.) Lately, I’ve been using these ultra-fine-point pens for hand-drafting.

+I keep thinking about these Citizens jeans. The tuxedo stripe down the side is so interesting! I imagine pairing with a crisp white button-down. Gap has a good look for less pair.

+Oo la la, this red cardigan! Giving Jenni Kayne Cooper vibes but in a fun pop of red.

+It’s read-books-under-a-blanket season. These ones are the best. One of those things you’ve heard about forever but totally lives up to the hype.

+Speaking of “regrettably worth it” (RWI) items, these Skims tees have my attention. Several people have referred to Skims products as “the ultimate RWI.”

+The intrecciato look for under $75. (These remind me of the ones from Freda Salvador and Loeffler!)

+Ordered my son this shacket to match his Dad.

+Have seen these embellished boucle Chanel Mary Janes on a few chic peas — j’adore! Get the vibe for less with these Margaux (selling fast). And did you see the Margaux collab with Matilda Goad? These are fun! Such great colors.

+Speaking of footwear, I did order these flat Larroude boots. I’d been eyeing for so long! I was tempted to get brown but I feel like I’ve bought solely brown footwear this season. These will be a fun alternate when I feel like wearing black.

+Eyeing these faux leather pants.

+I’m way past the baby years but this changing table stopped me in my tracks! I would have LOVED this for my daughter’s nursery. The scalloping!

+Most polished sweatsuit. Something you can actually wear with ballet flats and look pulled together in! Try code APPLE for $50 off.

+A steamy fall romance.

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