With Thanksgiving approaching all too quickly, I sat down earlier this week to hunt for some festive holiday outfits for the littles. New-to-me brand Baybala has some absolutely precious coordinating pieces that I am considering. I especially love this smocked fall floral for mini. And of course Cecil and Lou always has great fall florals at a reasonable price.
A few of my other favorite finds below —
I THINK THESE ADORABLE MULTICOLORED TURKEY PARTY HATS ARE SUCH A PLAYFUL WAY TO ADD SOME FESTIVE CHEER OVER THE HOLIDAY…I ALSO JUST ADDED THIS $3 COLOR-IN TABLECLOTH FOR THE CHILDREN TO MY CART
ORGANIC COTTON PLAID HORSE PATTERNED LONG SLEEVE BOYS’ COVERALLS WITH SHAWL COLLAR FROM RALPH LAUREN — FOR THE ITTY BITTY BABIES!
GIRLS’ KNEE-LENGTH PINK FLORAL FLARED DRESS WITH LONG SLEEVES AND WHITE EMBROIDERED STATEMENT COLLAR
SUPER CHIC FIT AND FLARE BABY BLUE HERRINGBONE DRESS WITH BIG PATCH POCKETS AND CONTRASTING PETER PAN COLLAR…EVERY DETAIL ON THIS DRESS IS SO WELL THOUGHT OUT
INFANT-SIZED CHEVRON PATTERNED COZY SWEATER COAT WITH BROWN TOGGLE CLOSURE
RICH RUBY RED CABLE KNIT TIGHTS — MINI OWNS AND THEY ARE THE PERFECT BURGUNDY HUE
STRAIGHT-LEG BROWN CORDUROY PULL-ON PANTS — I ALSO LIKED THIS J.CREW SLIM FIT PAIR FOR OLDER BOYS, AND THIS STRETCHY SATEEN ZIP-FLY PAIR THAT IS A LITTLE MORE FORMAL
“When I had young kids, a lot of activities fell off the priority list — happy hour drinks with coworkers, catching the newest Wes Anderson movie in the theater, mascara — but I was determined to continue having people over for dinner. For whatever reason, it was the kind of activity that reliably brought me joy and connection, not just with friends and the community but with my old pre-mom self.”
The phrase “connection with my old pre-mom self” has been floating around obtusely, purblind, in my consciousness since, as though something I’ve left in the next room. I have been groping after it. Do I nurture any connections in this way? I find myself thinking about things shed instead, and must pointedly provoke myself: What habits, customs, activities, sources of joy have I insisted upon?
Twin thoughts alight. First: the silhouette of a girlfriend of mine at an outdoor dinner table earlier this summer, her face lit by candle, her eyes large and wondering. She told me that night that she felt she’d lost her identity while having three children. All of the things that had defined her in her teens and 20s seemed to have disappeared in the hospital. She had been an athlete in high school and college, and now she had no time to even play scrimmage on the court. She used to enjoy skiing, and social clubs, and now she felt distant from both. “I don’t even know who I am,” she concluded. I was jarred by these admissions, because I thought to myself, “But you are still so you.” I remember what she was like before children and I still see her in the same way, even without the accoutrement and accessory of her former pastimes. She is still the one who gets the gang together, who fills the calendars, who proactively asks for coffee, and lunch, and remembers all of the details of where everyone is going for the holidays. She is a center, an organizer, a queen of unflustered logistics. She has prioritized her friends when so many of us as young mothers have found ourselves with minimal energy to socialize. She probably doesn’t see this about herself, but I see a sameness, radiating through, and I see, too, the effort she puts in even without knowing it.
The second thought: over the weekend, I participated in a DEI training related to some non-profit work I have been involved with, and the facilitator mentioned that “identity” comes from Latin for “repeated beingness,” or “being, over and over again.” I loved the poetry of those words. They curled up nicely against some of my reflections yesterday on “containing everything we need inside” as well as the burgeoning observation above that perhaps we aren’t even always aware of the elements of ourselves that we grab onto in spite of sea swells and droughts of different varieties. I sit here and realize that though I did not persist in as ostensible of a tradition as Jenny did with her dinner parties, I have, in fact, continued to cultivate the parts of my life and myself that have always mattered to me, almost without thinking, reflexively. For one thing, Mr. Magpie and I have always sat down to dinner together. Most nights, Mr. Magpie cooks, but even if it’s takeout — as it was above, when we ordered in from Polo Bar in NYC on a cold winter night — we plate everything, and we sit alongside one another. A friend of ours mentioned that he and his wife rarely dine together — they prepare their own meals, eat at different times — and I could not have been more shocked. To each their own, of course, and I don’t know about the scheduling constraints they face, but it was like an alternative I never knew existed suddenly appeared. It dawned on me that we have always made time for this ritual because that particular mode of connection — sharing a meal, the clatter of plates, the unpacking of the day that unfurls naturally from sitting alongside one another — speaks to us, and the fact that it speaks to us gestures to things deeper-held. So, too, with writing every day. So, too, with getting dressed every morning. So, too, with a nearly tyrannical insistence on a tidy home. These are elements of my life that gesture at who I am that have remained unchanged. They feel as natural to me as walking, but, come to think of it: they require vigorous reprioritization of all else. The world could be on fire (it felt that way in 2020), and my bed will still be made, and I will be wearing mascara and something I love on my body, and I will sit down at my battled-tested keyboard, used so heavily that the “A” and the “E” have worn faint, to write so that my world can, for a time, come into crisp focus on the page in front of me. And at night, I will place the napkins and cutlery at our designated spaces; I will praise the food in front of us; I will share my day and he his; and after, as I was the dishes, and I will know, even if the thought is inarticulate, that I am a kernel of myself at the moment. I am at my essence.
Do you feel you nurture connections with previous versions of yourself on a regular basis? Are there habits, customs, activities, sources of joy you insist on because they make you feel connected to how you define yourself?
+Love this boxy sherpa sweatshirt. I have a similar one from Everlane I wear frequently in the chilly mornings, but really love exaggerated/large collar on the COS style. I also would not have thought to style it with dressier pants as they’ve done on their site — inspo!
+Oh my goodness, I adore the color/pattern of this blouse. This smaller-print floral from Baybala has a similar color palette. I’m daydreaming about pairing either of these with greens and burgundies to ground them for fall.
+Influenced by Becky Malinsky to consider this well-priced navy sweat pant and sweatshirt set! I’m not really an athleisure girl, but this chic and retro-ish duo is currently in my cart!
+ADORE the details on this dress for girls. Heirloom vibes!
+How adorable is this wipe-clean personalized “chore chart” for children?
+Totally inspired by La Ligne to wear more bold stripes this season. Love this neon scarf, this fun beanie, and this Harry Potter-esque knit scarf. The red and navy would look so good paired with stripes of a different width/guage, like this.
+I mentioned that one of the women I used to babysit for had a nubby/sherpa Prada bag she wore in the fall and I always thought it was the epitome of chic. Prada came out with a similar style THIS YEAR. I’m getting the look for less with this.
By: Jen Shoop
Over time, we have gradually upgraded nearly every element of our bed and bedding situation to maximize comfort. You spend, like, a third of your life in bed! Why not make it the best it can be? Below, some of our favorite finds — many of them carefully picked to last decades! The photo above is actually from a couple of bedding iterations ago
01. SERENA AND LILY PONDICHERRY BED. I bought this for the first home we owned (in Chicago) and it remains one of my favorite pieces of furniture we’ve ever purchased. It is dramatic but inviting, comes in tons of fabrics, and wonderfully made. We are actually in the market for a new bed as we finally upgraded to a king size mattress and moved this bed to our guest room. We are in a limbo because we are still finishing up many of the plans and designs for the first floor of our home with our designer, and we want to take on the primary bedroom as a separate project once those areas are complete. I’ve long wanted a dramatic canopy bed for our primary, but we do have a fan in the middle of the ceiling and so I’m not sure that will work. There’s a part of me that just wants another Pondicherry, but that feels overly redundant. Stay tuned!
03. BOLL AND BRANCH WAFFLE BED BLANKET. I’ve talked about this bed blanket no less than four hundred times, but it is just the loveliest finish to a bed. It has the perfect weight, adds dimension/texture to your bedding setup, and comes in tons of great colors. Instant hygge.
04. TARGET 400-THREAD-COUNT PERFORMANCE SHEETS. These were a welcome a surprise to me — I’d read that these were rated “the best budget sheet set” by Wirecutter, and they have not disappointed. I know some of you Magpies have reported that you originally bought these as “back-ups” given their reasonable price point, and ended up using them as “your main sheet set.” I can see why. These are remarkably close to Boll and Branch IMO and just a great classic white sheet set.
05. HILL HOUSE CHANCERY LANE EURO SHAMS. We have four layers of pillows on our bed: king-sized sleeping pillows, these HHH euro shams monogrammed with our initials (love their monogramming options — so modern), decorative S&L shams, and then a long bolster in the front.
06. SERENA AND LILY EMBROIDERED SHAMS. We don’t own this exact set, but we do use S&L decorative shams on our primary bedroom bed — they have SUCH great designs and are fun to mix and match with other elements of the bedroom. Also love these solid-colored quilted ones, especially tucked behind a statement bolster like this or this. Fill with these inexpensive inserts (no. 14 below).
07. THE LAUNDRESS NO. 723 DETERGENT. This elegant detergent smells faintly of roses. I launder everything else with Tide (over time, have learned you just can’t beat it when it comes to stains/color preservation), but love to launder our bed linens in The Laundress for the faintest hint of elegant scent.
08. SAATVA ZENHAVEN MATTRESS. We recently upgraded to one of these hybrid mattresses and it is incredible. I’ve never slept so well! I will say it took about two weeks to adjust. It is firmer than our previous memory foam style. But this is really a fantastic mattress — I won’t bore you with the details, but Mr. Magpie did a ton of research into the best mattress given that he runs hot, and I sleep on my side, etc. This one is excellent. We also bought mini a Saatva brand junior mattress a month ago. Deluxe!
09. ST. FRANK ALPACA THROW BLANKET. These come in the most gorgeous colors and add extra color/dimension to your bedroom. A bought this in gray for our primary!
11. GHOSTBED MATTRESS PROTECTOR. We purchased both for our bed and for mini’s. It’s meant to extend the life of your mattress.
12. MATOUK DUVET. I have been eyeing this pattern forever — it’s already in my mind as an option when we upgrade our bedroom. I’ve also heard excellent things about Frette bed linens and Yves Delorme, and will also consider options from these linen brands whenever we get closer to decision-making time.
13. FEATHERED FRIENDS DOWN COMFORTER. This was actually a gift from Mr. Magpie — he loves to ferret out aspects of my everyday life and then upgrade them with “the best you can buy.” These down comforters are incredible and made to last a lifetime. You can customize the fill by how warm/cold you like to be. They are so incredibly fluffy and warm, and my favorite part of nestling under the covers.
14. PILLOWFLEX EURO SHAM INSERTS. Inexpensive but they have a nice, full shape. I use these in our primary bedroom as well as our guest bedroom for the euro sham sets. And PSST. We have some of Boll and Branch’s signatured hemmed euro sham pillowcases on some pillows in our guest room and these super cheap $17/2 sets mixed in, and it’s almost impossible to ascertain the difference to the eye. The B&B are better quality and softer but given that these euro shams are generally just decorative, these are great back-ups/mix-ins.
16. WOOL DRYER BALLS. I use these with all of our laundry, but they are especially genius with sheets, as the balls help keep the sheets from clumping/twisting and helps them dry more evenly. Also much better/more sustainable than dryer sheets!
17. BOLL AND BRANCH SHEET SET. Wonderfully soft and easy-to-launder sheets. These do not wrinkle as much as other higher end brands and are highly breathable.
Not seen above, but I have been very impressed with the sheets I’ve purchased from The Company Store for my daughter and for the bunks in our top floor. They have such great prints and a soft, satin-like finish. They are often running promotions, but the current one is really good!
*Image above from our stay at the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, Spain. Mr. Magpie and I visited there pre-children, pre-start-up-days, pre-New-York, pre-pandemic, pre-pre-pre. It is for me a place that represents the antecedent to a lot of my current life.
I received a number of emotionally-rich messages in response to my post on Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy” last week. I was particularly arrested by three:
“Had such a visceral reaction to this post. I love this song and one of my most cherished memories with my mom was seeing Fleetwood Mac in concert. She loved this song. Felt like she was talking to me through this post today.”
“I had a therapist tell me something similar once — ‘you never lose your baby,’ as in, because they grow up. She opened my eyes to see that they are always there inside, all the different ages of them (and of us), and what a gift that we know all of their ages along the way.”
“Reading this today as I am visiting the place I lived for 15 years (San Francisco, coincidentally). We moved away a year ago, while things were still largely very different because of the pandemic and the city was pretty empty. Now being back with beautiful weather and a more normal level of activity here, I’m really struggling with feeling sad and homesick! Like I can’t shake it and even during moments of having fun with old friends I am inwardly feeling grief over losing my old life. I’m trying to associate nostalgia with positive feelings like Stevie, but really struggling!”
In short: things lost, things redeemed. All of these messages circle, in different ways, around grief, which is duly appropriate because it turns out that “Gypsy” is itself a lamentation in the truest sense — Nicks wrote it in part to honor her childhood friend Robin Snyder Anderson, who passed away in 1982. Nicks said: “I tacked on a line for my friend Robin, my best friend, who died of leukemia: ‘I still see your bright eyes.'” Elsewhere, Nicks commented that “Gypsy” — and especially that line — was always difficult for her to perform because of her private anguish over this loss.
Even without that context, the emotionally potent lyrics stir and reassure us as we stare down losses of any variety. What Nicks offers us is the secours that we have everything we need inside. We have the memories, the experiences, all of our children’s ages, the bright eyes. I feel transformed by this vision. I have spent so many years thinking about Elizabeth as a void, an absence. Sometimes it feels as though my memories of her are on the brink of dissolution, as though leaves against a grate. How incredible to imagine her instead as a fullness I carry with me? Something intact and portable.
I was thinking about this in relation to a Brandy Carlile song that I absolutely love called “The Mother.” I hadn’t paid much attention to it (though I listen to Carlile a lot) until I heard her perform it live at Wolf Trap last summer, and I felt like I might cry. “The Mother” is a gorgeous portrait of matrescence and specifically the way the world keeps marching on while we are undergoing tremendous metamorphoses — how everything about us and our lives as new mothers changes, as though colored in differently overnight, while the rest of the world persists, unaware. There is so much to love about the song but what struck me on a recent listen, while reflecting on some of your messages about ‘Gypsy,’ was this passage:
Outside of my windows are the mountains and the snow I hold you while you’re sleeping and I wish that I could go All my rowdy friends around accomplishing their dreams But I am the mother of Evangeline
They’ve still got their morning paper and their coffee and their time They still enjoy their evenings with the skeptics and their wine Oh but all the wonders I have seen I will see a second time From inside of the ages through your eyes
Carlile is in some ways mourning her former life. She watches as friends endure in their ambitions and enjoy their rowdy nights out and lazy mornings in, while she finds herself tethered to her daughter. But Carlile knows that she will recoup those “losses” by seeing the world “a second time,” through her daughter’s eyes. This, too, feels like a piece of the puzzle at which Nicks is playing. To my friends missing San Francisco, their mothers, the baby years: you carry them all with you. You are laden with those riches; they are forever ready for redemption. In the words of Carlile,
All the wonders you have seen you will see a second time.
+I wore these Madewell boots on Instastories last week and I’ve never received so many questions about something I’ve worn before! They re-released them in a lace-up version this year, and you can get the look for less with these. I like that they have the lug sole but aren’t quite as dramatic/chunky as some of the other styles out there on the market right now. Like Doc Marten’s girlish little sister.
+Everyone needs a puffer vest like this. I own one in an almost identical color. Love to layer over green sweaters for tone-on-tone action.
+Are we shopping for our children’s holiday gifts yet? This kitchen set was a big hit. We bought it for our children last year. I liked the “footprint” — not too big/bulky, and aesthetically pleasing.
+Are you scheming something chic for your Thanksgiving table? I am contemplating this inexpensive tan gingham tablecloth (I already own) with these fun scalloped napkins and these spiral candlesticks, and then introducing some color with a garland (<<I ordered this exact one last year) down the center and some burgundy posies.
+Burberry-inspired car coat for a little lady for under $40.
+A great wardrobe staple. The little gray stripe at the cuff adds a little interest. Pair with a dramatic skirt for next level fashion moment.
+Dreamy velvet heels for a formal affair this winter.
+This fringed shirt jacket situation is on its way to me now. OMG. Ralph vibes! Want to pair with jeans and suede boots, or maybe chocolate brown pants…
+How amazing are these counter stools? The design feels so high-end, architectural, intentional! Love.
+Looking ahead to holiday, how great are these scalloped plaid napkins and placemats? At a more reasonable pricepoint than I’ve seen elsewhere, too!
+Do I need more plaid?! I am dying over this black watch dress!
By: Jen Shoop
+BUILT IN STYLING. We recently had built-ins designed and installed (with our interior designer, Kelley Proxmire, helming the process) in our family room and I am having a lot of fun figuring out how to style the shelves. I was thrilled to bring our enormous cookbook and literature collections out of boxes and various nooks and crannies to put them on prominent display in our family room. Sifting through all of my old books brought me such joy. I had almost blotted out memories of Ezra Pound (I wrote and defended a graduate school thesis on his poetry in The Cantos) and now I stare at his name every time I sit down on the couch. It’s like a past version of myself, brought into the foreground. I’ve also realized how important little colorful knick-knacks and objets are to making the shelves feel “styled” rather than “stuffed.” I put my foo dogs out and am eyeing this fun set of decorative boxes from Jonathan Adler for one of the shelves.
+PAM MUNSON x ATLANTIC-PACIFIC TOTE. Apologies for the redundancy of my enthusiasm about this bag but !! I could not be more thrilled with it. The perfect size for me right now. Roomy enough to carry everything I need, plus items for the kids. The navy would also be a good color choice.
+CHILDREN’S COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES. I loved my son’s look at the pumpkin patch earlier this week: his favorite red boots and this Patagonia fleece. But now that the mornings are in the 30s, I’ve had to buy some warmer gear. I shared all my favorite finds a few days ago, but I especially love this adorable statement puffer from Maisonette’s house brand (currently 20% off).
+PHAEDON COOKING BOOKS FOR KIDS. These are the cutest interactive “cookbooks” for littles — they walk children through every step of making pizza, tacos, etc. My children love the pizza one and I just ordered the taco one. What I like about them is that they invite children to think about sequencing, and engage them in the process of preparing food. These would be a great gift!
+NAVY DRIVING LOAFERS. These are such a great staple. My toxic trait is buying statement shoes that have limited use cases, and I’m thrilled I had the foresight to buy one pair of solid navy shoes to serve as the “grounding element” when wearing patterned/colorful dresses this fall. These are a great price and very comfortable. You can see me wearing mine in the photo above with my Frances Hart dress.
+FRANCES HART DRESS. Speaking of that dress — Natalie of Frances Hart recently sent me this beautiful striped dress for fall. Her dresses are so easy and comfortable to wear, and work for all phases of motherhood, including maternity. A neighbor just texted me asking for “chic maternity brands” and I of course pointed her in the direction of Frances Hart. Otherwise, I relied on inexpensive basics from H&M, Gap, and Old Navy in black, white, navy, stripes that I could then punch up with loud shoes and statement accessories.
+J. CREW BLAZER. I have been getting so much use out of a tan blazer I bought at J. Crew a few years ago that looks to be nearly identical to this one. I wore it twice this week — once with the look above and once with ecru pants and a black turtleneck. Basics!
+VINTAGE CHANEL EARRINGS. My best friend gave me a pair when I was her maid of honor and they are one of my most treasured items! I have been wearing them a lot lately, especially when I’m wearing more tailored pieces like blazers, button-downs, etc.
+CHOCOLATE BROWN OBSESSION. I can’t stop thinking/wanting all things chocolate brown. I have this chocolate brown printed dress from Anna Cate (courtesy of Tuke Bazaar) on its way to me, in addition to this headband, and this ribbed turtleneck. I’m also going to order these faux leather Paiges in luxe brown, and keep coming back to this blanket skirt (very Ralph) and these reasonably priced suede platforms.
My Latest Snag: Pamela Munson x Atlantic-Pacific Teddy Tote.
Oh my gosh, I am in love with my new Pam Munson x Atlantic-Pacific Teddy tote (!) I had been looking for a straw/woven bag to work into my fall wardrobe after being inspired by some of the chic peas I shared in this post, and this one with the croc leather detail is perfection. Teddy has been accompanying me everywhere. I like pairing her with autumnal colors (as seen below, paired with my favorited Alemais x The Avenue blouse, which I know I’ve mentioned a lot, but I’ve worn it a ton because I find the pattern goes with everything…navy, olive, burgundy, orange, marigold, chocolate, taupe, denim, etc!), but she’s also an outfit-maker if I’m just wearing jeans and a tee. I have known Pam for a long time now and am a huge admirer of her, her brand, and the quality of her handbags. She incredibly generously gifted me this bag and I will be wearing it close to every day this fall.
P.S. You can find all my outfit details here. You must take note of the alpaca sweater from Alice Walk — it is so gorgeous IRL and the type of piece you buy once and hang onto for a life time. The quality of her knitwear and her cotton pieces, too, are incredible for the price. Alice Walk sent me this sweater, but I have purchased many items of hers in the past. I am obsessed with the quality. Elevated, wear-forever basics.
This Week’s Most Popular: Fall Finds.
01. LIGHTWEIGHT CRUELTY-FREE BLENDABLE CHEEK BALM FOR A NATURAL ALL-DAY FLUSHED LOOK
05. SILKY LONG-SLEEVE MAXI DRESS WITH A HIGH NECK IN A STUNNING DEEP RED TEXTURED PAISLEY PRINT…SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DRESS OOZES SOPHISTICATION
06. SLIGHTLY OVERSIZED GREY AND WHITE STRIPED TURTLENECK SWEATER WITH DROPPED SLEEVES FOR A RELAXED, COMFORTABLE FIT — PLUS, THIS KNIT IS CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR HALF-OFF!
07. VINTAGE-INSPIRED HIGH-RISE MEDIUM WASH JEANS WITH A DISTRESSED RAW HEM AND TAPERED LEG FIT
08. ULTRA-CHIC COTTON POPLIN CURVED HEM NAVY BUTTON-UP WITH DRAMATIC FEATHER-TRIMMED CUFFS — THIS FRESH TAKE ON THE CLASSIC OXFORD IS ELEVATED, YET STILL PLAYFUL
09. CROPPED, FITTED FAUX LEATHER JACKET WITH FUR-TRIMMED COLLAR AND CUFFS
10. HIGH-RISE 70’S FLARED CORDUROY PANTS IN A RICH MAROON JEWEL TONE THAT IS PERFECT FOR FALL
11. BREATHABLE PINK MESH DRAWSTRING RUNNING SHORTS WITH CONTRASTING TRIM FROM A COLLABORATION BETWEEN TRACKSMITH AND J.CREW
12. MULTICOLOR PAISLEY PATTERNED LONG SLEEVE CORDUROY BLOUSE WITH VOLUMINOUS SLEEVE AND PINTUCKING DETAILS
13. LUG SOLE FAUX LEATHER CHELSEA BOOTS FOR THE LITTLES
14. PERSONALIZED TRAIN-THEMED KID’S SPIRAL BOUND LINED SKETCHBOOK THAT COMES IN JUST ABOUT EVERY COLOR IN THE RAINBOW
16. CHUNKY OVERSIZED KNIT EXAGGERATED TURTLENECK SWEATER…ONLY $40 FOR AN INCREDIBLY COZY WARDROBE STAPLE!
Weekend Musings: Slow + Steady in Interior Design.
Do you follow Homeworthy? My dear high school girlfriend and multi-Emmy-award-winning producer Alison Kenworthy tours fabulous houses and interviews the fascinating people who have made them homes. It is a treat to poke around some of these spectacularly decorated interiors, and especially to have the interiors narrated by their owners, many of whom annotate with witty, charming stories. I absolutely loved her recent tour of Melissa Smrekar’s 1930s cottage, which Smrekar describes as “Town & Country Tenenbaum” in style. I was immediately drawn to the lived-in, quirky, eclectic feel of her home. Every detail in it tells a story. Every drawer pull and pillow seems to say, “Come here, let me tell you something.” I love that personality and texture, and it inspired me as I slowly work to decorate my new-ish home here in Bethesda. It’s a long-term project, as we have many treasures we’ve accrued over the years, but not nearly enough to cover the larger space in which we now find ourselves. Smrekar’s home was a reminder to “go slow and steady,” collecting over time, adding only items that spark serious joy. We intend to live in this home for a long time, and I want every piece to feel special. That means we have some very sparse rooms at the moment, but that’s OK: “Monet grew his gardens before he painted them.” I mean, does anything worthwhile happen overnight anyway?
Shopping Break.
+Love this classic ballet flat, which comes in the BEST colors — ballet pink and mustard yellow being my favorite. Note that it is included in Net-A-Porter’s up-to-25%-off promotion. I would bundle with this quilted Ganni coat and get both for 20% off. Winter staples, covered.
+Serena and Lily is running a warehouse sale that includes $20 crib sheets (!!! these are a really good quality crib sheet, and the gingham pattern is darling!) and Euro shams for a song (such a fun way to punch up your bedroom — or to make it a more neutral, plush retreat with these solid colored quilted ones). And how great is this bold striped rug?! For a boy’s room/bathroom/entry/kitchen?
+I had been hunting for a nightlight for my children’s bathroom (we’ve been living the linen closet light on with the door ajar in there so they can find their way in the middle of the night), and I found the CUTEST Etsy shop that does monogrammed linen shade style ones!
+Dudley Stephens has released some interesting new shapes this season – drawn to this long fleece vest! I have been surprised by how much wear I get out of my vests — especially this reasonably priced sherpa one (currently 30% off). So nice to add one extra layer on top without all the bulk.
+But back to D.S. — this classic turtleneck fleece in the basil green color is on heavy rotation for me. I am surprised by how much I love this piece. Honestly, I was skeptical — “what’s the fuss about?” But I find myself reaching for it in the mornings, when I’m dressed to go running but getting the kids ready for school / walking the dog / etc. It is warm, but the turtleneck part isn’t suffocating, and the material is layerably thin. It feels a bit more polished than a sweatshirt.
+You can get the D.S. look for less with this Gap steal! The hot pink is so fun.
+Excuse me, these $140 chocolate suede pumps look like A MILLION BUCKS. SO CHIC. I want to pair with these, which are currently sitting in my cart, waiting for checkout.
+OMG! JMcLaughlin released a gorgeous woven tote that is deeply reminiscent of the Bottega Arco I’ve been swooning over. Understated chic! I’m impressed with a lot of their accessories. This little sherpa bag turned my head. When I was in my teens, I babysat for the chicest woman on the planet, and she often carried around a little Prada bag with a similar nubby/sherpa texture in the winter. I saw the JMcL bag and my heart sang! I can be like her! Without the Prada price tag!
+Wiggy Kit has some truly fabulous pieces in corduroy — consider this gorgeous dress!
Wow! We woke up to some 35 degree mornings this past week, which kicked my winter weather shopping into high gear. Micro has been wearing this cozy Patagonia fleece and Hunter boots (seen above) most days, but the boots are not insulated, and the fleece does not have a hood, so I finally bought micro one of these Helly Hensen puffers (on sale in a few colors but selling fast). Historically, I have purchased my children the Patagonia Hi-Lofts which are incredibly well-made and designed, but I’ve heard such good things about HH, and it was on sale! For mini, I am torn because they only have the same green color I bought micro in the HH coat left in her size and I’d prefer they not match (?). This Maison Me patterned puffer is in my cart — SO fun. I’m not sure how it will stack up quality-wise to Patagonia or HH, but then again, we live in D.C. and it’s much more temperate than Chicago and NYC here. I’ve applied the same reasoning to snow boots this year. I have usually invested in Sperry Saltwaters for them, but it feels wasteful given that we have only a little bit of snow each year in the D.C. area. (Note: I find the Sperry Saltwaters run TINY at least for the toddler/little kids sizes — size up a full size or two.) I bought them instead the Gap ones (for him, for her), which were around $40 each with codes TREAT and GAPDEAL. I am hoping to make their snow bibs from Polarn O. Pyret from last year stretch one more year and then, next year, I think micro can wear mini’s pair and I’ll just buy a bigger size for mini. These are excellent quality snowbibs from a great Scandi brand — so you know you can trust. I used to bundle mini in these on really cold school days — she had about 15 minutes of walk each morning and afternoon, and they used to have to line up outside! If you are looking for a ski snowsuit for your little one, check out Reima. This brand is also Scandi and also excellent and I’ve heard their snowsuits in particular are fantastic, and the coverall style is best-suited for children (keeps them very warm, no snow gets in, etc.). I did buy mini one of their parkas last year and it is exceptional.
Anyhow, below, some of my favorite finds for children staring down a cold winter.
Credo is offering 20% off sitewide on its outstanding collection of clean beauty products. I finally got my hands on Westman Atelier’s widely-lauded complexion drops, but there are so many items that I own and adore also included in the promotion — and a couple of newer discoveries I am eyeing, too.
I am in the midst of testing a bunch of new beauty products for an upcoming “Honest Review” post. I will provide a thorough review of the Westman Atelier Complexion Drops, as well as a few Merit Beauty finds (including their flush balm and great skin serum), and Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream. I’m realizing all of these products are clean! The only non-clean item I am in the midst of testing is Chanel’s Inimitable Mascara, which my sister swears by (and has the lashes to prove it). I had Trish McEvoy’s popular mascara in my cart, but then realized it was a tubing mascara, and I really can’t stand tubing mascaras! I’ve tried so hard. I love the effect but cannot stand removing the tubing mascaras. So going to test Chanel instead.
BTW, speaking of mascara, if you are a clean beauty enthusiast, two of my favorite mascaras — clean or not! — are Ilia (on sale above) and Saie. Both are fantastic everyday mascaras.
A: Sutterheim! Been eyeing one for years. Also feel like everyone should own a utility/rain jacket hybrid like this perfect one from J. Crew. Works in rain, wind, as a transitional jacket, layered over sweaters, layered over hiking gear, etc. For something a little sportier/heartier, check out this cool colorblocked style from Cotopaxi. (They also make eye-catching hoodie-style anoraks.)
Q: Shopping for outfits for a November wedding in Antigua!
A: Check out the dresses from Eddy! Fabulous prints in more fall-friendly colors, but in cuts/fits that work in warmer weather. Higher end: anything from Andres Otalora.
Q: Looking for some warm but chic headwear for a November visit to Helsinki. I’m thinking Nordic Noir…
A: An Acne beanie first sprang to mind — major street cred amongst the chic Scandis. I dream of pairing with a cool jacket like this or this (<<really good deal). La Ligne x Target also has some really fun striped knit hats, and then I love this monogrammable style from La Ligne proper. For something sportier, I actually really like the graphic designs on these ones from North Face.
Q: Commute friendly boots. I live in Vancouver so weather (!) but also loathe to carry a change of shoes when carrying all the bits and bobs you take for work. What are the cool/cute commute and weather-friendly boots to get us through the darkest of winter?
A: I would look at Bernardo! They are known for making weather-resistant, high-quality shoes but with a more fashionable (less sporty) flair. These and these are marketed as rain boots but they are so elegant/sophisticated and I’d totally wear them into the office. Also love these, and how great are these?! On the more fashion-forward side, Sam Edelman’s water-resistant Laguna boots are popular year after year — and with good reason. They work in inclement weather, are under $200 (some colors under $120 ATM), and are highly on-trend.
Q: Knee high boots for petites with shaft under 15″.
A: These are perfect. Love the shape of the heel and overall silhouette. Would layer beneath midi-or-maxi-length fall floral dresses (lots of options here) personally. Otherwise, I would look for a slouchy boot where you can kind of scrunch up/down the shaft. These are SO gorgeous.
Q: Engagement photo dress for outside in November.
A: Congratulations! If you want something white/cream to gesture to the impending nuptials, this Cleobella is spectacular and you could style with tan suede booties for a boho romantic moment. If you’re OK with pattern, this Anna Cate is gorgeous and feels celebratory, this La Ligne is saucy and fall-appropriate, this OPT reminds me of Cara Cara but for under $200, and then I adore the idea of this Alemais top with the matching skirt (you can see me in my top here — the pattern is beyond). If it’s chilly, you could always layer a gorgeous fall patterned dress under this cream quilted coat as a gesture to the occasion. Even just wearing over your shoulders in some of the photos would add dimension.
Q: Fun fall blouses — no viscose or polyester — under $100.
A: The aforementioned Boden hot pink top is 100% cotton and 1000% chic. Also adore this metallic-print Gap and these dramatic button-downs from J. Crew — 100% cotton, too.
Q: Family photo outfit for me and a baby boy. Preferably under $100.
A: Adorable! I would wear this cord mini OR either this or this (in the brown colors — all three currently on sale for under $50 if you apply the coupon codes advertised on the site) and put your boy in either a little knit set or these cord overalls with a white turtleneck beneath.
Q: Fancy 40th birthday lunch at Polo Bar in November.
A: SO fun. What first came to mind was this velvet mini with Gucci tights and a feathered or faux fur bag. Pair with black boots/booties to dial it down a bit or go all out with some black velvet platforms. Yowza! If that’s too…too, I feel like Ralph would look favorably upon these brown faux leather pants, a cableknit sweater, and this fringed shirt jacket over it all, preferably finished with Gucci logo loafers, Chanel quilted loafers, or these outrageously fun sherpa lug sole ones from Talbots! If you’re looking for more of a one-and-done dress moment, je te donne this La Ligne, this Maxwell and Geraldine (in either the floral or the plaid), this Anna Cate, or this Hill House (with black tights).
Q: Fall Baptism dress (as the godmother).
A: Such a special role! Love. A lot of the dresses in my Thanksgiving roundup would work beautifully. Especially love my Cleobella as well as this Cara Cara and this similar but less expensive OPT. Ophelia and Indigo also has a really pretty dress I’ve worn a few times this fall that would be perfect for the occasion — and it’s under $200. (P.S. – how sweet are these Biblical verses for a baby? Great Baptism gift.)
Q: Fun dress for a rehearsal dinner the night before the black tie wedding.
Q: Desperate for work tote big enough for 13″ laptop and chic enough for post-work drinks.
A: Splurge: Bottega Arco bag. (Drooool.) Bargain: this sherpa-sided Zara. Naghedi also makes a great haul-everything tote in a fun woven material. Love it in the brown for fall. I also have and love my Annabel Ingall tote – simple, unfussy, logo-less, and comes in tons of colors.
During the pandemic, in search of ways to organize my life and elevate the everyday, I built “an end-of-work buffer” into my daily routine. I extended my nanny’s work day by 15 minutes (clock out shifted from 5 to 5:15 PM) and, at 5 PM sharp, I would shut down my computer, return my notebooks and pens to their homes, tidy up my workspace, and change clothing. I had found I was struggling with the amorphousness of working from home and caring for my children. Toggling between writing and parenting had become challenging, especially at the end of the day, when my mind was still wrapped around words, but my body was hurtling abruptly into the intricate pattern of tasks that had to get done before bedtime. I discovered that defining a “buffer zone” at the end of the work day — even just 15 minutes! — to decompress, switch from one mode to the other, and physically change my outfit, helped dramatically with marking the end of my workday and the beginning of my evening. I found myself much better equipped as a parent with this small change.
I do not always keep up with this ritual now that we have more space and my children are at school, but I know I will do it now that tartan nap dress season is on the horizon. I straight up love their plaid nap dresses; they are the perfect “transitional” outfit to wear at home in winter. When it is cold, I almost always wear jeans/corduroys/pants during the day, so I love the sensation of slipping into a dress that makes me feel pulled together and feminine, and also incredibly comfortable.
If you buy one thing from this collection, I would personally recommend their tartan Caroline dress for peak “Clara” vibes. I pair with my green velvet Vibis and a glitzy headband if I want to really feel festive. You will feel so chic and cozy at home with this while sipping champagne out of a coupe — trust me.
I also still love layering the Ellies over turtlenecks and beneath fun cardigans like this. And if you’re looking for an adorable Christmas day / eve dress, the Louisa is adorable!
I love the look of their plaid Cher dress but I did order this last year and had to return — I found the fit did not work on me; the skirt really flared out and looked almost costume-y on me, and the bodice was too long. I was bummed because I had grand visions of pairing with opaque tights (<<Spanx are still my longtime favorite pair) and a white button down. It might work on you if you’re taller? This year, I’m contemplating the skirt version.
I’m also totally dead over their plaid platforms. These would be so epic with velvet trousers or a velvet mini. Happy shopping!
P.S. I just launched my holiday shop and will be continuously adding great new holiday scores there. Some must-haves for the season included in this post.
