Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via State Bags featuring their adorable backpacks and lunchboxes.

I did a deep dive into backpacks in advance of the new school year. There are so many cute options out there. This year, I needed to find something of a sufficient size, with a pocket for a water bottle, for mini, as she will actually need to start carrying things to and from school. (In preschool, her backpack was exclusively used for lunchbox and random incidentals.) Below, all my finds!

Backpacks for K-4.

My top picks for K-4 students are either State Bags Kane Kids (not the mini size) — I especially like the rainbow heart pattern this year, and you can get a matching lunchbox! — and Crate and Barrel’s medium size backpack (not the large). I showed mini the options and she picked C&B’s style in the tiger print, along with the matching lunchbox. I had mini’s backpack monogrammed but I also love the idea of adding a little laminated bag tag if you prefer to go that route. And how CUTE are these teddy bear keychains to personalize the bag further?

Backpacks for Preschoolers.

For preschoolers, I have loved Paravel’s folding backpack, which weighs nothing and is the absolute perfect size for a tiny tot. It’s just big enough to fit one of those gumdrop lunchboxes, which both of my children have used for the past few years, a water bottle, and a spare sweater. It can also fit a folder if bent a bit at the top. It’s truly perfect for the tiniest kiddos. My other top picks for that age group would be State’s mini size bag — everything we’ve owned from State has held up really nicely over the years — or Minnow’s quilted backpack. I might give Minnow a slight bump in the rank because it has a water bottle holder built into the side. It occurs to me that it might be a good baby travel bag, too, because you could keep bottles in the sides. Budget buy: this rainbow tie-dye Target steal. Stoney Clover-esque, but under $20. You can personalize with these patches!

Lunchboxes for Children.

I did come across a few cute lunchbox options this year, in case you don’t buy one that matches your backpack and aren’t a big fan of the monogrammed gumdrop style. This inexpensive tie-dye reminds me of Stoney Clover and you could again personalize with patches. New-to-me brand Fluf has some darling whimsical prints worth a look. I also liked this roomy colorblocked style, which can fit a water bottle and has a compartment for fork/knife.

For inside the lunchbox, I love these Yumboxes (somehow leak-proof) and these inexpensive divided lunchboxes — the latter fits absolutely perfectly inside a gumdrop lunchbox and has the perfect shaped compartments for a sandwich, fruit, and something crunchy. I’ve also heard good things about the brand Bentgo, but they really are pricey!, as well as Ekobo. Don’t forget the lunchbox notes!

More Cute Backpacks for Littles.

Below, a mix of some more cute backpacks/lunch bags. Be sure to check dimensions! The smaller sizes are great for travel / shorter outings / preschoolers.

CRAYOLA COLLABORATION TWO-TONED WAVE PATTERNED BACKPACK WITH GREEN CONTRAST ZIPPERS AND LOTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMPARTMENTS — THE COORDINATING LUNCH BOX IS EQUALLY ADORABLE (AND ON SALE!) TOO

BRIGHT RED EXTRA LIGHTWEIGHT DAILY BACKPACK FROM PARAVEL…I AM STILL AMAZED AT HOW SMALL THIS BAG CAN FOLD INTO

LIGHT BLUE MINI-SIZED BACKPACK WITH FLYING DRAGON PRINT WITH ENOUGH SPACE TO FIT A LUNCH BOX AND 11″ LAPTOP

SURFING THEMED COTTON-CANVAS DURABLE BACKPACK WITH FOREST GREEN ACCENTS

BLUE GINGHAM ADVENTURE-FRIENDLY QUILTED BACKPACK WITH SIDE POCKETS — THIS PIECE CAN ALSO BE MONOGRAMMED

CLASSIC ZIP-UP BACKPACK WITH MESH POCKETS IN A COLORFUL DINOSAUR PRINT

STONEY CLOVER LN NYLON BACKPACK WITH CONTRASTING GOLD ZIPPER…TONS OF SOLID COLORS AND CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS TO MAKE THIS YOUR LITTLE ONE’S FAVORITE

INSULATED QUILTED LUNCH COOLER IN A NEUTRAL FLORAL PRINT

EXPERTLY-DESIGNED DURABLE PINK BACKPACK WITH ADORABLE LITTLE RED STAR PATTERN — THIS KNAPSACK IS ALSO MADE OUT OF RECYCLED WATER BOTTLES

ROOMY FJALLRAVEN-STYLE RECTANGULAR BACKPACK IN A VIBRANT RAINBOW TIE-DYE PRINT

BLACK AND WHITE ALL-OVER DINOSAUR LINE DRAWING BACKPACK FOR THE ASPIRING PALEONTOLOGIST IN YOUR LIFE

LUNCHBOX ACCESSORY: I AM OBSESSED WITH THESE SUPER CONVENIENT AND COLORFUL DINOSAUR-SHAPED REUSABLE ICE PACKS THAT COME IN A SET OF FOUR

LEAK-PROOF AND EXTRA-INSULATED PASTEL TWO-TONED CLASSIC LUNCH BOX

SAILOR STRIPED ZIP-TOP LUNCH TOTE WITH DURABLE CANVAS HANDLES AND OUTSIDE ZIP POCKET FOR MORE ORGANIZATION

BABY-SIZED QUILTED COLOR-BLOCKED PASTEL BACKPACK

P.S. Family daytrip gear.

P.P.S. Motherhood is a surfeit.

P.P.P.S. Avoid the why.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Co.

I recently read a stirring blogpost by a mother who homeschools her four children. I find the subculture of homeschooling fascinating, principally because I cannot even remotely fathom doing it myself. I’m being flip here*, but for one thing, I am already getting sweaty palms waiting for math homework advice from my daughter. What is a quadratic equation? PEMDAS? I don’t have faith in my own foundations outside of the language arts. I’d need to re-learn everything. Case in point: I am transferring mini to a Catholic school this upcoming fall because I feel I am not doing justice to my goal of raising her in the faith. I take her to Church, try to bring God casually into everyday conversations, hope that I explain and live out its core tenets, but — ! I don’t even know that she could recount the basic Bible stories. Anyhow, these misgivings are ancillary to my point in mentioning this blogpost, which is that I was tremendously moved by a section in which the author, Rachel Ringenberg, writes about a fourteen year old boy, Cole Summers, who recently died in a kayaking accident. The boy was homeschooled because his parents were homebound due to disabilities. The boy wrote about his educational experience as follows: “I started unschooling specifically because I started watching videos of Warren Buffett on YouTube at my father’s suggestion after I asked him, “Daddy, how do people get rich?” I was fascinated by Mr. Buffett’s teachings about how he uses the process of elimination in his decision-making. I guess I was an odd six-year-old. At that time, my parents were trying to copy public school curricula. I asked if I could make studying people like Buffett my school instead, and they said yes. That’s how I spent my first grade year. I learned about business, but I focused on decision-making processes.”

Ringenberg responds to this by saying: “I couldn’t help but contrast Summers’ obvious joy in his work with the message many young people are given today: not yet/you don’t know how/there’s nothing left to discover/wait until you’re older.”

Wow. The insight has followed me like a shadow since. Mr. Magpie and I have always been on the same page, aspirationally, about empowerment when it comes to our children. I remember many early parenthood conversations about this, and how our intentions even shaded things like which color scooter to buy mini, and balancing the purchase of STEM/building toys with dolls, and nurturing the strange interests small children seem to cultivate. Mr. Magpie in particular is mindful about explaining what he is doing in accurate (not dumbed down) language when fixing something, cooking, gardening. He often engages the children in these tasks and his tone is matter-of-fact, as though he’s talking to a peer. We openly and regularly discuss business in front of the children, specifically our inquiries into why companies are doing what they are: “they must be trying to acquire a new customer segment by doing y” or “why would they be selling these? that seems ancillary to the business.” We welcome their participation in these conversations, however meandering they are. Reading Ringenberg inspires me to take the intention further. For starters, I know I will now feel a little “PING!” go off whenever I reach for language like “wait until you’re older” or “you don’t know how yet.” But the most practical imperative I am taking away from this thought exercise is how to continue to cultivate mini’s interest in the visual arts. She is a prolific and talented artist — always scribbling, painting, drawing comics, tracing shapes, doodling, writing notes — and is nearly always sitting at her little art table in her room when I pause in the doorframe. She will often tell people she is an artist, or good at art. She says this without the faintest hint of squeamishness or self-aggrandizement — she recognizes her talent and tells it like it is. Clearly, I have impressed upon her the possibility, discipline, and joy of pursuing creative work, but I could do more to scaffold this interest: classes? new media? trips to museums? books on art? all of the above?

With micro, I could do a better job observing his interests in the first place — these poor second children! He has a mind for puzzles, sets with configurable parts, and sequencing in general. I will need to do some research into activities and programs that scaffold these budding talents.

More to come. I’m writing this very much on the fly in the hopes of cementing the intention here and revisiting over time. In the meantime, I plan to reach for responses like:

try it

you can do it

there’s so much to discover

Post-Scripts.

*I know homeschooling, for many, is a philosophical undertaking, and there are many inputs in the decision that stretch far beyond my surface-level discomfort with my foundations in math.

+On maker’s time vs manager’s time.

+I must sometimes remind myself to “write in soft pencil.”

+What to do when you’re feeling run aground?

+My daughter cheers me on.

Shopping Break.

+I have been hearing such good things about this perfume — I’m intrigued enough to buy a rollerball of it! Usually I alternate between Narcisco Rodriguez’s “Her” and Diptyque’s “Fleur de Peau.”

+Love these affordable wicker x-benches.

+Have no idea how, but this cute striped sweater is under $10.

+Fab white top for fall.

+On the theme of child empowerment, I love the book “Julia, Child.” It encourages children to see that they have a unique, valid, and valuable perspective that rivals and occasionally supersedes those of adults.

+Love this gingham dress.

+Also love this dressier white blouse!

+This gold heart pendant is engraveable — so chic as a layering piece.

+If you’re not a color manicure gal, people love this sheer pink nail conditioning treatment from Kur.

+This gorgeous Ulla dress is 70% off – perfect for a bride to be!

+These seamless bralettes look so comfortable.

+Chic cashmere striped sweater for just over $100.

+Cute, affordable shelves for a nursery.

+Newborn mamas: people are raving about these inexpensive, solid colored burp cloths as THE most absorbent, soft option.

+This linen jumpsuit situation is wildly chic.

+Love these pretty jewelry rounds — great gift!

+These personalized blankets are adorable.

+This $35 dollar bag!!!

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above courtesy of Zsa Zsa Bellagio.

Below, a digest of my top picks for wardrobe staples for the fall — pieces that can mix and match and be worn all season long.

FLATTERING TWILL WIDE-LEG PANTS IN A HIGH-RISE CUT — PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH FOR WORK, BUT COMFORTABLE ENOUGH FOR ANY OCCASION

WASHED INDIGO LONG-SLEEVE POPOVER HENLEY WITH CASUAL ROLLED HEM AND DROPPED SHOULDERS — $50 OFF WITH CODE JULY22

FLEECE MOCK-NECK LONG-SLEEVE WITH RAW HEMS IN AN EFFORTLESSLY CHIC CUT…ALSO $50 OFF WITH CODE JULY22

ANKLE-LENGTH COTTON HIGH-WAISTED STRAIGHT-LEG PANTS IN A VERSATILE TAN SHADE WITH OVERLAPPING BUTTONED WAISTBAND

COTTON-JACQUARD BLEND CLASSIC SHAPED CARDIGAN IN A SAILOR STRIPE

PLATFORM ESPADRILLE SLIP-ON LOAFERS WITH A RICH OLIVE SUEDE UPPER

MAXI-LENGTH RIBBED BUTTON FRONT IVORY LONG-SLEEVE COLLARED SWEATER DRESS WITH WAIST-TIE

MULTICOLOR NEUTRAL-TONED MINIMALIST COURT SNEAKER — VERSATILE AND COMFORTABLE

RELAXED FIT HIGH-RISE JEANS IN A WORN-IN MEDIUM WASH WITH A STRAIGHT-LEG CUT — THESE ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR A GREAT PRICE, AND IN MY OPINION, TOTALLY WORTH THE INVESTMENT

VINTAGE-INSPIRED CHUNKY KNIT BUTTON FRONT CARDIGAN WITH OVERSIZED CONTRASTING BUTTONS

HIGH-WAISTED IVORY JEANS IN A WIDE LEG CUT WITH A RAW HEM THAT MODERNIZES THIS CLASSIC RETRO STYLE

POINTED TOE VIBRANT CHESTNUT SLOUCHY BOOTS WITH A KITTEN HEEL

LIGHT-WASH CITIZENS OF HUMANITY BAGGY JEANS MADE IN A SUBTLE BARREL CUT WITH TASTEFUL RIPPED DETAILS

MULTI-TONE NEUTRAL SUEDE SNEAKERS WITH VELCRO CLOSURE, GUM SOLE, AND ZIG-ZAG TRIM DETAILING

ANOTHER VINTAGE INSPIRED FIND: MADEWELL SLIM-FIT CIGARETTE-FIT CROPPED JEANS IN A DARK WASH

STRETCH-LINEN NAVY-COLORED FITTED DOUBLE BREASTED BLAZER WITH LARGE ORNATE GOLDEN BUTTONS…THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE YEAR ROUND WARDROBE STAPLES

P.S. Earth-toned.

P.P.S. Elevated loungewear.

P.P.P.S. Things I know for certain.

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snag: A Lot of School Gear for Mini.

I will do a full post with all my back to school buys soon, but I was committed to doing all of my daughter’s back to school shopping this past week, realizing how quickly we are closing in on the start of school. Micro is pretty well-set since he just started Montessori last January and I bought him all new backpack, lunchbox, indoor shoes, etc then, but mini needed a bigger backpack, uniform regulation shoes and socks, sneakers, etc. A few of the items I ordered this week…

THESE LABELS

THIS BACKPACK AND THE MATCHING LUNCHBOX (<<MINI PICKED THE PATTERN!!! I LOVE HER SPIRITED STYLE)**

JEFFERIES CREW SOCKS AND GAP TRIPLE ROLL SOCKS (<<THESE GAP ONES ARE JUST THE BEST…SOFT, THICK, AND HOLD UP WELL; SHE IS PUSHING IT THIS YEAR OUTGROWING THE LARGEST SIZE BUT THEY RUN GENEROUSLY/ARE STRETCHY AND I THINK WE CAN MAKE THEM WORK A LITTLE LONGER)

I DON’T WANT TO PANIC YOU BUT I HAD TROUBLE FINDING HER NAVY MARY JANE CIENTAS IN HER SIZE! ORDER NOW IF YOU NEED THEM!

NEW HAIRBOWS – I LIKE TO TIE HER HAIR IN PIGTAILS OR TWO BRAIDS AT THE MOMENT, AND THESE ARE INEXPENSIVE ENOUGH THAT I WON’T FREAK OUT WHEN THEY INEVITABLY GO MISSING…

The last thing I’m contemplating is athletic shoes, which she’ll need for gym. I’ve seen a lot of little ones wearing NB velcro styles, and they’re just not my favorite, though I can see the appeal — they look easy for little ones to put on and well-cushioned. If I go this route, I’ll get these in the fog color or these. I really want to buy her these Nikes, though. So cool! But I am trying to be practical and know that a full velcro shoe is more practical — these in the honeydew/pink color are probably my front-runner at the moment…

**I had wanted to order her this State Bags style in either the rainbow heart pattern or pink tiger pattern (and their matching lunchboxes), but when she saw that blue tiger one, she begged me for it. Blue is her favorite color, and she took an immediate, intense liking to it. I usually order her items myself, without discussion, but the backpack seemed to me like a good way to get her excited about her new school and give her a sense of ownership. I presented her with a handful of options I thought were fun and she liked that one best. Bonus that it cost $40 less!). I will say that after scouring the web for backpacks that are functional and stylish, I kept coming back to State and CB Kids. A lot of the other ones I liked had adorable patterns but were too small, didn’t have a water bottle holder, or seemed like they had cheaply made zippers? I know that’s a weird observation to make purely from photos but sometimes you can just tell the quality, and I want this backpack to last several years.

You’re Soooo Popular: Summer Finds.

The most popular items on Magpie this week:

CREAMY WHITE BUTTON FRONT QUILTED JACKET WITH REMOVABLE STATEMENT COLLAR — THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF THE PERFECT VERSATILE TRANSITION PIECE

CLASSIC ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT — THIS WAS MY SURPRISE FAVORITE SWIMSUIT I BOUGHT THIS YEAR

MULTI-TONE NEUTRAL SUEDE SNEAKERS

CROPPED HEAVY CANVAS DRAWSTRING HEM JACKET WITH CORDUROY COLLAR AND CUFFS — SUCH A CHIC, UPDATED TAKE ON THE CLASSIC WORKWEAR UTILITY JACKET

HIGH-RISE CROPPED PANTS WITH EXPOSED BUTTONS AND PATCH POCKETS IN A RICH OCHRE COLOR FROM VERONICA BEARD

GORGEOUS MOTHER OF PEARL FLOWER-SHAPED EARRINGS WITH A SWIRLED CENTER…OPTION TO MAKE THESE CLIP-ONS TOO!

VIBRANT ORANGE HIGH NECK MAXI DRESS WITH SMOCKED BODICE AND OPEN BACK

SHORT SLEEVE FRENCH BLUE COLLARED MAXI-LENGTH SHIRTDRESS WITH WAIST-TIE FOR EXTRA CURVE DEFINITION

CHIC CUSHIONED RETRO-STYLE SUEDE AND MESH LIGHT GREY REEBOK WALKING SNEAKERS…THIS 90S BRAND IS HAVING A STREET STYLE MOMENT

SET OF TWO WOVEN RAFFIA STATEMENT HAIR CLIPS — THE PERFECT ACCESSORY FOR A TROPICAL VACATION OR EVEN JUST RUNNING ERRANDS IN STYLE

LIGHTWEIGHT CREWNECK LONG-SLEEVE SWEATSHIRT IN BLACK WITH SIDE CUTOUTS

BREATHABLE GAUZY COTTON SHORT-SLEEVE COLLARLESS BUTTON FRONT SHIRTDRESS

COLORBLOCKED NEUTRAL COURT SNEAKERS FROM MADEWELL — — OWN AND LOVE THESE IN A DIFFERENT COLOR

KORRES ULTRA-MOISTURIZING LIP BUTTER STICK THAT ADDS A SHIMMERING PINK SHEEN BEHIND FOR A NATURAL LOOK

SET OF TWO LIGHT BEIGE PATIO CHAIR COVERS TO PROTECT YOUR FURNITURE DURING SUMMER STORMS AND THROUGHOUT THE OFF-SEASON

WHITE LEATHER FLAT SLIP-ON SANDALS FROM FRENCH SOLE — PAIRS WITH LITERALLY ANYTHING FROM YOUR CLOSET FOR EFFORTLESS SUMMER STYLE

Weekend Musings: Value What You Have When You Have It.

I re-shared this Instagram post from BeingMethod earlier this week:

“Value what you have when you have it.”

The caption reads: “This is one of the foundations of abundance. You cannot look at your life through a lens of lack.”

This resonated powerfully with me this week; I needed to hear it. Not so much because I feel I’ve been outright taking things for granted, but because I have been rushing and frazzled, and letting unimportant things cloud my perspective. I have been carrying around a long list of “to dos” like they are a leaden sack. Returning from the beach, my mind was skittering in twenty directions: figuring out the technical glitch on my site, laundry, unpacking and repacking for our next trip, caring for my sick son (well, this was important), ordering mini’s uniforms using convoluted uniform guidelines, figuring out how and when I’d finish my creative work for the week, making several returns and completing other errands, picking up my new Invisalign trays, scheduling dental appointments for the children, submitting school forms, scheduling car repairs, responding to a lot of unanswered emails. None of these things were in and of themselves substantial or particularly onerous. But I was storming through my days. When I read these words, I realized how badly I needed to create space between myself and those urgent but relatively trivial matters. I know they will get done — I trust myself to be thorough. And these errands speak only of our many blessings! I am lucky to count these chores as my own.

Mainly, though, I realized I needed to sit back and take the long view of things. I can get so bunched up around minutaie that do not in the long run matter. I want to be better about popping my head up above the surface and taking a deep breath. Mindfulness, etc.

I thought I’d share today in case you’re in a similar boat.

Onward…!

Shopping Break.

+Ended up treating myself to this patchwork SEA coat for early fall…I’ve been wanting it for so long! Get an extra 20% off using code YOURULE.

+I know a lot of us are only shopping for fall at the moment, but Mott50 is offering an extra 40% off sale prices using code EXTRA40. I’ve been eyeing this rash guard and the matching style for mini all season! (With code, the rash guard for littles is only $31!)

+On our most recent trip, I found little zippered pouches like these great as “toy carriers” — my children filled them with cars and animal figurines. (BTW: pro mom tip. Don’t give them the whole box of cars / figurines at once. Give them 2 or 3 at a time and keep some in reserve as a surprise when you need it at a restaurant / in car / etc.)

+Fab late summer dress. Chic chic chic.

+Vogue just declared these “the best white t-shirts.” I’m intrigued; as you know, I love their striped tees. I’m also intrigued by Ayr’s “supercool” tee.

+Petite Plume pajama vibes for under $15.

+My two favorite investment bags for the fall season: this Khaite or this Bottega.

+Currently reading this book — Mr. Magpie’s distant cousin finished it while we were at the beach and gave it to me. It is SO fun and such an easy read. Very cinematic – I can’t help but cast actors/actresses for all the characters! Can totally imagine it as a new Netflix show.

+I know some of us are over a puffed sleeve, but this top is fab (look at the embroidery on the plaquet!). Would look amazing tucked into high-waisted denim. (BTW, found some pairs of Khaite’s popular Abigail jeans on sale here and here.)

+This under-$100 Gap dress is a dead ringer for SEA. WOW! Great fall colors, too.

+Thinking ahead to Thanksgiving…this would be a good gift to bring when visiting out of town family for the occasion!

+I’ve shared this beauty a few times, but it keeps coming to mind as a perfect fall statement dress. A best-seller for a reason!

+Adorable fall floral jams for your little lady.

+OBSESSED WITH THESE SHOES FOR WINTER.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above via Cheree Berry Paper featuring their adorable school pennants.

I can’t believe how quickly school is coming up! Today, sharing a few outfits and accessories to contemplate as we head towards fall. I will have a separate post going into depth on children’s backpacks and lunchboxes on Monday!

For girls, I am a sucker for the embroidered school-themed dresses, and I especially love this Cecil & Lou (under $40) and this Lullaby Set this year. Mini wore this Cadence dress from Bellabliss a few years ago and it was charming.

For boys, I’m drawn to a button-down in a cheering gingham with shorts and Keds. Crisp, classic, handsome. I’m torn between that look or this Minnow shirt with these shorts and floafers.

I have used this reversible first day / last day flag for several years — I love that you don’t need a separate one for each grade level, and it has the “last day” on the back! I got ours in navy with a gold ribbon, thinking it’d be timeless and gender-neutral. If you want a designated pennant for each year — Cheree Baby Paper!!!

My favorite back-to-school book is The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn — it’s a sweet and reassuring book about separating from parents. Mini also loves this Amelia Bedelia, which is characteristically punny, but also has a lovely message that humanizes the teacher.

Buying back to school jammies like these or these is a good way to celebrate and mark the eve of the big day — we’ve also done things like calendar count-downs (where we cross off each day until the start of school) in years past. I think doing little things to really drum up the excitement go a long way — even making specially-shaped waffles in a heart or something out of the ordinary.

LULLABY SET APPLE DRESS // CHUS RED CANVAS BOW SHOES // THE KISSING HAND BOOK // ERIN WALLACE BACKPACK TAG // LACOSTE POLO // TBBC PLAID SHORTS // ERIN WALLACE STICKER LABELS // FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN FLAG // LITTLE ENGLISH RED GINGHAM BUTTON-DOWN // FLUF TOMATO LUNCHBOX // HIHEART RAIN JACKET // LUNCHBOX NOTES // CPC KIDS PETER PAN COLLAR BLUE DRESS // CIENTA MARY JANES // FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL CHALKBOARD // CECIL AND LOU GREEN GINGHAM DRESS // AMELIA BEDELIA BOOK // KEDS GRAHAM SNEAKERS // EKOBO BENTO LUNCHBOX // TBBC APPLE JON JON // FLUF SNACK MAT

The Back to School Boutique.

P.S. Mama mia, I was so crushed when my son started at Montessori.

P.P.S. Transitions are hard.

P.P.P.S. Home organization inspo. I find that when things seem crazy, it helps to put my home in order.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Veronica Beard featuring their reversible quilted coat — currently on sale!

I’m now firmly riding on the fall train. I have been working myself up into a frenzy contemplating outerwear for the season. I am especially loving this quilted Ganni, this patchwork SEA, this dramatic scarf collar Toteme, and this elegant blue cashmere topper. Shockingly, some of these spectacular pieces are on sale! All my favorite fall coat picks below, thrown in with a few fab clogs, too…

BLUE THEORY CASHMERE COAT // QUILTED SEA BY CHLOE BLUE FLORAL COAT // TOTEME SCARF JACKET // TOTEME ROBE COAT // FABRIZIO VITI DAISY CLOGS // QUILTED EXAGGERATED COLLAR GANNI COAT // VERONICA BEARD REVERSIBLE QUILTED PATCHWORK COAT // NO. 6 SHEARLING LINED CLOGS // SEA PATCHWORK CAR COAT // BANANA REPUBLIC CROPPED UTILITY JACKET // J. CREW DENIM LADY JACKET // TARGET NEUTRAL CLOGS // J. CREW COLLARLESS BLAZER COATIGAN // BLAZE MILANO CAMEL BLAZER // J. CREW CONVERTIBLE STUDDED CLOGS

Fall Coat Boutique.

P.S. One of the most attractive traits in my husband: his openness to joy.

P.P.S. Siblings are the best.

P.P.P.S. Recent Amazon finds.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Sandra Semburg.

A reader recently asked me to share “a few classic items that scream ‘hot French mom.'” Ha! Below, sharing some sleek outfits and accessories for my cool mom Magpies…

BUGABOO FOX STROLLER // J. CREW VINTAGE COTTON TEE // TORTOISE HAIR PINS // LA LIGNE SWEATER // ARTIPOPPE CARRIER // AMAZON SUNGLASSES // MERCI MAMAN NECKLACE // EVERLANE BOXY STRIPED BUTTON DOWN // CITIZENS JEANS // DAGNE DOVER NEOPRENE BACKPACK // PERSONALIZED AIRPODS HOLDER // CELINE TRIO BAG // BANANA REPUBLIC OVERSIZED WHITE BUTTON DOWN // LOEFFLER RANDALL BRAIDED SANDALS // ISABEL MARANT BETH SNEAKERS // SWADDLE SET // CLARE VIVIER TOTE // KULE STRIPED TEE // HERMES H HEURE WATCH

You might also find inspo here.

P.S. Motherhood is a surfeit.

P.P.S. What to wear home from the hospital.

P.P.P.S. In case you’re “in it” as a mom today.

By: Jen Shoop

My son was sick with a stomach bug for nearly a week. I have a perniciously invasive case of medical anxiety when it comes to my children, and my mind immediately skips to the worst case scenarios. I fret over every symptom; I creep into their rooms to confirm they are breathing; I wring my hands; I feel useless; I find myself imagining the logistics if a trip to the E.R. is necessary. I have learned how to gate-keep my worries in most other areas of life, but illness, when it visits my children — it undoes me. During my son’s recent sickness, I performed sunshine in his presence but immediately clouded over when out of view. My husband reassured me. My mother reassured me. My sister reassured me. Our pediatrician reassured me. And still, I was overcast with worry. One afternoon midway through my son’s malaise, my husband took me in his arms and told me, in chipper and then gentle terms, that I needed to snap out of it. I resisted, turning my cheek, feeling instead a lump form in my throat. He sighed as if to let me know he was disappointed, but then let me be, affording me a wide berth.

As the afternoon wore on, his upbeat, then quiet, entreaty on this matter opened me up to the possibility of looking on the brighter side of things. His insistence that our son would be OK made me feel as though I could release my grip a bit. I slowly thawed. I apologized to my husband for my foul humor. He gave me a look that said: “I’m so glad you’re back,” and then brushed it off. I returned to the business of caring for our boy with more pleasantness. When he threw up on me in the middle of the night for the third night in a row, I felt only determination to make him comfortable and clean rather than the dizzying spiral of anxiety.

We have made it through. My son is now returned to me, toilet jokes and yogurt-crusted-cheeks and all. (Funny, what you miss when your children are not themselves.) My husband remains the even keel to my emotional wake. But a small, oblique learning from this experience, borrowing the well-formed language from a quote I found on Instagram: “maturity in a relationship is not expecting to always be on the same schedule. you are not always going to feel good at the same time. one may need more rest than the other, one may need more time to heal.” Amen to this, amen to my husband’s patience, amen to his valiant attempt to cheer me up and then generous retreat in order to give me the space to digest.

Post-Scripts.

+Musings on my daughter’s recovery from double ear infections.

+My husband has given me the world.

+Twilight on the Potomac.

Shopping Break.

+I am in love with polo sweaters at the moment – I wore an olive green one from Everlane all last winter. Think I need this striped one, or this one!

+Cute wide-leg white jeans.

+Clever under sink organization.

+These personalized pencil boxes are SO cute.

+This bag is absolutely adorable – love the colors! — and I also love this. Both are fall-friendly variations on the bucket bags that have been so popular this summer.

+Martha’s wildly popular short sleeved puffer vest is available in tons of colors!

+Staud’s recent collab with NB is epic. I love this coat.

+MZ Wallace vibes for $25.

+I have these suede flats in the navy and they are perfect with long dresses like this as we head towards fall.

+Sweet personalized sketch pad!

+These gingham mary janes for girls are too cute.

+Chic windbreaker to throw on over a workout look.

+Obsessed with the color of these Levis.

By: Jen Shoop

Any late night shopping buddies out there? I just saw that Net-A-Porter is offering an extra 10% off all purchases with code SORRY10 because their site was down yesterday. On top of that, some of their clearance items are 80% off! Don’t mind if I do…

A PERFECT FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN

A RIDICULOUSLY SOPHISTICATED TOTE BAG

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

THIS MR. MITTENS CARDIGAN IS IN MY CART…ALSO LOVE THIS CROPPED STYLE FROM THE SAME BRAND

THIS DRESS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART BUT I’M IN LOVE

JUST THE PRETTIEST DRESS I’VE EVER SEEN…PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS, ENGAGEMENT PARTIES, COCKTAIL PARTIES, RECEPTIONS

THESE JEANS HAVE A CULT FOLLOWING

WAIT BUT DO I NEED THIS TOTEME WRAP COAT…EUROPEAN CHIC!!!

I WORE THIS ON CHRISTMAS LAST YEAR AND FULLY INTEND TO WEAR IT AGAIN THIS YEAR…GOING TO BE MY “CHRISTMAS DRESS”

YOU KNOW MY THOUGHTS ON LA LIGNE SWEATERS

Shop My Sale Picks.

P.S. BATNAs.

P.P.S. Organizing your closet.

By: Jen Shoop

I loved the look above — mid-wash denim (currently eyeing this pair from COH), a white blouse, a striped chunky knit around my shoulders, and a pair of unfussy ballerinas. This led me to evaluate some chic pants and jeans I’m in love with for the season ahead, which I’m sharing below…

SELF PORTRAIT CARDIGAN // A PIECE APART MERIDA PANTS // J. CREW NAVY CASHMERE POLO SWEATER // VINCE PLEATED PANTS // J. CREW SUEDE MULES // ANNA MASON WIDE LEG TROUSERS // MOTHER PATCH POCKET CROP JEANS // BANANA REPUBLIC STRIPED POLO SWEATER // VERONICA BEARD CROSBY TROUSERS // KHAITE ABIGAIL JEANS // ALEX MILL CARDIGAN // EVERLANE FLATS // CITIZENS CHARLOTTE JEANS // MADEWELL GRIFF PANTS

Even more options with styling notes below…

GAP’S HIGH-RISE TROUSERS — PAIR WITH A STRIPED TUCKED-IN TEE

VINCE PLEATED PULL-ON TROUSERS FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THESE) — I LIKE THE IDEA OF WEARING THESE WITH A NAVY CASHMERE CREWNECK TEE (CAROLYN B. K. VIBES?) OR POLO SWEATER

APIECE APART MERIDA WIDE-LEGS

EMERSON FRY BABAS PANTS

KHAITE ABIGAIL JEANS

GAP FACTORY HIGH RISE KHAKIS — COME IN COOL COLORS FOR FALL

MADEWELL’S WIDE-LEG PERFECT VINTAGE JEANS…IMAGINE WITH A FITTED TOP LIKE THIS OR THIS

MADEWELL’S GRIFF PANTS — PAIR WITH A BLAZER…UPGRADE PICK: VB

DEFINITELY ORDERING THESE CITIZENS AFTER SO MANY OF YOU RAVED ABOUT THE STYLE…CAN’T DECIDE IF I LIKE THIS WASH BETTER

LESET TEDDY PANTS — I AM PLANNING ON BUYING THESE ISABEL MARANT SNEAKS AND FEEL LIKE THESE GO TOGETHER SO PERFECTLY

SPANX TWILL WIDE-LEGS

FAITHFULL OTTAVIO PANTS

WOW THESE ANNA MASON HOUNDSTOOTH TROUSERS

LOVE THE WAIST DETAIL ON THESE MOTHER JEANS

AYR BARREL PANTS — THIS SHAPE IS SO TRENDY!

FRAME LE PALAZZOS

JENNI KAYNE MARINAS!

VERONICA BEARD CROSBIES

P.S. Chic kitchen decor.

P.P.S. When was the last time you felt really happy?

P.P.P.S. Summer self-care.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Sandra Semburg.

Q: Fabulous gown for a black tie NYC wedding in October.

A: This Ulla is spectacular — 20s flapper meets 90s minimalism. This burgundy belted dress also stopped me in my tracks — and under $250. I would pair with pearl accessories! Other options…

YOU KNOW I CAN’T RESIST A BOW

POLKA DOTS ARE SO FUN AND THROWBACK

LOVE THE DRAPING

MONIQUE MAGIC

THIS PINK COLUMN DRESS…WOW

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOR (PAIR WITH STATEMENT EARRINGS LIKE THESE OR THESE)

VERY ON-TREND

WILD SPLURGE: ANYTHING BY MARKARIAN

Q: The unicorn of work trousers – not too high waist or wide leg.

A: J. Crew, Veronica Beard, and Theory have great, polished options. If you’re game for a trendier take, pleated trousers have made a comeback (check out La Ligne’s founder Meredith Melling in a pair here for inspo), and I would consider these or these. For more of a slim fit style, Spanx’s pants get rave reviews.

Q: Your favorite staple shower products.

A: I alternate between Pantene Pro V shampoo/conditioner and Oribe. The latter is like 10x the price of the former, and I think both are excellent. Oribe is slightly more luxurious in scent and lather but I have really good luck with Pantene. For wash, I love Molton Brown’s body washes — they lather so beautifully, are unisex (my husband loves them too), and smell absolutely fantastic. I’ve not yet found a scent I haven’t loved. Rhubarb and rose is probably my favorite — surprisingly, not too feminine for a dude! I also use a gly/sal 10-2 cleanser on my back that my dermatologist recommended — it’s the only thing that has treated back breakouts induced by workouts for me. I was obsessed with my Lov Scrub loofah for awhile but did find it eventually needed to be replaced (starts to smell!), and then I switched back to inexpensive $3 loofahs from CVS. I also tried the silicone style loofahs because they are resistant to bacteria (apparently loofahs need to be replaced frequently to prevent this) but they just don’t lather nicely enough. I don’t know – $3 loofahs, replaced frequently, for now. I love my Billie razor for shaving. It’s not that the razor itself is particularly unique or wildly more effective, but I love all the thoughtfulness around the shaving experience — it comes with a little magnetic holder you can attach to your wall so it’s out of reach of little hands, and so the head of the razor doesn’t get all congealed and stuck to your shower bench / caddy; you can subscribe for refills so you never have to think about it; the colors are fun; it’s affordable; etc. Finally, I use this apple cider vinegar rinse every now and then when I feel like my hair needs it. Sometimes I feel like it yields great results and other times I honestly can’t tell if it’s done anything — I like the feeling afterwards but then find I need to wash my hair more quickly.

Post-shower: I need (!) a fluffy white towel from Matouk, and I like to put on my Weezie short sleeved robe, which is much cooler and more comfortable than a traditional LS one. I spritz my hair with this protectant/leave-in conditioner (this really works for my hair) and slather on Fresh body lotion, which I’ve used for years and years now. I love the consistency and scent.

BTW – OXO’s shower caddy is incredible. My brother stayed with us for ten days earlier this summer and specifically commented on the quality of the caddy in the guest bathroom! Ha!

Q: Fall pants for boys?

A: I like the ones from Oso and Me — they come in great colors and aren’t too baggy. I also like the pull-on jogger styles from Gap, and I plan to try Minnow’s pants this fall for my son. (I like Minnow’s shorts, though I do find the material requires more ironing than other brands — PSA.) I find J. Crew runs too narrow for my son – he’s slim but I always feel like the button barely closes?

Q: New bedding for two little girls sharing a room. To pair with the Jenny Lind spindle beds.

A: So sweet. Love those beds! I’m going to share a bunch of different things, some duvets, some sheets. A lot can mix and match, or you can go bold on the duvet (fill with this inexpensive insert) and stick with those fab inexpensive Target sheets I was just raving about.

Q: Stylish and functional rain coat for girls’ road trip to Ireland in October.

A: I’ve wanted a Stutterheim forever — so chic and minimalist. (Look for less with this.) Barbour is great quality — you’ll buy one and have forever — and they have heavier weight and lighter weight options. J. Crew also has a great, versatile style. For something more athletic / for actual outdoor adventures, I would consider this Helly Hensen, this Lululemon, or this Marmot.

You didn’t ask, but I love these TB rain boots as an alternative to Hunters!

Q: Tall boots for skinny legs.

A: Trendy splurge: Khaite. (Look for less with these.). That particular style works well I think with slender legs because they are so tall and narrow by design. Timeless, classic investment: Loeffler Randall (I find this brand runs pretty narrow/slim in general).

Q: Chic dresses for upcoming vacation in Kennebunkport — help!

A: Fun! A few vacation-ready dresses I have been eyeing:

Q: A light pink cardigan! Ideally not super fitted – to wear over nap dress and with jeans.

A: I would look at Kilte or La Ligne!

Q: Outdoor wedding in Maine at the end of August. No puffy sleeves!

A: I like the idea of this Anna Mason, this Self Portrait, this Lug Von Siga, this Agua Bendita, or this Rhode. You might find even more inspo here and here!

Q: Top five items to buy for fall.

A: A fresh pair of jeans, a chunky striped knit (also love this Alex Mill for less), a statement coat, clogs, and layerable tees.

By: Jen Shoop

Per my post yesterday, we just returned from a weeklong beach trip and the drive down ended up being 8.5 hours instead of the usual 5.5 owing to traffic and accidents. Wow. We were frazzled and falling apart by the end. I’d love to say I kept my patience and engaged my children in learning-centric activities for the entirety, but one thing I learned is that a long car trip is not the time for me to make a point about limiting screen time — at least not for our family. Mini gets carsick when she focuses on activities in her lap for too long, and it felt like the only reprieve from “are we there yet?” and “my tummy hurts” was setting up a movie on the iPad, which kept her eyes forward rather than down. That said, it was SUCH a huge help to have a trove of activities, snacks, and surprises to dole out over the course of that long day. I kept a bag with all of these surprises at my feet and meted out accordingly. I also found it was helpful to keep a couple in reserve for rainy afternoons and lunch outings on the trip. A small way to claim some vacation time for ourselves! Below, some great finds and must-haves for car travel, but I want to specifically call out the importance of keeping some clean clothes easily handy (throw up, spills, accidents all happen!); using these little craft boxes as snack kits — tuck an assortment of fruit, crunchies, nuts, etc in each compartment for a fun surprise; and these TableTopics for Kids are great for passing particularly trying stretches of time. My daughter LOVES these, and they engage the whole family. My children also loved the game “A/B/C/etc my name is …., my husband’s name is …., we live in …., and we like to eat…” where you go through each letter of the alphabet and the children come up with answers for each fill-in-the-blank. (Related: I think this Mad Libs game would be SO fun for kids slightly older that understand different parts of speech!) When Mr. Magpie and I were losing it ourselves, I pulled out this 90s music trivia game, which kept him alert and engaged, and then we’d listen to the songs mentioned on each card. Last but not least, these throwback water games were a big hit with mini and entertained her for awhile on the way down!

BRIGHT PINK DIGITAL ZOOM CAMERA WITH TONS OF SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT…MINI LOVES THIS ON VACATION, AND IT’S EVEN GREAT FOR THE CAR!

PINK METALLIC ART SUPPLY CARRYING CASE WITH COLORFUL PAINT SPLOTCHES — GREAT TO KEEP ALL THEIR DRAWINGS IN ONE TIDY KIT

RAINBOW-COLORED WASHABLE GEL WATERCOLOR PENS WITH BLENDING PAINT BRUSH…OOLY MAKES THE BEST ART SUPPLIES

SET OF EIGHT STRIPED ZIP-UP PACKING ORGANIZERS — SIMPLIFIES THE PACKING PROCESS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TRIP

OPEN TOP CLASSIC HEAVYWEIGHT CANVAS TOTE BAG FROM L.L. BEAN WITH CONTRAST STRAP…I SWEAR THESE BAGS ARE INDESTRUCTIBLE, AND I LIKE TO WEDGE THEM IN RIGHT UNDER EACH CHILD’S FEET SO I CAN EASILY GRAB NEEDED ITEMS (DOUBLES AS THEIR FOOT REST!)

SUPER-SOFT SHERPA SLIP-ON BOOTIES WITH SUEDE SOLE FOR YOUR LITTLES AND ADULTS — MY CHILDREN LOVE TO WEAR SOCKS/SLIPPERS IN THE CAR

A COZY BLANKET IS A MUST FOR CAR TRIPS FOR MY LITTLES — THIS MINI-SIZED ADORABLE DOUBLE-SIDED FOREST GREEN CATERPILLAR PATTERNED BLANKET IS MACHINE WASHABLE (AND DRYER-FRIENDLY!)

THESE ANTI-NAUSEA AND MOTION SICKNESS MEDICATED LOLLIPOPS — THESE DID NOT WORK FOR US BECAUSE MINI WAS SUSPICIOUS ONCE SHE HEARD THEY WERE “MEDICINE”…IF I COULD GO BACK, I’D REBRAND AS “SPECIAL CAR LOLLIPOPS”

LIGHT UP EASY-TO-USE BLUETOOTH WIRELESS HEADPHONES IN PINK AND MINT GREEN SO YOU AREN’T LISTENING TO BLUEY FOR HOURS

FOLD-OUT ONCE UPON A TIME GIANT REUSABLE STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK

NUNA RAVA FIRE-RESISTANT CARSEAT — I SWEAR BY OURS

TONIEBOX AUDIO TOY THAT PLAYS ANYTHING FROM BEDTIME STORIES TO EDUCATION CONTENT…PLUS IT COMES WITH ELMO, PLAYTIME PUPPY, AND COOKIE MONSTER FIGURINES…CAN TRAVEL WITH YOU SO CHILDREN CAN LISTEN IN THE CAR

PINK AND RED ORGANIZED HARD SHELL CARRYING CASE FOR THE TONIEBOX AUDIO PLAYER

BAMBOO GREEN LEAKPROOF BENTO LUNCH BOX WITH FUN SHARK PRINTED TRAY — KEEPS LUNCH ORGANIZED AND INTERACTIVE FOR THE LITTLES

DINOSAUR-SHAPED 8.5-INCH WRITING AND DRAWING TABLET WITH MATCHING STYLUS

HARDCOVER FINGERPRINT ART ACTIVITY BOOK WITH NINE COLORS OF SUPER EASILY WASHABLE INK PADS — BEST FOR OLDER KIDS BUT MY DAUGHTER LOVES THESE

A couple of other activities to add to cart…

P.S. A delicious salsa verde recipe.

P.P.S. A question to avoid in awkward conversations.

P.P.P.S. Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Backpacks for K-4.

Backpacks for Preschoolers.

Lunchboxes for Children.

More Cute Backpacks for Littles.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

My Latest Snag: A Lot of School Gear for Mini.

You’re Soooo Popular: Summer Finds.

Weekend Musings: Value What You Have When You Have It.

Shopping Break.

The Back to School Boutique.

Fall Coat Boutique.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Shop My Sale Picks.

Newsletter

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Musings + Essays

Fashion Trends

Home

Motherhood

Backpacks for K-4.

Backpacks for Preschoolers.

Lunchboxes for Children.

More Cute Backpacks for Littles.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

My Latest Snag: A Lot of School Gear for Mini.

You’re Soooo Popular: Summer Finds.

Weekend Musings: Value What You Have When You Have It.

Shopping Break.

The Back to School Boutique.

Fall Coat Boutique.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Shop My Sale Picks.

Newsletter

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