Gap and Madewell have some fantastic new arrivals that are sure to become summer staples. I am especially excited about these high-waisted linen shorts (seen above!), which are giving me major safari vacation vibes and would look so sleek with a black tank and these sandals. And this gauze top is currently marked way down and comes in a range of great colors — such an easy piece to pair with shorts or denim.
I also love (!) the white overalls from Madewell and shortalls from Gap for the spring season, and these white denim shorts remind me of that Agolde pair so many of us bought.
After the incident in which I drove my car through the garage door, a friend sent me a thoughtful email in which she shared a similar experience and wrote that it had been difficult for her to get over. After commiserating and sharing some of my insights and observations, I concluded: “I am now going to forgive myself and move on!”
This, in conjunction with my post on the subject and the comments and DMs I received in response to it, has led me to think a lot about the notion of self-compassion. I think that a big piece of processing these accidents has to do with the way that they suggest — rather forcibly — that you may not have an accurate read on who you are. For example, I consider myself a cautious, responsible person. I do not speed; contrary to Maryland convention (HA), I use my signal; I go to regular check-ups; I triple check things like plane tickets; I send reminder emails for upcoming meetings; I am responsive to email; I rarely misplace or lose items; etc. And so seeing myself as a person capable of carelessness was a jolt to the system. I have friends and loved ones who are accident-prone, or slightly spacey, or just generally a bit rough with their belongings. I love them no less for these traits, but somehow, if one of them had driven a car through the door, I might have thought: “Oh, that’s too bad, but it kind of tracks.” Seeing myself as the instigator really shook me. Am I not the person I think I am?
But no. I had to remind myself that such spiraling was unwarranted. I have a sizable track record to reference: 37 years of taking care. Zero car accidents to date. Not even a bumper scratch! (I am, in fact, an excellent parallel parker, a feat I attribute to living on R Street for several years after college.) This was an aberration, not proof positive that I have miscalculated myself for decades.
Once I’d worked my way around that mental hurdle, I found it helpful to reflect on the incident from another lens I picked up in some online reading: distinguishing between “moral faults” and “unskillfulness” at play in the situation. This disambiguation was helpful for me, as it led me away from the path of self-blame towards the realm of self-compassion. I feel that my mistake was closer to “unskillfulness” than it was to a meaty moral flaw. And so what to do but “refine my skill” — i.e., take on the practices of double checking the garage door, looking clearly in the rearview mirror, settling the children — and move forward?
I hope I have not belabored the point too much, but I share these detailed reflections with purpose because I know many of you share in my struggles with self-blame. For most of my life, whenever anything has gone wrong, I have blamed myself first, including for things I have absolutely no control over. Strangely enough, catching COVID at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020) represented a turning point for me. I was furiously upset with myself — how could I have put my family and neighbors at risk? what else could I have done not to catch it? did I not follow an aggressive-enough protocol? A few months later, I came across a post by a total stranger in which she shared that she’d caught COVID and then let fly an angry missive implying that because other people were not taking COVID seriously, not wearing a mask, etc, she’d caught it and imperiled her health. I was flabbergasted. I saw immediately that she and I had two completely different reactions to the same situation, only I had blamed myself and she had blamed the public. It seemed to me that — and no offense to this stranger, whose reaction was perfectly earnest and valid — neither of us were processing the situation fairly. The discovery made me realize how quick I am to self-blame, and how I could just as easily have blamed the world. The truth is, probably everyone in the equation holds some manner of responsibility, but certainly I was telling myself to bear a disproportionate amount of it. Things changed after that. I have become much better at pulling myself out of that hole and attempting to assess things with a bit more objectivity. My heart always leads me toward the path of self-recrimination, but my head now has the wherewithal to say: “Hm – let’s see about that.”
I shared some of these concepts in abbreviated form on Instastory earlier this week and then asked Magpies: “What do you tell yourself when practicing self-compassion?” The answers were moving and beautiful, and I thought I’d share a few that jumped off the screen:
“Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
“What you got done today was enough.”
“God has forgiven me so I can forgive me, too.”
“Will this matter in five minutes? Five days? Five years?”
And — just for good measure, a little humor: “No one likes perfect people anyway.”
+Pretty spring floral — love the ties! — and also love this delicate ditsy floral from Ref, too.
+These best-selling joggers look like heaven. I will say that when I was sick with COVID and quarantined for 22 days in my NYC apartment, I ordered a couple of higher end athleisure pieces / pajamas and I have zero regrets, including these joggers from Recliner (which are SO comfortable but I don’t think particularly flattering) and a few pairs of jammies from Lake (this is my favorite style). I also was very close to buying a set of washable silk jammies from Lunya.
+I wear this exact straw Birkin bag all the time in the summer months. It’s the perfect size, and I love the way the brown leather handle looks with my brown leather Hermes oran sandals.
+In love with these floral smocked girls’ dresses from Kidiwi. An investment, but so timeless and classic – you could pass down to multiple siblings/cousins.
*Image above of tennis player Chris Evert at the 1971 US Open. EPIC! (Present day fitness finds here.)
Lace is the epitome of timeless, dainty femininity — sort of like crochet’s more formal older sister (but I love crochet, too!). Flutter sleeves and scalloped edges will never go out of style! Below, a selection of my favorite lightweight lace pieces for the coming season. I am personally tempted by this collector’s edition lace nap dress — layer over a black half slip — and this gorgeous heirloom-looking embroidered blouse with lace detail.
HILL HOUSE TIERED MIDI DRESS WITH FLUTTER SLEEVE — COLLECTOR’S EDITION
P.P.P.S. “I must sometimes remind myself to write in soft pencil. Not everything — in fact, only the scarce sacrosanct — deserves copperplate engraving.”
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above via Carolina Herrera. So, so many wedding guest dress questions. I did update my Wedding Guest Shop and wanted to re-share my post on wedding guest dresses under $150. I think I ordered half the internet in search of a dress for my sister’s deferred nuptial celebration this May in Boston (so I feel your pain!) and have finally landed on this Agua Bendita (currently on sale, plus score an extra 20% off with code YOUROCK), as the event will in part take place outdoors and has a botanical theme.
Q: In search of a fancy and flattering dress for a late May wedding at the Inn at Perry Cabin. 5 months postpartum/breast-feeding.
A: Fun! I loved the Inn at Perry Cabin. My first thought was one of the dresses from Cara Cara — I know many of you have selected their styles for Baptisms/newborn shoots/postpartum affairs because many of them have sleeves and a loose skirt but are nipped in at the right spots. Very flattering. However, this body-skimming fish print could be fun given the location right on the water. A girlfriend who gave birth a few months ago recently wore this dress and looked gorgeous in it, and I think it made her feel comfortable given the coverage. If none of those fit the bill, a few favorite late spring/early summer dresses I love: this Agua Bendita, this Scotch and Soda, this Silvia Tcherassi, this Ulla, this J. Crew, this Mara, and this Reformation.
Q: Do you have a gift idea for a couple who was just married in Mallorca, Spain? It was the second marriage for both and in their 50s.
A: Ah! This is tricky because they probably have most of the gear they need for their home, and yet it can be a gamble to give them something too idiosyncratic (i.e., a piece of art / objet). I would probably go for some lovely table linens, a champagne bucket, or a St. Frank alpaca throw. Just beautiful pieces anyone would welcome into her home!
Q: Seen new any men’s sunglasses lately? My boyfriends style is pretty traditional mid Atlantic preppy. (He loved the navy sperrys you got Mr Magpie and was excited to snag a pair!) Bonus points for a sale price or a new inexpensive brand. Thanks!!
A: Hm. Does he already own Persols? This is the style Steve McQueen famously wore. I bought Mr. Magpie a pair maybe a decade ago and he still wears them — they have a ruggedly handsome appeal that I think goes well with the preppy vibe. Warby Parker has some similar styles for under $100. Mr. Magpie’s favorite men’s store, Todd Snyder, carries a lot of round sunglasses from the brand Moscot in its store in Flatiron, and I like the way the preppy-leaning clothes fit with that vibe. The sunglasses are pricey though — you can get the look for less with these Raens. I also think these J. Crew ones are fun. More of a splurge, but the most recent pair of sunglasses I bought Mr. Magpie was by Garrett Leight. I saw Brad Pitt wearing them and basically ordered them on the spot — ha! (Swoon!). Not exact, but J. Crew has a somewhat similar pair!
Q: Lake Como wedding in July – rehearsal dinner is Italian chic and wedding is cocktail.
A: I would wear something by Ciao Lucia to the rehearsal dinner — this in the cornflower blue or this in the tangerine — and then to the wedding, this, this (the lemons feel perfect for Italy!), or this.
Q: Gift for my aunt who is watching my dog for a week. A nice luxury — $150-ish!
A: Love this. I would give her a Cire Trudon candle, a Chappy Wrap blanket, or a set of Cuyana cosmetics cases (you can have them personalized! I have given these as gifts a few times).
Q: Dress for a June wedding on Martha’s Vineyard — one step below black tie. Colorful please!
Q: A 60th birthday gift for a lady at around $100.
A: Happy birthday to her! Lake Pajamas! Always a hit.
Q: A honeymoon travel outfit for a 30 hour flight to the Maldives.
A: A nap dress, a cardigan (also love the ones from Kilte), a wrap, and canvas vibi venezias. The nap dress and Vibis are akin to wearing a nightgown and slippers but with a cute I-just-got-married flair and the rest will help you layer if cold (always the case on planes).
P.S. So many cute getaway/honeymoon trousseau picks here and here.
Q: Long necklace to wear every day. Willing to splurge!
A: Big splurges: a Brent Neale mushroom necklace or a heart necklace from Aurelia Demark. More affordable: the Lizzie Scheck zodiac necklace I layer nearly every day of the week with a few other gold necklaces I love.
Q: A really nice jewelry box/organization system. Not acrylic s’il vous plait.
A: Wolf 1834 makes absolutely gorgeous systems, like this or this. Gilt currently has some of them on sale. I have a lovely jewelry box I bought at Pottery Barn years and years ago — perhaps in college? — that I still have and love, and this one (also PB) is similar. This under $100 stackable tray style also caught my eye as a highly functional solution. I like the idea of being able to take a full tray out to find what you need without messing with drawers.
Q: A new crossbody bag – no price limit.
A: I would spring for something by Celine — their classic box style (mouth waters) or their Sangle if you’re looking for something bigger. I know many Magpies own the latter and love it. I also love this Marni crossbody for summer. So chic. Much less expensive: eyeing this FRP Collection for myself.
Q: Nude sandals that won’t make me cry, 2-2.5 inch heel, under $300.
A: Does gold/champagne qualify as nude? I consider that a neutral. These are perfect. If you want a true nude, I would look at these from Reformation.
Q: Shams for a big girl room — bed is dark wood, walls light green, bedding white and blush.
A: I’m partial to anything scalloped, so how about something like this quilted style or this style in the blush colorway. If you’re looking for a pattern (i.e., sheets are solid), I love this pretty floral from Biscuit.
Today I wanted to spotlight some darling finds from small businesses, many of which I have featured in the past, and some of which are new to me. I once received a note from a small business owner who said: “What you may not have realized is that when you purchased from my small business, we all did a happy dance.” Cheers to happy dances from small business owners today!
I also wanted to specifically mention that the lovely owner of Cygnet Living, Annalise, is offering Magpie readers 10% off their purchases with code magpie10. I also wanted to specifically call out Kyte, whose sleepsacks were my absolute favorite for micro. They held up much better than the brands I used for mini, and come in multiple weights depending on weather/season where you live. Such beautiful colors, too!
CYGNET LONG SLEEVED STRIPED TOP WITH PERSONALIZATION (USE CODE MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF) // CADETS SHORTS // SUNHOUSE CHILDREN SWIMSUIT // MARCELA GIFTS PERSONALIZED HANGERS // PUKATUKA RIC RAC SUN SET CARRIED BY DEAR JAMES // ANN & REEVES SMOCKED DRESS // BELLABEAN PERSONALIZED BUBBLE // TURNIP SEED INITIAL HAT // STARFISH KIDS SWEATSHIRT (USE CODE STAR15 FOR 15% OFF) // COLORME BY MF PERSONALIZED SWEATSHIRT // HONEYBEARPAGES LAMINATED PLACEMAT // WILD IVY BACKPACK // HADLEY & FINN BASEBALL CAPS // GRACE + JAMES DRESS AND SIBLING MATCH BUBBLE // BABY TULA CARRIER // OSO AND ME DRESS AND SHORTS // WIGGLE AND FLUTTER STATIONERY // KYTE SLEEPSACK // HADLEY AND FINN SIPPY CUP / SNACK CUP
A few weeks ago, I backed my car straight into the garage door. I have no explanation or excuse. I was distracted by my children’s demands (“Encanto music!” “Water, mama!”) and should have waited until we were all situated, but instead, I threw the car in reverse. A cacophony ensued.
“Mama, what was that?”
My stomach lurched. I had the wherewithal to slam on the brake, turn off the engine, and sprint up to Mr. Magpie, whose even keel is God’s greatest gift to my flutteringly anxious posture at times like this. Fortunately, no one was injured, we were able to fix the garage door the same day, and the car was still totally drivable/functional (cosmetic issues — though sickeningly expensive ones, of course), but —
I consider myself a careful person and the entire thing startled me.
I’m not sure if I’d accidentally hit the garage “close” button and the door was on its way down and I didn’t notice amidst the complaints of my children, or if I’d stopped the garage door from opening all the way when I first entered that morning by tapping it twice so it was never fully lifted, and the car couldn’t clear fully? Why had I not waited until everyone was quiet and waters were circulated and music set? Why hadn’t I checked in my rearview mirror more thoroughly? We weren’t running late — why was I in such a hurry? I am sometimes progress-minded to a fault.
I am reminded at moments like this of the incident where I ran into a plaster wall while pregnant with micro and split my head open. I searched for meaning for months. What was the takeaway? Why had it happened? Was God teaching me a lesson? I am saddled with the blessing and curse of a writerly mind: I cannot help but chart the narrative pathways that make life “hang together.” I am also a devout Catholic and believe in providence. And so it can be tough to let these things go.
But I will never forget a Magpie reader writing in to say, gently, “Sometimes things just happen.”
I mean: let me be clear. I was driving the car and take full responsibility for what happened. And it did read like a cautionary tale: “Jen, slow down. Jen, take in your surroundings. Jen, check more carefully before pulling out.” Check, check, and check. But maybe the buck stops there. Maybe there is nothing nefarious or sweeping beyond. It was an accident, and I will forever take greater care pulling out of the garage. So much so that as I backed out slowly the other morning, I made several corrections as I rounded a particularly curved portion of the drive, and I muttered to myself: “Take your time.”
Mini, in the backseat, without skipping a beat: “Mama, you’re almost there. You almost did it.”
Something clicked into place for me, as though a square of film in a viewmaster: my children, present when I’d backed through the door, curious but nonjudgmental about the entire thing, and my children, present as I modeled my own cautious adjustments, urging me along. I felt at once the heavy and beautiful responsibility of raising these two tiny humans. I hadn’t given a thought to what they’d made of the entire ordeal, but they’d been sitting there, eyes wide as saucers, taking it all in. My wordless braking and then immediate reassurance: “Everything is OK, I’m going to run and get Daddy.” Mr. Magpie’s quiet, efficient, forgiving tone as he silently, pragmatically jammed the dented door up so I could still get the children to school on time. His compassion despite the fact that I’m sure he was not thrilled about the damage: “It’s OK. These things happen.” Our mindful retreat up the drive and then immediate resumption of all the normal parts of the school drop off routine. It was not orchestrated, but I think now I did a passable job of not letting the children worry too much despite the fact that my mind was spiraling: who would I call to fix the door? (If you’re local and God forbid run into a similar SNAFU, Paul Benson at Benson Garage Doors is the absolute best.) How much would the car cost to repair? And what did it all mean?!
I was startled and empowered by mini’s encouragement that morning. I can only assume that somewhere between Mr. Magpie’s calm reassurance right after the fact and my subsequent attentiveness in backing out that she picked up on the fact that I was trying, hard, and that it is a good thing to nurture those efforts in the ones you love.
So maybe this was the through-line all along: an opportunity to demonstrate how we move on from missteps. Not with browbeating, but with a quiet determination to learn from the mistake and to love each other through it. I hope my children carry that gentleness with them, in their dealings with others but also, importantly, with themselves.
+One of my favorite dresses (have already worn it this season, and it’s been above 50 degrees all of a handful of days) is on sale in a different stripe! This brand runs big. If in doubt, size down. Honestly, I think most people could size down (even if not in doubt).
+Just the prettiest quilt to throw out for a picnic/outdoor park session, or in a nursery.
+I love these pens so much I’ve given them as gifts to two friends.
+LOVE this button-front shirt — so timeless. Feels very Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.
+This puff-sleeved eyelet shirt is another Target win.
+Another nautical print snag: this shirt dress, on sale! Reminds me of some of the nautical prints from Emilia Wickstead a few seasons ago. While you’re there, consider adding this simple black shirtdress to your cart — I swear it will be a total workhorse for you.
+Courtney Grow told me to buy this lip pencil…and I do what she says.
Going to use the promo to test out these Agolde shorts so many of you rave about — and you all know this is my favorite tank to pair with midi skirts.
Spring and Summer Dresses.
The ideal time to snap up your summer wedding circuit wardrobe, with perfect pieces like this Scotch and Soda and this Hannah Artwear. I own this CeliaB in a different pattern but love it in the fun electric green!
Accessories + Shoes.
I have been loving these sneakers this spring (see me in them here!), and these Birmans are currently in my cart. I want them so badly for summer weddings! Fun little trendy shoe. Meanwhile, this Naghedi tote everyone seems to adore is tempting with the discount!
Beachwear.
I will for sure be using the promo to buy a coverup — trying to decide between this style and this one. And I know many of you are big Hunza G fans. An opportunity to buy one one sale!
I’m back asking for more of you! I have loved nothing more than reading through your hilarious, insightful, astute responses to my previous asynchronous icebreakers (see earlier ones here, here, and here). Feel free to copy and paste and respond in the comments.
+High heels or designer sneaks? (Or neither?!).
+What’s the most out of character thing you’ve ever done?
+Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight, or nighttime?
+Your most-used emoji.
+Song that you sing at the top of your lungs.
+What trait do you find most attractive in other people?
+What trait is the biggest turn-off in other people?
+If you had to pick a uniform and wear it every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
+Something your parents or caregivers told you constantly that you once found irritating and now value (and even say yourself).
+What’s the most out of character thing you’ve ever done? Quit my job to start something entirely new. I did this four times in a row, and it still does not compute. I am so cautious in every other way!
+Are you sunrise, daylight, twilight, or nighttime? I prefer sunrise experientially and philosophically — “every morning, a million miracles are born!” and I am at my creative best then, too — but if I am honest, I am twilight. A bit heavy-on-the-vine and retrospective in the sense that I spend so much time in the “after,” processing and thinking. I try never to linger on the past but I do need time to digest. It’s almost as though I don’t fully complete an experience until much later in the day, or week, or month, when I’ve sat with it for a good while and written roundly through it.
+Your most-used emoji. The red heart. So apt — I wear my heart on my sleeve.
+Song that you sing at the top of your lungs. Whitney Houston “Run to You.”
+What trait do you find most attractive in other people? Open-heartedness.
+What trait is the biggest turn-off in other people? Tie between arrogance and a lack of civility, especially in the forms of talking over people and making people feel small or dismissed.
+If you had to pick a uniform and wear it every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Harrowing question, as I like to mix it up. But if pushed: a midi-length dress that nips in at the waist. I feel my best and most empowered in a flattering, feminine dress! Plus my pearl earrings, my watch, and my wedding band.
+Something your parents or caregivers told you constantly that you once found irritating and now value (and even say yourself). “Don’t look back” and it’s corollary, “just let it go.” My Dad has always had a full-steam-ahead energy and has advised me on countless occasions not to dwell or let things fester or get lost in the “what would have happened if…?” I used to feel that these words steam-rolled over my petty dramas — didn’t he realize how much that sister had hurt my feelings? or how unfair it was that I hadn’t gotten into Princeton?! Now I appreciate his focus on letting bygones be bygones and instead dialing in on the present. It’s as pragmatic as it is philosophical. Carpe diem! Keep moving! Onward!
+Last thing you bought. This is convenient but totally non-staged (I swear), but a few items off of the Amazon Drive that Charlotte Groeneveld has been hosting for Good+ Foundation, a non-profit with which Charlotte and I are both closely involved. Good+ Foundation works to dismantle multi-generational poverty by pairing tangible goods with innovative services for low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers, creating an upward trajectory for the whole family. I’ve written about them a lot in years past, but it continues to pull at my heart strings. Can you imagine enduring the intensity of new parenthood without being able to afford diapers or formula or having a safe space for your baby to sleep? Good+ provides a safety net. You can send parents the items they need (diapers, formula, etc) using this link.
Shopping Break.
+These placemats are so fun. Also love this scalloped woven tray from the same Etsy site!
+Now that so many of us traveling again, I have to tell you what a lifechanger one of these inexpensive travel kits is. Instead of having to buy drugstore brands or mini sizes or samples of everything, I just decant my must-haves. It is SO much better!
+These pink glass tumblers are so fun for an evening of rose and charcuterie. (Gals’ night in?)
+These rattan and pearl earrings are so up my alley.
+Love the length of this linen weekend shirt — could double as a cover-up! (More of my favorite cover-ups here. By the way, this gauzey cover-up (on sale from $128 to under $40) arrived and is SO soft and flattering. I love the length and sleeves and just know I’m going to live in it at the beach this summer.
+These inexpensive pouches are the key to organizing my cosmetics/haircare/skincare samples and overflow (i.e., statement lipsticks and shadows and blushes I don’t wear daily). I keep them organized by category (lip / skincare / etc) and stow in a big bin under my sink.
+This botanical print dress is darling! (And I think a pretty good deal at $150. Looks more expensive!)
+These tiny New Balances come in such good colors. More cute footwear for littles here.
+Adore the colors of this green and pink striped sweater.
+Reformation has released so many gorgeous pieces this spring. Love this dress in the pink gingham!
+I think I need this shell barrette. So fun! What a spectacular accessory for a beach bride. (More bridal finds here.)
+I can’t help it – I think I am obsessed with these clunky, trendy “dad sandals” I’ve been seeing everywhere, including at Dior but especially at Chanel. They are so not my style but I keep thinking about them. You can get the look for less with this pair at J. Crew. I would pair these kinds of sandals with loose-floaty dresses to balance it out — something like this caftan.
+Speaking of trendy sandals, I am also loving these fisherman-style sandals. So unexpected in the lavender.
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above via Peony Swimwear. I absolutely love this coral-colored dress from their latest collection, and you can find a bunch of their beautiful pieces on sale here!
We had the best time visiting Charleston last weekend. Mr. Magpie and I hadn’t been on a plane in years and years, and we could count on one hand the number of nights we’d spent away from our children. I’ve received a few emails asking for recommendations, and my top tip would be to follow Grace Atwood, Jillian Eversole, Megan Stokes, or Liz Adams, as all four live in Charleston and pick the best spots. (I was so happy to be able to spend time with Grace and Jillian while visiting — both absolutely lovely women with great senses of humor, humility, and kindness. Let’s all send Jillian good vibes as she will be meeting baby #2 tomorrow!)
We were lucky in that we have family who live there and were able to touch down and be whisked around to all the best spots without any prior planning. The highlight for me was walking on the beach at Sullivan’s Island and then having a lazy brunch at Obstinate Daughter. It felt deliciously indulgent — the essence of vacation. (And though we hit up a number of famous spots during our visit, I think we liked their food the best? They had this seafood conserva that Mr. Magpie and I absolutely freaked out about. This is high praise, because we also enjoyed the buzzed-about tasting menu at Zero, which was fun and inventive and delicious as well.) Another highlight? Taking a rikshaw between pre-dinner drinks and dinner! Sounds touristy but it was such a fun way to see some of the beautiful old homes at a leisurely pace, and the “driver” (cyclist?) was so knowledgable! I think we might have passed Pat Altschul’s house.
It was also FUN to pack for a vacation. I brought a fleet of sundresses, a tangle of statement earrings, and a straw clutch and had more fun getting dressed than I have in months. These were the exact dresses I packed:
MAXWELL AND GERALDINE — PERFECT TRAVEL-DAY OUTFIT, PAIRED WITH CHANEL FLATS AND A CARDIGAN
CELIAB DRESS — I WAS STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES WITH WOMEN ASKING AFTER THIS DRESS, AND I THINK MY COUSIN MIGHT HAVE BOUGHT IT AFTER WE LEFT, TOO!
THIS DAYDRESS IN A NO-LONGER-AVAILABLE PRINT — I AM LOVING THIS BRAND FOR ITS UNUSUAL, VIBRANT PATTERNS…CURRENTLY EYEING THIS
The trip left me very excited (for multiple reasons!) for our beach trip later this summer. I am specifically eyeing this dress and this swimsuit to add to my growing wardrobe for the occasion. A few other pieces I’m loving for getaway dressing below.
PEARL AND SEASHELL EARRINGS // HUNZA G ONE-PIECE // SHELL BARRETTE // PINK SANDALS ($100!) // MI GOLONDRINA DRESS // ANEA HILL SUNGLASSES // AKOIA CROCHET SET // PAM MUNSON SEASHELL CLUTCH // RAFFIA MULES // AGUA BENDITA PAREO // SENSI STUDIO BUCKET HAT // MARNI BAG // JULIET DUNN DRESS // TORY BURCH RASH GUARD // ERIC JAVITS BUCKET HAT // LINEN WEEKEND SHIRT // NEELY PHELAN CLAMSHELL EARRINGS // SCOTCH AND SODA DRESS (IT HAS PALM TREES ON IT!) // J. CREW YELLOW DRESS
P.S. All my favorite swim here (can’t wait to wear this — surprisingly flattering) and cover-ups here (I’m leaning towards this…love the flutter at the elbow!)
P.P.S. This is an old post but worth a visit in case you’ve not read them all: my favorite beach reads.
Despite writing about Easter and sharing Easter finds for weeks, I somehow dragged my feet on various elements for our own celebration, which is out of character as I am not only a plan-ahead type person, but I find particular joy and purpose in going all out for Easter, which is the highest of holidays in the Catholic Church. I even changed my mind on my Easter outfit and my daughter’s, too — originally I planned to wear this Hannah Artwear, with micro in a seersucker suit and mini in this La Coqueta, but I am instead wearing this En Saison and mini will wear this petal-color Sophie + Lucas. (Micro will stay in his blue seersucker — very coordinated!). The pivot was inspired by my chic friend Lauren Neff, who wore the dress here. Isn’t she spectacular?!
Meanwhile, our tablescape will center around this paper set and a bunch of boxwoods down the center of the table, which I thought was chic but also practical for the children.
I came across this quote from Emily Dickinson this past week:
“To live is so startling, it leaves but little room for other occupations.”
The quote is dense with interpretability, but I found myself focusing on the notion that life on its own, absent the dramas, heartbreaks, blessings, and windfalls that attend to it, is astonishing. Mary Oliver very much channeled this mindset in her writing, and I am drawn to her perpetual state of wonder. I love, too, the way Elizabeth Gilbert suggests we erase (or use judiciously) words like “horrible,” “boring,” and “annoying,” instead using “interesting.” What a mindset shift! It transfers me from a place of assessment to one of curiosity.
+This hot pink scarf is beyond fabulous. A buy-now, wear-forever piece. Wear as a shawl on chilly nights / at weddings or throw on with a white t-shirt and jeans.
+Cute $35 bag — I would wear without the strap as an oversized clutch.
+The cut of this dress does not work on my body but I wish it did — the print and color are absolutely fabulous!
+Pretty H&M blouse. More chic finds from H&M and Target here.
+When I was younger, I swore off khakis — I think I found them too similar to grade school uniforms — but I love this inexpensive pair in the khaki color. Imagine with a great white statement blouse like this or this or the aforementioned H&M tucked in.
+Mr. Magpie and I made a recent pact about goody bags after accruing so many little trinkets and toys from birthday parties that we eventually throw away. They are always SO fun for the children (and so I hesitated) but we hate the sense of waste. Instead, I think we will give out art supplies (Ooly is our favorite — I might give each child a few crayons and a little drawing notebooks like this), books, or little Lego sets like these. Are we being weird? Ha!
+These slightly boxy sweatshirts from Les Gamins have been my favorite for micro. They come in such good colors and I like their slightly retro feel and lack of emblem/design on the front. I like to layer them over Lacoste polos and pair with skinny fit jeans and Vejas. Adorable.
+More darling spring outfit inspo for little ones here and here.
+If you are into Larroude’s trendy platforms but not the price tag, consider these! If you need help with styling, check out Born on Fifth. These are SO her vibe, and she rocks the style with aplomb.
+I am absolutely in love with this beautiful embroidered clutch. About half of my summer dresses are blue so I think it would be a perfect wardrobe fit.
I am so excited to be kicking off work with our interior designer, Kelley Proxmire, this upcoming Monday! I saved all my inspiration for our home here. Below, some chic finds I’ve been loving lately, but may I specifically direct you to this gorgeous blockprint quilt (at such a reasonable price?! — Etsy is a goldmine!). And related to interiors: Serena and Lily is currently offering 30% off all rugs. Rugs can be SO expensive, so this is a fantastic time to get a decent price break. We have and love the Amelia rug in our primary bedroom (you can see it here) and my sister recently bought their Montrose style for her primary. These are just exquisite.
