Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

I finished Atomic Habits and my midway assessment held up through the end. That book would have born fruit for me in my 20s, when I was a reader that now feels like somebody that I used to know. Perhaps that insight alone — the observation that the book was better-calibrated to a vestigial version of myself — was worth the read, though: new markers on this squiggly path I call my life.

I do appreciate the Magpie who wrote in with a different (more positive) perspective on the text, and want to say — in case it’s not clear — that I embrace readings that run against the (a? our?) grain. There is a lovely children’s book on difference that Sesame Street published that we read frequently at bedtime, and the tl;dr is: “We’re different, we’re the same, and that’s what makes the world interesting.” Funny how often bedtime stories can suit my own needs and deficiencies. In this case, the Sesame Street book is a weekly reminder that the undulation between points of parity and departure with the people around me makes me think, reminds me of my own smallness, and keeps me curious.

Which brings us roundly to my new audiobook, Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic. Oh, I can be an obstinate clodpoll, because how long have how many of you been insisting I would love this book? Reader, you were right. I have been floating in an ether of creative reflection since first laying ears on it. Gilbert’s prose reads crisply, but with humor and occasional elevations to the sublime. And the subject matter woos: here (at least in the first third of the book), she addresses the notion of living with creative confidence, and not in a manner confined to those of us who have committed our careers to the practice of art. I couldn’t be more drawn to the prompt and its underpinning theses. I have written elsewhere that I believe we are all creative, and that we can exercise artistry in the very way we dress ourselves, shape our communications, design our days. I came to this conclusion rather pointedly in September of 2020, when I observed: “Three months into my 36th year, out of left field, I have suddenly made peace with the fact that daily chores, school drop-off and pick-up, and exercise are no longer interruptions to my routine. They are instead a part of the architecture of my day.” Seeing the world this way — viewing it as a canvas rather than a cascade of happenings forged elsewhere — draws on creative will.

Interestingly, Gilbert seems to position curiosity and creativity as the antonyms of fear. Do I agree? Do you? It seems to me that fear is a polyamorous antonym. The opposite of fear might be courage, calm, apathy, foolhardiness, wonderment, impulsiveness — concepts that sprint across a wide gamut of tones and shapes. I suppose curiosity could live amongst them.

But, instinctively, I feel that the opposite of curiosity is not fear but torpor. An unwillingness to move. Whether this stagnation stems from fear or insouciance or laziness feels like a different provocation. Curiosity, though, seems to me a question of whether or not we tend to stand on nimble feet or lay supine in the face of what is possible.

I’m open-minded on this front, though, and I have the sense that this mental javelin-throwing has little to do with her central tenets, which seem more focused on encouraging us to unlock ourselves.

Onward — gleefully!

Post-Scripts.

+On creative habits.

+On finding something like a vocation in language.

+On being bad at endings.

+What energy are you sending out on a daily basis?

+Every morning, a million miracles are born at dawn.

Shopping Break.

+Cute eyelet coverup. Note that the model here is 5’11 — this will be considerably longer on shorties like myself.

+Another instance of pure gold from Target. I’m so sad it’s sold out in the blue color in my size. I just added the white to my cart.

+Even more epic finds from Target.

+In my forever quest to find an eye cream that does anything besides moisturize (which nearly all of them do at every pricepoint, which is why I usually just stick with Olay, which is inexpensive but delivers IMO similar results to more expensive brands), I am currently eyeing this m61 formula. m61 is BlueMercury’s house brand and I’ve been really impressed with a few of their other products, especially these power peels. If I am in a hurry to get ready but feel like my skin needs a quick boost, you swipe one of these pads all over your face and VOILA. Insta-facial. Really, really great quick fix product.

+If you are a fellow Tonies fam, I just discovered these clever cases for stowing the “figures.”

+This beaded necklace is fun. Also love this wicker heart necklace from the same new-to-me brand.

+Such a pretty tiered dress.

+I have to say – I’ve been getting a ton of wear out of my Golden Goose sneakers lately. I loved them when I bought them back in maybe 2018 and then felt like they were everywhere and took a break for a year or two and now I can’t stop wearing them. Glad I hung onto them. I like this new set with the hot pink star.

+Love these Prada slides.

+Ordered this raincoat in the faded pistachio color. Love. I own this exact pair of rainboots in a matte pastel pink color that will be perfect to pair with. I would also love the look paired with my boots in the dock gray color. Such good matte colors! I should also note I LOVE these Hunters because I am short and the classic/tall Hunters always hit me at a weird/unflattering part of my leg (like, mid-knee). This also made them uncomfortable. These refined shorties are SO much more flattering and comfortable!

+This green gingham top is currently in my cart for micro.

+I took mini for her first manicure with two little girlfriends the day after she turned five. She *loved* it. I thought it would be a cute concept for a future birthday party and found these adorable invitations perfect for such an occasion.

+Another face mask on my radar. I am still finding myself leaning heavily on Summer Friday’s Jet Lag mask. I wear it overnight if I’m feeling dry but I also love to slather on just out of the shower before a night out. This comes (conveniently!) in a mini/trial size so you can test to see what you think before buying an entire tube.

+Fun pink jumpsuit for spring. Imagine with a sophisticated stack of bracelets and on-trend sandals or spring sneaks.

+Mamas living in tight quarters: Stokki just came out with a foldable version of their popular baby bath tub.

+I know I’ve mentioned these before, but these magnetic animals remain popular with virtually any child who visits our home. They encourage creativity and have a STEM bent because children quickly learn that one end attracts and the other end repels via magnetic force. My children love to “see what they attach to” around the house — the Ubbi pail is a popular place to clip them on. I just bought these for a one year old’s upcoming birthday!

+Love the natives in the new pastel yellow color. More cute children’s finds for spring here, here, here.

+Micro-trend alert: patchwork! Love this, this, this.

+I continue to think this dress is absolute perfection for a bride to be.

By: Jen Shoop

The hunt for my new favorite shoe for the upcoming season has led me to the Veja Nova sneaker in pink (check out how cute they look in person above!) as well as all of these other perfect spring footwear finds!

LINEN LOAFER MULES IN LIGHT BLUE…THANK GOODNESS THESE WERE JUST RESTOCKED

SATIN POINTED TOE MULE WITH A STATEMENT BOW

TARGET TIE DETAIL FLIP FLOPS IN CREAM

HIGH TOP CANVAS SNEAKERS FROM THAKOON

PASTEL COLOR-BLOCKED LOW TOP SNEAKERS — TO MATCH WITH ANYTHING IN YOUR WARDROBE

WOVEN BACKLESS LOAFERS — ONE OF MY FAVORITE SPRING FOOTWEAR FINDS THIS SEASON!

LEATHER SANDAL IN COGNAC

SLIP-ON WOVEN HEELED SANDALS FROM SAM EDELMAN

PINK VEJA NOVA SNEAKERS…AS YOU CAN SEE ABOVE, THESE ARE MY NEW GO-TO SPRING SNEAKERS

HEELED LINEN SANDALS WITH RUCHED DETAILING

MERINGUE AQUAZURRA TWIST HEELED SANDALS

LOW-TOP CONVERSE SNEAKERS IN DUSTY ROSE — A CLASSIC!

P.S. More picks for spring, in green.

P.P.S. Sophisticated pieces.

P.P.P.S. Finding a tranquil frame of mind.

By: Jen Shoop

We were silhouettes moving around a dorm room, or a hotel suite, or a Georgetown apartment, in various stages of preening and outfit consideration. B. always stood on tiptoes while assessing herself in a mirror, and C. always cocked her head to the side before delivering an honest review: “Mmm, the pink ones.” There were pretty faces in the mirror, mouths drawn into “o”s while applying mascara, then relaxing into laughter, then rearranging into the stern portraiture of self-appraisal. There were tubes of lipstick on the counter, curling irons tangled in their own cords, glasses of wine wet with condensation on the coffee table. There was Alanis, or Ariana, or Mariah, or Whitney, or Beyonce, and the occasional loud performance of lyrics. It was 7:42 P.M., and the night not yet unfurled. Our futures, in senses both immediate and abstract, lay enfolded like a seed. There were blue dress voices — that is, the distracted conversation of women half-engrossed in moving through the nuances of makeup application and hair styling. My sister C. and I coined this term when we were maybe 8 and 12, respectively, and we were coloring on the floor of my bedroom, and we realized we’d been carrying on vacant conversation the entire time we’d been coloring without any idea what we’d said. Now she’ll use it as a gentle correction when we’re on the telephone and I’m clearly in the midst of making lunch for my children or applying lipstick in the mirror: “Um, OK. Blue dress voice.” There was always a chorus of blue dress voices in the hotel rooms and apartment bathrooms in which I’d get ready with my girlfriends. This adds to the allure: how beautiful to be around other women, and totally un-self-conscious? To dash across the room half-dressed, with hair half-dried, singing “I Want to Run to You” in your horrible voice, and there is only another voice singing with you, and a “hey J, can you throw me that pack of qtips?” and the distinctive warmth and privacy of female friendship? I could forget myself in their company. I could float above the parts of me that tended to go tingly with self-awareness.

Oh, of all the beautiful things to experience in this life, today I sit here grateful for the unblinking intimacy of getting ready with girlfriends.

Cheers to that, today. Cheers to blue dress voices and the women who bring them out of us.

A special shoutout to my girl B.

Post-Scripts.

+Another moment of gratitude.

+Speaking of Alanis, what was your first CD (or cassette)?

+To a friend going through a tough time.

+On being truly happy for friends.

+A small relinquishing.

+Something small that always moves me: the preparations people put into hosting me.

Shopping Break.

+Semi-surprisingly (?), these elegant trousers have been one of THE most popular items I’ve featured on my blog the past few weeks. I think some of us are going back to work?!

+These Gucci heels are #goals.

+My favorite tees. I own these in bulk in white.

+I just bought mini this book on the strong rec of a Magpie reader!

+Another really pretty tabletop option for Easter. (More Easter finds here.)

+Into this new gingham “hammock” dress from Lake.

+Seersucker hangers for a little one’s closet.

+This outdoor coffee table is well-priced and chic! (More finds to prep us for al fresco dining here.)

+I also just found this attractive (and affordable!) patio potting station if you want to set up a pretty vignette for potted herbs, plants, and gardening gear.

+20% off at Madewell for Insiders — free to join! — and I shared some favorite finds here. I meant to include this cute sage pullover. Love the buttons!

+A chic neutral colored dress. More along these lines here.

+And another chic neutral colored dress — spectacular!!!

+These are just the prettiest glass spoons. These would make a fun hostess gift. My MIL would also probably love something like this — she has such a great, artful eye.

+Loving Little English’s latest collection, especially these shortalls, this blue floral dress, and this bubble.

+I shared pretty paper finds for us yesterday, but I also bought these new notecards for mini!

+A BOLD statement dress in cheerful orange.

+Swooning over this little dress for a little love.

+Just the chicest gingham sheets for a little one’s room.

+Love this sophisticated linen mini.

+I predict I will be living in this dress.

By: Jen Shoop

I was absolutely ecstatic with the way my new gift enclosures from Etsy seller Mary B turned out (above). I love the pattern — it reminds me of De Gournay! These will be perfect when heading for dinner at a friend’s to tuck in with a bottle of wine, which I like to wrap in a bottle-sized cello bag along with a wine key and tie off with pretty ribbon. A few other really pretty spring desktop and paper finds below, but I want to specifically mention my new obsession: these soft-touch gel pens which write ultra-fine but really flow nicely and have a great hand feel. I write a lot by hand and these FANTASTIC. I must also share that I absolutely loved the winter candle I bought from Hotel Lobby and have determined their signature scent will be my next order. I had girlfriends over a few weeks back when I was burning the winter candle, and they both said: “What is that? It smells SO good.” Beautiful, sophisticated scents! And finally, this is my current everyday planner — it is inexpensive but absolutely perfect for my needs, as I create long to do lists against each calendar day. I used to buy much more expensive agendas but found that they were heavy, bulky, and had a lot of features I didn’t use. This is comparatively slim and lightweight with a ton of space for doodling and lists. Last but not least, Serena and Lily extended its 20% off sale, which means this lamp (seen below) is still on sale!

GIFT ENCLOSURES // AMY HEITMAN THANK YOU NOTE // RATTAN FILE HOLDER // RATTAN LETTER HOLDER // PARVUM OPUS HANGING FRAME // HOTEL LOBBY CANDLE // SERENA AND LILY LAMP (20% OFF) // LILAC TRIM ACRYLIC MAGNETIC FRAME // TRU RED PENS // LEUCHTTERM NOTEBOOK // PLANNER // POST IT FLAGS // GROSGRAIN RIBBON // RECIPE CARDS // EW DESIGNS MONOGRAM NOTEPAD // EW DESIGNS STATIONERY // INITIAL PEN CUP // POLLY FERN PRINT // PARVUM OPUS GEOMETRIC TRAY // CASA FELIX STATIONERY

A few other adjacent finds —

P.S. More beautiful finds that spark everyday joy.

P.P.S. It can be hard to say the thing.

P.P.P.S. Cute shoes for little feet.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above via CFDA.

Q: Pastel oxford with yellow sweater vest for a six year old boy at Easter.

A: I could not find a good yellow sweater vest (!) There were a few but none I would recommend in earnest. I do love the color and style of this solid blue sweater vest — would you consider layering over a yellow oxford? I also kind of like the idea of doing tone-on-tone and pairing it with blue and white seersucker. You could always introduce yellow with a bow tie instead. (I love this bow tie pattern, now only available on eBay. Cute! Especially with seersucker!)

Q: A fun top and pants for my baby shower next month. I’m 8 months pregnant!

A: I know this goes against the grain of what you’re asking, but I would actually recommend a crisp white top (alternately, this tunic top), white maternity jeans, and fabulous earrings and shoes. For a more neutral look, you might consider these shoes and these fun earrings (or these) with the white ensemble. If you’re really after a bold top, you might consider one of these ones from Mille. I own this exact style and it runs extremely generously. You could size up one size from your usual size just to ensure but I am honestly swimming in the smallest size so you might even get away with your true size. Fun with white denim and great earrings.

Q: A cool investment bracelet no one else has.

A: A Marla Aaron cuffling bracelet, an engraved Aurelia Demark, and anything by Brent Neale (she is a wizard and genius and her stuff is SO unique).

Q: Napa wedding in May.

A: So fun! I would be excited to wear this dress with these earrings. I feel like the dress could work with flat sandals or block heels if it’s outdoors/on grass but also would look great with heeled sandals. I also super love this Zimmermann, this Ciao Lucia (imagine with an updo and these earrings), this blue cutout style, and this saucy Reformation (look for less with this).

Q: Chanel flats online.

A: Fashionphile or TheRealReal. You can mainly find gently used ones on this site, but sometimes you can find brand new in box. I prefer to shop from these sites versus, say, eBay, because you can rest assured you are not going to get a counterfeit. All the products are vetted and assessed by a team.

Q: Gold sandals, two inch heel max, under $500.

A: I love these ones! Very on trend with the braiding. If you’re looking for something strappier, I adore these Loeffler Randalls. I feel like they’re timeless — will work now and in 20 years. Finally, these are technically 3″ but they are ankle-wrapped wedges and I think therefore much easier to walk in than a normal 3″ heel or sandal. They are also on sale!

Q: Birthday present for a two year old boy.

A: Happy birthday to this little boy! I would recommend duplos, sound puzzles, Little People, toy trucks, and, randomly a shovel? Little ones at that age love to dig in sand/dirt!

Q: Affordable frames for family photos.

A: I shared a bunch of pretty frames at different pricepoints here, though some have sold out. A few great frames under $40 apiece (several well under):

THIS BEADED ONE IN THE DOUBLE 4X6 SIZE

THIS BONE-EFFECT STYLE

Q: Art for little girl’s room (almost 5).

A: I love these giclee prints of beautiful paintings by Clare Elsaesser, especially in the largest size you can afford. Tara Andris does some really pretty abstracts in colors that I think would be lovely in a little lady’s room. I also love chinoiserie panels — totally appropriate in a little girl’s room and she can grow into them as a teen and young adult! Above a reading nook, you could do a bunch of these framed book prints or a series of prints from Babar, Madeline, or any other book or book series she loves. I also love (!) the whimsical drawings here. Would be fun to frame these against a wide mat for a dramatic effect. Last but not least, it would be fun to dramatize a wall with these butterfly decals instead of art!

Q: Chic but comfortable flats (not boots) to walk around in Europe in March. Birdies?? Thank you!

A: I keep hearing the best things about Rothys — I really like this pair in the black bow style because I think you could wear them casually or with a dress to dinner. But these similar-looking Birdies are also a headturner — just have heard more effusive praise for Rothys (including from my mom)! Alternately, would you consider an unfussy sneaker? I LIVE in my Supergas and they are crazy comfortable. I think they look adorable with jeans, a dress, etc. If you want something with a bit more flair, these similar Vejas are super comfortable. I own and love them — I know a lot of people have beef with Veja because their leather styles are so stiff, but these are soft and pliable canvas. I’m also personally considering buying these Thakoon hi-tops — my best friend has them and they are SO cool. They might be too much of a statement but for sure trend-forward around those chic European women!

Q: Floral/printed formal midi for a bridesmaid dress — theme is garden party chic in April.

A: Reformation has some really pretty options, like this, though you can get the look for less here. This ASOS style also majorly turned my head — just so pretty! Such a distinctive and different print. And then Zimmermann and LSF are the long-standing masters of the romantic floral!

Q: Blue v-neck blouse with at least 3/4 sleeves for work headshots. Royal blue or navy, not button up.

A: Wow – this was really hard! I would go with something like this.

Q: Chic diaper bag — something not everyone has.

A: This Anya Hindmarch is cheeky and different. I also like this Naghedi, this Marni tote, this Plan de Ville tote, and this ultra-luxe Metier. For something ultra-simple, I like the utility-chic of this Dagne Dover. Really any tote can work so long as you have a pouch system! (I also used a ToteSavvy organizer when mini was really tiny because it had all the right compartments for formula, bottles, diapers, etc, etc.) I also heard that Neely and Chloe is doing a special collab with Dondolo and will include some really sweet totes — launching this week.

Q: Gifts for parents and bridesmaids on wedding day.

A: I gave my bridesmaids jewelry to wear with their dresses — Nicola Bathie makes some really pretty pieces perfect for such an occasion, or you could give them a special engraved necklace to wear any time. I also love the idea of a monogrammed jewelry round, travel pouch, or lingerie bag — classic, elegant, heirloom. For a mother, maybe a pretty Herend box or Hermes scarf, depending on budget? Alternately, arrange to have flowers delivered to your parents the day after the big day, or a big meal delivered to their doorstep.

No matter which way you go, a handwritten letter is a must, written on proper stationery. Take some time a few weeks before the big day to write how much it has meant to you to spend this time together. Thank your parents effusively.

Q: Easy dress for in-home casual bridal shower (I’m a guest). In two weeks, VA, less than $100.

A: Fun! I hope I’m not too late. I love this blue floral, this H&M steal, this smocked blue style, this J. Crew (I own — possibly best given this transitional weather we’re in?), or this English Factory, which reminds me of Horror Vacui!

Q: Spring mom tote bag — looking for green. Not MZ Wallace.

A: This Naghedi comes in a fabulous blue-green color; this Clare Vivier is more of an investment but would be just as chic when children are older; you can’t go wrong with LL Bean; adore this roomy striped canvas style; and this Gucci is loud and proud.

By: Jen Shoop

While I can’t wait to don my new fleet of every day dresses, things have been chilly in these parts, and so I’ve been mainly leaning on pretty statement tops to pair with my jeans for everyday wear, often beneath a pretty spring knit. You can see me above in this adorable $80 floral, which reminds me of something by LSF or Brock Collection. It has a fantastic texture to it — looks far more expensive than its $80 price tag! Below, a few favorite statement tops for spring —

CELIA B TOP // ZIMMERMANN PEPLUM // WOVEN MULES // TOVE BLOUSE // KHAITE DENIM (OBSESSED WITH THE CUT AND WASH) // AMAZON HAT // LILAC PEPLUM TOP ($68!) // SYLVIA TOLEDANO HEART EARRINGS // STAUD HOT PINK TOP // CIAO LUCIA WHITE TOP // MARNI BAG // COMPLETED WORKS PEARL DROP EARRINGS // EN SAISON TOP ($86!) // TOTEME MULES // EMERSON FRY TOP // TARGET TOP ($30!) // SEA FLORAL

White Tops for Spring.

Bold Colored or Printed Tops for Spring.

Spring Tops Under $100.

P.S. I really love Ann Patchett — I raved about both Commonwealth and Dutch House. For some reason I could not get through Bel Canto. I listened to it on audiobook as I did the other two and I just could not get through it! I’ve heard fellow Patchett lovers bifurcate on this particular book — it is polarizing for some reason. Some claim it to be her best, and some (like me) cannot finish it! Anyway, I just downloaded her book of essays to read next.

P.P.S. What song do you secretly love?

P.P.P.S. Refreshing the workspace.

By: Jen Shoop

On Saturday, after playing in the unexpected snow, I helped my son out of his snow gear and told him: “Warm yourself by the fire.” There was nothing exceptional about the command; we spend about two-thirds of our waking hours in the family room by the gas fireplace, occasionally reminding our children not to get too close. On this particular Saturday, my boy marched over and planted his tiny palms against the glass pane in front of the fireplace, burning himself badly. He is fine. One hand has more or less healed; the other blistered but is recovering quickly. In the grand scheme of things, a modest injury and a lifelong lesson. But Magpies, can you tell —

How wounded I feel?

Did I send him to this injury? Did my language distract or mislead?

He insisted I carry him like a baby for over an hour after in the incident, whimpering and wailing, his tiny jaw shuddering in pain. My arms ached from the effort and I felt as though I might vomit. There was something about the pierce of his cry and the hunger of his arms that made me feel physically ill. I knew even then, after a visual assessment and quick WebMD search, that it would be fine. Immediately after, we rinsed his hands in cool water, and he played with various implements in the sink for a few minutes, distracted by the magic of pouring water this way and that, before he started whimpering again. “We will get through this. You will feel better,” I assured him, before moving into distraction mode, bouncing dramatically down the hallway in search of his half chuckle. I told him to play the pilot. “That way,” he’d say, gesturing into my husband’s office. And we’d bounce in there and pretend to hit a wall, and he’d shriek with laughter. “Now that way!” he’d command, and we’d bounce into the dining room. We spent an hour like this, pausing sporadically to see whether he would let me deposit him on the couch (“no mommy!”), until he finally he let us cover the wounds with gel pads for burns that my husband had found at CVS, and then wrap those loosely in gauze to keep them in place. He was better, then, and has been in high spirits since. He will, however, run over to the fireplace with his hands extended wildly to warn any and all house visitors: “HOT!”

I share this because I know many of you have been here, especially recently, in the face of COVID. I have had siblings and friends tell me: “I feel as though I can’t keep my children safe,” or, after a positive test, “I feel as though I didn’t keep them safe enough.” I have responded the same way each time: “We are living in a pandemic. People get sick. You are doing your best.” It is so much easier to deliver that grace to loved ones than it is to grant myself the same. I woke up two nights after the incident in an anxiety spiral. Why had I told him to go to the fire? Why had I not reminded him that it would be hot and that he must not touch the glass? I could have sworn we told him that just yesterday but still — why hadn’t I voiced that caution? I imagined myself as a friend. What would I say to her? I’d probably think she was overreacting because, well, the boy is fine. But I would probably also tell her: “I can empathize with wanting to protect your son, but you can’t protect him from everything. Things happen. Life happens. And you are doing your best.”

Still, it is hard, in these moments, to resist the urge to helicopter. I have been working the past few months on reining in commands like “Be careful!” and “Get down from there!” I’ve read enough to know it’s supposedly better to ask: “Do you feel safe right now?” and “Check to make sure your feet feel steady.” I do not want to raise my children to be over-cautious; I want them to take calculated risks. If anything, I wish for them to exercise more boldness and confidence in their lives than I did at a young age. And yet, in spite of what I theoretically want, I find myself prone to wrap my son in my arms at every possible opportunity. I find myself thinking of a nursery rhyme from Christina Rosetti:

“Crying, my little one, footsore and weary?
Fall asleep, pretty one, warm on my shoulder:
I must tramp on through the winter night dreary,
While the snow falls on me colder and colder.

You are my one, and I have not another;
Sleep soft, my darling, my trouble and treasure;
Sleep warm and soft in the arms of your mother,
Dreaming of pretty things, dreaming of pleasure.”

I know it cannot be this way forever. I cannot carry him through this life warm on my shoulder, while he dreams of happy things. I know he will walk into the wideness of the world with all its perils and promises and I will not always be there. But oh God, do I wish it were so.

Written partly for my fellow Magpie moms, who “wish it were so,” too.

But written mainly for Hill. You are my one and I have not another.

Post-Scripts.

+Permutations of love.

+On doing small things with great love.

+On going from 0-1 children versus 1-2.

+Attention is a form of love.

+To the new mom nursing her baby at 3:11 a.m.

+Adventures in nursing. (And part II.)

Shopping Break.

+Bloomie’s is offering an interesting promotion — a $25 gift card with a purchase between $125-$249, $50 between $250-$499, and up. This includes many items on sale, too, for extra savings, including —

FLORAL LSF DRESS PERFECT FOR A SPRING WEDDING

ADORABLE ROLLER RABBIT JAMS FOR LITTLES

MOTHER DENIM

THIS VEST WAS SO POPULAR EARLIER IN THE SEASON THAT IT SOLD OUT — BUY NOW FOR NEXT WINTER

PRECIOUS NIGHTGOWN FOR A LITTLE LOVE

+I used a promotion at Bloomie’s last year similar to this one to buy our Nuna Rava carseats, BTW. Those seats never go on sale and so I appreciated having a little money back in this way! You could do the same if you’re eyeing a Yoyo or any other baby gear that rarely goes on sale — or maybe to snag that Naghedi we’ve all been eyeing.

+This $31 pajama set looks much more expensive than it is. Love the Liberty-inspired blue floral set!

+In photo at top, micro is wearing Petits Vilains track shorts, H&M sneakers from last season (similar here), Lacoste polo, and this Banwood helmet.

+This mixed-floral dress is in my cart. I can’t stop with all the new pretty florals!

+Thanks to the reader who introduced me to this Etsy seller with beautiful pearl statement necklaces!

+These rope sandals are elegant.

+A great boxy oxford to throw on with jeans and spring sneakers.

+I just bought mini this dress and micro these pants from Oso and Me. The prints were SO delightful and whimsical!

+These Oscar de la Renta x Larroude slides are beyond perfect in the begonia pink.

+FUN colorblocked sneaks for a little one (on sale!).

+Will try not to talk about this again but I have not gone a day without wearing this lip/cheek pigment since I bought it in NYC two weeks ago. I JUST LOVE IT. It is so easy to apply and I love the “temptation” color. I think I want to try the “before today” color, too.

+THIS LACE MIDI SKIRT! Wow. Brides — yes! Actually, everyone — yes!

+Another pretty spring skirt, this one under $125. More gorgeous skirts for spring here.

+Such a pretty pillow cover.

+For my fellow Magpies with Encanto-obsessed littles.

+Punchy striped coverup for a little. More swim finds for tiny ones here!

+Great dress for a lazy summer Saturday. Would work with bump!

+Speaking of bumps, this looks like a good wedding guest option if you’re only a few weeks/months along.

+Major nostalgia with these butterfly hair clips. I’m tempted to buy them for mini’s Easter basket!

+Love the colors of this half-zip.

+This dress is absurdly gorgeous.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image of beautiful wildflowers above courtesy of Paterson Maker Miller

Spring is the season floral fashion thrives! Even if the flowers in your backyard haven’t begun to sprout, this roundup of my favorite flower printed finds this season will remind you spring has (almost) sprung.

TIE-SHOULDER BIKINI TOP

BLUE FLUTTER SLEEVE BLOUSE WITH ADORABLE BOW DETAILS

PUFF SLEEVE COLLARED DRESS

TULIP PRINTED BLOUSE

PURPLE ONE-PIECE SUIT FROM TORY BURCH

VICTORIA DUNN WOVEN FLOWER EARRINGS

EYELET MIDI DRESS — YOUR SPRING WARDROBE IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT FLUTTER SLEEVES

VIBRANT BLUE OSCAR DE LA RENTA EARRINGS

PEPLUM SHORT SLEEVE BUTTON UP WITH RUFFLED COLLAR

PINK FLORAL DRESS WITH MANDARIN COLLAR

OFF THE SHOULDER LINEN MAXI DRESS FROM PEONY

SMOCKED NAVY PATTERNED DRESS — THIS ONE IS ON SALE FOR 40% OFF!

BLUE DENIM SLIP ON HEELS

SILK DRESS WITH WAIST CUT OUTS FROM REBECCA TAYLOR

WOVEN WEDGE SANDALS

P.S. Spring purses.

P.P.S. Budget dress finds.

P.P.P.S. What do you secretly want to do?

By: Jen Shoop

Every now and then, I shut down my computer an hour before our nanny leaves. I lock the door and then take a long, hot shower; apply as much hydrating skincare as possible — I’m talking an inappropriately goopy application; and lay in my robe letting my hair air dry while I either read on my Kindle or text my girlfriends or scroll through Instagram or just close my eyes for a spell. It is a winning alchemy. I descend for dinner hour in a kind of peaceful haze, better able to withstand the buffeting of pleas for milk and shrieks about the wrong cup and “but I don’t want peas” and the usual litany of “mama? mama? mama? mama?” Instead of cinching up my shoulders and issuing brisk corrections as I am sometimes wont to do after a long day, I find myself cloaked in quiet, wordlessly managing demands or silently crouching down and pulling those tiny bodies to myself. It is a wonder what a hug can do, when you are in the right frame of mind. It feels as though the cyclonic energy they normally produce during witching hour cycles right through the floor and the world goes still for a minute.

What is this, I wonder?

A few years ago, a Magpie reader that was participating in a short-lived in-person Magpie book club I hosted with my girlfriend Inslee told us that she had participated in a trippy-sounding meditation practice in which various sounds were played and she absolutely forgot who she was and what she was doing. She could not for the life of her remember what happened during that hour of guided practice, but she emerged wearing serenity. I could not accommodate that level of self-erasure (but what happened in there?!) but there is something about an hour of steam, robe-wearing, and masks that accomplishes something adjacent. A space opens. Something gives way. And whatever it is seems to operate according to laws of conservation: the energy I might otherwise expend rapidly working against the shot clock are instead pocketed for mothering through the toughest hour of the day.

How do you spend time alone in meaningful ways? Do you also use that time to conserve energy for other purposes?

Post Scripts.

+A curious case of mom guilt. Interesting comments on this post.

+Ideas for pampering at home.

+My favorite face masks. I must update this to include Summer Friday’s Jet Lag formula — it’s like sleep in a tube. I know I’m very late to the game on this but it is truly a lovely newcomer.

+On self-care as a mother. Interesting comments on this post, too.

+How do you take care of yourself?

+Finding a tranquil frame of mind.

Shopping Break.

+Oo this Doen top is doing me right.

+I am loving woven mules to wear all summer long: these and these turned my head!

+J. Crew nailed it with this gingham rash guard for a little one. (20% off if you are a cardholder!)

+Another Target slam dunk. (More here.)

+I just reordered more of this delicious spicy margarita salt. It really takes a marg to the next level. I figure I’ll keep one in my gift closet to bring as a hostess gift! I am also intrigued by this spicy everything salt, which I’ve heard is delicious on avocado toast, eggs, bagel and cream cheese, etc!

+Nearly every cocktail we make at home comes from this excellent recipe book. This makes SUCH a good gift for a dude. And then you will be the happy beneficiary 🙂

+Loving these pareos from Tory Burch — two of the patterns are marked down significantly! So chic to layer over our new Maygel Coronel suits.

+One of my girlfriends just bought these heels and I might need to follow suit. I feel like they will be perfect for summer weddings! I’m loving the “puffy footwear” trend — check out these adorable ones from Target!

+I have been eyeing these Naghedi totes so many of you have and love for so long — I think I might take the plunge this summer. They are just so chic for everyday wear! (More bags for the season ahead here.)

+This lilac hemp dress is so different from anything I’ve seen this season. I immediately imagined myself wearing it with clogs for some reason.

+Will be ordering micro these active shorts in the white and/or warm aqua colors.

+These pajamas in the superhero print for mini!!!! (And micro!) Thanks to the Magpie who sent me this — as you know, my girl loves superheroes!

+I cannot even with these Louboutins. I can’t! I have nowhere to wear them but that are absolutely fabulous. And you know how I feel about statement shoes…

+Drawn to these all-white APLs with the little hit of hot pink on the tongue, especially paired with all of the new hot pink pieces from Alo and my favorite tank from Beyond Yoga in the hot pink.

+More spring fitness finds here.

+I know several of you have been wanting to recreate this look from LR but none of us can find the top shown here?! If anyone has intel, please share. The proportions/silhouette of this look is fabulous. In absentia, this Sundry top is pretty good as a replacement.

+My sister has been RAVING about these suits from Hunza G. I know they’ve been popular the last few seasons but her effusiveness on this matter has me considering this ice blue one myself.

+In case you’re going to Disney with littles…

+This woven Shoshanna is amazing! Mother’s Day?

By: Jen Shoop

I am totally captivated by the look above — white dress, pearl necklace. Back to basics in the chicest possible way. I am specifically obsessed with the look of these asymmetrical necklaces I’ve been seeing all over the place, particularly the pearl ones by Anita Berisha. You can get the look for less with this Eliou, or a punchier take on the trend with this rainbow of a statement from Jennifer Behr. And as far as dresses go — so many of you have told me you are lusting after the Tove dress below, which I featured earlier this week. Spectacular! (You can get the look for less with this.) Meanwhile, this $118 French Connection beauty will be a total wardrobe staple for me this summer. Below, some favorite pieces to nail the look.

Pearl Necklaces.

White Dresses.

P.S. What would you study if you were going back to school tomorrow?

P.P.S. On feeling as though we are “out of the way.”

P.P.P.S. I want all of these skirts.

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snags: Madewell + J. Crew Scores for Spring.

I am mainly excited at the moment for a couple of pieces to arrive in the mail from Madewell (gifted) and J. Crew (purchased myself). From Madewell, I selected this floaty pintuck dress, these sneakers, these white jeans, these wavy hoops, and this coverall dress. Note that if you are a Madewell Insider (free to join), you can get 20% off all of these items (and site-wide)!

From J. Crew, I picked up this dress and this versatile white top.

You’re Soooo Popular: Spring Patterns.

The most popular items on Magpie this week:

SERENA & LILY DRIFTWAY MIRROR — THE LINEN FRAME IS STUNNING

BLUE BIKINI WITH STATEMENT RUFFLE

UTILITY COVERALL DRESS…SO MANY POCKETS!

CLASSIC BLACK ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

PRINTED MAXI DRESS FROM EMERSON FRY

PERFECT EVERYDAY FACIAL SUNSCREEN

BRAIDED BLOCK HEELED SLIP ON SANDAL

ROMAN SHADES IN CHINA BLUE, OR REALLY, ANY COLOR YOU CAN IMAGINE

HANDMADE FLORAL CLAY EARRINGS

SUPERHERO PARTY FAVORS FOR GIRLS

PRINTED RECIPE BOOK BINDER

WHITE FLORAL PRINT SHAM FROM TARGET

FLORAL SILK MIDI DRESS

CANVAS SLIP-ON TENNIS SHOES — THIS ONE IS FOR THE LITTLES!

PINSTRIPED OFF-THE-SHOULDER TUNIC

TIERED FLORAL MIDI SKIRT…WITH A SLIT!

Weekend Musings: Optimization Fatigue.

I have been mulling over a strange reaction to James Clear’s Atomic Habits, which I am currently listening to as an audiobook. (I’m about 2/3 of the way done — it goes fast.) I went in with what I thought was an open mind and found myself immediately resisting the writing. It’s bizarre because I believe a lot of what he writes, and in fact practice many of his advised tactics with rigor. I am a rule-following, list-making, habit-worshipping lady. And so why do I find myself put-off by the book’s hygienic tack?

I think I have grown fatigued by the notion of optimization. Especially in my late 20s and early 30s, I consumed so much in the way of “hacks,” “tools,” “mnemonics,” and “models” for entrepreneurship, parenting, and wellness in general. Gratitude journals! Daily diaries! Drink a full glass of water right when you wake up! Set a timer and spend 20 minutes on the floor with your children without a phone! Write 90 day plans! One screen at a time rule! If you think you’re at your limit, your only 40% of the way there! Quick, iterative sprints in all matters! Etc!

And now I find myself wanting to respond to the book with things like: Aren’t there some pockets of life where you can just play things fast and loose? Where you can do what feels right, right now? Permit yourself a little slack? Dip your feet in the water, then change your mind and rest in the sunshine for a minute? Does everything need to be engineered?

I’m sure that exercising good habits can coexist with a laissez faire attitude elsewhere, and I also think Clear does a good job qualifying what he preaches in healthy ways (no beef with Clear, truly — I admire his ethic). He makes an interesting point that in fact having good habit hygiene frees you up in different ways by relieving some of the mental load we carry. In this way, rather than keeping us in lockstep formation, being tidy about certain habits means we have more bandwidth to hang out and have fun.

Still. Something about the crisp athleticism of Clear’s writing was difficult for me to swallow. I am sure this is in part contextual, coming off of a strange and tense few years of pandemic living with two young children and a lot of transition. During this time, I have had more than my fair share of “that’s good enough for now” type bargaining. Maybe it’s also intersecting with a phase of my adult life where I think: ‘I’m not sure that the path to self-improvement, for me, is here. I think it might be somewhere else, in the quiet and still of downtime and the rare moment where I let myself wander.’

Perhaps I will feel differently on this subject in another five or ten years. I know for certain I would have cottoned to this book with zeal in my 20s. But for now, I think, I’m OK with being under-optimized or — put differently — I’m accepting of the wobbly balance of disciplined and undisciplined I am right now.

P.S. I know many of you Magpies will be thrilled to hear that the next audiobook in my queue is Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic! Cannot wait to share thoughts with my Gilbert-loving ladies.

Shopping Break.

+I am seriously tempted by the 20% off sale (use code HOME) at Serena and Lily right now that I mentioned yesterday or the day before — I am contemplating snagging one of these table lamps for our guest room and I’ve been wanting a floor mirror in my office (which has much better light than my closet and would therefore make it much easier to dress in the morning). That particular mirror also comes in a more standard size for hanging on a wall and while we’re talking mirrors, ahem!

+Easy spring date night look: this top, these jeans, these earrings, these mules.

+This Tonies box has been SUCH a big hit with my daughter. We gave it to her for her fifth birthday (lots of other gift ideas for this age range here) and have been delighted by how much she enjoys it. I think there’s something about the independence of being able to select her own music/stories? If you’re unfamiliar, this is a digital storytelling cube and you can buy different “pieces” that your children can place on top (they attach magnetically) in order to have them start telling a story or singing songs. We have a bunch of the Disney ones and she adores them. She usually puts them on while she’s working on her Legos, Playmobils, stickers, etc, in her room. Can’t recommend enough! Great alternative to screentime.

+Speaking of toys, just saw mini’s highly coveted Encanto lego set was restocked here! Run! It’s been very difficult to come by. (Anyone else ONLY listening to ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ all day everyday?)

+Another great white top. Would go with everything. Comes in tons of other colors if you want something more interesting, and some of them are on sale!

+Such an elegant bag for under $125!

+These coupes are so fabulous (and well-priced!). I love sparkling wine and enjoy drinking out of a coupe! Sparks major joy for me.

+Some amazing scores at Outnet right now, including this Marni bag, this Ulla top, this peplum top, and this Zimmermann!

+I’ve written about Replay so many times I’ve lost count but I really like their mealtime gear for little ones, especially these divided plates. We recently retired sippy cups in our home and I just stocked up on their cups. We also have a bunch of the melamine children’s cups from Sophie Allport, which are pricey (and very small — note that they hold maybe a few ounces) but these have been fantastic for mini for years. They are beyond adorable. I’m tempted to go back to pick up some of their newer designs, especially these cars and this woodland theme.

+Also like these straw-top tumblers. Think I’ll buy a set for when my son (still learning to drink tidily from an open cup) is more in the mood to roam around.

+Can you EVEN with these Aquazzura platforms?! Like YES. These make me want to go out for cocktails with girlfriends.

+Just love everything about this cardigan. Tip: can be worn backwards as more of a classic crewneck style too!

+Ann Taylor score.

+FUN pattern on this dress.

+Bottega-inspired slides for $20.

+I adore this Peter Rabbit theme for Easter or a spring birthday. We did this theme a few years ago for mini’s birthday and it was so sweet.

+This inexpensive patio set comes in tons of great colors! Great for a small patio off an apartment or a tiny backyard area.

+Easy everyday black dress — would work with bump!

+A great spring half-zip in the perfect sage green color. More green finds here.+A random update: I mentioned we bought a Saatva king sized mattress for our primary bedroom a few months ago after doing a *ton* of research. (Some bedroom refresh ideas here, BTW.). It was a bit firmer than our previous mattress but I have since grown to absolutely love it. One of the main issues we’d been having was that Mr. Magpie and I would frequently wake up with “cricks” in our necks or a pinched back. Since having the Saatva, we’ve had none of those issues. I think it promotes better sleeping/alignment in some way. And Mr. Magpie LOVES how cool it runs — much, much cooler than our previous mattress. Very impressed!

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above featuring my Vibi Venezias! I intend to wear these all summer!

I know many of you have had great luck shopping Matches’ end of season sale and I am here to share some late-sale scores now that they are offering an additional 20% off order over $250 with code EXTRA20 — wheee! I get tons of great designer finds using these end of season sales.

MATCHES FASHION SALE — RHODE TOP // RHODE SKIRT // MARYSIA SWIMSUIT // LORETTA CAPONI DRESS // VIBI VENEZIA YELLOW STRIPE FURLANES // VIBI VENEZIA NAVY STRIPE FURLANES // VITA KIN TOP // LA DOUBLE J TROUSERS // LA DOUBLE J SKIRT // VITA KIN TOP

A few other finds that didn’t fit into the collage above…

Happy shopping to us!

P.S. My latest installment of recent beauty finds and honest reviews of them.

P.P.S. Woven finds.

P.P.P.S. Getting ready for outdoor dining season!

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

White Tops for Spring.

Bold Colored or Printed Tops for Spring.

Spring Tops Under $100.

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Post Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Pearl Necklaces.

White Dresses.