+OK, Net-A-Porter just further reduced the prices on many gorgeous pieces, including some spectacular scores from one of my current favorite labels, La Ligne. Behold:
THIS CARDIGAN IS IN MY CART IN THE RED (SWOON SWOON)
THEIR DRESSES ARE SPECTACULARLY WELL-TAILORED…LOVE THIS POLKA DOT AND THIS FIRE ENGINE RED MIDI
Something about this brand makes me feel immediately cooler. The tailoring/proportions of this dress feel so easy yet sophisticated, i.e., they are the clothes of a well-dressed woman who doesn’t take herself too seriously. J’adore.
+If the new year brings Marie Kondo vibes for you, too: amen to these sophisticated pantry labels at a fabulous price.
+Shopbop just marked down a bunch of items, including this virtually seasonless dress, this checked dress which is pretty much the perfect maternity or newborn shoot dress (also great for coming-home-from hospital) thanks to the shape and nursing-friendly buttons, prettiest mittens and/or hat (look vintage!), and a floaty dress to buy now and enjoy all summer (or throw into your winter getaway suitcase!).
+A fabulous non-maternity dress that would work with bump/post-partum. I feel like I get so many maternity dress questions — this would work for a baby shower, holiday event, Baptism, etc, etc!
+Really tempted to splurge on this sweater dress for myself. Also super love this one, now on sale. And this knit jumpsuit is BANANAS! More sweater dresses to love here.
+Last minute panic-buy for a woman who has it all for under $250: this key case. I want this for myself…
+Just drawing a line beneath these $117 Loeffler Randall flats I mentioned earlier today…!!!! There are some other epic sale steals in Saks’ designer sale section, including this SEA sweater, this tweed mini, this tie-front cardigan, and this feather-trim top (under $100 and v on-trend). Even more spectacular sale scores (seen below) linked here.
P.S. Cute children’s outerwear. This one has been one of the most popular children’s finds I’ve featured all year!
P.P.S. The kind of pullover that makes you feel more pulled together when you are, in fact, just wearing a sweatshirt.
P.P.P.S. If you’re desperate for a holiday dress at the last moment — I just saw a high school classmate of mine wearing this on Instagram and it was SO CUTE. More festive attire here and here.
By: Jen Shoop
Q: Cold weather coming home from the hospital outfit for me, the mom!
A: Congratulations!!! I would go with maternity leggings (you’ll still need them), nursing tank, a gorgeous long cardigan or coatigan like this, this, or this, and some slip-on statement shoes, like these, these, these (currently only $39 with code), or these. I would keep the cardigan/coatigan brand-new so you look forward to wearing it, but the key is comfort and practicality. With micro, I wore a caftan that was not nursing friendly on the day I was coming home because it was super loose-fitting and I thought it’d be comfortable — which it was — but then it can take forever to be discharged, so I had to keep taking the caftan on and off to nurse throughout the morning while we were waiting. Not my smartest move. Also — if you end up needing a c-section, slip-on shoes are SO crucial! You will not be able to bend over to tie a shoelace to save your life!
If it’s not too-too cold where you’ll be, I’d suggest an on-trend smocked dress that can accommodate nursing (pull-down) like this, this, or this, beneath a chunky cardigan paired with Vibi Venezias (basically my current non-pregnancy winter wardrobe).
Q: Black tie wedding guest at end of January — I am post partum but still want to look fab!
A: Yay! Congratulations to you! I just came across this feather-trim dress (more sizes here) and it is SO fabulous and I feel like it would hug you in all the right places (va va voom in the bust area, figure skimming elsewhere). Pair with fab shoes and an updo. This is a timeless, classic style in black that I would size up in for the time being — won’t hurt too much because the price isn’t too high — and I feel that the draping of the skirt would be flattering. Then splurge on some major shoes and earrings and make those be the conversation-starters. Alternately, these Saloni dresses have been all over the place, and for good reason — SO fabulous and comfortably demure thanks to long sleeves and a modest silhouette.
You might also skim this post for my ideas on formal attire!
Q: Casual outfit ideas for my February trip to Montana.
A: Oo! My brother and his family lived out there for many years and it is beautiful but very cold, so I would focus on a great, warm jacket (Moncler, Herno, and Mackage are la creme de la creme, but this J. Crew comes in great colors and I love the Moncler-esque shape) and some chic but warm boots, like these always-popular Marc Fishers, Sperry Saltwaters, these fur-lined J. Crews, or Danner’s highbrow hiking boot (people in the know — like actual hikers — know and wear these, and I love the bright red laces). (And don’t forget the socks poking out the top!). Then I’d go big on the fair isle front and pack some great layering pieces for beneath. Also – Uggs are back, baby, and likely to be your best friend on this trip.
Q: Gift for our former nanny.
A: I tend to go for something cozy she probably wouldn’t buy for herself, to make her life more comfortable: a pair of warm slippers; a cashmere scarf; a Barefoot Dreams throw; some beautiful mittens.
Q: A classic plaid car coat.
A: Chic! I absolutely love this J. Crew style, this Kate Spade (on sale!), and this green one looks like vintage Miu Miu!
Q: Trousers!
A: I love a trouser moment. Veronica Beard makes beautiful styles, including velvet ones perfect for a dinner party, more casual ones (<<I own this exact pair), and on-trend cords (look for less with these). For a more casual moment, these Nili Lotans and these checked Chloes. Alice + Olivia has some fabulous party trousers out now: these hot pinks and these tartan ones are SO good. I’m lusting after a few pairs from Maria Del Orden, though not sure on sizing and it’s a gamble since they are a small Spanish brand — but I love these tweeds and these dashing cords. And for work: Theory. On an adjacent note, I also like the silhouette of high-rise, wide-leg crops, like these, these, or these — I own a pair very similar.
Q: Work-appropriate fashionable tops with jeans/leather leggings.
Q: A beautiful classy every day bag under $2K that goes with all.
A: I absolutely love this Celine-esque APC (timeless!), this trebd little Loewe crossbody — can double as clutch! — and this leather Anya tote.
Q: A leather cardholder wallet — preferably under $200.
A: Mansur Gavriel has a great one in tons of beautiful colors, including a super fun rainbow one that is just the kind of thing a SUPER chic girlfriend of mine would pull out of her bag, dazzling and startling everyone. I also noticed you can find Marni’s card holder on sale for under $200 in some great colors, including this styling burgundy. Finally, Clare Vivier has a happy little style you can personalize and still bring home for under $150, and this straight-forward one can be hand-painted with your initials!
Q: Peter Pan collar top for my 6.5 year old to wear under a Christmas jumper.
A: Getting this in just under the wire – sorry! Why are basics like this so hard to come by?! Bella Bliss and Classic Prep have great styles. They are pricey but very well-made, and I find investing in basics like these that can be layered under anything is worth it.
Q: Quality flats that don’t break the bank.
A: Hunt for Loeffler Randalls on sale. I find these shoes to be the most fantastic quality and very on-trend (even trend-anticipating!), and the starting price is already considerably less than a designer pair. These velvet Mary Janes are so on-trend at the moment, and only $117, and these high-vamp ballets look like a pair by Mansur Gavriel that have been all over the place the last few years. I have LRs from close to a decade ago that are still hanging tough — this is a brand that actually makes beautiful, well-made shoes for the price, especially when found on sale!
At around the $200 mark, I’ve heard such great things about Ann Mashburn’s pieces, including these timeless suede ballets, and I know people swear by Margaux flats (currently 15% off with code STOCKUP).
Q: Secret Santa gift under $30.
A: Fun! I shared lots of fun ideas in this price range here, but yesterday’s post made me realize a few things I would probably fight to get in a White Elephant situation…
During those ten days when Mr. Magpie was self-isolating and I was caring for the children in quarantine, I tried to treat myself to small slivers of self-care in the evenings, once the children were down. One night, this meant opening a nice bottle of wine, putting on a Christmas movie, and eating delivery Shake Shack, re-plated on our good china. Another night, this meant applying my favorite combination of face masks (Origins Rose Clay Mask on forehead/t-zone and Clarins V-Facial from cheeks down to neck), drawing a bubble bath, and doing absolutely nothing. I’d actually brought my Kindle and my devotional to the tub with me, but ended up permitting myself to just lay there and soak, doing nothing but enjoying the quiet and warmth. And still another, this meant re-watching Bridgerton while scrolling through Instagram and shopping on my phone. I usually follow the “One Screen at a Time Rule,” which is a helpful prophylactic measure to prevent myself from distractedly frittering away an evening while not actually consuming anything (how can you absorb anything with so much input?!), so it felt delicious and even slightly wrong to let myself tune in and out and aimlessly fall down Instagram rabbit holes. The point: permitting myself to be a little over-indulgent, relaxing my self-imposed rules, and letting myself sit and do absolutely nothing at all. Why do I feel the constant urge to be doing something, even while bathing? Like, can’t I just let my wind wander?
Nothing novel here, but I will say these tiny stretches of pampering helped me through that time, mainly by slowing the clock and giving me the rare luxury of time not designated for anything at all. I think there are even tinier ways to express self-love, like taking the time to set up your work station or meal prep station or even gift wrap station this holiday season so that it is calm and visually pleasing. This might mean clearing the area of clutter, lighting a candle, pouring a full carafe of water with lemon and cucumber in it, brewing some favorite tea, putting on holiday music, slipping into favorite slippers, dimming or brightening the lights, etc. The same goes for breakfast — why not plate your English muffin on your wedding china, or pour your morning coffee into a treasured mug? Why not launder your sheets in fancy detergent every now and then? Etc.
A few little finds to abet your next slice of pampering…
PORTABLE WATERPROOF SPEAKER — SO YOU CAN PLAY RELAXING MUSIC OR A PODCAST IN THE SHOWER/BATH
BEARABY WEIGHTED BLANKET — MY SISTER + BROTHER-IN-LAW ADORE THIS THING…MUCH CHICER THAN OTHER WEIGHTED BLANKETS I’VE SEEN
HAIR CLAWS I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT — PERFECT WHILE WASHING FACE, APPLYING MAKEUP, OR JUST PULLING HAIR OUT OF EYES!
5-MINUTE JOURNAL — CARVE OUT SOME QUIET TIME FOR GUIDED JOURNALING
T3 SHOWERHEAD — MULTIPLE SETTINGS AND A FILTER TO YIELD THE BEST HAIR WASH AND SHOWER YOU’VE EVER HAD
BILLIE RAZOR — I DON’T THINK THIS IS ANY DIFFERENT THAN GILLETTE, BUT A) IT’S CHEAPER, B) IT’S PRETTIER, AND C) IT’S EASIER BECAUSE THEY SHIP REPLACEMENT BLADES DIRECTLY TO YOUR DOOR
It has been difficult to sit in quiet this holiday season, but maybe that’s always the case, twenty-day-quarantine or not. Instead of the cookie exchanges, Santa brunches, and festive cocktail hours we’d scribbled onto our calendar, we’ve borne a different sort of freneticism in these parts: loud bouts of “cops and robbers” (a new discovery for our four-year-old), the shrieks of two young children battling over the same toys and divided attention from parents, and dance parties to all manner of Christmas music, Taylor Swift, and mini’s two favorite songs, Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” (really) and Shakira’s “Try Anything” (courtesy of Zootopia, a movie I really do not care for because the language and tone the characters use is so cruel and biting!) But this morning, during a rare spell of silence while my children played with a new lacing activity their loving grandparents had sent in the mail, Norah Jones’ “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” came onto the speakers, and I sat with it in silence, and it was one of those moments that folded in on itself, the lyrics in such perfect symmetry with the moment:
“Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, and still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world; above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing, and ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.”
Whatever Babel or cloven skies you’re facing, hoping you find a minute to sit and listen, too.
Post-Scripts.
+A similar moment recognizing the real meaning of the holiday season from a few years back, while zipping up Park Avenue in NYC.
+Preparations for the holiday season are so moving.
+Last minute gift I ordered when I discovered one of the gifts I’d ordered would not arrive in time: this Aesop lotion/soap set. Aesop makes such beautiful soap and lotion and who doesn’t love a luxury like this? My stomach always churns a little bit at the price when buying for myself, so a nice little extravagance to offer a loved one. Bonus that Bloomie’s is offering $25 off every $150 you spend on beauty, so I added my favorite eye shadow, Laura Mercier’s Morning Dew, to the cart and it was effectively free! Morning Dew is such a gorgeous color — it brightens the eye area but looks fairly natural at the same time.
+We are about to embark upon toilet training with our son. I just picked up these Hannah Andersson underwear for him — they were recommended for toilet training from our old Montessori in NYC because they are extra thick (helpful for obvious reasons) but I remember grimacing at the price tag when I bought them for mini. Fortunately, there’s a cute set of 7 with fire trucks and other great prints my son will love on sale for $22 with free ship!
+While you’re at Hannah’s, check out their adorable new Valentine’s Day jammies — they remind me of Keith Haring! More heart finds here.
+Last minute Christmas outfit idea: this velvet jumpsuit. Oo la la.
+A great last-minute gift option: this cookbook stand (exact one we have in our kitchen, collapses and can be stored with cutting boards when not in use) and a new cookbook (I’m enjoying this cookie one, but some of our all-time favorites here).
+Pretty paper globe decorations for an NYE gathering.
+A lot of time spent at home = a lot of organization. I just ordered these sets to stow some of mini’s too-small clothes that I want to hang onto. They appealed to me because of the zippered top. Will throw some cedar balls in there to preserve. I shared this last week, but I also ordered more of these zippered pouches for puzzles/sets with small parts, a few of these toy bins for mini’s overflow stuffed animals (and in anticipation of new presents for Christmas), and these smaller bins for smaller toy sets, including micro’s mounting collection of Matchbox cars.
+I have to say: these matchbox cars have been a major help during quarantine. I’ve been meting out a few here and there and the children love to play with these and build tracks/garages/bridges using Magnatiles. Since sharing our protracted quarantine situation, I’ve had a few moms reach out saying they are in the same boat and asking how we’ve kept the children busy. A few big hits, some of which we already had, and some of which were generous gifts from friends…
BAKING SODA + VINEGAR — DYE THE VINEGAR DIFFERENT COLORS AND GIVE THE KIDS THESE DROPPERS AND THIS SCIENTIST KIT AND THEY ARE HAPPY CAMPERS FOR A LONG TIME
SENSORY PLAY (<<LOTS OF IDEAS HERE, BUT SOAP FOAM DYED DIFFERENT COLORS AND THEN A BUNCH OF LITTLE ANIMALS OR CARS KEEPS THEM BUSY)
LOTS OF HOLIDAY BAKING — THE BIGGEST HIT WAS MAKING ROLL-OUT SUGAR COOKIES USING FESTIVE CUTTERS AND THEN DECORATING WITH SPRINKLES
+My tartan tablecloth was just marked down to $33 in the size I needed — 120″ x “60 — and will still arrive by Christmas.
+This coat is both classic and interesting. Love the silhouette, neckline, color!
+One of our favorite children’s holiday books. The illustrations are so fun, and mini loves spying Santa on the last page.
+A handful of this wildly popular dress still available. I feel like the entire Internet bought this dress! I bought a dress with the same fabric in a different silhouette by the same brand (now sold out) to wear to a holiday event too!
By: Jen Shoop
The first thing we did when Mr. Magpie emerged from isolation earlier this week was open a bottle of champagne, turn up the volume on Apple’s “Christmas Cocktail Party” playlist, and trim the tree. I think I will always have the coziest memory of that night — we were joyous! It reminded me that I needed to find one last gift for Mr. Magpie: a new ornament. We’ve been giving each other one special ornament each Christmas and it’s always fun to see what we pick for one another. I bought him this NYC subway train one last year to commemorate our final season in Manhattan. Below, some gorgeous ornaments and tree-trimming/hall-decking finds…
Also, two utility buys to consider: ornament organizer and the best tree stand in the world. (Seriously, read the reviews of that stand! I’ve turned about 34,000 people onto it.)
My Latest Snag: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse + Treatment.
I’ve written about this trending apple cider vinegar rinse (currently 20% off + free ship with code GIFTEASY) a few times, but my products just arrived and I’ve been able to test them a bit. My early review is that I really (!) like the way my hair and specifically my scalp felt after I showered with the rinse — it’s hard to describe, but it felt so clean after, and my hair felt springier at the roots. But the main shock for me, after showering with the rinse and then spritzing on their leave-in treatment, was how smooth and tangle-free my hair was. My hair gets really tangly because I have fine hair and a lot of it, and I’m always working my way through knots for a while after I get out of the shower, even after using conditioner. My comb literally slid through my hair! The next morning, after letting my hair air-dry, the texture of my hair was markedly softer and — I swear — shinier. I am mystified. I am going to continue to test because I do sometimes think that when you switch between regimens/products, you notice an immediate difference just because it’s a shock to your hair the first go-around. But early results are very promising…
If you’re worried, I didn’t find the scent too powerful. I mean, it definitely smells like vinegar when applying but it doesn’t linger.
MY CHRISTMAS EVE DRESS — LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF US WILL BE TWINNING IN SPARKLES!
MY GLITZY NEW HEADBAND — SHE ARRIVED AND I ACTUALLY CAN’T BELIEVE THE QUALITY FOR THE PRICE…OBSESSED! I THINK WE BACK-ORDERED THE SILVER BUT I ALSO LOVE THE GOLD OR CHAMPAGNE COLORS
GIFT TAGS — IF YOU ORDER TODAY, YOU MIGHT JUST LUCK OUT WITH HAVING IT ARRIVE A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS…AND IF YOU CAN’T WAIT THAT LONG, THANK GOD FOR PRIME’S OPTIONS HERE AND HERE
$25 CHELSEA RAINBOOT (SO CHIC — CAN’T BELIEVE THE PRICE)
SOLID CASHMERE SCARF (AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, AN EXTRA 50% OFF)
There is a wonderful lyric from a Lake Street Dive song:
“Even the weatherman gets caught in the rain sometimes.”
Just a reminder that, despite every precaution and all manners of forethought, happenstance happens.
I write this on day twelve or two hundred of quarantine. Nine days into quarantine (while my husband was self-isolating from the children and I), we learned that my son had tested positive, and, because he was/is asymptomatic, we would have to restart quarantine from day 1. We believe he had two false negatives earlier on in quarantine using rapid results tests and had probably had COVID the entire time we were quarantining because I just can’t figure how he’d have caught it in the interim seeing as Mr. Magpie was fully isolated from us and we did not cross paths. (Lesson learned: trust only PCR.). Trying to focus on the positive: he has no symptoms, praise God; my daughter and I continue to test negative on PCR; and my husband is now out of self-isolation, so he is able to help with the children. We’re trying to rebrand this situation as the coziest Christmas season ever, and we’ve made countless ornaments, baked countless cookies, broke into some of our good wine reserves, and listened to Christmas music the entire time. Still — mama mia, it’s been a rainy season over here!
(Written somewhere between “this, too, shall pass” and “when it rains it pours.”)
Post-Scripts.
+In case you’re looking for a last-minute pair of Christmas pajamas that aren’t too pricey! Love the classic styling and the price is right!
+Perfect tiny snow shovel for little ones. My parents-in-law just dropped of a classic Flexible Flyer (we had the same one growing up!) and I just added two of these discs to my cart for my next Target order. This is the kind of thing that always catches you unaware — the first snowstorm comes out of nowhere, and the local hardware shop will be sold out! (I am confused by the $8 price, though — why are these similar looking ones $45 at LL Bean?)
+This embroidered hat is so beautiful! (More chic cold weather accessories here.)
+My M-I-L sent one of these snowman maker molds to mini a few years ago and we loved using it during the snows in Central Park! Now we will have tons of space to make an entire village in our yard!
+OMG this Zimmermann beauty!!! Perfect spring/summer wedding guest situation.
+This inexpensive waffle cardi looks like heaven to throw on around the house.
+Ordering this stationery for my children. More cute stationery for littles here.
+Bath toys are a great fallback gift for a child. Love these squirties, Glo Pals (ordered these for my son’s stocking), and tub stickies.
+This $99 pleated knit dress is SO fab, especially with a pair of suede boots!
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above of my sweet baby boy in my favorite pair of jammies he had in the 0-3 mo size from Roller Rabbit. I look at this picture and could weep. Time is a thief.
Fellow anticipators already thinking past the holidays: Valentine’s Day is up next and I have to tell you I already bought micro these $9 truck and heart pajamas. Old Navy had a variation on this style last year and they were so cute! Love that they made a boyish pair of heart pajamas! Hurry — these will sell out quickly! Nellie Diamond dressed her son in them last Valentine’s Day season on Instastories and I swear they were gone the next day. Anyhow, this score sent me down a happy little trail toward other adorable heart-print finds, whether for Valentine’s Day or any day for that matter. I was ecstatic to find this darling smocked heart dress for mini for the occasion. The scattered hearts pattern reminds me of D. Porthault! Mini also already owns this pair of heart-print jammies, which are…almost identical to the Porthault classic! These and more below…
In both of our Manhattan apartments, we set up gallery walls. The approach worked well from a functional standpoint in that we were trying to cram a lot of artwork and memorabilia into tight quarters and didn’t really have the wall space to spread our pieces out (in other words, Louise forced our hand) — but I also think gallery walls work best in smaller spaces — or at least well-demarcated areas/nooks, like stairwells, landings, or bar areas — because otherwise the arrangement just looks like it’s floating in the middle of space. Big spaces call for big artwork. (Which, by the way, doesn’t always mean crazy expensive. You can frame a vintage textile, quilt, or panel(s) of wallpaper to grand effect!). In our new home, I’ve not yet figure out a nook for a gallery wall, but I’d like to arrange one because we have loads of smaller pieces we’ve accrued over the years that bring me such joy. Today, I thought I’d share some fun smaller pieces that would work well mixed into a gallery wall…
VINTAGE FRENCH ENAMEL HOUSE NUMBER — I BOUGHT MR. MAGPIE ONE OF THESE WITH “18” (HIS LUCKY NUMBER / JERSEY NUMBER)…THESE CAN LOOK SO COOL MIXED IN WITH OTHER ART
FRAMED BUTTERFLY — MR. MAGPIE BOUGHT ME ONE OF THESE, TOO…SO CHIC AND UNEXPECTED MIXED IN WITH OTHER NATURE-THEMED ART
P.S. Mirrors are also a great way to break up/add dimension to a gallery wall. Shared some great ones here. If it’s a full-length mirror you’re after, how fabulous is this or this?
A few cute everyday outfits for little ones — many pieces affordable finds from Old Navy and Amazon! I want to specifically call out this little $20 vest, which mini MUST wear every single day now! So funny: she hated vests for a long time and now she is not seen without this! I don’t hate it — adds intentionality/flair to everything she wears!
CAR PAJAMAS // LL BEAN SLIPPERS // INITIAL CAP // STRIPED POLO // OVERALLS // HUNTER BOOTS IN THE BEST BRIGHT RED COLOR // SHERPA-LINED FLANNEL SHIRT // TEDDY PUFFER // LINED CORDS // KEVIN MCALLISTER-INSPIRED SWEATER // CPC PETER PAN COLLAR TOP // BURGUNDY BOW // BURGUNDY TIGHTS // CORD JUMPER // IVORY BOW // STRIPED TURTLENECK // VELVET OVERALLS // VEJAS // STRIPED PAJAMAS // UGG BOOTS (NEVER ON SALE BUT YOU CAN GET A $25 GIFT CARD FOR PURCHASING THESE USING BLOOMINGDALE’S POWERPOINTS…BETTER THAN A POKE IN THE EYE WITH A SHARP STICK, HAHA) // VEST // LL BEAN SLIPPERS
15% OFF A CLASSIC CABLEKNIT CASHMERE SWEATER FOR A LITTLE BOY TODAY — HARD TO FIND ON SALE AND A TOTAL CLASSIC FOR HOLIDAYS
And while you’re at Old Navy, note that this cute little dress is strikingly similar to my Cleobella! Layer over a tissue turtleneck and finish with Vibi Venezias and a chunky cardigan and you’re basically me. And how cute is this striped turtleneck!? I like it in both the whimsical rainbow print and classic black stripe. So, so fun! Pair with high-waisted denim and a vest and be on your way!
P.P.S. If you join Zulily (flash sales site), they have some cute pieces from Jojo Maman Bebe at great prices, including this adorable traditional Christmas dress.
P.P.P.S. Praying for those of you mamas who are expecting!
By: Jen Shoop
I have been thinking a lot about a partridge pair of thoughts —
“It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light,”
and
“Making everything black and white is easier — but lazier — than looking at the world in multiple ways.”
I am trying to situate my thinking between these two aspirational tent poles when I am approaching relationships and especially when considering the decisions and burdens of others. Both mindsets require exertion and, well, mindfulness. I do not always (in fact, rarely) live these out instinctually, and so I am learning to tell myself, when I am in the throes of a knee-jerk reaction, whether my feelings are hurt or I find myself shouldering a burden that is not mine to carry — “Hey, let me think on this for a minute and give myself and others the grace to process this.” Sometimes when I am fretting over something specific — an interaction with someone else, a failing on my end, some issue that is not mine to worry about or beyond my ken — Mr. Magpie encourages me to listen to a mindfulness podcast. (He uses the Calm app and I have Headspace.) The chief benefit of this exercise is creating some blank space between my immediate, meteoric-speed emotions and a more rational perch. In this headspace, I am able to visualize my thoughts and anxieties as discrete bubbles that I can either slick away or pause to consider with more care. Some of those bubbles are damned determined to stick around, and so I need to bat them away or put them in their place or just accept their condition of semi-permanence for the time being.
I think sometimes I rush to solve things too quickly. No one likes to live in a state of disequilibrium, with emotions or thoughts ill-sorted and half-worked-through, and I think this is why it is easy (though unfair) to paint things in black and white. Complexities resolve into turgid and unforgiving categories. So-and-so was wrong; I was right. It is better to be this way than that way. Etc. But I think I am learning that one key to living with more light than heaviness, and more color than the severity of a black-and-white, is recognizing that neither mindset is automatic and that I must move with measure and careful thought. It sounds contradictory: slow down and work through the things in order to be lighter? But yes. It’s one of those up-front investments, long-term pay-offs. If I’m sweeping things out of my way or steeling myself to not think about certain things or unthinkingly absorbing heavinesses, I will just end up in a leaden knot.
I realize this post is vague on details, and intentionally so. The prompt for me today, which may be provocative to you, too, is: How can I slow down and work to release any negative energies I am carrying around?
Post-Scripts.
+Related: what energy are you putting out there on a daily basis?
+The first quote above came from a wise Magpie reader in response to this prompt. So many great quotes in the comments!
+On seeing my parents the first time after being separated from them for over a year during COVID.
Shopping Break.
+It’s weird to get excited about children’s bowls and spoons, but this set has been incredible. I bought them on something of a lark two years ago and we use them almost daily. The bowls are the perfect size for a child’s portion (cereal, pasta, etc) or a little snack (grapes, popcorn, etc), and they can be microwaved. I also find them great for crafts/activities/sensory play (like when they are playing with water or soap foam), and the spoons are perfect for both science experiments (stirring things, dumping things) and eating yogurt, soup, etc.
+I got a bunch of questions about the materials I used for a winter sensory play setup on shared on Instastory and linked exact items we used here!
+Oo this coat, YES. Reminds me of the styles from Shrimps and Saks Potts but maybe a tiny bit more wearable/less over the top? Target has a lookalike style, too! I would go for the brown – sophisticated-looking in that color. And Ted Baker has a similar style that is sort of in the middle, price-wise.
+Hard to see in the pictures, but this cute $102 mini dress has black bows down the front and j’adore!!! Would look so great with opaque tights or maybe these trending semi-sheer ones and some fun shoes.
+A great price on some classic French enamel cutlery.
+There must have been a bunch of returns processed recently because I found tartan nap dresses in stock in some sizes!
+If you are new here, or missed my 230 references to these last year (haven’t mentioned them in a minute), these $23 leggings are the best sub for Lululemon Aligns. I love love them. They don’t hold up as well as Aligns but are very comfortable and flattering, and for $23…!
+Do I have any Princetonians out there? This sweatshirt set in the orange tiger/navy combo would be a cute subtle way to get your little ones on board with a future there :). Also cute for those of us non-Princetonians!
+These earrings are in my cart. SO GOOD. Like the pricepoint.
+Adorable shawl collar sweater for a little man — currently only $20!
+Ooo OOO I really love this pale pink coatigan to throw on over any old thing.
+!!! This Tonies set with a bundle of Disney stories is on sale for only $89 right now (usually $159). I already bought this for mini’s birthday. A lot of positive reviews on this screen-free storytelling tool that children can use on their own. If you’re still hoping to find a big statement gift for a little one, this is a great option.
+Speaking of toys, discovered this toy leaf blower via Emily Hertz and I think micro needs this! He loves imitating his Dad. He’s set for Christmas but I think I will buy and hold onto this for his birthday in May.
+You know how I feel about turtlenecks…this is a good one.
+For those of you lucky snowbirds getting away somewhere warm this winter: I can’t stop thinking about this gingham swimsuit! So, so cute!
+Adorable toile dress. Love the long sleeves – so unexpected. Could work for a spring affair.
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above via Mach + Mach featuring this season’s “It” shoe.
I wrote recently about how every girl deserves a pair of shoes that scream: “I know how to have a good time!” This is your source for epic party shoes for the holiday season, at all price points.
I want to first mention that I’ve seeing these epic Mach & Mach heels all over the place lately and — wow! Total scene-stealers. This particular pair is basically sold out everywhere and seems to be getting the most buzz, but my favorites are these ones with a slightly lower heel (not only for functional reasons but because I feel the lower heel height makes the shoe feel a bit more demure) and these mules. I can’t speak to the quality, but I did find two pairs of “inspired-bys” for under $100 here and here if you’re obsessed but not wanting to spend a lot of money on a trend.
However, my two favorite pairs I’ve seen this season are these Alexandre Birmans (do I need another pair of hot pink statement shoes?! No — but they are beyond perfect) and this $138 steal (!). I wish the toe box of the latter weren’t pointed but for the price and glitz factor…! Would be so fun with a holiday dress!
Also a big fan of platforms ATM and bought a pair of velvet, pearl-embellished Miu Mius similar to these that I stalked on The Real Real to wear on Christmas Eve. Also love these gold Schutzes!!!
A: Love the proportions of this one — ski bunny chic! — and this one makes me think of a Nancy Meyers movie.
Q: Maternity going out clothes – my first pregnancy was during COVID so I didn’t need much.
A: Congratulations! I’d wear a nap dress (layered over a maternity turtleneck) or nap-dress-inspired situation like this or this, or a sweater dress like this or this paired with tall boots or these chic suede ones. Alternately, a simple black dress like this, this, this or this (would again layer over a turtleneck — for some reason imagine finishing this look with black tights and these boots) and a statement headband! I also love this white shirtdress, this maternity cardi, this dress (would work with bump), and this non-maternity shearling long vest to throw on over leggings and a maternity tee when all else fails.
Q: Tops for leggings.
A: My first thought was a long sweater turtleneck poncho/vest situation like this, this, this,this or this, layered over one of the base layers mentioned here or maybe for the vests something like this!
Q:Black dress for cocktail attire wedding in March.
A: If we’re talking tote bags, I always think highly of women who wear Anya Hindmarch, like this tote. Such a chic, under-the-radar-ish brand. I don’t feel like she gets the praise she’s due! For something more casual, I love the quilted Clare Vivier or any of the Rue De Verneuil totes. This Loewe is super chic, too. If we’re talking crossbodies, I love this Loewe, my Marc Jacobs bag, and this Celine!
Q: Country club holiday chic!
A: I feel like La Ligne and Veronica Beard are the answer — my observation in this setting is that you want to feel pulled together but not too stuffy, trend-conscious but not too-too. Effortless chic — if you’re wearing anything tight, you’ve gone too far. La Ligne and Veronica Beard boast classic underpinnings, but made sexy and modern. Think a marin sweater with straight-leg cords, a plaid dress with velvet flats, or some trouser-style jeans (though my family’s club has an embargo on denim, not sure how common that is) and a turtleneck. A few other pieces that I would gravitate towards: this vest over anything but especially a cableknit (as styled), this striped sweater over a striped tissue turtleneck, this chunky turtleneck over an oxford (<<on rare sale!), this wool coat or this checked one over anything, this cable-knit, these straight-leg cords. All of those would be SO chic at the club bar or bowling alley or what have you!
If you’re talking cocktail party attire, I shared all my favorite dresses for the season here and lobby that all bets are off this season and to dress to the nines! But I can tell you I’m planning to wear this Damaris Bailey dress to a holiday tea at the country club, and the cocktail dress variation would be chic for a luncheon or cocktail party situation.
Q: A dress for my daughter’s Baptism in February (in FL — so chilly, but not freezing).
ARTIS BRUSH SET — I HAVE THEIR CLASSIC “LINEAR” BRUSHES BUT LIKE THAT THIS COMES IN A BIG SET
MASON PEARSON BRUSH — NEVER SEEN IT MARKED DOWN SO LOW, AND EVERY WOMAN NEEDS ONE OF THESE
NAP DRESS — I FEEL LIKE THE CAROLINE IS THE BEST TO GIVE AS A GIFT SINCE IT FEELS MORE LIKE A NIGHTGOWN/LOUNGEWEAR THAN A DRESS TO WEAR OUT, WHICH FEELS WEIRDLY INTIMATE TO GIVE
GORGEOUS CABLEKNIT SWEATER — WHAT WOMAN WOULDN’T LOVE THIS?
Q: Black tie dress for a charity gala in NYC in February. Under $200.
A: This is currently on sale for $208 and absolute perfection. This is slightly over at $228 but stunning.
Q: Perfect martini glasses and picks as a Christmas gift for a discerning sister.
A: Oo this is SO fun. I like the look of these Schott Zwiesels — this brand is widely respected and carried in a lot of fine restaurants, and this more curved style feels more contemporary/current than the more traditional style (with harder angles, like these, though they are timeless in their own way). To that end, a lot of “up” cocktails are served in coupes — and you could gift her these or these, which would work for martinis, champagne, or my favorite festive cocktail. For something in the middle, I love the long slender stem of these CB2s! For picks, we use these classic ball-end ones in stainless steel. Timeless and unfussy! Juliska sells a similar set that comes in a case that would pretty enough to keep out on a bar.
Q: Tops under $75 to wear with the Madewell jeans you love.
A: I personally prefer these jeans with a more fitted top/something that contours/tucks-in at that waist. I like things like:
Q: Dress for a bridal luncheon in February. I’m the bride and would love to wear white.
A: Congratulations! A splurge, but this jumpsuit would be spectacular. I also love this darling Staud, this Amanda Uprichard (imagine with demure pumps and pearl earrings), this Cinq A Sept, this Self-Portrait, this Zimmermann, this lacey little thing, and this Sandro. This combo dress is a bit of a divergence from my normal style but wow – how chic!? A sort of 60s Twiggy vibe.
Q: White, classic bedding. Comforter (prefer) or duvet and pillows. Not Boll and Branch.
A: Matouk! They have tons of chic styles. The Gatsby is crisp, European hotel tailoring at its finest. A caveat: I do find Matouk sheets require more ironing than others I’ve tried. We used Restoration Hardware for years and I love the look — again, crisp and classic.
