I am so glad I saved a fair isle sweater I bought over a decade ago because I’ve suddenly gotten so much use out of it this season! It’s nearly identical to this RL style, which they geniusly released with a matching sweater skirt that I’ve been eyeing (the print also comes in a fabulous wrap sweater moment that brings me major Shiv Roy vibes). Can you even?! With suede boots or these delicious suede flats (love the corded bow!)? Speaking of statement skirt moments, I love the idea of this SS fair isle sweater with a full skirt for an unexpected holiday party look.
MOMMY AND ME MOMENT WITH THIS SWEATER FOR YOU AND THIS FOR BABY
I love the vibe of pairing fair isle with textured pants, whether knit or corduroy, and for cords, I’m digging the vintage straight-leg fit at the moment, a la my Gap ones, these from Moussy, these from Loft, and also high-rise trouser style like this pair from Nordstrom and this steal of a pair from Target!
What household buys do you love and/or replenish instantly? A few of our favorites that you may or may not be familiar with, many of which I have extolled in posts past, and many of which would make excellent stocking stuffers…
+CURAPROX TOOTHBRUSHES — These Swiss-made toothbrushes have like 5,000 individual filaments in the bristles to clean teeth better than they’ve ever been cleaned…but they’re soft, so they don’t scrape enamel. The hexagonal handle means you can angle the toothbrush to get every nook and cranny.
+LIVING LIBATIONS CLEANSING OIL — This product has earned a cult-following for good reason. I’ve been wedded to this oil cleanser in my morning routine for nearly a year now and have never looked back. It has a medicinal smell that I’ve come to love but — caveat if you’re sensitive! It leaves my skin cleansed, glowing, and moisturized in the morning. J’adore j’adore j’adore. I wrote a full review here ICYMI.
+LEUCHTTERM NOTEBOOKS — My favorite because they have gridded and dotted options, and I prefer those styles to lined, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. I also love the built-in bookmark, so it’s always easy to find my place. I wish it came in a top-bound version because I’m a leftie, but alas.
+TRUE TAP WINE KEYS — We’ve long preferred these bartender-approved keys to any of the other fancier wine openers (Rabbits, automated ones, etc.). I always have a few extra in my “gift closet” to bundle with bottles of wine when visiting friends.
+KITCHEN TOWELS — These inexpensive and highly absorbent no-name towels are a major utility buy in our home. We more or less use them in lieu of paper towels and toss them into this wire bin I keep under the second sink in our kitchen. I launder them every few days. They are so cheap it doesn’t matter if a few get destroyed every few months! Much better value than the Williams-Sonoma ones that are inevitably similarly destroyed!
+O-CEDAR SPONGES — Switched to these on the rec of the Wirecutter, I believe, and both Mr. Magpie and I were instantly obsessed. It’s far thicker and more durable than your run-of-the-mill grocery store variety and I find it holds up much longer to intensive use.
+CONTINUOUS SPRAY BOTTLE — A hero product I learned about from a Magpie. I use this if I’d prefer to let my hair air-dry while I sleep (my favorite indulgence — going to bed with wet hair!) and then want to re-wet in the morning to style with my Revlon One-Step. I also use this daily on mini’s hair. Her hair is super fine and I find it much easier to handle (especially when tying braids) if damp. Just the best!
+CLAW CLIPS — I rediscovered these last year and frankly don’t know how survived without these for the ten or twenty years I went without. The best for pulling back hair into a half-up-half-down without the crease or severity of a hair tie. Also love these for quickly pulling back hair when washing my face, brushing my teeth, etc. Am now never without these in my bags and drawers and have already ordered multiple sets. I love the size of this particular set!
+PANTENE PRO-V SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER — I have written about this elsewhere, but I personally think hair care is one of those splurge or save scenarios. I either go with Oribe or Pantene, and nothing in between. I find the mid-priced stuff not worth the incremental cost compared to Pantene, and no where near as good as Oribe, so I either save a bundle with Pantene or majorly treat myself with Oribe and just take turns!
+WET BRUSH — I bought mini a Mason Pearson children’s brush when she was much younger but found it frustrating, upon moving to Bethesda, that I’d frequently be running upstairs in its pursuit (I tie her hair back in the kitchen in the mornings) or downstairs in its pursuit (when brushing her hair post-bath) so decided to buy a second brush to keep off the kitchen. I wasn’t about to spend another $130 on a hairbrush, and I’d heard good things about this under-$10 one. Well, now I find I’m back in the same pickle because our nanny prefers this one to the Mason Pearson, so she will often bring this one upstairs! Ha! But seriously — $10 for a brush that some prefer to Mason Pearson! It does a better job of grabbing all hair and detangling I think. The MP distributes oil wonderfully but is not as much of a knot-buster.
+WOOL + CASHMERE SHAMPOO. I’ve saved a small fortune by using this to hand-wash my cashmere and wool sweaters at home. I used to have them all dry-cleaned! Love the scent, too. Frankly, I love all of the Laundress products with the exception of their starch alternative, which I found did nothing at all. (Definitely worth upgrading to Linenpress for that.) I believe I’ve tried and loved all of their products, though I do think their detergents are a bit spend-y for everyday use and find Tide to be better at stain removal. Still, I always have a bottle or two of their beautiful detergents, especially in the limited edition scents (currently loving their floral 723 scent!) for laundering our sheets and towels.
+LE PENS — I have minuscule handwriting and appreciate the ultra-fine tip (and saturated colors!) of these pens. I’ve used these since high school. J’adore.
+KUHN RIKON PEELERS — The best, sharpest, easiest-to-wield little peelers on earth. Super cheap too.
+COCOFLOSS — I’ll never go back to Glide. This stuff is infinitely superior. Like velcro between the teeth! Comes in fun flavors, too.
+LAUNDRESS STAIN BRUSH — It sounds weird, but this tiny brush is ultra-powerful. I have removed countless (countless!) stains with this little tool and even gifted to my mom. It is SO good. I think because it’s small you can really exert a lot of elbow grease on a specific spot/focus on a tiny area. My go-to treatment process: apply liquid soap directly to stain, dab brush with really hot water, and scrub. Repeat until stain disappears.
+REPLAY DIVIDED CHILDREN’S PLATES — Microwave and dishwasher-safe, with wells deep enough to hold liquid/semi-liquid items like applesauce and yogurt, and great colors.
+CHIP CLIPS — Just make me happy. Come in great colors.
Not seen above, but definitely worth a try/consideration:
+BEST EYELINER EVER — Under $8 and IMO no different from Stila, which was my erstwhile favorite. My only complaint is that the “brush”/”applicator” hairs can go awry after multiple uses, which makes it difficult to apply clearly, but a reader wrote in to say she uses nail clippers to trim those stray hairs and — voila. Problem now solved.
+MR. CLEAN GLOVES — Salvation for anyone who insists on weekly manicures but still does a lot of dishes! I specifically like this pair because they are lined/flocked on the interior so you aren’t bothered by ultra-hot water and the gloves don’t transmit that gross plastic smell to your fingers. These were strangely hard to come by during the peak of the pandemic so I recently bought about 10 pairs when they became more widely available! I replace once a month or so.
+PANTENE PRO V RESCUE SHOTS — These are truly wonderful for ultra-dry winter hair. So inexpensive, too! Worth tucking into your stocking!
+SORBUS CLEAR BINS — My favorite tool for organizing closet, pantry, etc. Perfect size and — importantly — clear so you can see everything.
+LINENPRESS STARCH SPRAY –This is a wunderproduct. Far exceeds results of any other starch I’ve ever used and lasts an absolute eternity. Comes in different scents, too!
+CALDREA COUNTER SPRAY IN ROSEWATER DRIFTWOOD — The best scented counter spray you will ever encounter. I know I’ve converted many of you into believers this based on this description: “It’s as if Jo Malone has cleaned your bathroom herself.”
Run! Hill House just launched its once-yearly sale, and you can score some of their fabulous nap dresses on sale. The Ellie is great for layering with turtlenecks and this Nesli was the most-worn dress in my summer wardrobe, but in the emerald green, you can totally transition to the holidays. I also literally just bought these jeweled jammies and matching top to wear OUT to eat and can’t believe it’s now 50% off. Perfect together or purchased separately.
In my cart: this Athena style — have never owned this style nap dress and kind of like this masculine plaid, paired with opaque tights and velvet platforms — and a nap dress for mini! I’ve never purchased her one before but can’t resist with the price!
P.S. Not on sale, but I love so many of the pieces from their recent holiday launch, and there are still some pieces available, including the chic tartan Caroline and this burgundy velvet dress that I’ll be wearing to Thanksgiving.
So many of the most recent batch of Magpie Mail questions dialed in on what to wear to various holiday gatherings! Today, I’m sharing all my favorite festive finds for the season…
Under $200: this feather trim gown, navy velvet trousers, navy velvet dress (technically $201), tartan shirtdress, metallic slip skirt, sequin blouse, cranberry colored dress
Already in my closet: this La Ligne plaid, plaid and velvet nap dresses, jeweled top, bow headband, Miu Miu platforms (mine are past season I snagged on TheRealReal after stalking for a long time that are close to identical but with a bigger pearl clasp…look for less with these), satin Roop bag, velvet furlanes
Most likely to join my closet: Sleeper pajamas, Emerson Fry sequin dress, Alexandre Birman shoes
*Image above via Mrs. Francoise, a boutique mommy-and-me Instagram-based clothier featuring “Old European vibes.”
A girlfriend of mine was puzzling over a sudden eruption of tantrums in her four year old, when she mused that it might have been owing to a series of schedule disruptions — a few days of no school, some minor switches in routine — and we both agreed that what feels to us like a gentle shifting in sand underfoot can feel to a young child like a high-magnitude earthquake. In our house, at least, Mondays often spur minor rebellions against going to school, and the arithmetic is plain: two days off for the weekend is a syncopation in schedule she cannot abide, especially as the weekend’s much looser routine renders the rigidity of Monday mornings difficult to swallow. Heading back into school after a holiday, especially a week-long one, is particularly vexing to my daughter. A wall calendar has helped us in this regard, but still.
My girlfriend and I compared notes on how these tantrums never seem to manifest in school, or under the watchful eye of a caregiver. It’s only when alone, with their parents, that things tend to get hairy. I recalled a stirring quote I came across a few weeks ago that I wish I’d clipped in its entirety, but can only offer in paraphrase:
“If you wonder why your children act their worst in front of you, consider the fact that they are ‘holding it in,’ attending to rules, straining to behave and follow directives, when they are in the company of others at school. When they are alone with you, they are free to let their guard down, to let it all out. In a sense, it’s a compliment that they are only at their most comfortable with you.”
The day after Mr. Magpie and I returned from our brief getaway to the Eastern Shore, my children were nearly unrecognizable versions of themselves. The day was one long tantrum with two loud voices. Everything was a battle — even arguments long since ended, like mini’s erstwhile insistence on drinking from sippy cups, which we painfully put to bed months and months ago. They were grabby, recalcitrant, whining. Our nanny suggested she leave early because the children were being so willful. As an example, micro dissolved into a kicking fit when she poured his milk rather than I.
It seemed clear that the author of that quote about children “holding it in” when in the company of others was on to something. A few days with new routines, different (though incredible and caring and known-to-them!) caregivers, and the confusing absence of parents who are literally never away (I had never prior slept away from micro) had led to a back-up of emotion that coursed right into a day-long paroxysm of petulance.
What to do but fold those little bodies into my arms and let them cry into my shirt and tell them, over and over, “I love you” and “Everything’s OK”? Maybe this is true of all children, but, as a young girl, the single-most thing I craved from my parents, to whom I was strongly attached, was reassurance. I see those same markings in my daughter in particular, who will occasionally look at me while she’s in the middle of doing something new as if to ask for permission. “It’s OK,” I nod. And when she is upset, too, as she was the other day: “Everything is OK.”
And so we muddled through a weepy, cranky day together, and I reminded myself multiple times — to varying degrees of success — to consider their willfulness and clamoring for my attention a compliment, and at the end of the day, mini asked for three encores of her lullaby (“O Little Town of Bethlehem”) and the request seemed to me a direct confirmation that I had been moving along the right parenting grooves. She wanted more of the same, and more of the same, and more of the same, because she’d be handed the unfamiliar. (“Doe Doe [her nickname for her grandfather] only knows Happy Birthday as a lullaby!” she’d cried out, half-shocked.) And she was melting down all day because she’d needed to let out that surfeit of emotion cinched in by navigating multiple days without us.
Again I heard the words of my mother’s friend: “It’s nice to be needed, isn’t it?” She’d reproached me with this simple phrase when I’d attempted to make a humorous comment about my father’s ineptitude in the kitchen and my resulting accommodations. I’ve never forgotten it. When motherhood gets really tough, stifling — when I find myself sneaking off to catch my breath and control my temper in the quiet of the pantry — these words materialize. So too the day after we returned from our trip. It is good to be needed. It is a blessing to be needed.
Post-Scripts.
+On being “in it” as a mother. (I’ve so, so been there. For every day I’m able to tell myself “it is good to be needed,” there has also been a day where I have totally lost it.)
+”When my daughter is sick, I lose all sense of perspective. I doubt myself as a mother. I am desperate for secours, overwhelmed by the responsibility of making care decisions on her behalf, even with something as run-of-the-mill as a likely innocuous fever….” More on navigating motherhood when a child is sick here.
+Another great cord find — love the dark navy color! Love it layered over a turtleneck as shown, too.
+Just found another super cute gift idea for a child (under $20): these Stickyscapes sticker books, which come in a bunch of different themes. I just ordered mini the superhero one but I think she needs the NYC one, too!
+These lace-up, shearling boots are chic and on sale!
+These striped jersey pajamas are $25 and give me major Lake vibes.
+Thanksgiving placemats for the kids’ table. I also ordered these crowns for the children to color in.
+Another fab Cleobella dress! I love the dresses they have out right now. (You can see me in mine here.). These are particularly well-suited if you live in a warmer climate but want to look seasonally-appropriate, as they are made of an airy cotton.
+This sweater with the pearls at the cuff is SO up my alley. J’adore!
+My favorite underwire bra, on sale. (More of my favorite unmentionables here.)
+This zodiac necklace is fun. For a more refined take, check out Lizzie Scheck’s zodiac necklaces — she is a Magpie reader and graciously sent me one. I have been wearing it close to daily this season!
+These chunky enamel earrings remind me of Brent Neale’s pricier pieces.
+If you’re into the feather trend, check out these under $50 heels. SO fun to pair with a staid plaid dress!
Hot pink is suddenly everywhere, and I’m loving it. (Perhaps we have Carey Mulligan to thank?). Years ago, I bought a pair of hot pink satin mules from Christian Louboutin and they remain one of my all-time favorite purchases. Sometimes you need a pair of shoes that scream: “Take me dancing!” These current-season hot pink Alexandre Birmans are for that reason stoking my envy. Can you imagine how fabulous they’d be with a navy velvet gown?! Swoon!
As for as styling, I’d take a cue from past-season Jil Sander and pair with navy for a shockingly elegant take. I’m also loving it paired with black velvet (somehow the richness and depth of that fabric/color elevate the hot pink) or cream/ivory.
Below, some favorite hot pink finds and how I’d style…
I bought myself this La Ligne plaid dress for Christmas Eve and will wear with green velvet pumps and emerald-inspired earrings. For Christmas Day, I am contemplating going outside the box with this green floral or maybe doing something in black velvet like this major statement dress or this button-front mini and pairing with a pair of tartan bow-topped heels similar to these that Talbots sent me last year!
I recently had an interesting conversation with my mother-in-law about frustrating situations in which we have been asked to do something over-burdensome or unfair and yet have done it anyway, perhaps to avoid ruffling feathers or hurting someone’s feelings. (For example, someone asks you for a favor that is difficult to come by, or requires some bending of the rules, or is highly inconvenient, and yet saying “no” appears uncaring.) I have gotten mildly better in recent years at gently declining or redirecting in these circumstances, but they do crop up, and when they do, I am often in the end more irritated with myself than the requester. I find I am likely to stoop to pettiness, to dwell on “the injustice” of it all, and I find that frame of mind not only unattractive but exhausting. So I find myself between scylla and charybdis: on the one hand, a firm “no” feels out of character, even harsh; on the other, a silent “yes” yields unpleasant stewing. In the first case, I appear unattractive to others; and in the latter, I appear unattractive to myself. Where is the middle ground? Is there one? I should note that I have on occasion attempted to explain my decline of a request, and have frequently found that the people who make these requests are fairly forward in insisting my hesitations are unfounded, and then I am again compelled to say yes.
I don’t have an answer in practical matters, but I will say I found some inspiration on a faith level in my devotional the other day: “Forgiveness is not only about not rehearsing the past but about participating in the present and preparing for the future. If we give in to bitterness…we are still living in what was. The hard part of letting go of the past is that justice is not always served.” I found some peace in that, in the sense that — it is not my job to tally up and offer comeuppance for the injustices and unkindnesses of others. It is my job to keep moving forward.
+Janie and Jack has some cute statement sweaters for your little lady — adore this and this. (I find this brand runs small, FYI.)
+Everything in my children’s fall wardrobes here and here.
+Forgot to include this chic tiered maxi skirt in my roundup. I have been looking for a chic fall maxi skirt ever since falling in love with this Coco Shop style, which apparently sold out in a day and is currently available on preorder, and this under $100 style might be the ticket.
Serena & Lily has marked down some of their iconic pieces as a part of their tent sale, including my Blake dresser, seen above, which is one of my all-time favorite pieces of furniture. (I shared a detailed review here.)
Below, some of my top picks that are a part of this sale:
Not seen above, but I have had the best luck at tent sales / clearance sales with buying square shams to update our sofas and even our master bed. You could use these in the 22×22 square size either as dramatic shams on your bed or to update your living room couch, and these or these would be ultra-chic on an all-white bed. Just fill with a 24×24 pillow insert from Amazon. (Yes, 24×24! My biggest eye-opening interior design discovery is to always order 2″ up from the size of the pillow. I know, you’ll think “well, maybe that’s for some brands, but not a designer brand…!” Trust me — no more sad pillows if you go 2″ up in size. It may even arrive and you’ll feel like it won’t fit. It will! I promise!)
Earlier this week, Mr. Magpie and I spent a few nights at the Inn at Perry Cabin on the Eastern Shore. One of the unexpected highlights of the trip was an afternoon spent at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, whose exhibit labels were wonderfully written — full of colorful details and artful language. It was evident that the curator had taken some delicious liberties in their authoring. His or her spirit shone through, as did the voices of many Chesapeake Bay watermen, crab pickers, sailors, shipyard laborers, etc. The exhibit showcased the people behind, or rather, of the place, foregrounding rich details that would otherwise be long forgotten. As an example, one placard noted that, at the end of a day of exhausting labor picking blue crabs to be canned or otherwise sold, you could tell which pile of lump meat belonged to which picker, as each woman (and it was nearly always women who did this work) had her own style of picking and cutting, and you could likewise tell familial relations, i.e., “this pile of crab looks similar to that one — must be her daughter/sister/mother.” Another noted that “there are two ways to shovel oysters into a basket: shoved in every which way, or in the style of the Chesapeake Bay oystermen, where nearly every oyster is tail to tip, or vertical, meaning you can fit about half the oysters you would otherwise be able to.” (Ha! Sneaky!)
My favorite placard spotlighted “Oyster Talk,” or the vernacular of the Bay oystermen. Fragments of oral history like this always fascinate me, and I was arrested by the artfulness of their shorthand for weather patterns, i.e., “oilskin jackets” are “clouds that break apart really rapidly when a front is approaching” and “slick ca’am” refers to weather that is “calm, with no wind.” Poetry, truly! But I was positively transfixed by the phrase “hearing music on the bottom,” an expression for “locating oysters in the water.” I haven’t stopped thinking of it since. What a beautiful analogy for the joyful, auspicious sensation of honing in on something you’ve been searching for — whether seizing upon the right words while writing, narrowing in on a professional opportunity you’ve been chasing down, or even that vague, stirring sensation that you’re in the right place at the right time and you’re not quite sure why. Since moving home, I’ve felt as though I’ve been planted where I’m meant to bloom, that I am here for reasons I can’t yet surmise but intuit that they are good and sound ones. I guess I’ve been waiting for the right coat to throw over the shapelessness of that feeling, to help me wrap my arms around it, and here, suddenly it is:
+Ordering myself these under-$100 statement earrings for the holidays, but these reasonably-priced pearl and crystal ones will be a total MVP. I own a similar vintage pair that go with absolutely everything from casual sweaters like this fair isle to cocktail dresses.
+Speaking of fair isle, I wore a gray and white fair isle cardigan in a recent Instastory and received a record number of DMs asking for its source. It’s an old J. Crew, but there are so many fabulous similar styles out now…a few favorites:
+Further speaking of fair isle, just discovered that KJP makes the most adorable fair isle knits for children — I ordered this fox style! Boden also makes some whimsical styles.
+This full skirt would be so fabulous for the holidays in either ivory or red. Just pair with a matching cashmere crewneck and some statement earrings and you’re done!
+You know I’m obsessed with my Boll & Branch bed blanket — just discovered you can get it for 25% off with code LIZ25. Truly MAKES the bed, especially in winter. It’s the perfect weight, ultra-soft, and adds a nice level of texture to your bed setup.
+This chic quilted coat you all loved is on sale for under $100!
+A cute add-on if you’re giving a Starbucks gift card to someone on your list — I know they’re popular teacher gifts, and how cute tucked into a monogram mug (only $5)!
+Just got the cutest gift idea from Caitlin Fisher: I’ve been looking for one more gift for my MIL (one of those women who has it all) and I’m going to give her a classic boat tote with her grandmother nickname (“Gigi”) on the side. Perfect because she is often coming by with her arms full of surprises and activities!
+I did end up buying this plaid dress for the holidays! I couldn’t resist. Love the plaid, love the style, the sleeves! This $128 dress nails the look for less.
+Another fab H&M score. This is the kind of thing I would have been all over while pregnant and then nursing — perfect for layering over maternity tees/nursing tanks (I lived in these Gap maternity tees — had them in like 34 colors and stripes) and leggings and finished off with statement footwear. Trust me, go cheap on the maternity clothes and invest in great footwear that makes you happy…good shoes always fit 🙂
+These trousers are nearly sold out but mama mia are they chic! Would pair this with a classic cashmere crewneck in ivory and a braided velvet headband.
+Intrigued by this limited edition Laundress detergent. I like to use my Laundress detergents only for bedding and towels — items unlikely to need heavy laundering and where I’ll notice and enjoy a slight scent.
+Eyeing these blue cords from Oso and Me for micro. This brand is so thoughtful about the design of its children’s clothing. Many of their items are specifically designed to last multiple sizes/seasons, i.e., the pants can be cuffed, the waist is intentionally elastic, etc. Have heard the best things about the quality.
+LOVE this velvet mini! Would pair with patterned tights and suede pumps or booties.
+Some cute Ugg accessories on sale at Off Fifth — consider these cute mittens or earmuffs for littles!
I just added multiple items to my cart at Madewell — they are absolutely killing it this season! In addition to the best-selling jeans I am anxiously awaiting (also come in a chic ecru color — and pro tip on this style: order a full size down in these jeans for more of a body-skimming vs. loose-fit; Julia Amory first turned me onto these jeans, as she swears by them and is often wearing them in her Instastories, as seen here), a few items I’m loving and how I’d style…
THIS CORDUROY PUFF-SLEEVED JUMPSUIT (!!) — DIFFERENT FROM EVERYTHING IN MY CLOSET AND THEREFORE SO FUN…WOULD PAIR WITH CHANEL CAPTOES, A MARC JACOBS J LINK BAG, LADYLIKE EARRINGS, AND A FALL PAREO WORN AS A SCARF (SEE HOW JULIA AMORY STYLES ONE WITH A JUMPSUIT HERE)
THIS SMOCKED PLAID MINI — WOULD STYLE WITH BLACK TIGHTS (SPANX REMAIN MY FAVORITES, THOUGH I KNOW SOME PEOPLE DON’T LIKE THE COMPRESSION), BOOTIES, A CARDIGAN, AND A VELVET HEADBAND
THIS RIBBED, BOXY SWEATER — SO CHIC IN ON-TREND CHOCOLATE BROWN WITH THESE FUR-TRIM BOOTIES, A WOOL MINI (LOOK FOR LESS HERE; ALSO LOVE THIS $50 HOUNDSTOOTH STYLE), THESE REBECCA DE RAVENEL STUDS I’M DROOLING OVER, A PADDED HEADBAND (UNDER $15!), AND A STATEMENT SCARF
PERFECT JEANS — IDEAL WITH FAIR ISLE CARDIS LAYERED UNDER FUR STOLES AND FINISHED WITH GLITZY EARRINGS AND LUG-SOLE BOOTS
Not seen above, but worth a look…
THESE CORDUROY OVERSHIRTS ARE A PERFECT MATCH FOR THE LUG SOLE BOOTS SHARED HERE…OR ELEVATE BY PAIRING WITH POINTED TOE FLATS
THESE TALL BOOTS — PAIR WITH ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING BUT ESPECIALLY FALL DRESSES, LIKE THIS CLEOBELLA I’VE BEEN WEARING ALLLLL THE TIME
P.S. More chocolate brown finds here, and if it’s burgundy you’re after — I got you. I just returned from a little vacation at Inn at Perry Cabin on the Eastern Shore and basically only wore burgundy the entire time, between my new favorite burgundy cords, this burgundy-print Cleobella dress, my burgundy cord tiered dress (I have in the “figgy pudding” color), and a burgundy velvet nap dress. Oh, and more corduroy goodness here.
P.P.S. On making peace with the end of a friendship.
A: The sweater above is by Closed, and the chic pea paired it with the matching scarf by the same brand. Get the look for less with this sweater and a camel scarf from Uniqlo. This vibe also reminded me of Dudley Stephens’ camel-colored fleeces, out now.
A: I love these navy velvet trousers. Depending on the party style, you could pair with a cashmere crewneck and glitzy earrings and platforms (probably the route I’d go). I also *love* this tartan La Ligne dress, which feels effortlessly chic. This red maxi dress is a big statement but would be very chic as well. If you’re looking for something more casual but still festive: this chunky knit is trend-forward (more knit dresses here) and would look great with suede boots, and this sweater dress mini would look so cute with a tartan headband. This black velvet mini is demure and Parisian-chic — there’s a similar, glitzed up style on offer at Zara. I think you could pull this off at work by pairing with opaque black tights and she-means-business black suede pumps. Finally, go Nellie Diamond with a short Hill House tartan nap dress, black tights, and sky-high platforms!
Q: Baby boy winter coat (9 months).
A: I have always loved Patagonia fleeces, especially the ones with hoods. Widgeon also makes a fantastic fleece coat that I loved for my children when under a year in cold weather because the hood cinches around the face and the velcro closure makes it SO easy to get on and off. Janie and Jack makes adorable quilted barn coats in tiny sizes — great for dressier occasions.
Q: A “family” gift. Last year we gave all of our neighbors board games we love and it was a hit.
Q: $150 secret santa gift for a friend who only wears designer things.
A: Play to her interests with Gucci socks or go off-script with one of the items in this post for women who have everything. Maybe the Chantecaille compact is her speed? Or go totally classic with, for example, beautiful personalized letterpress stationery.
Q: Designer “mom but not 100% mom” bag (i.e., not LV Neverfull).
A: This quilted Khaite and this Metier are well-sized and have the crucial feature that makes a bag work for a mom — shoulder straps — but the materials could be difficult to keep clean / take care of in the presence of small hands. Still, you’d be quite the talk of the playground with those beauties. More functional but perhaps a tad small: this Gucci logo tote. I love the throwback vibe and the oversized horsebit! Chic chic! These J. W. Anderson belt totes and Anya Hindmarch’s metallic woven style have always caught my eye, too, and then I’ve wanted one of these Chanel Deauville totes forever!
FWIW, two of my most-visited posts of all time are this post reviewing the M.Z. Wallace bag as a diaper bag and this post on what I carry in my diaper bag. I will need to do a refresher since our needs have changed so much with a 2.5 year old and a 4.5 year old, but I still swear by pouches for organization. Pouch life!!! Especially those wet-dry ones which mean that even if, say, an applesauce pouch explodes, or you have to stow the wipes you just used to clean off your child’s hands in your bag, it’s not going to get all over the inside of your designer bag. I also really liked the ToteSavvy mini when I had bottles and diapers to tow — kept everything in its place and easy to find, and you could transfer the organizer between bags if you so desired.
This is irrelevant to diaper bags, but I really want one of these beautiful Cuyana bag organizers for my Goyard, which is a constant mess, even with lots of pouches in rotation, just because I find I’m always digging for my keys and mask in its shapeless form.
Q: Cute nutcracker inspired stocking stuffers for part of a team gift.
A: These crackers from Meri Meri are perfect! And this Etsy shop does cute nutcracker-themed Purells, which feels very on-brand for this winter. Or maybe skip the knick knacks and wrap some delicious Levain cookies or Milkbar truffles in these nutcracker treat boxes.
Q: What are your thoughts on your current vitamin C oil?
A: I have been loving Biossance’s Vitamin C oil! I was originally thrown off by the oil formula — for some reason I didn’t read the name and assumed it was a serum (ridiculous gaffe on my part), but the oil absorbs beautifully and is especially hydrating as we head into winter. I apply a drop or two directly to my skin on my forehead and then on my cheeks and massage into my skin. Vitamin C products in general work wonders in terms of brightness, and this one achieves the glow I’ve come to associate with Vitamin C PLUS feels deeply hydrating. If you’re looking for an affordable Vitamin C product, I’d recommend Mad Hippie, though the product is the tiniest bit tacky. Otherwise, I think Biossance rivals Ole Henriksen — my two favorite Vitamin C products I’ve ever used. Biossance might slightly outpace Ole Henriksen in the rankings just because I find a bottle lasts a really long time, whereas I’d tear through Ole Henriksen in just a few months. I mentioned that once before and had a Magpie write in to say her bottle was last an eternity, so maybe I am just over-generous with the application of this product, though!
BTW – I did a poll not long ago survey Magpies for the best Vitamin C serums on the market, and, in addition to Biossance, you all strongly upvoted Obagi and Skinceuticals, though most of you were quick to add that Skinceuticals smells HORRIBLE. I don’t feel compelled to switch from Biossance, though, especially for products more expensive (and smellier).
Q: Cozy yet fashionable tops for casual entertaining.
A: My favorite cozy look at the moment is a tissue tee beneath a chunky, embellished knit like this, this, or this, or a poncho like this, this, or this. Finish with jeans and statement flats. Warm and stylish. Also love the idea of this statement cardi over a silk tank, or this pearl-knit sweater on its own. If you’re looking for something a little glitzier, check out this comfortable but jeweled top from HHH, which I would layer under a cardigan, this sculpted bustier sweater, this gorgeous bow-front blouse, or this velvet puff-sleeve.
By: Jen Shoop
It’s clear from this past week’s most popular items and the questions submitted to my most recent call for Magpie shopping requests that almost all of us are shopping for boots right now. There have been a lot of requests for tall suede boots to pair with fall dresses for under $500 and my top picks are these Alexandre Birmans (on sale!) and these J. McLaughlins. If you need a lower heel, this J. Crew pair is tres chic as well.
But I want to push myself out of my own comfort zone and contemplate a new pair of lug sole or combat boots. These are on-trend and I am angling for a pair. I would style by pairing with ultra-feminine, ultra-luxe-looking pieces to balance out the edginess of the style, just as Olivia Palermo does above — think ladylike, textured jackets (one seen below is on sale for $150; more options here), soft knits (sweater seen at top right below is only $32!; and I also like these boots with sweater dresses and shared tons of chic options here), and anything silk (like a slip dress or a skirt).
My favorites are this nude Aquazzura, these practical (waterproof!) Sam Edelmans (which cost a fraction of the price of the Aquazzuras and nail a similar vibe), and the bejeweled styles from Roger Vivier (seen above and below). However, HOT tip: this pair from Alex Marie is nearly identical and only $129. It also comes in a heathered gray fabric variation.
P.P.P.S. I still remember how it felt when things started to move again in Manhattan after what felt like a year of dead: “What felt like quagmire now runs swiftly underfoot, as though a thin trickle of water has made its way through a stagnant pool and is now racing, rushing, crashing into a downhill stream turned river. That thin trickle was hope. It was the beginning of a prayer, the headwater of a Hail Mary.” More here.
