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My Amazon shopping cart is a reflection that fall has truly arrived with October’s beginning. Below, some of my latest, greatest finds befitting the season.
Who can relate? Landon’s office looks out onto our cul de sac, and he’s always clocking the comings and goings of neighbors and their guests, and reporting to me on it. I’m like a moth to a flame when I catch sight of an interesting bird, or animal (there is a fox who frequently traipses through our backyard!) outside my window, too.
But the post also made me wonder:
What else has surprised me about getting older?
A few that spring to mind:
+How little time I actually have with friends and family — it’s not uncommon to go months without seeing them;
+That I now often have “a perspective” on things rooted in real, lived experience rather than conjecture and inherited wisdom;
+How rarely I need an outfit that “takes me from day to night” — I’ve always found a way to change?;
+How difficult it is to see my parents get older;
+That a lot of the time, my mood is dictated by lack of sleep — as simple as that;
+How much I enjoy bird-watching;
+How easy it is to injure myself by doing next to nothing at all (I’m thinking specifically of the many times I’ve tweaked my back by handing my children snacks in the back seat);
+That everything has a price — there truly is no free lunch, and any choice I make seems to be displacing something else;
+How much I value comfort, and ease — rounding up when paying for parking, splurging on better seats/accommodations, saying “no” to avoid feeling harried;
+How unglamorous entrepreneurship is;
+That bad things happen to good people, and vice versa, and it can really warp your worldview unless you keep searching for slivers of joy;
+How fast it all goes
And on the flipside, a few things that turned out exactly as I’d been told, or otherwise imagined —
+That motherhood is magic, and that there is absolutely nothing like holding your babies, even when they are 5 and 7 (and, I predict, 25 and 27, and 45 and 47…);
+Lake recently released their fabulous Relax set in iconic black. I had to have it! I think this might be what I get my bestie for Christmas. She basically only wears black (New Yorker). I also just bought my MIL this pair of classic jammies as a surprise — she’ll be staying with our children while we’re out of the country and I’m going to leave them all boxed up on her bed!
+Two great pairs of chocolate brown suede boots to contemplate: these, $250 (I got them in the chocolate brown suede and they are PERFECT — very comfortable, easy to walk in, and the ambient color story), and these (recently launched at Loeffler Randall — fun new shape for them).
+SoldOutNYC just launched a fine-gauge cashmere turtleneck and I’m drooling. I LOVE this brand’s wardrobe basics. I have their tees in basically every color, most of their tank styles, and of course their Everything Shirts are divine (I own in three colors). You can get 15% off with code JEN15.
+For a big statement this holiday season, you must check out Eleanor Leftwich’s latest collection. LOVE all the feathered pieces, especially this top and these pants.
+I was delighted by how many of you ordered this $200 knit coat after I shared. I snagged it in the chocolate brown, and they are now offering us 15% off with code ZS-JENS15.
+Hyper niche, but Lan and I have smoothies most mornings for breakfast, and nothing sparks early morning joy like having the right vessel for a smoothie. We LOVE these heavy, oversized tumblers from Half Past Seven, and we sip out of these wide glass straws. An elite drinking experience, trust me. If you are also a smoothie enthusiast, treat yourself — you can buy the tumblers individually! It will bring you joy.
+Already thinking ahead to holiday events — picked up this dress for my daughter and this fair isle from Danrie for my son! I’ve mentioned this boutique in the past — they have such a great curation of European and American brands. J’adore! They offered us 15% off with code JENS.
By: Jen Shoop
The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.
Keats once described the world as “a vale of soul-making.” It’s so true – even the missteps are correct in this long project to find out who we are, to see what’s inside. And when I think of life in this way, as a process of whittling away what isn’t, it becomes much easier to cut through the noise. This comes naturally to children, of course, this tuning out of the ancillary. The other day at lunch, my son said: “My favorite things are Legos, playing outside, and doing science experiments.” It was so simple to him: as clear as creek-water. He could have days and days with only these three pastimes to fill them and feel happy. (By the way, “doing science experiments” is shorthand for “spending time with Dad” — my husband has been making his way through this experiment book with the kids and they absolutely love it.) I asked my son what he thought Mr. Magpie’s favorite things were, and my son said: “Cooking and growing things in the garden.” And for me: “Being sweet and writing.” (Ha! From the mouth of babes! Being sweet?! As if this is a primary hobby in life?)
But, you know, how clearly our children see things: how we spend our days is how we spend our lives, and he sees my husband and I investing the bulk of our spare time in these beloved pursuits week in and week out. Not bad, I think. I’d be happy to be remembered as “someone sweet who also wrote.”
I wonder how you, or your children, would categorize the way you voluntarily spend your time? If you could just list three things you focus on outside of work and familial obligations? What are they?
I hope you might take a minute to share them in their idiosyncratic glory in the comments below.
And in closing, a little reminder that you are not meant to live your life like others; you are meant to live your life like yourself.
****
P.S. Above: me in my new family room mirror from Fleur Home (look for less with this). My entire outfit here.
+FOR HOCKEY ROMANCE FANS: There is an entire sub-genre of romance novels dedicated to hockey players, and the social media manager for the Ottawa Senators seems well aware. I laughed at the comments on this post — “I didn’t hear a word that man said” and “What am I buying again…?” Dead! Female gaze Instagram at its peak. If you’re curious, I feel like Katie of Beach Reads and Bubbly has some good recs in this sub-genre.
+A CHIC $250 SUEDE BOOT: If you’ve been looking for a brown suede boot that is easy to walk in and under $300, this is it. It’s in the perfect shade and I love the toe shape. The heel design makes it very easy to stand in, and means it won’t get stuck in cobblestone and street grates, but it’s not a block heel if that’s not your thing either. I put them on while trying on outfits for Italy but ultimately decided I couldn’t designate precious suitcase space for a boot. I’m wearing them with the Ulla Johnson Calais dress.
+A RESOLUTION THAT STUCK: As we head into the final months of the year: how did you do with your resolutions, or intentions, for 2024? My goal was finding more stretch and spaciousness in my day. I give myself high marks. This year, we let our nanny go so we could spend more time with our kids, and I found ways to streamline the business side of this blog so I could focus mainly on writing. I anticipated that letting our caregiver go would have led to a “time crunch” but in fact, it’s done the opposite — I feel like it’s slowed me down and enabled me to find more balance in my life. There’s nothing I can do while I’m sitting in the carpool line and driving my kids home and ferrying them around to sports but…do those exact things. I listen to them chatter, pass out snacks, cheer them on. In the best way possible, it’s forced me to focus on one thing at a time. I simply cannot write while I’m in the car! But I was thinking that one other resolution from two years ago laid some good groundwork: two years ago, I pledged to never have lunch at my desk. I now sit downstairs (usually with Mr. Magpie) and enjoy a proper lunch. It’s the best way to hit pause on the day, eat with intention, and redirect the day’s flow. (One such lunch, and most of my lunches aren’t this fancy!, below: leftover Beef Bourguignon with celery root puree and a side salad with Garlic Expressions dressing, some pecorino romano, and a lot of pepper. A few Instagram Magpies asked for the recipes he used — it’s always so tricky with him because he often combines multiple recipes! The Beef Bourguignon was a combo of the recipe from Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Cookbook and Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook, and the celery root puree recipe also came from the Boulud book! BTW — that salad dressing is the best. I’ve had multiple Magpies write to thank me for the introduction. It is the only bottled salad dressing we eat in our house! On Instagram, I mentioned the embarrassing fact that I almost always eat with an apron on. I’ve destroyed too many white t-shirts. I was surprised by how many of you wrote to thank me for the idea – ha! My apron is something my mom got me from my high school’s bazaar — it has my alma mater’s insignia on it — but I bought Landon one of these restaurant-grade Hedley & Bennett ones (he has the Denver Brown color) a few years ago for Christmas, and he loves it and lives in it. A good gift idea for a devoted home cook. Final note: the acrylic placemats are Proper Table! Love love love them — so chic and wipe clean.
+AN ALBUM ON REPEAT: I usually work to this secret work playlist, but I have been obsessing over Aaron Frazer’s new “Into the Blue” album. There’s only one skip on the album and it’s the best moody, vibey, soulful music for working on my collages, answering emails, etc. Would also be good cocktail hour music. What are you listening to these days?
+NEW BRAND ALERT: Does everyone else know about the loungewear brand Yellow Label Co? Apparently Justin Beiber’s a huge fan. I’d like one of these oversized sweatshirts in every color, please. The styling on their Instagram account (below) made me excited to cozy up on the couch this fall. I ordered the espresso brown for myself (duh) and the pistachio for Mr. Magpie — his hazel eyes looks good with that color of green. Separate note: I liked the vibe of their bodega shorts but knew the length would be ridiculous on me, so I picked up this shorter-hemmed $20 pair. I kind of like the look on the guy, too — actually, my hairdresser (Ish at George Salon at The Four Seasons) sometimes wears shorts like these and he is so stylish.
+THIS WEEK’S BESTSELLERS: This oxblood blouse, encore! We can’t get enough of it!
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I’m back with more weird getting-to-know you questions! (More recent installments here and here.) This series is truly one of my favorites — you always deliver the funniest, most fascinating responses. Copy and paste to answer below!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).
02. Best socks.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.
04. Last thing you ate.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.
06. Bury me in _____.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.
08. Favorite movie soundtrack.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.
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I’ll go first!
01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). Caroline Kennedy. I wrote about the experience here, but I was at a photojournalism awards ceremony with a friend (celebrated photojournalist Andrew Harnik) and she introduced herself to me. I had assumed I’d be off in the wings, more or less arm candy, and so when she asked who I was, I gracelessly said: “Oh I’m nobody.” She replied: “What?! Of course you’re somebody. Let’s try that again. I’m Caroline. Who are you?” I’ll never forget it. The interaction spoke volumes about her. Have to pay that energy forward!
02. Best socks. For cold weather, you can’t beat Darn Tough. They are warm, foot-hugging, slightly-cushioned–and last an eternity. I overheard my brother and Mr. Magpie talk at length about how much they loved them in Aspen this summer.
03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. The far corner end of the couch in our family room. My children are usually spread out on the floor with drawings, toys, puzzles, and I have a clear view of the kitchen, which is where Mr. Magpie is 90% of the time.
04. Last thing you ate. All I’ve had today is an oat milk latte — but last night, I had shaved brussel sprout salad and mushroom pizza from Summer House in Pike and Rose, enjoyed on the coffee table in front of the TV while watching “Out of Africa.” Mr. Magpie is out of town and he would be appalled at the basicness of my order. We both laughed at this video on the travails of eating while married — especially the bit “when one of us is on vacation, the other one reverts into being a trash goblin.” When he is gone, I usually “scrounge” or fry up an egg for dinner, so I’d say my Summer House order was actually an achievement.
05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated: balsamic vinegar (I am a huge vinegar head but this is my least favorite variety, and it seems to be the world’s favorite…like, have you tried champagne vinegar? malt vinegar? sherry vinegar?!); underrated: celery root. I feel like we don’t eat enough of it in this world. Mr. Magpie made a celery root puree last week and I honestly think it might be better than mashed potatoes.
06. Bury me in _____. Honestly more intrigued by what your answers to this will be — cashmere? a scent? — but my first reaction was: Aspen, Colorado. My favorite place on earth.
07. Hyperfixation outfit.Pointelle tee, Agolde jeans. Just feel so good in them. If I’m in a hurry or uninspired, I put these on and add a statement sweater/blazer — instantly feel like a million bucks.
09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. The way he drives our car — I can’t explain it. (Is it because he only uses one hand while doing it? His confidence?) Is this something other people can relate to?
+On the sock question: I keep hearing great things about these ones from Le Bon Shoppe. Vibe for less with these ones, which get enthusiastic reviews on Amazon, and are a fraction of the price.
+Into Loeffler Randall’s current clothing connection — saw these jeans on Jessie Randall herself and loved the fit and unexpected gray wash. Also, as a pointelle addict, intrigued by this top.
+Merit Beauty just sent me this skin/complexion set (good value!), including their brand new priming moisturizer. I absolutely love their complexion stick (sort of a hybrid between concealer/foundation – great for travel and I keep in my purse for touch ups) and especially this angled brush. I have two of the latter because I needed a back-up just in case — I use this daily for foundation, concealer, gel bronzer/blush! It blends like a dream. Truly a magical must-have for your makeup arsenal.
+Minnow just launched a great fall break capsule. I love all the tan gingham and chocolate pieces, like this swimsuit (if you’ve not tried their swim for adults, you’re missing out — super flattering and great fit; run TTS) and this one for your little one. Also great everyday wear, like this striped breton tee (ordered for my son) and these shorts.
+Speaking of oxblood/burgundy, Favorite Daughter just launched a capsule with Moda Operandi and I can’t stop thinking about this satin coat. So dramatic!
+Saw a mom wearing these sneakers at recess duty — chiccccc.
By: Jen Shoop
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I’ve written about this in little fits and starts over the past week, but I’m getting organized for upcoming travel and thought I’d share all my finds / buys / purchases in one place. Some of these I’ve had for a long time, and others are new, based on Magpie reader recs. I also revisited my thoughts on making travel days easier here, and reviewed your tips, too…
Also wanted to mention in the context of this travel post that InnBeauty is offering 20% off their sets this week, and I just ordered this set of their full-size and travel-size Extreme Cream. Mr. Magpie and I both use this moisturizer daily and one of my big takeaways from asking you how you handle skincare while traveling is that it’s often the best idea to just buy the travel version of the products you love because they come in the right packaging and you aren’t wasting product / rushing to decant into travel tubes. (I’ve also had several beauty products dry up / go stale in those tubes before being finished!). Anyway, this InnBeauty bundle was a no brainer, especially while all sets this week are 20% off — it basically means you get the travel sized cream for $7 (vs retail at $22).
I’m planning on wearing my Tuckernuck cashmere sweatsuit (mine is gray — now available in other great colors, like olive green!) and VB sneaks (slip on!) for travel day. A visual guide below…!
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To make our lives more complicated after we’ve all just purchased barrel and wide leg jeans for the season, riding boots have returned. But don’t panic — I am mainly liking their styling with semi-sheer tights and shorter hem lines, like the Julia Amory skirt (runs big – I took my true size, XS, and it sits pretty low on the hips; use code JEN-15 for 15% off sitewide) I am wearing above with my Larroude Milan boots, this La Ligne cardigan, and this Sezane over-cardigan.
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I had been hunting for a pair of oversized, ridged gold earrings like the ones the ultra-chic Blanca Arimany (seen above) wore recently — I believe hers are Khaite! — and I finally found them at Shopbop last week and added to an order that I’d been building in my cart for two weeks. I bought them alongside:
These Citizens Jeans that were haunting me – will need to hem but think they’re so different and interesting
This vented brush — a Magpie wrote me an enthusiastic note about this brush last week and I couldn’t get it out of my head; she insisted it was a top “regrettably worth it” purchase*
These Citizens utility pants — I actually tried these on in store and loved them in corduroy (ran TTS) but think I’ll get more wear out of them in a classic utility green
A piece of jewelry from a relative — “this watch was my grandfather’s”
A signature lip or nail color
Offering a seat to someone else
Knowing the names of the people you interact with regularly — doormen, baristas, dry cleaners
Carrying a book
A gin martini in a thin-stemmed, thin-lipped glass
Generous tipping
Candlelight versus lamplight
Self-possession
What else would you add to the list?
*I few I would add that are specific to men: Unbuttoning suit jackets with one hand before sitting, and re-buttoning when standing; bare ankles with well-cut suits (a la Stanley Tucci); ironed shirts; devotion to their mothers; pocket squares; going “all in” on something typically considered feminine (e.g., enjoying Linklater movies, commitment to skincare routines). On that last note, one of my favorite recent memories: while in Aspen, my sister-in-law brought out face masks after dinner, and my brother and husband both unflinchingly opted in. I thought it was one of the chicest, sweetest gestures of openness.
+Those H&M trousers are just mentioned would be so chic in the burgundy hue with a sweater like this for Thanksgiving / fall events — entire look is under $70.
+I mentioned this recently, but with all the wide-leg and barrel pant silhouettes this season, I’ve been hunting for slimmer fit tops to achieve the right proportions. This layering tee from Stripe & Stare is incredible — a gorgeous, silky, stretchy material that is nearly opaque (I still wear nude undergarments). I love the fit – it doesn’t ride up or untuck. Perfection. I also picked up one of their bodysuits and will report back. Love the sweet lace detailing! The material is divine!
+Just ordered myself this book. I’ve listened to a few interviews with him and find him fascinating. More of a workbook, but in a similar creativity vein, I know several fellow writers/creatives who are disciples of this book.
+Two other travel things I ordered for my trip: these Ursa Major face wipes I’ve heard SO many good things about and these Manta eye masks (discovered via many Reddit threads and Magpie recs).
A: Love this! I’ve also recently entered my bodysuit era. I think a bodysuit like this or this (people rave about this one, but it’s $$) with great jeans, heels or heeled boots, and a little blazer is so incredibly sexy and chic?
Q: Family photo dress – kids in navy plaids and checks.
A: You could go for the Duchess vibe with an elegant navy dress like this or this and feel like a million bucks! I personally like to wear pattern so depending on how busy your kids are, you could opt for something like this or this (pair with a little navy cardigan).
Q: October black tie wedding, NYC.
A: She’s it. If you’re game for a red moment, this (under $150)!
Q: Any dresses more Thanksgiving level formal that would work for a 7 month bump? Doing my shower right before thanksgiving!
A: Try this or this – I’d go up a size, but the material is pretty stretchy.
Q: Clothes for Naples, Florida with other couples – tennis, golf, spa, nice meals/drinks.
A: SO fun! I love Julia Amory for this trip — a dress like this or a pant set like this for dinners/drinks. For golf, have you looked at Byrdie? Such fun and unexpected pieces, like this set, that work on the links. For tennis, Tuckernuck has chic/fun options like this to pair with Lacoste polos. And I’m still in love with my Lulu athletic dress!
Q: Quality, classic jewelry that can be worn day after day ($1000 or less per item).
A: I love my Dorsey Clemence and heart ID necklaces — I almost never take them off. My March Hare watch has a vintage Cartier look but under $400 (use code MAGPIE20 for 20% off). For earrings, my most-worn pairs are Dorsey Lucien, a pair of pearl studs my parents gave me forever ago, and now these Dana Rebecca huggies.
Q: Best friend gifts – $100.
A: Lake Pajamas, Quince cashmere sweatshirt, splurgey beauty from Westman Atelier. I also love to buy my bestie my latest “regrettably worth it” discoveries — I bought her a black Hunza G (osfa!) for her 40th after discovering how amazing they were. That’s over the stated budget, but a few similar “regrettably worth it” items I have on my mind for gifts this year: Crown Affair’s hair towel and dry shampoo bundled together; Goop colorblur trio; Leset pointelle tees; Clare Vivier ballcap; Jillian Dempsey eye masks; InnBeauty skincare trio; Mother Science hero serum.
Q: Waterproof rain jacket that also looks good.
A: Feel like a broken record, but Stutterheim! Love the shape and colors. Also carried at Tuckernuck — try codes YOUROCK or YOURULE for 20% off.
A: My favorite, most-worn pairs are these Brylies and these Joes Jeans — if you’ve been reading for awhile, you know I frequently spotlight both pairs in my “What I Loved Wearing” series. I also own and love these La Lignes and these Joe’s Jeans, but I had them hemmed to wear with heels so have to be choosier about when I wear — something to keep in mind if you also need to hem (maybe have them tailored to pair with flats). Also love these Everlanes and these Gaps. And if you’re open to cords, I shared all my favorites here!
Q: Easy “play” leggings and tops for my eight year old girl.
A: I have the best luck with my girl at Zara, J. Crew, and Gap. The styles are a little less frou-frou (and therefore to her taste — they almost feel like mini versions of my clothes). I’d consider leggings like these with coordinating sweaters, leggings like these with a solid-colored sweatshirt, leggings like these with pointelle tees. We’ve also had good luck with the simple/striped separates from Hannah Andersson, like this and this.
By: Jen Shoop
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I am not great about packing in advance of a trip – I’m such a moody dresser; I usually wait until the last minute (i.e., night before) to see how I’m feeling and what I’m gravitating towards – but sharing below what I’ve dog-eared for a trip to Tuscany and then Como. Temps are supposed to be in the 60-70s in the daytime and 50-60s in the evening, so layering will be key. The theme is fifty shades of brown.
I know I will need to whittle this down (traveling for seven days – will share full itinerary and notes when we return), but here’s what I have laid out on my floor:
01. This cashmere toggle coat. Love that it works as a cardigan, over a simple tee with jeans, or as an actual jacket, over a dress or blouse.
07. Blazer – thinking this one because it goes well with the brown color theme.
08. Statement blouse — either (both?) this and this. I like the idea of pairing these with either casual jeans and a ballet flat for day exploring, or a heel and blazer for evening.
09. Dressy dress — we have one formal dinner planned. I love this or this.
10. Shoes: a) pointed toe suede or velvet pump (these are a really good buy at $150 – I have in a few colors; I have a camel suede that will probably be perfect, but also how good would a chocolate brown be?); b) comfortable and chic sneaks; c) ballet flats.
Already unclear what handbags to bring. Possibly something like this (I have in a brown color) or this (I have in brown leather) that will go day-to-night, but can be worn with a crossbody strap during the day. Definitely throwing this Celine phone sling in my bag — I found it so helpful the last time I was traveling, e.g., you just want to run down to the lobby / grab a drink at the hotel bar / need only phone, card, key.
For day-of travel, I’ll be revisiting all your tips here, but plan to bring my noise canceling headphones and external phone battery, wear my cashmere sweatsuit, and have my Kindle pre-loaded with light, diverting fare. I’m not a big eye mask person but am going to pack one because the flight is overnight. A lot of you recommended the Manta one. I’ll probably carry on this duffle, which is magical. It has a laptop sleeve (critical) plus a little flap you can slip on over your suitcase handle, and it’s very lightweight on its own. (Fits under seat!)
