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.
By: Jen Shoop
I recently bought this dino stuffed animal for my son along with this board book (my children tend to love the simplicity and silliness of Sandra Boynton books) for the holiday and it led me down to the ends of the Internet searching for cute dino-themed finds for my dino-loving little man. When mini was his age, she was similarly into dinosaurs and I nearly bought this darling (heirloom-quality!) wooden set of toys, but settled for this Prextex set, which the two of them play with regularly. They’re perfect for sensory play — add to a tray of dried beans or soap foam and they will be happy campers.
One mental hurdle I have been working on over the last week, while solo parenting in quarantine (Mr. Magpie is fully isolated from us, while our children and have tested negative twice and are quarantining separately), is accommodating interruptions and things-half-done. I noticed that the first day or two that I was frequently driven to the point of utter frustration (and at one point snuck into the bathroom to shed a private tear) when I was attempting to clear the breakfast plates, unload the dishwasher, fold the laundry, prepare a meal, etc, because there were two pairs of hands tugging at my skirt hem begging for this, that, and the other thing, and I just wanted to finish a three minute chore. This is not a new sensation as a parent, but the frequency and intensity of their whining the seeming minute I would start on a task, and the fact that Mr. Magpie was not around to intervene or redirect, unnerved me. When I reflected on myself as a mother after bedtime on night two, I realized that they need more of me right now not only because we are missing our Main Man but because the world has changed–seemingly overnight–and there are new rules to observe, and new routines to follow, and little to no interaction with anyone else. My son asks after our nanny frequently, and mini asks multiple times a day whether she has school tomorrow and where Daddy is (even though she knows — it’s nearly automatic, I think, her little brain spiraling around this strange new reality and seemingly needing the verbal reassurance from yours truly), and why we mustn’t run anywhere close to neighbors when playing in the front yard. “YOU CAN’T COME CLOSE TO US!” mini yelled, pulling on her mask, when a neighbor walked to her car about seventy five feet away from us. And so I determined I was not satisfied with myself in those moments where I was trying to maintain some level of household normalcy in the face of needy little palms, and that I would need to make some concessions. I am normally a do-things-to-completion kind of gal, but I immediately thought of the advice of two girlfriends who had texted me variations on the theme: “Set expectations low and give yourself some grace.” When they’d texted me, I’d appreciated the sentiment but wasn’t sure how I would implement the advice. What did it mean to “set expectations low” while caring for two children indoors on my own? Fewer baths? PJs all day? No Pinterest projects? But it came to me then: one small, tangible way to apply their counsel was to let go of my need to get everything done when I wanted it to be done. To resist my preference for order and routine. That has meant leaving a pile of plates in the sink until a convenient time rather than immediately after breakfast concludes, as I normally do. Having dinner thirty minutes later than normal because everything takes much longer when I am pausing dinner preparations to referee fights, remove blocks micro is throwing at the window, find mini’s beloved Foxy, pour a cup of water, pull out a new activity to occupy the children until dinner is served, etc. That has meant sometimes I fold half of the laundry in the morning and finish it in the afternoon. Sometimes craft materials have been strewn about the coffee table for a good hour after we’ve finished working on it. I still find myself glancing over and grimacing as my kitchen slowly disappears beneath piles of clutter, dirty plates, craft projects, micro’s socks, mini’s hair bow, snack wrappers, etc, but then I remind myself “Lower expectations and move with grace.” And I know that I will get to it when I get to it. And so what normally happens in tidy swoops of effort now transpires in splintering little micro-sessions. Hair bow and toothbrushes put away, and then — someone needs a bandaid. Half of dishwasher emptied and then — I need to pause and set up a new activity. And that’s OK.
I am going to try to exercise this mentality more often in the future. It takes work for me to clip into and stick with, as I must be mindful about batting away the urge to tackle all the chores at once, but it yields a much calmer, more graceful version of myself.
Sharing out in case anyone needs a mnemonic for lowering the intensity at the moment…
+These taper candle holders remind me SO MUCH of the ones I have from CB2 that I alternate with my mercury glass ones.
+Ayr is offering 30% off some of their items, including their much-loved French Fry striped shirt in a great blue color. I wish I’d tried these jeans on previously because they look FAB in color and cut and are also included in the sale!
+Found this chic feathered top on sale for 25% off! Sooo good!
+This is one of my son’s favorite books at the moment. It’s enormous — probably two inches thick — but there are elements/cut-outs to feel and the illustrations and colors are so engaging. I was just thinking last night this would be a fun gift that feels super substantial for the price.
+These trousers are so fun. Imagining myself on a winter getaway somewhere tropical wearing these while sipping a cocktail within earshot of the waves…
+Just discovered a new children’s brand that has loads of cute everyday outfits for little ones — I love sending mini to school in little pima peter pan collar dresses like this. The shop also has some really good basics, like a plain white peter pan collar top appropriate for a boy or girl where the collar isn’t garishly oversized — shockingly difficult to find!
+I can’t speak to the quality (yet) of that brand, but I did buy a couple of these similar cotton sets for mini from Lila and Hayes and have to say I enjoy the ease of getting her dressed in them.
+I know I’ve shared these before, but I simply love these scalloped woven chairs!
+This is a print/replica, but love the way it’s framed — would love to buy a few of these for a wall in a little boy’s room! Get the vintage/antique vibe without worrying about it being drawn on by a little hand with a mischievous marker.
+You all have been loving this Stoney Clover-inspired sherpa pouch.
+This popular pajama style was just restocked. Perfect for nursing!
+Oh my goodness — these mini trunk bags (also come in black and a fab avocado color) are so chic! These remind me of Mark Cross!
*Image above via Jenny Walton wearing Mansur Gavriel flats, on sale plus an extra 25% off!
A quick pop-by to share that Shopbop is offering an extra 25% off all sale items with code MERRY:
THIS ANYTHING-BUT-BASIC WHITE TOP…ZHUSH UP YOUR UNIFORM OF JEANS AND A WHITE TEE WITH THIS EASY BUT CHIC PIECE! FOR THE PRICE OF A JCREW TOP, YOU HAVE A DESIGNER BLOUSE!
ONE LEFT OF THIS INSANELY CHIC STATEMENT BAG IN THE PRETTIEST PINK COLOR — LOVE THE BRAIDED HANDLE!
MANSUR GAVRIEL BALLET FLATS — TREND-FORWARD AND CLASSIC AT THE SAME TIME, AS ESTABLISHED BY STREET STYLE QUEEN JENNY WALTON ABOVE
IF YOU HAVE PIXIE-SIZED FEET LIKE ME, YOU’RE IN LUCK — THE CLOG OF THE SEASON IS ONLY $152 WITH CODE
I HAVE SEVERAL PAM MUNSON BAGS ALREADY BUT THE DEALS ON THIS, THIS, AND THIS ARE SO GOOD THAT I MIGHT BUY ANOTHER
I SWEAR BY MY CARDHOLDER — MINE IS PRADA AND I USE IT OVER MY LARGER CHANEL WALLET ALMOST ALL OF THE TIME — THIS MARNI WOULD BE A CHIC PICK, TOO! ($130 WITH CODE!!!)
YOU KNOW I LOVE THIS ALICE AND OLIVIA CARDI FOR LAYERING OVER NAP DRESSES AND HOLIDAY DRESSES
ONE LEFT OF THIS ULTRA-CHIC AND DIFFERENT SWEATER WITH SCARF ATTACHED — SOOO GOOD!
IF YOU ARE A BUY-FOR-A-SEASON-AHEAD KIND OF GAL, OR GETTING AWAY SOMEWHERE WARM THIS WINTER…TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS COLORBLOCKED RHODE AND THESE CARRIE FORBES SANDALS (UNDER $100 WITH CODE
P.S. What beauty tips have stuck with you? Comments are a gold-mine too!
P.P.P.S. Cute cold weather accessories for children.
By: Jen Shoop
I have not been sleeping well the last week, since we started quarantining. I miss sleeping alongside Mr. Magpie. We’ve spent only two nights apart in well over two years (maybe longer?) and his absence leaves the room drafty and misshapen, imbalanced. We have long phone calls from a floor apart, and sometimes we leave FaceTime on ” “taxi-style,” as we put it, in the sense that we just leave it running for an hour or two and sometimes the children and I are in-frame, and sometimes we aren’t. (Have you also born witness to this phenomenon in a taxi? Where the drivers seem always on-the-line but not necessarily talking?) Anyhow, “this too shall pass” and a string of “well, at leasts…” come right on the heels of my hand-wringing, but I do miss my better half and find myself sharply aware of the litany of gratitudes I owe him for handling so much around the house in normal times.
One boon born of sleeplessness? Let these late-night shopping diaries be a record of the many good buys I’ve stumbled across in the wee small hours.
+J. Crew is offering an extra 60% off sale items with code FESTIVE, which means this lovely silk-blend mockneck is only $24 (?!). I bought it in the hot pink but it was neck-and-neck with the beautiful dark navy color. My quarantine wardrobe has been these jeans (size down), a fitted turtleneck or crewneck cashmere sweater, and Vibi Venezias, and the mockneck would be a much-appreciated addition to the lineup of fitted sweaters (I like the silhouette of the jeans paired with a more fitted top). The outfit is comfortable, practical, and easily layers beneath a coat when we go outside for our daily constitutional. I’ve had many surprise visitors drop by to leave unexpected treats on our doorstep and when I wave at them from the window, I always feel kind of cute and put-together despite the circumstances.
+I also bought a bunch of little gifts from J. Crew’s sale section for some of the wonderful people who make my life easier — I always give a bonus to caregiver/housekeeper/etc (last year, doorpeople in our apartment, too!), but I like to also give something tangible. It’s fun to open something special you might not buy yourself! I am buying our nanny a few things but I supplemented with this scarf and hat set and bought four pairs of these pretty white glittens (around $10/pair with code) to give to our cleaning lady (in addition to bonus), my manicurist, the crossing guard who helps me make a turn to get into school every day that I mentioned here, and a spare for someone else I’ve not yet remembered! This blanket and this 100% cashmere classic camel scarf end up being around $35 with code and would also make fantastic gifts.
+I also picked up these cute masks for micro ($5 for 3 with code FESTIVE), who will now need to wear them daily when he starts school in January.
+Sephora is offering a surprise 20% off all orders through December 12th with code GIFTEASY. I’ve never seen them do this after their tiered promotion in late fall! It’s steeper than the 15% off code I usually get as a VIB. A shared all my top picks here during their previous promotion, but wanted to add that you can get the apple cider vinegar rinse everyone is raving about (I ordered during the Black Friday frenzy) using the code at a discount! (I also ordered their leave-in therapy. I’m so excited for this – I have been feeling like my hair is blah. Supposed to be fantastic for hair! Westman Atelier’s mini stick trio would be another great use — I bought this as a gift but would also be lovely if you want to test a few of the products before investing in full-sized ones.
+The 3-in-1 sports set we are giving micro for Christmas is on sale for $60. This is the exact style we got him, though there are variations in other colors. We thought it was slightly less babyish than some of the other cute ones (like this and this) and therefore might have more longevity.
+I mentioned this yesterday, but this $11 inspired-by-Jennifer-Behr headband was ordered on the spot. Have never seen my fingers move faster. Ha! I think it will be a fun accent with any outfit in my closet during the holiday season — instant festive sparkle!
+We have been so loved by friends and family who have dropped by with boxes and bags of activities for the children, and have lots already at home besides, but a few activities that have been big exclamation points this week…
THIS TREE / FIGURINE SET (SUPPLEMENTED WITH THESE PENGUINS) FOR SENSORY PLAY WITH ARTIFICIAL SNOW…A MESS BUT WORTH IT! I ALWAYS PUT A BIG MAT DOWN FOR SENSORY PLAY AND THEN DEMARCATE THEIR PLAY AREAS ON TRAYS (YOU CAN ALSO USE COOKIE SHEETS)…BUT THE SNOW STILL ENDED UP ALL OVER! FORTUNATELY, EASY TO VACUUM
MY CHILDREN ARE ENORMOUS FANS OF TOY STORY — WE HAVE MOST OF THE TOYS BUT ADDED REX AND SLINK TO THE MIX AND OMG…RARELY HAVE TOYS OFFERED SO MANY HOURS OF SUSTAINED PLAY
BUBBLE PODZ — MADE BATH TIME SO MUCH MORE FUN…SUCH A SMALL THING BUT IT’S NICE TO HAVE CHILDREN BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SMALL WAYS, I.E., LURE THEM TO BATH BY ENTRUSTING THEM WITH THE TASK OF SELECTING A POD AND DROPPING IT IN
RELATED: THESE WON’T ARRIVE FOR LIKE TWO MONTHS BUT ARE GOING TO BLOW MY CHILDREN’S MINDS
MONDO LLAMA WREATH ORNAMENT KIT — MY GIRLFRIEND DROPPED THIS OFF AND IT WAS SO FUN (ALSO, GOD BLESS THE ABSENCE OF GLUE…YOU JUST USE STICKERS TO MAKE THEM)! WE DID A FEW OTHER MONDO LLAMA CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK AND THEY ARE SUCH GREAT, CHEAP SEASONAL THRILLS
FOR OUTDOORS, MINI HAS FINALLY (!!!) BEEN RIDING HER BIKE THIS WEEK!!! WE ALSO HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF FUN WITH THESE INEXPENSIVE RAINBOW JUMPROPES (THEY AREN’T COORDINATED ENOUGH TO ACTUALLY JUMP THE ROPE BUT WE DO ALL KINDS OF THINGS WITH THEM…JUMP OVER THE SNAKE DELIGHTS THEM) AND OF COURSE SIDEWALK CHALK!
ALSO, GOD BLESS THE STOMP ROCKET…HAS BEEN A SHOCKING SLOW BURN BUY! WAS SURE MY CHILDREN WOULD USE FOR A MINUTE AND MOVE ON BUT THEY LOVE THESE THINGS
+My girlfriend bought this Vampire’s Wife dress after we’d texted about it a few weeeks ago and sent me a pic of herself trying it on this week. It is SO CUTE ON. 30% off!
+I have a skirt from Horror Vacui in this exact, archived Liberty London floral, and it is one of my most treasured possessions. I love the print. I wore this skirt to a baby shower in NYC and one of my girlfriends almost bought it off of me because she adores this specific Liberty print (she owns a pair of pajamas in the print!) and it is difficult to find anymore!
+I spotted Megan Stokes in this camel coat on Instagram and immediately assumed it was a high-end designer (maybe Max Mara?) so was SHOCKED to discover it’s from Mango and reasonably priced!
+I found our exact car seat stocked in three colors — strangely, this can be a hard carseat to track down from time to time. I bought one for mini and then we had to wait until we could find it in black again for micro. The key selling point? The cover can be removed and machine-washed. Crucial for any parent to a child prone to carsickness. I also think it’s pretty slick and low-profile. Bonus: if you are a Bloomingdale’s Loyalist, you earn power points on this carseat, meaning you will get a gift card for $100 after you buy it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Rava on sale so this is a pretty good snag. I bought mine from Bloomie’s for this season, too, and then went back and bought my son two Lacoste polos and felt like they were “free.” However, if I had that credit now, I’d put it towards this dress I can’t stop thinking about, which is already 25% off ATM and would be $100 less with the credit, making it under $200, or maybe the Sleeper pajamas I still desperately want (the gray are already on sale, plus 25% off, and then if you apply the $100 credit, they’d be under $100!)
+Despite buying a ton of gift wrap and bags and the like two weeks ago, I somehow never settled on a gift tag until late one night this past week. I bought these — love the colors and shadow lettering, and thankfully should arrive by mid-December. This particular Etsy vendor ships much more quickly than others. (I also love and have repeat-ordered her stationery, especially her notepads, her scalloped cards, and her shadow text cards!)
+Typing that out led me to place a second order from her: these notepads for a few friends.
+If your children love Brio, Mr. Magpie found this pack of 50 pieces (!) of track for $70. A crazy good deal because most of the “track” boxes I’ve seen are like $35 for 16 pieces. Bought for micro’s Christmas pile. Not the most exciting to open but will yield hours and hours of fun play to have so much track on hand! I also bought him this super cool suspension bridge!
+Being at home, inside, for this long — well, let’s just say, Godspeed and good luck to all miscellaneous toys, scraps of paper, artwork, broken items, laying around. I have been on a purging binge. It is a wonder how you accrue all these bits and bobs that just take up so much space? Like, little toys and paper crowns and boxes for things and tiny packets of crayons with half broken? Anyway, along similar lines, bought a fresh pack of these zipper-top bags (on sale for $10) to corral a couple of puzzles and toy sets that are currently at constant risk of being scattered across multiple toy bins and in anticipation of Christmas. A Magpie initially turned me onto these bags as a way to save space in Manhattan (i.e., decant all puzzles / toy sets from bulky boxes into these and you can fit a lot more into small spaces) but now I’m a total convert, even with tons of space. First, I like that they are semi-clear so you can see what’s inside and/or use the colored zipper for quick reference when trying to find something. Second, they are much more reliable when it comes to keeping small parts and puzzle pieces from going astray! Third, it’s now “my system” and…completion desire compels me to want all the sets in these bags now! I also bought these surprisingly inexpensive but cute woven bins ($20 for four, and they’re not tiny) for a few of the toy sets my children like to have out a lot, like matchbox cars and Barbies.
P.S. More slow-burn toys for children, and ideas on nursery/toy organization.
P.P.S. The best storage baskets organized by size.
P.P.P.S. This time of isolation from Mr. Magpie reminded me of this post: “…These wafer-thin observations are the delicate webwork of ten years of marriage, of knowing you so well that when I am apart from you for even ten minutes grabbing coffee, at least half of that time, I am collecting the bric a brac of our eternal conversation, knowing what will interest and anger and sadden and delight you.
Put differently: I am only half living when we are apart. The other half is suspended in anticipatory conversation, waiting for the moment when I can fill you in.”
