HABA SUN CLUTCHING TOY — THIS GERMAN BRAND MAKES BEAUTIFUL WOODEN BABY TOYS…MINI HAD A FROG SIMILAR TO THIS ONE SHE LOVED THAT SHE THEN LOST IN THE WHOLE FOODS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE. RIP LITTLE FROGGIE
HONEYSTICKS CRAYONS — 100% BEESWAX, SO TASTE-SAFE, AND MY CHILDREN STARTED USING THESE AROUND 1 YEAR…THE FIRST SEVERAL TIMES IT WAS ALL EXPLORATION AND VERY LITTLE CRAYON TRANSFERRED TO THE PAPER, BUT THEY ARE BOTH AVID ARTISTS NOW AND I THINK IT’S ABOUT STARTING YOUNG!
SILICONE SPOON SET (GREAT FOR LITTLES LEARNING TO FEED THEMSELVES — WE ALSO LIKED THESE OLABABY ONES, SHAPED LIKE ASPARAGUS)
SKIP HOP BEE TOY — I SWEAR THIS TOY TAUGHT BOTH MY CHILDREN HOW TO CRAWL…YOU TURN IT ON IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS AND IT MOVES AROUND AND BABIES CHASE IT; ONCE BEE IS REMOVED, IT STOPS MOVING!
LITTLE PEOPLE FROZEN TOY SET (MY CHILDREN WERE OBSESSED WITH THESE FROM AROUND THE AGE OF 1 ON)
WORD FLASH CARDS — IT SAYS FOR AGES 3+ BUT MY CHILDREN USED SIMILAR FLASH CARDS WHEN VERY YOUNG…GREAT FOR LANGUAGE ACQUISITION, ANIMAL SOUNDS, ETC.
Not seen above, but I almost always throw new toothbrushes into my children’s stockings, which my mom also did. My children both loved this banana toothbrush, mainly for gumming while teething! And board books like Peek-A-Who are always a big hit. I have a soft spot for that book in particular because mini laughed for the first time in her life while reading it. The last page is a mirror and she saw herself and actually giggled! It was incredible. I remember sprinting downstairs to tell Mr. Magpie! I treasure that book for the gift of that moment.
P.S. It’s been awhile since I revisited my baby gear guides, but my sister just had a precious new baby boy and maybe I’ll update based on her feedback on all the new new.
P.P.P.S. Adventures (cough, cough — it’s a euphemism) in nursing, parts one and two. A close girlfriend of mine is in the process of weaning her second and has been having major heartache about it all. I still can hardly speak about weaning without feeling tears at the back of my eyes, and I absolutely wept re-reading this post. I can remember all of those emotions so keenly, and all the exhausting calculations and tweaks and trials I went through during that process. You do get through it, and then you’re onto the next big challenge, and life continues, but man! Did breastfeeding throw me for a wild, emotional loop! I’m just sending some big, huge, loving energy out to any of you feeding your babies right now. You go girl.
By: Jen Shoop
A few weeks ago, Mr. Magpie and I hosted a family gathering. We dubbed it “happy hour” and wanted to offer a semi-substantive appetizer without being too fussy or too involved. Enter Serious Eats’ Sheet Pan Pizza, an approximation of the renowned Prince Street Pizza in Nolita, which Mr. Magpie and I loved so much when we lived in NYC that we made multiple meccas downtown for the sole purpose of grabbing a slice of their Sicilian-style pies, which says a lot if know the context: getting there involved a 35-40 minute subway trek and the the Prince Street location has no seating and often a line around the block and then you must just stand there eating it like an animal on the street, with no place to perch. It’s as unglamorous a dining experience as they come, but damn is that pizza good. We were skeptical — especially about the use of sliced deli mozzarella — but Serious Eats’ version is surprisingly close to the real thing, with a focaccia-like oily crust (praise God for those corner pieces) and a spicy, chunky red sauce. It is toothsome and satisfying and, if your are like my brother-in-law, you may find yourself eating half the sheet without thinking about it.
It was, in my opinion, the perfect dish for the occasion. Mr. Magpie made the dough earlier in the morning and baked the entire pie midday and just slid back into the oven before guests were about to arrive. It reheats beautifully. It’s also substantive, impressive, and serves a sizable crowd. We sliced ours into small squares and arrange on white platters so that they were easy to grab and eat while standing with a glass of wine. And, I mean — who doesn’t like pizza?!
We loved it so much we just remade it last week for ourselves. Mr. Magpie doubled up on the amount of sauce he made and just froze the extra for future batches. He prepared the dish but insists it was fairly straight-forward/not particularly advanced, so don’t let the specter of making the dough intimidate you.
Had to share — a great option for a casual holiday gathering, or for a family meal, or for a random Saturday night when you have a hankering for New York’s finest.
+A light weeknight meal. This dish skews towards summer but frankly I eat it year-round. Just writing about it now I taste the tang of the lemon and the crunch of the pistachio and…! I might need to whip up a batch.
+At your next party, slip into something feathered! After publishing this post, I discovered this fur-trim, pearl-buttoned cardigan which is just the chicest way to test the trend without going all in. Currently in my cart. I’m imagining wearing over a black watch tartan wool strapless dress from Ralph Lauren I’ve had since college (!) that I’ve worn nearly every holiday season since.
Shopping Break.
+Sephora’s holiday promotion is open to VIB card holders starting today (use code YAYHOLIDAY). I shared all my top picks here, but wanted to add that this stunning Gucci eye palette is included and would make such a fabulous gift…or treat for yourself. Like, even just as decor on your vanity! Spectacular! There are also two really cute little gift sets that would be good for a teen girl or beauty lover in your life at a great price: this LaNeige duo and this Sugar Lip set.
+I’ve never ordered anything faster than this well-priced set of spiral red taper candles — $18 for 12?!?! — and perfect for holiday tablescapes.
+Speaking of candles, I have these hand-painted tapers in my cart as a possible hostess gift. My mom would love these!
+H&M has two fabulous sherpa bags to consider — this clutch, which I would wear sans chain (if removable) or tuck inside the bag (if not removable) and this shopper. Both under $35 and giving me major Stand Studio vibes for a fraction of the price.
+I don’t need new house slippers (still absolutely living in my Birdies from last year) but I keep coming back to these in the green. The peak of chic!
+Fab, loose-fit velvet dress — would work with bump or post-partum!
+These low-heeled, braided velvet sandals would be a smart buy for a holiday wedding. You could wear them all night without complaint! Love the idea of them peeking out from beneath a satin hem.
+This jingle bell wreath is adorable and only $60! Great value for something you can pull out year after year and not worry about browning on the door!
+This red maxi (under $200) is SO chic for holiday.
+Just a reminder that we may be in the final few days to order your live garland in order for it to arrive for the Thanksgiving table. Apologies if I’m being redundant, but I ordered a magnolia leaf one last year and thought it was the best bang for my buck because, unlike cut flowers, the garland lasted from Thanksgiving through Christmas and made the dining room look festive for over 30 days! The garland does brown and crisp naturally but it looks super chic all the way through. This year, I tried the olive leaf and myrtle just for comparison’s sake.
+This dining table looks like it belongs in Architectural Digest but is $1000, which feels like a pretty reasonable price!
+This ByTimo midi is still calling my name. Love it paired with croc or suede boots.
+Speaking of cord, these straight-leg cords are such a good deal (currently under $50) and are SO on-trend in terms of cut and color. I love all three colors! I ordered in the burgundy.
+Another on-trend silhouette: this half-zip sweater. Would layer over a tissue turtleneck.
+Ponchos are impractical in truly cold weather because they don’t play nicely with coats/outerwear, but for lounging at home or on days in the 50 degree range, they can’t be beat. I have several that have been in heavy rotation. So easy and comfortable and flattering. I love this J. Crew style!
+This shop is THE source for statement sconces in designer fabrics. An easy way to update your bedroom/dining room/living room/etc, and not as expensive as you might think.
+This $110 cage bag looks like almost identical to a style from Rosantica that costs $1,400.
+This metallic tweed dress is festive without being over the top and kind of reminds me of something that Twiggy would have worn in the 60s. So good!
+This Mason Pearson comb is a handsome addition to your man’s stocking.
By: Jen Shoop
*Image above via Donsje, featuring their precious teddy boots.Mini and micro both owned pairs of these and they are beautifully made and beyond adorable. I saved them to pass down to grandchildren one day.
This week’s sudden drop in temperatures honestly caught me unaware! I am normally prepared for each new season, but I discovered I had no mittens that fit micro and a mismatching glove/hat situation for mini. Below, my favorite cold weather accessories for girls and boys.
+I really can’t rave enough about these inexpensive packs of H&M gloves. They fit nicely, come in great colors, and are super cheap. Children’s gloves tend to go missing, so these are great to buy in bulk. This inexpensive set looks very similar, but in mitten form, in case your little one resists gloves/it’s too hard to put them on tiny fingers.
+I am usually a Patagonia loyalist, but this year I think I’m going to buy mini a Helly Henson puffer. I wasn’t crazy about the puffer colors at Patagonia for mini this year. I also contemplated buying her a Stio which, as I understand it, is the coolest brand to have on the slopes, but they are basically sold out in most colors and the only color I liked anyway was the pine green.
+I ordered mini this $10 hat and mitten set — I love the scale of the pom on it, and the black makes it feel a bit more appropriate for formal occasions (i.e., Christmas dress)!
+Last year, Amazon had some great thermals from their house brand, Amazon Essentials, for like $14 a set. I am keeping my eyes out to see if these will be released again, but in case not, am eyeing these from Spearmint Love. Great for layering beneath snowsuits, which — if you’re thinking about it now, go ahead and buy! I’ve made the mistake of waiting and then you can’t find any to deliver in time for the season’s first squall. Polarn O. Pyret’s bib style ones are the absolute best. They run really big, FYI! I would size down or just be comfortable with having them last a few seasons and looking realllly roomy at first.
I LOVE THE PATTERN OF THIS KNIT HAT FROM BLUEBERRY HILL — MINI HAS OWNED A FEW OF THEIR HATS (INCLUDING THIS HEART PRINT ONE) AND THEY LOOK HANDMADE/VINTAGE BUT ARE REASONABLY PRICED
GAP FACTORY HAS A CUTE CABLE KNIT HAT AND MITTENS DUO AT A GREAT PRICE IN A SWEET PINK COLOR
+If you like the Gloverall toggle but can’t stomach the price, Target has a cute navy option for $30 and micro owns one of the Mayoral ones. My only gripe with the Mayoral is that I think the faux-leather piece that attaches the toggles looks really cheap IRL. Frankly, I would either splurge on the Gloverall (especially if you have younger boys or cousins that can inherit) or just go with the Target!
+If you’re eyeing the Gloverall, take a quick look at Pepa’s double breasted coat just for comparison…meep! The contrast collar! I am very tempted…
+I *had* to buy the t-rex knit hat for micro because he loves dinosaurs and the gold color will go perfectly with his past-season gold Patagonia hi-loft!
+Not seen above, but a few other great finds:
THESE STRIPED GLOVES — I FIND PRODUCTS FROM THIS BRAND LAST AND LAST AND LAST AND AREN’T CRAZY EXPENSIVE EITHER
P.P.P.S. Weaning is kind of the worst. If you’re in the throes, I am thinking of you today.
By: Jen Shoop
Last week, Mr. Magpie and I attended the funeral of his aunt. It is striking and poignant to me that I mentioned her waning health on this blog for the first time ever two weeks ago and by the time the post had published, she had just passed away. That is to say, the morning we learned the news, she was already being lifted in prayer by total strangers in this Magpie community.
Mr. Magpie’s aunt was a joyful, loving woman who did not mince words. I have many memories of her shooting straight from the hip at family gatherings, and then lifting her voice in unexpected and deeply moving prayer over the Thanksgiving table. I distinctly remember catching my mother-in-law’s eye during one such occasion and there were tears streaming down both of our cheeks. Mr. Magpie’s aunt adored both Mr. Magpie and “her man,” the gentle soul who was at her side for a decade, including four years navigating intense cancer treatment. She, and “her man,” lived with Down’s Syndrome. They were fiercely loyal to and protective of one another and were absolutely inseparable. Many of the pictures on the slideshow at her service featured the two of them sitting hand in hand in hospital beds. The stories shared about her at her that day all painted the same motif: she was an exuberant, affectionate, loyal woman who reminded us how little, in the end, we need to live fully. She prompted us all to lean out and open up.
The day she passed away, my mother-in-law was unfailingly at her side but stole away for a few minutes to ask the landlord living upstairs something about the WiFi. He followed her down to address the issue, realized it was nearing the end for Mr. Magpie’s aunt, and stayed with them for the remainder of the day. As it turns out, the landlord was a doctor and was able to step in and help with some of the ministrations required for the newly-deceased when the time came. Later, h offered to prepare my mother-in-law dinner and then drive her home. And he sat in the pews of the Church, too, at her celebration of life last week, where the pastor began the service by imploring us to “get outside ourselves and make some noise for God.”
It was an echo of something already resounding: the prayers from this community, the rich generosity of the landlord, the bravery my mother-in-law conjured to stand up and say some final loving words for her sister that day — all people “getting outside themselves and making noise for God.” It is said that coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous, but in this case, it is difficult not to see these kindnesses as an extension of His gesture.
Frankly, I can’t think of a better legacy.
Cheers to getting outside ourselves and making some noise today.
*Chic pea above is wearing an Acne beanie — currently in my cart, but in the pink color rather than gray — and a timeless Celine bag.
It’s funny how quickly my fortitude in cold weather evaporated after leaving Chicago. While in the Windy City, I distinctly remember considering anything in the 30s “warm-ish” and, as long as it was above 0, could soldier on largely without complaint. (There was, however, a horrible “polar vortex” that came through one of the years we lived there that led to a phenomenon the newscasters called “river smoke” or “arctic smoke” where fog was forming over the Chicago River because the air was the colder than the water, which was downright horrifying. It was shockingly cold. Beyond reason cold. The wind chill on one day was -45 degrees, and you risked close to immediate frostbite leaving the house with any skin exposed. I had an important meeting downtown that day, and so I went, but I remember absolutely sprinting from my car to the building, terrified. The air was so cold it is almost difficult to register in words.
Anyhow, when it comes to living with cold weather, the delta between Jen in Chicago and Jen in D.C. is…noticeable. We’ve barely dipped beneath frostpoint and I’ve already been wearing my smartwool socks, cashmere sweaters (have been living in this La Ligne, on sale!), and just yesterday, I pulled out my beloved Minna mittens. I love these things. They are incredibly warm (fleece-lined!) and I think hands always stay warmer in mittens versus gloves. Target has a pair nearly identical out that is only $15! The cold weather accessories currently in my cart: these faux fur trim gloves in black for dressy occasions (such a good value!), these camel cashmere gloves (such a great value at $30 and will look fab layered with my cashmere sweaters), and this ACNE hat in the perfect shade of pink.
More fabulous, chic cold weather accessories on my radar below.
P.P.S. I also got into a great habit last winter of listening to audiobooks while doing the dishes and/or working on jigsaw puzzles (it was a long, lonely winter…) while my children napped in the afternoons. At the time, this was as much as a survival mechanism as it was anything else — I needed the escape, distraction, possibility that there were worlds beyond the tiny Manhattan apartment in which we were cloistered owing to weather and the pandemic. Now I think back with something like softness on those days. The experience truly brings to mind the passage by Natalya Ginzburg I referenced in this post. Anyhow, I shared all my favorite audiobooks, many of which I listened to that long, cold, isolated winter, here.
*Image above via Kael Rebick. Her Instagram is so gorgeous!
My Latest Snag: New, Reasonably Priced Pants.
I have been looking for some new, reasonably priced weekday pants now that the weather is cooler. I have several pairs of designer jeans I live in during the cold months, a few trousers for dressier occasions (read: pair only with heels and therefore ill-suited to my everyday), and wanted to diversify things. I snagged these cords in the burgundy color and these jeans after so many of you raved about Madewell’s denim — these feel like the perfect “right now” jeans in that they’re classic but also contemporary with the times.
+SEA cardigan. Swoon. Caveat emptor: I bought this for myself and it was overwhelming on my petite frame, but have seen so many other stylish women rock it and am tres envious.
+Insanely jealous of how many of you have purchased these Aquazzura combat boots. They’re at the top of my lust list.
+Hotel Lobby candle. I ordered the Holiday scent, which is now sold out, and I think most of you did the same, but there are other festive scents still available!
+Hotel quality pillows. Last time I checked, these were an extra 40% off, making two only $24. These went straight into our guest bedroom. Read the reviews!
Are you a crier? I cry at the drop of a hat. I cried when Mr. Magpie left for a short work trip the other week and mini saw me and asked, “Are those happy tears?” Which made me want to cry even more. (How does she know what ‘happy tears’ are?). I cry when people compliment me, I cry when a song touches me, I cry when I scroll through pictures of my children after they’ve fallen asleep…! I had to busy myself with a piece of paper the other day when an employee of a non-profit shared a story about one of the clients she served, about a teen mom in a foster home who refused to attend school despite multiple counselors and social workers encouraging and at times demanding she do so. After awhile, it came out that her birth parents had not sent her to school since fifth grade and she was horrified at the thought that she would be expected to perform at a high school grade level and worried her classmates would think she was stupid. Everyone else was nodding empathetically and I was swallowing back tears. Even now, writing this out, a pit forms in my stomach when I think that she had learned to deprive herself of something she wanted, or needed, out of fear of humiliation or retaliation. How intense and hard her life must have been, and how poignant to think how determined she’d been to hold all of these totally relatable fears in.
Alright, that last example might make even a non-crier cry.
The other day, I came across this quote by Charlotte Bronte:
“Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.”
I’m typically embarrassed about how easily moved I am, but this made me feel better.
Do you consider yourself a crier?
Post-Scripts.
+FYI — Maisonette has marked down some of the adorable holiday Petite Plume pajamas, as well as some of their festive holiday clothing for littles, including this beyond adorable tartan dress.
+Speaking of knits: it’s sweater season (and sweater dress season, too). Trust me, you need one of these. So satisfying to use and they really work! I just used mine to clean up a few of my sweaters for the season.
+J. Crew has some great tartan pieces in modern shapes at the moment, including this nap-dress-like midi and this puff-sleeved mini. I just bought this top for myself. I always find myself looking for a casual but festive piece like this in the days leading up to Christmas for hanging out with family before the big day.
+This plaid turtleneck is also a great buy for the same reason. Would look cute with high-waisted black trousers/denim.
+Keep coming back to this $60 top. Love the on-trend dimensions, and the color is fabulous.
+Super love this quilted sweatshirt with the perfect puff sleeve. I have a black sweatshirt with a puff sleeve / ruffle at the shoulder and it always makes me feel just a tiny bit more pulled together than basic athleisure. Great for things like carpool pick-up line, playground, etc.
+Here to report that people are losing their minds over these Ugg slippers. Tastemakers Lilly Sisto and Courtney Grow have been wearing them a lot!
+Personally, these are more my speed when it comes to slippers I won’t be mind getting caught wearing while picking up coffee.
+These tall battery-operated lamps are SO brilliant for outdoor dining! No cords, no fuss! I absolutely love the style, too.
+These $30 knit sets are great for little ones in cool weather — micro had this last year! Love the green.
+These multi-colored candlesticks have been in my cart all week…I’m considering buying the pink, blue, and two of the greens and clustering on a tablescape.
+I love my Rowenta steamer, but this handheld one is super chic, too. However, I have to say I am eyeing Rowenta’s full-sized/pro-grade one. I love the idea I can just leave this one standing in the laundry room rather than pulling ours out of the closet every time I want to steam.
+These puzzles by Ordinary Habit are gorgeous! Would make a fun family gift…or just buy for yourself. We’re entering puzzle season! I love having a puzzle out to work on around the holidays!
+I have been seeing a lot of hot pink lately and I’m into it. This Reformation dress had me doing a double take, and Hunter Bell’s holiday collection is full of stunning hot pink pieces like this top.
+But do I need this green velvet dress from Reformation, too?! Eee. This season’s collection is calling my name!
Honestly, I can’t tell you how much fun I had putting this particular gift guide together. So many fun and style-conscious finds I can’t wait to give my own children…! This stocking stuffer guide is geared towards children 2-6, give or take, and also contains lots of good stand-alone gifts if you’re looking for a reasonably priced little something to offer children in your life. I will be publishing a stocking stuffer guide for babies (I know many of you have tiny ones this year!) soon!
COLORED PENCILS SETS WITH SHARPENER BUILT IN — THESE ARE SO CUTE AND WELL-PRICED; YOU COULD BUY A FEW AND GIVE AWAY AS GIFTS WRAPPED UP IN TISSUE/CELLO WITH A BIG RIBBON TO LOTS OF COUSINS/CLASSMATES
FIDGET TOYS SET — I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW MUCH CHILDREN LOVE THESE SETS! I GAVE THESE AWAY AS HALLOWEEN PARTY FAVORS AND THE KIDS WERE OBSESSED! GREAT GIFT FOR A BUNCH OF LITTLE FRIENDS, AGAIN WRAPPED UP IN CELLO WITH A BOW!…THESE KEY CHAIN STYLE ONES COULD ALSO BE CUTE FOR A CROWD
YETI WATER BOTTLE — HATE TO SAY IT, BUT THE HYPE IS WORTH IT…KEEP DRINKS COOL, ARE EASY TO CLEAN, ARE EASY FOR CHILDREN TO USE! (ONLY DOWNSIDE: THEY ARE HEAVY)
P.S. “Something elastic happens to time once you become a mother. An hour can feel like a lifetime, and a year can zip by so quickly it nearly erases itself, and the malapropisms and baby grammar and peek-a-boo along with it. And running straight through (or perhaps an asymptote of or other-geometric-function-whose-name-I-can’t-recall to) those distortions: the wilderness of time as witnessed by a child.” More here.
Quick! Today only, Jayson Home is offering 20% off everything, but the main “snag” is discounted designer candles! You can score holiday scents from Trudon (and any of their signature scents, too), any of Diptyque’s many cult-following scents, and D.S & Durga for a rare discount. These are fantastic gifts for a couple you don’t know too well, or for anyone on your list who enjoys a splurgey home product, and can be bundled with a fancy wick trimmer or candle snuffer or set of decorative matches.
The specific scents I’d recommend:
DIPTYQUE — “FEU DE BOIS” IS MY SIGNATURE WINTER SCENT — SMELLS LIKE AN ELEGANT WOOD-BURNING HOME; “FIGUIER” IS ALSO A DELIGHTFUL PINE-CENTRIC HOLIDAY PICK; AND “BAIES” IS A FLORAL CLASSIC
D.S. & DURGA — PEOPLE RAVE ABOUT “BIG SUR AFTER THE RAIN”
CIRE TRUDON — MR. MAGPIE INTRODUCED ME TO THIS BRAND BY BUYING ME “TRIANON” LAST CHRISTMAS AND THESE ARE THE MOST ELEGANT HOME SCENTS YOU’VE EVER SMELLED…THEY NEVER CLOY, EVEN AFTER BURNING FOR HOURS
CIRE TRUDON MINIS — AVAILABLE IN FEWER SCENTS, BUT I’D LOVE TO TRY THE FEMININE “JOSEPHINE” SCENT
CIRE TRUDON HOLIDAY — THE “GABRIEL” SOUNDS LIKE HEAVEN (“CASHMERE WOOD”?! COUNT ME IN)
Note that you can also snag Diptyque bar soaps on sale as a part of the promotion. These would be so elegant in a guest bathroom, or as a housewarming gift, or wrapped up individually as little holiday surprises for people in your life. Last but not least — Diptyque house spray! A genius little way to zhush a guest room or foyer before guests come through, or spritz in your closet. I have this in the Baies scent.
Last but not least, there are tons of amazing small gift ideas at Jayson, including John Derian playing cards (great stocking stuffer / gift for a friend who enjoys playing cards) and this framed hand-lettered “merci” card which honestly I kind of want for my own office, as a daily reminder to be grateful. But could also be a chic, semi-permanent way to honor the kindness of a friend whose done something wonderful.
*Note: Sephora’s launching its tiered holiday promotion starting today. VIB Rouge get 20% off today through 11/15; VIB enjoy 15% off starting 11/9-11/15; and beauty insiders earn 10% off 11/11-11/15.In the post-scripts below, I’m sharing my top picks for this promotion!
Often, when I’m writing about beauty and skincare products, I’m startled by how often I say: “A makeup artist once told me…” Do you feel the same way? As though beauty tips and perspectives are stalagmitic, gradually accruing over time without your ever noticing? Below, sharing a few that spring to mind today:
+You don’t need to apply foundation all over your face. It blew my mind when a makeup artist applied foundation only to my t-zone and then blended outward. She insisted I didn’t need full coverage and that this would yield a more natural effect. I’ve followed suit ever since! Bonus points: you save product this way. I will say that not all foundations work well with this approach — it has to be a consistency that blends nicely and skin must be richly hydrated and primed first or you could end up looking a bit splotchy. My approach is to apply serums and moisturizers (my full skincare regimen here), then an illuminating primer, and then swipe Westman Atelier’s foundation stick across my brow, between and under my eyes, around my nose, and on my chin — all my problem areas for redness/blemishes. Then I use an Artis Oval 7 brush to blend it all in, but I don’t really apply any foundation along my hairline, jaw, cheeks, etc. I find this means my freckles still stand out and it looks like I’m not wearing any makeup when I am.
+You can’t hide a dried-out blemish. It’s inevitable that you’ll be blemish-free for weeks and then the minute you have a big event, you wind up with several imperfections! My mother gave me a Bobbi Brown makeup book in my tweens and the one tidbit I remember was her saying that, contrary to common sense, you should not dry out a zit if you need to cover it up. She advised hydrating the area so that it can be smoothly covered by concealer (and Cle de Peau’s is the absolute best).
+It’s OK to apply with your fingertips. A makeup artist from Chantecaille reassured me that sometimes fingers are your best tools, especially for applying tinted moisturizers and dabbing undereye concealer. It can be so hard to get a natural look otherwise.
+Use the “windshield wiper” approach for contoured eyes. Whenever I get my makeup done (which hasn’t been for a long, long time), I always ask them to focus on the eyes and keep the rest of the makeup simple. I tend to prefer a dramatic eye versus a dramatic lip, and I also find eye shadow difficult to apply. However, when I’m on my own, I use the “windshield wiper approach” a Laura Mercier artist once taught me. That is — apply a neutral/base color all over the eye first, then apply a darker color along the lash line, in the far corner of the eye, and along the crease of the eye, blotting as you go. (So imagine you’re making a sort of stretched-out carat sign along your lash line, in the far corner of your eye, and then along the crease.). For some reason she described this as a windshield wiper. It really does yield a dramatic and easy-to-attain effect. An eye palette like this one or this one (which I own and love) is perfect when you’re first trying out since all of the colors are sort of mellow and blendable. A light higher stakes if you’re using a dark purple/black eye shadow as the darker color!
+Apply eye makeup first. Instead of applying foundation and concealer first, do your eyes. This means that if/when you smudge or if extra product falls onto your cheek, you can quickly clean it without needing to re-do your entire face!
+Soften your look with facial spray at the end. To keep things from looking to “cakey” or “done,” apply a face mist (i love this Caudalie) all over your face and gently dab to blend after you’ve finished applying makeup.
+If you’re going for a bold lip, do a more neutral eye — and vice versa (bold eye, neutral lip). Otherwise you start to enter “overdone” territory.
+There’s no such thing as waterproof mascara. Is this true? I’m not sure. But several makeup artists have insisted it does not exist.
+If you’re wearing a matte lipstick, you need a primer. A makeup artist described Mac’s lip primer as “velcro” for lip color. I’ve followed suit ever since.
What other nuggets of beauty and skincare wisdom do you have to share with the class today?!
Shopping Break: My Picks from the Sephora Promotion.
+These caviar sticks are so easy to apply and so chic for holiday festivities. I have these in moonlight and khaki and they are so perfect for evening.
+If you buy nothing else from this blog, try Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick. It is just so, so good. It glides on and blends beautifully and looks hyper natural. (Provided your skin is well-hydrated prior.) It is probably my favorite beauty discovery besides the Revlon One Step in the last decade. Well — I also have to rave about Clarins’ Double Serum. If you get those three products, you’ll be a happy camper.
+I was initially so-so on this Saie highlighter just because I already have so many other highlighting products in my makeup bag, but midway through summer, I started dabbing it along my collarbone and decollatage and it is SO gorgeous on the body! A tiny pump is all you need to get that “did she just get back from vacation?” vibe. Anyhow, I used it so much this summer, I finished the bottle, which is saying a lot for a beauty product, and will be repurchasing, especially for shoulder-baring holiday outfits.
+I never pay full price for Tata Harper face wash, which I have been using faithfully for years now, because I always wait for a promotion like this to stock up.
+I’ve been hearing really good things about this exfoliating body wash. I’ve never found one that I love for any reason beyond scent (i.e., I don’t think any leave my skin particularly lustrous), so I’m curious to test.
+I’ve enjoyed Saie’s clean mascara (one of the best mascaras I’ve ever tried, clean or not) and toyed with the idea of splurging on Chantecaille’s ridiculously priced formula but will be heading back to old faithful: Armani’s Eyes to Kill. My longtime favorite. Slightly more dramatic/thick that Saie, which is honestly how I like it. I love a lot of mascara.
+If you’ve ever wondered “do I really need a primer?”, this formula will answer the question for you. My mom turned me onto it; she calls it “her spackle.”
+Guerlain’s bronzer is the bronzer to end all bronzers. I’ll never even try another bronzer. I used Nars Laguna for years and — what was I doing? Guerlain is infinitely superior in formula, pigmentation, etc. I also find the palette never cracks/crumbles, which was a big problem for me with Nars.
+I have loved Ouai’s texturizing hair spray for years now but my talented hair stylist here in D.C. (Ismail, at George Salon at the Four Seasons) uses Oribe’s formula and who am I to argue with genius? I will be buying this, especially since my new shorter do can be styled with textured waves to get the Hailey Bieber effect.
I can’t unsee this feather trim dress. It’s somehow the apotheosis of my teenage fashion dreams, heavily influenced by Cher in Clueless mixed in with J Love Hewitt’s proclivity towards all things strapless. And yet it is also so contemporary and chic. While I was lingering on it the other day, wondering how I could finagle a way to legitimize its purchase, I realized how many chic feathered finds there are out this season, including this more reasonably priced blouse, which would perfection for festive occasions this winter, and J. Crew’s fun white button-down style with feathers at the cuffs. And you know I’m lusting after those Sleeper pajamas — PSA: you can get the look for much less with this under-$100 pair! I’m sharing even more below, but please note that though these pricey feather clutches from Dries Van Note are all the rage at the moment, you can get the look for less with this, this, or this.
SLEEPER PAJAMAS (CAN TOTALLY WEAR OUT OF THE HOUSE — LOOK FOR LESS WITH THESE) // DRIES VAN NOTEN BAG (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS, THIS, THIS) // LE SUPERBE TOP // NICOLA BATHIE MULES // LAPOINTE TOP // MIGNONNE GAVIGAN EARRINGS // LAPOINTE BLAZER // LA MARQUE JACKET // 16 ARLINGTON DRESS // BIRDIES MULES // ETSY HANDBAG
A few other finds not seen above:
THIS $200 EVENING DRESS WOULD MAKE SUCH A FUN STATEMENT
I have received a ton of requests for secret santa gifts under $30 — it sounds like a lot of us sustain this tradition in our extended families. Below, a few chic options in the under $30 category, whether you’re participating in a secret santa gambit or looking for something reasonable for a few teachers, neighbors, or friends.
Great Gifts for Women for Under $30.
PADDED VELVET HEADBAND — COME IN TONS OF COLORS, $19, AND A PERFECT SURPRISE FOR A TRENDY LADY
LIP SCRUB — I LOVE THIS BRAND SO MUCH AND USE THIS SCRUB CONSTANTLY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER
J. CREW TISSUE TURTLENECK — THE LAYERING PIECE OF THE YEAR
Great Gifts for Men for Under $30.
NEEDLEPOINT COOZIE — WHAT IS IT WITH MEN AND COOZIES? THIS ONE IS ABOUT AS GOOD LOOKING AS THEY COME!
TABLETOPICS — ALSO A GOOD FAMILY/COUPLE GIFT IF YOU’RE RUNNING DRY
TILE TRACKER — ATTACH TO WALLET, KEYS, ETC SO THEY’RE NEVER LOST!
LEUCHTTERM NOTEBOOK — MR. MAGPIE AND I BOTH LOVE THESE, ESPECIALLY THE SQUARED AND DOTTED ONES…NOTHING SAYS “I’M PULLED TOGETHER” LIKE AN ELEGANT NOTEBOOK
MOLTON BROWN BLACK PEPPER SHOWER GEL — OLD FAITHFUL FOR MR. MAGPIE; THIS IS ABOUT AS BRACING AND MASCULINE AS SHOWER GELS COME, BUT STILL SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH THAT I WANT TO USE IT AS WELL — AND CURRENTLY 25% OFF!!!
HARNEY & SONS PEPPERMINT TEA — WE ARE NEVER WITHOUT THIS DELICIOUS CAFFEINE-FREE MINT TEA, AND MR. MAGPIE IS HOOKED, TOO
If you’re still on the hunt, you might find inspiration in my coffee/tea service post, or my kitchen gear post.
P.S. A full-on gift guide for men here and gift guide for women here. I usually orient these guides towards the $100 and under price range because, well, personally I don’t often spend more on an individual person, but a couple of higher-end items I would personally love…
P.P.S. Lessons learned from my daughter’s eye disorder.
P.P.P.S. On living with grief: “I wish I could remember everything, but today my tenderness will be enough.”
By: Jen Shoop
*I wish I knew the source of the coat above but alas! Pinterest find! Designer Federica Tosi makes some gorgeous long-length herringbone/tweed toppers in a similar vein.
I mentioned this yesterday, but in my opinion, outerwear is a reasonable category to splurge in if you take into account cost per wear. You might buy an adorable cocktail dress and wear it twice a season, whereas a chic statement coat can be worn every other day of the week! Bonus: no one needs to know you’re wearing basic jeans and a white tee beneath. Below, my favorite outerwear finds this season…
I am seriously loving the fringed coat trend. Check out how it’s styled on Mango’s site — with otherwise crisp basics. I also like the more cape/poncho cuts, including this black watch tartan Avec Les Filles (on sale!) and this Liu Jo (seen above). These look fantastic with Isabel Marant boots.
If these are too loud in shape or style, you can never go wrong with a classic ladylike wool coat from Mackage or a wrap-style from Harris Wharf London (look for less with this!).
A few others I love not seen above:
THIS CHANNELED VELVET — THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT TO WEAR WITH A LONGER-LENGTH HOLIDAY DRESS
A FABULOUS BLACK BELTED WOOL COAT WITH FUR COLLAR AT A FANTASTIC PRICE — THE SLIGHTLY LONGER LENGTH MAKES IT LOOK VERY HIGH-FASHION
So many of these would layer beautifully over a new sweater knit dress glammed up with some of the fun statement pieces here. And if you’re after chic cold weather accessories (hats, gloves, etc), I shared some in this roundup of Magpie Shopping Queries!
P.S. Denim dresses, shirts, and more for the season.
