All of the sudden, I want emerald green everything. It started with these furlanes and now I’m adding green (especially green velvet!) to cart left and right. I just ordered this Ulla-esque cardigan in the fetching green color to layer over nap dresses, and I think I’m going to pull the trigger on these green velvet pumps to wear on Christmas Eve. (However, I also just discovered these adorable Olivia Morris slippers on sale for $130 and am finding them hard to resist…but how many green velvet shoes does a girl need?!). I’m absolutely loving these emerald trousers for the holidays, too…so chic for cocktail hour, and couldn’t believe the price on this satin slip dress (under $150) for an elegant winter wedding look. Finally — a velvet mini skirt! So chic with a sweater or blouse and statement headband.
P.P.S. You must try this cocktail. I’m actually about to whip up a batch for our dinner guests in a few hours!
P.P.P.S. What energy are you putting out into the world?
By: Jen Shoop
My Latest Snag: Holiday Accoutrements.
This week was about panic ordering things I’d forgotten to order, including gift wrap (detailed all of that at the bottom of this post) and velvet bows (to tie napkins) for our Thanksgiving table — I ordered mine from this small Etsy vendor in a dusty salmon color but she appears to have sold out. These are similar, and I’ve heard Mrs. Alice has lightening fast shipping in case you’re in a similar boat. I also realized I didn’t have enough taper candles (!!) and ordered this set in the nick of time in the most gorgeous olive green, which is a near-perfect pair with our garland (just arrived and looks beautiful!). Looking ahead, I’m going to try to plan ahead for our Christmas table. You can get velvet bows in tons of colors at a great price (but takes 1-3 weeks to ship!) from this Etsy shop, so contemplating some green velvet ones for Christmas. I also am absolutely swooning over these tartan “tuxedo” napkin rings and wondering if I might be able to find them on sale somewhere during the Black Friday madness since they are rather pricey. A few other fantastic finds:
Weekend Musings: “You Become What You Think About.”
I recently witnessed an unpleasant exchange in which a public persona was being harshly and in my opinion gratuitously criticized by a commenter, and part of her response was: “You become what you think about.” I visited with my sister later that evening and, as we sat curled up under blankets, we unpacked the concept. We ended up taking it more in the direction of goal visualization than I believe the persona initially intended (I think she meant something along the lines of “you earn back the energy you put out there”), but it was enlightening nonetheless. My sister noted that she once took a journaling class and the facilitator prompted her to define her goals by writing out exactly what it would look like to have achieved them in the narrowest of senses, i.e., “what would a day in your life look like if you achieved x goal?” (And the goals could be anything — relationships, work, parenting, finances, fitness, health, etc.). I realized that I have always been disciplined about documenting goals and imagining the contours of meeting them, and that taking the time to articulate exactly what it is I have wanted has helped me — even subconsciously — manifest them, or work towards manifesting them. I have even written down the big, scary ones that almost feel laughable to put in writing. I’m talking about things like earning an executive job title, or purchasing a vacation home, or having five children (!!!) — not that those are mine in particular. In business school, they call these “BHAGs,” or “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals.” (Really, it’s part of the MBA patois.) Don’t be afraid of the BHAG! Write one down somewhere private where only you can see it. I think you will be surprised to find yourself working towards that goal in the background, making micro-maneuvers that draw you closer. It’s along the same lines of those sport psychologies that encourage the athlete to “visualize the golf ball going in the hole” or “imagine the basketball going through the hoop.” If you build it, they will come…
I’ve been thinking on this a lot this past few days, about the way we give life to what we give energy to. It’s a useful mnemonic for digging myself out of moments of pettiness or frustration with others. Why would I dwell on those unpleasantries? It’s horrifying to repeat to myself “you become what you think about” when I am stewing on something not particularly gracious or interesting. That’s not where I want my arrow pointed. I’d much rather focus my mind and heart on things that fulfill me or that draw me forward, closer to where I want to end up.
What do you think of the quote? Does it resonate?
Post-Scripts.
+Urgent: Madewell is offering 30% off everything through 11/22! I shared my favorite finds from there here. They generously gifted me a few items, including this hot pink sweater and this adorable plaid dress and I’m loving them all!
+Also urgent: every year at this time, I feel compelled to remind you of the Krinner Tree Stand. I am convinced this contraption has saved countless marriages. It is hilarious how many of my friends agree that putting a tree in a tree stand is a continuous source of marital friction! This makes the process so much easier (Mr. Magpie can basically do it on his own), and the stand is far sturdier and better-designed (it has a huge tank for water!). It is so worth the investment!
+We are thinking of purchasing a fire pit for our home. How gorgeous is this one?
+I must buy my mom this croissant ornament. She loves a good croissant!
+This Gap puffer is perfection! The colors are so good! The olive green reminds me of this much-more-expensive style from SAM.
+Another fool-proof gift for a four or five year old: walkie talkies! My children love playing with these.
+Cute Stoney Clover-inspired pouch…fun gift for a little one/tween.
+These scooters are even better looking than the ubiquitous micros!
+A random but lovely indulgence — hang this on the inside handle of your closet, or on a hanger or knob in your closet! Your clothes will smell like heaven!
+Speaking of Yamazaki, I still love these tosca bins and they’re currently (at time of writing this post) on sale for only $23!
+These stocking holders are attractive and low-profile.
+I feel like every dude loves shorts like these that work as swimming trunks, fitness shorts, or just loungewear.
By: Jen Shoop
I ordered mini’s Christmas dress a week or two ago and it appears to now be sold out in nearly every size but a handful. There are still a few in the bishop style in smaller sizes! I couldn’t resist the wreath embroidery and of course mini’s favorite color — blue! For micro, I was planning on ordering the sweater and cord short situation seen above but they’ve sold out in this colorway in his size in the sweater! Trying to decide if the blue is Christmas-y enough, or maybe I could swap in another sweater (or look for less with this)? Alternately, I’m considering these handsome green velvet trousers with a solid green sweater and navy tuxedo slippers (meep!), possibly layered over a white or tartan button down.
A: I shared all my favorite little boy finds here (all items I bought for my own son), but my current favorite uniform is corduroy overalls from either Little English (25% off with code BFCM25) or Osh Kosh paired with patterned turtlenecks and finished with either Hunter boots or Sperry boots, depending on weather. My other fool-proof outfit is long-sleeved Lacoste polos, which he’ll wear with jeans, cords, or even fleece joggers.
For you — I would pick up some reasonably-priced, on-trend knits, layer over tissue turtlenecks, and pair with a few new pairs of jeans (I picked up these and these) or cords you’re excited about. I’m also loving layering turtlenecks beneath dresses this season, including this tiered cord style and my Ellie nap dresses. Planning on doing the same with this plaid mini and one of Daphne Wilde’s styles, which are at the top of my shopping list at the moment.
MORE OF AN OUTERWEAR PURCHASE BUT THIS IS JUST SO FUN AND DIFFERENT — COOL WITH MARANT BOOTS OR LUG SOLES
Q: The perfect teacher gift.
A: I’m newer at this because gifts were not allowed at mini’s prior school (we just contributed to a cash pool), but this year, I bought a few tins of my favorite holiday teas and am going to bundle with these monogram mugs for each teacher. I also like the idea of giving personalized note pads like these or these. I also can’t imagine a person who wouldn’t love these fleece-lined mittens on cold school mornings (they are my personal absolute favorites!). There are a bunch of other under-$30 gift ideas in this post — perhaps if you know the teacher well, something there might be a winning idea?
Q: Stationery for my 20-something son’s stocking.
A: Ooh, I love this idea! I might have to borrow from you! All of my favorite children’s stationery finds are in this post, but some top picks:
Q: Fleece/teddy jacket that is more dressy than sporty.
A: I got you! This J. Crew style is like a fleece that’s gone to finishing school — tres tailored. If you mean more in the sherpa/shearling direction: j’adore this & Other Stories! The details are great — love the collar and those welt pockets. Meanwhile, this sherpa/puffer hybrid would turn some heads!
Q: 30th birthday present for my boyfriend, who is impossible to shop for! Under $500.
A: Guys can be so tough to shop for! A few gifts that are total classics, almost all of which I’ve purchased Mr. Magpie…
COMANDANTE MANUAL COFFEE GRINDER — FOR A TRUE COFFEE SNOB (DETAILS HERE, BUT THE ELITE CONSIDER HAND-GROUND BEANS SUPERIOR TO ELECTRICALLY-GROUND BEANS)
Q: A Christmas gift for my brother’s fiancee, under $50. Maybe a bride thing? Not sure.
A: So sweet! (Congrats!). What about a monogrammed jewelry round (with her new initials, if she’s taking a new name) with one of these must-have dazzle sticks tucked into the wrap? If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, these Shop Surcie ones are gorgeous, and I’ve gifted these sweet Smythson notebooks to brides-to-be in the past (alternately, you could personalize one of these plain ones). And one of my favorite gifts from my own bridal shower was an LL Bean tote with my new last name on the side! We still use it constantly, and it was such a thrill to have something with my new moniker on the side.
Q: More universal gift recs regardless of age or gender — ex: the dried pasta you like.
A: Love this prompt. A few things we absolutely love in our home that would be fun, well-vetted gifts…
P.S. More food gift ideas here; more chic gifts for anyone here; and gifts under $30 here.
Q: Chic top to wear with wide leg winter white trousers in January for a rehearsal dinner in NYC.
A: Congratulations! And how incredible chic?! My first thought was feather-trimmed 16 Arlington or LaPointe, which are major statements but WOW. Cult Gaia has a similar one for a little less. A few other chic options in the same festive lane:
Not ivory, but I feel it incumbent upon me to mention again these $30 Target cords and these navy velvet Max Maras, which are just soooo chic.
Q: A statement desk under $600.
A: I love the simplicity and clean lines of this PB style. Add a statement lamp like this or this and/or desk chair and you’ll have the chicest work perch on earth.
I also like this lacquered grass cloth style — or, for a totally different vibe — this wood desk, which feels like it belongs in a writing cabin. Just looking at it makes me feel productive, as though I’d be inspired to write a modern Walden.
A: Love this look — I shared a bunch of chic lug-soles, many in a chelsea style, here. I have to say that Madewell just generously sent me these lug sole boots (under $200) and JE SUIS OBSESSED. I’ve never worn this style of boot and it makes me feel v relevant. I also super love these waterproof Sam Edelmans, especially in that on-trend ivory hue. For a more polished look, check out Aeyde’s styles, like this sophisticated black pair or this twist-on-a-chelsea in suede.
Q: Bridesmaid (black, long, formal) black tie wedding dress for an April wedding in D.C.
A: This is spectacular. I’ve heard such good things about this brand! I also love this dress, though the bust area could be a bit too va-va-voom depending on the event, and this one looks fun to twirl in. Finally, this one has a Jennifer Aniston-on-the-red-carpet simplicity to it that I’m drawn to.
Q: Every day bag (small).
A: Are you tired of hearing me talk about my new J Link bag from Marc Jacobs? It truly is the perfect size and the colors are so interesting — it goes perfectly with everything in my fall wardrobe! It comes in a few other colors/sizes, too, in case you prefer black or ivory. I also love this Hermes-inspired mini bag, especially in the fun yellow color, but it comes in other colors (including saddle brown). For an investment, a girlfriend of mine has one of these Loewe Hammock bags and it is SO chic (and configurable!). Other options I love:
In case you’re stuck looking for inspo for children over the age of six, a few fabulous finds. A big ticket item? A motorized ride-on car, and might as well make it look chic! Two of the families in our neighborhood have them and while it is mildly terrifying to watch, the children love them.
In the morning, my daughter comes to my bedside and whispers that “Mella is awake” before padding off to her bedroom to wait for me. When I enter her room, she often asks me, “Are the lights OK?” as I squint into the unwelcome incandescence. This diminutive consideration routinely startles, then warms, me and I reassure her and thank her for her thoughtfulness before raising the blinds.
Last week, moving through this familiar routine, I was struck suddenly by the unfamiliar:
The maple tree in the cul de sac out her window, for so long a shock of orange-y red in the silver-blue dawn, stood bare, a brindle of branches.
How had it happened? Winter had crept in, cat-like, and stolen the last of autumn.
I was flooded with nascent nostalgia. The first fall in this house, likely to be our forever home, now gone, and so, too, the final vestiges of my daughter’s babyishness. Here now is a young lady who asks me whether the lights are too bright for my taste.
Despite my assiduous, continued efforts to slow down and appreciate the present, time continues to pilfer from me. I’ve nearly deleted the previous sentence four times because I am frustrated with the persistence of this refrain in my writing and my thoughts on motherhood. But, here we are, on the other side of the punctuation mark with no novel insights as to how I can better “live where my feet are.” I continue to find it hard to sit down and watch my two-year-old put puzzle pieces together for the umpteenth time without simultaneously itching to clear the breakfast plates or answer the text from my sister or begin to load a digital cart of groceries. But — this is my one wild and precious life! I torture myself imagining I am spending too great a share of it behind my screen, or preoccupied with chores. When I am old and gray, I want to remember my son’s pudgy baby hands manipulating the pieces and his chirpy little commentary and his joyous hop after placing the last piece and to thank myself for taking the time to drink him up in his two-year-old glory. That is, to exclaim, principally to myself, some words borrowed from a poem in praise of a “normal day” –
Let me hold you while I may!
This, then, is my resolution for the holiday season: to pop up above the cloud line in the midst of the sunshowers and realize I’m in a golden moment while I’m living it. I want to lay under the Christmas tree looking up at the lights with my children, just as I did with my sisters when I was a child, and let that moment hang out and breathe. I want to enjoy an extra cup of coffee in my pajamas and slippers watching Mr. Magpie assemble the Lionel train around the tree with our children, resisting the urge to get everyone dressed and ready for the day. I want to sit in front of the fire drinking Harney and Son’s Holiday tea and reading a book or working on a Christmas puzzle, dismissing the call to fold laundry or check my phone. I want to make dozens of holiday cookies without getting too fussy about the smushed and finger-printed ones my children leave behind, or the amount of chocolate they’ve licked from the bowl. I want to sit outside watching the children run around in the first flurry without worrying about bedtime.
I want take this season as slowly as I can, because I can already sense it’s a Christmas I’ll never forget. The first holiday season post-COVID, post-New-York, with my parents and in-laws and sister and her family down the road and two children who understand the contours of Santa Claus. There must be an obscure German word for this feeling: the anticipation of nostalgia. The fact that I have experienced this sensation twice in the past few weeks suggests that I am living high on the hog at the moment, and —
+My most treasured holiday cookie recipes — I especially love my Grandma Carm’s “Horns.” I made them in NYC last winter when we did not come home for the holidays and I farklempt the entire time.
+The other day, I stumbled upon this old post inspired by an interview with my girlfriend Inslee, and the provocation is: stop what you’re doing, periodically, and ask yourself What are you doing to enjoy the day?
+I just panic-ordered like ten rolls of wrapping paper. I had a full cart of Sugar Paper x Target gift wrap and nearly all of it sold out before I clicked “order”! Thankfully, a lot of the Wondershop patterns are cute this year, too, so just ordered a bunch and will order some Rifle Paper to supplement (waiting to see if they run a Black Friday deal). My order:
+One thing I feel good about: I made sure all the gift wrap patterns had some red in it and bought a bunch of red velvet ribbon. Now am mulling over which personalized gift tag to get, but know it will need to prominently feature red so it all ties together. A few favorites:
+I also found these clever personalized gift stickers for gifts from Santa — in case your children are beginning to understand the resemblance between your manuscript and Santa’s.
+Oo, I’m not usually a black dress gal, but this would be a workhorse in my closet. So chic!
+ZOMG, J. Crew nailed it with these feather-trim moire mules! The perfect exclamation point for your holiday wardrobe. (Feathers are everywhere at the moment!). Would elevate and add interested to a straight-forward black velvet wrap dress like this.
+And I predict this tartan dress, also from J. Crew, is going to sell out in a NY minute.
+OMG! How chic is this advent calendar for children?! Super similar to the one we use with our own!
+I referenced this above, but get thee to Harney & Son’s Holiday Tea. It’s a cup of Christmas cheer! I just ordered this four-pack of the holiday-themed teas (20% off with code HOLIDAY21) and some of these initial mugs for teachers at mini’s school and will bundle a mug with a tin in cellophane and tie off with a ribbon.
+I also love the idea of personalized notepads like this or this for a teacher gift.
+I’m intrigued by this Kate McLeod “stones” — moisturizer in bar form that melts right into skin.
+Despite the fact that I’ve been thinking about Christmas for weeks now, I *just* got around to ordering holiday cards. (Yikes, just under the wire.). I’m working again with my girl Erin Wallace, and she’s making a variation on this style for me. Chic chic!
+After years of wearing a lot of denim, I’m finally branching out and wanting all the trousers.
+If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere warm, have this shipped to you overnight and be the talk of the table.
+I’ve been talking about Juliska’s holiday china pattern for ages now and just treated myself to a few of these mugs as a starter kit. Looking forward to enjoying my holiday tea and coffee out of them all season long!
+How gorgeous are these matching stockings?! The tartan trim!
+Did you order holiday jammies yet? I ended up ordering candy canes for mini and micro (25% off with code BFCM25) as well as these “antique toys” classic jammies from Petite Plume.
+Have we already discussed this $240 velvet slipper chair?! It is SO good! Reminds me of Jonathan Adler and comes in such fab colors. Considering for my office…
+I shared some chic valet trays from Billy Kirk in this post as a potential gift for a man and they’ve sold out. I also love this leather style with a fish from Orvis and this wood trim one, too. The perfect answer to the pile of coins, keys, sunnies, etc that typically accrue on a kitchen counter!
+The latter brand also carries a watch case that is super attractive. A potential add-on if you’re gifting a handsome watch…
+This anything-but-boring white blouse is on sale!
+This mini lipstick set is such a fun beauty gift! I did end up snagging the Westman Atelier set as a gift, too!
+Just added this well-reviewed cookie cookbook to my cart.
Old Navy has some truly fabulous pieces out at the moment, including the sherpa coverall micro wore all last fall/winter (seen above, with Vans sneakers in a great racing red color) in two new colors. These and a few other great children’s finds, most at fantastically reasonable prices…
And — don’t miss this find! — if your child has a more common name, this Etsy shop has adorable knit name hats for only $28! I’ve paid multiples of this for similar styles from small boutiques. (Any Hunters or Lukes?)
P.S. More great knit hats and cold weather gear here.
P.P.S. More adorable children’s finds here and here.
*Image above via the chicest boutique, Pietra Madrid.
I saw a post on Instagram a few weeks ago that made the point that much of the day-to-day work that goes into parenting — especially for stay-at-home parents — is invisible to most of the world. No one is ever going to recognize you for ordering hats and gloves at the end of summer so you’re prepared for the first frost, or meal-planning on your phone to ensure your child has a diverse and interesting diet, or doing the mental math to ensure you have enough snacks and diapers for your next trip out, or running back upstairs to grab someone’s lovey because you know it will be needed come nap time in the car. And yet these tiny, unseen tasks add up to a full-time job — and that’s not even accounting for the emotional labor that goes into parenting! I’m talking pure logistics here. Mr. Magpie and I were reminded of this during our trip last week, for multiple reasons. First, despite my efforts not to intimidate my parents-in-law (who graciously stayed with our children while we were on the Eastern Shore), I still handed them a three-page-long guide full of important numbers, notes, and scheduling details. Typing out the order of operations prior to school in the morning scared even me, a multi-year veteran of the morning rush. Second, preparing for only 48 hours away from our children required a herculean effort in the days leading up to the getaway. There were extra groceries to be ordered, arrangements to be made with caregivers and school, thinking through what needed to be laundered, the coordination of timetables, etc. Finally, our first morning waking up in the hotel room, I remember glancing at the clock after (bliss of bliss!) reading in bed for an hour or so, and noting it was 8:07 a.m. “Let’s get coffee and walk around — that way we can be back in time for our 10 a.m. massages.” In my head, I assumed that by the time we’d gotten dressed, brushed teeth, and bundled up, it would be at least 8:45 a.m., maybe a little later, and then that would give us a leisurely hour for coffee, pastries, and meandering around St. Michael’s before we’d need to head back. I was mystified when, instead, we were out the door about 10 minutes later. I realized I’d not accounted for the fact that I did not have two wriggling children to inveigle into getting dressed and coax into coats. There were no pitstops in the pantry to grab snacks, “two minute warnings,” or last-minute sprints to the toilet.
I would be lying if I didn’t say that it was — nice? reassuring? — to have my parents-in-law tell me, “Wow, there’s a lot that goes into this!” when we returned. They’d been through it themselves raising Mr. Magpie and yet it is so easy to forget all the slender maneuvers that go into a day of looking after young children. Frankly, I’d partly forgotten myself given how in the weeds I’d been for 2.5 years without a single night away. I’d become inured to its intensity. And so it felt lovely to have that labor seen for some reason, and it brought to mind a mnemonic from a different sphere:
A few years ago, a Montessori school teacher told me that she preferred to praise children by recognizing their hard work rather than celebrating the final product. I’ve always loved the way Montessori refers to classroom activities as “work,” which is partly made possible by the fact that many Montessori activities are borrowed from household chores, i.e., children learn to polish silver, pour water from pitchers, cut vegetables, arrange flowers, etc., and partly a beautiful, quiet way of suggesting that children — and what they do in the classroom — are important. “Mommy works, Daddy works, and so do I,” is the theme. “I matter,” is the subtext. Anyhow, I watched as this teacher would tell my daughter: “I can tell how hard you worked on this,” and “Wow, look at the shapes over here, I can see how careful you were keeping them in the lines,” and “Ooh, I love the colors you picked out while working on this.” Something inside stirred. I saw at once an echo of the frame of mind I’ve cultivated in my own creative work for many years: process over product.
Along the same lines, there was an interesting essay I came across recently that included the following insight: “College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play.’”
Somewhere along this breadcrumb trail — somewhere between the invisible labor of parenting and the teacher’s insistence on recognizing process rather than product and the notion that we can enjoy ourselves more when we are being told we are wonderful to behold, regardless of outcome — there is a tie that binds. It’s not about praise or victory — it’s about celebrating the effort. Sometimes all we need is to be seen.
Will be carrying this around with me as I head into Thanksgiving week and think about all the people who make my life possible and whose work often goes unremarked. As an example, there is a crossing guard at the intersection before my daughter’s school and — on a close to daily basis — she enables me to make a difficult left-hand turn in a heavily trafficked school area. My husband and I joke that, were it not for her, the daily drop-off would be protracted by about ten or fifteen minutes, because no one wants to let anyone cut in during rush hour in Washington, D.C. Writing up this post, I’m realizing I need to pause and thank her, and — more generally — need to take this moment as a prompt to step outside myself and let others know I see what they’ve been up to.
+I just ordered these navy corduroy overalls — they are 30% off with code Q4U7!
+ICYMI: these flared cranberry cords are only $30 and this chic sweater skirt for under $100. My mom ordered this fun hot pink sweater dress from the same brand and now it’s in my cart, too!
+My favorite sports bras. Cheap, great colors, good quality, and so much more comfortable than Lululemon.
+In case you’re down to the wire with no Thanksgiving dress: Shopbop offers fast shipping and both this and this are on-trend, seasonally on point, and under $130.
+This sequin midi skirt is SO fun. Another great festive option for NYE or any glitzy affair! (More holiday dressing inspo here.)
+Have you stocked up on wrapping paper yet? My favorites are always from Rifle Paper, but then I mix in the less expensive but wonderful Target x Sugar Paper rolls, too.
+Just ordered one of these velvet jewelry organizers to give as a gift. Substantive on its own or paired with some fun statement jewelry.
+This sweater is so versatile — would look great dressed down with cords or jeans or up with a wool or floral skirt.
+Also love this similarly-shaped $80 sweater — would look fab paired simply with just ecru denim!
+These Story Orchestra books make such great gifts (they play pieces of classical music, and illustrate the stories they evoke), and this one is on sale for 50% off at the time of writing this post.
+These dri-fit fitness tops are super cheap, come in great colors, and would be a good stocking stuffer for a exercise-loving man in your life. Did I mention they have UPF50?! More reasonably priced gifts (under $30) here.
+Just ordered Mr. Magpie some new clothes for the holidays, including these cords. Also eyeing some of these solid-colored turtlenecks for him. Attractive with lighter wash denim.
+Upgrade your house numbers with these chic copper ones.
+Do you buy your dog Christmas gifts? I ordered our Airedale a new name tag (Tilly’s is outdated with an old address on the back), some fancy dog shampoo, some holiday dog treats, and a new toy from her favorite (most durable) brand. Her birthday is in December so I also bought her these birthday-themed biscuits.
I am so glad I saved a fair isle sweater I bought over a decade ago because I’ve suddenly gotten so much use out of it this season! It’s nearly identical to this RL style, which they geniusly released with a matching sweater skirt that I’ve been eyeing (the print also comes in a fabulous wrap sweater moment that brings me major Shiv Roy vibes). Can you even?! With suede boots or these delicious suede flats (love the corded bow!)? Speaking of statement skirt moments, I love the idea of this SS fair isle sweater with a full skirt for an unexpected holiday party look.
MOMMY AND ME MOMENT WITH THIS SWEATER FOR YOU AND THIS FOR BABY
I love the vibe of pairing fair isle with textured pants, whether knit or corduroy, and for cords, I’m digging the vintage straight-leg fit at the moment, a la my Gap ones, these from Moussy, these from Loft, and also high-rise trouser style like this pair from Nordstrom and this steal of a pair from Target!
What household buys do you love and/or replenish instantly? A few of our favorites that you may or may not be familiar with, many of which I have extolled in posts past, and many of which would make excellent stocking stuffers…
+CURAPROX TOOTHBRUSHES — These Swiss-made toothbrushes have like 5,000 individual filaments in the bristles to clean teeth better than they’ve ever been cleaned…but they’re soft, so they don’t scrape enamel. The hexagonal handle means you can angle the toothbrush to get every nook and cranny.
+LIVING LIBATIONS CLEANSING OIL — This product has earned a cult-following for good reason. I’ve been wedded to this oil cleanser in my morning routine for nearly a year now and have never looked back. It has a medicinal smell that I’ve come to love but — caveat if you’re sensitive! It leaves my skin cleansed, glowing, and moisturized in the morning. J’adore j’adore j’adore. I wrote a full review here ICYMI.
+LEUCHTTERM NOTEBOOKS — My favorite because they have gridded and dotted options, and I prefer those styles to lined, both for functional and aesthetic reasons. I also love the built-in bookmark, so it’s always easy to find my place. I wish it came in a top-bound version because I’m a leftie, but alas.
+TRUE TAP WINE KEYS — We’ve long preferred these bartender-approved keys to any of the other fancier wine openers (Rabbits, automated ones, etc.). I always have a few extra in my “gift closet” to bundle with bottles of wine when visiting friends.
+KITCHEN TOWELS — These inexpensive and highly absorbent no-name towels are a major utility buy in our home. We more or less use them in lieu of paper towels and toss them into this wire bin I keep under the second sink in our kitchen. I launder them every few days. They are so cheap it doesn’t matter if a few get destroyed every few months! Much better value than the Williams-Sonoma ones that are inevitably similarly destroyed!
+O-CEDAR SPONGES — Switched to these on the rec of the Wirecutter, I believe, and both Mr. Magpie and I were instantly obsessed. It’s far thicker and more durable than your run-of-the-mill grocery store variety and I find it holds up much longer to intensive use.
+CONTINUOUS SPRAY BOTTLE — A hero product I learned about from a Magpie. I use this if I’d prefer to let my hair air-dry while I sleep (my favorite indulgence — going to bed with wet hair!) and then want to re-wet in the morning to style with my Revlon One-Step. I also use this daily on mini’s hair. Her hair is super fine and I find it much easier to handle (especially when tying braids) if damp. Just the best!
+CLAW CLIPS — I rediscovered these last year and frankly don’t know how survived without these for the ten or twenty years I went without. The best for pulling back hair into a half-up-half-down without the crease or severity of a hair tie. Also love these for quickly pulling back hair when washing my face, brushing my teeth, etc. Am now never without these in my bags and drawers and have already ordered multiple sets. I love the size of this particular set!
+PANTENE PRO-V SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER — I have written about this elsewhere, but I personally think hair care is one of those splurge or save scenarios. I either go with Oribe or Pantene, and nothing in between. I find the mid-priced stuff not worth the incremental cost compared to Pantene, and no where near as good as Oribe, so I either save a bundle with Pantene or majorly treat myself with Oribe and just take turns!
+WET BRUSH — I bought mini a Mason Pearson children’s brush when she was much younger but found it frustrating, upon moving to Bethesda, that I’d frequently be running upstairs in its pursuit (I tie her hair back in the kitchen in the mornings) or downstairs in its pursuit (when brushing her hair post-bath) so decided to buy a second brush to keep off the kitchen. I wasn’t about to spend another $130 on a hairbrush, and I’d heard good things about this under-$10 one. Well, now I find I’m back in the same pickle because our nanny prefers this one to the Mason Pearson, so she will often bring this one upstairs! Ha! But seriously — $10 for a brush that some prefer to Mason Pearson! It does a better job of grabbing all hair and detangling I think. The MP distributes oil wonderfully but is not as much of a knot-buster.
+WOOL + CASHMERE SHAMPOO. I’ve saved a small fortune by using this to hand-wash my cashmere and wool sweaters at home. I used to have them all dry-cleaned! Love the scent, too. Frankly, I love all of the Laundress products with the exception of their starch alternative, which I found did nothing at all. (Definitely worth upgrading to Linenpress for that.) I believe I’ve tried and loved all of their products, though I do think their detergents are a bit spend-y for everyday use and find Tide to be better at stain removal. Still, I always have a bottle or two of their beautiful detergents, especially in the limited edition scents (currently loving their floral 723 scent!) for laundering our sheets and towels.
+LE PENS — I have minuscule handwriting and appreciate the ultra-fine tip (and saturated colors!) of these pens. I’ve used these since high school. J’adore.
+KUHN RIKON PEELERS — The best, sharpest, easiest-to-wield little peelers on earth. Super cheap too.
+COCOFLOSS — I’ll never go back to Glide. This stuff is infinitely superior. Like velcro between the teeth! Comes in fun flavors, too.
+LAUNDRESS STAIN BRUSH — It sounds weird, but this tiny brush is ultra-powerful. I have removed countless (countless!) stains with this little tool and even gifted to my mom. It is SO good. I think because it’s small you can really exert a lot of elbow grease on a specific spot/focus on a tiny area. My go-to treatment process: apply liquid soap directly to stain, dab brush with really hot water, and scrub. Repeat until stain disappears.
+REPLAY DIVIDED CHILDREN’S PLATES — Microwave and dishwasher-safe, with wells deep enough to hold liquid/semi-liquid items like applesauce and yogurt, and great colors.
+CHIP CLIPS — Just make me happy. Come in great colors.
Not seen above, but definitely worth a try/consideration:
+BEST EYELINER EVER — Under $8 and IMO no different from Stila, which was my erstwhile favorite. My only complaint is that the “brush”/”applicator” hairs can go awry after multiple uses, which makes it difficult to apply clearly, but a reader wrote in to say she uses nail clippers to trim those stray hairs and — voila. Problem now solved.
+MR. CLEAN GLOVES — Salvation for anyone who insists on weekly manicures but still does a lot of dishes! I specifically like this pair because they are lined/flocked on the interior so you aren’t bothered by ultra-hot water and the gloves don’t transmit that gross plastic smell to your fingers. These were strangely hard to come by during the peak of the pandemic so I recently bought about 10 pairs when they became more widely available! I replace once a month or so.
+PANTENE PRO V RESCUE SHOTS — These are truly wonderful for ultra-dry winter hair. So inexpensive, too! Worth tucking into your stocking!
+SORBUS CLEAR BINS — My favorite tool for organizing closet, pantry, etc. Perfect size and — importantly — clear so you can see everything.
+LINENPRESS STARCH SPRAY –This is a wunderproduct. Far exceeds results of any other starch I’ve ever used and lasts an absolute eternity. Comes in different scents, too!
+CALDREA COUNTER SPRAY IN ROSEWATER DRIFTWOOD — The best scented counter spray you will ever encounter. I know I’ve converted many of you into believers this based on this description: “It’s as if Jo Malone has cleaned your bathroom herself.”
Run! Hill House just launched its once-yearly sale, and you can score some of their fabulous nap dresses on sale. The Ellie is great for layering with turtlenecks and this Nesli was the most-worn dress in my summer wardrobe, but in the emerald green, you can totally transition to the holidays. I also literally just bought these jeweled jammies and matching top to wear OUT to eat and can’t believe it’s now 50% off. Perfect together or purchased separately.
In my cart: this Athena style — have never owned this style nap dress and kind of like this masculine plaid, paired with opaque tights and velvet platforms — and a nap dress for mini! I’ve never purchased her one before but can’t resist with the price!
P.S. Not on sale, but I love so many of the pieces from their recent holiday launch, and there are still some pieces available, including the chic tartan Caroline and this burgundy velvet dress that I’ll be wearing to Thanksgiving.
So many of the most recent batch of Magpie Mail questions dialed in on what to wear to various holiday gatherings! Today, I’m sharing all my favorite festive finds for the season…
Under $200: this feather trim gown, navy velvet trousers, navy velvet dress (technically $201), tartan shirtdress, metallic slip skirt, sequin blouse, cranberry colored dress
Already in my closet: this La Ligne plaid, plaid and velvet nap dresses, jeweled top, bow headband, Miu Miu platforms (mine are past season I snagged on TheRealReal after stalking for a long time that are close to identical but with a bigger pearl clasp…look for less with these), satin Roop bag, velvet furlanes
Most likely to join my closet: Sleeper pajamas, Emerson Fry sequin dress, Alexandre Birman shoes
