Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

Image via. I’m pretty sure she’s wearing my favorite ankle wrap sandals from Margaux, which have already sold out in select sizes for the season!

Q: Good goal-setting/habit-tracking notebooks?

A: I’ve tried a few and found most to be too overwrought. It needs to be simple and easy! My favorite methods are either having a small standing desk calendar and crossing off the dates you do something (I do this for exercise, plus it’s really handy to have a calendar in my line of sight all day) OR using one of these simple habit tracking pads. If you are open to something a bit more robust, you might like Appointed’s Habit Tracker or Weekly Task Pad. (I believe MAGPIEBYJENSHOOP gets you a discount – 10 or 15%?). I find their products exceptionally well-designed, and beautiful!

Q: 40th birthday weekend in Bermuda.

A: Bermuda is one of the destinations I’m going to create a packing guide for, but my instinct for the big event / focal point event for the weekend is something beachy, pretty, and fun like this, this, or this.

Q: Garden party wedding guest dress – under $300.

A: This is so sweet. I also love this green-and-white striped number (use code YOUROCK or YOURULE to get 20% off, bringing the price down).

Q: Corporate family picnic.

A: I would probably wear something like this or this with a flat leather sandal.

Q: Teacher gift ideas.

A: I feel like every Magpie teacher has said — a gift card! And a thoughtful note. But a few other ideas…you could give them a Stanley tumbler (personalized with a vinyl sticker?), a personalized pouch with some little summer goodies inside, one of these straw visors with their initials, a mini Ouai set, personalized stationery? Depends on how well you know the teacher of course…!

Q: Advice for 40+ mom who wants to start creatively writing but needs some “how-to” support.

A: Thank you for this question! I’m so glad you’re getting started! I would recommend daily journaling, with the scaffolding of a prompt. Suleika is a great creative writing prompt source — and Elizabeth Gilbert is another good one. Start there and see what happens. You might find you like one or two specific prompts and revisit them frequently; you might prefer to free write; you might want a fresh challenge daily. I know it might sound overwrought, but try to get into a daily routine with it, i.e., find a time and set of rituals that accommodate it. It’s a lot easier to make progress if you’re trying it daily, if only for 10 minutes at a time.

Q: Chunky bead necklace (like Theodosia) in bright color, but under $100.

A: Try this Etsy shop! Also love this Sezane.

Q: White/cream flat sandal rec.

A: I’m obsessed with this pair from Margaux. The silhouette feels so fresh. (Other options along these lines, but with a twist: K. Jacques and A. Emery.) I also like the restraint/minimalism of this pair, and these are fun as a pool option. If you’re after something more casual, these woven Birks have been FLYING among Magpies, and for a splurge — these!

OH! And I have a thing for fisherman sandals; Gabriela Hearst has an iconic, $$$ pair, but you can get the look for less (under $100) with these.

Q: Toys/activities for a long play ride for my nieces – 7 and 9.

A: I like the activity books from Lonely Planet and Usborne. I find my daughter (8) will really focus on them for awhile – they’re so thoughtfully done. These dry-erase games on the go and drawing games were also big hits. Find out, too, what books they’re into — buy or borrow one for each! This may be specific to my daughter, but she loves to draw, and I always bring a fresh notebook, a new pack of markers or gel pens, and a drawing prompt book. These “cute” coloring books and fancy markers (decant into a bag like this first) have also been a big hit with her! If you think they’ll go for it, you could also try some of the travel-friendly games (slash travel versions of these games) I shared here (and the comments are fantastic).

Q: Toddler ring bearer outfit.

A: A tiny suit from Janie and Jack or a set like this from La Coqueta if more traditional!

Q: Blue floral MOH dress for my sister’s polo club wedding.

A: Congrats, friend! I love this, this, this, this, this, or this.

Q: Welcome party in Aspen, CO – upscale cowboy theme.

A: This Zimmermann!

Q: High school graduation dress – I’m the mother.

A: Congrats! I like something like this, this, or this. Polished, elegant. If the vibe is less dressy, check out the fun styles and patterns from Pink City Prints.

By: Jen Shoop

I thought I’d start a little micro-series on what to pack when traveling — this is probably the most common question I field whenever I solicit “Ask Magpie” submissions, right alongside specific eventwear requests. If you are a local or frequent visitor to any of the spots I share, please do weigh in; I will be using a mix of my own recon and instincts, and will also be consulting with friends who travel to each destination on the regular.

There must be something happening in South Florida this season because I’ve received many requests for outfit suggestions for girls trips to Miami and Palm Beach! (Other destination wardrobe requests I’ve been fielding: Nantucket, The Hamptons, Aspen, Italy, France, Bermuda.

Feel free to submit your own requests by clicking the wiggling comment box at the beginning of this paragraph.

For South Florida, an inspo board below — I’m generally inclined towards color and crochet, but with some unexpected chic browns sprinkled in, too!

A few items that immediately leapt to mind while thinking about packing for this destination: anything Julia Amory, but especially her little skirt and top sets, like this and this, as well as these Banker Boxers by Suzie Kondi, which I think are the perfect pop of color to pair with summer whites. I’m intrigued by this brand; it seems to be everywhere I look right now, especially its terry pieces, which would be right at home in a Miami-bound suitcase. (I found a good look for less for their terry short/top set here, here and the striped boxer-style shorts here.)

Outfit Ideas for Miami / West Palm Beach.

LEFT TO RIGHT: RIVIERA COTTON CROCHET PANT SET // CABANA NECKLACE // ANCIENT GREEK JELLY FLATS // MARNI TOTE // THE BANKER BOXERS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // 52MM OVAL SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)// DAPHNE DRESS

LEFT TO RIGHT: PACKABLE STRAW PANAMA HAT // CASSIOPEE STRAPLESS SWIMSUIT // COTTON SQUARE PAREO // PEARL NAUTILUS EARRINGS // NATURAL WHITE MINI KUAI BAG // DREAM LOVER SUNGLASSES

JORDYN TANK (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // THE BANKER BOXERS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PACKABLE STRAW PANAMA HAT // ANAGRAM SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NATURAL WHITE MINI KUAI BAG // MIA NAPA SANDALS

DAPHNE DRESS // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE // MARNI TOTE // MARGAUX SANDAL // 56MM OVAL SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

CASSIOPEE STRAPLESS SWIMSUIT // PACKABLE STRAW PANAMA HAT // COTTON SQUARE PAREO // DREAM LOVER SUNGLASSES // LUDO LEATHER SLIDES // BEADED DROP EARRINGS

RIVIERA COTTON CROCHET PANT SET // CABANA NECKLACE // PEONY HOLIDAY BIKINI TOP // PEONY HOLIDAY BIKINI BOTTOM // LAUREL SANDALS // JACKIE SUNGLASSES // MIRA LARGE TOTE

PALOMA POLKA DOT DRESS // RAFFIA CLUTCH // TWIGGY SANDALS // DOME PEBBLE EARRINGS // HINGE CUFF BRACELET // 52MM OVAL SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

P.S. How do you plan a great vacation?

P.P.S. Versatile dresses for spring travel.

P.P.P.S. On the magic and mayhem of traveling with young kids.

By: Jen Shoop

If you’re a long haul Magpie, you might remember a short-lived in-person book club I hosted in Sheep Meadow in Central Park (and occasionally at the apartments of my glittering and fabulous creative friends, Inslee and Alison) in 2018. The conversations were rich; the friendships ran deep. We one time had the author of the book we were reading call in to the book club, and I still get butterflies thinking about it. It was stitched-together and informal — picnic blankets, paper cups of rose, a famous author crackling through my speaker phone while bikers whizzed by — but also one of those lighting-in-a-bottle arrangements you couldn’t recreate if you tried, with thoughtful readers from all different fields and backgrounds showing up robed in fascinating readings of the texts we’d chosen. I occasionally receive emails from these book club members and we always wax poetic about those nights in the field, and the earnestness with which everyone approached the books and the discourses around them.

I want to recreate elements of that experience, but for more Magpies — and I want to start simple, with the hope that this will evolve into something greater and more rich as time goes on. For now, let’s pick a book and try to read it by the 15th of the following month. I’ll be sharing thoughts, reading questions, conversation prompts as we make our way through, and you can arrive in the comments on the 15th ready to discuss. My thought is that some of you might use this cadence for your own in-person gatherings, too — and I can help by providing reading questions, possible menus, playlists, and other fun add-ons. Sort of a book club in a box vibe?

As I get more organized, I have lots of ambitious thoughts. Can we interview the authors here? Can we do a big Zoom conversation at some point? Can I find a well-read gal / celebrity and unpack the book with her on camera? Can we create our own rating systems? Etc etc etc! Suggestions and ideas welcome, as always.

For this month’s book club, we are reading Charlotte McConaghy’s Wild Dark Shore, which I would describe as a literary suspense.

Book jacket copy:

“A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon.

Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater was once full of researchers, but with sea levels rising, the Salts are now its final inhabitants. Until, during the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore.”

I am one quarter in and deeply impressed. The writing is poetic and rich, and I am enjoying the genre throttle: it feels at points like allegory, but reads like a juicy and compelling thriller. I know many Magpies have read and raved about this as one of the best books of 2025. You’ve got to join me!

As a part of this kick-off, I want to give away a Magpie Bad Book Girl hat to one of my new Magpie Book Club 2.0 members. Just leave a comment on this post (or by clicking the wiggling icon next to this paragraph) answering the following questions and I’ll pick one from the comments on Friday and ship it to you:

1) what you’re reading right now;

2) what’s next in your TBR pile;

3) how you’d describe yourself as a reader, in AIM handle format, and feel free to be playful or serious — examples might be: repeatreader, hockeysmutgal233, oneofthemarchgirls, etc! Mine would be badbookgirl15 — the 15 is a wink to my actual erstwhile AIM handle, SmileyJen15, because I was 15 when I created it. LOL. More on being a bad book girl here, and below, via my Instagram account!

Post-Scripts.

+You can buy your own bad book girl hat here!

+Version 2.0 of anything is a good thing.

+My most popular book review. I cannot believe how many people have found this post on the Internet. You know what’s funny? Sometimes I’ve cheekily joked about how un-useful an advanced degree in literature is (of course I really believe it’s essential to my way of being), but the fact that — across all my thousands of posts — a book review has garnered the most interest from the outside world sort of makes a powerful point. Like, maybe I did learn something there. Thank you, Georgetown University.

+If you could go back to school, what would you study?

+What is the best beer?

Shopping Break.

+I have a few events coming up next week and just did a big order at Shopbop to simplify. I’ll do a try-on and share next week in a blog post? I ordered these linen pants and this matching top, this butter-yellow SEA blouse, this Alemais mini, and this skirt. Shopbop makes returns so incredibly easy…

+I wore this under-$150 dress to cocktails with friends this week! So into crochet right now! A Magpie reader saw me wearing this (seen here) and shared that J. Crew Factory has a very similar style out now for under $60!

+My favorite counter spray. I have several of the scents and I think my favorite is Mayfair, with Doheny Drive as a close second. This is silly to write but using it gives me a Nancy Meyers kitchen vibe.

+Speaking of home care, a Magpie reader alerted me to the fact that our favorite vacuum is 20% off! We have had ours since our early NYC days and are obsessed with it. My mom bought one on my rec and loves it, too.

+It’s a butter yellow summer. I ordered these VB jeans. I own them in brown, too, and they are SO good. Rigid denim, fyi — take your true size if you are wearing mainly for events/occasion. For everyday wear, I’d go a size up and have them fit a little more loosely.

+Yellow denim looks for less here and here.

+One thought on styling the yellow jeans: a fun little white top like this (or this — $29!, this, this), this sandals (look for less here), a raffia tote, and fun earrings (look for less here).

+Sweetest girls’ sandals — omg.

+Monogrammable pique tissue box covers! Such a chic little bathroom / nightstand upgrade. They also have pique shower curtains — a Matouk vibe but less $.

+Inslee’s new ladybug prints are so charming.

+Love a bold statement pant — these and these are FUN.

+Just restocked my son’s boxer-briefs — these were so cute! (I also keep waiting for a restock on these ones from Quince.)

+Speaking of Quince: new summer colors in their woven bag (the sage is sooo good) and a great summer staple for a woman in a more traditional work environment. Meanwhile, doesn’t this feel like want you want to throw on while barefoot and sipping iced tea this summer?

+Drooling over this vase.

+Pretty summer lingerie.

+This lip liner in the color desert rose is one of my favorite beauty products. The consistency!! Glides on so easily and such a gorgeous everyday color — your lips but better.

+ICYMI: some of the Dorsey paracord necklaces are available for pre-order again!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

BATH MAT // LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER // SHOWER STEAMER SET // ROBE // BODY BUTTER // BODY WASH // HAIR TOWEL

From invigorating cleansers to ultra-plush towels, below is my curated list of bath/shower favorites for spring and summer.

01. Pictured above, the Salt & Stone body wash is my absolute favorite. The lather is exceptional and I love the sophisticated scents. I think this Bergamot and Hinoki combo might be my all-time favorite of theirs, but I have enjoyed every single one I’ve tried. Great, too, because almost all of them are gender-neutral; Landon uses as well. The size of these bottles is ample — it feels like a really good value.

02. Lolavie exfoliating shampoo — use code JEN15. Great for after a workout.

03. Crown affair renewal hair mask — use code JENS15. I use this on the ends only; it is SO GOOD if your hair is feeling dry and parched.

04. Shower steamer set. Esker just sent me these and I can’t wait to use!

05. CHIC scalloped bath mats!

06. Weezie bath towels come in such great colors, trim, and monogram options.

07. Almond shower oil from L’Occitane. This was a Magpie Reader “regrettably worth it” mention (several times over) and — you did not lie. I am ruined for all other shaving creams. It kind of converts to a cream once on the skin and deeply hydrates and smooths. It also smells heavenly. I’m addicted.

08. The Billie razor is the best — comes with a magnetic holder for the shower. It’s principle merit is that it shows up on your doorstep at the perfect cadence. I love never having to remember to add “razors” or “blades” to my list!

09. Ultra hydrating body butter — a lifesaver for dry skin.

10. Crown affair leave-in conditioner.

11. Lotion bar set.

12. Crown affair hair towel — a woman must have designed this. I love the little elastic part in the back so you can easily tuck the ends in and it really stays in place. Cuts drying time by like 1/3 or 1/2.

13. Bose speaker. I love playing music or an audiobook while taking an everything shower. Divine!

14. Luxe Hill House robe! This has been my longtime favorite post-shower robe. Fluffy, oversized goodness.

15. K18 repairing hair mask. Have written about this a few times — REALLY delivers soft, gleaming hair. I’m still parsing out how best to use it; it can weigh my hair down if I’m not careful. The instructions say to leave it on (do not rinse out) but I am finding it works better if I can apply at the beginning of the shower and wait awhile before rinsing it out.

16. Scalp scrub from Goop — pairs perfectly with this scalp massager. My go-to in the summer months thanks to all the sweat, chlorine, etc!

Bath/Shower Bundles.

ROBE // BATH MAT // HAIR TOWEL // BATH TOWEL

SHOWER STEAMER // LOLAVIE SHAMPOO // SHOWER OIL // BILLIE RAZOR // BODY WASH

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER // SCALP SCRUB // K18 HAIR MASK // GOOP HAIR MASK // SCALP MASSAGER

P.S. The Lost Lilac.

P.P.S. See my hair styling favorites here.

P.P.P.S. Bold Spring sneakers.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

Nosy question this morning: what do you always have in your bag? Are you a minimalist, carrying only wallet and keys, or are you more akin to Mary Poppins? And do you transfer your “essentials” from bag to bag in a pouch or do you usually wear the same bag on repeat daily?

Curious how my forever-sharp, forever-tactical Magpies handle this — no doubt with efficiency and thought.

I do change my bag regularly, but it’s pretty simple; I just have to transfer a pouch with my essentials, a wallet, my sunglasses, and a pouch full of my keys from bag to bag. Plus whatever book I’m reading — a non-negotiable.

Some staple items I carry with me always:

MINNOW POUCH // CADENCE CASE FOR ADVIL // MINI BRUSH // OUTSET LIP OASIS // BIOM WIPES // GLOW RECIPE MIST // PRADA CARD CASE // GOYARD FLAT POUCH FOR CASH, RECEIPTS, AND CARD CASE // CARLEY FORTUNE BOOK // MR. PEN STICKY BOOK TABS // POST-IT NOTES // PENS // NAGHEDI TOTE // TORY BURCH SUNGLASSES // MINI SCISSORS

A detailed breakdown:

+A book (at time of writing, I just finished this an am reading and deeply enjoying this — will you read with me? I want to formalize our “book club” a bit and will share more soon but am hoping anyone interested will commit to reading the same book as I am each month this year!) and/or my Kindle;

+If I have a hard copy book, I just started keeping these little page tabs in the frontispiece! I realized the other day I use the Kindle “bookmark” function all the time as a way to “earmark” pages I want to be able to refer back to and these tabs are the physical equivalent;

+A small Minnow pouch with sanitizer, Advil kept in this little Cadence container, lip balm and lip color, pocket scissors, a few loose bandaids, a posy of pens, post-it notes, a hair tie or two, and tissues;

+Wipes (still — my kids are 5 and 8 and I need these daily with them);

+Sunglasses (currently wearing these);

+A pouch to corral my many sets of keys;

+The Goyard flat pouch — holds cash, receipts, and my card case;

+Lifesaver wintergreen mints;

+Now that it’s warmer, I’ve also been carrying SPF and this glow misting spray around!;

+Snacks for my forever-hungry children;

+A pocket brush (have been toying with the idea of upgrading to this mini version of my favorite full-size everyday brush);

+If I’m going anywhere for longer than an hour, I usually bring one of my Appointed notebooks for me — I never know when I’m going to have an idea!

I feel like none of these things are out of the ordinary, with possibly the exception of the pocket scissors (a Magpie reader suggestion a few years ago and SO HANDY) — curious if you have any amazing things you keep on your person that make your daily life easier?

And a last little note — special launch today: Studio McGee x Tuckernuck! You might know Shea McGee from her ultra-chic interior design firm Studio McGee (and retail brand McGee & Co). This is her first foray into fashion design and it is absolutely delightful — it has a West Coast airiness that I love. They generously sent me the Nora dress, seen below, and I couldn’t help but wear it out to a date night this past weekend with Landon. I find all of Tuckernuck’s house styles run a bit big; I took an XXS in this and the fit was perfect. The other pieces I am contemplating snagging myself: the white eyelet Rue blouse and matching Laurel skirt! But all my favorite picks below.

Styled above with my Veronica Beard Dash clutch, Dorsey cocktail ring, and See x Chloe Glyn platforms.

NORA DRESS // STRIPED SWEATER // LAUREL SKIRT AND RUE TOP // GINGHAM DRESS // SUEDE SANDALS

P.S. Related: what has saved you?

P.P.S. What simple reframe has changed everything?

P.P.P.S. Chic sneakers and shorts for spring.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

ESPADRILLES // CHINOS // BOARD SHORTS // POLO // GRAPHIC TEE // HAT // LOAFERS

Warm weather is here, and outfitting Hill is high on the priority list! Below, I’ve rounded up some must-have summer finds for little boys. I’ve ordered everything on this list, I think…!

01. Cadets cardio shorts.

02. Lacoste polo.

03. Darling stripe board shorts from Minnow.

04. Chinos in several colors.

05. Linen long sleeve.

06. I love Zara’s kids section! This printed t-shirt is $10.

07. Collared shirt with adorable frog print.

08. This drawstring short is a classic — easy and cute!

09. Another Zara kids find.

10. Fun graphic tee.

11. Espadrille slippers!

12. Shorts with an elastic waistband.

13. Polo and shorts set!

14. Personalized hat.

15. Lewis quarter zip paired with matching shorts.

16. I want these Birkenstocks for the whole family! Perfect for pool or running around — anything!

17. J. Crew factory striped polo.

18. 4-pack of minion socks.

19. Kids Vans in fun color ways.

20. Sueded loafers for nicer occasions!

Ways to Style Boys Summer Finds.

CHINOS // LOAFERS // LONG SLEEVE

QUARTER ZIP // SHORTS // BIRKENSTOCKS

GRAPHIC TEE // SHORTS // VANS

P.S. Three nights at Disneyworld.

P.P.S. Versatile dresses for spring travel.

P.P.P.S. A clarion genesis.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

The first rule of birding is to look at the bird. Not the guide book, not the camera, not the type of tree it is sitting in or the berry it is pecking at. Study its markings; absorb its movements and song and unique ways of being.

The bird–like the day–will be gone before you know it; behold it while you can.

An important corollary to this rule: look at the bird in front of you. Don’t dismiss the gray catbird or Northern cardinal, ordinary as they may be, in pursuit of the the painted bunting. Expectations are the forever enemy: find joy in the common, and the cosmic will take care of itself.

There are other rules, too, but come to think of it, most of the rules of birding–and of living a soulful life, for that matter–say the same thing:

pay attention, practice patience, look closely,

which are just different ways of singing alleluiah.

Post-Scripts.

+The sandpiper.

+If your life were a movie…

+11 forever-chic things (most of which are free).

Shopping Break.

+You can channel birding wisdom by wearing a Magpie Birding Club hat.

+Frame’s popular Slim Palazzo jeans are back for summer — these can be difficult to find in stock in all sizes. I love the white of course but that thyme color is calling my name….

+Other great white jeans: Madewell’s darted barrels (go a size down) and Mother’s Rambler Zip jeans (go a size up). I do not own a pair (yet), but have also heard fantastic things about AYR’s Pop jeans.

+And speaking of AYR — they released their early morning tee (“magpie reader core” — we all own and love these) in a fun shade of artichoke green!

+Back to Frame: spendy, but I can’t stop thinking about this boxy denim top with its crochet collar. So chic with white jeans and leather sandals. In general loving the idea of a short-sleeved denim shirt like this or this.

+Always looking for ways to get Dyson products on sale and noticed QVC is offering 15% off to new customers this month. You can get their dryer here and their AirWrap here if you’re a first time shopper! (You might remember that the AirWrap changed my hair life.)

+That said, I had my hair blown out at home last Friday (PS – my Glamsquad code still works — $20 off for new users with code JenniferS; $15 off for repeat users with code JenniferS15) and I mentioned that I really wished I could get more volume at the crown / at my hairline, and the technician used these rollers secured with these clips after blow-drying each section really got the job done.

+On the subject of birding: just ordered this sweet watercolor set to work on with my daughter this summer!

+Calling all members of the scent enclave: have you already discussed Maison d’Etto?! They sent me their discovery set and I was bowled over. I’ve been gifted many scent discovery sets in my days and I never mention them because I’m usually underwhelmed (or overwhelmed) by them. I absolutely loved several of the scents – especially Durban Jane (warm but refreshing; pink pepper, ambrette, sandalwood, cedarwood; eliciting “cocoon like feelings of home”) and Macanudo (fresh, crisp, bold: vetiver, cut grass, neroli; “the feeling of grass and soft powder of a polo field underfoot”; the freedom of a child’s laugh”). I actually ordered a full size of the Durban Jane as I was just out of my previous daily perfume, Ex Nihilo’s Lust in Paradise, and plan to use the remaining mini bottles for travel. Will be fun to connect trips to specific scents. In general, I would compare the scent complexity and femininity of Maison D’Etto’s scents to Byredo — and the packaging is just as chic, too! I think the candle of Macanudo would be absolute perfection for a library or study or studio. I am SO excited by this brand! Last little gushy note: the olfactory notes that accompany the scents are beyond poetic. Someone give that copy-writer a raise! (Of “Rotano”: “Touched with the salty minerality of a 4 pm ocean breeze rolling inaldn and dust settling on a freshly washed saddle.” OMG. I mean, I’ll buy the candle, but when is the book coming out?!)

+In the summer, I up my exfoliation to accommodate the sweat and SPF. I run a lot outside in the summer, and find I can be prone to breakouts if I’m not consistent. Some of my favorite exfoliators are Goop’s GoopGlow (both a chemical and physical exfoliator; review and code here) and Dr. Dennis Gross’ peel pads (Lan and I use these every other night!). I’ve also tried the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 but didn’t really notice much of a change. Maybe I need to give it a second shot? Any huge proponents of that product here? One product I am going to be trying this summer (just received) is Dr. Brandt’s award-winning exfoliant. Will share thoughts on how/if it compares to GoopGlow, but I’m intrigued by the clinical claims it lists on the site. Has anyone tried any of Dr. Brandt’s other products? I’m definitely interested — this is a skincare line specifically formulated for more mature skin, and it targets issue areas I relate to. Two of its bestsellers are this “no more baggage” eye cream and this wrinkle-smoothing cream.

+Another beauty brand focused on mature skin that I cannot stop yapping about: Sarah Creal. I mean, her stuff just WORKS. I have been wearing her concealer daily (does not settle into fine lines, but does provide coverage) and am OBSESSED — OBSESSED — with her 12hour peptide bronze luminizing balm in the Extra Extra shade. OMG. The color actually stays put and is so natural and glow-enhancing: it really looks like sunkissed skin. If you’ve ever used Merit’s bronzing balm, it’s similar in terms of semi-sheer, buildable color but much longer lasting and a more deeply pigmented. HUGE fan.

+Updated my Shopbop hearts! So many great finds there right now!

ADDISON BAY ATHLETIC DRESS // RMS LIP OIL // PISTOLA DRESS // MAYAMAR NECKLACE // YVES DURIF BRUSH // LETITIA ROUGET PLATES // SAM EDELMAN JELLIES

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

I don’t know if it’s the French chateau vision-boarding I’ve been doing, but I’ve been in a European summer state of mind lately—despite having no plans to be in Europe any time soon. No matter; we can dress like we’re vacationing on the water somewhere in Italy (above: Lake Como!) or France, even if we’re just grabbing a coffee or sitting on the front steps with a glass of wine after work. A few pieces that have caught my eye in this aesthetic: this linen skirt, this metallic maxi skirt (Missoni look for less!), these sandals, and my favorite raffia bucket hat (look for a lot less here).

Mood board below —

LEFT TO RIGHT: MAKENNA CORSET MIDI DRESS // TINA POPLIN DRESS // VISCOSE LINEN MAXI DRESS

JOIANA NECKLACES // BEAU BELTED LINEN HALTER DRESS // POSSE DRESS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // FELIX HAT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // LOEWE BAG // CELINE SANDALS — LOOK FOR LESS WITH THESE // LOEWE SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR A LITTLE LESS WITH THESE) // J. CREW LINEN TANK

European Summer Vibes: Styling Inspo.

LOTTIE TANK // METALLIC TEXTURED STRIPED KNIT MAXI SKIRT // SAFARI KIGALI SANDALS // TAYA SUNGLASSES // GOLD CURVED HAYES CUFF // LOEWE SUNGLASSES // J. CREW TOTE

IVORY BLANKET SCARF // MAKENNA CORSET MIDI DRESS // BRIGITTE LEATHER MULES // GOLD PAPERCLIP CHAIN LINK // BANG BANG VANITY CASE (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // JULIETTA EARRINGS

BEAU BELTED LINEN HALTER DRESS // MILLIE LATTICE SANDAL // OUTTA LOVE SUNGLASSES // FORTUNA COIN EARRINGS // CHUNKY DOME CUFF // RIO MINI TOTE

CARRIE SHORT // RIC RAC COMPRESSION TANK // MARCIA STRAPPY FLAT SANDAL // LANTERN STRAW HAT // BILLIE BUCKET BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // TWISTED HUGGIE HOOP EARRING // NO.10 BELT // HAZEL SUNGLASSES

P.S. Fresh sandal silhouettes for spring / summer.

P.P.S. Statement jewelry for spring and summer.

P.P.P.S. Spring wardrobe mixing + matching.

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By: Jen Shoop

Good morning and happy Monday, Magpies! I came across a great quote over the weekend: “May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel alive.” Amen! To the point of this post, though: the Cosima Nap Dress from Hill House has quickly become my favorite nap dress style and one of my most-reached-for silhouettes. The slightly longer bodice feels fresh, and I love the length. I know a lot of you snagged this style from their latest summer launch (last week! — I picked out this and this) and wanted to share some thoughts on styling, sizing, etc.

HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // J. CREW CARDIGAN // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // FRP COLLECTION BAG // CELINE SUNGLASSES // LISI LERCH EARRINGS (USE CODE JEN20) // K JACQUES X DOEN SANDALS

HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // CELINE SUNGLASSES

HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // HERMES SANDALS // DANS LA MAIN SEAGRASS KELLY BAG

Cosima Sizing Notes.

For context, I’m 5’0 and I find this wears like a maxi dress on me, hitting the top of my foot. I go down a size in it (take an xxs instead of my usual xs) because I find the bodice fits me better — but I am not well-endowed up top so if you are, you might stick with your true size.

I am sitting here wondering if I should have gotten the chocolate gingham. Ahhh! I already own this in three colors; I don’t think I need another…but how good is it?!

THE COSIMA NAP DRESS: APPLE GREEN STRIPE // CHOCOLATE GINGHAM // BLUE STRIPE // CHOCOLATE CIRCULAR LATTICE

Styling the Cosima.

Let me applaud this dress’s versatility: it can be worn with ballet flats and a tote, sneakers and a baseball cap, sandals and a sun hat, or big earrings and a wedge. Here are some of the outfits that suggest themselves to me:

TUCKERNUCK FISH EARRINGS // COSIMA IN STRIPE // SEZANE BAG // LOEFFLER RANDALL SANDALS (MORE SIZES AT NORDSTROM) // MAYAMAR NECKLACES IN PINK AND GREEN

LIZZIE FORTUNATO ROPE CORD NECKLACE // COSIMA IN POMEGRANATE STRIPE // LA LIGNE SWEATER // CLARE VIVIER ROPE TOTE // TKEES X J CREW JELLY T-STRAPS

TUCKERNUCK SEASHELL EARRINGS // COSIMA IN BROWN GINGHAM // ULLA JOHNSON DENIM JACKET // J. CREW TOTE // LOEFFLER RANDALL JELLIES (LOOK FOR LESS — $20! — HERE) // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE

COSIMA IN GREEN STRIPE // LOEWE BAG // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE // TORY BURCH KIRA SANDALS

P.S. Do you still hang your words in the air?

P.P.S. We are all goddesses of change. And, by the way, if it feels hard, it is hard.

P.P.P.S. The comeback of the jelly sandal.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and mother figures out there!

There is a moment in Carley Fortune’s latest book in which the protagonist decides to do something out of character — something she never would have had the courage to do as her younger, more timid self.

She writes:

“I do it for younger me.”

What are the things we can do for our younger selves?

What are the things we can do for our future selves?

And what are the things we can do for the versions of ourselves we have today?

It’s interesting, because I think the answer to all three is the same: slow down and practice gratitude. How fortunate am I to have what I once dreamed of? How fortunate am I to have this normal day in front of me? How fortunate am I to have my children, only this-young today?

I get to have this day.

But let me dive into specifics. Here are some things I want to do for each version of myself:

+For my younger self: encourage young writers; give back to the people and organizations that started me on this lifelong creative journey; run into the other room and throw my arms around my husband and children; look around my happy albeit slightly messy home and tell myself “you did it, Jen”; express unabashed excitement that I will soon be a published author

+For my present self: get outside; look for the day’s lagniappes; find grace when I make a misstep; let people be wrong about me; approach the day as though everything is upside

+For my future self: move my body daily; stay committed to SPF and skincare and drinking more water and less wine; call my parents; keep writing; let go of grudges; date Mr. Magpie, and seriously; move mountains to be there for my children, both by showing up at school, at events, at performances and by laying with them every night, reading to them and reminding them that they are every good thing

Sunday Shopping.

OKKK so many of you swear by these Brooks Glycerin running shoes! You know I’m a Nike devotee but I ordered a pair after several of you chirped your enthusiastic support for them?! I also treated myself to a new Tracksmith outfit — these striped shorts and this session tee. I am so proud of myself for my consistency with running this season and I decided I needed to celebrate with a new ‘fit. I also just loaded up my cart at Vuori with these, this, and these. (I did a big purge of my summer running gear and I tossed a bunch of really old, ratty shorts, or shorts that I just never liked — too constrictive at the waist, too short, etc.) I think I’m going to “gift” the Vuori pieces to myself if I make it through all of May maintaining my workout commitment!

Meanwhile, how amazing are these monogrammed terry totes and pouches?! What a cute gift for a girls trip to the lake/beach? (Are are these!) Is anyone going to a lake house soon?! I’m so envious!

You’ll also note a couple of Gap items below. All 40% off! All my Gap favorites on sale here.

BROOKS GLYCERIN RUNNING SHOES // BODEN CAFTAN // WOVEN BIRKENSTOCKS // GAP RAINBOW SLOUCHY BAG // GAP CRINKLE GAUZE SHIRT AND PANTS // RMS LIP OIL // MONOGRAMMED TERRY CLOTH BAGS/POUCHES // BIOM MINI WIPES SET // LAKE LIFE FROSTED CUPS

And – I meant to mention this yesterday, but Anthropologie is running a promotion that ends tonight: 20% off orders over $100 with code ANTHRO20. There are so many fun finds for summer there right now! My top picks below.

DAMSON MADDER MINI // BEAD NECKLACE // FARM RIO DRESS // WOVEN CROSSBODY // SARDINE PLATE // SARDINE NAPKINS // GINGHAM MINI // STRIPED ESPADRILLE // JELLY FLATS // CHILI GLASSES

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

+IT’S MAY, SO LET’S — Absolutely loved this timely poem by Elise Powers. It gave me the fullest, most wide-open feeling. I love the idea of letting the inside into your house — of letting your living room “forget its corners.” Hello, May! I think we’re going to be good friends.

+CARLEY FORTUNE’S ONE GOLDEN SUMMER: I pre-ordered Carley Fortune’s latest and it arrived on the Amazon truck at 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday. I tore open the box and started reading immediately and then stayed up until 11 pm, drinking it up with a big straw. It is such evocative, atmospheric reading for getting into a summer headspace. (“It’s summer, so let’s–“!) It is light, frothy, spicy, funny. I love the saucy banter between the leading lady and the love interest. But mainly the setting! It makes you want to sit on a lake dock and let go of everything weighing you down–let your hair air-dry, and your shirt be damp from the last dip in the water. Live in bare feet and a bikini top with drawstring pants. Oh, it is everything you want a summer read to be. If you have the discipline, save this for your trip to the beach or lake this summer; I have a feeling it would only be enhanced if read in a chair by water. Speaking of this lake life vibe, I noticed that my favorite gauze pants and matching top from Splendid are 30% off this weekend! Truly one of my favorite sets I own. Divinely soft but still pulled together. I wore this on the airplane to Orlando but have worn it so much since, too. Like pajamas but still elegant? I also like to pair the pants with a striped tank — this is my favorite striped tank ever; stretchy but cuts a good silhouette and perfect tucked into these pants. Or if chillier, pair with a striped knit like this.

+THE KEY TO JUGGLING IN MOTHERHOOD: My best friend sent me this quote, captured by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and attributed to author Nora Roberts, on all the balls we juggle, and both of us deeply related to it. I love the mnemonic of asking: is this a glass ball or plastic ball?

+FOR MY FELLOW VINEGAR HEADS: Mr. Magpie sent me this meme, and we both had a good laugh about it. One of the best parts is that Utz (potato chips) left a comment saying: “What can I say? We’re built different.” Lol. BTW, in case you missed it, a lot of us vinegar lovers are obsessed with these smoked almonds. My mouth is watering just thinking about them. I also really want to try this salt and vinegar popcorn a few of you rec’d but the shipping is wild! Does anyone know if these are stocked locally (in the DC area)?

+THE BEST WEEKEND SALES: Doen is running a Mother’s Day sale (prices will go back up after the weekend!) and I can’t rec this Sebastiane skirt enough in a great chic plaid. I own this skirt in both white and a blue and white pinstripe. It is so easy and chic! I like to pair with a simple white tee, layered gold necklaces, and a big straw tote. The same pattern is also available in a great dress silhouette! Would be fab for an end-of-school-year picnic, a backyard gathering, or even a baby shower (for a boy mom). And (!) Kilte deeply discounted a bunch of its gorgeous knits. I own and LOVE this cable knit quarter zip (now $210 off!) as well as this sweet cardigan (now $100 off)!

+MILLE’S CHARMING EARLY SUMMER COLLECTION: A lot of you have been eyeing and buying this gingham mini (use code JEN15 for 15% off!). A dress loose enough to live in but chic for barefoot BBQs, outdoor music concerts, FOJ hangs! All my favorite Mille pieces below.

GARDEN FLORAL DRESS // GINGHAM MINI DRESS // GINGHAM MIDI DRESS // BLUE SHORTS

+THE DONNI LOOK: Just in general loving gingham and a lived-in but lively look like the one below from Donni. They cannot keep these taffeta gingham pants in stock! A couple of similar styles here, here, here, and here.

+EYEING + BUYING: A few items on my radar…I am loving RED right now. I can’t wait to style my new HHH Pippa dress, and am dangerously close to snagging these La Veste pants.

On the beauty front, InnBeauty just sent me this “green machine” serum that I can’t wait to work into my summer skin lineup. I have been using (and loving) Whitney Bowe’s Vitamin C but will test this one once the bottle runs out. The price point on the InnBeauty is right — literally half the price of the Bowe!

GAP CROCHET TANK // GINGHAM LA VESTE PANTS // ANCIENT GREEK JELLY SANDALS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // FISH NECKLACE // POSSE STRIPED DRESS // INNBEAUTY SERUM // HILL HOUSE PIPPA DRESS // MILLE ALMA DRESS // CUYANA PALOMA TOTE

+BESTSELLERS: We went dress shopping this week! So many of us bought this gorgeous striped and lace-trim dress and my favorite silhouette nap dress, the Cosima, now available in gorgeous new summer patterns. These are both perfect summer dresses that can be dressed up or down.

01. J. CREW DRESS // 02. COSIMA NAP DRESS // 03. STRIPED TUCKERNUCK MINI // 04. LACK OF COLOR HAT (LOW IN STOCK! MORE HERE AND HERE) // 05. THE SCENT OF SUMMER // 06. NEGATIVE WHIPPED HENLEY // 07. TUCKERNUCK TOTE // 08. PERSONALIZED ROPE STORAGE BINS // 09. BAUBLE BAR GEMSTONE BRACELET // 10. FLORAL ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT // 11. LEE RADZIWILL BAG // 12. LIBERTY ADIDAS SNEAKERS FOR GIRLS

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

By: Jen Shoop

For My Daughter’s First Communion.

ANN MASHBURN LIBERTY FLORAL DRESS (SWOON) // LARROUDE MULES

Lunch with My Mom + Sister.

Sunday Mass.

Buck Mason sent me a few items from their new womenswear collection and I am so impressed. I wore head to toe Buck Mason (minus shoes) on Sunday! It’s like Jenni Kayne but less expensive, and the silhouettes and materials are incredible. I had bought Landon a few things from this brand over the years, but had no idea they’d extended into very chic pieces for women, too. This skirt is a standout. Runs maybe a tad bigger than TTS.

BUCK MASON SEAFARER CREW // BUCK MASON POPLIN SKIRT // BUCK MASON PIMA TEE // TORY BURCH KIRA SANDALS // LEE RADZIWILL BAG // HART LONG CHARM NECKLACE (EXACT CHARMS HERE) // JANE WIN COURAGE PENDANT // DORSEY SMALL HEART ID

Morning Drop Off + Long Run.

VEE COLLECTIVE BAG // TRACKSMITH TWILIGHT SHORTS (OLD COLOR, CURRENT SEASON COLORS HERE) // VUORI TANK // NIKE INVINCIBLE RUNS

Weekday Writing + Meetings + Doctor’s Appointment.

When I’m feeling anxious about something, I “suit up.” A blazer always makes me feel a little more polished and in control. This is an old style from VB, but similar here and here.

PISTOLA UTILITY PANTS // FAHERTY STRIPED TEE // LEE RADZIWILL BAG // MARGAUX DENIM FLATS // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER (OLD, SIMILAR HERE AND HERE)

Friday Energy.

I think this Gap x Doen collection flew and is sold out (or nearly), but linking anyway in case of returns.

DOEN X GAP GINGHAM TOP // DOEN X GAP GINGHAM SKIRT // LA LIGNE SWEATER // K JACQUES X DOEN SANDALS // AMANDA LINDROTH BASKET BAG (BRAND NO LONGER EXISTS! — SIMILAR HERE)

Standard Work + Mom Day.

This skirt is so comfortable and flattering. I have it in a past-season pattern, but new ones were just released and I might need a second. I’ve worn it to travel in; I can write all day in it. A very airy cotton. Cannot rec more!