01. Embroidered midi dress in a fab earthy green — love the way the utilitarian color plays against the delicate eyelet pattern. The silhouette reminds me of Staud’s Wells dress!
02. These eyelet shorts are everything for summer! They remind me of the styles I’ve been eyeing at Marea and Doen.
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By: Jen Shoop
What are you doing for the Fourth? We are going to attend a big country club celebration with fireworks, a big spread, cocktails, etc, and bringing the kids for the first time ever. I realized today that the event is not that far away, and we have travel and house guests between now and then, so I should get organized on what we’ll be wearing. A few Magpie reader favorites and top sellers from the past few weeks that would be perfect for the occasion: this cherry-red crochet dress ($59!), the Cosima nap dress in blue and white stripe (a full review, sizing notes, etc, here), and the Doen June blouse. And, a little call out while we’re talking Doen: Doen is launching its second summer collection today and I saw a preview and already want some of the fabulous plaid pieces!
For FOJ, I am in the market for a festive dress — stay tuned on what I pick, but lots of thoughts and options below…!
Red Fourth of July Outfits.
I’m pretty sure I’ll be wearing red gingham this year — so into this color, and its overlap with some of my other favorite microtrends (sardine summer, crochet, basket bags, farmer’s market motif, tomatoes!)
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
By: Jen Shoop
Sardines are everywhere this summer — and I would say the motif meshes perfectly with several of the season’s other prominent microtrends, like jelly sandals, rope / paracord jewelry (did you get anything from the second Dorsey paracord launch?), and crochet. Below, some of my favorite sardine statement picks, plus how I’d incorporate them into my wardrobe.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.Image via Pinterest.
By: Jen Shoop
This feels like one of those moments in the parenting year where I think: It’s going to get worse before it gets better. By this I mean we have three half-days scattered over the next week, before the children are out for summer, and they are already wound up on end-of-year sugar and festivities, and processing all the change, and acting out of sorts. We’ve had tempers; we’ve had meltdowns. We’ve ridden the pendulum from “I don’t wanna go to school!” to “I’m going to miss my friends!” — this, after months of more or less uncomplaining school attendance, concentrated down to one week that inelegantly carabiners the routine of school to the openness of summer.
I am focused on my daughter in particular: she will be matriculating to a new school in the fall, and I can see already the dawning strain of this transition for her. She also wept — wept! — the last day of school last year, and that was without a school switch ahead.
So: buckle up, Mama. Today I am reminding myself that mothers undergo tremendous transformation ever single day. We shapeshift into the oak-tree of a firm “no,” the eiderdown of a soft landing, the morning rays that gently coax, the quiet night that holds the peace. I can meet this transition, and whatever it asks of me, too.
In the midst of this moment, a poem to give us spirit:
Delight in Disorder
by Robert Herrick
A sweet disorder in the dress
Kindles in clothes a wantonness;
A lawn about the shoulders thrown
Into a fine distraction;
An erring lace, which here and there
Enthrals the crimson stomacher;
A cuff neglectful, and thereby
Ribands to flow confusedly;
A winning wave, deserving note,
In the tempestuous petticoat;
A careless shoe-string, in whose tie
I see a wild civility:
Do more bewitch me, than when art
Is too precise in every part.
****
I love the far-flung “a lawn about the shoulders.” It’s a perfect mimesis. How could a lawn be misplaced on the shoulder? It feels careless, unexpected, wrong-footed, but also perfect in its drawing together of two disparate “bodies”: the ground, the shoulder. It brought to mind some of my undeveloped musings on writing: “I want to always make room for the unexpected. May I not be drawn to tame the weirdness out. Sometimes I weedwack my way through a dense spinney of words with the red pen only to realize that the coppice version is less appealing to the nest-building mind. Not everything is best pared back. The imagination thrives in shadowlands, or at least in spaces with many branches from which to fly.”
****
Leonard Cohen put this sentiment to paper well, too: “Ring the bells that still can ring / Forget your perfect offering / There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.” I wrote about this here, after a perfectly imperfect Thanksgiving.
+More fun, on-trend roping necklaces here and here. (15% off with JEN15)
+Big skincare addition the past few weeks: I apply niacinamide after my vitamin c. (Order: vitamin c >> niacinamide >> serum >> moisturizer >> spf). I truly love Glow Recipe’s best-selling formula. The drops blend in easily and boast a juicy, fresh watermelon scent that sparks joy for me. (They also have a tinted version if you want to combine skincare/beauty steps, and a bunch of value sets that incorporate these best-selling drops with their other products at a discount.) I’ve been using this since I ran out of these niacinamide-soaked pads, which I also loved. I find vitamin c followed by niacinamide gives me the greatest glow and elasticity and serves as a perfect base layer for the day.
+Two summer pants that are right up my alley — sort of utilitarian-style, a bit of slouch/barrel to them: these “gardener” jeans from Everlane, and La Ligne’s new Dorian pant. I live in pants like these while working at my desk!
+Loving these crochet-inspired half-zips from Varley — a perfect “step up” from a tee-shirt, but can be worn with loungewear shorts. Chic chic! For inspo, love the way this chic pea is styling their shorts/half-zip with daytime flats and a leather wristwatch. Break all the rules!
+OK, my Eby relief bra arrived and I love her. It came with a card enclosed that said something like 71% of women find their underwire bras uncomfortable, and yet…we wear them daily. Ack! The relief bra is such a fab alternative. Dreamy comfortable, no hard wires, and yet supportive and doesn’t make you look like you have a mono-boob. Strong rec; love. Have been wearing around the clock since I received. I really like this new lavender color.
+Instant desk upgrade. Why do I always misplace / find myself in search of scissors?!
+Two great additions/updates to my Father’s Day gift roundup: first, Materiel saw I raved about their steak knives and offered us 20% off with code JEN20 (trust, these are amazing); and I was really inspired when I saw Framebridge sharing thoughts on framing special objects for your dad. I immediately thought of framing my husband’s lucky rabbit’s foot (once his Dad’s), the license plate from my husband’s beloved Jeep, or some of my Dad’s prized (hand tied) dry flies. I also absolutely loved the photo below, captioned: “The Red Car Era.” OMG! I thought of phases of my husband’s life and how sweet it would be to caption special photos of them in a similar way. Almost like gallerist notes? Like, “Party Girl Days” (the black Jeep he had in college was named “party girl”). I love that you can add an engraved brass plate to accomplish this. Inspo below! You can get started here.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
By: Jen Shoop
Some shades just feel like summer — and this year, it’s all about butter yellow. I’m seeing it everywhere: breezy linen sets, gauzy dresses, cashmere cardigans, ribbed tank tops, and even accents on accessories. It pairs perfectly with gold jewelry, sunkissed skin, and a chilled glass of wine sipped on a patio. Just last week, I was browsing for a new one piece for the summer and came across this butter-yellow terry wonder from Minnow. How adorable? I know a lot of you are big fans of the fit of these suits for mom life. Cute but full-coverage. If you like the terry suit trend but prefer a two-piece, you might consider this Vitamin A!
Butter Yellow Outfit Moodboard.
Some inspo for our wardrobes tyling below — love especially the vibe of yellow linen!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
By: Jen Shoop
This morning, republishing an essay on the other-worldly experience of falling head over heels in love with someone. I have been re-working this essay quite a bit over the past few months, trying to capture the specific spacewalk I experienced after I met Landon all those years ago. My feet would be walking the familiar path to my dorm while my head was somewhere between dust devils and cirrus clouds. Below, version 2.0 of the essay: better-burnished. (And, I can’t help but add, releasing version 2.0 of anything is a welcome inconvenience: proof of obsession, proof of determination. In this case, proof of love.)
****
Here is his hand in mine,
Here are his eyes on me —
Here, too, the din of the football stadium muffled, a featureless kaleidoscope of orange and blue,
But I am 143 million miles away.
I was wearing the colors, too, but there were girls beside me who understood the third downs and penalties and threw their hands up in dismay at bad calls, their cheeks pink with outrage, the orange ribbons in their hair signifying spirit I only borrowed for the purpose of finding him. Because I had known I would find him that still-warm fall day, can remember looking for him, full of sibylline sense and swoon. In a stadium of thousands, the odds were stacked against us, but still, I’d craned my neck.
And then he was there, other-worldly and sun-crowned, by the exit onto Alderman and Whitehead, and he turned twice, the second time in recognition.
Then: the shortest Hyperion greeting, a half-hug, half-hand-grab, and his friends were paces ahead of him, wandering into the fracas, and he offered something to me over his shoulder — have a good first semester!, maybe, the brim of his hat low over his hazel eyes, but there was his hand in mine, as though blotting out the sun.
After, my companions were talking about some yard line or the muddy grass beneath their sandals, and I was wandering extraterrestrial, on a dizzy course past the high noon. I think of that, often, the way someone might have just heard terrific news, or enjoyed some private windfall, or fallen in love, and she’s orbiting several million private parsecs away, and you’re making a comment about the sod. The way you can be standing next to someone on Mars, and not know it.
+Obsessed with this novelty sweater. So cute thrown over a gingham dress or paired with a striped tank and white jeans. See below for styling inspo.
+Hill House is launching a Farmer’s Market inspired capsule collection today at 9 a.m. EST. I need more HHH like a hole in my head but I have to say, this little capsule has captured my imagination, especially in the wake of my “soft girl summer” intention. They have a Margot in the most perfect pattern ever (see a preview here in case you’re reading this before it goes live) but I’m really going to try to snag the Tessa suit in the same pattern (preview here).
+A perfect cleanser if you like something with a little exfoliation but need it to be soft / gentle. Has a great creamy but gritty texture that leaves your skin feeling so soft and refreshed. If you want something very gentle (no exfoliation), I love this one from The Outset.
+Inexpensive rash guards for toddlers in great solid colors, plus $20 swim trunks for boys in great patterns. Also impressed with the kids’ swim at Quince. These are a lot like Minnow and I like the color options, and my daughter is obsessed with this tankini ($19 and really cute patterns!). These ruffled one-pieces are also darling.
+Apparently this eye cream had a 3,000 person waitlist? Very intrigued.
+Ordered one of these bras after several Magpies reported liking it! Also picked up one of these!
+Jenni Kayne does it again — this dress is so incredibly chic in either (both) colors. I also love these suede slides — like elevated Birks.
+You can get the look for less on those sandals with these.
+These 6-oz juice glasses are my absolute favorite for drinking everything from juice to wine. We call them “stubs” in our house. Ha! For water, we love these cooler glasses (in the taller height) from CB2.
There’s a new summer look quietly taking over — the summer nightgown. Think billowy white dresses, morning dew, smocked bodices, rosewater mist, loose locks, and hemlines made for twirling barefoot in a garden.
It’s part cottage-core, part European coastal, and entirely effortless. These floaty silhouettes are comfortable enough to nap in, but polished enough for drinks al fresco — how I’ll be wearing them. How gorgeous is this Bonnie Nightgown from Hill House’s nightgown launch? Love the pale blue ribbon detailing. Meanwhile, this ethereal Orelle Nightgown from Doen reads poetic and earthy at once.
Look for less option for these midi styles: Petite Plume’s Ava.
Styling Summer Nightgowns for Day.
As with athleisure, you can transform the casual into daytime chic with some careful accessorizing. Below, a few ways to take nightwear out on the town.
My top rec for this vibe on a budget: Petite Plume’s Ava ($98) if you’re after a midi-length, and this ASOS ($38) if you’re after a mini. I’d style as follows:
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By: Jen Shoop
Next up in my what to pack series: Aspen and Vail. I would imagine my wardrobe recommendations for these Colorado gems will work well at any of the luxury destinations out West — Jackson Hole, Park City, Round Top, etc. These are places that combine high-end shopping and food with top-rate outdoor sporting and adventure, and have a hybrid wardrobe to match. Think: designer bags, practical hiking boots. A lot of American labels, too — I found myself reaching for Gap, Doen, La Ligne, Veronica Beard, Ralph Lauren last summer in Aspen. Mix and match with top performance wear labels and a sprinkling of European designer bags (a lot of Prada and Bottega spotted last summer).
I know Aspen best, having spent parts of around ten summers of my life there, so will anchor around their activities to give these outfit ideas some specificity and color. You can find all my favorite activities, restaurants, and other visiting notes in this guide.
At the rodeo, attendees really get into cowboy cosplay. You will feel right at home wearing a cowboy hat and boots, turquoise, etc. Other ideas for this venue: this $63 Gap bandana print dress; a lacy white dress like this or this with turquoise jewelry and a big belt or boots.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
By: Jen Shoop
*Seen above: Hunza G Pamela swimsuit, Marea Casita dress (sold out but similar here), Chimi 04 sunglasses (also sold out in this color, similar here), The Jacksons Jute Tote. (My exact style sold out, similar classic styles linked here, here, and here).
I was startled by how many questions I received about the Hunza G Pamela swimsuit once I started wearing and posting about it on Instagram. Today, providing a more thorough review of the Pamela, answering all of the questions I received in one place.
Fit and Feel of the Hunza G Pamela.
+This suit has a stretchy but not compressive texture. It doesn’t exactly “hold you in” — it’s definitely not shapewear, and it doesn’t have quite the same “slimming” effect as the standard lycra swimsuit textures – but it feels mildly contouring and it does hug the body beautifully in a way that does not require a lot of fidgeting/adjustment.
+Because of this stretchy material, the suit is supremely comfortable. It does not dig in anywhere, especially not at the leg hole area, which is usually the part where any kind of digging in / cinching occurs for me.
+In general, I was confused about the OSFA nature of the suit. I am petite (5’0) and when I first pulled it out of the bag, it looked small even to me! But the suit magically expands to the right size, length, etc, for a flawless fit. Nothing gaped/snagged/felt overlong/felt too short.
+I was personally worried that the texture might add “puffiness” or “fuzziness” to my silhouette, but it really doesn’t do that — the material hugs the body beautifully.
+The Pamela has a strappy neckline that I prefer, but Hunza G’s more famous silhouette is this classic squareneck style. Note the differences in the back — the Pamela cuts straight across in a sporty/athletic style, and the squareneck scoops low. Both very cute, but different vibes. I am tempted by this pastel blue in the classic squareneck. I’ve heard once you go Hunza, you don’t go back!
+Both my sister and cousin swear by the Hunza G brand for maternity! Both wore while pregnant and raved about comfort, fit, etc. Then the suit works just as easily postpartum, and shrinks right back to the original fit/size. I wish I’d known about the brand while I was expecting, because it was kind of a dagger to even spend $30 on an unattractive Target maternity suit knowing I might wear it a handful of times (if that!) and then toss. I love the idea of treating yourself to a Hunza G while pregnant — something stylish you can wear NOW and later.
The Hunza G Pamela: Coverage Notes.
+Full rear coverage. I was worried about this one. I have had to sideline a few of my suits for mom life at the pool because they are just not practical/modest enough! But the Pamela boasts very comfortable rear coverage. I think this is because of the OSFA material — it stretches to cover what you need to cover?
+There are no cups/is no padding in the bust area. This may mean it’s not a great fit for bustier women? I will wear with these petal covers for coverage. I use these with swimsuits all the time and they work even in water. (I’ve tried a few different brands of petal covers and these are my favorite. They remain adhesive a lot longer than other brands.)
+I had a few questions about whether the suit was “sheer.” It is unlined, but not at all sheer — it is an opaque, stretchy material. However, because it is unlined, I do think (per previous note) you might be more comfortable wearing the petal covers. If in doubt, you might elect for the black instead of the pink, as I think it will be even more modest.
June 1st: welcome to chapter six of twelve. We’re halfway through, and summer and every other mossy thing in it waits for us. June is when my time begins to stretch, and generously. Later bedtimes, looser routines. If we’re late for camp, so be it. This year’s June looseness is particularly prized: I will have submitted the manuscript for my book, and suddenly I will go from running two creative processes to one. Is it wild to say I know I will miss the strenuousness of this time? That I rather like bending over my desk like some boarding school student over her prie-dieu? What can I say? My work ethic runs bone deep. And multiple things can be true: I can love this time, and also look forward to the rest after.
I try to set an intention at the beginning of each season: some word to anchor my days, to serve as a makeshift divining rod when I’m torn on which direction to take, which plans to say yes or no to, which experiences to prioritize. This summer, I want softness. A soft summer. The slow-fade of twilight into the dark bowl of the sky. Gentle wake-ups. Ripe seasonal fruit: peach, raspberry, watermelon. Lush leisurely reading on the grass. Breathable cotton. Any clothing that tells my body: relax, be free. Natural light. Uncaveated alone time. Soft serve in a cup. Music playing in the other room. Hydrated, happy skin. Grace in my interactions with others. Routines that give.
+Janessa Leone is offering $50 off its packable fedoras with code PACK50.
+I mentioned this last weekend too but I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this hand cream. And it comes in the prettiest bedside jar and you can buy refills for it rather than tossing the jar when it’s out. I think the 10% off when added to cart ends today or maybe June 3 — they only run this sale and one during CyberWeek so strongly rec.
+Also can’t stop speaking in exclamation points about these eye masks. They are literally the only eye product I’ve ever used that really does something to the dark undereye circles. Like it adds this sheen, glow, lightness to the area. It can really make you look awake even when you’re low on sleep. Use code JENSHOOP for 15% off.
+And now, an ode to the Hatch Restore. OMG. I’d heard buzz about this here and there but I am completely and utterly obsessed. I had been flirting with the idea of leaving my phone in a different room, or my closet, for some time, because I wanted to wind down without my screen and it is so tempting when it’s a few inches from my face. Even in an innocuous way — I’ll be wondering about the weather tomorrow, so I grab my phone to check, but then I read a text that takes me to Instagram or an email that sends me into my notes app and…you know how it goes. Anyway, the Hatch Restore arrived and gave me the perfect opportunity to test a screen-free bedtime. I’ve been using this for a week and I’m utterly in love. I can’t stop talking about it to Landon! The idea is that you pre-configure a routine on the Hatch. For me: I have 30 minutes of wind-down before bed, during which the Hatch gently dims its light until it’s time for lights out, at which point it switches from one set of sounds (you can select which you’d like for each) to another. I currently have Half Moon Bay waves crashing during my wind-down, then cricket-song while I’m asleep. Then I have it wake me up at 6:38 in the morning — my usual alarm time — and the Hatch will gradually wake you up by slowly brightening its light, and then playing a gentle sound (mine is birdsong) at the “alarm time.” It is the most gentle, sweet way to start a day. I am usually slowly roused by the light. What makes this product incredible is the quality. The sounds — the speaker — are high-fidelity, high-quality noises, and the light is this gorgeous amber-rose-gold-to-sunlight color range that feels muted and not artificial or blaring in any way.
I also love the easy manual buttons on the top and the sleek design. I can’t recommend enough. I’ve been sleeping happily without my phone next to me for a full week now and it’s given me such great calm. I enter the day with only my thoughts. I leave it in quiet, too.
+MAGIC THINGS ARE WAITING FOR US:This quote from Yeats felt very on-theme for us Magpies, dedicated as we are to noticing. I love the vision of a world of patiently waiting magic. I have a piece in my book (I just have to mention it here!) in which I write that “everything can be a welcome party.” The chair warming for you in the sun; the shoes waiting for your feet. It’s all waiting to celebrate your arrival.
+NIGHTGOWN SUMMER: Love the “nightgown summer” Hill House is spearheading with its latest capsule collection. I regret not snagging this style while in stock in my size. It’s just the ethos for me: bare feet, early morning, romantic and other-worldly. A Magpie wrote to me this past weekend saying that one of the reasons why she loves to follow me on Instagram is because of the way I romanticize my life. And I do. Every morning walk, every sitting at my desk, every small flower is an opportunity. The nightgowns in their collection make me feel that way: like I am leading a romantic version of my own life. I am going to share a full roundup of options for “nightgown summer” at different pricepoints this week, so stay tuned.
+LIVE THE QUESTIONS NOW: I loved the epigraph at the beginning of Suleika Jouad’s book, seen below. “Live your way into an answer” — amen! There is no other way. There are no shortcuts. There is just the one perfect path you are on, that will eventually lead you to the answer.
+WILD DARK SHORE MOOD BOARD: As I struggle through a bad book hangover from this month’s book club pick (can’t wait to discuss on June 15th; come ready to leave your thoughts and comments), I am surviving by working on the book review and coming up with all kinds of atmospheric “add-ons.” I had a complete blast putting together this mood board inspired by the book. Sends a shiver right through me!
+THE BEST MOVIE SOUNDTRACK EVER?: Just a reminder that Out of Africa’s soundtrack will do things to your heart. I have been listening to it a lot this week; the sweep, the scale, the outsized romance! I’ve been thinking of young Robert Redford because he’s who I dreamcast as Charlie from One Golden Summer.
+EYEING + BUYING: Spirited on by “nightgown summer,” I picked up this gingham dress this week. So cute with the smocking! I will be wearing for daytime, with strappy leather sandals. I also had to get my son this adorable EAST COAST sweatshirt. I honestly wanted to buy multiple of the patterns — so cute!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.
By: Jen Shoop
Anatomy of a Dreaded Dentist’s Appointment Outfit.
As always, I look for small ways to cushion, or easy my way through, the unpleasant. Three suggestions for a trip to the dentist’s: bring a comfort audiobook (blurs out some of the noise, and gives you something relaxing to focus on); make the appointment for first thing in the morning; and dress in something that makes you feel spirited and strong. Thing: colors! stripes! regalia!
I also really layered on the talismans. My Tilly signet ring, my evil eye bracelet (25% off with JEN25), the pendant engraved with my son’s writing, my Jane Win courage coin…!
Per my post here, I wanted to be ready for anything: taking a walk with my weighted vest, running after my kids in the backyard, sitting outside and reading on a picnic blanket. (And I did all of those things!)
