By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+DRIVE GENTLY: I saw a terrible car accident this past week and I couldn’t stop thinking about the boy (teenage driver) afterward. What must his mother have felt when receiving that call? What physical and financial duress would follow? It made me think about the sobering fact that today is someone else’s worst day. It was a reminder to go lightly, to drive gently, to give people grace. A single phone call, a moment of distraction in a car, can rearrange a life.

+KRISTEN BELL’S WARDROBE IN “NOBODY WANTS THIS”: I trust we’ve now all binged this Netflix series? For a minute, it was the only thing anyone could talk about. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the chemistry between Bell and Brody, the quick-fire dialogue, and Bell’s styling, of course! Bazaar shared a carousel of some of her best looks. Yes pls! Of course the fair isle is wildly up my alley. All my fav fair isle sweaters here (reminder that this $50 Old Navy steal is SO GOOD and bound to sell out). I would wear absolutely everything she does in the series and style it almost exactly as she did, too.

+OUR DOUBTS ARE OUR TRAITORS: I came across this Shakespeare quote jotted into one of my drafting notebooks last week and it stuck with me. When was the last time you let self-doubt interfere with your intentions, your ambitions? Get them out of here!

+RICK RUBINS WISDOM: I recently ordered this book on creativity from music producer Rick Rubins. I’d listened to a few of his podcasts and loved his perspectives on the creation of art, much of which boils down to: pursue what interests you, and don’t worry about the audience. This Instagram account spotlights many of his wisdoms, and I couldn’t agree more. Art — whether written, painted, sculpted, performed — that comes from inside, or from the pursuit of what’s inside — will always be more authentic and interesting. I believe that it is the artist’s job to put something out into the world and the viewer’s job to decide what to make of it, and to determine its value. Strangely, though, I’ve found that the more specific and (for lack of a better word) weird, or idiosyncratic, writing is — the more it is ostensibly concerned with its reception — the more readers respond to it. Put differently: what doesn’t interest you probably won’t interest you reader, so stop writing what you feel is expected of you. I am clinging to this principle right now as I make my way through a part of the novel I’m working on and finding myself disinclined to round out an aspect of the plot that feels needed to make everything “work.” I keep avoiding it! So I think I’ll leave it out. Also: all good art should contain a little dash of “what the hell?” I am thinking specifically of Sally Rooney’s last two novels (currently reading her latest). Both are a bit esoteric, and Rooney is experimenting in fascinating ways. I applaud her for it. I was telling Landon that I think her earlier work was more palatable to a mass audience and these later works are more challenging, more artistically exploratory, and I love this, even if I find the work itself occasionally strident or challenging to read.

+AD TARGETING I CAN GET BEHIND: Last week, Instagram served up an ad for this instrumental Christmas music playlist on Spotify. Um, did they look into my brain?! I promised myself I’d wait until after Halloween, but the heart wants what it wants, and working while listening to this playlist put me in the happiest mood.

+EYEING + BUYING: Per my note above, it’s beginning to feel like…Christmas! Don’t hate me! But Hill House launched its popular tartan/holiday release last week and I ordered this streamlined style. I love that tartan and know I’ll be thrilled to have it in the rotation for holiday festivities. Weezie also opened up its holiday shop, and I couldn’t resist these bow motif hand towels for our powder room. And finally, I stole this critter corduroy hat from my son — I ordered it from J. Crew Factory for him but it’s just too cute! — and how FAB is this Line & Dot olive green sweater and skirt combo!?

HILL HOUSE TARTAN DRESS // HEAVEN MAYHEM EARRINGS // TANYA TAYLOR CARDIGAN // WEEZIE HAND TOWELS // J. CREW FACTORY CRITTER CORDUROY HAT // LINE & DOT SWEATER AND SKIRT // AQUAZZURA COMBAT BOOTS

+BESTELLERS: My Valentina sneakers! Truly one of my favorite purchases this year. I wore them quite a bit while traveling in Italy over the past week and find they are so easy to slip on. These leverback earrings were also very popular — the final restock of the year. One of my favorite everyday earrings. So lightweight and easy to wear; I’ve even slept in them.

01. VERONICA BEARD VALENTINA SNEAKERS // 02. MAREA ANNIE FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN // 03. DORSEY LEVERBACK EARRINGS // 04. YVES DURIF BRUSH (A MAJOR RWI!!!) // 05. Z SUPPLY KNIT COAT (I OWN IN THE CHOCOLATE BROWN COLOR) // 06. OLD NAVY FAIR ISLE SWEATER // 07. PAIGE KNEE HIGH BOOT // 08. INNBEAUTY HOME + AWAY EXTREME CREAM SET // 09. LE BON SHOPPE SOCKS // 10. TUCKERNUCK BLOUSE // 11. ULLA JOHNSON CALAIS DRESS // 12. J. CREW BRUSHED CASHMERE SWEATER

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

Surprise and ciao from Italy! I have been here since last Friday and am in fact on my way back to the US later today. Can’t wait to share more about this trip of a lifetime. In the meantime, a few outfit selfies.

FIRST DINNER IN TUSCANY: DOEN RHODIA DRESS (PAST SEASON PRINT) // APC GRACE BAG // DORSEY TENNIS BRACELET // LIZZIE FORTUNATO EARRINGS // QUINCE CASHMERE CARDIGAN

APERITIVI HOUR: SEA BLOUSE // AGOLDE JEANS // CHANEL BAG // CHANEL FLATS

EXPLORING FLORENCE: QUINCE CASHMERE CARDIGAN // CELINE SUNGLASSES // GAP JEANS (OLD) // APC GRACE BAG // DOEN BLOUSE (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)

EXPLORING TUSCANY: LA LIGNE CASHMERE SWEATER // GAP KICK FLARE JEANS // CHANEL FLATS // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG

VISITING MONTEPULCIANO AND PIENZA: AGOLDE JEANS // ALIGNE CARDIGAN // GUEST IN RESIDENCE JACKET // STRIPE AND STARE TEE // APC BAG // VERONICA BEARD SNEAKERS // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE

ARRIVING IN COMO: SEZANE BUTTON DOWN // QUINCE CASHMERE SWEATSHIRT // PISTOLA CORDUROYS // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // MARCH HARE WATCH // DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS

DINNER IN COMO: CARA CARA AGATA DRESS (PAST SEASON PATTERN — CURRENT SEASON OPTION HERE AND HERE) // DORSEY EARRINGS // DORSEY RING // CHANEL BAG

EXPLORING COMO: ALIGNE CARDIGAN // ULLA JOHNSON BLOUSE // GAP JEANS (OLD) // APC BAG

DINNER IN COMO: FEW MODA CASHMERE CARDIGAN // GOOP G LABEL LEATHER SKIRT // DORSEY RING // DORSEY JAMES NECKLACE // ISABEL MARANT BOOTS // MARCH HARE WATCH

COMO FOOD TOUR: AGOLDE JEANS // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // APC BAG // DOLCE VITA FLATS

Ciao! More to come!

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

You can probably intuit this from my “What I Loved Wearing” series, but below, the most-worn items in my closet this season:

01. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan — The quality is incredible relative to price, and it’s just the perfect cozy top layer over anything and everything. I keep her hanging on the back of my desk chair and often layer her over another knit because I run cold. She was just restocked for pre-order — run! I wear an XS and find the sizing is generous, but that’s also sort of the style/look: meant to be a touch slouchy and oversized. This is SUCH a good look-for-less for the Jenni Kayne Cooper.

02. Leset pointelle long-sleeved tee. My most-reached-for base layer beneath a knit, blazer, etc. Cozy and I love the texture contrast.

03. Velvet Brylie pants. A great but not over-the-top take on the barrel leg. So flattering and wearable. Works beautifully on petites — I did not have to hem. Taller ladies, or those seeking a more dramatic silhouette, should consider the Nili Lotan Shon pant (they have a cult following).

04. La Ligne Marin sweater. I have solid red and an olive-black stripe and they are simply my favorite cozy top-layer sweater. They are warm, soft, beautifully made, and I think the cropped length works so well with these wider-leg silhouettes we’re favoring this season.

05. Veronica Beard Valentina Sneaker. I can’t believe how often I reach for these. They are so appealing — slip-on, warm, the perfect shade of brown. I love them with athleisure or jeans on the weekend while chasing my kids / running from birthday parties to soccer games.

06. Veronica Beard Taylor Jeans. The wash, the fit — they are perfectly on-trend and I love the high-ish rise.

07. Sezane Tomboy Shirt. I love the slim, tailored fit of this shirt. I also find that when you roll the sleeves, they actually stay put – I don’t know by what magic?! – but they are the only button-downs I’m not constantly fiddling with at the elbow.

08. SoldOut NYC tees. I own these in most of the colors and they are a perfect layering tee. Soft but with enough structure that they don’t look flimsy if you take off your sweater/jacket.

09. Sezane Emile cardigan. I love these as a top layer over another knit / turtleneck. They’re almost like a jacket — and they add such great texture and drama.

10. Any/all of my Veronica Beard blazers. If there is one splurge-worthy item in your closet, make it a VB blazer. You throw one on over a tee tucked into your favorite jeans and voila, you look incredible. The ones I wear most often are the Mabel (on sale here!) and the Makayla at the moment.

11. Pistola Wide Leg cords. This brand just fits me so well – these run TTS and I find them incredibly flattering.

12. My Chanel metallic with black grosgrain captoe ballet flats from 5 years ago. Similar here; look for less with these, which I also wear quite a bit (I have these in brown and red).

What are the most-worn items in your closet?

P.S. 10 I Love Yous.

P.P.S. Favorite boots, sneakers, and skirts for fall.

P.P.P.S. Under-the-radar romantic comedies.

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

I wrote earlier this month that “sometimes it’s not the grand gesture, the dramatic sprint through the train terminal, the hand pulling you out of harm’s way; sometimes it’s your husband finding your knee beneath the table, and you thinking: little does he know he’s holding the world together right now.”

That said — who doesn’t equally love the boombox over the head, a la John Cusack in “Say Anything”?

What is the most romantic movie scene you’ve ever seen?

When Mr. Magpie was out of town a week or two ago, I re-watched “Out of Africa” and I continue to believe the scene in which Meryl Streep reaches her hand back to hold onto Robert Redford as they soar over Africa takes the cake in this category. It’s a moment of romantic restraint — just a hand squeeze — but there is intense connection, friction, and foreboding just beneath, and the surging soundtrack adds to the sense of crescendo. Earlier in the movie, Streep’s character asks how a pilot they are observing overhead is going to land his plane, and Redford’s character responds (paraphrasing): “That’s the secret — don’t.” And so when they are up in the air together, there is a feeling that things will end badly between them, which they do. But in that moment, they are alone, together, and they understand one another in a way no one else seems able to. There are scenes that are more intimate in the movie, like when he washes her hair (!) or walks into her tent while on safari, or dances with her on the terrace of her home, but it’s the hand squeeze in this scene that does it all!

A close second, perhaps, is the scene where Nicholas Cage sees Cher standing in front of The Metropolitan Opera in “Moonstruck.” The way he looks at her — ! There is no other word for it: he is lovestruck. It’s a quirky movie but their chemistry is powerful. And at the other end of the spectrum (love on full display — less nuance) there are parts in “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (the 2022 Netflix adaptation) that I will never forget. (Have you seen it? Hot!). And I thought the romantic scenes in the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s “Normal People” were incredible. Difficult to take your eyes off of the actors, and so believable.

What do you think? What are the romantic scenes in cinematic history?

Post-Scripts.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+I didn’t include these in the RWI roundup because they received fewer votes than the other items included, but a few of you were insisting Spanx’s AirEssentials pieces are regrettably worth it. I agree! I love the crewnecks and half-zips but just ordered these joggers in the brown color to try, too. I believe my code SHOOPXSPANX gets you 10% off still.

+Target has a solid look-for-less for the Spanx AirEssentials crewneck here.

+Jenni Kayne released its popular Cooper cardigan in a stripe!

+I keep thinking about this interesting top. Would be such a great way to dress up a pair of trousers for an evening out, or compliment to a dramatic skirt (look for less with this) for holiday wear.

+This capelet in the brown fleece is divine – I own in a different color but love the chocolate hue for this season!

+New (chiiiic) colorway for Nili Lotan Shon cords. If you find the barrel leg on the Shons too dramatic, try Citizen’s slightly more refined Marcelle. Fit TTS.

+You know I love the striped early mornings tee from Ayr (use code WARMUP for 10% off) — now I have my sights set on their cropped version, The Half Day, as well as their balletic scoopneck long sleeves.

+Still obsessed with our vacuum all these years later. Still works like a charm. I am just not a stick vacuum gal – I hated all the charging! This one is so, so powerful and has an easy to use retractable, loooong cord.

+As a puzzle enthusiast (I actually was just thinking excitedly about the ones we pull out around Thanksgiving/Christmas), these puzzle trays are such a cute innovation / gift! As far as actual puzzles go, we love these art-focused ones from Pomegranate and these vintage inspired ones from Cavallini. But how cute are these “holiday themed ones” from Pieceworks as a gifts this season? Like, this one is modeled after a tin of Christmas cookies!

+If you’re thinking ahead to holiday, I thought this red tree topper was unexpected and chic.

+This popular whipstitch trim jacket is on sale (at time of writing this)! More coats along these lines here.

+The first birthday banners from this Etsy shop are SO precious. Great photo opp.

+Cute surprise for your little one.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Circling back to this conversation from a few weeks ago, as many of you have been messaging me with your own “Regrettably Worth Its” (RWIs) since we first encountered the phrase via A Thing Or Two podcast. A few of the responses that I have heard the most from you all:

Psycho dedication to dental health (specifically, most of you talked about flossing with Cocofloss)

Lake Pajamas (specifically the Relax Set — many of us own in multiple colors)

Less caffeine (probably half of you said this!)

 UBeauty lip plasma (20% off with JENSHOOP)

Laser hair removal (strongly agree – money well spent)

Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups

Bombas socks

Doing the dishes and packing the lunches at night (e.g. not waiting til morning!)

Yves Durif Vented Brush

Dyson AirWrap (this is my personal TOP RWI)

Weekly meal planning

Washing makeup brushes and jewelry

Wearing sunscreen

Skims jersey tees

In my opinion, the number one RWI in life is being the bigger person. It is so hard to bite your tongue / go high when they go low / reach out after an argument / let things go, but nearly always worth it.

What else would you add?

Post Scripts.

+What would you tell your 20 year old self?

+On book repeating – I think this is so fascinating.

+My favorite parts of fall.

Shopping Break.

SKIMS JERSEY TOPS // DYSON AIR WRAP // JUSTIN’S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS // COCOFLOSS // LAKE PAJAMAS RELAX SET // UBEAUTY LIP PLASMA // YVES DURIF VENTED BRUSH // BOMBAS SOCKS

+I bought the Skims tees and Yves Durif brush because of your empassioned claims! I don’t know why I still haven’t bought the Bombas — obviously, I love everything you’ve recommended! I’m no special flower – I need to get on the wagon – and just noticed you can get 20% off your first order with COMFORT20.

+Re: Skims tee. I’m really impressed. They have a very tight weave that holds you in / sucks you in and creates a great silhouette. Perfect with all the barrel / wide leg jeans we’ve been buying. Initially, I boldly ordered a size down in my tees (took XXS instead of XS) since I’m the most petite up top and usually can get away with sizing down. I wish I’d taken my true size — they are TIGHT — but I am keeping them. I was so impressed I went back and ordered more in my true size (XS). I got the short sleeve in black and heather gray and the long sleeved in white and truffle. People also love this lounge dress!

+And speaking of UBeauty, I just got their new FlashPeel in the mail and am SO obsessed. I don’t know if it’s the change in seasons, feeling a little rundown, etc, but my skin has really needed some extra TLC and this delivered instant results. You can use my code JENSHOOP for 20% off. The other item I love from UBeauty is this eye cream. I love love it. Deeply hydrating.

+For those of you who insisted on cleaning jewelry – tell us your tricks/tips! What products do you use? How often? I’m guessing you do more than sporadically use this diamond dazzle stick on your engagement ring…

+This brushed cashmere sweater is under $200 and so good. I’ve been seeing a lot of brushed-effect knitwear all of the sudden — I’m here for it.

+At soccer last weekend, about 50% of the moms were wearing brown leggings. Brown is THE color. SO chic! Love these, but I feel like the airlift ones from Alo are very popular among the moms in my school community.

+The last time I featured this Ann Mashburn bag, a bunch of you bought them. I just noticed they released it in a fab navy/green tartan for the holiday season. How perfect with a simple knit or a cheerful red topcoat?!

+I think these smart table lamps are super chic / architectural.

+This pleated maxi skirt has been very popular among Magpies. So elegant with a black turtleneck.

+Drooling over this ladylike boucle coat (on sale!). While we’re talking statement outerwear, how cool is this $200 mixed plaid top coat from Avec Les Filles?!

+I’m telling you, the Gwrap bags from Joy Creative are such a godsend. I basically only use them for gifting to children. (Some of my favorite go-to gifts for little kids here — the comments are a gold mine!). No tape, no rolls of paper — just drop the item inside and seal with one of the included to/from labels. They look adorable and couldn’t be easier! They just released a holiday set that I ordered in advance!

+Fun fridge magnets.

By: Jen Shoop

Towards the end of his life, in the midst of a terrible physical and mental collapse, William Carlos Williams wrote a poem called “Asphodel, That Greeny Flower.” I have read that he was so affected by recent strokes that he had to type it with the fingers of one hand, and could barely see his progress on paper. Much of it was written while he was admitted to a mental hospital for psychiatric treatment; he had recently been designated as Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress, and then stripped of the appointment owing to his suspected political affiliations, and his wife of many years had begun to interrogate claims of his infidelities during this time, too. Those months must have seemed, for Williams, a long night, a torturous vigil.

And yet the poem is a beautiful affirmation of love in the face of destruction.

In it, he writes:

“I have learned much in my life / from books / and out of them / about love. / Death / is not the end of it.”

Later, he writes that love’s reward “is a fairy flower; / a cat of twenty lives. / If no one came to try it / the world / would be the loser.”

(The world would be the loser!)

and

“The storm bursts / or fades! it is not / the end of the world. / Love is something else, / or so I thought it, / a garden which expands.”

Love is a garden which expands! The illogic of its boundlessness, of its perennial bloom!

The entire poem, and its construction amidst bruising adversity, moves me so deeply — the way, as I wrote recently, “life will ask a lot of you, but love will continue to provide the provisional form you need to bear through.” For Williams, that form was a triadic line.

Worth a read if you need to recenter, to let go the things pawing at your pockets today. I find its conversational style easier to digest than you might expect — it reads like a long, whispered conversation between two lovers, and this intimacy itself is a talkback to torment.

Post-Scripts.

+”The world is a mist. And then the world is vast, minute, and clear.“

+A prompt: “How do the everyday objects and sights around me model love?”

+More poetry I love here and here.

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+Currently wearing this lilac sweater — under $200 and I love the brushed/slightly fuzzy texture. I also was surprised by how easy this color was to work in with neutrals for a fall moment. Would look great with burgundy. I wore with my Brylies in the putty color, as seen here.

+Old Navy has entered the fair isle chat. Love! (More fair isle favorites here.). While at O.N., you might consider this cute dress-up tutu for your little love. Reminds me of one from Meri Meri that is more expensive — a great gift for a toddler girl.

+Two great new Tuckernuck arrivals: this olive velvet jacket and this perfect-for-Thanksgiving dress.

+But speaking of olive velvet! These Julia Amory coats are so interesting and different. (Use code JEN-15 for 15% off.). And of course love the new fall patterns of their Betty dress.

+This top handle bag is under $100 and delivers that Savette pochette look we all want.

+Alice Walk recently restocked their excellent basics. I love, and I mean love, this zip-up sweatshirt. I have it in a solid and a stripe and kind of want this new khaki color. It’s a great lightweight with a longer hemline. I like to pair these sweatshirts with the whipped track pants from Negative for the ultimate hygge / cozy moment.

+Love this magnetic cord holder for a bedside, so you aren’t fishing around looking for the end all the time!

+G Label just launched the chicest new fall/winter styles. This brand is expensive but they release staple wardrobe pieces that you reach for over and over again, season after season. I love the subtle interest they add to every piece — a longer cuff, a larger ribbed collar, a keyhole detail! Just fantastic. I love this cardigan, this cloud crewneck, and of course this leather skirt.

+You can get the leather skirt look for less with this or this.

+Target brought back its fall collab with John Derian! They’ve had a few of these over the years and I absolutely treasure the pieces I’ve purchased. My kids LOVE these spider-motif melamine plates. I keep them with our Halloween/fall decor so they only see them during the month of October, and they always beg for their breakfasts on them and fight over the one with the biggest spider. This year, I ordered these mushroom figures for fall tablescapes! Also like these green coupes (mix up this cocktail in them!) and this fun serving tray (you could give out Halloween candy on it!) If spooky’s not your speed, go with this turkey tray for Thanksgiving.

+Our children have been begging us for outdoor Halloween decorations for years now. We are such curmudgeons! So many of the folks in our neighborhood does it up with spiderwebs, dramatic lights, inflatables, etc! We finally caved and ordered these $30 skeletons. The kids love arranging them on our front stoop / front bench.

+I caved and bought my daughter these Squishmallow slippers. She is going to flip.

+The Frank and Eileen Catherine sweatpant is on sale in select colors! I love this style — have it in navy and an ice blue.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via Pinterest.

My Amazon shopping cart is a reflection that fall has truly arrived with October’s beginning. Below, some of my latest, greatest finds befitting the season.

01. Scented wax tablets to place in drawers, closets, etc.

02. I love the look of these sweat shorts — perfect fall color!

03. This hand soap is so luxurious.

04. This ceramic lamp is a dream Serena and Lily look-for-less.

05. The Carolyn Bessette Kennedy coffee table book.

06. A fall read is necessary. Perfect month to curl up under a blanket with a good book.

07. These leggings are such a great price right now.

08. Perfect under bed storage.

09. Also a must — a scented candle. Pair with aforementioned fall book on a gloomy October afternoon.

10. My favorite utility pants. Run TTS. Love the army green color.

11. Hotel standard pillows at an excellent price – – we use throughout our home.

12. Khaite vibes. with this v-neck cardigan!

13. Ralph Lauren cap. I love the vintage vibes.

14. Love the shape/silhouette of these fall boots.

15. I love fall baked goods (warm spices!), so this baking book will get a lot of use!

16. Heated neck wrap. Wish I’d had this when I got the flu/covid vaccines — I was so sore and so cold!

17. Clear pencil pouches — so inexpensive! I bought these to organize all the sets of markers and pens cluttering our family room cabinets.

P.S. My favorite under $200 finds for fall.

P.P.S. Trends for fall: suede jackets.

P.P.P.S. Fall in specifics.

By: Jen Shoop

Last week, I laughed out loud at this Instagram post —

Who can relate? Landon’s office looks out onto our cul de sac, and he’s always clocking the comings and goings of neighbors and their guests, and reporting to me on it. I’m like a moth to a flame when I catch sight of an interesting bird, or animal (there is a fox who frequently traipses through our backyard!) outside my window, too.

But the post also made me wonder:

What else has surprised me about getting older?

A few that spring to mind:

+How little time I actually have with friends and family — it’s not uncommon to go months without seeing them;

+That I now often have “a perspective” on things rooted in real, lived experience rather than conjecture and inherited wisdom;

+How rarely I need an outfit that “takes me from day to night” — I’ve always found a way to change?;

+How difficult it is to see my parents get older;

+That a lot of the time, my mood is dictated by lack of sleep — as simple as that;

+How much I enjoy bird-watching;

+How easy it is to injure myself by doing next to nothing at all (I’m thinking specifically of the many times I’ve tweaked my back by handing my children snacks in the back seat);

+That everything has a price — there truly is no free lunch, and any choice I make seems to be displacing something else;

+How much I value comfort, and ease — rounding up when paying for parking, splurging on better seats/accommodations, saying “no” to avoid feeling harried;

+How unglamorous entrepreneurship is;

+That bad things happen to good people, and vice versa, and it can really warp your worldview unless you keep searching for slivers of joy;

+How fast it all goes

And on the flipside, a few things that turned out exactly as I’d been told, or otherwise imagined —

+That motherhood is magic, and that there is absolutely nothing like holding your babies, even when they are 5 and 7 (and, I predict, 25 and 27, and 45 and 47…);

+That hard work pays off;

+That love is always the point.

What about you?

Post-Scripts.

+It’s just that — life is too short.

+Things I have learned from my mother.

+On remembering myself in motherhood.

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+Outfit details in photo at top here.

+Lake recently released their fabulous Relax set in iconic black. I had to have it! I think this might be what I get my bestie for Christmas. She basically only wears black (New Yorker). I also just bought my MIL this pair of classic jammies as a surprise — she’ll be staying with our children while we’re out of the country and I’m going to leave them all boxed up on her bed!

+Two great pairs of chocolate brown suede boots to contemplate: these, $250 (I got them in the chocolate brown suede and they are PERFECT — very comfortable, easy to walk in, and the ambient color story), and these (recently launched at Loeffler Randall — fun new shape for them).

+OMG this tweedy waistcoat! (Under $100.)

+SoldOutNYC just launched a fine-gauge cashmere turtleneck and I’m drooling. I LOVE this brand’s wardrobe basics. I have their tees in basically every color, most of their tank styles, and of course their Everything Shirts are divine (I own in three colors). You can get 15% off with code JEN15.

+For a big statement this holiday season, you must check out Eleanor Leftwich’s latest collection. LOVE all the feathered pieces, especially this top and these pants.

+I have been seeing these chic new toothbrushes all over the place lately. What’s your favorite toothbrush? I have a tie between these Swiss Curaprox ones and these Cocofloss ones. Very similar! Long live the soft bristle! While we’re talking dental care, has anyone tried the Japanese Hydroxyapatite toothpaste I mentioned a few weeks back?! Mr. Magpie and I are obsessed.

+I was delighted by how many of you ordered this $200 knit coat after I shared. I snagged it in the chocolate brown, and they are now offering us 15% off with code ZS-JENS15.

+Hyper niche, but Lan and I have smoothies most mornings for breakfast, and nothing sparks early morning joy like having the right vessel for a smoothie. We LOVE these heavy, oversized tumblers from Half Past Seven, and we sip out of these wide glass straws. An elite drinking experience, trust me. If you are also a smoothie enthusiast, treat yourself — you can buy the tumblers individually! It will bring you joy.

+Little reminder that these brown wide leg jeans are only $28 and nail the Veronica Beard vibe.

+I absolutely love a henley. It’s such a sexy neckline but it can also look polished in a nice knit.

+Dorsey’s new cocktail rings are pretty epic.

+Already thinking ahead to holiday events — picked up this dress for my daughter and this fair isle from Danrie for my son! I’ve mentioned this boutique in the past — they have such a great curation of European and American brands. J’adore! They offered us 15% off with code JENS.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

Keats once described the world as “a vale of soul-making.” It’s so true – even the missteps are correct in this long project to find out who we are, to see what’s inside. And when I think of life in this way, as a process of whittling away what isn’t, it becomes much easier to cut through the noise. This comes naturally to children, of course, this tuning out of the ancillary. The other day at lunch, my son said: “My favorite things are Legos, playing outside, and doing science experiments.” It was so simple to him: as clear as creek-water. He could have days and days with only these three pastimes to fill them and feel happy. (By the way, “doing science experiments” is shorthand for “spending time with Dad” — my husband has been making his way through this experiment book with the kids and they absolutely love it.) I asked my son what he thought Mr. Magpie’s favorite things were, and my son said: “Cooking and growing things in the garden.” And for me: “Being sweet and writing.” (Ha! From the mouth of babes! Being sweet?! As if this is a primary hobby in life?)

But, you know, how clearly our children see things: how we spend our days is how we spend our lives, and he sees my husband and I investing the bulk of our spare time in these beloved pursuits week in and week out. Not bad, I think. I’d be happy to be remembered as “someone sweet who also wrote.”

I wonder how you, or your children, would categorize the way you voluntarily spend your time? If you could just list three things you focus on outside of work and familial obligations? What are they?

I hope you might take a minute to share them in their idiosyncratic glory in the comments below.

And in closing, a little reminder that you are not meant to live your life like others; you are meant to live your life like yourself.

****

P.S. Above: me in my new family room mirror from Fleur Home (look for less with this). My entire outfit here.

****

A little Sunday shopping poetry…

PATOU JACKET (LOOK FOR LESS HERE AND HERE) // LARROUDE ARI PLATFORMS // 3.1 PHILLIP LIM SOLEIL BAG (SAMPLE SALE PRICE!) // VELVET BRYLIES // DR. DIAMOND METACINE PLASMA // YVES DURIF VENTED BRUSH // TRASK TOOTHBRUSH

Eyeing these velvet Larroude platforms for the holiday season — remind me of the Pradas! // Such a gorgeous statement jacket from new-to-me label Patou. // Velvet Brylie restock! These do sell through — last fall, they were difficult to find! // 3.1 Philip Lim is running a sample sale and you need to know about their bucket bags! Love this small size in chocolate, coffee, or lipstick red, or the larger size in the green color — the latter reminds me of my Mansur but currently less than 1/2 the price. // Dr. Diamond Metacine is offering a free discovery size product with the purchase of any full-sized item. A perfect time to buy the plasma and test out the emulsion with it. I really loved the plasma — went through two bottles of it. It does shrink your pores! // Lake Pajamas released their relax set in chic black!! We’ve all been waiting. // We’ve also all been buying this cult following vented brush. So many of you RAVE about this! // A very chic toothbrush. // A lot of fashion writers have been waxing poetic about the brand TWP. Refined, quiet luxury pieces. This top looks like an elevated version of the Tuckernuck one we all love.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via.

+WHERE THE GRASS IS GREENEST: Loved this reminder this week. (Related: comparison is the thief of joy.)

+FOR HOCKEY ROMANCE FANS: There is an entire sub-genre of romance novels dedicated to hockey players, and the social media manager for the Ottawa Senators seems well aware. I laughed at the comments on this post — “I didn’t hear a word that man said” and “What am I buying again…?” Dead! Female gaze Instagram at its peak. If you’re curious, I feel like Katie of Beach Reads and Bubbly has some good recs in this sub-genre.

+A CHIC $250 SUEDE BOOT: If you’ve been looking for a brown suede boot that is easy to walk in and under $300, this is it. It’s in the perfect shade and I love the toe shape. The heel design makes it very easy to stand in, and means it won’t get stuck in cobblestone and street grates, but it’s not a block heel if that’s not your thing either. I put them on while trying on outfits for Italy but ultimately decided I couldn’t designate precious suitcase space for a boot. I’m wearing them with the Ulla Johnson Calais dress.

DOLCE VITA AUGGIE BOOT // ULLA JOHNSON CALAIS DRESS

+A RESOLUTION THAT STUCK: As we head into the final months of the year: how did you do with your resolutions, or intentions, for 2024? My goal was finding more stretch and spaciousness in my day. I give myself high marks. This year, we let our nanny go so we could spend more time with our kids, and I found ways to streamline the business side of this blog so I could focus mainly on writing. I anticipated that letting our caregiver go would have led to a “time crunch” but in fact, it’s done the opposite — I feel like it’s slowed me down and enabled me to find more balance in my life. There’s nothing I can do while I’m sitting in the carpool line and driving my kids home and ferrying them around to sports but…do those exact things. I listen to them chatter, pass out snacks, cheer them on. In the best way possible, it’s forced me to focus on one thing at a time. I simply cannot write while I’m in the car! But I was thinking that one other resolution from two years ago laid some good groundwork: two years ago, I pledged to never have lunch at my desk. I now sit downstairs (usually with Mr. Magpie) and enjoy a proper lunch. It’s the best way to hit pause on the day, eat with intention, and redirect the day’s flow. (One such lunch, and most of my lunches aren’t this fancy!, below: leftover Beef Bourguignon with celery root puree and a side salad with Garlic Expressions dressing, some pecorino romano, and a lot of pepper. A few Instagram Magpies asked for the recipes he used — it’s always so tricky with him because he often combines multiple recipes! The Beef Bourguignon was a combo of the recipe from Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Cookbook and Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook, and the celery root puree recipe also came from the Boulud book! BTW — that salad dressing is the best. I’ve had multiple Magpies write to thank me for the introduction. It is the only bottled salad dressing we eat in our house! On Instagram, I mentioned the embarrassing fact that I almost always eat with an apron on. I’ve destroyed too many white t-shirts. I was surprised by how many of you wrote to thank me for the idea – ha! My apron is something my mom got me from my high school’s bazaar — it has my alma mater’s insignia on it — but I bought Landon one of these restaurant-grade Hedley & Bennett ones (he has the Denver Brown color) a few years ago for Christmas, and he loves it and lives in it. A good gift idea for a devoted home cook. Final note: the acrylic placemats are Proper Table! Love love love them — so chic and wipe clean.

+EYEING + BUYING: A Toteme-inspired scarf sweater for under $80. // Absolutely love all things Merit Beauty and was delighted when they sent me this skincare bundle. The angled brush is excellent and I often keep the complexion stick (I wear the silk color) in my purse. Can’t wait to try the new moisturizer. // The cult favorite vented brush — ordered to test! // The aforementioned chef-approved apron your husband will love you for buying. // Inexpensive vintage-style crew socks. // Have been reaching for these brown jeans this week — Target has a great look for less option. // Lizzie Fortunato Jewels invited me to select something from their latest collection and I am falling all over myself with excitement to style this dramatic necklace.

MANGO SWEATER // MERIT COMPLEXION SET // YVES DURIF BRUSH // HEDLEY & BENNETT APRON // VERONICA BEARD JEANS (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THESE) // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE // RETRO CREW SOCKS

+AN ALBUM ON REPEAT: I usually work to this secret work playlist, but I have been obsessing over Aaron Frazer’s new “Into the Blue” album. There’s only one skip on the album and it’s the best moody, vibey, soulful music for working on my collages, answering emails, etc. Would also be good cocktail hour music. What are you listening to these days?

+NEW BRAND ALERT: Does everyone else know about the loungewear brand Yellow Label Co? Apparently Justin Beiber’s a huge fan. I’d like one of these oversized sweatshirts in every color, please. The styling on their Instagram account (below) made me excited to cozy up on the couch this fall. I ordered the espresso brown for myself (duh) and the pistachio for Mr. Magpie — his hazel eyes looks good with that color of green. Separate note: I liked the vibe of their bodega shorts but knew the length would be ridiculous on me, so I picked up this shorter-hemmed $20 pair. I kind of like the look on the guy, too — actually, my hairdresser (Ish at George Salon at The Four Seasons) sometimes wears shorts like these and he is so stylish.

+THIS WEEK’S BESTSELLERS: This oxblood blouse, encore! We can’t get enough of it!

01. OXBLOOD BLOUSE // 02. QUINCE CASHMERE CARDIGAN (RESTOCKED!!! AVAIL FOR PREORDER) // 03. FRANK & EILEEN TRAVEL SET // 04. DOEN RHODIA DRESS // 05. J. CREW BOUCLE SHACKET // 06. TUCKERNUCK SHORT TRENCH // 07. JULIA AMORY DUPIONI MINI // 08. OLD NAVY HIGH WAISTED WIDE LEG JEANS // 09. OOLY GEL PENS AND PAPER AIRPLANE KIT // 10. J. CREW FACTORY FLATS // 11. MADEWELL DARTED BARREL JEANS // 12. UNTUCKIT BLOUSE

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

STANDARD WORKDAY: SABLYN CASHMERE TOGGLE COAT // QUINCE $69 CASHMERE SWEATSHIRT // SLVRLAKE GRACE CROPS // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS BAG // MARGAUX FLATS // DAPHINE EARRINGS

STANDARD WORKDAY: PISTOLA CORDS // DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS // STRIPE & STARE WHITE TOP // DAPHINE EARRINGS // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS BAG

MEETING + STANDARD WORKDAY: VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // SOLDOUT NYC TEE // DAPHINE EARRINGS // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS BAG // MADEWELL BARREL JEANS // CHANEL FLATS (SIMILAR HERE, LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

SATURDAY LIFE: AYR EARLY MORNINGS TEE (10% OFF WITH WARMUP) // SEZANE BUTTON-DOWN // VERONICA BEARD TAYLOR JEANS // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // DOLCE VITA FLATS // DANA REBECCA HUGGIES

OUTDOOR FALL COCKTAIL PARTY: CARA CARA DRESS // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // SORU GOLD CUFF // PARIS TEXAS BOOTS

FRENETIC MORNING OF ERRANDS: SEZANE JACKET // VARLEY SLIM PANT // VARLEY SWEATSHIRT // VERONICA BEARD SNEAKERS // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG

OYSTERS + CHAMPAGNE TO CELEBRATE MY MIL AT HER HOME: JULIA AMORY SKIRT // LA LIGNE SWEATER // LESET KELLY TEE // ELLEME BAG // SEE BY CHLOE PLATFORMS

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image via.

I’m back with more weird getting-to-know you questions! (More recent installments here and here.) This series is truly one of my favorites — you always deliver the funniest, most fascinating responses. Copy and paste to answer below!

01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other).

02. Best socks.

03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house.

04. Last thing you ate.

05. Most overrated food and most underrated food.

06. Bury me in _____.

07. Hyperfixation outfit.

08. Favorite movie soundtrack.

09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other.

****

I’ll go first!

01. The most interesting person you’ve ever met (can’t say your spouse/significant other). Caroline Kennedy. I wrote about the experience here, but I was at a photojournalism awards ceremony with a friend (celebrated photojournalist Andrew Harnik) and she introduced herself to me. I had assumed I’d be off in the wings, more or less arm candy, and so when she asked who I was, I gracelessly said: “Oh I’m nobody.” She replied: “What?! Of course you’re somebody.  Let’s try that again.  I’m Caroline.  Who are you?” I’ll never forget it. The interaction spoke volumes about her. Have to pay that energy forward!

02. Best socks. For cold weather, you can’t beat Darn Tough. They are warm, foot-hugging, slightly-cushioned–and last an eternity. I overheard my brother and Mr. Magpie talk at length about how much they loved them in Aspen this summer.

03. A la Cup of Jo: the coziest corner in your house. The far corner end of the couch in our family room. My children are usually spread out on the floor with drawings, toys, puzzles, and I have a clear view of the kitchen, which is where Mr. Magpie is 90% of the time.

04. Last thing you ate. All I’ve had today is an oat milk latte — but last night, I had shaved brussel sprout salad and mushroom pizza from Summer House in Pike and Rose, enjoyed on the coffee table in front of the TV while watching “Out of Africa.” Mr. Magpie is out of town and he would be appalled at the basicness of my order. We both laughed at this video on the travails of eating while married — especially the bit “when one of us is on vacation, the other one reverts into being a trash goblin.” When he is gone, I usually “scrounge” or fry up an egg for dinner, so I’d say my Summer House order was actually an achievement.

05. Most overrated food and most underrated food. Overrated: balsamic vinegar (I am a huge vinegar head but this is my least favorite variety, and it seems to be the world’s favorite…like, have you tried champagne vinegar? malt vinegar? sherry vinegar?!); underrated: celery root. I feel like we don’t eat enough of it in this world. Mr. Magpie made a celery root puree last week and I honestly think it might be better than mashed potatoes.

06. Bury me in _____. Honestly more intrigued by what your answers to this will be — cashmere? a scent? — but my first reaction was: Aspen, Colorado. My favorite place on earth.

07. Hyperfixation outfit. Pointelle tee, Agolde jeans. Just feel so good in them. If I’m in a hurry or uninspired, I put these on and add a statement sweater/blazer — instantly feel like a million bucks.

08. Favorite movie soundtrack. This is hard because I love movie soundtracks as a general proposition. But I’d say “Pride & Prejudice” (Keira Knightley version) and “Out of Africa.”

09. Something weird you like about your spouse/significant other. The way he drives our car — I can’t explain it. (Is it because he only uses one hand while doing it? His confidence?) Is this something other people can relate to?

Share your answers in the comments!

Shopping Break.

+I think I’m going to order this scarf collar knit. It’s giving Toteme vibes but under $80.

+On the sock question: I keep hearing great things about these ones from Le Bon Shoppe. Vibe for less with these ones, which get enthusiastic reviews on Amazon, and are a fraction of the price.

+A great everyday flat at a great price.

+Into Loeffler Randall’s current clothing connection — saw these jeans on Jessie Randall herself and loved the fit and unexpected gray wash. Also, as a pointelle addict, intrigued by this top.

+Merit Beauty just sent me this skin/complexion set (good value!), including their brand new priming moisturizer. I absolutely love their complexion stick (sort of a hybrid between concealer/foundation – great for travel and I keep in my purse for touch ups) and especially this angled brush. I have two of the latter because I needed a back-up just in case — I use this daily for foundation, concealer, gel bronzer/blush! It blends like a dream. Truly a magical must-have for your makeup arsenal.

+Minnow just launched a great fall break capsule. I love all the tan gingham and chocolate pieces, like this swimsuit (if you’ve not tried their swim for adults, you’re missing out — super flattering and great fit; run TTS) and this one for your little one. Also great everyday wear, like this striped breton tee (ordered for my son) and these shorts.

+Pretty patterned fall dress.

+Love this zip-up cardigan.

+Swooning over this rich burgundy hue from Cuyana!

+Speaking of oxblood/burgundy, Favorite Daughter just launched a capsule with Moda Operandi and I can’t stop thinking about this satin coat. So dramatic!

+These suede-effect shorts from H&M are so good!

+Winter brides rejoice!

+Saw a mom wearing these sneakers at recess duty — chiccccc.

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