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 think many women dress for other women. Or at least I do — women are my second filter. My primary filter is, of course, what do I feel like wearing today? (I am a moody, fickle dresser in this way. I am right now wearing my Varley sweatsuit (sweatshirt, pants) with a Donni tee and Adidas sneaks, as it’s rainy and my children are home with me, and my son has been struck by a stomach virus, and I wanted to wear something that would enable me to “take charge in comfort.” But yesterday I wore a cropped blazer and brown jeans and felt like a different woman entirely.) Anyhow, after I figure out the fashion mood I’m in, I think about where I’ll be over the course of my day, and what clothing feels appropriate for those venues, and that’s where other women come into play.

Sometimes I dress specifically for Mr. Magpie, but he hasn’t given me much feedback over the years on what he likes versus does not — he pays me a lot of compliments, but has never said “I love when you wear this dress” or “I like those jeans,” except for this one mini skirt I used to wear in college, which he did love and let me know about. I in fact take this as the highest compliment; I think he likes almost everything I wear, and it leads me to double down on my fashion risk-taking.

Still, I thought it would be amusing and interesting to ask his straight-forward take on some of this season’s biggest trends. I saw someone else do this with her husband on Instagram and found the responses hilarious; as she put it, “he’s giving us everything and nothing.” The husband’s blunt responses reminded me of the fact that my Dad calls any shoe he didn’t like “a clog.” Could be a high heel, a sneaker, a Mary Jane — if he doesn’t like it, it’s “a clog.”

Anyhow, below, I isolated a handful of fall 2024 trends for Mr. Magpie to weigh in on. I love most of these looks myself and have admired them on other women — some of them are beyond my skill level; some I have tested myself. His opinions below…

Me: Bubble hems.

Mr. Magpie: That’s not good. No.

Me: The Row jelly flats.

Mr. Magpie: Fine. Don’t bother me. [Looks at a few other examples.] Well, those ones make her feet look like sea turtles wrapped in plastic.

Me: Barrel jeans.

Mr. Magpie: Those are fine. [Ed. note: this surprised me, and I asked my best friend’s husband what he thought. He replied: “Like it.”]

Me: Trapeze dresses.

Mr. Magpie: That’s a joke…? I do like how short it is.

Me: Oversized rugby shirts.

Mr. Magpie: I think it’s fine.

Me: Loafers with socks.

Mr. Magpie: C’mon, man. No.

Dying over the loafers comment, because I’ve been admiring this look from afar and working up the courage to test myself! (See Jessie Loeffler Randall and Lilly Sisto rock the look!)

This conversation left me intrigued. I polled a few of Mr. Magpie’s best friends as well as the husbands of some of my best friends, asking what their favorite outfits on their wives are. I was surprised by the answers — each so idiosyncratic?! I had expected everyone to say: “Jeans and a t-shirt” for some reason? But alas!

“Either leather pants with her red Louis Vuitton coat, or she has a cashmere skirt that she wears with a black silk skirt that I like a lot.” [Ed. note: all of my friends will know whose husband this is.]

“Long colorful dresses. No preference on footwear or accessories, but I do like when she wears the bracelets I bought for each kid.”

“A sundress that’s one size too small (in my wife’s mind).”

“A colorful cocktail dress.”

“A soft, worn fitted t-shirt with classic, old-school mesh workout shorts.” [Ed. note: !!!!]

“Love seeing her in her Chanel suit. Classic elegance and power.”

“A sundress above the knee.”

What do your spouses like you to wear? How much do you factor their opinions into the way you dress?

Post-Scripts.

+Marriage is an act of optimism.

+On ode to Landon’s Jeep — “his foil and ferry.”

+On finding an easy kind of love.

Shopping Break.

+Love this chocolate brown satin headband. Chiccccc.

+Speaking of chocolate brown, eyeing this sweater skirt with this cardi.

+I have been wearing these Rothys clogs around the house constantly. They are SO comfortable and I like that you can run over to the neighbor’s / take garbage out / etc in them.

+Goop has bundled a bunch of their incredible beauty products for a savings, modeled after Gwyneth’s “no makeup look.” Love these sets! I wear the ColorBlur cheek/lip balm daily.

+Lake has launched its holiday jammies! Love this pair for children, and this ruby floral and this red striped kimono set for me.

+One of my favorite small businesses, Alice Walk, just released their outstanding 100% cotton weekender sweater in the perfect moss green. I am in love with it! I also have it in the darker green. She’s so comfortable and soft and I love the button neck. Cannot rec more.

+Missed this whipstitch trim jacket in my outerwear roundup a week or two ago — so good! Borrows from but does not imitate Toteme.

+This $200 tartan maxi is sooo good for holiday. I’d zhush up with glitzy accessories — velvet flats / heels / booties / etc.

+Just re-ordered Glowscreen. So good for mornings when I am going for a run / exercising after dropping off kids and don’t want a full face of makeup, but want a bit of coverage and SPF.

+Sweet little $50 lamp for a girl’s room. You could always swap out the shade for something splashy like this. (Upgrade pick: S&L lamp, or this look for less!)

+An actual perfect Thanksgiving dress for your little lady.

+Two items I’m eyeing for Mr. Magpie: this overshirt and this corduroy button-down.

+Splashy switchplate covers.

By: Jen Shoop

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

LEVIS // PISTOLAS // CITIZENS BARREL LEG // J.CREW WIDE LEG // VB STRAIGHT LEG // MAXI SKIRT

Huge fan of cords. A few of my favorite pairs…

+These Pistolas (TTS), seen above. Obsessed with the fit and color. (All outfit details from the outfit above here.) These Quinces are a good look for less. And for more of an investment, love the long, lean lines of these Nili Lotans.

+Also have these kick-flare style Paiges (TTS). Really comfortable and a great color for fall. These Mangos are a great look for less. Similar in shape, but less cropped: I know a lot of you are loyalists to Veronica Beard’s Carson jeans, and they just released the Carson in a plum cord for fall. So delightful. And if you’re looking for a full-length flare, try these from ASKK NY.

+For my wide leg girlies: these La Lignes (10% off with MAGPIE10), these Julia Amorys (high sell out risk; the ivory is already gone — use code JEN-15 for 15% off), these Talbots, and these J. Crews.

+Straight-legs: My Internet friend and fellow petite Chrissy has raved about these Levis. Other options: Veronica Beard (almost 40% off – great color) and these Kut from Kloths (a brand a Magpie reader was just raving about a few weeks ago).

+And for my barrel lovers: I tried these Citizens on in-store and regret not taking them home. Fit was ideal. Run TTS. These Everlanes are also worth consideration (at a more palatable price). And of course Nili Lotan Shons!

+Fun option to mix in: a cord maxi skirt. I’d style just like my denim and coated denim maxis (see here for styling example) — think about mixing and matching textures and adding polish with cashmere / cropped blazers / striped button-downs.

P.S. How do you get it all done?!

P.P.S. A mini tech detox we love.

P.P.P.S. A voice like good rivers.

By: Jen Shoop

Last week, a longtime Magpie reader wrote me:

“I am returning to (full-time, paid) labor this Thursday after 4 years of being a SAHM and… wow. It’s funny how my brain knows that there will be a lot of conflicting feelings, and yet I didn’t expect how intense it would all feel in my heart.

I know going back to work is good for me, and the separation is part of having healthy boundaries. And yet here I am, sobbing. I am reminding myself: both/and. Both/and.

If you have the time… would it be too much to ask to crowdsource the wonderful Magpie community for words of wisdom for a mom returning to (paid) work after a long caregiving pause?”

Any words of encouragement or wisdom for this tender heart, Magpies?

Some of my thoughts: I completely relate and am holding a space for you.  These motherhood transitions bring such an acute agony — I’ve not been in your exact shoes, but I have elsewhere written about these marshy, indistinct decisions as “the saltings of motherhood.” Give yourself permission to feel, and examine everything — your feelings just show how much you love your job as a mother, and there is nothing to be afraid of in the swell. It’s all a permutation of love. Importantly, though, remember that everything is a flowing. No feeling is permanent, and neither is the job ahead. There are likely opportunities to dial back on the hours, or hit pause, in the future, if you need to. Also, it’s OK to balance your motherhood with the pursuit of something outside of it.  I can tell you that, personally, I find I am a better mother when I can participate in both motherhood and creative endeavors.  So maybe you will find something magical happens with this new chapter. Sending you love.

A few sterling pieces of advice from my Instagram Magpies:

“It all boils down to one thing: support. In any form, but make sure you have enough.”

“You can always jump back in later – life is yours to reinvent over and over again.”

“What’s meant for you will not miss you!”

“It’s hard for everyone in the beginning; that doesn’t mean it’s a mistake. It gets better!”

“You are providing a different example of parenting for your kids, and neither is wrong.”

“Get the book ‘Mommy Always Comes Home’ about all working moms in nature.”

“Your relationship will be sweeter because you’ll savor it more.”

“I went back and switched to a more flexible job. Doesn’t have to be all or nothing!”

“Regardless if you work inside the home or out — all women need an outlet for themselves.”

“Nothing is permanent. Give it a shot and if it’s too much, you can always quit.”

“It’s OK to enjoy it. Doesn’t mean you don’t love them. And you’ll still be their favorite.”

Last but not least, Mother Untitled has some great resources for mothers navigating decisions around leaving/rejoining the workforce. I found this slide particularly fascinating, as it demonstrates the fluidity with which many of us are balancing motherhood with professional undertakings. I recently made a small transition myself, taking on more day-to-day caregiving after parting (amicable) ways with our full-time nanny. As I made that decision, I told myself many times that nothing was forever — that if this was causing too much stress or not enabling me to get my work done, I could find part-time support. I’ve had friends go in the opposite direction recently, too — one friend recently hired an afternoon nanny and said it’s the best decision she’s ever made (she had been trying for years to balance a full-time corporate job with school pick-up / afternoon childcare). I love the way we are increasingly finding paths that are not black-and-white, that are evolving with our needs, that enable us to “pause and shift” in the words of Neha Ruch.

What else would you add, Magpies?

Post-Scripts.

+The lopsided, elegant dance of motherhood.

+It’s their day, too.

+Seeing my daughter as she was when she was a baby.

+How do you get your children to eat?

Shopping Break.

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

+Tomorrow is the final day of the Shopbop sale — shared all my favorite picks here, many of which are selling through, but wanted to also mention this is a great opportunity to invest in the Jenni Kayne Cooper at 25% off, in case you want to upgrade from, or missed out on, the Quince. (The latter is soooo good but already sold out!!) Also a good time to score your husband some Ferragamo loafers at a discount — these rarely go on sale!

+Happy Dudley Stephens season to those who celebrate. I have been wearing this striped one a lot the past few weeks. Perfect thin top layer. The brand sent me a code — 25% off with JENNIFER25! Also really like the solid camel color. Would be so good with brown leggings and sneaks.

+Weezie is running its once-a-year 20% off sitewide promotion. A great time to stock up on bath towels. I also absolutely LOVE and adore their long lightweight robe – would be a great gift if you want to buy now and save for holidays, or just treat yourself. It has the perfect weight and a nice long self-tie that never comes undone. I just love her. Weezie just generously restocked my towel supply and I was drawn to the red embroidery options. I picked up these gingham towels for my son — so handsome! — and wouldn’t they be a great gift for a boy heading off to college / getting his first apartment? — as well as their iconic scalloped style.

+Zara!!! I love this sherpa-collared waxed coat (Barbour vibes but the sherpa trim makes it feel more fashion) and this waxed cape! (More great capes for the season ahead here, but hard to beat $129 with all those great texture/trim details.)

+I always buy a bunch of long-sleeved polos from Ralph and Lacoste for my son in the fall season. Love this garnet red option and it’s currently 30% off. Cute with these cords, also 30% off, as are all the items below. So many of these pieces would be great for a fall family portrait or fall festivity.

LONG SLEEVED POLO // HAT // STRIPED SHIRT // CORDS // SHERPA SHACKET // SNEAKS

+Are you a bodysuit girl? I’ve never really gotten into them but do like the idea of not having to constantly retuck. I hear Wolford makes the best in the world, but have one of these from Solid & Striped on its way to me to try. (I LOVE their original brief underwear for sleeping! Super soft and don’t cut into skin anywhere — have a loose elastic feel. I recently cleaned out my whole underwear drawer and only kept Negative’s Whipped boyshorts and these for sleeping. For daytime, it’s 100% Hanky Panky, and I’ve made a commitment to only buy in the black or beige/skintone colors (both included in the Shopbop sale and a great add-on to your order) because those are all I really want to wear / most practical / etc.)

+This new coat from Quince!!! So good, and under $200. Reminds me of the ones from Harris Wharf London.

+LOVE this kiwi/chartreuse-green ribbed knit. I actually saw it on Katie Holmes first – the color is so chic right now. (I wrote about this color microtrend a few weeks back!)

+Great stepstool for kitchen/pantry, currently 20% off — chic enough to leave out.

+Another great fair isle to consider. All my favorite fair isles for the season here — love all the options in that pretty sky blue hue. Plays so well with brown, khaki, taupe, olive green, burgundy!

+Look for less for my tweedy VB blazers.

By: Jen Shoop

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

This Julia Amory top and skirt arrived and je suis obsessed. A strong contender for Thanksgiving dinner, and I love that the pieces can be worn separately in a thousand ways, too. I styled the top with jeans and with cords, and also already want to pair the skirt with a flat and my bright red La Ligne sweater. Great buy. You can get 15% off the set with code JEN-15. (I styled with these boots above.)

A few other great dresses to consider:

ZIMMERMANN DRESS // SORU EARRINGS // DOEN DRESS // LARROUDE HEELS // ELLEME BAG // ZIMMERMANN DRESS // FEMME LA HEELS

VERONICA BEARD DRESS // DORSEY ISADORA NECKLACE // AGUA BENDITA DRESS // DORSEY CRAWFORD EARRINGS // SIGNIFICANT OTHER DRESS // SAVETTE POCHETTE // MANGO HEELS

CARA CARA DRESS // LARROUDE BOOTS // RALPH LAUREN DRESS // VB SWEATER AND SKIRT // MADEWELL HEELS

More options below…

+THANKSGIVING: O.P.T., Cara Cara One (more sizes here), Cara Cara Two, Doen, Figue, Ralph Lauren, VB Maxine skirt, Banana Republic (chocolate brown), Madewell.

+FALL BLACK TIE: Veronica Beard, Agua Bendita One, Agua Bendita Two, Eddy, Simkhai, Posse (launches today), Zimmermann.

+FALL BLACK TIE UNDER $320: Norma Kamali, Significant Other One, Significant Other Two, Reformation, Third Form, J. Crew.

+FALL COCKTAIL: Tuckernuck One, Zimmermann One, Saloni, ByTimo, Ulla Johnson, Doen (burgundy), Staud, Tuckernuck Two, J. Crew, Banana Republic (brown color), Zimmermann Two.

P.S. Fall outerwear picks.

P.P.S. It’s never the cream.

P.P.P.S. Moondance.

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

I’ve stared at a lot of closed doors in my life.  I didn’t get into the schools I wanted to, I didn’t land the jobs to which I aspired in my early career, and, one time, a venture capitalist stood up in the middle of my pitch to casually toss an apple in the garbage, stretch, and stare blankly out the window.  I still think about that moment, and cringe.  The door didn’t just softly close on me — it slammed shut in my face.

I look back now and see that what looked like rejection was in fact redirection.  

Those blockages always pushed me forward, even if I couldn’t see it at the time. Sometimes, they’d lead me to say: “So this is how it’s going to be. OK, let’s try another road in.” 

Other times, I’d re-evaluate my ask, my positioning. On a tactical level, if you ever find yourself selling something and you’re collecting a lot more nos than yeses, the marketplace is telling you that you’ve not yet found your audience, or refined your product, or found the right place to merchandise it. It’s not a “no,” it’s a “not for here,” or a “not yet,” or a “come back when you’ve worked out the kinks.” Back in my product days, we’d say: “All feedback is good feedback.” And so even someone writing a furious note about how much he hated our technology because xyz happened arrived as sanguine news — an arrow towards refinement.

Some closed doors have prompted even more dramatic rerouting. There have been a handful that have led me to take a long, hard look at myself and pony up the courage to admit I had the wrong destination in mind in the first place. For example, I wanted to go straight into a PhD program out of undergrad, and I was rejected from Harvard and the University of Virginia. Harvard said something in their rejection letter along the lines of: “You are not admitted, and you may never reapply.” This burned like hot acid at the time. An incineration of the ego! But now I see that closure was a benevolent re-tracking: I wasn’t intellectually ready, I needed the vanity check, and I benefitted greatly from a few years in a professional setting before pursuing a terminal M.A. in literature, which in turn proved to be just enough of an academic exercise to javelin me into a role at an educational non-profit that profoundly changed my life. It is easy, of course, to see the breadcrumb trail now. At the time, I felt like a pinball at the mercies of unknown hands. But if I could go back and grip myself by the shoulders at twenty-two, and twenty-four, and even thirty-two, and thirty-four, I would say:

Rejection equals redirection. Keep going.

Post-Scripts.

+My Dad’s advice for when you’re on the brink of making a big life change.

+It is OK to wander in life.

+On finding meaning, and pattern, in what happens in our lives.

Shopping Break.

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

+Been getting a lot of wear out of this cropped navy tweed blazer lately, and she’s 20% off. (ICYMI, I shared a full guide to the sale earlier today). Found a few look for less options here. (This one is under $100!)

+While we’re talking cropped top layers, love this nubby one from Tuckernuck — such a great statement!

+Gap is offering 50% off almost everything. A few favorites to consider: these knit pants (look for less for my set), this striped sweater in the chocolate brown, and these wide-leg cranberry colored cords.

+The chicest stapler! I have this is in my cart. Total novelty buy but would it not charm our desktops?! For some reason it looks like a whale to me and therefore reminds me of my brother, who is a renowned scholar of Moby Dick.

+Intrigued by this pointelle burgundy dress. It combines so many things I love. (An entire guide to pointelle pieces here.)

+I own and love this boxy fleece. Currently somehow on sale for $29 (orig $78).

+Just restocked my supply of these hydrating eye masks. My secret weapon the morning after a late or sleepless night. I also picked up this interesting mascara-and-liquid-liner invention by the same brand. Apparently the technology is patented! I can’t wait to try — watch the video to see how it works.

+This sweatshirt dress for mini!!! While we’re talking J. Crew, I might have to buy my son these velvet tuxedo style slippers for the holidays. Mr. Magpie has the same ones!

+Another great fall cocktail / wedding guest dress from Tuckernuck!!! They are killing it this season.

+Kitchenwear brand Material is running a big clearance event, and this little kit of kids’ cooking implements would be such a cute gift! Speaking of gifts for kids, I just stocked up on tons of Ooly art supplies and kits as my go-to gift for the season. Who doesn’t love fun markers and notepads?!

+OK, this little beauty minis set from Westman is so buyable. I want it for myself and also have it on my list as a possibility for a holiday gift for a few girlfriends! This mini flush balm set would also be cute.

+These dressed up track pants have sold out already once this season. Snag now for preorder if you love!

By: Jen Shoop

This post is sponsored by Shopbop. The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

Happy Monday! Shopbop is running its biggest promotion of the season — use code STYLE for 15% off orders of $200+; 20% off orders of $500+; and 25% off orders of $800+. Sharing a few of my favorite buys to consider — I own 70% of the pieces in these roundups and feel passionately about them all, especially the items in the “Everyday Polish” roundups. These are all beautifully-made pieces that you will reach for over and over again — elevated basics that make you feel like a million bucks. Above, I’m wearing my navy VB blazer. She’s a complete outfit maker, and I just know I’ll wear her for decades.

VERONICA BEARD MABEL BLAZER // AGOLDE DAME JEANS // LESET POINTELLE TEE // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // VERONICA BEARD DREY TOP // ELLEME BAG // FREDA SALVADOR FLATS

LA LIGNE CARDIGAN // FRANK AND EILEEN POPOVER // LITTLE LIFFNER TOTE // VELVET BRYLIE PANTS // FREDA SALVADOR BOOTS // LOEFFLER RANDALL LEONIE FLATS

FRANK AND EILEEN HOODIE // FRANK AND EILEEN SWEATS // FLOWER MOUNTAIN SNEAKERS // VARLEY FREYA SWEATSHIRT // ON RUNNING SHOES

CARA CARA DRESS // FLORIAN CLUTCH // REFORMATION REMY BOOT // SALONI LEE DRESS // SALONI ALICIA DRESS // AQUAZZURA HEELS

P.S. What could you never get tired of talking about?

P.P.S. We publish the good news.

P.P.P.S. Maintaining wonder as a parent.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Earlier this week, I wore a cashmere sweatshirt (seen above; all outfit details here) that I half-ordered because of its color name, “spicy mustard.” I would have ordered it even if it were named something more pedestrian, like “ochre” or “burnt yellow,” but “spicy mustard” grabbed me in a few ways. This is going to get weird, but bear with me: we’re in the diary.

First and most trivially, as a vinegar head, I love mustard. Hot dogs, sausages, pretzels are vehicles for the condiment; they play second string in its presence. What I mean is: mustard has main character energy. Aioli works hard for that title role but mustard doesn’t even have to lift a finger. Mustard would show up to an audition having barely looked at the script or brushed its hair, with a bumper sticker on its car that says I’m not for everyone, and that’s OK, and still land the part.

But mustard also has a special connection for me to Chicago, where it is the only sanctioned condiment on a hot dog — well, alongside relish, celery seed, hot peppers, tomatoes, onion, and a pickle. I’m describing a classic Chicago Dog; when you get it with all the aforementioned, condoned toppings, they call it “running it through the garden,” which always feels charmingly and unexpectedly poetic to me, especially coming from one of the gruff clerks at Fatso’s Last Stand on Chicago Ave. All this to say, you never put ketchup on a hot dog in Illinois. They take it seriously, too: there is a hot dog stand on Clark St called Weiner’s Circle where the staff is reputably fierce (scary) about this kind of thing. Which, I don’t know. I’ve been visiting a lot with my memories of Chicago lately, and there is something about the straight-forward, austere way of the Midwest that continues to appeal to me. I guess Chicago has a mustard vibe, too: I’m not for everyone, and that’s OK. It will snow in May, and present you with temps in the negative double digits, and stand fierce and iron clad, a colossus rising out of the plains, but it’s not peacocking or showing off. Some other places I’ve visited have a “pick me” vibe, but not Chicago — Chicago is unflashy, unbothered confidence. It doesn’t care if you don’t like it. (For the record, New York City doesn’t either, and it will make sure you know that. Take a ride on any Subway on a rainy day and you’ll see what I mean.)

To close this strange loop we’re traveling, the color “spicy mustard” also brought to mind the flawless movie “Picture Perfect.” Have you seen it? It’s one of my favorite under-the-radar rom-coms of the 90s, starring Jen Aniston, Kevin Bacon, and Jay Mohr. It’s funny, sexy, and most importantly features my favorite romance trope: fake dating. In it, Jen Aniston is an ad executive who pens the winning jingle for Gulden’s Mustard: “Number two, and that ain’t bad.” It’s not meant seriously in the context of the movie (although the example they give — that Cindy Crawford graduated second in her class — is perfect), but when I first saw it as a teen, it made a big imprint on me and my perfection-seeking ways. It let some of the air out of the room. Who cares about being number one? Let’s just be who we are, and be that well.

I have a point. This week, I seemed to find the theme just be your weird self everywhere I looked. In the recollection of the Gulden’s ad, in my happenstance musings on Chicago and mustard. And then Jedidiah Jenkins shared his rules for creating things for strangers, and in it, he wrote: “Be idiosyncratic. Predictability bores the brain. Say things differently.” I also came across a fantastic quote by the author Casey Gerald, in which he talked about the early stages of writing something: “It’s got to be weird before it gets good. Keep going.” Later, I was flipping through one of my notebooks, and I stopped on a page where I’d jotted down all these perfect lines from Anne Lamott (I shared one of them, on writing “bird by bird” yesterday), and one read: “If something inside of you is real, we will probably find it interesting, and it will probably be universal. So you must risk placing real emotion at the center of your work. Write straight into the emotional center of things. Write toward vulnerability. Risk being unliked. Tell the truth as you understand it.” And also: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die. The truth is that you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren’t even looking at their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot more fun while they’re doing it.” 

Some weeks, you wonder: “Is the universe telling me something?” And other weeks, there’s no question about it. Providence wanted me to be my truest self this week: Dig deep, write straight to the heart of things, don’t worry about who’s watching or what they’re saying, just dance, don’t look at your feet.

And I’m grateful for the reminders.

As always, advice on writing proves strangely transitive to life more generally — try carrying these sentiments into your week and see what happens. Big mustard energy.

Also this week…

Two dates with Mr. Magpie in one week! (Do you date your spouse?)

Mr. Magpie made us frozen cocktails just because — it was so fun. They’re called Manolito’s Swampwater, and he got the recipe from Punchdrink. Shout out to my Proper Table acrylic coaster (seen beneath my cocktail), one of my favorite small businesses. I love the founder. And these coasters are brilliant! Wipe clean, virtually unbreakable, etc. I love the patterns! I have a stack of these in our dining room, family room, and living room.

Bonus coffee! You know what this means for me.

Three fun deliveries this week: 1) Kate McLeod Daily Pebbles. I love these! They are exfoliating, dissolving little oil spheres that you use in the shower. They smell gorgeous and leave skin super soft. I have this on a growing list of possibilities for Christmas gifts. 2) A daily planner from Simplified, ready to go for 2025. Can you believe we’re barreling towards the end of 2024?! This planner has the perfect design for my preferred way of organizing my days — a column for to dos and a column for my schedule. I will say it’s pretty bulky. I tried one of these a few years ago but was much more mobile in my work at that time — often migrating to coffee shops, various perches in my apartment, etc. Nowadays, I do 99% of my work in my studio, at my desk, so this is less of a concern. But not great for commuters. If you are a commuter, try this lightweight inexpensive one from Amazon. Not as pretty and lacks all the bells and whistles but will get the job done! I’ve used them for years. 3) InnBeauty sent me this box and I was beyond delighted. Mr. Magpie and I both use the Extreme Cream daily and had just finished a bottle. A lot of people compare this moisturizer to Augustinus Bader, but I prefer Inn Beauty to AB, and it’s under $50, too. I think the consistency is better and the results are similar. Mr. Magpie says Inn Beauty leaves his skin looking “airbrushed,” and I know what he means – skin is so hydrated, plump, happy, firmed. It’s a wunderproduct. I am currently testing the Elastic Skin serum and Eye Cream – stay tuned! But I did notice they sell all three of these bundled for a discount.

A little Sunday shopping poetry for you, too —

Today is the final day of Saks’ Friends & Family promo. This gorgeous RL dress is still available, as are these chic and comfortable Loeffler flats. // Beginning to think about fall and even holiday special events, and this Zimmermann dress is a standout. I already have this in my closet, too. // I have been so obsessed with my Varley set (sweatpants / top), I think I’ll order this fleece next. Love the color! // Also love the color of these On sneaks. // Beauty brands are beginning to release the cutest giftable sets in advance of the holiday season – I want this Westman set for myself. // My favorite inexpensive sweat set. The fit is SO good. I love this cranberry option! // I have this Elleme bag in a woven leather but am swooning over the new chocolate brown and moss green options. The gleaming gold handle feels like jewelry! // These home scent papers from an old Parisian purveyor are so intriguing! You burn them in a dish and they perfume and deodorize your home.

ZIMMERMANN DRESS // VARLEY FLEECE // ON SNEAKERS // WESTMAN ATELIER SET // GAP VINTAGE SOFT SWEATSUIT // ELLEME BAG // PAPIER D’ARMENIE

Onward!

By: Jen Shoop

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

+COUNTRY CINEMA: I love the music video for “You Look Like You Love Me” by Riley Green and Ella Langley. Fine cinema if you ask me — iconic storytelling, stirring visual texture, and Green’s styling is perfection. (I wish Ella hadn’t worn the feather hat situation but I’m picking nits.) Very into this country duo — and not hard on the eyes either. I watched a video of Green talking about making the song with Langley and he said (paraphrasing): “She has a real country sound I like.” I found that discernment so fascinating. I started listening to country music in college when Mr. Magpie burned me a CD titled “JMN’s First Sticks Mix,” and it was packed with Alan Jackson, one of Mr. Magpie’s favorites. To me, Jackson is “a real country sound,” but of course, that’s idiosyncratic to my own (truncated) listening history and the fact that he became a touchstone or forefather in my mind to all my country music. As an aside, I remember that within the first few weeks of dating Landon, he picked me up from my house on Tilden Street in NW DC in his black Jeep Cherokee and as he was turning onto Rock Creek Park, Alan Jackson’s “Right on the Money” came on. He started singing the lyrics, and when the first chorus came on, he looked over and pointed at me. I thought I might die with happiness. (“She’s right on the money / She goes direct to my heart / When it comes to lovin’ me / She’s everything I need, bulls eye-perfect / She’s right on the money”). Anyhow, I was interested to learn that Green himself is a huge Jackson fan, and that he’s cited “When Daddy Let Me Drive” as one of his favorite songs. He definitely has elements of his tone and vocal style. Any other Green / Jackson / Langley fans out there? Share thoughts!

+NEW HOTEL LOBBY CANDLE: I know many of you are enormous fans of Hotel Lobby and had to share that their newest candle scent, Napa, is available for order today. They sent me a sneak preview and I’ve been burning it for a week straight. Smells perfect for this entree into fall: jammy, earthy, oaky.

+THE PEOPLE WITH IMPRESSING: How true is this illustration via Mari Andrews? A good question to ask if you’re on the precipice of making a decision, or regretting something, or longing for something. What would my five year old self say? And my 85 year old self? (And to hell with the peanut gallery!) This reminded me, too, of all the things we would tell our 20 year old selves. Which is, more or less: Don’t worry so much; you’re going to be fine.

+MY FAVORITE ADVICE ON WRITING: I’ve shared this before, but I love this sentiment from Anne LaMott: “Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he’d had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.” This may be the best advice I’ve ever heard on writing, and living. Bird by bird, girl.

+EYEING + BUYING: Itching to pull out my Alice Walk cape — not quite cool enough sadly. I curated a roundup of great capes for the season ahead, and am loving this plaid one from Doen. Also, according to the comments on this post, a lot of us are dermaplaning!? I’m intrigued by this one that one of you raved about, but a lot of you on Instagram said the inexpensive Tinkle ones are just as good. I’ve been hearing split reviews about the latter – some of you said they cut you; others said they’re perfect. A few other notes: these $95 gold earrings arrived and I love them (!!) — super lightweight but nail the heavy hardware look. Also obsessing over these green cords in the perfect fall hue. I wore them this week; you can see me in them here. Run TTS. Lastly, I just ordered the bulk box of this Amish country popcorn — we have been loving it as an afternoon snack.

DOEN CAPE // STACKED DERMAPLANING TOOL // HOTEL LOBBY CANDLE // DAPHINE EARRINGS // GANNI SKIRT // AMISH COUNTRY POPCORN // PISTOLA CORDS // FREDA SALVADOR LOAFERS

+MAGPIE POETRY: I converted our crowd-authored list of “alt titles for September” into this little square for Instagram and had to share here, too. (You can see all the suggestions in this post.) An evocative little poem, isn’t it? Funny, slightly fraught, thoughtful. And how are we feeling about October, just walking through the doorframe?

+BESTSELLERS: This CHIC cropped wool J. Crew coat was the topseller by a landslide this week. Obsessed with the color

01. J. CREW WOOL COAT // 02. QUINCE CARDIGAN (LOOK FOR LESS FOR JENNI KAYNE COOPER) // 03. THE FAMILY PORTRAIT DRESS // 04. POLO SWEATSHIRT // 05. MY FAUX-SEUDE MINI SKIRT // 06. GAP SLOUCHY BAG // 07. PAISLEY DRESS // 08. RUE DE VERNEUIL TOTE // 09. MY FAV MOISTURIZER // 10. FREDA SALVADOR LOAFERS // 11. VERONICA BEARD SNEAKERS // 12. OUR LATEST TOOTHCARE OBSESSION

By: Jen Shoop

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

I actually shared this cashmere sweater outfit in my Magpie Diary last Sunday, and had a lot of comments on it! Just in case the sequencing is confusing / you’re wondering if I’m losing my mind, I usually draft these “What I Loved Wearing” posts the Tuesday or Wednesday before they go live, so sometimes there’s a little bunch up / back log. Onward!

WRITING/MOM LIFE: FEW MODA CASHMERE CARDIGAN ($80!) // AGOLDE RILEY JEANS // MARCH HARE WATCH // VERONICA BEARD VALENTINA SNEAKS (ALMOST SOLD OUT, MORE BROWN SNEAKS HERE) // DORSEY JAMES NECKLACE

WRITING/MOM LIFE: VELVET BRYLIE PANTS (RUN TTS) // DORSEY EARRINGS // LA LIGNE SWEATER // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // AMAZON HAIR CLIP // CHANEL FLATS (SIMILAR HERE, LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

DATE NIGHT: AMAZON TOP ($20!) // CITIZENS CHARLOTTE JEANS // ASHA HEART BRACELET // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // AMAZON HAIR CLIP // DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS // FEW MODA CASHMERE CARDIGAN ($80!) // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS

MEETING: G. LABEL HENLEY // J. CREW FACTORY CARDIGAN // J. CREW FACTORY FAUX SUEDE SKIRT // ASHA HEART BRACELET // PARIS TEXAS ANJA BOOTS (25% OFF!) // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // AMAZON HAIR CLIP

SCHOOL DROP OFF: LESET POINTELLE PANTS (RUN A TAD SMALL – I’D SIZE UP) // ADIDAS SNEAKS // LA LIGNE MARIN SWEATER // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // AMAZON HAIR CLIP

WINE DATE WITH A GIRLFRIEND: ANN MASHBURN FAIR ISLE CARDIGAN // G. LABEL HENLEY // PISTOLA BARREL JEANS // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // DOLCE VITA MESH FLATS

SOCCER/BASEBALL MOM: AMAZON LEGGINGS (EXACT COLOR SOLD OUT, BUT I’D TRY THE WINE COLOR! OR GET SIMILAR LOOK WITH THESE) // VARLEY FREJA SWEATSHIRT // VERONICA BEARD VALENTINA SNEAKS (ALMOST SOLD OUT, MORE BROWN SNEAKS HERE)

P.S. How to get started with writing.

P.P.S. 3 a.m. parties. (Not what you think.)

P.P.P.S. Boots for fall.

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 Sutterheim.

Q: A raincoat that is fun, functional, flattering, and not black.

A: I love these ones from Stutterheim; there’s also a longer version, seen above! The Scandinavians know inclement weather. Lots of great colors and the shape is so chic. I also own and adore this colorblocked one from Boden.

Q: Home fragrance? What does one do? Diffusers?

A: I use candles! We almost always have one burning between the hours of 5-10 in the evening. (Generally avoid during day unless we’ll have guests visiting, because I’m too scared I’ll run out the door to do something and leave one burning.) My favorites are by Hotel Lobby (they sent me a preview of their newest scent, Napa, available tomorrow A.M., and it is DIVINE for fall), Linnea* (my favorite for this season is Embers, which smells sort of like Feu de Bois from Diptyque, but half the price; get 10% off sitewide at Linnea with MAGPIE10), and anything by Cire Trudon (but $$$).

I’ve never really gotten into diffusers because I feel like they tend to make rooms smell really concentrated with scent? And I think a candle is prettier on a table, throws light, creates ambiance, etc. But I will say that Hotel Lobby sent me one of their new diffusers and I think I will test it in our entryway and see what I think? And I’d give Linnea’s options a try if you like diffusers just because their scents are so good.

*Want to add that a Magpie reader recently commented, out of the blue: “Just want to say thank you for the Linnea candle recommendation. I’m a self confessed candle snob. I’ve tried them all. These are the closet to Dyptique that I’ve found for a fraction of the price. They burn beautifully, and come impeccably packaged. Love the elegant milky vessel. I’m so impressed and delighted with the quality and value. I have the pear galette scent. It makes my home smell like a French bakery. Oui!” They speak for themselves!

Q: Ready to invest in a classic pair of black pumps. Which ones?

A: Manolo Blahnik’s BB in black suede, 70mm heel height, is the perfect heel. The iconic, the forever. A perfect silhouette and heel height. I have been contemplating buying these for years and years.

Q: Heart pendant I can engrave, but less expensive than your Dorsey one.

A: You can engrave these $154 ones with an initial on the back (and the brand just offered us 20% off with code JEN20. Alternately, you can engrave this Gorjana with up to 8 characters. I like the avant font in all caps for a nickname, initials, a date. And, not a heart, but the engraveable pieces from Merci Maman are so beautiful and a great quality relative to price.

Q: Best, comfy, thin-knit button up cardigan.

A: I’d consider La Ligne or Jenni Kayne if you want to invest. For something less expensive, try my Few Moda $80 cashmere one (love the fit and look but it is not the softest cardigan — not itchy but just not that brushed cashmere feel you might expect) or my pointelle one from Leset (very soft, but less shape).

Q: Cute sweatshirts.

A: I love the vintage style ones from Polo! Like this looks like something that might actually be in my father in law’s closet that I’d like to borrow. The ones from hot label Parke are cool, too – they can be difficult to find in stock. Personally, my most worn sweatshirts are this half-zip from Alice Walk (I own in a stripe and solid — I love these so much I’ve gifted to both my mom and MIL), Spanx’s Airweight half-zip, and an old navy blue Reformation sweatshirt that says CINDY CRAWFORD on the front. It has the perfect lightweight, soft feel and slouch. (Not sure if their solid sweatshirts are the same fit/feel but worth a shot!) Funny story: I wore this over the summer while we were in Colorado, and these guys started yelling: “Hey, Cindy! Cindy Crawford!” I began to look around for her — not realizing they were trying to get my attention and ask me for help with something. Ha!!

Q: November black tie wedding / would love to re-wear for holidays.

A: I am drooling over Posse’s holiday collection, not yet dropped — this would be so divine. This video from their Instagram account sold me!!! Also love this, this, this, this, all of which would be perfect for holiday, too.

Q: What to wear while getting ready for my wedding in June in Nantucket.

A: Ooo, congratulations! I feel like this is so specific to your aesthetic! A few different options for different styles: an ethereal white nightgown, a white Frank & Eileen set, one of the Lake kimono sets (in blue/white stripe), an Eberjey romper beneath a robe.

Q: Nursing-friendly Thanksgiving dress.

A: This *looks* like it would work with a nursing bra? Can’t tell from the neckline…this one is also great, and definitely would work. Also love the rich patterns from Cara Cara — this style and this one would be good. And this cranberry colored SEA!

Q: Maternity jeans that aren’t super $$$.

A: Gap! 100%!

Q: Looking for a chic hat to wear this fall that helps protect from sun.

A: Janessa Leone has the chicest fall collection out – how fab is this one?! Also love a fall textured ballcap. I shared some of my favorites here, at all different price points.

Q: A new wallet please! What’s everyone carrying?

A: I’ve had all kinds of wallets in my life, including this beautiful quilted Chanel one Mr. Magpie bought me for Christmas, but the one I can’t seem to part ways with is the Goyard flat pouch wallet with my Prada card case nestled inside. The flat pouch is the perfect length for holding cash and receipts and weighs nothing, and if you’re just slipping out for a cocktail or have a small bag, you can just grab your card case. I have been using this combo for years and can’t imagine going back. But if you want a true wallet, I’d get one of the Triomphe ones from Celine (small, large). They are gorgeous!

Q: Foolproof t-shirt bra. Any price point.

A: I wear my Natori Feathers if I’m wearing a t-shirt! So comfortable and gives great shape. I know this isn’t a true t-shirt bra – any other Magpies with rave reviews? I used to be a huge fangirl for True & Co’s bra — it really feels like you’re wearing nothing, never digs in, etc, but over time I felt like it didn’t give me the silhouette I wanted. Any other strong recs from the Magpie set?

Q: Metallic flats – not Mary Janes.

A: Margaux, Aeyde, or these fashion-forward high vamped Le Monde Beryls (also available in a silver mesh that will be the talk of the town).

Q: A short wool coat for early winter. Preferably navy, gray, or camel.

A: I curated several chic options that will fit the bill in this post, but strongly rec you consider this deep green color one from J. Crew. This is SO GOOD with the buttons and will wear like a neutral.

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 Alice Walk.

I am loving all the dramatic wool, plaid, and knit capes out this season. A few of my top picks below:

01. Alice Walk!!! I cannot get over this plaid version of their wool cape, but the ivory (seen above) is pretty spectacular too. If I didn’t already own it in the solid brown, I’d order one of these two colors in a heartbeat.

02. Doen’s plaid — different vibe (less structure), but I am just daydreaming about wearing to apple pick, or a fall food festival, or an outdoor oyster fest.

03. This wool blend from Zara is the perfect olive green. Love the idea of pairing it with sharp pants for the office, or layering over anything and everything while traveling this fall.

04. Bring the trend into your daytime wardrobe with this cape-style sweater.

05. More of a ruana, but I love this Ralph Lauren. Layer over an oxford!

06. This belted cape style is so chic, and under $300. My Instagram friend Chrissy wore it at the end of this reel and I loved it on her. (Fellow petite!)

07. J. McLaughlin’s houndstooth poncho! Love. Imagine with a coated kick flare?

08. Love this cableknit cape situation, too. Would be great with the aforementioned coated kick flare, leather, cords…!

09. This COS beauty! So sophisticated.

P.S. Some thoughts on denim trends for this season.

P.P.S. On being truly happy for friends.

P.P.P.S. Can you give yourself a soft landing today?

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

We spent five years in Chicago, Illinois. Most of it was a winter that howled, then stilled, around us. It was hard to get warm; harder to suppress my complaints amidst the unfazed Midwesterners, who would walk through the cold as though ermine in tundra: light on their feet, adaptive. We were enduring winters of other kinds, though. We lost a pregnancy and a business there, and I felt at that time as though we were two wayfarers cutting a path against an open plainland. But there are always at least two stories, and usually hundreds, to any year. Because amidst the shortest and darkest parts of Illinois, we bought our first house, and laid on our backs on its roof making fragile promises to one another about our future, and celebrated New Year’s Eve with champagne and oysters and candlelight, and walked out of Prentice Women’s Hospital shielding our baby from the wind.

In that time in Chicago, we realized what it had meant when my father had said, on the night before our wedding, reading the words from The Exhortation Before Marriage:

“This union, then, is most serious, because it will bind you together for life in a relationship so close and so intimate, that it will profoundly influence your whole future.

That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its successes and its failures, its pleasures and its pains, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes.

…And so not knowing what is before you, you take each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death.

Truly, then, these words are most serious.”

When I recalled these confidences in Illinois, I thought back to our wedding day, and saw us as two young lovers crouched against a lee. We couldn’t have known what lay on the other side. We knew only how warm and happy it was to huddle together.

But when I remember these words now, I see that Chicago shaped us into the lee itself, our backs a shared shelter against the wind. Love can do that, you know. It can shapeshift into rock just as easily as it can into chamomile, and heat, and a soft touch, and the light left on in the window, and the pilgrim crocuses of spring. Which is to say, life will ask a lot of you, but love will continue to provide the provisional form you need to bear through.

Post-Scripts.

+In spite of its hardships, we loved Chicago. I wrote a love letter to it here.

+And New York is, still, a shock.

+200 runs through Central Park.

+An aubade to parenting. This was one of my first serious essays I ever published on my blog, and I wrote it before my daughter was born. I love to visit with it.

Shopping Break.

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

+Great new arrivals at J. Crew: a dreamy fluffy sweater, this v-neck toile print dress (can be belted!), and — my personal favorite — this fabulous pleated skirt. And as a turtleneck enthusiast, I can’t wait to get my hands on their reformatted tissue turtleneck.

+A great fall stripe tee on sale. Vibe for even less ($20) here.

+Frank & Eileen is offering $50 off orders with code APPLE. I am currently wearing this sweatsuit as I tap away at my computer! A splurge but I really get a lot of wear out of these sets. My other favorite one is this. Personally I think that set is the most flattering — I have it in navy and I like the open neck and ankle exposure.

+LOVE this sherpa gilet from Boden. This velvet wrap waistcoat also turned my head.

+Love the ladylike leather gloves from brand Handsome Stockholm — so fun in an unexpected color like chartreuse (as you know, a big accent color this season) or Hermes orange.

+I always break out my Gucci tights a time or two in the fall season. Fun to pair with an otherwise simple LBD. If you’re not into logos, these Marine Serres are fab.

+Only a few left of this fab sweater-pleated-skirt combo dress I styled last week. Still 25% off!

+Love the shape and color of this mini red bag ($60!). And as you know I am loving short sleeved knits right now — Mango has two great options: this $59 brown polo style and this $59 crewneck.

+Everlane just released a chic under-$100, 100% cotton sweater in great colors.

+We just resolved a huge home disorganization problem — we always had a huge pile of shoes at/beneath/around the x benches in our front hall. It was driving us crazy! Mr. Magpie cleared out all the long (dress!) coats from the hall closet and put them in our upstairs guest bedroom since we only access them a handful of times each year (a few dress/formal events during a short season!) and then was able to install two of these stackable shoe racks. Meanwhile, I moved all the kids out of season shoes to their respective closets. It has been SUCH an upgrade! Hall is clear and kids know to put their shoes on the shoe rack!

+Fun fall cocktail dress — and so is this one! Perfect for this transitional weather time.

+Target run! These stainless steel snack boxes, this adorable children’s desk, this fun wavy bowl (Halloween candy at the entryway?!), and these new hand towels I got for our powder bathroom.

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