Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

Ed. note: This post originally had a different title, which unintentionally replicated a quote from a social activist. I apologize for this oversight and am grateful to Magpies for bringing this to my attention. Updating with a new title and fresh copy.

Over the weekend, I picked up a memoir written by one of my father-in-law’s best friends, Terrell Tannen. In it, Mr. Tannen explores the challenges and successes of his career as a highly-paid Hollywood screenwriter and specifically examines fame in all its corrosive and rewarding qualities. I am less than a quarter of the way in, but I love the nimble way he writes and find his crisp insights applicable even to someone far afield of his line of work.

One of his lines leapt out at me. He’s talking about a brief stint during which he wrote obituaries for celebrated scientists in a major scientific periodical, and how, as a part of his reconnaissance, he’d interview peers and partners of the deceased. He explains that it was often difficult to get off the phone because many of the interviewees were passionate about the field, and aware that the interview might earn them billing in an important publication. He ends with: “But it was good trouble.”

Welcome inconveniences!

Landon and I often talk about this concept in different terms. When we are complaining about interruptions and challenges, sometimes we’ll take a step back and realize that our “inconvniences” are in fact signals of growth, or wellness. Just a few weeks ago, I saw someone on Instagram (I think it was Caroline Chambers) write: “You know you’ve made it when the Instagram trolls come for you.” Ha!

But there it is — welcome inconveniences.

And then there is the other flavor of this concept — the irrational things you do for love. One college summer early into our relationship, Landon was waiting tables at a pizza restaurant in Arlington, VA, and he would finish his shift at 11 or 11:30 at night and then drive 20 minutes to my parents’ home in N.W. DC. We would spend maybe thirty drowsy minutes together before he’d drive home. I remember him saying, “it’s no trouble at all,” but of course it was. To be so in love you’d drive forty punishing minutes at the end of a long, physical shift of work for a kiss and conversation? A welcome inconvenience.

A few other examples of “welcome inconveniences”:

Having to replace running shoes because the treads are low (or any fitness gear worn out by heavy use)

Staying up until two a.m. because you can’t put your book down

Selling out of something you’ve made

Losing track of time while creating or talking to a good friend

Discovering you’re the bottleneck and that you need to hire someone to handle something instead

Being told to “keep it down” because you’re laughing too loudly

Internet trolls (you know you’ve made it when…)

Paying a late fee or cancellation fee because you prioritized something important over something scheduled

Feedback (always a gift)

A messy kitchen counter (evidence of a full, thriving household)

Inventing problems just to spend time with someone you like

Needing to upgrade your plan from “basic” to “pro”

Running late because you waited for your child to do something on his own

Releasing version 2.0

Anything you love that takes up more space than the world wants to make for it

What else would you add to this list?

Post-Scripts.

+Bad days and blank pages.

+How to fill your cup in an under an hour.

+How do you make your mornings easier?

Shopping Break.

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

+I’m in love with Lake’s new spring arrivals. I can’t help it – I’m addicted – but the prints are so pretty and auspicious. I picked this pima set specifically because the pattern reminded me of one of my favorite “happy corners” of my home – seen below (I was wearing my new Doen skirt, look for less here, and Birks!). I also love the pattern on this robe (in the French blue color option) and might order it, too.

+Elemis gave us a 20% off code — use JEN20. Great way to save on our favorite nighttime ritual: this cleansing balm. I’m actually currently using the fig version of their cleansing balm and really enjoy it, too. When I was using it last night, I thought to myself: if I were to come up with a list of “little things that make life better,” this would be on it. It is truly such a relaxing, nourishing part of my unwind process at the end of the day.

+Love these under-$200 flats, which remind me a lot of styles from higher end brands like Le Monde Beryl.

+Sweetest $15 swimsuit for your little lady.

+Chic raffia and leather tote.

+Fun transition-to-spring jacket. Also love their gingham rain jacket!

+Don’t ask me why, but I love buying new pens and highlighters. Just got these.

+Love the look of this classic outdoor chaise (at a great price).

+Zimmermann magic.

+Speaking of, The Outnet often has a really great collection of discounted Zimmermann. See here (pair with a simple white tee and leather sandal), here, and here!

+Always a classic. I have several of these in different sizes and use them constantly for toting packages, kids gear, books, etc! Get them personalized with a funny nickname, slogan, or initials.

+This top reminds me of the Zara ecru macrame jacket I bought last season and have already pulled out again this year, but much better-quality. You can style this as a jacket over a tank, or as a top in its own right. Super elegant and versatile.

+Elegant spring heeled sandal.

+Favorite fancy candy.

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Outfit worn above can be found here.

As you know, I absolutely love that pointelle has been en vogue the past few seasons. Part cottage core, part nostalgia — I just love the soft, stretchy feel and the added texture/interest/daintiness. For most of this winter, I have been wearing pointelle as my base layer beneath knits. My most-worn piece is this Leset pointelle long-sleeve in white (I own in a few colors, but the white is my most-worn), but this J. Crew henley has been getting a lot of mileage. I slightly prefer the J. Crew henley to the Leset one (which I also own) because I like the slim/snug fit of the shirt at the wrists. The Leset lays a bit more boxy.

My Favorite Pointelle Finds.

ANN MASHBURN CARDIGAN // SCOOPNECK TEE // POINTELLE PANT // SOCKS // STRIPE CARDIGAN // MANGO BEIGE LONG SLEEVE

01. Leset pointelle long-sleeve. Only a few left, but several Magpies have written to say they prefer Marea’s version of this tee. Look for less here.

02. Henley from J. Crew or Leset.

03. Ann Mashburn darling neutral cardigan.

04. This inexpensive Mango long sleeve in beige and grey options. On sale now!

05. The scoop neck on this Madewell long sleeve is stunning — this is such a versatile top. Layer or wear on its own!

06. JCrew pointelle pants! Upgraded pick here.

07. The entire pointelle loungewear collection from Negative. — I own several pieces and especially love these lounge shorts.

08. JCrew cardigan in a few striped and solid color ways.

09. This Doen cardigan is everything! So dainty and feminine.

10. I love these Aritzia crew socks. Currently on sale for $10. Blush option here.

Styling Pointelle.

I love Doen’s inspo for layering this look — a full skirt like this (great look for less here!) with a pointelle cardigan (in white) and some unexpected suede clogs or penny loafers (look for less here) beneath a barn jacket (look for less here, here).

SKIRT // JACKET // CLOGS // LOAFERS // CARDIGAN

Another way to style:

TOP // SOCKS // PANTS // CLOGS // CARDIGAN

P.S. Latest color obsession.

P.P.S. Chic finds under $250.

P.P.P.S. On simple things and motherhood.

By: Jen Shoop

Wow — when I asked for new music recs, you seriously delivered. I’ve been listening to so many new artists since last Friday thanks to you. A few of my favorites: La Lom, Sarah Kinsley, Shakey Graves, and Sierra Ferrell.

I put together a new music “mix tape” playlist featuring almost all of the recs you submitted — you can listen on Apple here and Spotify here. Let me know which your favorites are! I want to mention that Sierra Ferrell came up a lot via comments and Instagram. Worth a listen!

I should caveat that the listening topography of this playlist is slightly jarring; we go from big ballads with main character energy vocalists to no-lyrics vibey guitar. But it’s fun for new music discovery, and of course you can star your favorites and eliminate the rest. Trimming the list to your own tastes is, in and of itself, a creative act — enjoy and feel free to share your own versions (with additions, alternative tracks from these artists, etc) in the comments.

Post-Scripts.

+If you’re looking for more playlists: music for a romantic night, our secret (orchestral/cinematic score-centric) work playlist, and songs for getting chores done at home (“dishwashing music”).

+If you’re on the eve of doing something new: you’re going to love it. (Encouragement from my amazing Dad.)

+A very divisive book among Magpies. (What did you think?)

Post-Scripts.

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

+Still obsessed with this under $175 straw tote (I believe released last season but brought back again this year) — looks like a high-end designer. Buy now to pair with jeans/trenches/etc (yes, you can wear straw in winter!) and ease into summer by pairing with your everyday shorts and skirts.

+Gap released a boat shoe, too! Big trend for spring. (Higher end picks: Jamie Haller, Miu Miu.) I know a lot of you bought this under-$150 pair.

+I love everything Westman Atelier does — currently have their new bronzing drops in my cart.

+Great alternative to a plain tee — love to layer with everything from leggings to jeans.

+Into the idea of a denim shirt to layer over everything / tuck into white jeans / wear as jacket over floral dress / etc.

+The Colby pant in new colors! We love these. I own in a red poplin and black velvet and they are truly amazing — comfortable and very chic.

+Best shoe storage solution for out of season footwear.

+This terry cover-up is in my cart for spring break.

+CHIC, versatile dress (comes in several colors). Pair with heels and big jewelry for a gala / evening event or dress down with flat leather sandals and a straw tote for everyday.

+Cute spring break through summer belt bag. Will go with everything and I like the texture – makes it feel a little more fashiony.

+Had been eyeing one of these Hunza G suits for my daughter — price is super steep BUT this lasts for years since it is OSFA / super stretchy. So really you’re probably getting the equivalent of 4-5 years of wear out of it. But my daughter loves a bikini so I ended up getting her this J. Crew for now. Still wondering about the Hunza…

+While I was at J. Crew, I also picked up this cute athletic dress for her — at time of writing this post, it’s an extra 50% off, meaning like $12!

+This top with high-waisted white jeans or a white skirt!

+A post-shower game changer for my daughter.

By: Jen Shoop

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

If you’ve been following my “What I Loved Wearing” series recently, I have been getting a ton of wear out of this practical and luxe Romy Pebble Leather Tote from Tory Burch. The soft gray is so elegant and unexpected, and the perfect transitional neutral; it plays beautifully with spring pastels but also works with a more wintry palette. I also find its forgiving size highly practical in my life, whether I’m running to a meeting or schlepping carpool snacks.

Below, some spring bag inspo via Pinterest —

And a round up of some great transitional bags that caught my eye below. You might recall I own the Mansur Gavriel Cabas in a dark atlantic green and she’s a perfect everyday bag — carries a lot and so luxe-looking. I’m personally eyeing this Dragon Diffusion or this cute Pam Munson style, but this under-$200 style from Madewell is a great option for less. (Quince has something similar for $149!)

TORY BURCH ROMY // PAM MUNSON BEACH AND TOWN TOTE // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS // AESTHER EKME SAGE GREEN CABAS // HEREU RAFFIA BAG // MADEWELL WOVEN TOTE // DRAGON DIFFUSION BAG

Some notes on styling…

ANISA ALPACA CARDIGAN // THE LIMITLESS PANT (A FABULOUS SPRING TROUSER AT A GREAT PRICE) // BETH SUEDE LOW TOP SNEAKERS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // CLASSIC MIDI LENGTH TRENCH COAT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // WORK IT SUNGLASSES // SMALL GIA STUDS // ROMY PEBBLE LEATHER BAG

COTTON POPLIN MIDI DRESS // FREYA CASHMERE CARDIGAN (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PRINTED SQUARE SILK SCARF // ROMY PEBBLE LEATHER BAG // CAT EYE SUNGLASSES (SALE ALERT) // SMALL CELIA HOOPS // LEATHER MARY JANE BALLERINA FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

LIBBY WOOL CASHMERE SWEATER // DAME HIGH RISE WIDE LEG // THE MARGAUX DEMI FLATS // 2000C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PUFFY DAGGER SILVER EARRINGS // MADWELL HANDWOVEN LEATHER BAG

GINGHAM MAXI // FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE CARDIGAN // MOA LEATHER BALLET FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // 1998C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // madewell HANDWOVEN LEATHER BAG

P.S. Recent Zara finds.

P.P.S. The low places that become ponds.

P.P.P.S. When people seek your advice, what are they usually asking about?

By: Jen Shoop

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

Today’s prompt can go a number of different ways — what crossed your mind first? The philosophical or the practical?

I’m mainly curious today about practical things that have “saved you” after reading an interesting comment from a Magpie on my “Beginning to Think about Disney” post. Kelly wrote: “And whatever they wear, I always take a picture of my kids before we go somewhere crowded in case we get separated.” (!!) This had never crossed my mind before, although I probably accidentally accomplish this anyway, as I take tons of pictures every day. But it made me think about the things you do “just in case” that end up saving the day. I know you Magpies will have great suggestions along these lines. What would you add?

A handful of things that we do:

01. Travel with photocopies of our passports, etc, and also scan them and save them in 1Password.

02. More generally, use 1Password — after the initial panic that you might lose the master password, it saves so much time and makes your online “stuff” much safer. I also love that you can share passwords with your spouse and access the passwords from anywhere.

03. Pack a light change of clothes in our carry-ons for longer trips.

04. Bring a full water bottle with me any time I get into the car. I’ve been doing this ever since I read about a terrible accident on 495 in which people were stranded in their cars for hours and hours. There have also been too many drives home in which someone is “dying of thirst!”

05. Related to the above: use the restroom before leaving home.

06. Take a lot of pictures. Of everything. Box arrives in the mail tattered or torn open? Take pictures before opening! Minor scratch appears on the car door? Take picture! (I also photograph things like license plates, receipts that might need to be called up, shipping labels, etc.)

07. Update new addresses in iPhone as soon as I receive notice! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a “we’re moving!” card and then neglect to update it in my phone and have a Christmas card returned. Or, worse, I show up at the wrong address — this happened two years ago while I was traveling out of state and I vowed to be better about this!

08. Keep children’s medicine cabinet fully stocked. I always have a back-up bottle of Tylenol, Benadryl, etc, and the minute I tap into the back-up, I re-order another bottle on the spot. The same goes for tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and wipes. (You’d think we’d be beyond our “wipes” years but we still find them handy for sticky fingers, travel/outings, etc, and ordering a new box as soon as the back up is done is the easiest way to stay on top of inventory.)

09. Keep emesis bags in the car. These pack up compactly/flat but the ring keeps the bag open and makes it easier for little kids to actually throw up in the bag. Gross but so helpful and has saved our car (and my brother’s car, relatively recently) on several occasions. Emory used to be prone to carsickness, so I would also keep big trashbags (for stowing soiled clothes) as well as a change of clothes and a towel just in case any time we were on the road.

10. Having a few important phone numbers committed to memory. You never know when you’ll lose your phone / be without service / run out of battery and need to call for help!

11. Have my children verbally rehearse their address and plan for what to do if there is a fire inside our house. Thankfully these haven’t been needed but I feel at peace knowing they know what to do if the horrible happens.

12. Label children’s clothes. I recently discovered I must also label their shoes when my daughter came home from a field trip with the wrong shoes on, and we couldn’t figure out who had swapped with her. (The shoes she wore home did not fit her — we had to buy a new pair immediately!)

What else would you add to this list?

Post-Scripts.

+An extension of this list: gifts for our future selves.

+A Magpie desiderata. (More philosophical rules of life.)

+What are your non-negotiables?

+Come, share your grooming routines with the group. (Loved the comments on this post.)

Shopping Break.

+Pretty eyelet shirtdress ($156!)

+Love the fit/style of these jeans. I was delighted to find that these also come in a petite inseam but are selling fast!

+Sam Edelman has some fun new sneakers in great spring colors — love these, and these reminded me of my VB Valentinas.

+Some fun Quince new arrivals: a Hill-House inspired “nap dress”; leather wrap sandals that remind me of my pair from Margaux; a sleek one-piece swimsuit.

+Fun gingham midi from Zara.

+New Varley arrivals! I love how they are redrawing the lines between athleisure and everyday womenswear. Love this sleek set and this sweatshirt-material cardigan.

+Just stocked up on some activities for upcoming road trips / travel / rainy days / sick days (I like to do this in batches so I always have something at the ready): road trip table topics (my daughter LOVES these; we have several sets); a book of drawing prompts; a neon hidden pictures book; Usborne activity books of different varieties (doodling, secret codes, stickers); fresh sketch pads and sets of markers; and “Weird but True” Disney facts. (The Disney mania is in full force in our home; my kids are absolutely obsessed with these guide books to Disney World for kids — a Magpie reader rec!)

+While we’re talking kids activities — mine keep coming back to / rediscovering this magnetic story maker set. They mainly use it to string together silly stories but I like the way it’s teaching in its own way the parts of speech and art of sentence and story construction.

+Love this chic vest top from Posse — perfect for pairing with the matching skirt or ecru jeans.

+A very chic suede sandal. I love brown suede — you can wear it any time of year! Transition to fall, transition to spring, even in summer!

+G Label just dropped a new collection and I’m swooning over this perfect shirtdress. They do elevated basics so well.

+The sweetest Mary Janes for a little lady for Easter, First Communion, etc! Emory decided these were too “frilly” for her taste but had to share. I thought these sneakers (also J. Crew Factory) were also adorable.

+J. Crew has some cute athletic wear for little ladies — love these shorts, this ribbed tank, these ribbed shorts.

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image above from my time in NYC! (More of my favorite photos of Central Park, all taken while running!, here.)

This week, I was deeply moved by this thoughtful reading of an iconic scene from Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation of Little Women* from the brand Bond and Grace. (If you’ve not heard of them before, Bond and Grace sells gorgeous “art books” that reimagine classic texts with spectacular illustrations as well as notes and other back matter from faculty at various institutions. I met the founder at a lunch last year, and though I barely know her, I was so bowled over by the Little Women post, I had to email her with praise!) Anyhow, in the analysis, they explore Jo March’s line: “I’m so sick of being told love is all a woman is good for.” They observe that Jo is expressing more than a feminist take on her gender identity. She is venting (their words): “The inarticulate rage of having so much more in you than what the world wants to see.”

Wow. I felt this especially in my younger years — when I was 20, I wrote about the vague “bigness” I felt inside that seemed to be constantly overlooked by the people around me. In fact, my 20s could best be described as a decade of shape-shifting and shrinking to fit whatever mold I felt I was meant to be in. But sometimes I have experienced this in more recent years, too. A few years ago, some women I barely knew mocked my blog in front of me. It stung, but I reached for my old self-coaching — “let people be wrong about you” — and I reckoned: “hurt people hurt people.” I strained to find grace instead of anger. I only got halfway there; if I am honest with you, I still avoid these women when I see them. I’ve done enough soul-searching on the incident that I recognize my primary emotion was embarrassment. They saw fluff — which, to be fair, some of my shopping posts are! — but I work hard at every aspect of this blog, whether curating fashion finds or letting my heart bleed out on paper about my own matrescence. I adhere to the philosophy of making everything the most important thing. More importantly, I absolutely love what I do. I am the happiest clam in the sea. It hurt me to have this tremendous joy trivialized.

Anyhow, there’s enough distance in the rear view mirror for me to have mainly let go of this, and mainly realize I still need to work on developing a thicker skin. Because, like, why do I care what those women think?! I know next to nothing about them, and vice versa. Why would I ask people for directions when they have no idea where I’m going?! And — frankly — people will always invent ways to trivialize what you do. (I am thinking of that incident I wrote about recently in which an interviewer had the gumption to tell Ann Patchett that she wasn’t a real writer because she didn’t use a descriptionary.) In short: you might as well do as you please. Be your own weird self! Write about shoes. Take up birding. Lean into some fringe sub-genre of fan fiction. Make your own starter. I like people who aren’t afraid of being “cringe.” I had a mentor back in my start-up days who made the point that “being a pessimist is always easier and cooler”; it’s harder, more vulnerable, to be the optimist. No need to “play it cool” — chase what makes you lean forward and the people that matter will stick around, and probably love you for it.

Magpies, you have so much more in you than the world wants to see! But it is not your job to show everyone what’s inside. Or, rather, it would be impossible to do this. So in the words of Mary Oliver —

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.

*****

*Little Women continues to echo throughout my life in the most interesting ways. I wrote a little bit about this multivalent text here. It continues to give me new sky.

**Also, the music from this movie is incredible. It’s made its way onto our secret work playlist.

*****

LOREN HOPE EARRINGS // HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // BEST OVERNIGHT MASK FOR SOFT SKIN // CHIC STEAK KNIVES // MY FAV EVERYDAY LIPSTICK (WITH LITERARY NAMES FOR EACH COLOR — I WEAR DORIAN AND BOVARY) // RONNI NICOLE ART // SWEET RAINBOOTS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE // A GORGEOUS RAINCOAT FOR YOU // FOR THE BEST SMELLING LAUNDRY (ZOMG – 15% OFF WITH JEN15) // MY LATEST PEN OBSESSION (ULTRA FINE POINT)

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Image above by Jessica Durrant, but from a few years ago. Should I go back to my blonder hair?!

+REALIZING YOU’VE CHANGED: This week, I leveled up from 3-lb free weights to 5-lb ones in my weighted exercise routine. Such a powerful moment — realizing you’ve changed, for the better, even in a tiny way.

What’s one way you’ve changed in 2025?

(A few of the micro-changes that Magpies shared with me on Instagram: flossing daily; replacing soda with Ollipop; not hitting the snooze button; taking cold showers; buying free weights; increasing treadmill pace at Orange Theory; being “OK” seeing any movement as a win while my fitness has taken a dip in pregnancy; cycling again for the first time in 1.5 years.)

+A MINI MILESTONE TOKEN: Per the above point, I really tried to celebrate small wins last week, or — as we’ve been referring to them lately, “micro-breaks,” as in — there are no big breaks; just a lot of mini ones. Typically, I celebrate little windfalls by inputting them into a running “note” on my phone titled: “Good things are always happening to me” (more on this here) but last week was a big week where I hit some goals I’ve been working toward for years. (Will share more on this when I can — eee!). So one night last week, I ordered Georgetown Cupcakes via UberEats just to make a little party of it. Coincidentally, the jewelry brand Dana Rebecca sent me the most gorgeous delicate necklace last week. When I took it out of the box, it occurred to me that it could be “my milestone token,” celebrating the “micro-break” from the week. I’ve been wearing it every day since, layered beneath my usual Dorsey stack (this, this) and every time I notice it or touch it, it feels like a secret little victory dance.

Anyhow, if you’re looking for a little piece of milestone jewelry to celebrate a micro-break of your own, here are a few picks: my Dana Rebecca; this delicate solitaire necklace ($149!); this Aurate (I gave this to my SIL over the summer as a gesture of connection while she lives abroad in Norway! — also comes in a vermeil version that is less $$); this pretty heart with something engraved on it (an important date, a slogan, etc!); a Jane Win coin (love the different motifs available); the Dorsey Clemence.

+BESTSELLERS: Speaking of…I wear my Dorsey Clemence necklace every single day, and was delighted to see many of you purchased one this week, too! She’s so easy to layer and dresses up/down like a dream.

01. DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // 02. TUCKERNUCK LACE CAFTAN DRESS // 03. ZIPLOC BAG DISPENSER // 04. VERONICA BEARD JEANS (SOO CHIC AND FLATTERING – RUN TTS BUT DENIM IS VERY STIFF FYI) // 05. NUXE BODE OIL // 06. J. CREW DRESS // 07. TARGET SANDALS // 08. J. CREW FACTORY JEANS (OBSESSED WITH THESE) // 09. TUCKERNUCK BLOUSE (IN MY CLOSET, TOO) // 10. LAKE RELAX PAJAMA SET (DIVINE) // 11. MILLE DRESS (15% OFF WITH JEN15) // 12. RALPH LAUREN NAVY WEAR-EVERYWHERE DRESS

+FAVORITE FAMILY GAMES: We are big into our game-playing era. Landon and I play Wingspan several times a week (!) — we now have all the expansion packs, too. (#thisis40). Aside from deriving deep enjoyment and relaxation from playing Wingspan, I love the way it connects me (playfully) with Mr. Magpie in a different way, and also models for our children the importance of making time and place for play. With the kids, our current family favorites (aside from the basics — Uno, Jenga, War, etc) are Taco vs. Burrito, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and Klask. Do you have Klask? Our kids LOVE this, and so do Landon and I. I just ordered this to add to the collection after reading some really strong reviews.

+WHAT IS ‘NORMAL’ IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD? Related to our game-playing habit, I came across a stirring quote this week: “One of the most significant things about a household is what is considered normal” (Justin Eardley). This really made me think about the routines, habits, rituals that are so normalized as to be “just part of the fabric” but are in fact part of what defines us as a family — after all, time is just a tool to express your values. How we spend our time reflects what we prioritize. Run a quick audit of a weekend in your home — how do you spend time together? What is normal? What is NOT normal?

Some of our family life mainstays include game-playing, coloring (there are markers and paper out 100% of the time during our weekends), reading, cooking, eating together, taking care of our home (chores, laundry, fixing things, sorting things, organizing), sports for the kids, music-playing (music is always on in our house, from dawn til dusk), puzzles, exercise (for Landon and I – the kids love to watch us on the bike and chirp out instructions), and a lot of “I love yous.” We’re determinedly liberal with verbal affection. Also, we almost always go to Mass on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Reviewing this list, I’d love to see more time outside as a family. I’m making the excuse that it’s been cold, snowy, windy — but of course, a la the Scandis, “there’s no such thing as bad weather.” (Just bad clothes for the weather.) I’m also aware that we don’t do a ton of socializing as a family. Landon and I frequently go out to dinner on Fri/Sat night by ourselves or with friends, but could do more with family friends. In the warm months, we do spend a lot of time with neighbors — impromptu chat, glass of wine, catch up while the kids play, etc. Maybe it’s seasonally inflected!

+EYEING + BUYING: On my radar this week! I did buy this Doen skirt after staring at it for way too long. (Looks for less here, here.) Can’t wait to style it — I have lots of looks in mind! I also ordered the small version of this K18 mask, which several Magpies have raved about, including in the comments of this recent post. (One wrote: “I adore K18. It has changed my hair.” I was sold!) Will test and report back!

Also a note that Minnow just launched the CUTEST spring collection and I want to order everything. Adore this little yellow bikini. All my picks here.

FAVORITE DAUGHTER BUTTER YELLOW DRESS // QUINCE SUNGLASSES // DANA REBECCA NECKLACE // J. CREW COTTON CARDIGAN // K18 MOLECULAR HAIR MASK // DOLCE VITA FLATS // DOEN SKIRT // LOEFFLER RANDALL LUKA VEST // MINNOW SWIMSUIT FOR GIRLS

By: Jen Shoop

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

STANDARD MOM/WORK DAY: ALICE WALK CASHMERE CARDIGAN (OMG IT’S THE DREAMIEST, NEVER TAKING IT OFF) // LESET POINTELLE HENLEY // MOTHER HALF PIPE JEANS // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // MARGAUX BALLET FLATS // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG

CONCERT (SORRY FOR THE LACK OF FULL BODY PICS HERE – I WAS IN A RUSH!): DOEN DELFINA DRESS // VERONICA BEARD DENIM VEST // BARBOUR JACKET // CELINE PHONE SLING // TECOVAS BOOTS

STANDARD WORK/MOM DAY: PISTOLA SWEATER // J. CREW FACTORY JEANS (RUN TTS – GREAT FIT AND STRETCH) // TORY BURCH ROMY BAG // CELINE SUNGLASSES (ON SALE IN IVORY) // ASHA HEART BRACELET // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // LOEFFLER RANDALL LEONIES

WHAT I WANTED TO WEAR TO VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER (BUT IT WAS COLD, WINDY, RAINY): DOEN DRESS // ISABEL MARANT BOOTS // ZARA KNIT CROPPED JACKET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE OR YOU CAN FIND MY EXACT ONE ON POSHMARK)

WHAT I ACTUALLY WORE TO VALENTINE’S DINNER (WHICH WAS PROBABLY MORE APPROPRIATE FOR THE OCCASION): LA LIGNE VELVET SABINE PANTS // G LABEL HENLEY (OLD, SIMILAR HERE OR HERE) // MIGNONNE GAVIGAN HEART EARRINGS // DORSEY COCKTAIL RING // MARCH HARE WATCH // MME MINK TEDDY JACKET (EXACT COLOR SOLD OUT, OTHERS HERE) // ASHA HEART BRACELET // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // DORSEY JAMES BRACELET

SATURDAY FAM LIFE (SPORTS, ERRANDS, ETC): ANN MASHBURN POINTELLE CARDIGAN // SOLD OUT NYC WHITE TEE // J. CREW FACTORY JEANS // PHILLIP LIM BAG // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // DORSEY JAMES BRACELET // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS

ZOOM MEETING: SLVRLKE JEANS // J. CREW FACTORY DENIM VEST // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE

By: Jen Shoop

A friend of mine gave us tickets to see country singer Kelsea Ballerini at Capital One arena last weekend (seen above). I knew very little about her or her music — a handful of her songs rang a bell — but Landon and I almost always say “yes” to live music opportunities when we can. To me, concert-going is one big “ice cream moment” — who can be ill-tempered at a concert?! It’s a time for unbridled joy. You are there solely for pleasure! And isn’t there something extra thrilling about the live aspect of it? Anything can happen!

(I will say that Landon was one of about four men in all of Capital One stadium last weekend – ha. Definitely tapped into a Galentines spirit — but we had a great time nonetheless. Lan is used to being surrounded by spirited women anyway; I’m one of four daughters and Emory is our passionate leading lady.)

When we were talking about the concert with some friends beforehand, they were astounded I didn’t know more about Ballerini. My friend’s husband said: “You consider yourself a country music fan?!” Have I been living under a rock? I love country, and yet I wasn’t familiar with her at all. This made me wonder — what other musical acts am I somehow cloistered from knowing?

Would you share some of your favorite musicians and bands that you have a sneaking suspicion are not widely known, but should be?

I’ll start, although I’m now second-guessing myself on the heels of my Ballerini comeuppance — are these groups actually considered “mainstream”? I have a sense that some of these acts will be new to at least some of you because I’ve mentioned them to friends who’d never heard of them, though. Here goes:

+Aaron Frazer — I listen to his “Into the Blue” album probably 5-10x a week, start to finish, with only one skip (“Perfect Strangers”). I wrote a huge chunk of my fictional manuscript listening to this, too. “I Don’t Wanna Stay” gave shape to a pivotal scene in it.

+Clairo — Her “Charm” album is flawless. This is one of our go-to “weekend morning” albums — easy-listening, great voice. Norah Jones but Gen Z vibes. I learned about her from my teenage neighbor. (She just put out a funky music video featuring Weird Al Yankovic for one of the tracks on this album that’s worth a watch.)

+Teskey Brothers — Great neo-soul; the lead singer has an Otis Redding vibe I love.

+Hermanos Gutierrez — Soothing, no-lyrics guitar music with a driving beat. Great for listening to while working on a project/cooking/focusing on something else.

+Khruangbin — More cool, no-lyrics music for hanging out. We have been listening to this while playing Wingspan and enjoying a happy hour glass of wine.

+St. Paul and the Broken Bones — Lead singer has the most epic Gospel voice, which he pairs with more modern lyrics. Love the big brass sound.

+Nathaniel Rateliff — His album “Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats” takes me right back to our time in Chicago. We listened to this album endlessly! Like St. Paul, major brass, and Rateliff’s huge, raspy voice is stirring!

I’m going to add to this list a few artists we are obsessed with that I think you’re more likely to know but I recently asked a friend if she knew who Laufey was, and she had no idea! So just in case…

+Laufey — OMG. Bringing back the crooning songstress of the 40s and 50s but with modern lyrics. I love, love her album “Bewitched.” I always have a few albums downloaded to my phone when I travel — I like to have them as my “comfort blanket” while on plane / waiting / etc. This one has made the cut on my last two trips!

+Sturgill Simpson — In our opinion, the best contemporary country artist. His lyrics, his vocal stylings! We saw him at The Anthem a few weeks ago and sounded incredible.

+Tyler Childers — Another great country music artist — his lyrics are also gutting to me in different ways. We’re seeing him in a few weeks!

+L’Imperatrice — I think this group is really well known but they were new to me as of a few years ago, when my brother-in-law introduced me to them. Fun, vibey European party music. (Start with “Vanilla Fraise.”)

OK, your turn! What should I be listening to?

Post-Scripts.

+Where do you find meaningful stuff? (This is my follow-on question – how do you find good new music? I’m guessing part of the answer is in the comments section on this post.)

+Random thoughts on John Mayer. (Turns out, we Magpies love him?)

+What is your go-to “house music”?

Shopping Break.

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

+One of my most-asked questions on Instagram is — where is your heart necklace from? Mine is Dorsey and I’ve been hunting for a look for less for months because I know it’s $$. I finally found a very similar style for under $100 here.

+Two GREAT, under $120, finds this week: this $98 cardigan and this $119 look-for-less for Doen’s Sebastiane skirt. (Compare with the Doen version here. I did just order the Doen! Can’t wait to style.)

+Kule is running 15% off their new spring collection with code SPRING15. Love their grass green pieces, like this top with the matching shorts paired with some great sandals for spring break.

+Last week, Lan and I went on a date to use a sauna and “float” — have you heard of float therapy? You’re in a sensory deprivation chamber, floating in the pitch black in a salt water tank. I had a really hard time relaxing in there for the first 20 minutes but the last 40 were trippy in a good way. I don’t think I’ll do it again, though. However, I LOVE the sauna. I’m trying to convince Landon we need to build one in our backyard. In the meantime, I’m super intrigued by these sauna blankets from Higher Dose. Has anyone tried?! It’s so expensive but I feel like I’d use it all the time. Or is part of the magic of sauna life actually sitting in the wooden chamber? I love it so much.

+A really chic ladylike coatigan in great colors for $138.

+Marysia vibes for less with this bikini (top, bottom). (Compare with Marysia here.)

+BTW, if you’ve never shopped at Shopbop before – they are currently running a new customer promo! 20% off with SHOPMY20. All my Shopbop picks here. Lots of great spring break finds, like this funky shirtdress from Alemais, this under-$200 striped sundress, this gorgeous wrap skirt, these Prada-inspired sunnies (under $80). Although the Prada sunglasses themselves are on sale at Nordstrom for a good price!

+Throw these fun $75 jelly sandals into your suitcase, too! I got the taupe pair. I love jellies! I actually got a ton of wear out of these jelly ballet flats last summer. Surprisingly comfortable — they don’t have that jagged/hard plastic. Every single time I wore them, I got tons of compliments!

+The Lake sale is ongoing! These Relax sets have been the bestseller among Magpies this week.

+Gorgeous $95 accent table/stand. This is in my cart because my desk is so small and I’m often throwing a stack of notebooks and notepads on the floor to make room. I think if I had this to place my notebooks on right next to me, things might be better!

+Love this new solid-colored cardi from La Ligne. Vibe for less (more of a shrunken style) here!

+I just ran out of my RMS priming/blurring serum I typically blend with my Westman Atelier foundation and realized I still had some of this stuff from Elemis, which is super similar, and you can currently get it for 20% off with code JEN20, making it slightly less expensive than the RMS. I really love this process of blending a glowy primer with the foundation for a more dewy look.

+Still digesting and so grateful for all your tips and suggestions on Disney here! I just ordered these two disposable cameras for my kids, per a reader rec 🙂

By: Jen Shoop

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

Currently in my everyday makeup lineup —

01. I start with Sarah Creal Face Flex concealer (color 1). It is SO good. I still think Cle de Peau is the GOAT but I really like this for my undereyes — it’s brightening, easy to blend, has a nice fluid formula, and most importantly does not settle into fine lines. This brand was built by 64 year old entrepreneur who has been in the beauty business for decades; she realized none of the products she was using were really meeting the needs for her aging skin and launched this brand specifically for more mature women. I’m a huge fan of the concealer and also this magical brush to apply it with.

02. RMS Super Natural Radiance Serum (color: Light Aura), which I dot onto cheekbones, chin, and forehead, and then blend with a few swipes of Westman Atelier foundation stick (Atelier 0) using this Merit brush. The result is incredible! It’s so beautifully blended, luminous, etc. I learned about this technique from Emese!

03. Gucci bronzer — an absolute 10/10 bronzer. So natural. I use color two and swipe across cheeks, top of forehead, and nose.

04. Anastasia Brow Pencil. I alternate between this and the BDB version — they’re almost indistinguishable to me, but the latter is less expensive. My right brow is thinner in certain places than my left, and I use this to even out the shapes between the two. (An eyebrow aesthetician once said: “brows are sisters, not twins” — so true.). Then I finish with a brow gel/tint. I’m currently using this one from Refy. If you really need to tame your brows, this is like a super-hold product. It really keeps things exactly where you ask them to be. I might slightly prefer the Kosas Airbrow because it fills, shades, and slicks things into place but isn’t quite as freeze-frame.

05. Goop Colorblur. I alternate between a lot of cream blushes — I have a few colors from Merit, a few colors from R.E.M., one from Rhode (I love the names of her colors), and a few colors from Goop. I love them all and it just depends on what color story I’m after. Right now have been wearing this Goop one in color Afterglow for a deep, flushed winter pink.

06. Saie highlighter. I dab a tiny bit onto my cheeks, browbone, tip of my nose, and cupid’s bow.

07. For lips, you might notice my Charlotte Tilbury lip cheat lip liner (color: Pillowtalk) is basically a stub at this point — it is SO GOOD and looks so natural. I use it daily, then apply my favorite everyday lipstick (Queen Musia in either Dorian or Bovary colors) and finish with Merit lip oil.

08. If I have time/patience, I’ll use this Makeup by Mario palette to do my eyes (I have a few TikTok strategies I implement). Usually, I don’t and just swipe on some of this lid tint in the color taupe using my finger — or just swipe a little concealer onto the lid to even things out.

09. No matter if I’ve applied eyeshadow or not, I do a tiny thin line of this incredible $10 eyeliner (the only thing I have on Amazon auto-delivery — I go through one liner every three months almost on the dot) and finish with a lot of mascara. My longtime favorite mascara is Tower28 but I have been testing this peptide version from new-to-me label Soshe and am really impressed with it, too. I still think Tower28 gets a slight edge here specifically because lashes still feel flexible/not frozen in place, but the Soshe gives great length and separation.

What makeup are you loving these days?

*Makeup bag seen above is from one of the Julia Amory sets (15% off with JEN-15)! My print is sold out but I really love these and am contemplating buying a second set to have. They are so thoughtfully designed — interiors are lined and pocketed, and the three shapes are the perfect sizes. When they get dirty, I just toss into the laundry and then dry inside out.

P.S. Gifts for our future selves.

P.P.S. 11 small ways to slow down.

P.P.P.S. Recent Zara finds.

By: Jen Shoop

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

I know my Magpies are strategic women — many of you are already mapping out what to wear for Easter, Derby, Mother’s Day, spring weddings, and beyond! Sharing a few of my favorite dresses for the season ahead. A few quick notes:

+I couldn’t help myself — I broke out the gorgeous Mille dress (15% off with JEN15) above over the weekend even though I couldn’t wear it out of the house (it was like 30 degrees and windy). It is SO comfortable and the color/motif are gorgeous. This brand runs big, FYI. And it was just a happy coincidence that I was drinking a Grapeade Spindrift when I snapped these — my latest obsession. Have you tried it?! It tastes like concord grape! Delicious!

+This $129 butter yellow dress is SUCH a great wedding guest statement.

+I am really drawn to the floral scoopneck styles from high-end designers Emporio Sireneuse, Emilia Wickstead, and Agua Bendita. You can get the look for less with this under $100 Quince, this Staud (on sale for $149), and this Tularosa. Sharing more spring dress and event wear finds under $200 at the bottom of this post!

Spring Dresses for Easter.

ZIMMERMANN WYLIE DRESS // PARIS 64 BAG // EMPORIO SIRENEUSE DRESS // LE MONDE BERYL FLATS // DOEN WHITE DRESS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // TUCKERNUCK WHITE LACE CAFTAN // PAM MUNSON DAISY CLUTCH // MANGO DRESS ($130!) // LOREN HOPE BEADED NECKLACE

Spring Wedding Guest Dresses.

STAUD DRESS // EVERLANE SLINGBACK FLATS // COCO SHOP DRESS // AGUA BENDITA DRESS // EMILIA WICKSTEAD LONG SLEEVED DRESS // LIZZIE FORTUNATO FLOWER EARRINGS // HOUSE OF DAGAMAR PLEATED DRESS // ZARA PEARL HEELS // VERONICA BEARD CLUTCH // RIXO SLIP DRESS // EMILIA WICKSTEAD FLORAL SCOOPNECK DRESS

Spring Dresses for the Derby, Mother’s Day, Etc.

CIAO LUCIA FIORELLA DRESS // LOREN HOPE HEART EARRINGS // AGUA BENDITA DRESS // HILL HOUSE HOME MARGOT DRESS // CULT GAIA ELSA CLUTCH // LARROUDE WOVEN MULES // FRP COLLECTION CROCHET BAG // REBECCA DE RAVENEL EARRINGS // ANTHROPOLOGIE SOMERSET DRESS // EVERLANE SATIN MARY JANES // TUCKERNUCK RAFFIA EARRINGS // ZIMMERMANN ACACIA DRESS

Spring Dresses and Event Wear Finds Under $200.

TULAROSA FLORAL DRESS // MANGO ASYMMETRICAL DRESS // STAUD WELLS DRESS // TUCKERNUCK RAFFIA EARRINGS // ZARA PEARL MULES // MANGO DRESS // AMAZON YELLOW WOVEN CLUTCH // ANTHROPOLOGIE SOMERSET DRESS // EVERLANE SATIN MARY JANES // REBECCA DE RAVENEL EARRINGS // AMAZON RAFFIA CIRCLE BAG

P.S. It’s just that — we have so little time with the ones we love.

P.P.S. It’s still their day.

P.P.P.S. That time my husband handed me an envelope containing the universe.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Spring is unpredictable – sunshine one morning and a deep windy chill the next. We’re not even in spring, but this past weekend, we had a 60 degree afternoon chased by 40 mph winds followed by a 21 degree morning. Even now, layering is coming in handy. Today, sharing some thoughts (and discoveries) in the transitional layer category. First up — feeling majorly inspired by trench coat layering. I found all of these photos on Pinterest, which is my favorite place to ferret out and curate street style inspo.

This leather trench from Aritizia turned my head. I’m not much of a leather jacket lady in general, but this looked so unexpected and luxe! I cannot believe it’s under $300. If the leather is too much, try this Mango classic instead, which I already own and adore. Great price for an iconic look.