By: Jen Shoop

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

On Christmas Eve, we sat behind a family with two young children, probably aged 4 and 2, and I watched as the mother wrangled them throughout the service, taking the younger one to the vestibule every so often when energies were spiking, transitioning from standing to rocking to sitting to fetching toys and snacks in an endless rotation of movement, whispering corrections and smoothing down dresses and strong-arming tiny tantrum-ing bodies. I of course saw myself in her — but an earlier version of myself that I can’t believe I’ve already shed. When did that metamorphosis complete? I looked over at my son, now 4.5, as he sprawled in tempered boredom across my husband’s lap, and two thoughts jetted through my mind: “How far we’ve come!” and “I can’t believe those years are gone.” Later, I sniffled to Mr. Magpie: “That might have been the last Christmas Eve Mass where we have a child young enough to want to sit on our laps.” He accepted this before saying, gently, “And isn’t that also great?”

As much as I tell myself “Every phase is a good phase” and “We carry all the ages of our children inside us,” I find the transitions excruciating. Each new milestone is shadowed by loss — the tiny pigtails, the rubber-band wrists, the funny turns of phrase. Is this a personality idiosyncrasy or a condition of motherhood? I reflected on this later in more detail. If I am honest with myself, I don’t really want to be that young mom, because I know what it feels like on the inside: mildly stressful and flustering, a string of waiting games — how long until the wheels fall off? Have I reserved enough snacks for the next thirty minutes? OK, we probably have about 10 minutes left, can we make it? The mental math alone is draining. Church feels so much easier these days, from a parenting standpoint: just a part of the week, no different from getting kids out the door to school or sitting them down to dinner. I should celebrate and wonder at this more routinely, because it used to feel impossible. I did not start taking Hill with me until he was probably two? And I’d pep talk my way into it, and pat myself on the back after. Small victories.

But I miss the shapes of their tiny bodies pressed against me. The way they’d tuck their faces into my neck, and cling to my shirt. I can still feel my son on my hip, against my chest. I called him my koala because he barely left my skin for the first year of his life.

And yet — they still need me, just in new and less physical ways. My daughter and I are reading the Ramona books together and I find our conversations at the chapter breaks fascinating. Her observations are windows into her unfolding spirit. She looks to me for reaction, reassurance, as they tumble out. She asks for my input on her outfits, and delivers jokes with thoughtful timing, waiting excitedly for a laugh or smirk. “Really?” she deadpans when I do something embarrassing, like dance or kiss my husband in her presence. So many of these interactions are methods of shaping herself, defining herself, against the solidity of her mother.

I’m glad that I saw that mother in the vigil pew in front of me, because I caught a glimpse of myself before I’d fully shed this parenting exoskeleton, and was able to consciously soak up my son, and his tiny hand in mine as we walked up the nave for Communion, and his blond hair against my cheek in the pew afterward.

Now I must remind myself, again: Omnia mutantur, nihil interit.

(Everything changes; nothing is lost.)

Onward…!

A couple of snaps from this festive week…

Christmas Day at my in-laws. My MIL always has the most fun decorations up. She found the 3D Fa La La garland at Joann’s and it’s currently 70% off! Also like this white felt one for a Scandi mantel.

I was wearing a tartan nap dress from a past season and these fabulous red ballet flats from Margaux.

My MIL has the most epic collection of Nutcrackers. I love the skiing one! (Similar here.) I am keeping my eyes peeled for some to go on sale in the Christmas aftermath — specifically monitoring the Alexander Taron ones at Saks, but have this one from Cailini Coastal (on sale!) in my cart. My mother also has a set of fun Nutcrackers (seen below). So charming! (BTW, mini loves the sweatshirt dress seen below, and it’s on sale, as are some cute sweatpants for boys. And my son’s bear sweater is Ralph, of course!)

A “smidgie” this year: mini refused to wear one of the tartan dresses I had lined up for Christmas, so we just had her wear the same blue plaid dress two days in a row. We were seeing different families and — who cared anyway?! She looked great, and she was happy in it (she picked it out; blue is her favorite color).

Note also that we’ve given up on frilly socks and knee socks — she won’t wear them! She only likes these white tube socks. Eh well! She does like this green dress coat, which looks adorable on her — one of my favorite items she has in her closet. (My son is wearing this tartan shirt — on sale now, and a great time to buy for next holiday season!)

Christmas morning magic. I don’t think mini has taken off her Mahomes jersey for more than a few hours since she found it under the tree. They both love their Petite Plume pajamas, which brings me so much joy. They are the FIRST ones they pick out of their drawers when clean. If you’ve never purchased your children these jammies, they are not starchy — a very soft, brushed fabric — and they are currently on sale, plus extra 20% off with code BOXING20.

Above, mini is holding her Chiefs jersey for her American Girl doll! She has been so into her American Girl doll lately. Santa gave her the AG desk set she’d asked for, and she is obsessed with it. I’d been skeptical (what would she do with a desk?) but the accessories are adorable, and she loves to set everything up, and have her doll do homework, etc.

Mr. Magpie played a few rounds of Azul over the Christmas holiday and gifted a set to our smart eight-year-old godson. He’s a strategic thinker and loves to play chess — it was fun to introduce him to this game on Christmas Eve with a quick round at my mom’s house. I also learned that my brother gifted this to his family, only his version is in Norwegian (!). He learned while visiting us this past summer. I’m telling you, it’s a fabulous game! On the game front: Mr. Magpie gave me Codenames for Christmas, which I’m already really into. You can play with two players (we played multiple rounds on Christmas night just the two of us), but I anticipate it will be even more fun with more players. We’re bringing it with us on an upcoming ski trip with another family. We also gave the children Klask, which we discovered at Landon’s aunt’s house over the summer. It’s really fun. Sort of like a mini foos ball situation? The games are really quick, which I like. You can complete a round in a few minutes.

This week’s “empty”: this absolutely fantastic body butter. It is so hydrating, with the best texture! I wrote about all my favorite cold weather products earlier this week, but this deserves special mention. I layer it over my lineup of Hanni products (splash salve and water balm — 15% off with code JEN15) and have the softest, silkiest, most hydrated skin! (Robe in the background is Hill House — apparently this “hotel robe” was the most-searched-for item on their site this year! It is excellent when you want to lounge after a shower. Super fluffy and soft. For getting ready and especially blow-drying my hair, though, I like Weezie’s short robe so I don’t overheat. The short sleeves is also handy for washing face so you aren’t dragging the cuffs through the water!)

Finally, a few shopping finds on my mind this week…

+A girlfriend of mine gave us chocolate-covered peanuts for Christmas and they are addictive. The perfect post-meal treat — just a handful is enough.

+Currently hunting the La Coqueta sale. I love this corduroy dress, these sweaters, this quilted jacket.

+These Agolde jeans. I’m between sizes in this brand but might size down to try these.

+The mom I sat behind in Mass was wearing this dress in bright cherry red. SO cute. This brand’s sale section is worth a gander, BTW! Obviously I have a thing for tartan and how spectacular is this?!

+These beautiful cashmere sweaters are on sale at Alex Mill. Similar on sale for even less at Everlane. (And while you’re at Everlane, snag one of these supima cotton turtlenecks on sale for $35.)

+These letter charms are so chic. While we’re talking jewelry, love these “sister” pendant necklaces. (I own and love the “joy” one!)

+I just bought a second tube of this Ilia liquid eye powder tint. I loveeee the cork one — a perfect everyday neutral. I am also thinking of trying their concealer. I’ve been using and liking a tube of this Lancome concealer I had forgotten about, but it’s almost kicked.

+Tempted by this Loretta Caponi dress, on super sale.

P.S. The “or whats?”

P.P.S. And “the or maybes.”

P.P.P.S. Lots of good shopping here.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Image via.

My Latest Snags.

In anticipation of a warm weather getaway in a few weeks, I treated myself to one of these Thierry Colson dresses (70% off!) and will probably have purchased this Marni bag by the time this post goes live, too.

This Week’s Bestsellers.

01. ONIA DRESS // 02. DISCO BALL STRAWS // 03. J. CREW STRIPE SWEATER // 04. J. CREW SOLID SWEATER // 05. LAKE RELAX SET // 06. TARGET SHEETS (INCREDIBLE QUALITY FOR THE PRICE) // 07. KINGMAS FOUNDATION BRUSH // 08. MANGO SWEATER // 09. REISS VELVET DRESS // 10. HEADBAND SET // 11. TARGET HALF ZIP // 12. OXO STRAWBERRY HULLER // 13. J. CREW STRIPE HENLEY // 14. LULULEMON BELT BAG // 15. DOEN DRESS // 16. NORDSTROM SLINGBACKS

Weekend Musing.

There was a lovely little Instagram post by Salt and Whistle earlier this week, part of which read:

“Leave the dishes in the sink and sit around the table. Take the picture even though your hair is a mess…Listen to them tell you the story you’ve heard, again…It’s all fleeting. Don’t miss it.”

The musing offered permutations of many of our frequently-visited themes here on Magpie: living life, not visiting it; displacing the trivial (“the smidgies!”) to make space for the stuff that matters; letting things sit for a minute; leaning into the imperfect (“Forget your perfect offering…“!).

I loved the line: “Listen to them tell you the story you’ve heard, again.” How many of us listened to a story we’d heard dozens of times from a loved one over the holidays? That listening, with interest and all the right “no way!” and “oh my gosh!” commentary, is an act of love and patience. A deference to the joy of someone else.

Another random, often unremarked gesture of love: when someone tells me, “I was just thinking of you.” Or, even better, “Just texting to see how you’re doing.”

Yes, there are many widths of love.

Shopping Break.

+Stocked up on this hand soap for our kitchen sinks. In the photo at the top of this post (via), you can see a little scrub brush and I wanted to mention that I bought Mr. Magpie one of these beautiful scrubbers as a stocking stuffer. It actually sparks joy sitting out on the counter top! The “dish” is magnetic so it keeps the brush upright and in place.

+Love the look of Doen’s pointelle pieces. At the other end of the price spectrum: also love these cozy plush waffle henleys from Old Navy.

+I bought Mr. Magpie some of these dip dishes as a Christmas gift. Perfect for soy sauce / dipping sauce with sushi, dumplings, etc!

+These sports bras are in my cart in a few colors.

+More chic fitness finds here, but also love this bubblegum pink top and bottom combo.

+Have heard so many good things about this miracle balm from Jones Road.

+Love the wash and fit of these jeans. I need a new pair – I’m bored of all of my go-tos!

+Fun striped dress to throw on over a swimsuit on vacation / this summer.

+Now is the time to stock up on holiday decor for next year. These nutcracker ornaments are 50% off!

+Birthday jammies for your little love.

By: Jen Shoop

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

J. CREW TARTAN TROUSERS (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // J. CREW FEATHER BLOUSE (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // DORSEY EARRINGS

doen blouse

DOEN BLOUSE* // GOOP VELVET SKIRT // DORSEY EARRINGS // JANE WIN NECKLACE // GINA OCLEPPO VELVET HEELS

*Lots of great Doen sale finds here. I wore the dress version of this top a ton last summer and every time I posted, so many of you wanted it! I have this and this in my cart…

ALICE WALK HALF-ZIP // ALICE WALK TEE // GAP JEANS // UGG SLIPPERS

*BTW, I gifted my MIL one of these sweatshirts for Christmas. They are the BEST lowkey upgrade to your athleisure line up.

HILL HOUSE TARTAN DRESS (PAST SEASON, SIMILAR HERE) // MARGAUX FLATS

NINA BLANC DRESS (CURRENT SEASON TARTAN HERE)

ALICE WALK SWEATER // DORSEY EARRINGS (SIMILAR HERE)

P.S. Shop my closet here.

P.P.S. My favorite Amazon finds from 2023.

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

By: Jen Shoop

“From time to time, I go looking for your photograph online // some county judge in Ohio is all I ever find”

-John Mayer

*****

I saw specters from decades past this holiday season: old schoolmates a few grades ahead of me in the pews at the Christmas Vigil; cards from distant family friends on my kitchen counter. I waved hello to children of children I barely know. I found myself tapping out names in the query bar, on a half-curious, half-nosy lark. “What ever happened to…?” we would ask, and we’d sift the Internet for fossils from our teens. Proof of former life — of former lives. Wild, the way the Internet gives us x-ray vision. I can see what a college acquaintance looks like right now, and how many children she has, and how happy she is in rural Tennessee, and how much she loves her front porch with the icicles dripping down onto the wooden floorboards. Spirited on by these lookie-loos, I searched for an old friend-of-a-friend, someone I palled around with one summer in early college, but found no listings for him. In his lieu: multiple recent-year obituaries for his brother. I had not known the brother, but I had known how loved he was by virtue of miscellaneous digital age proxies: how frequently the brother had appeared in my friend’s Facebook feed, back when we’d exchanged comments and messages; how often they had traveled together, back when I kept loose tabs on all of the adventures of my network of friends. I recognized his face, though we’d never crossed physical paths, and now I stared at the grainy picture in his necrologue, and the small blurb about a donation my friend had made in his name.

I clipped Tilly into her lead and walked with the death of that unknown man in this Bethesda morning. I found myself reading my erstwhile friend’s self-erasure from the Internet a probable imprint of his grief — and I felt for a moment cloistered in the narrowness of my own garish comforts. I saw at once the invisible, wide arc of broken hearts that runs like trackwork beneath our search histories, and I wondered what would happen if I reached out to let that old friend know I was sorry for his loss, and then I thought how weird that would be, revealing too-baldly the universal-but-cloaked desire to peer over the fence into the neighbor’s yard.

Instead, I turned Tilly homeward, re-depositing myself in the synchronicity of my own real life, the one without the photographs and the cheeky captions, the one with two children who fight and tear at each other and then kiss and make up, and the breakfast dishes scattered across the kitchen counter, and the velvet dress hanging, unworn, in the closet, and the wet paw prints on the carpet, and I feel —

How to put a word to it?

The opposite, or the tender version of, schadenfreude?

A wistful kind of happiness at all I have, a pensive pleasure in its imperfections?

Post-Scripts.

+Moondance.

+”When did you hang the moon?”

+Nocturnes.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

Shopping Break.

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

+Madewell is offering 30% off sitewide. I LOVE this denim silhouette and own multiple pairs. Go down one size. Also included: a great pair of Loewe-esque sneakers for, like, $25 (!) and a cozy shearling half-zip.

+Someone wore this Sleeper set to a holiday party I attended a few days ago and LOOKED AMAZING IN IT. At 60% off, it’s in my cart as an NYE option. Would also be perfect for next year’s Kacey Musgraves Christmas show viewing.

+OMG how great is this Bottega-inspired crossbody?!

+How FUN is this portable mini-photo printer?!

+Some fun last-minute NYE gear (buying for my kids): these straws and these headbands.

+It is really hard to buy off-season but Matches’ discounts on summer wear are so insane right now. I’ve wanted a Thierry Colson Venetia dress forever and they’re now 70% off in a gorgeous blue pattern and punchy orange pattern (both of which are fairly sheer and would require a liner / slip) or 50% off in a more opaque strawberry print. Also: $60 Ancient Greek sandals and Loretta Caponi blouses for under $150. As of time of writing, you can get an extra 15% off these items (if total spend is over $250).

+My favorite gifts I received on Christmas? This German candle pyramid (truly SO special) and a new Kindle (bigger screen, better memory, EEEEK!), both from Mr. Magpie.

+The Great makes such FUN outerwear.

+This knitted hoodie for kids is adorable. Also added a few pairs of these pull-on pants to my cart for my son.

+Chic mid layer if you’re hitting the slopes.

+Currently reading this wildly popular fantasy. Two well-read girlfriends listed it as a top three book from 2023!

+Hotel Lobby just marked down its holiday candles! You can absolutely burn these into January!

+Have it on good authority that this is the absolute best food coloring. Buying some for all future baking / craft projects!

+I LOVE gem-hunting on The Real Real. This tartan dress is in my cart for next year!

By: Jen Shoop

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

Tis the season for chapped lips and dry skin! A few favorite items, and some new discoveries, to combat the cold weather demons:

+For dry skin (body): I have been using a combination of Hanni splash salve in-shower (truly locks in moisture like none another — 15% off with code JEN15) and Goop’s body butter, which I have already gone through a full tub of this season. It has the best consistency and hydrates skin deeply. It is scentless, too — I actually wish it came in a beautiful rose scent, but know many prefer scent-free these days. I also like to use Olio E Osso oil on shoulders / arms when they are bare, and I recently gifted a girlfriend this Oak Essentials oil after reading rave reviews about it (and knowing how much she loves this product category — she wrote me afterward that “Body oils are my love language”!). Oak Essentials is Jenni Kayne’s beauty label!

+For lips: Sara Happ lip scrub. I find that it doesn’t matter how much balm I apply to my lips — exfoliating regularly is the only way to prevent chapping/peeling. I love this product. One pot will last a long time! I also slather on Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream every morning and night. I’ve heard from many reputable sources, though, that Aquaphor is the best thing you can put on dry lips! I just ordered a tube for ski trip!

+For nails / cuticles: OPI Nail Pen. I love this and keep it in the top drawer of my bedside table to slick on before going to bed.

+For feet/heels: AmLactin foot cream. This stuff is pure magic. I slather on at night with socks and feet stay hydrated through the worst of winter! I found this via Grace, who also raves about these “foot peels” I’ve been too chicken / grossed out to try, but a definite option if you’re battling severe cracked heels.

+For dry hair: I just ordered Crown Affair’s hair renewal mask, which so many people have raved about. Will report back after testing! I will say that Davines’ Oi Conditioner is also incredibly hydrating, and I get a lot of regular mileage out of it.

+For dry skin (face): I am currently using and loving a combination of Augustinus Bader Rich cream during day and Goop face cream at night, after applying a few drops of Vintner’s Daughter facial serum (also deeply hydrating). Thanks to the Magpie reader who recommended reserving the Goop cream for nighttime — it’s a bit heavy / slow to absorb for beneath makeup during the day, and this has been a great routine switch. If I really need a boost, I like Summer Friday’s Jet Lag face mask — I leave on overnight.

+For eye area: I absolutely love these splurge-y eye masks from Jillian Dempsey. I usually pack a set for travel (so good for post-flight / first day); kind of convenient that each set comes in its own little tray for this reason.

+For dry hands: I love Aesop’s formula. The scent is divine, and the little pocket tube is great for tossing in the handbag.

+For nose: I hate when your nose gets irritated and sore in the winter from blowing / tissues! This Dr. Rogers ointment is a God-send for those situations!

+For whole body hygge: a hot water bottle; a heated, weighted neck wrap; an electric blanket; Darn Tough socks; Negative long underwear; Ugg slippers; Falke base layers; Alice Walk alpaca sweater (my warmest sweater); a winter candle.

+For mind: Little Women. I love the book and both versions of the film this time of year. The snow scenes!

+For consumption: Harney Hot Cinnamon and Spice tea, prepared in a Fellow tea kettle and served in a Juliska mug.

+If you really run cold, you can’t beat a Lasko space heater.

What are your must-haves?

P.S. Travel tips + essentials, and sick day essentials.

P.P.S. Household finds and recent fashion favorites.

P.P.P.S. At least I’m catching air.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

By: Jen Shoop

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

OMG! So many great finds in Tory Burch’s sale section at the moment, especially with the extra 25% off sale price promotion currently ongoing…

THIS CLASSIC EMBROIDERED TUNIC (FOREVER CHIC WITH WHITE JEANS AND ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS)

THIS PLEATED DRESS

THIS SMOCKED COTTON MIDI — THE KIND OF THING I LIVE IN DURING THE SUMMER

THIS STRIPED CAFTAN FOR BEACH/POOL

LEGGINGS FOR $45

STATEMENT FLEECE

Also! Neiman’s is offering an extra 50% off select sale items, including this hot pink Ulla top (now $75), this ribbed bodysuit from Jacquemus (originally $425, now $88), this Ulla dress (now $141?!), and this Xirena cover-up ($64?!?!?!)

Finally, today is the last day to shop Shopbop’s extra 30% off sale!

P.S. What are you sipping on these days?

P.P.S. The best banana bread recipe ever.

P.P.P.S. Sweet finds for little girls.

By: Jen Shoop

A few weeks ago, I surprised myself —

I ordered a honey-walnut latte. I never order flavored coffee drinks (cannot even recall another instance), but the customer in front of me at the Grace Street Coffee window in Bethesda was asking after it, and the barista mentioned that they make their own honey-walnut syrup from scratch, and it was the last week they’d have it, and so — I ordered one. I drove home in a kind of distracted bemusement. Later, I mentioned my rogue order to a girlfriend, who said:

“Oh yeah. Once a season, I treat myself to an egg nog latte at Starbucks. It’s not even particularly good but I love the ritual.”

We decided that it’s the novelty of the order — the indulgence? The deviation from standard practice? The reaching for a small and private solo pleasure?

And maybe it’s also a realization that life is too short to “never” try something just because you’re used to something else.

A latte order is a frivolous example, but the undercurrents reminded me that you can change at any time, and with nobody’s permission. You can play against character. You can take up birding, or rowing, or needlepointing, or any interest for which you’ve harbored secret, off-brand curiosity. You can start waking up at 5 to work out, or you can stop. You can enjoy Danielle Steele and “The Golden Bachelor,” eschewing the historical tomes or documentaries with which you have been historically associated. You can admit you’re a Swiftie, or the opposite. We have too little time to worry about upholding archetypes or personality expectations set by others. You’re different; stay that way. Or, more aptly, permit yourself to be that way.

Another way of saying: let yourself stretch out, limber and loose. And tell me, as Mary Oliver put it, “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Post-Scripts.

+On taking your own joy seriously.

+More on Mary Oliver’s genius here and here.

+Carpe diem.

+Main character energy.

Shopping Break.

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

+Cutest textured coatigan — this reminds me of my Talbots one I’ve worn all season long (now sold out), and around the same price. Celine-inspired, for sure!

+How adorable is this Valentine’s oriented line of tabletop accessories from Anthro?! I’m swooning over these canape plates and these gorgeous vases.

+I did order these souper cubes on the rec of many of you Magpies who shared your kitchen secrets! Thank you!

+Mi Golondrina has some seriously cute new arrivals if you’re traveling anywhere warm soon. I’m obsessed with this. (PSA that there’s a good cache of gently used Mi Golondrina pieces on The Real Real, too!)

+So many of you LOVE these jeans. I’m obsessed (from afar) with the silhouette and wash, but I did order to try and they didn’t work on my petite and curvy frame. I think maybe better for taller Magpies?

+Contemplating adding one of these tote bags to my rotation. I’ve been carrying my LL Bean tote a lot this winter for casual wear but these are so fun. Especially drawn to this one with the contrast green straps.

+Love the look of this casual striped tee.

+This blowout spray is incredible. I also use the volumizing mist from the same brand at the crown of my head since my hair is so limp / straight / volume-less and it works WONDERS. I’ve found you should only spray a small amount directly at the root just before you’re about to blow-dry for max impact.

+I’ve been on a major make-up buying spree, and I just treated myself to this mascara, too. Price is right and Nan Philip approved it!

+A few sizes of these popular jeans were restocked. Go a size down! Such a great color.

+If you have an engagement portrait or milestone family portrait coming up (e.g., newborn shoot, Baptism photos, etc) and you really want a spectacular piece to wear, you must dig through Matches’ Emilia Wickstead sale section. All of the pieces are beyond elegant, timeless, ladylike, and the tailoring on her pieces is unparalleled. Imagine this skirt and the matching top? Or this garden floral?! Move over, Princess Kate…(Also, lots of good options for mothers of the bride.)

By: Jen Shoop

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

Cheers! I’ve never seen Shopbop offer an extra 30% off its sale section before! Below, my top sale finds. Use code EXTRA30 for the extra discount! Note that this sequined nap dress will likely arrive by NYE if you’re still in the market!

STEMS SOCKS (ALSO LOVE THIS WAFFLE TWO-PACK) // ALEX MILL CARDIGAN // ALISON LOU HAIR CLIP // HILL HOUSE SEQUIN NAP DRESS

AVEC LES FILLES COAT // JOE’S JEANS MIA JEANS // ENZA COSTA SCALLOPED CREW // RO’S GARDEN PAJAMAS

SIMONE ROCHA CARDIGAN // MADEWELL LUGSOLE BOOTS // ULLA JOHNSON MILA TOP // SAM EDELMAN SLINGBACKS

Also a good time to pick up some fab Beyond Yoga fitness pieces at a discount! Can’t rave enough about these spacedye leggings. The softest and coziest!

All my Shopbop favorites/hearts here.

P.S. Mr. Magpie’s biscuit recipe is incredible.

P.P.S. Have you eaten? (Another way of saying I love you.)

P.P.P.S. Three fab nights in Napa Valley.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

By: Jen Shoop

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

First up: Target launched a fab new collection with Studio McGee this morning, and you need to know about it. I shared all of my favorite finds here. Run! I predict that many of these items are going to sell quickly. I especially love this lamp and this large, wavy bowl, but everything is amazing! (Like these string lights?!)

Second, a roundup of fabulous home finds under $250 — almost all of which I own…

+Beadboard drying racks. I am absolutely obsessed with this drying rack. Perfect for air-drying performance running gear, anything hand-wash or not to be run through the dryer. I love the look and especially the fact that it can “collapse” so its flush against the wall when not in use.

+Bee door knocker. Every time I share this little guy, you all go crazy for him! I love the whimsy of it on a front door.

+Waffle bed blanket. We use this in our guest room and primary bed room. Perfect, ultra-soft weight. Love the visual texture contrast it offers, too.

+Sferra bath towels. Mr. Magpie surprised me with a new set of fluffy white towels last year from this Italian brand and they are divine. I also love the styles from Matouk and Yves Delorme. All three ultra-plush and long-lasting. (Towels have slowly become my go-to wedding and/or housewarming gift — who doesn’t love and need a thick stack of fluffy, splurge-y white towels?!)

+Bolster pillow in a designer fabric (seen in photo at top; full primary bed details here). These might run a tad over $250 depending on the fabric you choose, but if designer wallpaper isn’t in the home decor budget, these dramatic bolsters are a fabulous way to introduce high-end textiles into a bedroom. We just added one to our primary bedroom over the summer and it brings joy every single day. It’s also a great, semi-temporary way to test out a fabulous pattern without investing in an entire suite of new bedding. This way you can stick with white pillows / duvets / etc but change out the pillow over time. Side note: I love that this brand sells the pillows by the bed side (twin / queen / king) so you don’t need to guess at the appropriate length!

+Brookings table lamp. I bought one of these in the punchy orange hue for my son’s room. My husband told me the next day how much he loved it — how much warmth and coziness it introduced to my son’s room at bedtime. Good lighting is magic! Can completely transform a space or a corner of a space into a nook you want to relax in.

+Chappywrap blanket. We got our first this past fall and I totally understand the hype now. These are soft and big — my kids fight over it, and I love curling up beneath it while watching TV. The patterns are fabulous, too. Like the bolster pillow above, such a clever way to introduce a bold pattern or motif into a room without a huge commitment (e.g., drapes, upholstery, etc.)

+Monogrammed tissue box cover. Such a small, chic, and meaningful way to elevate a bedside table! I love this style and this one. This one is adorable for a girl’s room!

+Stainless steel Julep cups. I have these sprinkled throughout our home. I use as a pen cup, small vases, toothbrush holders, you name it! They even look great clustered together on a mantel.

+Ouai detergent. Have heard such good things about this beautifully-scented detergent from one of my favorite haircare lines. It’s in my cart as a little treat to self as we head towards the new year. I’ll reserve this for bedding and towels!

+Pottery Barn Beachcomber Basket. I have and LOVE the tall shape. I keep it in my studio for organizing packages and returns — it is enormous and keeps everything in one place (and relatively disguised). Would also be great for toys, games, throws, etc. So chic!

+Attractive step stool. I love the bold Scandi vibes of this aesthetically pleasing step stool.

+Kassatex has the most attractive bath accessories. I use them in our primary bathroom, guest bedroom bathroom, and powder room. My favorite patterns are The Scala, the Marais, and the Rattan.

+OKA lampshades. The most fun and fabulous patterns!

+Weezie bath mats and rugs. Weezie really did their homework when designing these! I love these bath mats; the undersides have little grippies that keep them in place, but they’re still machine-washable, and have great monogram options.

+Acrylic robe hooks. Such a chic little upgrade for your bathroom!

+Tucker dining chairs. A Magpie reader favorite, and with good reason. I love the fun / bold colors and the fact that they have no fabric on them. If you have young children, these are your best bet for a chic, colorful pick.

+Half Past Seven rattan tray. A fabulous (large!) size for a bar area or coffee table. The scalloping calls my name. We use this on our coffee table!

+Aerin scalloped frames. These are beyond gorgeous. I love the texture and slight drama they’d add to a mantel / bookshelf / bedside table.

+Cordless rechargeable LED lamp. So handsome?!

+Minimalist candlestick holders. I love the Scandi-inspired style. I think I might order a few to style our dining room mantel.

+Hill House patterned sheets. I usually reach for white ones, but I’m obsessed with these green trellis patterned ones (on sale!). Grandmillennial chic.

+Scalloped rattan plant pots. Majorly aesthetically pleasing way to keep a house plant looking pretty.

+Brass fireplace screen. Handsome upgrade!

+Porcelain umbrella stand. We have one of these by our front door and I love the way it introduces pattern in such an unexpected shape / place!

+Custom house number. LOVE these vintage/Euro-inspired plaques. Gorgeous in the stately green!

P.S. My favorite storage solutions.

P.P.S. The art of letter writing.

P.P.P.S. A banana bread recipe you must try.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

Some days it feels as though my writing manifests like candy floss, out of thin air.

Only it is not thin air at all. It is the sum total of all of the fibrous bits of my everyday life: the conversations with my husband, the midnight hours with sick children, the staring in the mirror, the kind gesture from a neighbor, the heart swells and agonies of a woman moving quietly through her life, trying to do right by the people she loves, including herself.

It is the aftermath of many days of small things: the computation of patterns — both the bruised and the beneficent — in them. Which is to say: I continue to write to make sense of the wild phenomena of living. To cut a codicillary path; to provisionally name the constellations. Ad astra.

I had not known, all those years ago, when I sat down at my tiny white desk in my Georgetown apartment, the one with camel crickets in the basement and my best friend sleeping in the room next door, what I was beginning when I impulsively tapped out the name “thefashionmagpie” and clicked “create site.” What started as unfocused creative effervescence has come to be something else entirely: the firth in which I write to know what I think, and discover, to my continuous shock, that there are other women who feel exactly as I do, or who don’t, and have meaningful feedback on the boat-lengths between us. I do not take lightly your attention, itself a kind of love.

When I wrote that I hope to find more space to stretch in 2024, I should have said that you have paved the way for this ambition. Each time I have pushed myself creatively, I have found a soft landing in you. When I have published wobbly fiction, written about something nearly too-tender to put on paper, aired my dirty laundry in a musing that reveals half-thinking or under-baked assumptions, you have said: “Keep going,” or “Go easy on yourself,” or “I’ve done the same thing.” Thank you for those grace notes.

Christmas is a day of promises come to fruition. We have been preparing the rooms for months now, and are ready for joy’s gilding entrance. When I sat down to write something a propos, I thought first from a spiritual lens but my mind kept wandering over to the foregoing paragraphs, in which I investigate the mechanics by which I have found myself on this test flight I call my creative life. Of how those mechanics are largely driven by your readership. And rather than reform those rivuletting thoughts, I decided to make space for them. So forgive me their possibly ill-timed apparition on this day that is very much not about me, but let me conclude again with a big thank you and a summative, summoning line from Seamus Heaney’s “The Gravel Walks”:

“So walk on air against your better judgement // Establishing yourself somewhere in between.”

Crediting you this Christmas for the airwalk this year, and the past many years, too.

Onward!

And Merry Christmas!

Post-Scripts.

+The origins of my favorite rally cry (“onward”)!

+”…and then you unzip a pouch and find the now-forgotten selection of rocks your daughter insisted on carrying around for months on end, and you find yourself knee-deep in an emotional archaeology.” More on the agony of watching your children get older here.

+A reflection from a past Christmas.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

Shopping Break.

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

+Love the color of this half-zip. Would go so perfectly with my newest Beyond Yoga leggings and tank set!

+Just saw a chic pea wearing this Acne Studios sweater and lounge pants situation and thought she looked amazing…get the look for less with this Gap top and bottom set.

+These coupes are sparking serious joy.

+Top of my wishlist for spring: a Marni tote.

+Love this bold wool-blend throw!

+Fun hair clips for your mini — also love these star ones ($8 for 10!) for NYE?

+Wait, these skiier mugs are SO cute! A few other amazing Target finds:

$15 TISSUE BOX COVER

A DRY ERASE CALENDAR BOARD TO KEEP ALL FAMILY PLANS ORGANIZED

WAFFLE BATH TOWELS IN GREAT COLORS

WOVEN STORAGE BENCH

THIS LAMP, WHICH LAUNCHES TOMORROW BUT JUST A HEADS UP – WILL GO FAST

+Fun glittery socks for just a pop of flair.

+These “iconically soft,” cult-following tees are going to ship soon — buy now if you want before they sell out again! I’ve also heard amazing things about Leset’s boxy Margo tee. One is on its way to me now!

+I mentioned Tarte’s contouring “sculpt tape” in my recent beauty products post, and then I found this $20 mini kit in case you want to test your hand without making a full investment. People LOVE these products! Also found a similar-product-for-less here.

+Thinking ahead….

By: Jen Shoop

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

Quelle semaine! This week, I challenged myself to let go of the inessential (the “smidgies,” as we called them); attended several fantastic holiday festivities that planted me in the holiday spirit; and — my girl lost her second front tooth! She has been on cloud nine. Visits from the Tooth Fairy and Santa in close succession?! Moments like this remind me of how small my children’s worlds are, and how urgent it is to roundly celebrate these milestones. Attention is a form of love.

I cannot get over how adorable she looks with this proud toothless grin. (P.S. – I love the design on her little soft cotton dress — part of an inexpensive two-pack from Old Navy.)

We attended a cocktails and caroling event over the weekend, and while most of the children (mine included) gathered around the musicians with maracas and bells for the majority of the event, at one point, we found my son sitting on a chair at the room’s perimeter with ankles crossed, singing earnestly. He loves, and sings expressively, “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and I am writing this down here to remind myself to record him singing it tonight when I tuck him into bed. We carry all the ages of our children with us, but it is a special treasure to hear their baby voices, recorded, years later. (P.S. Micro’s sweater is Trotter’s London.)

I baked the most delicious chewy ginger-molasses cookies over the weekend. They were from Jesse Szewczyk’s Cookies book, which I have referenced many times now. I find the recipes to be excellent, and slightly more interesting than your run-of-the-mill classics. These were a 10/10. Mr. Magpie loved them.

On Saturday morning, my girl woke up warm to the touch, appetite-less, and exhausted. I couldn’t believe it — we’d just gotten through the stomach bug, and Christmas was in sight! I spent most of the morning sitting on the floor of her bedroom while she dozed or quietly played with her LOL Surprise Dolls and we listened to The Magic Treehouse series on audiobook, working on my Christmas cards. (Better late than never — a smidgie kind of thing anyhow. I never think twice when a Christmas card strolls in a few days after the new year!). In a funny way, I knew even as I sat on the floor of her room that I’d never forget that morning: my girl and I huddled together on a chilly holiday morning.

Fortunately, she made one of those rapid recoveries only possible in young children who are basically regenerating their bodies every minute. By the afternoon, she was spry and running around as if nothing had happened.

Our cards are from Dogwood Hill, designed by my friend Riley. I shared my sweater in this week’s “What I Loved Wearing” post, but it deserves another shout-out. I find myself often reaching for it in lieu of a sweatshirt — it has the best weight and is ultra-soft/plush. Also a perfect match for my Beyond Yoga set! Have we talked about the Beyond Yoga leggings? They rival Aligns in my book in terms of comfort. Love the spacedye fabric, too.

The view from my desk at the top of the week. A girlfriend sent me a copy of High Vibrational Beauty: Recipe and Rituals for Radical Self Care a week or two ago. A good starting point for a week in which I was determined to “drop the smidgies.” Behind the book: Camilla Moss scripture cards and a little water color my friend Inslee painted me. Its colors draw me toward a place of playfulness when I glance over at them.

At the other end of my rickety desk (can you see it’s chipped, peeling, and quite literally on its last legs?! I’ve had this since college and continue to nurture a bizarre attachment to it): a photograph of my grandmother (I see so much of her in me now: “I saw my grandmother just now — I was looking in the mirror, and she stared straight back”) and a drawing from my son (one of the first times he wrote “MAMA”). Roots and branches. (So many of you asked where the frames were from — they’re these!)

Though these desktop companions occasionally encroach on my sense of space (every now and then, I will dramatically remove everything from my desk so I have an entirely open desktop), they are more consistently my muses. Calliopes, all. I am fortunate to be surrounded by these well-wishers.

On Monday night, I had a girlfriend over to watch the Kacey Musgraves Christmas special. I watch this yearly, with varying degrees of investment. Last year, we had a bigger group of friends over, drank martinis (some of our favorite martini recipes here), and put out an elaborate spread that included homemade Swedish meatballs (more details here), but this year, we dialed it back, and it was just as lovely. It felt like a pause in the rush of the week: low-key (mostly store-bought) nibbles, a bottle of champagne and some homemade egg nog (recipe here), and idle chatter, largely speculating on which other contemporary celebrities would or should put on a fabulous Christmas special. We decided Taylor’s would feel too produced, Miley’s too dark/irreverent, etc — and landed on Lady GaGa as the perfect performer for this kind of special. We also unpacked our twin attraction to Kacey’s show. My friend smartly observed that neither of us have any cultural reference point for this type of show (though they were very popular in the 50s, 60s, etc!), and yet we viscerally understand the kitsch and tropes Kacey deploys throughout — how? Where do we grab onto these things? Interesting, always, to reflect on how and by virtue of which inputs we piece together our impressions of various cultural phenomena, including the cult of celebrity.

My boy in his knit Minnow set and NBs. The colors are so good!

Not particularly seasonally appropriate, but Mr. Magpie and I mixed up some Mai Tais this week. Sometimes you need a palate cleanser! In the background, you can see that I keep all of the holiday cards we receive in a tartan tray similar to this. My daughter loves to leaf through them on the couch.

I’m concluding this week’s diary with something a Magpie wrote in a comment this week:

“I read something a few years ago that said you could ask members of your family at the start of December what ONE activity/moment they most remember enjoying from last Christmas (you pick one too!). Work together schedule those things. Then the most important thing: let go of the other things!! And if you don’t let go of them, remember that you are doing them because YOU want to. If at some point you decide you don’t want to: take the kiddos ice skating or go to the zoo lights or bake the cut out cookies, and those things weren’t on your list…then don’t! They weren’t on the list!”

I absolutely love this rubric — a practical method for “living out what matters to you.” Using time as a tool to express your values, your interests. How you spend your days is how you spend your life…!

And, finally, on the shopping front: a girlfriend of mine wore the most fabulous gold flats to a Christmas tea we attended this week. They were by Emilia Wickstead (these, in gold, sold out everywhere but you can find variations on The Real Real) and I am now OBSESSED with her footwear. Lots of good options on sale here and here. I think I must have this pair.

A couple of other great shopping finds from the week…

COZY CROPPED PULLOVER — EYEING THIS FOR MYSELF

THE MOST ATTRACTIVE FIREPLACE SCREENS

THE EYE SHADOW PALETTE AT THE TOP OF MY SHOPPING LIST

THE COOLEST SCANDI TRAY — EYEING THIS FOR THE SMALL TABLE IN MY STUDIO, WHERE I LIKE TO STOW CARDS, RIBBON, MATCHBOOKS, ETC

AFFORDABLE L/S PERFORMANCE RUNNING TEES

COZY OVERSIZED FISHERMAN SWEATER AT A GOOD PRICE — I’D BUY A FEW SIZES UP TO WEAR WITH LEGGINGS

I’VE SEEN MANY COOL GIRLS WEARING OSSA PHONE WRISTLETS

CUTEST LITTLE STOOL FOR A CLOSET / GIRL’S ROOM / ETC

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK THANK YOU NOTES FOR YOUR KIDS TO USE AFTER CHRISTMAS

SPECTACULAR WINTER GOWN

P.S. Shaking hands with the blank page.

P.P.S. “At least everything was important.”

P.P.P.S. What do you keep in your guest bedroom? (Comments are very helpful!) Also: some household favorites and repeat buys.

If you want more Magpie, you can subscribe to my Magpie Email Digest for a weekly roundup of top essays, musings, conversations, and finds.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Image via.

My Latest Snags.

Purchased my favorite weekly planning pad / agenda — it’s under $20 and no-frills but absolutely perfect for my needs. I like to have a lot of space to write my to-dos each day. I supplement with this Appointed agenda, which I use solely to map out my essays and posts for Magpie and to jot down the highest-level goal(s) for each day — 1 or 2 max. For example, if I’ve been putting off filling out paperwork for something, I will jot that down in BIG letters and circle it, as in: YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE THE DAY IS OVER COME HELL OR HIGH WATER. Somehow seeing the top-level, highest priority item isolated on that pad, next to my planned writing for the day, helps me focus. They can otherwise get lost in my laundry list of to-dos.

I also bought a few new beauty items. Especially excited to try this $8 foundation brush that’s been all over TikTok and this pressed powder from Kosas.

Finally, I stocked up on activities for the kids — I just know I’ll need some indoor activities during their winter break. I think they’ll freak over decorating/painting these peg dolls. If you are facing down a long, indoor, at-home break, some more ideas for entertaining young children here and here.

This Week’s Bestsellers.

Lots of last-minute gift purchases from this under-$50 gift guide this week! Not too late to order one or two to deliver after Christmas. (A smidgie!). Loved all the loungewear items you were into this week — I am also in the process of information-gathering as I scout out a couple of elevated athleisure pieces for true winter hibernation. I’m contemplating a few pieces from Mate, The Great, and Vuori. Any other brands you want me to review in this category?

01. PARIS SWEATSHIRT // 02. TRUFFLE POPCORN // 03. MELAMINE PLATES // 04. EXTERNAL BATTERY // 05. TARGET SEQUIN TOP // 06. DOEN KAIRA DRESS // 07. AZUL BOARD GAME // 08. ZIPPO HEAVY DUTY MATCHES (WORK IN WINDY/RAINY CONDITIONS!) // 09. JCREW SWEATER // 10. SLIP HAIR TIES // 11. HAIR CLIP SET // 12. LULULEMON SHERPA BELT BAG // 13. TARGET HALF-ZIP SWEATSHIRT // 14. KUHN RIKON JAR/BOTTLE OPENER // 15. TARGET BEST INEXPENSIVE SHEETS EVER // 16. DIAMOND DAZZLE CLEANING STICK // 17. VUORI PERFORMANCE JOGGER

Weekend Musing: Many Callings.

My son has trotted out the same anecdote three or four times this season: “Do you remember last year when we were driving back from Mimi and Grandpa’s and Daddy told us to look for Santa in the sky, and I said, ‘Who’s Santa?'” He delivers this with newborn archness each time, his eyes shining and his mouth twisting into a mischievous smile. Despite the fact that I don’t understand the punchline or recall the exchange, I laugh indulgently. Its repeat performances draws to mind the topography of my own childhood Christmas memory line: years that fuse together, details that gleam almost at random. Laying on the carpet of the living room, looking up at the tree lights overhead with my sister. The itchy plaid flannel pajamas my mother mandated for several Christmas Eves in a row. My bowl cut hair; waiting at the top of the steps as my Dad fumbled with the video recorder downstairs. “Wow, it looks like Santa caaaame!” he’d yell. A pair of Joe Boxer brand plaid pajama pants — this elastic waist band, brand emblazoned on it — that I loved as a tween that I remember wearing one Christmas Eve while my brother and I played hours of Mario Kart. The record my parents played each Christmas until they upgraded permanently to CDs: “A Child’s Christmas Treasury” I think it was called. My Dad’s favorite Christmas album: Elvis’s. The scotch tape always in our stockings that perfumed everything else it touched.

I am reminded of Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” in which he captures so crisply the peculiar continuities and discontinuities of childhood Christmases. How some details jut out, but you can’t place the year: you must ski in on them, landing in odd embankments.

Thomas writes:

“One Christmas was so much like the other, in those years around the sea-town corner now, out of all sound except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep, that I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve, or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six.

All the Christmases roll down towards the two-tongued sea, like a cold and headlong moon bundling down the sky that was our street; and they stop at the rim of the ice-edged, fish-freezing waves, and I plunge my hands in the snow and bring out whatever I can find.”

I’m sitting with his words today as I watch my own children amass their own holiday memories. Which will be the details that persist, and impress? Which will blur featurelessly together?

Post-Scripts.

+J. Crew’s just-released rollneck sweaters are phenomenal. Very La Ligne-esque with the wide ribbing, and the colors/stripes are SO good. I say go with the ivory (you’ll wear it forever and ever, trendy glacial blue, or navy stripe!)

+Cutest little pouch for a baby bag. Speaking of babies: I still receive emails from Kyte (my favorite sleep sack for my children — so, so soft) and how beyond adorable is their new vintage planes pattern?! I love to give these sleep sacks and jammies as gifts. So plush and sweet and lots of gender-neutral colors. I was so thrilled/touched when one of my girlfriends brought her daughter home from the hospital in the Kyte zippered footie I’d given her!

+I’ve been on a base layer buying spree. Just discovered the brand Almina and love the look of these lettuce-leaf-edged ribbed long sleeved tees for layering beneath my fleet of cardigans. Also love this simple scoopneck.

+Cutest sherpa jacket.

+So many of you raved about these souper cubes for freezing individual portions of soups in response to my “kitchen tips” post.

+Love these monogram applique pillows.

+Two of my girlfriends were raving about the Louise Penny mystery series. Downloaded one to read while away on a ski trip!

+Into the look of these Everlane crewnecks, too. (And these jeans from Everlane also turned my head…!)

+These Uniqlo beanies sell out nearly every year — great colors and on sale!

+Gorgeous piece of furniture for a back patio. I always feel like we need a “side board” or some place (that isn’t our dining table) to put things like the speaker, mosquito repellent (Thermocell is amazing), etc.

+Smiley face slippers for your teen. Or for you!

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