By: Jen Shoop

For My Daughter’s First Communion.

ANN MASHBURN LIBERTY FLORAL DRESS (SWOON) // LARROUDE MULES

Lunch with My Mom + Sister.

HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // J. CREW CARDIGAN // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // FRP COLLECTION BAG // CELINE SUNGLASSES // LISI LERCH EARRINGS (USE CODE JEN20) // K JACQUES X DOEN SANDALS

Sunday Mass.

Buck Mason sent me a few items from their new womenswear collection and I am so impressed. I wore head to toe Buck Mason (minus shoes) on Sunday! It’s like Jenni Kayne but less expensive, and the silhouettes and materials are incredible. I had bought Landon a few things from this brand over the years, but had no idea they’d extended into very chic pieces for women, too. This skirt is a standout. Runs maybe a tad bigger than TTS.

BUCK MASON SEAFARER CREW // BUCK MASON POPLIN SKIRT // BUCK MASON PIMA TEE // TORY BURCH KIRA SANDALS // LEE RADZIWILL BAG // HART LONG CHARM NECKLACE (EXACT CHARMS HERE) // JANE WIN COURAGE PENDANT // DORSEY SMALL HEART ID

Morning Drop Off + Long Run.

VEE COLLECTIVE BAG // TRACKSMITH TWILIGHT SHORTS (OLD COLOR, CURRENT SEASON COLORS HERE) // VUORI TANK // NIKE INVINCIBLE RUNS

Weekday Writing + Meetings + Doctor’s Appointment.

When I’m feeling anxious about something, I “suit up.” A blazer always makes me feel a little more polished and in control. This is an old style from VB, but similar here and here.

PISTOLA UTILITY PANTS // FAHERTY STRIPED TEE // LEE RADZIWILL BAG // MARGAUX DENIM FLATS // VERONICA BEARD BLAZER (OLD, SIMILAR HERE AND HERE)

Friday Energy.

I think this Gap x Doen collection flew and is sold out (or nearly), but linking anyway in case of returns.

DOEN X GAP GINGHAM TOP // DOEN X GAP GINGHAM SKIRT // LA LIGNE SWEATER // K JACQUES X DOEN SANDALS // AMANDA LINDROTH BASKET BAG (BRAND NO LONGER EXISTS! — SIMILAR HERE)

Standard Work + Mom Day.

This skirt is so comfortable and flattering. I have it in a past-season pattern, but new ones were just released and I might need a second. I’ve worn it to travel in; I can write all day in it. A very airy cotton. Cannot rec more!

HILL HOUSE DELPHINE SKIRT (OLD PRINT, NEW HERE!) // SOLD OUT NYC TEE // JANE WIN COURAGE PENDANT // DORSEY SMALL HEART ID // J. CREW CARDIGAN // K JACQUES X DOEN SANDALS

Max Comfort Work Day + Celebratory Glass of Wine After.

SPLENDID GAUZE PANTS // SPLENDID GAUZE TOP // LA LIGNE SWEATER

Happy Mother’s Day to Me.

A really comfortable new gauze-weight pajama set and my favorite robe.

LAKE ROBE // LAKE GAUZE SET

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


By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

First, a heads up that Gap is running an epic 40% off sale! All my top picks here, but I recently ordered this crochet top and this tomato red gauze set (top, pants — avail in petite inseam!), and now all are 40% off! That red gauze set is exactly what I dream of wearing with a bucket hat and raffia sandals for a FOJ getaway. And I just went back and got this Doen x Gap gingham dress…not included in the sale but couldn’t help myself!

GAP GAUZE PANTS AND TOP SET // GAP STRIPED SKIRT // GAP CROCHET TOP // GAP WHITE MINI // GAP SLOUCHY BAG // GAP BANDANA PRINT MINI

Q: Lightweight pants for summer.

A: These dreamy gauze pants, these block print J. Crews (have worn the past two weekends), pull-on linen pants (upgrade pick: Donni), linen barrels from Gap, these white eyelet or seashell trim statements, and these patterned Julia Amorys.

Q: Dress for postpartum newborn shoot in July.

A: Congrats (early)! I love this lace caftan in the most gorgeous lilac color, anything Loretta Caponi (dreamy white or playfully patterned), this Agua Bendita, a floral Mi Golondrina, this Mille (use code JEN15), and of course Doen is always perfect for more of a boho mom moment. Oh, and this Farm Rio!

Q: A cute cover-up for Miami!

A: This Tuckernuck or this La Veste!

Q: Swimsuit that is cute but appropriate for a 50 year old mom.

A: I love the ones from Minnow right now! Sweet, playful, but not too far in any direction.

Q: Wedding guest dress for Italy in September. Dress code is semi-formal.

A: This Julia Amory, this Zimmermann, this Agua Bendita, this Damaris Bailey, this Coco Shop, this Veronica Beard.

Q: Tote to be used for diaper bag. (Will buy organizational insert.)

A: I love the chic totes from Rue De Verneuil! These patterned canvas ones from Timo and Violet would also be sweet. The St. Barths Medium tote is also a great choice, and practical (woven neoprene). The handles do fit over the shoulder! A little more sporty / casual, but I just got this striped Vee Collective tote, and was thinking it’d also be a great baby bag. If you’re looking for something more discrete – more like an everyday tote that can also work as a diaper bag – I mainly used my Goyard and loved it! One of these colorful Mansur Gavriels would also be fun.

Q: Morgan Wallen outdoor concert outfit?

A: SO jealous. Love “Talkin Tennessee.” For country concerts, I like a denim dress (this, this, this) with either a statement sandal or (if you’re committing) cowboy boots from Tecovas or Miron Crosby. The other direction — a breezy slightly boho white dress with the boot. OR do something like this gingham mini with a fun sandal like this or this.

Q: College reunion – day outfit for walk around campus and nighttime look for dinner/drinks/bar in June.

A: For day, I like a polished but playful/colorful daytime dress like this with some easy-to-wear-and-walk-in sandals like these or these. If you’re a little more of a minimalist, try this dress. And if you’re a black girlie, try this dress with these sandals. For nighttime, wear something FUN that comunicates joy and confidence! I like something like this, this, this, or this. Or if you prefer solids, this, with some big bangles or a big necklace. I’d wear any/all of these with a FLAT sandal. I feel like it looks more modern/carefree and is obviously much more comfortable.

Q: Lightweight cotton sweater — preferably oversized.

A: This G. Label or this Alice Walk! The latter is particularly lightweight. I own in a great moss green color. I’d go up a size in this if you’d like it looser/boxier.

Q: Statement designer bag for summer – something a little different.

A: This Prada!

Q: A gift for my mom’s 75th birthday.

A: An Aura frame pre-loaded with lots of family pictures in it. Or an Aurelia Demark necklace, customized/engraved. Last idea: a getaway just the two of you to somewhere you can drive to overnight. I did this just recently with my mom and it was so special. Even just the two hour car rides there/back. So special to have that one-on-one time!

Q: A special gift for a friend’s second marriage. Her home is stocked…

A: I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love new luxe towels. Another idea: an extravagant gift card for a date night to a special restaurant in your town.

Q: Haircare/shampoo/conditioner for my kids. My mini has outgrown baby shampoo.

A: We use Pantene Pro-V for our kids! Inexpensive and really good quality — it’s my favorite drugstore variety option and the kids always say “it smells SO good!” If you want something that’s more kid-branded, though, try Ever Eden or Tubby Todd.

Q: Girls trip to St. Tropez!

A: OMG – how fun?! A few pieces that leapt out at me: some Posse linen separates/dresses (vibe for less with Quince), fun sandals with gold hardware, this dress, this tote (look for less here), anything Cala de la Cruz or Ciao Lucia, this cover up, this woven Zara.

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

By: Jen Shoop

POINTELLE CARDI // OPEN STITCH CARDI // CROCHET FLORAL // WHITE BASIC // BLUE CROCHET // NAVY POINTELLE STRIPE // SKY BLUE SHORT SLEEVE // V-NECK CARDI

I have this one open-weave cardigan I bought from G. Label a few summers ago (seen above) that I bring out every single year — it’s the perfect breathable, summery-looking top layer for chillier nights or air conditioned venues. It somehow works just as well with a t-shirt and jeans as it does with a sundress. You can still find a rare size or two here and there on Poshmark and eBay (search for “G Label Beckham sweater”), but I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for something similar since that particular style sold out at Goop long ago. I will say that G. Label excels at knitwear — I have several styles that I wear constantly. This new beach-weight pullover caught my eye for the season ahead! They are spendy but the quality is fantastic and they’ve really thought through versatile, elevated basics; I find they fill a major void in my wardrobe.

Anyhow, I’m happy to share a couple of great alternatives at all different price points:

01. A J. Crew classic on sale.

02. Faherty linen cardigan.

03. I love this pointelle knit from Ann Mashburn.

04. An easy throw-on that is somewhere between a wrap and a cardigan.

05. I am such a Quince fan! This cardigan is an excellent affordable option.

06. Stunning Veronica Beard look-for-less from Mango.

07. Banana Republic Factory open stitch cardi.

08. Gap pointelle.

09. Minnow stripes! I own and love this — I love to pattern mix with it.

10. Perfect Jenni Kayne.

11. I own several La Ligne pieces and they know how to do a striped sweater!

12. Tuckernuck crochet — light and airy for summer nights.

13. More La Ligne, this time in a gorgeous sky blue.

14. Alex Mill short sleeve beauty in several colors.

15. Doen delicate feminine cardigan — this would be perfect on its own or layered! They released a similar look for less with their Gap x Doen collection. A few sizes still available!

16. A G. Label classic cream sweater.

17. Another score from the Gap x Doen collab: this pointelle stripe.

Styling Lightweight Layers for Spring.

CARDIGAN // SANDALS // DRESS // BAG (I ACTUALLY WORE THIS EXACT OUTFIT HERE)

CARDIGAN // SANDALS // SKIRT // TEE // BAG

P.S. Chic shorts for spring.

P.P.S. On sitting with yourself.

P.P.P.S. Elevated activewear.

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

By: Jen Shoop

“We picked up one excellent word—a word worth traveling to New Orleans to get; a nice limber, expressive, handy word—”lagniappe.” They pronounce it lanny-yap…We discovered it at the head of a column of odds and ends in the Picayune the first day; heard twenty people use it the second; inquired what it meant the third; adopted it and got facility in swinging it the fourth. It has a restricted meaning, but I think the people spread it out a little when they choose. It is the equivalent of the thirteenth roll in a baker’s dozen. It is something thrown in, gratis, for good measure.”

— Mark Twain

I couldn’t agree more with Twain: lagniappe is a word, and a way of being, worth traveling for.

In that vein: where can I find or offer a bonus in my day?

What are “the little extra somethings” that feel like upside, or icing?

Please share one or several in the comments — let’s publish the good news today.

My list of lagniappes this Thursday in May:

table fries

open windows in spring weather: an embarrassment of riches

generous pouring, followed by generous tipping

that bite of steak with a little extra fat on it

the spiriting presence of sun

a lunch beer

enough time on the meter to linger over the check

“help yourself; there is more of everything”

Post-Scripts.

+On letting people be wrong about you.

+Magpie readers share their self-portraits.

+Change and the invisible hands that want to keep us where we are. (Darn them!)

+A love letter to my husband.

Shopping Break.

+I found our favorite daily facial peel pads 28% off! (Use code SPRING28.) Landon and I use these every other night, and we cut each pad in two to make the box last longer — they’re generous in size! The other skincare rituals we share: we both use this LED mask (JEN10 for 10% off) every day or every other day, and we are both obsessed with this super splurgey duo of nighttime repair serum and cream, which we apply every night!

+An Alice Walk Warehouse sale just went live!!! Don’t miss these gorgeous cashmere mockneck sweaters and my absolute favorite cotton weekender sweater (I own in two sizes!)

+If you’re a local Magpie: Rails just opened a boutique in Bethesda Row, and they invited me in this week. The current assortment is SO chic and is an ideal destination when you’re in the mode of “OMG, I need an outfit for a birthday dinner / a Mem Day BBQ / an event at school / a gals brunch.” I left with this gingham tie-front top and these red jeans (you can see me in them here). I’d wanted one of those tie-front tops for awhile and this one was perfect! All my Rails favorites here.

+Also, Mr. Magpie came with me to the store and left with this! We both agreed it’s the perfect “Lake day” item for wearing with swim trunks, throwing on in the evening when the temperatures drop, etc.

+OMG this embroidered dress! Love every detail about it, and it’s under $200.

+A fab colorful and slouchy straw tote at a great price.

+A little niche but I bought this professional-grade clothing steamer at full price last month (I did some research on Reddit to select it), and now I find it here for over 50% off! I am super impressed with it. I love the design and find it very easy to use. Two other items I found there and added to cart: these freezer cubes (great for stock / soup / etc) and this darling tennis set for my daughter in the pastel blue!

+Swooning over this grosgrain wonder.

+Veronica Beard jumps in on the bungee nano-trend!

+You all loved this Mille dress I shared earlier this week! You can get 15% off with code JEN15. I had it in my cart but ended up deciding on the same pattern in a different silhouette — this one. I just know what looks best on my body, and I was worried the Alma style would be a little long and baggy on me (I’m 5’0!). I shared all my current favorite Mille pieces here! I love all the red and blue!

+Fun cordless stick lamps with great lampshade options. Or get a rattan shade from here!

+Have you seen Cuyana’s new silhouette?!?! ZOMG. Majorly chic. And I love that they are doing green and blue — black/taupe/brown are beautiful and practical but I love an everyday pop of color.

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





By: Jen Shoop

What are the products you always keep in stock for beauty/skincare emergencies? A few of my must-have “repair” products below. Wherever possible, I’ve requested a custom discount code for us to use so you can try them at a discount!

CLARINS V-FACIAL MASK // MOTHER SCIENCE REPAIR MOISTURIZER // TRUE BOTANICALS RESCUE BALM // EYE MASKS // MIRACLE OIL // LIFT MASK

+GOOP BEAUTY GOOPGLOW. A two-minute skin transformation. I use this frequently if I’m about to go out for the night, am short on time, and feel like I need a skin turnaround. It is both a physical and chemical exfoliant that leaves skin baby-soft. Use code SHOOP15 for a discount on this and all other Goop beauty. (All my favorites here!)

+MOTHER SCIENCE MOLECULAR GNESIS BARRIER REPAIR MOISTURIZER. This is my go-to for when my skin is ultra-dry or ultra-upset/irritated with me. I was drawn to this brand because they carry only a very tightly curated, deeply-researched set of three products; they really do their homework. This is always in my cabinet for parched and irritated skin. Use code JENSHOOP.

+CLARINS V-FACIAL MASK. This is one of a handful of products that I keep multiples of in my beauty cabinet. It is my favorite facial mask. I like to apply this from my cheeks down and then use a clay mask (usually Origins) on my forehead/nose. The Clarins mask chisels away your features — dramatically depuffs — and leaves skin so soft and beautifully defined. It is absolute magic.

+CLARINS CRYO-FLASH INSTANT LIFT MASK. Especially love this in the summer — it leaves your skin feeling chilled, iced-down, refreshed. The effect is like dunking your head into a bowl of ice water. Skin is awake, alert!

+JILLIAN DEMPSEY EYE MASKS. I’ve written about these so many times but they are absolute magic. Totally brighten and hydrate and wake up tired eyes. I mean, they really brighten the eye area! I’ve never had an eye product that actually brightens my dark undereye circles. I always have 1-2 of these masks in my travel cosmetics bag. Use code JENSHOOP.

+TRUE BOTANICALS EVERYTHING RESCUE BALM. My neighbor and dear friend gave me this balm a year or two ago and I use it constantly. It has a great botanical scent and is not quite as unctuous as Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream — but delivers similar results. I use this on chapped lips and skin, scrapes/abrasions, cuticles, upset or bumpy patches, and even recently on razor burn on my shins! I absolutely love this stuff. My neighbor keeps a pot in her car; I might copy and add to my glove box.

+OMOROVIZCA MIRACLE OIL. This is a recent beauty empty for me, and I especially loved it during the dry winter months. It is a rich but easy-to-blend facial oil that hydrates, brightens, and smooths skin. I wear vitamin C daily and then follow with either an oil or a serum; this oil was my favorite and beloved over the past winter.

Two new emergency / repair products I am resting after reading about — Tower28’s SOS Rescue Spray, which has hypochlorous acid in it. Hypochlorous acid is a “natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that helps defend your skin against harmful bacteria, reduce redness, and soothe irritation.” I had heard a dermatologist say she uses this for surgery/procedure recovery, but I’m especially intrigued by using it post-workout (on body and face!), which I think makes me prone to breakouts, and to combat redness in my t-zone. Another product I’ve been using intermittently since December: these Niacinamide pads. I really love the instant glow/dewiness/tightness/firmness they impart but I was just reading that Niacinamide (or B3) also reduces inflammation, minimizes the appearance of pores, and lightens dark spots. So I have been incorporating into my daily skincare process. I notice an immediate brightening/firming effect and am feeling encouraged!

What about you? Share yours!

P.S. My everything shower favorites.

P.P.S. Do you remember when we used to take our time?

P.P.P.S. An envelope containing the universe.

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By: Jen Shoop

There are those people who draw light to themselves, and almost can’t help it.

They just stand still and keep the lamps lit.

These are the people who pull out a chair for you when you approach the table: “please,” they say, gesturing you into it, earnest and unaware of their outsized generosity. It is instinctive, their pre-disposition to include.

These are also the people who say “atta girl!” to strangers who have just ridden a big wave, or run the bases, and they fill the hungry heart with pride, and they do it with such ease, and egolessness, having learned some time ago that there is no economy of compliments.

These, too, are the people who say “my pleasure” and mean it, who gamely forebear conversations with the lonely or unhappy, who are practiced in the art of “yes, and–” thinking. They teach us that a rising tide lifts all ships, and that there is enough good in the world to go around, and then some.

What made them this way?

Not the absence of pain, no. More often than not, heartbreak is the holy ground that anoints them.

The more of these light-gatherers I meet, the more I believe it’s will, and will forged anew each day. They wake up and they call forth an adamantine determination to resist the ease of despair, and to believe that reality is mainly possibility — even when the wicked comes knocking.

I would like to learn from them how to draw the luminous, too,

how to stand still and shine,

how to turn on every last light in the city,

flame to flame,

unbound luminescence.

Post-Scripts.

+I don’t know who the gorgeous gal at top is, but I saw this photo on Pinterest and I thought she captured the exact energy of the light-gathering people I know.

+While writing this, I was thinking of a few specific light gathering people in my own life, but the inspiration came from the receptionist at the pediatrician’s office who offered to look after my son while I took my daughter to her annual check-up. She was so easy with her generosity, so light-hearted and joyful, while in a job that is undoubtedly draining — I can just imagine that she bears the brunt of scared/frustrated parents! I was thinking, too, of Katie from Beach Reads and Bubbly. I am only loose Internet acquaintances with her, but my goodness does she reflect the light and lift other people!

+It’s just that….we have so little time with our loved ones.

+Life is short. You might as well…

+What are your signatures?

Shopping Break.

+Madewell has some FAB new arrivals — I ordered these sandals! I have been eyeing similar pairs that are 3-4x as expensive from Amanu and Beek but these are perfect. I’m imagining pairing those sandals with dresses like this, this, and this.

+Other things I like from Madewell: this skirt, this top, this bag.

+OMG this $20 bag with the bungee cord detail! (You know I’m loving this nanotrend…)

+This easy gingham dress! Perfect for summer concerts!

+I just ordered this crochet tank. $60! They also have a cute bucket hat!

+Veronica Beard vibes for $35. (Although I did find the Veronica Beard version of those shorts on sale at The Outnet!)

+Other great Veronica Beard clearance finds at The Outnet and Nordstrom Rack: this striped blazer, this linen waistcoat (pair with white jeans!), and this iconic tweed blazer (70% off!).

+LOVE this striped sweatshirt! Reminds me of the one I have from Frank and Eileen, but it’s 1/3 the price.

+I’ve been seeing these jelly flip flops all over, but the price is steep! Found these looks for less.

+New NBs for your kids! While you’re there, how chic are these retro canvas bags?!

+Just discovered a fab new athletic/swim/UPF brand called Watskin. They have great court/course options, like this dress, and also these chic rash guards.

+Love these jelly t-straps. At the other end of the sandal silhouette spectrum: these funky Naghedis!

+I would wear this as a pool cover-up. So sweet!

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By: Jen Shoop

SWIMSUIT // GIRLS TENNIS SET // BOYS TERRY SET // STRIPED SHORTS // COSMETIC BAG // TOWEL DRESS // TOTE

I love the plush, chic look of terrycloth for the summer. Below, I’ve compiled a collection of pieces from everyday separates to swimwear!

01. Seen above, this gorgeous Pitaya towel dress I’ve recently been obsessed with.

02. Tote from Tuckernuck — I love the scalloped trim!

03. Shell coverup.

04. Classic Kule sweatshirt.

05. Kule terry dress.

06. Another Tuckernuck pick — striped shorts.

07. Weezie initial toiletry bag.

08. This jumpsuit is such a unique piece!

09. One piece with flattering balconette detail.

10. Banana bikini bottoms and top.

11. Anthropologie cosmetic bag under $40.

12. Embroidered terry bundle for a great price.

13. For your husband: terry collared shirt and shorts.

14. For your boys: blue stripe shorts and this darling set.

15. For your girls: cute tennis set, tennis dress, and drawstring romper.

16. Tennis bubble for your baby.

17. Zimmermann’s entire toweling line — a moment for this dress.

Styling The Terry Trend

TOWEL DRESS // SWIMSUIT // FLATS // NECKLACE

TOTE // COSMETIC BAG // SANDALS // DRESS // SUN HAT

SWIMSUIT // SHORTS // TOP // PURSE

P.S. Spring finds for Mr. Magpies.

P.P.S. The pool edit.

P.P.P.S. If your life were a movie.

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By: Jen Shoop

Some great new finds at J. Crew, Shopbop, Tuckernuck, and Tory Burch, including my new favorite Kira “sport sandals,” seen above. (Other outfit details here.) Love the contrast/edge they offer when paired with an otherwise classic-leaning look.

Sharing all my top finds from May’s new arrivals below —

BLOCKPRINT SHIRT // ESPADRILLES // EYELET SWIMSUIT // MINI RAFFIA BAG // WHITE PINTUCK DRESS // PACKABLE STRAW HAT // EYELET SHORTS // BLUE PINTUCK DRESS

Over at Shopbop, I’m so charmed by this fish-print mini from Staud!

STAUD FISH PRINT DRESS // BRINKER AND ELIZA NECKLACE // $54 JELLY FLATS // ALEMAIS TOTE

All my Shopbop picks here.

Over at Tuckernuck, lots of options to plan your summer festivity wardrobe. I’m obsessed with their options for FOJ — love this and this in particular.

BLUE AND WHITE STRIPE MIDI DRESS // SEERSUCKER STRIPE DRESS // ESPADRILLES // WOVEN BAG // BEADED NECKLACE // COVER UP // JELLY SANDALS // TERRYCLOTH TOTE

And over at Tory Burch! Lots of goodies. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with what they’re putting out this year!

TENNIS HENLEY // KIRA SUNGLASSES // POPLIN SKIRT // SUEDE PLATFORM SANDALS // PINK LINEN GOWN // ROMY BUCKET BAG // INES SANDALS

And a few one-off favorites from our favorite retailers:

+This Julia Amory “Mustique” set. Code JEN-15 gets us 15% off!

+HHH is launching a FABULOUS collection today at noon — they invited me to select a few pieces from the launch and I had to snag this Margot dress (below left; if link doesn’t work now, it will work at launch time, which is I believe 12 EST) and this Pippa (below right).

+From Nordies, I can’t stop thinking about this vintage-vibes RL fleece set! J’adore! I have no plans for this, but I imagine myself coming in off the water / off a boat / off the beach, slipping into this set, and mixing up a cocktail on a balcony somewhere.

P.S. How do you stay organized?

P.P.S. Thoughts on re-setting for the week.

P.P.P.S. Musings on fractionality.

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

By: Jen Shoop

Every summer I find myself reaching for stripes; above, wearing my favorite Mille Saffron dress in a past-season striped pattern; you can find a mini-length version of this dress in a great red stripe here. (My code JEN15 should get you 15% off at Mille, sitewide; note that this brand tends to run super big. I go down a size!)

I love the preppy/office vibes and the way styling stripes in unexpected ways can create fun fashion friction. See below for some incredible inspo —

Striped Shopping Finds.

LEFT TO RIGHT: WREN LACE TRIM SHIRTDRESS // LORI DRESS // THE GOOD BEHAVIOR DRESS // DELPHINE NAP SKIRT

FINE RIB CAMISOLE IN STRIPE // EXCLUSIVE RIVIERA ARI STRIPED KNIT TOP // STRIPED TEXTURED SHIRT // BAHAMAS ONE PIECE // RAFFIA NAVY STRIPES // STRIPED SALERNO SANDALS

LEFT: LINEN OVERSIZED SHIRT // EASY LINEN SHORTS

RIGHT: CAPRI STRIPED COTTON SHIRT // ELVA STRIPED COTTON SHORT

Styling Stripes for Summer.

LINEN OVERSIZED SHIRT // EASY LINEN SHORTS // SMALL BASKET BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)// HILLIE SANDAL // NAUTILUS EARRINGS // PEARL DISC BEADED BRACELET

STRIPED TEXTURED SHIRT // PARKER LONG SHORT // KYLE BUSTIER ONE PIECE // CASSANDRA FLAT SANDAL // PASSEO SMALL LEATHER TRIMMED TOTE (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // 1983C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // CHUNKY MEDIUM HOOPS

EXCLUSIVE RIVIERA ARI STRIPED KNIT TOP // THE LINEN SIMPLE PANT // INCA BUCKET HAT // JACKIE ACETATE SUNGLASSES // PERIDOT MIGNON FLAT SANDAL // MIRA LARGE TOTE // LOU HUGGIES

WELLS DRESS // KIGALI SANDALS // RAFFIA NAVY STRIPES // DOME HOOPS // PAPERCLIP CHAIN BRACELET

P.S. The beach/pool edit.

P.P.S. Fresh sandal silhouette for spring/summer.

P.P.P.S. Statement jewelry for spring and summer.

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By: Jen Shoop

It’s not that I don’t go to the fountains and altars and mountaintops, lay alms and offerings, burn incense, seek the celestial fix.

In fact, I do these things, over and over, tripping on my hem in haste, eyes wide in anticipation, when I sit with determination each morning at my desk, and drink from the wide font of literature, and wait in breathless quiet.

But why is it that the more I fall into my private life, filled as it is with small things and heartstrings and accidents and attic dust, that I hear the flute and most clearly?

Come stand in your backyard.

Come look at the napkin your daughter has folded on the dining room table, and the love note from your son.

Come take the familiar hand, and smell your grandmother’s soup on the stove, and slip your arms around your home.

These are the yeomen of inspiration; hang on.

Post-Scripts.

+My day is filled with small things.

+Motherhood can feel like long division.

+Notes to self on motherhood.

+Reassurance for a Monday, if you need it.

+How do you start your day?

Shopping Break.

+A great striped sweater at a great price.

+This bag is under $140 and wildly chic.

+This botanical print $30 dress!

+Just the chicest summer top ever.

+I am usually a die-hard Nike Invincible girl for runners, but these Brooks glycerin running sneakers have my attention. While we’re talking running, I just ordered some of these Bombas running socks (the colors are SO fun — use code comfort20 if it’s your first order) and am contemplating buying more Tracksmith running shorts — I love these and these. I go up a size in their bottoms — I find they run really small and narrow.

+Basketweave Birks! These are so fun!

+A year in French style.

+Loving Pink Chicken’s new diffusion line, Coop! How cute are these rollneck sweaters and these gingham shorts?

+OK this La Ligne dress is perfect.

+Fun awning stripe cover up with scallop trim.

+Little English has some seriously cute FOJ options out for littles — love this dress and these shorts. But also, their alligator print is SO cute! This for a baby boy, this for a baby girl!

+Prada dream shoes.

+This denim vest!

+Chic tortoise vase!

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

By: Jen Shoop

I have been working intensively on the manuscript for my book, and it has been asking for new creative routines, and new versions of me, too.

For one thing, I’m no stranger to a deadline, but it feels as though my entire life is pinned to June 9th, when the manuscript is due to my editor, and this awareness is thrilling, haste-making, and a little intense. To write against a hard stop introduces useful curbs, though; I have been disciplined about working on the manuscript daily, and have a calendared plan for my own progress. I feel the clock ticking and find myself stepping quickly, and with intent. Constraints are, as ever, a blessing in disguise.

It’s also alien to know that whatever I hand off will eventually be non-fungible. Here on my blog, I can always catch a typo or amend a post if need be. I don’t do this often, really, but it’s like having a safety mechanism switched to on “just in case.” My book will live as its own self, uneditable, forever!

Meanwhile, the manuscript writing process feels legato where my typical routine runs staccato. I am working with much longer brush strokes. And it is laminative in a unique way: I find myself going over the same pages five, six, seven times in a row, trimming and reading aloud and alternating between poles of delight and (mild) despair.

Mainly it feels good. Pleasantly vigorous; the sensation of glissade. I love a creative challenge. And I can’t tell you how often I look at the little post-it note on my desk with my deadlines listed and the words JO MARCH written along the bottom and feel a dizzying degree of disassociation with myself: this can’t be my life?! I mean, really, it cannot?!

I was taking a break this week and found myself jotting down how it felt to be writing this book. Here’s what came out:

Long, effort-filled mornings give way to hazy afternoons in this new warm spring weather.

We are in a flow.

Post-it note confetti

Arrows and strike-throughs

Words pried loose from their origin stories

Portamento

Sunday Shopping.

Just pre-ordered Carley Fortune’s new summer book! Her last book was one of my favorite summer getaway reads. So atmospheric! I also picked up this cold cream cleanser from Alpyn — it’s gone viral on TikTok and sold out before! Can’t wait to try.

Meanwhile, Rothy’s just released a hemp (summer-weight) version of my beloved clog…tempted to add a pair to my collection! I wear these ALL THE TIME around the house and at my desk.

SPLENDID SWEATSHIRT AND SWEATPANTS // POCKET BRUSH (JUST GOT FOR MY PURSE) // MY FAVORITE NOTEBOOKS // QUINCE RUG // ROTHY’S SUMMER WEIGHT CLOGS // CARLEY FORTUNE’S ONE GOLDEN SUMMER // ZARA DRESS STEAL // PAM MUNSON X SCHUMACHER CLUTCH // TEN OVER TEN COCOON CREAM // ALPYN’S TIK-TOK VIRAL COLD CLEANSER

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





By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

+FINISH EVERY DAY AND BE DONE WITH IT: I loved this excerpt from a letter between Ralph Waldo Emerson and his daughter — the sentiments are about half of what drives my continuous refrain: “Onward!” Keep moving! Leave “the rotten yesterdays” behind. (Related: you can look at the past, but don’t stare.)

+LET IT GO X CAAMP: A propos of Emerson’s words, I found myself listening to this Caamp song on repeat this week (and I’m not really a song repeater!). You listen and your shoulders drop just a little bit; you release your tongue from the roof of your mouth. Beautiful if you need the reminder that not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry.

+DOEN X GAP: ICYMI: Doen released its second collaborative collection with Gap yesterday! Run, run, run! These pieces will sell out if they haven’t already. I got this shirt from the last collection (in a different pattern) and it remains one of my most-worn blouses — super airy, great quality, fab print. They generously sent me this skirt and top set and I wore it yesterday! At the time of writing this, I’m not sure if I was able to snag them, but I have this and this in my cart for when the pieces go live! Do I also need this!?

DENIM DRESS // GINGHAM TOP // GINGHAM SKIRT // NAVY BLOUSE // PATTERNED BLOUSE // WHITE DRESS

+EVERYTHING IS A DIARY: I was charmed by the sentiment in this post. It reminded me of our conversation about our signatures — the little details and idiosyncrasies that make you you.

+CROSSWORD CULTURE: This reel made me LOL. You’ll get it if you’re into crosswords. (Which reminds me that last year around this time, Landon and I were really into leaving a crossword puzzle book out on the kitchen counter. Sometimes we’d work on them together; other times, we’d fill in a word independently. It was a really sweet way to connect, sometimes asynchronously, throughout the day. My favorite was this NYT book of Wednesday puzzles — not too easy, not too hard — and it comes with spiral binding, which is, of course, elite.)

+EYEING + BUYING: Lots of fun prelude-to-summer finds this week. I still can’t stop thinking about this bungee-cord-detail straw hat from Lack of Color, and Lake’s new summer pajama lineup had me adding several styles, including this, to cart.

LACK OF COLOR HAT // LAKE PAJAMAS // LOEWE BAG // TUCKERNUCK COVER UP // ESKER SHOWER STEAMER SET // BY ALONA PIA NECKLACE // RYAN SIMKHAI SUNGLASSES // HAVAIANAS SANDALS // DIVI AIR DRY HAIR CREAM

+BESTSELLERS: Love all my chic racquets ladies wearing this henley!

01. TORY BURCH TENNIS HENLEY // 02. TUCKERNUCK BEADED NECKLACE // 03. HOTEL LOBBY HAMPTONS CANDLE // 04. JULIA AMORY BETTY DRESS // 05. J. CREW SHIRT DRESS // 06. RALPH LAUREN FLEECE HENLEY // 07. DOLCE VITA RAFFIA FLATS // 08. KATE MCLEOD NATURAL BUG REPELLENT // 09. MONDAY SWIMWEAR SWIMSUIT // 10. TUCKERNUCK STRIPED SKIRT // 11. TUCKERNUCK FLORAL DRESS // 12. J. CREW SWIMSUIT

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

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