By: Jen Shoop

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

Above: getting an overdue manicure yesterday with my new mini wallet from Marni (50% off). I am a stalwart when it comes to nail colors: either bright red (OPI Big Apple Red) or white-pink (I like Essie’s Fiji and OPI’s Let’s Be Friends and Lisbon Wants Moor). I can’t explain the instant effect this manicure had on me, but it felt sort of like getting a leg up on my week? (An energy multiplier, maybe?) How to explain that feeling to a man?! Nails are my one weekly beauty indulgence; I’m more sporadic on hair, facials, eyebrows, etc, but I almost always get my nails done once a week. I think a big part of it is that I always read while I get my nails done. It feels like the most luxurious hour long retreat — a pause for just me — and I feel so pulled-together when I leave.

Anyhow — this, and a few other items, on my radar this week —

VERONICA BEARD VEST // CORPUS BODY CREAM // STAUD SKIRT // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET // PRESTON LANE COUNTERTOP SPRAY // CHANEL FLATS // STAUD ELLISON DRESS // YSE EXFOLIATING PADS (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // MARNI MINI WALLET (50% OFF)

01. I cannot resist this pink linen vest. I am obsessed with this look paired with white jeans!

02. I love a scented body lotion, and this one — bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom — is on its way to me. My other favorite (a major splurge) is Byredo’s Blanche. It’s such a great clean base layer scent — plays well with other perfumes.

03. Full maxi skirts are having a moment. You know how much I love my Doen (look for less here and here); this striped Staud turned my head, too.

04. The number one question I field from my Instagram account — where is your phone sling from?! It is from the brand Ossa and highly impractical (glass beads!). It makes Landon angry – ha. But it’s so cute! I take it on and off depending on what the day has in store for me. I’m not, obviously, jogging with it attached. This one is similar (and from the same brand) as mine — so cute for spring.

05. I have now tried two of the Preston Lane all purpose cleaner sprays. They are effective and smell so, so good — the most luxe cleaner. I know this is a bit nutty but I like to use it to clean down the counters just before bed. Feels like such a luxe reset for the next morning. I like both the Mayfair and Doheny Drive scents, but find myself reaching more often for the Mayfair because the lime gives a really fresh smell to the kitchen.

06. I’ve noticed this micro-trend of sneaker/mary-jane hybrids. This is the Chanel take on the trend. Loeffler Randall has a great option, too, for much less, and it has apparently sold out once already!

07. Staud knows how to cut a dress that flatters. I’d feel so sexy and chic in this little number in the perfect green hue! I’d style with other pastels.

08. I just ran out of my beloved Dr. Dennis Gross facial pads (which are currently 25% off — ordered a new set and a back up)! While waiting for the new order to arrive, I’ve been using these YSE ones. They’re really, really good too. I like the textured side of the pad for scrubbing off excess random little bits of makeup and the like. (And, they gave us a code — JEN20 for 20% off.)

09. I just received this gorgeous mini-wallet from Marni. She’s perfect. I usually carry just a card case and the little Goyard pouch for cash / receipts / etc, but this achieves a similar effect (super compact and chic) in one. It’s 50% off!

P.S. What are your grooming rituals? (Comments are fascinating.)

P.P.S. Reteaching a thing its loveliness.

P.P.P.S. A humble thing.

By: Jen Shoop

Things I tell myself all the time as a mother…

Today is not the final draft.

Avoid baby talk. Use the real anatomical terms; tell the truth about death.

They are only this young today.

It’s OK that your home is messy; it’s OK that it looks like little children live here.

Sometimes (often times) the right decision will be unpopular with them, and that’s OK. You are not their best friend; you are their mother.

The most important question: did they feel loved today?

The meat of motherhood is not the epic trip or the over-the-top birthday party — it’s the thousand fibrous daily gestures of love you do almost without thinking: refilling the water cups, soothing minor aches and pains, “wow — you built that?!” (It’s OK to do the small thing.)

Hold them as long as they’ll let you.

What’s right for your friend’s daughter is not necessarily right for your daughter. (In fact, often is not.)

Listen when your children are telling you who they are.

Trust your instincts. No one is more of an expert in your children than you are.

Don’t pepper them with questions just after they get into the car. Give them time to decompress. Drive quietly and their observations will tumble out in good time.

You carry all your children’s ages inside; they are never gone.

It’s OK to go to the doctor with a random symptom. It’s OK to tiptoe into their bedroom to take their temperatures in the middle of the night. Peace of mind is valuable.

If you want to understand their worlds, ask a question and then shut up.

Exercise practicality — are they hungry, are they tired, are they uncomfortable? A lot of things can be resolved with a snack or a nap.

Change is hard on kids! Go easy during the transitions back to school, big life changes, etc. There may be tantrums, bed-wettings, nightmares, etc. Reassure them and know that things will eventually shake out.

Avoid empty threats. Follow through on discipline.

Put a fish in water! (When facing big moods, weird pent-up energy, boredem — drop them in a bath, blow up the backyard pool, let them play in the sink. Water is magic!)

One of the greatest gifts you can give them: the ability to happily spend time alone.

Let them see you fail, or make a mistake. Apologize. Model resilience.

Learn what your kids need when they are upset. Emory needs space and then physical touch and reassurance: “everything’s OK.” Hill needs to be held and talked to.

When you are going toe-to-toe with them over something, ask: “Is this the battlefield I want to die on?”

Structure is good. Routines are good. Expectations are good. Show them pictures, describe what rooms will look like, etc.

A lot of times, simple answers to tough questions are best.

Your children are not projects. Scaffold their movements as they become their own perfect selves.

You’re where you need to be. (The doctor’s appointment, the sick day, the last minute run to school to drop off a lunch — these may feel like inconveniences, but they are all part of motherhood. You’re doing what you need to do, being where you need to be.)

You are their soft landing. Put your hard-edged angst and worry aside and become the softest version of yourself when they need it.

What are some of the things you tell yourself as a mother?

Post-Scripts.

+It’s their day, too. (A quote borrowed from Katie Blackburn.)

+Sometimes motherhood feels like long division.

+Maintaining wonder in motherhood.

+Long days of parenting. (They will happen.)

Shopping Break.

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

+Majorly trending among Magpies the last few days: this spring blouse. I’m inclined to copycat and order, too! A lot of you also picked up these Target flats, which are a good look for less for my Staud Albas (I have them in the white netting color).

+LOVE gauze for summer — two favorites are Xirena’s blouses (so chic with jeans!) and Alice Walk’s gauze pants. Just saw Gap has a really cute gauze shorts and top set situation at a great price! Would be such a cute set for summer.

+Another chic set: this top and these matching shorts. Pair with a big straw tote and leather sandals.

+Two lace pieces I’m loving: these shorts, this top.

+Best inexpensive sleeping pillows. We use throughout the house!

+GORGEOUS new arrivals from Mestiza: this dress, this one.

+Perfect striped tee.

+Chic storage solution – love that it comes with a lid. One of my big gripes in NYC was that I couldn’t find attractive storage bins with lids, and having that extra visual “noise” drove me crazy…but these are my favorite attractive storage solution WITHOUT lids.

+Contemplating switching out our wicker outdoor set for this sleek one from S&L.

+You may remember I’m a huge fan of Sarah Creal’s face flex concealer — it is specifically designed for more mature skin and does not settle into fine lines, yet somehow provides excellent coverage. Just reordered after emptying a bottle. I also noticed they have this eye cream…inclined to test because I’m so impressed by the efficacy of their other products!

+Mr. Magpie just signed up for some tennis lessons – I ordered both him and my son these cute white shorts (kids’ size here)!

+Another cute little boy find: these seagull swim trunks (under $20). Also cute in the green/white stripe.

+Just stocked up on some new gift wrap for upcoming birthdays. How adorable is this pattern?

By: Jen Shoop

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

I know a lot of us bought this cornflower blue striped shirtdress (seen above with these flats and this clutch) — it is such a chic, tailored but feminine style for a meeting or a casual dinner out. (I was having dinner with my Mom!) It gives me vintage Ralph Lauren vibes with the contrast white shirting collar. And it’s under $170! (Use code YOUROCK or YOURULE for 20% off, bringing the total under $150.) I also jumped on this Harper Shirtdress by Goop’s house label, G. Label — it has a similar elevated everyday elegance. (Reminder that SHOOP15 gets you 15% off of all Goop’s house labels, including Goop Beauty.)

Elegant Everyday Dresses: Street Style Inspiration.

Below, a little mood board to set the tone I’m after. I’m especially drawn to the mixing of neutrals in these photos — especially the brown leather accents:

HARPER DRESS // CORNFLOWER BLUE STRIPE DRESS // TAHLIA DOT HEPBURN DRESS // THE FAVORITE LINEN DRESS // PETRA PAISLEY DRESS // JOAN MAXI SHIRTDRESS // FLARED MINI DRESS IN CHINO // PLEATED DROP WAIST IN CRINKLE

Styling Everyday Dresses for Spring.

HARPER SHIRTDRESS // REFORMATION SANDALS // LES LUNETTES BAMBINO SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NANTUCKET BIG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // DOOR KNOCKER GOLD PLATED EARRINGS

Can we have a moment for these $148 sandals?! I’m swooning! They remind me of a style from Manolo! So chic with that white-pink pedicure…!

PETRA PAISLEY DRESS // CASHMERE CLASSIC CREW CARDIGAN // POT DE MIEL // ALEXIA SANDAL // PETIT SWELL HOOPS

TAHLIA DOT HEPBURN DRESS // PERIDOT MIGNON FLAT SANDAL // MEDIUM PARK TOTE BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PUFFY DAGGER SILVER PLATED EARRINGS

JOAN MAXI SHIRTDRESS // COMO WOVEN STRAW TOTE // SQUARE TOE MILLIE SANDAL // RUSSEL OVAL SUNGLASSES // RUSSEL OVAL SUNGLASSES

P.S. Chic totes for spring.

P.P.S. What do you eat for lunch?

P.P.P.S. How to plan a great family vacation.

By: Jen Shoop

I went to the bay looking for the great blue heron. In the gray March dawn, I watched for its graceful curve and hollow bones. I didn’t know what it signified, but I stood waiting for it, as though I was due.

The sky was silver and spitting, a perfect March morning, but not what I wanted. I shivered against its perceived inclemence, idly watching two obstreperous ducks chase one another at speed, low to the water, fighting or mating; I did not know. They darted through the pearl sky, their bodies close to one another, calling and flapping.

After some time of stamping my feet, scanning the horizon, tuning out the noise of the mallard, I turned back inside, empty-pocketed. In my room, I hung my coat and sat at the desk by the window and found myself writing about the ducks.

Anatidae — how good to be them, secluded from the language of the day, in search only of the inscrutable things their wild hearts want.

I realized two days later, still vaguely disappointed in the absence of the great blue, my short-sightedness. I’d been hoping for the heron, but I’d written myself onto the wing of the duck nonetheless. And I’d found a new color inside. I had not known how much I desired the ease of their avian intuition.

Ah, expectations — the eternal enemy. Too often in life I go digging for gold-draped divinity only to discover it’s been talking in technicolor all day long, looking suspiciously like a normal day. Herons, ducks, eagles, sparrows — their rarity has no bearing on our meaning-making. As Ingrid Goff-Maidoff put it: “God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.”

Post-Scripts.

+Another stirring birding moment, this time with a heron present.

+Imprints of our (suburban) lifestyle.

+Thinking of Elizabeth.

Shopping Break.

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

+25% off current season picks at Veronica Beard (!) with code FAVORITES2025. My top picks: these cuffed straight-legs in the chicest brown color, especially with the coordinating belted chore jacket (this color would look SO good with creamy whites and pale pink as we head into spring); my current favorite VB jacket (in my closet); and this gorgeous, versatile eyelet dress. And nearly sold out, but these Carson kick-flares are a forever favorite!

BELTED CHORE JACKET // DYLAN STRAIGHT LEGS // SUMIRA TWEED BLAZER // CARSON KICK FLARE JEANS // EYELET DRESS // SUEDE JACKET

+VB vibes for less with this CHIC tweed blazer in the best spring colors and these Gap kick fits.

+OO this new dress style from Anthro is so good! (Also comes in a mini.)

+In addition to the Westman bronzing drops I mentioned yesterday, I’ve also been using and loving True Botanicals’ bronzewell drops. My neighbor turned me onto this brand last year and I love everything I have of theirs! Anyhow, the bronzewell drops are not a tanner, have no scent, washes off easily, but really gives a great bronze glow. I mix one drop into my moisturizer in the morning; I’ll probably level up to two drops when I’m less pale. I layer this beneath the Westman drops, which I wear more like makeup (the True Botanicals is more skincare).

+Larroude just sent me THE CHICEST sneakers. The bungee-style laces and toe shape remind me of Miu Miu! (Vibe for $100 with these.)

+Kids Vans on sale in great colors. My children have loved these — very comfortable!

LEFT: SPRING VANS ON SALE

RIGHT: HOW I STYLE MY SON: OSO AND ME POLO, CADETS SHORTS, VANS

+My mom was raving about this foundation over the weekend. I’m in a longtime committed relationship with Westman Atelier’s Foundation Stick, but she was very convincing…going to try next!

+OK, this Lilly P dress is gorgeous…! Imagine with a simple leather sandal and a big set of bangles or a statement necklace.

+Always such a fan of Oso and Me. I always love the way my son looks when he’s wearing that brand (he just wore this polo to Mass), and he loves how comfortable they are. They just launched a new “Go Fish” collection and I’m eyeing this sweatshirt and sweatshort set for him.

+This is not my typical go-to dress style (I’m usually drawn to something with a very defined waist / a shirt dress / etc) but I saw someone wearing this dress on Instagram and I immediately ordered. It looked SO chic on! She was wearing red but I ordered in that great palm color.

+Love this longline sports bra in the mint green color. I just got it and love to pair with other bright colored leggings and shorts while cycling indoors.

+Saw an Instagram ad for this barrier repair ghost berry cream from new-to-me brand Alpyn and now I must try it…

+Great Gap find.

By: Jen Shoop

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

Earlier this month, I had a strange professional interaction that threw me. I believe the other party was just sharing her expertise, but she made me feel about an inch tall. I have gone over the conversation with a fine-toothed comb — was I being over-sensitive? Or was she in fact insulting me? Was I simply unaccustomed to her blunt manner? Or was she — as it seemed — trying to take me down a peg? And if she was, what did it matter? Why did I let her comments get to me?

I don’t know, maybe I was due for a humbling.

But also — I don’t know, maybe I should have said something — “excuse me, I don’t need to be spoken to that way,” or “I’m surprised you’d feel comfortable saying that,” or even repeating what she’d said aloud — “Can we back up for a second? I may have misunderstood, but it sounded like you asked…”

Mainly, I have been feeling disappointed in myself. Surely I am tenured enough to stand still in my center. Surely I can let a stranger’s comment roll right off my back. And yet I got off the phone call, went downstairs to Mr. Magpie’s office, and found myself on the brink of tears. After detailing the conversation, I finally explained, “I feel…embarrassed?”

It’s a tricky thing, to sift out the ego from the earnest. To know when to give yourself a shake and say: “You know what? She does know better, even if her delivery was gruff; just take the medicine,” versus “Jen, you’ve gotta stand up for yourself!”

I mentioned a little of this on Instagram, and how the entire incident made me feel so far afield from my vision of what it means to be “a woman of substance,” that luminous north star. I concluded that maybe being a woman of substance is more a practice than a destination. Something to aspire to daily.

One Magpie offered the most gorgeous soft landing (thank you, Kate) — she wrote: “The ability to engage in self reflection? That is a trademark of a woman of substance. Vulnerability? Same thing. You are doing great.”

I don’t feel like I did great that day, but it did prompt some useful self-examination. For one thing, I have been workshopping a couple of strategies for similar situations in the future. I could tell, two minutes into the conversation, that I was upset — could feel my own fluster and hurt building — and yet I permitted the exchange to go on for a full hour. I felt locked in for some reason; I let her lead. Why?! I suppose out of politeness? Next time I witness those warning flares, I am going to exercise the right to pause the conversation — “something came up; let’s connect on this another time.” Or even ask if I can call back in a few minutes, after I’ve gathered myself. Having a second to think about how I feel and possibly phrase an objection or redirection would have helped, or at least put me in a place where I felt more emotionally prepared.

Have you encountered a similar situation? How did you acquit yourself? What has helped you through?

****

Sunday Shopping Poetry.

First – did you know Nordstrom Rack carries a fair amount of designer denim, including Mother, which has slowly become one of my preferred brands?! A great pair of classic white skinnies here. (Yes, you can still wear skinnies.) Also: just received my Westman bronzing drops and have been in such dire need of them. I am so pale! And! My mother ordered this adorable little Madewell bag while we were traveling together. It’s 25% off right now.

OK, last two shopping notes: 1) I just ordered this fun Merlette top. I’d never seen anything like it! Love the chambray material and dramatic collar. SO chic! 2) Everlane is offering 25% off sitewide! This white dress is a classic.

ALEMAIS DRESS // MADEWELL BAG (25% OFF!) // FREDA SALVADOR FLATS (10% OFF WITH MAGPIE10) // MOTHER JEANS (ON SALE!) // WESTMAN ATELIER BRONZING DROPS // EVERLANE DRESS // MERLETTE TOP // MANGO SHORTS // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE

By: Jen Shoop

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

+BOOK THE TRIP: This week, I went away for one night with my mom to the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, MD. We’d never done this before, a mother-daughter trip just the two of us. It was soul-filling — spa treatments, a long laugh-filled dinner, and two 1.5 hour car rides in which you wouldn’t have been able to get a word in edge-wise. Just a reminder to book the trip, make the date, pick up the phone. One of the surprises of adulthood: how little time you really have with your loved ones. And you’d be surprised at how restorative just 24 hours feels! (Funny side note: we both showed up wearing Frank and Eileen, the universally acknowledged spa trip wardrobe. I was wearing this set and she was wearing this popover beneath her navy Spanx athleisure set (here are the matching pants) — she doesn’t like “the unfinished hem” of the F&E sweat sets, ha. Also her signature: won’t get within a mile of a frayed or distressed garment. BTW, many Magpies have raved about this similar sweat set from Amazon as a way to get the F&E look for less.)

+AND WHILE WE’RE TALKING SPANX…They are running a big sale, with up to 70% off, which includes my favorite pea tendril green half zip and leggings set! The color is so fun. I don’t know why, but it gives me some get-up-and-go when I’m dragging my feet. I also like the look of this long-line zip-up. It reminds me of some of the styles at Varley but about half the price.

green spanx fitness set

+ICONIC KISS: Part of “Wedding Crashers” was filmed at the Inn at Perry Cabin, and of course I couldn’t help but think about that scene in the movie where Rachel McAdams is tip-toeing down the hallway in her pajamas while Coldplay’s “Sparks” is playing. One of my favorite cinematic moments. This in turn led me to think about “The Notebook” and this iconic kiss moment from awards show history. (Afterward, Ryan Gosling could barely string a sentence together.) The whole thing gives me butterflies.

+FAYE WEBSTER: Thanks for all of your “underrated music” recs here; I want to throw another artist into the ring: have you heard of Faye Webster? (Start with “Kingston” and “I Know You.”) Has a Clairo vibe, but there’s something else there…maybe like a more twee/indie Natalie Merchant or Norah Jones vibe? I am really enjoying working to her music, which says a lot — normally I can’t work with vocals on and need to go all instrumental.

+EYEING + BUYING: Don’t miss Everlane’s 25% off sale this weekend to order their way high curve jeans! We love these! Run TTS but have a very rigid denim – fyi. All my top picks from this promo below. I also own and adore this “ranch jacket” in denim!

WHITE RIVIERA DRESS // BALLET FLAT MULES // RANCH BARN JACKET // BUCKET BAG // BOXY BUTTON DOWN // WAY HIGH CURVE JEANS // BOAT SHOES

+HOW TO RESPOND TO A RUDE COMMENT?: I am never able to think on my feet in these circumstances — I usually cook up a good comeback two days later, while in the shower. (Esprit de l’escalier, in full force!) Over time, I’ve decided this isn’t necessarily the worst thing — I’d rather not saying something in the heat of the moment and regret it later — but there’s a fine line here. We also don’t want to be steamrolled. Anyway, one suggestion as to how to respond to a rude, inconsiderate, or intrusive comment: “I’m surprised you feel comfortable saying that.” I like the way it dodges direct engagement and invites the other party to self-reflect. Does anyone have another solution for this? On a more trivial note, something else I need: has anyone figured out the right thing to say when someone knocks on the door of the bathroom you’re using? I’m sure this happens to all of us routinely, and yet I’m always a fluster of: “In here / occupied / out in a minute!”

+MAKING ART: If you are making any kind of art — and I define art very loosely, because I think getting dressed can be a kind of art, and making the bed can be a kind of art — you might find reassurance in this quote:

+BESTSELLERS: At the top of this list: this fabulous everyday dress from Tuckernuck, which I also ordered, and wore at the Inn at Perry Cabin (see below — rest of outfits details here).

Also very popular this week: this CHIC mini bag from Madewell (25% off at the moment!). My mom bought both while we were away!

01. TUCKERNUCK DRESS // 02. MADEWELL MINI BAG // 03. TARGET HIGH-RISE WIDE LEG PANTS // 04. TORY BURCH ROMY BAG // 05. YSE SKIN GLOW PRIMER (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // 06. MARGAUX ANKLE WRAP SANDAL (BUY NOW; IT SELLS OUT EVERY SEASON!) // 07. SPLENDID ANGIE PANTS // 08. TUCKERNUCK CASHMERE CARDIGAN // 09. JEFFREY CAMPBELL JELLIES (THE ROW INSPIRED) // 10. SERENA AND LILY CROSBY TEAK DINING TABLE // 11. DOEN SEBASTIANE SKIRT // 12. ALICE WALK COTTON WEEKENDER SWEATER

By: Jen Shoop

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

A Perfect Everyday Dress.

It was hard for me to capture the perfect details and draping on this G. Label dress. A great putty color that goes with everything. A fabulous everyday, elevated basic.

G. LABEL HARPER DRESS (15% OFF WITH SHOOP15) // HERMES SCARF // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALTUZARRA BAG // DORSEY EARRINGS // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)

A Really Good Barrel Jean for Petites.

Wanted to specifically call out these on-trend jeans from Ruti for fellow petites! They are running a promo right now — $55 off with code SS25. The fit is perfect if you’re under 5’3. These are very similar to Nili Lotan’s virally popular Shon jeans, but tailored for us shorties! Go up a size. I am normally a 0/2 and I took a 4p in these. They have a fantastic amount of stretch in them — good workday pants. You can sit comfortably in them all day even though they have that raw, dark denim look from afar.

Also – if you’re looking for a great striped button-down, this is it, and it’s 20% off with JEN20. It’s Rag & Bone and boasts a perfect fit — not too boxy and not too snug/trim. I go down a size in this to an XXS. Has a great lightweight and tucks easily. I love the contrast stripe pocket detail.

RUTI PETITE BARREL JEANS ($55 OFF WITH SS25) // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // RAG AND BONE MAXINE SHIRT (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // LA LIGNE MINI MARIN SWEATER // VARLEY MORVEN JACKET // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS // CELINE SUNGLASSES // ALTUZARRA BAG // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)

Emory’s Birthday Dinner Outfit (Ash Wedesday).

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

MANGO TRENCH // KILTE CARDIGAN // FRP COLLECTION BAG // RIXO BLOUSE // AGOLDE JEANS // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // DORSEY EARRINGS // DORSEY HEART ID NECKLACE

Head to Toe Neutrals for a Monday.

SOLD OUT NYC BUTTON-DOWN (15% OFF WITH MAGPIE15) // FRANK AND EILEEN SWEATER // RAG & BONE LOGAN JEANS (20% OFF WITH JEN20 — SOOO SOFT AND DRAPEY; RUN A TAD BIG) // JANESSA LEONE HAT

Doen Sebastiane — My Hero Skirt.

Getting so much wear out of this gorgeous boho skirt. Look for less here, here, here.

DOEN SEBASTIANE SKIRT // LOUP SWEATSHIRT // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALTUZARRA BAG // / CELINE SUNGLASSES // LOEFFLER RANDALL COAT

Pastel Fitness Outfit (I.e., How I Motivated Myself on Tues Morning).

ALICE WALK SWEATSHIRT // VUORI FEATHER TEE // FREE PEOPLE SHORTS

The Everlane Way High Curve Jean.

Finally got my Everlane way high curve jeans! Run TTS. They are SO flattering on hip / waist — heads up that the denim is very rigid though. I would not wear these all day long / travel in them / work at my desk in them. So chic and I love the ecru wash.

EVERLANE WAY HIGH CURVE JEANS // SOLDOUT NYC TEE // ROTHYS CLOGS // ALICE WALK ALPACA SWEATER (VIBE FOR LESS WITH THIS) // PARKER THATCH CHARLIE BAG

By: Jen Shoop

Most mornings, Landon materializes in the door frame of my writing studio with a cup of coffee prepared just the way I like it, down to the ounce of sugar. He measures it on a kitchen scale. If I have my headphones on, which I often do in those luminous morning hours awaiting Calliope, he knows I’m in a flow, and will deliver the coffee and leave without conversation. “Wasn’t I good this morning?” he’ll sometimes ask later, meaning: “I wanted to talk, but I delivered your coffee and left out of respect for your work.” Because sometimes, too, he will arrive with coffee and leave thirty minutes later, after we’ve lost ourselves in wandering marital chatter. (What is marriage but one long conversation?).

How precious to be cared for in this way. The coffee mug in his hand nothing but a bare-faced “I love you.”

A propos of my coffee-born “I love you,” this morning, republishing one of my favorite musings from 2024 — 10 different ways of saying I love you.

*****

“How did you sleep?”

A full tank of gas waiting for you in the car.

A post-it note reading: “Heat at 350 for 20-25 minutes.”

Your dad wandering around your backyard, tearing up weeds.

A text message replying: “YES!!!”

The door knob mysteriously fixed.

An email reading: “Saw this and thought of you.”

A string of heart emojis.

Your favorite flavor of yogurt stocked in your mother’s fridge.

“Tell me everything.”

****

A few weeks ago, my best friend and her husband were staying over, and as her husband came into the kitchen, I asked, near-reflexively: “How did you sleep?” He looked a little surprised, and then pleased, and said: “Oh! Great, thanks.” As soon as the question came out of my mouth, I realized I was parroting my mother. Asking how I’ve slept is one of my her favorite ways of saying “I love you” — more a gesture of affection than anything else. I want you to be rested and comfortable, is the subtext, and I care about how you feel.

U.A. Fanthorpe put it best: “There is a kind of love called maintenance // Which stores the WD40 and knows when to use it.” Elsewhere, I’ve riffed on this sentiment when writing about Mr. Magpie: “I love the way you echo through my daily chores and counterspaces. Proof that love is a modest thing, never making a fuss about the furnishings. We’re just as likely to find it on the Duplo-strewn floor of the basement, tired parents with children crawling over us, as we are dressed to the nines sitting in a Paris cafe. Love is looking for us everywhere.”

What are some of the hidden ways people tell you they love you?

Post-Scripts.

+You can purchase an illustrated print of the piece above here. I have mine framed in these inexpensive lucite blocks.

+While visiting my sister in New York, she lamented (in her Nora Ephron manner), “No one ever makes me a salad. A salad is the ultimate gesture of love.” I knew what she meant. Sometimes love is a salad.

+More on the small gestures of love our parents extend our way.

+Other permutations of love.

Shopping Break.

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

+We’re almost to linen season — last year I got so, so, so much wear out of this set from Frank and Eileen. I really love styling the set as a cohesive look (Nancy Meyers leading lady vibe), but I also loved the linen shirt with boxer-style shorts; you might consider this $30 gingham pair! So cute with a straw tote.

+Get the F&E linen set look for less with this (and this matching shirt)!

+Currently wearing this Tuckernuck top. Makes me feel like I’m on vacation. J. Crew has a great dress they just released that gives me a similar feel.

+Love these inexpensive and chic drinking glasses.

+Today is the final day of the Shopbop sale — 20% off of so much great stuff. All my picks here.

+Every now and then, Veronica Beard generously offers to send me something — I scrambled all over myself to request this east-west clutch. SO GOOD. I’ve been eyeing those ones from Savette for like two years now and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this similar style from VB. I will be wearing this all summer!

+Thinking ahead to warm weather, I feel like I want to live in these Natalie Martin fiore dresses. Such cool patterns to throw on with leather sandals and great shades.

+If you’re ever hosting a breakfast or morning time birthday party where you’ll be serving coffee — these to-go cups are a cute touch.

+Another great Banana find — wow! They’re killing it.

+No-manicure, low-maintenance great nails. I use this between manicures at my salon.

+A great LBD. CHIC!

+Cute spring shorts for your man. Love the lilac!

+Have you heard about the brand Abbey Glass? Really bright, fun wedding guest dresses under $400.

+CHIC pareo.

+Gap giving major Reformation vibes.

By: Jen Shoop

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

I have to be honest – I’m a pretty big maximalist. I spotted the above fringed tote from Mercules and my heart did a little leap. I sometimes tamp the exuberance down in my everyday dressing but I am forever drawn to a big necklace, a bold pattern, a joyful color. I am drooling over these mesh ballet flats I’ve been seeing everywhere (look for less with these), and my beaded phone strap, while impractical and rage-inducing in front of Mr. Magpie, sparks so much joy. Below, some bold finds for spring —

FLEUR STRAW HAT // GAZELLE INDOOR SNEAKERS // STAUD ALBA BALLET FLATS // BOXY SHOULDER BAG // MERCULES FRINGE BAG // ALAIA MESH BALLET FLATS // FRP COLLECTION BAG // LIZZIE FORTUNATO CAPRI NECKLACE // BIG EFFING CLIP // LOEWE CURVY SUNGLASSES // PAPAYA EARRINGS

Maximalist Finds for Under $125.

A few additional finds at a lower price point — how GOOD is this phone pouch from COS?!

PHONE POUCH LEATHER // MESH BALLET FLATS LIGHT BLUE // PERSIMMON BEADED PHONE WRIST STRAP // LASSO HAT // SEZANE BEADED BRACELET // RED CORDED PHONE STRAP // LE SPECS SUNGLASSES // SQUARE TOE LILY RED // OVAL HOOP EARRINGS // MADEWELL MINI RAFFIA BAG

Styling Maximalist Accessories.

ROMY GATHERED COTTON BLEND POPLIN DRESS // THE OPHELIA SLINGBACKS // ST. PIECE SCARF // BOXY SHOULDER BAG // LOEWE CURVY SUNGLASSES // LIZZIE FORTUNATO EARRINGS

RELAXED LINEN SHIRT // 90S PINCH WAIST JEANS // FLEUR STRAW HAT // DAVIS LEATHER SANDAL // POT DI MIEL // OUTTA LOVE SUNGLASSES

TECHNIQUE POPLIN DRESS // FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE CARDIGAN // SEDONA SUNGLASSES // HEART AND SOUL SILVER TONE EARRINGS // WIDE BANGLE BRACELET // PHONE POUCH LEATHER // MESH BALLET FLATS LIGHT BLUE

P.S. Styling white denim for spring.

P.P.S. Chic totes to transition into spring.

P.P.P.S. Pastel knits!

By: Jen Shoop

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

A few weeks ago, I joked that the Early Morning Tee by AYR is “Magpie Core.” Like, so many of us own and love that shirt that it’s become a kind of visual patois between us. This made me think about other “Magpie signatures” — what might they be? The first few that came to mind: listening to movie scores; the Gap kick flare jeans; Circe and Sally Rooney; strategic thinking about vacations, Disney, skincare, and meal planning; “you’re where you need to be”; great at-home cocktails or mocktails; a curious obsession with pouches; running; upgraded air plane tickets; “just move the dirt”; the Tory Burch Romy bag; carrying a Kindle everywhere. What else?

I had fun, then, thinking about the “signatures” of a few people I love.

My mother: Quelques Fleurs perfume // Hermes scarf // Crispix and skim milk // the newspaper on the dining room table // loopy script // immaculately ironed clothing // notepads // “bacon, extra crisp” // peonies // a fully-charged phone battery // tissues in every pocket // “mmm, buh-bye” at the end of every phone call // kindness personified

My father: Legal pads and accordion folders // Montblanc pen // his “running closet” (a closet with only his running gear in it) // bamboo fly rod // Hechingers (RIP) // squat historical tomes // tall pour of Chardonnay // cold cut sandwiches // WWI poetry // either responds immediately to a text with a thumbs up or three word sentence, or doesn’t respond at all // “atta girl! alright!” // self-deprecating humor

Landon: Hedley and Bennett apron // obscure Japanese knives // Reddit // gray UVA sweatshirt // black Jeep Cherokee // pho 75 // all caps // keys with a sailor’s monkey fist knot // very loud music // very good gin // “why not?” // the number 18 // the best time ever

What might yours be?

Post-Scripts.

+Sometimes, love is a salad.

+What are your non-negotiables?

+Our grooming routines.

+On the friendships of girlhood. There’s just nothing like them.

Shopping Break.

+I wore this Julia Amory set (skirt, top — both 15% off with JEN-15) to dinner with my parents this week. I love her patterned sets — such a great way to feel pulled together, and then you can style the pieces separately, of course. Love the top with white jeans, or the skirt with a white tank. Also love this pattern with the matching skirt. Cute cute!

+I wore the set with my beloved Glyn flatforms (on sale!) — I’d forgotten how much I absolutely freaking love these shoes. They are so comfortable but give you 3″ of height. A petite girl’s best friend, but without any of the heel-wearing agony. I also like the way they look on the foot — flattering somehow / the strap doesn’t cut the ankle at a weird place.

+Love this quilted reversible sweatshirt ($29) in the pastel green!

+We gave my daughter one of these instant print cameras for her birthday and she is obsessed.

+Preston Lane sent me their best-selling counter spray (Doheny Drive – “Grapefruit, Mandarin, Rose, Musk”) and I have to say it’s a very luxe cleaning product. Scent is clean but not overpowering, and it actually works. I just noticed they are offering free shipping through 3/16 in case you want to try!

+Speaking of home scents – I just retired all my winter candles! I am currently burning Linnea’s new Sun Day scent, which is very subtle and clean and does have the quality of fresh sunlight and open windows (kind of similar to the Doheny Drive spray, actually — neroli, mandarin, bergamot) and just received this Roma Heirloom Tomato scent from Flamingo Estate, which smells absolutely divine. It smells earthy, viney, green, full — peak garden. Linnea’s Fields is also a perennial spring/summer favorite scent of mine — I have one in my candle drawer for later this season. Smells like cut grass and flowers. IMO Linnea makes the most luxury, complex scents for under $40 (use my code MAGPIE10 for 10% off). You really can’t find anything as nuanced for the price. I’d put the Linnea scents on the same tier as Diptque, but they’re much less $$.

+This top arrived and is just SO MUCH FUN. It’s like the sartorial equivalent to funfetti cake. I already have it dogeared for a birthday party.

+Gorgeous spring dress for $225. Reminds me of a Schumacher print!

+Serena and Lily look for less. (Compare with this.)

+Quince has some cute swimwear options for little ones – this tankini and these pastel-colored rash guards ($22 versus $54 at Minnow).

+Clever collapsible bucket for toting, gardening, outdoor play, etc.

+I cannot get over how adorable this overall set for girls is.

+Just discovered the coolest Spanish brand of handbags, Mercules. I’m obsessed! This mint green fringe bag!!! Also have my eye on these soon-to-launch basket bags.

+One of my favorite sweatpants (I have two colors), in a great and brand-new sunwashed hue for spring.

+Love this raffia flat for spring.

+Cute Easter finds.

+Chic and simple set of end tables.

By: Jen Shoop

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

There’s been a new fashion micro-trend in the ether: “fisherman cottage core.” I am loving the vibe — it’s charmingly haphazard, and suggestive of a rustic, quiet lifestyle. I absolutely love the way it blends the feminine with the masculine. A floral print with some chunky borrowed-from-the-husband rainboots; an exaggerated collar paired with an oversized cableknit. I’d feel a tiny bit twee going full force on the look given my suburban lifestyle but there are ways to accommodate the vibe in smaller doses.

Below, how I’d channel the look myself, in slightly more accessible ways —

Fisherman Core Styling Inspo.

THE GREAT TAP SHORT (MORE SIZES HERE) // FRANK AND EILEEN SHIRT // G LABEL FISHERMAN SWEATER (15% OFF WITH SHOOP15, OR LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // FREDA SALVADOR SANDALS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // J. CREW STRAW TOTE

SHAKER STITCH JOHNNY COLLAR SWEATER // LUNA CROPPED HIGH RISE TAPERED JEANS // PATTERNED HAIR SCARF // BOAT & TOTE // DREAM BALLERINA // CHUNKY HUGGIE HOOPS // BALI POLARIZED ACETATE SUNGLASSES

HELAINE CROCHET MIDI DRESS // CASHMERE FISHERMAN SWEATER (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // THE RUTH BALLET FLAT // BUCKET HAT // SARDINE STUDS // 13MM DOME CUFF BRACELET // MINI BUCKET CHOCOLATE

STRIPED STRAIGHT SHIRT (FANTASTIC PRICE ALERT) // PETITE DARTED BARREL JEAN // LYNN LEATHER FISHERMAN SANDALS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALPACA COCOON CREWNECK (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // TRIOMPHE 53 MM ROUND SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NATURAL AND OFF WHITE GOODY BAG // GOLD MINI STUDS

FLETCHER WAX PONCHO // OVERSIZED SHIRT IN OXFORD // THE PERFECT VINTAGE WIDE LEG JEAN // DARK BROWN MAX SANDALS // LA PILAGE COSMETIC CASE // CABANA OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES // GOLD INFINITI HUGGIE EARRINGS

P.S. Thoughts on syling white denim for spring.

P.P.S. My favorite spring jackets.

P.P.P.S. Gardening for yourself. (More philosophical than instructive.)

By: Jen Shoop

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

THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS / MARTYR! / JAMES / ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK / 33 PLACE BRUGMANN / LONG ISLAND

I’ve not been reading as much fiction as I normally do the past six months; I’ve instead been drawn to the creative practice of reading poetry most mornings when I settle into my studio. This is partly my own conscious embrace of the “fractionality” concept — i.e., knowing I don’t have as much time to read in longer stretches and accommodating little pockets of available time by reading sips of poetry instead — and partly because it’s what’s making me lean forward right now. I love the distillation of poetry, its elision and parataxis. Sometimes I re-read my prose and think, “now what would the poet do?” and weedwack about half the words off the page. Concision has never been my strong suit; I’m still learning to “kill my darlings.” Occupational hazard of the noticer, I guess — I want to leave it all in.

I have a couple of trips planned in the coming weeks and I’d like to take those occasions to dig into some novels, though. I miss the feeling of flopping, hammock-like, into a book.

Right now, I’m reading Pat Barker’s Silence of the Girls and my God does it scratch the itch Circe left years ago. I’m about a third of the way through and loving it, but my progress is stymied by the fact that I only seem able to read during that narrow crescent just before bed, when my mind swims as close to the rim of sleep as it can without actually slipping in. Not great; I find myself re-reading 1-2 pages each night. Have you read it? If not, disregard the following, but did anyone else get a small and strange thrill when Achilles cried as Briseis was taken by Agamemnon? I find his portraiture absolutely fascinating. I love the obliqueness of it (at least, as of 30% in) — it almost feels like Barker paints him in profile versus 3D. We see only the cut of his jib, but it’s closer-in than we’ve ever seen him before. The book is so cinematic; I’d love to see it adapted to screen. We’d need a Hemsworth brother for Achilles, and maybe like a Brie Larsen for Briseis? Natalie Portman also came to mind but she’s a bit too delicate for the way Briseis is written…

Next up: The Berry Pickers (check trigger warnings! I know a lot of you have written that you couldn’t stomach this one, as it has to do with the loss of a child) and then All the Colors of the Dark. These have been recommended dozens of times by Magpie readers and I need to see what all the buzz is about. A lot of you have specifically mentioned these books in the same breath as The God of the Woods, which I found gripping and pleasurable to read. (Full review here.)

I also always have a romance or two downloaded to my Kindle. They’re my escape valve when I’m fretting at 3 a.m. or killing time in a waiting room or some other unpleasant situation. I currently have B. K. Borison’s First Time Caller and Elsie Silver’s Wild Side downloaded but not started either. Heads up to check the spice level (i.e., open door vs. closed door) ratings from Beach Reads and Bubbly if you’re new to this genre!

Also on my radar…

+Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — described as a literary thriller; people have been raving about the poetic quality of this work. “A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon.”

+Martyr by Kaveh Akbar. Have heard this is darkly funny, incisive, poetic — but realistic. “A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum.”

+33 Place Brugman by Alice Austen — “An outstanding debut novel—a love story, mystery, and philosophical puzzle, told in the singular voices of the residents of a Beaux Arts apartment house in Belgium during World War II.”

+James by Percival Everett. I’ve had this downloaded for almost a year. I know I’ll get to it eventually!

+Long Island by Colm Toibin. When I polled Magpie readers on Instagram as to what they were reading, this was the number one response. (“From the beloved, critically acclaimed, bestselling author comes a spectacularly moving novel featuring Eilis Lacey, the complex and enigmatic heroine of Brooklyn, Tóibín’s most popular work in twenty years.”)

Not really my speed / grabbing me, but there’s a lot of buzz right now about the novel I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacquline Harpman (“Ursula K. LeGuin meets The Road in a post-apocalyptic modern classic of female friendship and intimacy.”). Has anyone read? Is it worth the hype?

What’s in your TBR (to be read) pile?

Reminder: embrace your bad book girl self.

Shopping Break.

+Big Madewell sale started yesterday — 25% off sitewide, and this includes their popular darted barrel jeans, which are almost always excluded from sale. I also love these in the butter yellow and this adorable raffia bag.

+So much great stuff at Farm Rio – this dress, this top! Such great Easter options, both.

+This floral vest is beyond adorable for little ladies. Pair with an inexpensive ribbed leggings set for an easy spring outfit.

+Obsessed with these pull-on pants from Banana.

+Our table from Oomph finally arrived (like eight or ten months after ordering!), and it’s so cute…I also like the look of this fun Serena and Lily option if you’re also looking for a pop of color but don’t want the wait (or price tag). Bonus: it’s 20% off.

+CHIC statement shorts at a great price. Pair with a polished tank like this.

+Why do I love this Gucci tote so much…

+Another really pretty spring top. Love this tucked into mid-wash denim or ecru pants.

+My inner prep is finding it difficult to resist this striped tank. It’s very Ralph-meets-Abercrombie but grown up.

+Speaking of our inner prep — the kind of classic oxford dress you can live in. Imagine barefoot on a beach, over a striped bikini. And I’m also swooning over this Reformation dress, which also has a great throwback prep vibe. I had so many pieces like this!

+Ordered this striped performance polo for my son in the lavender stripe! Love when brands offer more than just red or blue for boys.

+Pretty and very well-priced patio umbrella. Serena and Lily vibes!

+Wait – these little loafers for boys remind me of the Loro Piana Summer Walk loafers, which seem to be sold out all the time! I’ve been wanting to snag a pair for Landon for months now. I might get him these similar Brunello Cucinellis instead.

+Fab spring trousers.

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