Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

Above: Mr. Magpie hanging up Old Glory for the Fourth. He’s wearing those Faherty shorts I mentioned — love the color and length — with this button-down.

01. WATERMELON COCKTAILS — Mr. Magpie whipped up a few batches of these fabulous gin-based watermelon cocktails this holiday week. I took a screenshot of the recipe below. The recipe is from New York’s famed Please Don’t Tell cocktail bar. We serve them in these cooler glasses (which are also our water/drinking glasses, and we love them — nice, thin lip but a pleasant weight) with copper straws. I specifically like this set of straws because half of them are bent and half are straight, which means we can always remember whose cocktail is whose. They also come in two different heights for different types of glasses. Very handy!

02. Has everyone watched “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?” I absolutely loved it. I had forgotten how much I learned about puberty from this book as a girl. I had for some reason blotted out the book so much that I told Mr. Magpie beforehand, “I can’t remember if it was this book or another Blume, but one of them introduced me to the concept of getting a period for the first time in my life”! Then, as I watched, I was astounded by how much of it I remembered almost verbatim. The images, the experiences, its markers of femininity and female friendship were all as familiar to me as my own life experiences. I remember longing for the intimacy of the characters in the book, and clinging to the sophisticated vision of bras and bust sizes without connecting them to sexuality or my own body in any meaningful way. Why aren’t there more movies about this phase of a girl’s life? I cried multiple times while watching, not because it was pointedly sad, but because it drew me right back to the tender yet intense tween days that perhaps we never quite “get over.” I thought Rachel McAdams was phenomenal in this movie. She is often endearing, charming, but I found her particularly relatable here.

03. The real MVP of summer: this large pump bottle of Supergoop sunscreen. The pump makes it so easy to apply, and I love the formula — lightweight, easy to blend, but really stays put. Bravo Supergoop for making the perfect daily sunscreen!

04. I still use my Paravel Cabana tote for pool days. It’s not waterproof (though it does have a wipeable liner on the inside), but I love the roomy size and the clever pockets for all of my must-haves.

05. HILL HOUSE NAP DRESS — I wore this on the Fourth. These dresses continue to defy trendiness for me. I mean, they are everywhere and were widely worn at the Fourth of July party at our country club (I lost count of how many I saw), but I continue to reach for them, despite their seeming ubiquitousness. They are so easy to wear, very lightweight in the D.C. heat, flattering, and well-priced IMO.

06. AFOREMENTIONED COPPER STRAWS

07. OK, these reusable water balloons arrived and are SUCH a great summer buy. First, they are better for the environment and keep your lawn clear of all of the plastic debris typically associated with water balloons. I have many memories of Mr. Magpie picking through the grass trying to get it all up after short-lived balloon fights of summers past. Second, the children can refill them themselves! Usually, we need to stand at the sink filling a bunch. With these, children can immerse in water and the balloons “self-seal” with a magnetic closure. It’s hard to describe but they really work. Third, because they’re reusable, the length of play time is significantly longer than with a standard bin of water balloons, which last all of five minutes. Very pleased with this purchase, which kept my children busy for a good hour on the Fourth. In the snap of my daughter above, she’s wearing a J. Crew swimsuit that’s sold out, but I did want to note that TONS of their children’s suits are marked way down plus an extra 50% off, so you can get some of their suits for well under $20.

08. Ordering this striped, ribbed Doen mini. It’s so not my usual style but I keep imagining it paired with leather slides or dad sandals, or maybe ballet flats in the fall. Cute cute!

09. My other favorite purchase this week, well-documented these past few days: these Ancient Greek sandals. Cannot wait until they arrive.

10. Random, but my son loves boxer-briefs and these ones from Primary look TOO CUTE on him. Currently on sale!

11. He is also obsessed with his red crocs. Easily his favorite shoe. I never thought I’d be a crocs mom, but here we are, and they are very practical (wash clean, slip-on) and — dare I say — kind of adorable on him?

12. My Summersalt Ruffle Back Flip arrived and I totally get the hype. This suit is saucy (LOVE the back and the low-vee) but holds everything in place and is super-flattering. It has a decent amount of compression but does not feel constricting / does not cut into your skin in any way. Take your true size in this (I took a 2). I also got their sidestroke suit and think that one runs a little smaller — it was a bit of a struggle to pull on over my hips in a size 2! I wanted to mention that Magpies with larger busts than I (I wear an A) had divergent thoughts on the Ruffle Backflip suit. Some said they felt it was too showy in the bust area and would recommend for smaller bust sizes. Others said that they love it and feel “held in place.” So take that for what you will! Re: sidestroke. I love the interesting back and found the angle of the lines/seams of the suit flattering and elongating. However, I feel like the fabric is a tiny bit thin or something? I didn’t notice this at all on the Ruffle Backflip, perhaps because it’s solid black or just a different silhouette, but on the Sidestroke, I found myself adjusting the suit for awhile so that the top layer laid properly on top of the liner layer. If you’re going with one suit, I would hands down recommend the Backflip. It’s currently on sale for $66 and I know I will be reaching for this constantly. Can’t go wrong with a basic black suit!

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snag: Ancient Greek Eleftheria Sandals.

I did end up ordering the Ancient Greek Eleftheria sandals — too chic to resist! I snagged them in neutral but I also adore them in black. I just wear so little black in the summer. Glad to have a slightly dressier option on hand that will go with everything.

If you like the look but not the price tag, you might consider Reformation’s Ludo style or Schutz’s Mariah.

This Week’s Bestsellers.

PSA: The best-selling Anthro Somerset dress below is 20% off with code ANTHROLTK20.

01. MAREA SHIRTDRESS // 02. NUXE DEODORANT // 03. BEST AMAZON SLEEPING PILLOWS // 04. LAKE SEERSUCKER NIGHTGOWN // 05. J. CREW VINTAGE RIB TANK // 06. SKIMS TRIANGLE BRA // 07. ZARA EMBROIDERED SHORTS // 08. TUCKERNUCK DRESS // 09. J. CREW PLEATED DENIM SHORTS // 10. ANTHRO SOMERSET DRESS (20% OFF WITH CODE ANTHROLTK20) // 11. & OTHER STORIES BLOUSE // 12. J. CREW EMILIE CARDIGAN

Weekend Musings:

I absolutely loved this post on Instagram:

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A post shared by Poppylist (@poppylist)

It immediately drew me back to sitting in the living room of my Chicago home maybe eight or nine days after delivering my daughter via c-section. It was still difficult to make my way up and down the stairs and so I’d bring everything I’d need down in the mornings and set up shop for the day. A girlfriend of mine stopped by with her baby, who was almost exactly one month older than Emory. I remember being mystified by her agility and poise when she materialized on my doorstep, baby in infant carseat, looking…normal. Like herself. I felt puffy, undone, saggy and full at once. I was an emotional wreck, crying in the shower and weeping over my baby. And it was unfathomable that I might drive somewhere by myself with my baby. I still hadn’t figured out how the infant car seat clipped into the base, could barely lift it given the incision, and was in that phase of constant fluttering worry over every noise and squeak my daughter emitted. What if Emory cried in the car? What if I had to nurse her right then and there in public? I was still getting the hang of breastfeeding and could barely do it alone, without an audience. I didn’t trust that I would figure out how to put on the nursing cover and feed her discreetly, or get her to feed at all. These thoughts came whizzing through my mind like a freight train. I stood in awe of my friend as I simultaneously felt my heart sink, seeing myself as inferior, ill-equipped. Why was this easier for her?

I didn’t know then that it was just a matter of time. That a month, in newborn days, is something like dog years to human ones: you almost can’t believe how much you can change and accomplish in the span of a week. Infinitesimal transformations take place every minute of every day as you become a mother. Your baby is changing in front of you, outgrowing clothes overnight, picking up new awarenesses and abilities, and you are so fixated on accommodating these evolutions that you do not realize that you, too, are in metamorphosis. You can’t figure out how to breastfeed, she won’t latch, and then — suddenly — she will. Or she won’t, and you figure out another path forward. You can’t swaddle her tightly enough, and her tiny arms spring out unbidden, and for days on end, she startles herself awake — and then, suddenly, you get the hang of it.

There are so many moments of motherhood where I have felt I am bouncing nervously at the edge of a high diving board. How am I ever going to get two children to a birthday party on time by myself, and then extricate them without meltdowns when it’s time to go? How can I possibly make it through this day with my newly-crawling baby? Will the tantrums ever stop? I don’t know how to get my child to sleep!

You can’t, you can’t, you can’t — and then you can.

I wish I had known this better at the start. That the parts of motherhood that feel impossible eventually fade into the everyday humdrum of rearing children. That the mountains turn out to be molehills. That you can and will do it.

Sending love to any mother — at any stage of matrescence — who is standing on the high dive right now. You can’t, you can’t, you can’t — and then you can.

Shopping Break.

+A bit of a departure from my preferred silhouette, but think I’m going to order this striped knit mini.

+Currently coveting this mini Bottega bag. I love the idea of a tiny bag like this to just carry essentials when heading out for the evening…or for a quick midday errand sans children.

+These look just like my Le Specs Air Hearts (which I own in three colors!), but cost $15.

+On-trend crochet top from J. Crew!

+Loving these La Double J-esque trousers (under $75).

+OK now THIS is chic lounge. They are marketing it as the perfect travel day outfit and I can’t disagree.

+My sister wore this black dress to my birthday dinner and looked SO FABULOUS in it. Sometimes you just can’t beat the chicness of an LBD. Kind of digging off the shoulder in general right now. Anyhow, she was RAVING about this brand, Matteau, and now I’m hunting all over for some good sale pieces from the label. Kind of loving this black mini?

+Summer must have. If I’m going strapless, I’m wearing these. Hate a strapless bra. I even wear these under swimsuits and they work just fine. I find them necessary to pair with my fav Hunza G.

+How good is this $60 woven ottoman?

+Lots of great sale finds at Lululemon, including this white tank, available in nearly all sizes.

+If you’ve followed for awhile, you know how much I adore / can’t live without my Cocofloss. I just saw they now have toothbrushes, too, designed by dentists. Pricey but I’m curious, as I didn’t think I would ever get excited about floss, but then their floss changed my life. Not joking! It grabs everything, like velcro, and I like the flavors. Floss has been so important to me during my Invisalign journey! Fellow Invisaligners will know what I’m talking about, but your teeth are shifting around so much, you’re constantly finding new nooks and crannies that never used to have food stuck in them.

+Fun summer dress on sale at Rhode. Love all the details.

+Obsessed with the seashell detail on this shift.

+Thinking ahead to fall — this Staud Wells dress (I own in pink, currently on sale, and it is SO GOOD) comes in such a chic navy print. I feel like this would be great for a fall affair with a little cardi over top.

By: Jen Shoop

Today, launching a new micro-series sharing some of the things I enjoyed wearing this week, in conjunction with my new Weekly Magpie Digest Newsletter, which you can subscribe for here. (The first issue goes out later today!) The Magpie Digest is a once-a-week space bubbling up the main things we’ve been talking about, buying, and reading the past week.

Onward —

JULIA AMORY MAJORELLE CAFTAN*; LIZZIE SCHECK ZODIAC NECKLACE; JANE WIN PETITE HEARTS NECKLACE

*Lots of questions on this dress via Instagram. I took an XS and had to have hemmed, which tacked an additional $40 onto the cost at my local tailor. I am 5’0 and would estimate we hemmed by 2-3″? It was dragging on the floor before. I do not think the tailoring tampered with the overall look/feel of the dress at all. This dress is so light and airy — compulsively wearable! It is a tad sheer, but I just wear with nude underwear and bralette. You can sort of make out the shape of your legs if you’re standing in bright light but overall I totally feel comfortable wearing out and about.

MI GOLONDRINA DRESS (SIMILAR HERE); MADEWELL TRANSPORT TOTE; BIRKENSTOCKS

SEA RORY DRESS // DANS LA MAIN CLUTCH // DORSEY 15″ KATE NECKLACE

seasalt ruffle backflip swimsuit — SUMMERSALT RUFFLE BACKFLIP SWIMSUIT (30% OFF AND DEF WORTH THE HYPE…GOOD AMOUNT OF COVERAGE DESPITE LOW NECKLINE, VERY COMFORTABLE AND FLATTERING; WILL WRITE LONGER REVIEW SOON) // AGUA BENDITA X TARGET PAREO (SOLD OUT, BUT YOU CAN FIND THE REAL DEAL ON SALE HERE) // JANE WIN PETITE HEARTS NECKLACE

P.S. Like many of you, I loved the just-launched Goop shampoo and conditioner BUT I found that it was really weighing my hair down after multiple consecutive uses. I have very fine hair and I think the protein in it was laying too heavy on my hair. I used Christophe Robin’s salt scrub and one of these little scalp scrubbers to re-set. Just a word of warning if you also have fine hair! I plan to use more sparingly / alternate with other hair products. More of my favorite shower products here.

P.P.S. What’s on your desktop? I always have my cheap planner, my Appointed notebooks, and lots of post-it pads. I have been thinking about my desktop lately and I think I could stand to declutter a bit in order to reduce the visual noise around me. Good to think about your creative habitat.

P.P.P.S. Summer fitness favorites.

By: Jen Shoop

I have so many items in my Shopbop cart at the moment! At the top of the heap: these Ancient Greek Eleftheria sandals I’ve been eyeing for eons. I love the barely-there quality, and while I think I might snag the nude (see them in motion here), I was also momentarily tempted by the black (seen above), which would look SO slick with white/ecru jeans or black sundress.

I also have my eyes on this sunhat from the brand Freya. I mentioned this in yesterday’s post-scripts, but I’ve been hearing a lot of positive chatter about this brand recently, and I love the wide ribbon on this style.

Below, all my top picks, plus a reminder that first time customers can get 20% off their orders with code MAGPIE20.

ROW 1: OUTDOOR VOICES ATHLETIC DRESS // DAGNE DOVER FANNY PACK // BEYOND YOGA TANK // BEYOND YOGA LEGGINGS

ROW 2: SUPERGOOP GLOW STICK // FAVORITE DAUGHTER DENIM // ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS // CLEOBELLA DRESS

ROW 4: FREYA GARDENIA HAT // FRANK & EILEEN TEE DRESS // STAUD CALLUNA DRESS // TORY BURCH MINI TOTE

You can find all my Shopbop “Hearts” here.

P.S. Recent Amazon finds.

P.P.S. “Perhaps I am meant to be asking how love can lead me through those times of confusion. Maybe it is not “why did this happen?” but “how can I meet this moment as my most loving self?” Full essay here.

P.P.P.S. How do you find a tranquil frame of mind?

By: Jen Shoop

This is a Big Provocation for a holiday week, but a month or so ago, I saw a quote that went something like: “Get comfortable with who you are when no one’s around.” I thought immediately about alone time, and how comfortable I already am in it. Last week, I enjoyed hours and hours (days!) of quality time with family, but I found myself craving small pockets of solitude along the way. One day, I sat in my office working quietly for a few hours and found myself wholly replenished, near-bursting with energy, when I rejoined the pack, as though I am an electric vehicle that just needs to be plugged in on a side street alone and stationary for awhile. I have known this about myself since I was little, when I would peel off from my siblings to listen to Brandy on the blue carpet of my bedroom or play Tetris on my computer or read on the Laura Ashley quilt of my lower bunk or sit in the bushes behind my parent’s home with a marble notebook, seeking intelligence for my own adaptations of Harriet the Spy. I enjoy my own company. I feel as though a palm opened. I am able to shed the occasionally exhausting attentiveness I carry with me when I am around others and hyper-aware of moods, opinions, pockets of silence, subjects to avoid or pick up, cadences, potential hurt feelings or happinesses. Because of this wide-eyed consciousness of those around me, I feel sometimes that I am not wholly or freely able to communicate myself to others, that there is a strangling of my own sensibility on its way out. This has happened a few times recently, where I am so focused on making my companion comfortable that I say bizarre things, or ask boring questions, or simply garble my own true opinions. I know this is because I want to be liked, to be companionable, to be considerate, but I would also like to be the me I am when I am alone, because I know that woman, and I like her. And so I guess the more interesting question to me is: Who are you when someone is watching? And does that person map to the real you?

I would say that often, I am a few percentage points away from my true self. Parts of me are there, but parts are submerged or obscured. Perhaps I am simply stating the obvious, and perhaps everyone reading this post is thinking: “Well, yes. We aren’t ever our full selves with others. We are porous, reactive, shaped by context and company. And that’s a good thing. It demonstrates social awareness, EQ, good manners.” Or maybe you are like me and in need of a kind of social calisthenic to find grace in my self-expression when I am with others. After all, in my late 30s, I have a pretty good sense of who I am, and what my failings and strengths are, and what I like and do not, and I would love to have that “me” communicated more roundly in company. And so I have been working lately to unlearn my impulse to fill all the gaps in conversation and rush to agree with or reassure others. Because I find it’s in those moments that I am least “me.” I am a strained version of myself. And I don’t think I’m doing anyone favors, either! It’s OK to take a beat to think about something. It’s OK to quietly disagree, or to let a lag form in the chat. It’s OK for someone else to help steward the conversation forward. I’m not saying that I owe nothing to the pace of conversation, but that I can also be a partner in the volley rather than a task-master/pace-setter/coach.

What do you think? Do you feel you are your full self in company? How did you come to be that way?

Post-Scripts.

+This post made me think about the five second rule, and how it can also be applied to social conversations where nothing nefarious is happening, but I am not feeling like myself. I can just pause and bite my tongue and let myself catch up.

+A time for lamplight and starlight.

+Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Shopping Break.

+Wait. I’m seriously obsessing over so many of Longchamp’s bags right now. Who knew this brand would boomerang back around? I love this pink bucket bag! Love the idea of pairing it with basic jeans and white tee and leather slides and letting it be the star of the show, or pairing with something unexpected, like this utility jumpsuit.

+Also Longchamp: this tiny mesh crossbody! AHH! How cute! A Magpie wrote to say that these bags are highly impractical and hold basically nothing but, like, with just my credit card case and phone?! AHHH.

+These striped tank dresses were just restocked — WILL sell out. Run!

+Neiman’s is offering 25% off a selection of beauty products that are worth noting, including this rose candle and my favorite skinny silk hair ties.

+This Veronica Beard blazer is SO fun and currently on crazy sale. Imagine with white shorts or ecru denim.

+I just updated all my Shopbop picks. So many fab new finds!

+Just your yearly reminder to buy a Thermacell if you spend a lot of time outdoors in a mosquito-dense area. These REALLY work. We swear by them!

+These teeny tiny lace-trim socks…meep! H&M has so many cute baby things right now. Also love these citrus-print shorts and this gardening-themed shorts set.

+I wear a hot pink belt bag from State Bags (no longer avail in my color, but this is the exact style, and I’m not sure why, but it’s $175 for the white/black but $58 for the gold?!) a LOT, and this Dagne Dover achieves a similar vibe. Just love a fun pop of color!

+LOVE this lavender dress. The smocking reminds me of Loretta Caponi, but under $200.

+Mothers of the bride: this is the perfect dress for you. So elegant and unusual but sophisticated and fun and all the things. Also comes in a cute sleeveless option if that’s more your speed.

+Have been loving throwing my Mi Golondrina mini dress on over swim lately.

+How fun is this striped cashmere cardigan?! Currently on sale for a great price!

+Fantastic thing to keep in your trunk for stowing grocery bags, loose bits and bobs, toys/sports gear.

+Absolutely swooning over this floral smocked dress for a little love.

+Beyond gorgeous special occasion dress.

+I have this dramatic Sarah Bray sunhat — love it, but it does run a bit big on my tiny head. You can swap out the ribbons for different looks. I have also been hearing a lot of chatter (positive) about the hat brand Freya — love the look of this style. (Are you a sunhat person?)

+I know I have several die-hard Matteau swimwear fans among the Magpie reader set, and just found this solid suit on sale.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

Q: Big, waterproof pool bag for Moms. I’m thinking Mexican woven bag. Fun but practical.

A: These Steele bags have been getting rave reviews for beach/pool. Mark and Graham offers them with fun monograms/customizations, too. More in the vein you’re highlighting: this Casa Clara, the State Bags Wellington, the Naghedi St. Barths tote (neoprene! I own and love!), or a Bogg bag (see quite a few of these at my pool). Not waterproof, but cotton and very roomy: this $30 Target tote for carrying allll the kids things.

Q: A red dress, ideally for year round, easy to wear / travel, and kid-friendly. Size 10 or M/L. Under $200.

A: I’d reach for something like this. The utility detailing makes it feel a bit more fashion-forward / not stodgy. Can easily be paired with flats, sandals, even sneakers, and you could dress up with heels, too. If you’re on the more casual end on the spectrum, this heritage jersey tee dress promises to be your best friend year-round. Pair with sandals in summer, layer beneath a sweater in winter, etc. Over budget, but this La Ligne would be my personal pick. It is so flattering on, and I love the midi length and coverage. Could be paired with sandals, heels, statement earrings, sneaks, you name it.

Q: Easy to throw on, to wash, to pack summer dresses.

A: The dresses I reach for most frequently for everyday wear are Julia Amory’s shirtdresses and now her Majorelle caftan, too. They feel upscale and feminine but are totally practical, comfortable, livable, breathable, flattering. PSA: I am petite (5’0) and need to have all of her pieces hemmed by a good 3″ or so — just a note that this does tack on an extra $40-$50 per dress. I always seem to forget that…

The other everyday dresses I reach for regularly (basically while waiting until it’s appropriate to re-wear my J.A. dresses) are Hill House nap dresses, Marea’s shirt dress, Mille’s Saffron dress, and S.Z. Blockprints caftans. All of these dresses are comfortable, flattering, lightweight, and midi length, and can be worn with either my favorite seamless inexpensive bralettes or nothing at all (nap dresses). Just so, so comfortable and easy.

I also just saw that Marea’s “house dress” (right up my alley) is on sale here!

Q: Earth tone MOH dress. Looking for something special. Maybe floral?

A: I mentioned this recently, but this under-$200 dress is spectacular. The color palette, the bodice, the length all feel high-fashion, high-end to me — perhaps a shape Zimmermann might offer, but the painterly floral is very Emilia Wickstead or Markarian to me. I also think this J. Crew olive floral is a STATEMENT, and so flattering! A few other brands that frequently release beautiful pieces in earth tones, with some exemplars linked:

La Ligne is also worth keeping on top of — their dresses are SO spectacular on. I feel like the website doesn’t do them proper justice. They are gorgeously made and so flattering and modern. They release new styles fairly frequently and often sell through. This one is gorgeous and in a drab green that might work for the palette.

Q: Basic everyday jewelry in the $50-$100 range.

A: I always have good luck at Etsy! Two of my favorite everyday layering necklaces are this engraved heart necklace and a VC&A-inspired clover I found there. Brinker & Eliza also has fun layerable pieces, like this heart pendant, for under $100 — as does Maison Monik. I swear by these inexpensive gold hoops from Amazon — wear them all the time! — and love a tiny cross like this or this mixed in with a tangle of delicate necklaces.

Q: 50th birthday gift for my dear friend (female) around $100.

A: A luxe Alice Walk sweatshirt, GoopGlow exfoliator, a pair of Lake Pajamas, a pareo by Agua Bendita or Julia Amory, a Longchamp tote, body oil from Olio E Osso, personalized notebooks from Appointed (use code MAGPIEBYJENSHOOP for 15% off). I own and adore nearly every single one of these items and would happily receive any of them in duplicate!

Q: 1st birthday gift for twin boys, no immediate family.

A: A set of these magnetic dinos, a Fisher Price Little People set, or a plush toy set like this. At this age, children love little toys that are not choking hazards to begin to manipulate and play with. Or a set of great bedtime books!

Q: White eyelet dress.

A: This SEA, this English Factory, or any of the Hill House eyelet styles!

Q: Bar Harbor in August.

A: I did a travel wardrobe edit that would be a perfect starting point, I think!

Q: A great wear-every-summer hat.

A: This packable hat has been a bestseller the past week on Magpie — it’s versatile, packable, chic!

Q: Cute return address stamp or labels for girls.

A: Northwest Paper Studio has cute options at a great price. How cute are these? Erin Wallace is generally my go-to gal on Etsy for children’s paper, and I bet if you contacted her, she could add the address to this style.

Q: Men’s pool tote.

A: OMG. Are you me? I’ve been hunting for one, too, because I’m always carrying everyone’s gear in my pool bag, and I swear we’re always just handing the bag off to one another as he’s changing, then I’m changing my kids, etc. I’ve settled on one of these Hunter totes (can be monogrammed!), which is waterproof inside and out and under $50 in the medium size, which feels about right for what his needs are. (Kindle, sunscreen, change of clothes.). They do come in bigger sizes, though, depending on your needs. Away also has a large, masculine-looking tote that would be a good option.

Q: A cute striped bag.

A: Lots of bag shoppers! We love to see it. I love the options from Rue de Verneuil, like this or this. This Clare V. is also fun!

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Oroton, showcasing their Capri dress.

Good morning and happy Fourth! Hoping you are enjoying a day with your family and friends, perhaps making one of those flag sheet cakes with blueberries and strawberries, or sitting on a dock somewhere. I wrote this post before I realized it would go live on Independence Day, and now it feels strangely timed because it starts with an anecdote from my time in France — ha! But such has been my summer life: a bit out-of-order and blurry. My brother and his family ended up extending their stay last week because their daughter caught a virus while here, and so life has felt fast and slow at the same time in the sense that there have been long, slow afternoons of chatting at the kitchen counter, and then the real admin of life, all my rhythms and writings and responsibilities, have been smooshed in around the sides, accomplished or absorbed in quick draughts. I am not complaining. I’ll take the strange pacing any day for extra time with them. But, to the subject at hand —

When I studied abroad in Lyon, I bought myself a large brown Longchamp pliage tote (similar to this one, still made today!) that I cherished for years to come. I used it to carry my books to class, to travel, to commute to/from work. Looking back, brown was an unusual choice for my preppy 20-year-old self, but it operated as a grounding neutral in my colorful wardrobe for years to come — a little softer and more distinctive than black, too. I clearly remember standing by the Van Ness metro stop in the sweltering D.C. heat one college summer, and my mother came to pick me up in her car. I was wearing a white shirtdress, brown pointed-toe kitten heels from Aldo, and my trusty Longchamp. When I got into the car, my mother could not stop talking about how chic she thought I looked with my brown accessories. I felt like a million bucks! I’ve thought fondly about the color brown since, even treating myself to a DVF wrap dress in chocolate brown a few years later with hard-earned money from my first “real world” job. Today, sharing some favorite pieces in this vein — lots of whites/neutrals paired with brown accents.

01. OROTON CAPRI DRESS // 02. DOEN DRESS // 03. RDR EARRINGS // 04. RDR COWRIE SHELL NECKLACE // 05. MADEWELL EYELET DRESS // 06. MARGAUX SANDALS // 07. CESTA COLLECTIVE LUNCHPAIL BAG // 08. HUNTER BELL DRESS // 09. FRANK AND EILEEN SHIRTDRESS // 10. GAP LINEN BLEND DRESS // 11. FENDI RUCHED SANDALS // 12. HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // 13. TKEES SANDALS // 14. CANE RATTAN BAG // 15. & OTHER STORIES DRESS // 16. BODEN LINEN MINI

I want to call out a few things. First, I know logos aren’t for everyone, but I can’t stop thinking about these ruched Fendi sandals, or the similar strappy ones from Celine. I feel like you could throw these on with a white tee and shorts, or $25 tee dress, and feel like a movie star. Second, this Oroton dress is haunting me / taunting me. The stripes! The silhouette! The pockets! It’s SO cute. Finally, this cane rattan bag looks like the ones from Bembien but is only $59.

Not included in the collage above, but I’m also absolutely swooning over this fab little dress from Mi Golondrina — such an unusual and cool color palette! — as well as this Banana Republic maxi. Both would be chic picks for first half of a pregnancy.

P.S. If chocolate is not your color palette, two blue dresses that have been very popular with Magpies the past few days: this gingham Doen (note: this brand runs large; I ended up having to return this adorable mini because I was swimming in it and it was sold out in the XXS) and this striped La Ligne. In a similar vein: this $160 Anthro and this ultra-chic Horror Vacui (on sale).

P.P.S. Some of my absolute favorite, most-worn possessions this summer.

P.P.P.S. Standing on Mars, or the feeling of falling in love and no one knowing it.

By: Jen Shoop

Favorite Things I Wore This Week: This Fanm Mon dress with my Michelle Wilhite clutch (20% off with code MAGPIE20) and my new Dorsey Kate necklace (generously gifted), all seen above. I wore this outfit to my birthday dinner at Black Salt and felt perfectly festive. All four of my siblings and their spouses were in town and I felt so loved. It’s unusual for all of us to be in the same place at the same time, as I have a brother living in Norway, a sister living in Boston, and a sister living in Brooklyn, and there are lots of competing schedules given that there are eight children between us. A little commotion for the Dorsey necklace, which a few of you messaged me about on Instagram. Dorsey uses lab-grown gemstones so that you can get the “legacy” look for a fraction of the price. My mother did a triple take when I walked in (“Is there a gift you want to tell us about?!”), and frankly, so did I. I caught a glance at myself in the mirror while I was getting ready and felt very Grace Kelly! I chose the 15″ Kate Round Cut Riviere, but their bestseller is the 16″ length. I personally feel like the shorter lengths read more modern and are easier to layer with other pieces. I am so excited to incorporate this necklace into my outfit routine. I’ve seen some really chic gals pair theirs with tees and jeans — intrigued to try.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, apparently I’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, because my Vuori order came and I’m in love. I know everyone ordered their joggers during the pandemic but I’m not a big jogger gal. I love (!) this ultra-soft crew (SPF protection, too) as a light top layer over a tank, and then this tank and these shorts are just the dreamiest for lounge and light activity. I wore mine on a walk with a girlfriend and she was raving about the pieces she owns from this brand, too. To be honest, I’d seen them marketed a lot and just never felt that the styles were speaking to me or relevant to my lifestyle, but this summer has presented a lot of opportunity for light activity / running after the kids / going on long walks / doing chores around the home, and I’ve found a place for athleisure in my wardrobe.

To the pool this week, I wore this chic eyelet pareo from Solid and Striped. I now kind of want all of the eyelet pieces from Solid and Striped, but especially this dress and this tunic.

Favorite Things I Bought This Week: I was hoping Minnow would run a Fourth of July sale because my daughter really needed some new suits. I feel like she grew an inch the last few weeks! Alas, no sale — so I bought her this bikini and this halter style at full price. I also bought Mr. Magpie these shorts, these ones, and this button-down. I’m currently trying to pick a couple of items for him from Todd Snyder’s enormous sale, too. He loves their shorts, and if you’re thinking ahead, Mr. Magpie wore this fleece (in a different colorway) a ton last fall/winter, and it’s now under $100.

I didn’t buy these, but one of my favorite boutiques, Danrie, sent me a gift package full of amazing children’s finds all linked here. I’d been telling their founder, Julia, how much my children love t-shirts but how allergic I am to most of the graphic tees you find out there, and she sent me a fabulous collection of t-shirts I actually adore.

Favorite Things I Ate This Week: We picked blue crabs on our back porch with my brother and sister-in-law one night this week — a Mid-Atlantic summer tradition. It was hot and sticky, and then it rained, and we just sat there as the light grew dim and the storm raged around us, picking crabs, drinking pet nat, and talking. I love the ritual, the way your busy hands accommodate idle chatter and pauses in the conversation, and every now and then, you hold up a lump of back fin meat that’s been expertly picked around and everyone oohs and ahhs. Your fingers smell like Old Bay for a good 24 hours afterward, but it’s all part of the experience.

Favorite Thing I Read This Week: Light on reading given our house guests and the attendant late night hangs (we were really leaning into every last minute of our time together), but I did read portions of Book Lovers at the pool, and then re-read Mary Oliver’s “Humpbacks” and discovered Ada Limon’s “The Quiet Machine.” I’ve written about both of the latter already, but they are resonant texts for me at this moment in my life. They speak to major thematic wells I find myself plumbing. Both are rich with the kind of self-knowledge only age and significant reflection can bring.

Favorite Thing I Watched This Week: We didn’t have the television on at all this week! Not once! I enjoyed the feeling of being totally unplugged in the evenings. We spent a lot of time swatting mosquitos and telling stories. I feel a pleasant kind of rootlessness because of it — I have no idea what day it is, but it doesn’t matter. So many of our weekly and even nightly traditions were disrupted by meaningful conversation and connection, and it felt wonderfully gymnastic to bend outside our normal rhythm to catch up with the people I love.

Favorite Thing I Drank This Week: Mai Tais! Recipe here. A perfect peak summer drink. Mr. Magpie whipped up a batch.

Favorite Thing I Did This Week: As you may have gathered, I spent all week ensconced with my siblings and parents and nieces and nephews, and it was life-giving. We spend so much time apart, it’s almost unbelievable when we’re all together. I forget how many of us there are, how dense the volume and commotion and laughter and feelings!

Something I’m Thinking About: How to parent when you’re preoccupied. I feel like I spent so much of this week catching up with siblings, coordinating meals, keeping the house running that I barely saw my children — which was also wonderful in the sense that they were so engaged with their cousins, and there were so many adults around to help when needed, they barely asked for me! Still, I felt strangely disconnected from them, even though we were under the same roof and at the same gatherings all week. Is this what it would feel like to live closer to all my family? To have many loving people on hand at all time? I experienced a kind of strange internal friction thinking about this. I realized how much we typically function as a small family unit, spending time with just the four of us, in our own home, playing our own games and taking our own family excursions. This is partly because of COVID years but partly by geography (e.g. living far from family) and then preference. I feel so close to my children, so accustomed to their patterns and tells and wants and needs, and I am comforted by that intimacy. If I had lived or did live in more of a true community environment, with, for example, multiple generations living in the same house, or multiple siblings living in the neighborhood, what would change? Not saying any one way is better or worse, just different.

Something I’m Working On: Delegation. There were a lot of demands on me this week and I have been trying to get better at passing off tasks. I have this very strong memory of a party we hosted a few years ago that was absolute chaos. I think I hadn’t planned well enough, but I was trying to coordinate and lead children’s activities while ensuring everyone’s glasses were filled and the snacks were brought out, and I had, frankly, a terrible time. I was just a ping pong ball filling random tasks, clearing plates, etc. I now look back and realize I should have simplified the affair, or at least delegated. There was no reason I couldn’t have asked a friend to make the rounds with a bottle of wine, or refill the chip bowl, or lead the children. Why do I do that to myself?

Favorite Things I Found This Week: Oo this week was full of good finds. Items in my cart / that I’ve ordered / that I’m eyeing:

THESE WIDE LEG TROUSERS

CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THIS WHITE APRON DRESS SINCE SEEING IT ON OLYMPIA GAYOT

SUPERGOOP’S GLOWSTICK — I’VE HEARD THIS IS PERFECT FOR APPLYING TO WIGGLY CHILDREN

THIS CUYANA TOTE — I SAW THIS ON A GAL IN BETHESDA AND IT LOOKED SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IT IS

THIS SPECTACULAR FLORAL GOWN

ANYTHING MILLE…THEIR SALE SECTION IS AN EXTRA 50% OFF, AND HOW CUTE IS THIS?!

THIS BEACH CARDIGAN — ENTERING MY NANCY MEYERS ERA

THIS PERFECT WHITE TOP AND THESE PERFECT WHITE SHORTS (HONESTLY I WANT EVERYTHING FROM G LABEL)

THIS POINTELLE NIGHTGOWN

By: Jen Shoop

Somehow I missed the boat on the pandemic popularity of Vuori joggers, but I was liminally aware of the brand and recently ordered a few pieces of Vuori clothing to try. I am, frankly, bowled over. This is high-quality loungewear that has been thoughtfully designed such that it is exactly what you want to wear when you’re at home, chasing the children, taking care of chores, doing light exercise. I picked up their ultra-soft Halo Performance Crop tank and boyfriend short and love this set for walks with girlfriends, playing with the kids in the backyard, and those other “in-between” moments of the weekend, when you aren’t dressed up for company, but don’t want to be in pajamas, either. The fabric is insanely soft, and I love that the shorts have pockets for my phone! I find the length and loose fit of the short ideal — a great balance for the trimness of the tank. When I wore this to go for a walk with my neighbor, she showed up wearing Vuori joggers and asked what took me so long to get the memo!

I also picked up the Vuori daydream crew (seen above), which filled a major hole in my athletic/athleisure wardrobe, as I am often looking for a lightweight top layer that isn’t too bulky/thick to wear over tanks. The crew has an appealing shrunken fit that looks perfect with leggings. It boasts SPF sun protection and, like the shorts, is ultra-soft. After receiving this order, I had to restrain myself from ordering more from their catalog. I especially want to try their Cardiff shorts (love the pink color and retro styling) and performance tanks.

I’m wearing above with my Hoka Arahis and Jane Win love pendant.

P.S. Another fitness/athleisure favorite: the Lululemon Align Dress.

P.P.S. What are your golden hours/moments?

P.P.P.S. Home organization favorites.

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snag: Madewell Harlow Trousers.

I am somehow late to the game on these, but apparently Madewell sells a pair of Harlow Trousers every 3 minutes? I am SO sad I missed out on my size in their recently-launched linen and denim options — would have loved to channel Sofia Richie in the white, but I do need the petite inseam in their pants. No matter, though, I’m starting with their classic Harlows in black. I ordered a petite 00, as the review suggest you can size down (and the reviews are SO positive — lots of huge fans of these trendy trousers). I feel like these will be so chic with a simple white or striped tank and some strappy sandals like these.

This Week’s Bestsellers.

01. DOEN DRESS // 02. JANESSA LEONE HAT // 03. ZARA EMBROIDERED SHORTS // 04. J. CREW MINI DRESS // 05. BIOSSANCE OIL // 06. J. CREW MARIE MAROT DRESS // 07. HAIR TIE SET // 08. NAPKIN SET // 09. OXO STRAWBERRY HULLER // 10. FAITHFULL DRESS // 11. LULULEMON ALIGN TANK // 12. THERMOPEN INSTANT MEAT THERMOMETER // 13. FAHERTY DRESS // 14. LA LIGNE DRESS

Weekend Musings: Many Ways to Be Quiet.

I listened to poet Ada Limon read her poem, “The Quiet Machine,” this week. (You can listen to a live reading here.). Full text below:

I’m learning so many different ways to be quiet. There’s how I stand
in the lawn, that’s one way. There’s also how I stand in the field
across from the street, that’s another way because I’m farther from
people and therefore more likely to be alone. There’s how I don’t
answer the phone, and how I sometimes like to lie down on the
floor of the kitchen and pretend I’m not home when people knock.
There’s daytime silent when I stare and nighttime silent when I
do things. There’s shower silent and bath silent and California silent
and Kentucky silent and car silent. And then there’s the silence that
comes back a million times bigger than me, sneaks into my bones
and wails and wails and wails until I can’t be quiet anymore.
That’s how this machine works.

I was reminded, as I listened, of the truth so many of us Magpies circle back to in our conversations about relationships (especially the frictional kind) and parenting in particular: that many things can be true at once. That life is full of multivalence and contradiction. And that part of living artfully is embracing those multitudes, not forcing them to resolve to a fine and clear point. I’ve learned, in my 30s, that clarity is not the point of writing, or parenting, or building great relationships, or even living — at least for me. To me, living fully is standing with my feet in the wet sand, waves braking against my legs and ankles in un-anticipatable rhythms, and not just experiencing but accepting the simultaneity of sensations that unfold. The water is cold, the air is hot, the sand is both comfortable and uncomfortable beneath my feet. I am happy, I am sad, I am connected, I am alone. All of these things can be true. Life does not unfurl in one long, monotone ribbon. It often feels like everything all at once! I’m grateful to Limon for tugging at this truth by reminding me that even a singular sensation — quietness — can be full of different tones and meanings and echoes depending on our moods, environments, times of day.

How did you react to this poem?

Shopping Break.

+Anthro’s Somerset dress is SO good IRL — super flattering and has a hidden eye clasp at the chest area for a bit more coverage. I love their eyelet version out right now, which is also available in a mini length.

+These sleeping pillows are fantastic and currently on sale for 40% off (as of time of writing this post). I use these in my children’s rooms and my guest bedrooms!

+The dreamiest little dress — this would be perfect for a family photo or even newborn shoot.

+I wore this eyelet pareo to the pool this week over one of Tory Burch’s underwire suits! SO chic if I do say so myself. The pareo is currently 25% off!

+While at the pool, I saw a chic mom wearing one of these Lorna Murray hats. I’d been unconvinced by whether I could pull one off but she looked SO FABULOUS.

+These pleated denim shorts from J. Crew are in my cart right now. They remind me of the more expensive Citizens pair that I’ve been seeing on lots of chic peas. I ordered those but am between sizes in Citizens! Also live this paper bag waist style — under $100.

+This tiny crochet diaper set for a baby girl is BEYOND cute. (And on trend!)

+Cute floral blouse.

+French girl deodorant. People also love the dry oil from this brand. And lots of other European pharmacy finds here.

+Can’t believe this smocked dress is $130. Looks so much more expensive!

+I know I shouldn’t be thinking about knitwear right now, but I can’t help myself. This loose-weave beach cardigan is #goals, and I LOVE this dusty pink striped situation.

+Get the Julia Amory look for less with this $128 shirtdress.

+OBSESSED with these raffia bangles.

+Dream pareo.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

A couple of fantastic sales to shop this weekend —

+20% off sweaters at Jenni Kayne with code SWEATERS20. Their cashmere cocoon is a perennial bestseller, and I also love this striped cardigan.

+Tory Burch’s sale is where it’s AT. Wow. I have grown increasingly fond of their ready to wear pieces over the years, and they’re offering an extra 25% off already-discounted prices. I love this ruffle top poplin dress, this poplin wrap dress (a Magpie bestseller last fall — buy now and feel prepped for the first crisp day of autumn), this gauze top, and this timeless tunic, which will never NOT be chic paired with white jeans or worn over a swimsuit. Finally, these woven loafers!!!! In my cart.

+Extra 20% off Hill House’s sale section with code 20FORYOU. This includes one of my favorite skirts (so comfortable and the fit is fantastic) and the classic Ellie nap dress in a few patterns.

+20% off sitewide at Saie. I absolutely love their SlipTint — wear it most days in lieu of foundation, plus it has SPF and is already less expensive than my other favorite tinted moisturizers, like Chantecaille and Laura Mercier. I also wear their glowy supergel constantly. I usually apply a dab on my cheeks, nose, and cupid’s bow as a last makeup step. Or buy this duo of tinted moisturizer and supergel, already marked down, plus add the 20% off code on top.

+Michelle Wilhite is offering us Magpies 20% off sitewide (including off her discounted collection) with code MAGPIE20. If you follow me on Insta or LTK, you might have seen me wearing this clutch on my birthday with my Fanm Mon dress. (See here.)

+Serena and Lily marked a bunch of items down. This cute little table lamp is $150! Also love these interesting woven dining chairs (almost 50% off) and of course the Blake dresser (I own in a different length/color, but this one would be fabulous).

+Hotel Lobby candles are 20% off with code JULY4. I’ve given these as gifts many times. Love the Paris Nuit scent.

+Faherty is offering up to 40% off a selection of items. Love this solid yellow gauze dress — on sale for $124. Reminds me of Xirena. I also recently bought Mr. Magpie some of their essential shorts (this pair in the dusty rose, not on sale) and he loves them. Their cord variation on these shorts is included in the sale!

+Goop is offering 30% off cookware with code HOTPOTS. This covered casserole dish caught my eye as a good gift for newlyweds/new apartment/etc.

By: Jen Shoop

One of my go-to “I have no idea what to wear” outfits is my favorite $15 Uniqlo tee (take your true size, or size up if in between sizes) with my favorite white jeans. Then I throw on one dramatic accessory — whether it’s a big statement necklace or a patterned sweater — and sandals I’m loving at the moment, which are currently either my Gucci dad sandals or my silver Birks. I immediately feel like a million bucks. I like white dresses for the same reason — you can throw on whatever accessories are intriguing you at the moment and recreate the look.

Below, some of my favorite summer white finds.