Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

A few years ago, I wrote an essay in response to Zora Neale Hurston’s quote: “There are years that ask questions, and years that answer.” I was in the middle of a string of years asking enormous questions, and I was straining for solid footing. It occurs to me now — how fortunate, how improbably lucky! I was to have met that Hurston quote when I did, because it offered me a perch I needed: the awareness that some seasons of life feel open-ended, hewn, jagged, as though tectonic plates are crashing and crumbling against one another, and others feel familiar, fruit-bearing, and if not serene, at least knowable.

Are you in a year that is asking or answering?

If you are in a year that is asking, I have a little cherry pit of thought that might bring you comfort today:

Willa Cather wrote: “Some things you learn best in calm, and others in storm.”

If you’re seeking friendlier seas, at least know that in the interim, you are learning how to tack and gybe under pressure — a skill you’d never have picked up in quieter years. My husband and I talk often about the things we carry with us from the leaner, meaner times. Today, I am thinking specifically of the day I was supposed to deliver a presentation in front of an audience of 200, and I’d just endured an emotional tragedy and a serious health scare earlier in the week. And yet I somehow found myself backstage, mic’ed up, dressed and ready. It did not occur to me that I could have backed out. I remember that my body was trembling with nerves and the intensity of that particular week, but I called to mind the advice of a mentor, who said: “If you’re shaky before a big presentation, just know it’s your body’s way of telling you that you’re ready. Your body is preparing you to go on.” This was probably a kind of trick, a way to neuter the nervous energy, but I remember shivering in the wings, telling myself: “This is just your body saying you’re ready to go. Let’s do this! Let’s do this!”

I went on stage, took a big breath, and absolutely nailed it.

Mr. Magpie had been in the audience even though he had nothing to do with the event — I had wanted him there because the week had split me in two — and afterward he hugged me and pinched my shoulder and had trouble speaking, his eyes wet and his voice refusing to clear, and I knew he saw what I did:

That we’d been in a violent storm together, and yet we were somehow now standing on dry earth, and it had required guts and determination I didn’t know I had to get there. I saw in his silence the steely inner coil that had willed me through that morning. It was as though I’d clanked my shovel against metal I hadn’t known was buried there. I have taken great comfort in that visual on countless trying days since: that corkscrewing strength, ready when needed.

One of my bosses once told me (paraphrasing, and probably botching) that when you think you’ve given 100%, you’re actually only 60% there — that you have more reserve fuel than you think.

I draw these learnings together as though a string of pearls. The tempest, the shocking clank of unearthing my own reserve, the awareness that we can do more than we think with less than we want.

Post-Scripts.

+Onward!

+Enjoying the shade.

+On the disorientation of attending a high school reunion.

+On getting over a failed friendship.

Shopping Break.

+URGENT: my current favorite swimsuit is 40% off. I own in this exact color and it makes me look tan even when I’m pale! Really comfortable and flattering IMO. I love the dainty straps/neckline.

+I love this tangerine-colored dress so much. Looks like a style from Ciao Lucia.

+Meant to include this strappy tank in yesterday’s roundup of fitness finds — on sale!

+The internet is losing its mind over these hair “vitamins” — you do not eat them; you just break the capsules onto your hair like a serum/oil. These tend to sell out really fast whenever restocked.

+Just ordered my kids a fresh set of markers for the summer – they LOVE to color/draw and we recently moved a ream of paper down to their drawing cabinet so that they can draw whenever they please. I also keep this carrier case of markers in my bag when we’re going out to dinner.

+I just found the cutest source for designer bolster pillows for your bed: The Little Co. I ordered this one. I love that they list their sizes by bed size so you really know the appropriate size bolster for your room! Also love this one and this one.

+This is in my cart for the Fourth!

+I also just ordered my first pair of Birks. Ah! Who am I? Dad sandals were a gateway drug?

+Love this Zara mini caftan.

+Have been hearing such good things about this $35 bikini. More of a one-piece gal myself but tempted by the price tag!

+I have a couple of dresses from Mirth I’ve been getting a ton of wear out of. They are all designed to be so soft, floaty, ethereal! Love this one and this one from their new collection.

+Really angry at myself for not acting more quickly on this gingham Doen dress before it sold out in my size. I love the neckline and vintage feel. Also love this solid navy dress — I own it in a different pattern already but so fetching in the navy.

+The chicest cooler I’ve ever seen.

By: Jen Shoop

I’ve been stocking up on summer fitness buys to accommodate what I intend to be a very active summer — running, hiking, golf, lake sports, long walks! I did order the hyped Lululemon Align dress in the flush pink color seen below. I think I first heard about this dress from the Instagram account “Beach Reads and Bubbly,” a new follow for fun summer reading. She is newly postpartum and mentioned that she feels great in this dress, and (in her words, paraphrased): “If I feel good in this dress so close to having a baby, so will you.” I sized up two whole sizes. Lululemon runs small (as one Magpie put it, the sizing is “a feature, not a bug”), and there are few things worse than trying to work out in clothes that are too tight. I am normally a 0 but went up to a 4 in this style. For reference, I own Align leggings in both 2 and 4 and both fit fine! I almost notice no difference. I will report back with findings! I have never been a big fitness dress gal but this summer, I am anticipating lots of opportunities for wear, not only with the activities outlined above, but also with the casual weekends where kids will be running through the sprinkler and exploring the neighborhood. As you know, I already own and am getting wear out of this Madewell style, too. (Size up if in question — runs small.)

A roundup of the rest of my favorite summer fitness/active finds below, but I do want to call out a few items:

+I know we all have our “ESWB” (“emotional support water bottle”) of choice, but this is my personal favorite. I bought one for Mr. Magpie awhile back and then totally co-opted it. I like it because it keeps water cold (insulated), holds the perfect amount of water (I once bought an enormous water bottle under the guise of getting myself to drink more water, and it was just too much to lug around — Mr. Magpie called it my “lead pipe” haha!), has a wide mouth for filling with ice/water, and has a perfect drinking spout. I love it.

+Have been hearing good things about these Target running shorts, and they’re on sale through today for only $20/pop. I bought them in this mushroom color seen below. A bunch of their fitness pieces are on sale through today, FYI — including this strappy fitness dress ($24! great colors!) and my favorite racerback tanks. The latter are only $10/pop, come in great colors, hold up well, and have a nice, loose fit.

+I really love these Beyond Yoga stride shorts. They’re longer length than a lot of others you’ll find out there (my preference) and have bike shorts underneath. Just a really good, comfortable short that makes you feel as if there’s no “constriction” and no need for adjustment.

+Beyond Yoga is running a MDW sale — you can get their cropped racerback tanks for 50% off in select colors.

+I love a solid-colored half-zip — have a number of them at this point — for throwing on over fitness wear, and this Everlane one is on sale for $35 (even less in other colors). I am also eyeing one of the Anine Bing sweatshirts after my friend Nan raved about them.

+These Feetures socks remain my absolute favorite running socks. I kind of freak out if I have no clean pairs — they are cushion-y and snug and low-profile but never slip off your heel. The best.

01. LULULEMON ALIGN DRESS // 02. PRINCE T-SHIRT // 03. BEYOND YOGA TANK // 04. BEYOND YOGA BIKE SHORTS // 05. NIKE RUNNING SHOES // 06. ODODOS BELT BAG // 07. SPLENDID SCALLOP SWEATSHIRT // 08. SPLENDID SCALLOP SHORTS // 09. KOSAS SUNSCREEN // 10. EVERLANE SWEATSHIRT // 11. TAKEYA WATER BOTTLE // 12. SILVER BIRKS // 13. CALPAK DUFFEL // 14. FEETURES SOCKS // 15. TARGET TANK // 16. ON TRAIL RUNNING SNEAKERS // 17. TARGET RUNNING SHORTS // 18. CREW SOCKS // 19. MADEWELL FITNESS DRESS // 20. HAIR TIES // 21. SPANX SHORTS (10% OFF WITH CODE SHOOPXSPANX) // 22. TARGET SPORTS BRA TANK // 23. BEYOND YOGA TEE (CHECK OUT THE BACK!) // 24. BEYOND YOGA SHORTS (BLUE COLOR HERE)

P.S. Thought on getting into a running routine, from last summer.

P.P.S. On having fun with everyday dressing this summer.

P.P.P.S. Travel gear for families.

By: Jen Shoop

It’s just that,

we are here for such a short time,

and with our loved ones for even shorter.

Strange to think that we might pass more hours this year with parents at our children’s schools, or neighbors, or colleagues, than we will with our own cherished elect.

There is a Sufi meditation prompt:

“If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do?”

Then:

“And if you knew you were going to die in two hours, what would you do?”

Visions of seeing the Northern Lights, of tasting oysters just-plucked and still-hearty with Puget Sound merroir, of standing, chest heaving, at the summit of a fourteener,

give way to curling up with my babies,

and leaning my head on my mother’s shoulder,

and holding my husband’s hand.

It is so small and simple, what matters most:

the notes on the counter in familiar cursive: “Jennifer – I thought you might like these,” and “Not yet ripe,”

the dog ecstatically wagging her tail — her body radiating with recognition and joy — at your return from the supermarket,

the sticky popsicle kisses, the stick-figure drawings shoved under your door in the morning,

the withdrawal — without prior coordination — of two spoons from the drawer for ice cream after dinner,

the squeal of glee from your son when he catches sight of you, surprising him with school pick-up,

the way he sprints across the playground, arms windmilling through the air,

the animal pureness of his response: this chirp of recognition, this irrepressible need to press his face into your arms,

the daily, ambling phone calls with your mother, talking about what you ate for dinner and whether or not you will be at the anticipatory Mass,

the “You make me happy,” whispered while watching a movie under blankets in the air conditioning of your basement.

At the end of it all, I don’t need to have lived large. In fact, I think I am on the right track if it feels as though I am living lilliputian instead.

It could be that my entire universe fits on a couch,

That true happiness fits snugly in the palm of my hand, and squeezes it.

Post-Scripts.

+In praise of a normal day.

+The saltings of motherhood — the swampy parts that make you ask what you’re doing?!

+On living careingly.

Shopping Break.

+J. Crew’s new arrivals are SO fetching. I love this white eyelet skirt, this Liberty floral smocked dress, and this fringed hem cocktail dress!

+This linen ric-rac trim navy top is absolutely adorable. Would look amazing with high-waisted white denim (own and love this pair) or the aforementioned J. Crew eyelet skirt.

+This $55 maxi reminds me of Zimmermann.

+Digging this Stella McCartney crossbody in the yellow after seeing it in orange on Mally Goldman. It’s temptingly almost 50% off right now.

+Another really cute crossbody: this hot pink style from Longchamp, of all brands! I’ve been waiting for a decade for this brand to reclaim its sought-after status, and I think we’ve arrived. To be clear, I’ve always loved their bags, but they kind of ballooned into ubiquitousness in college and beyond, and now I find myself drawn to them again, afresh, anew. I also really like their pliage filet knit bags. One of the moms at my son’s school wore one to graduation a few days ago and I might need to follow suit. Love the punchy colors but the cream one is a classic.

+Cute scalloped lounge set.

+Still, after all these years, my favorite underwear, and on sale in good colors here. Saks also has a good price on a five-pack.

+Great rainy day activity to have on hand for kids this summer.

+Eyeing some of these fancy house/dish cleaning products from Courtney Cox’s home care label. I’ve heard the scents are incredible!

+These soft lounge dresses from Skims turned my head.

+Been eyeing Hunter Bell’s Jenkins dress for awhile. They release in different patterns every season! I think this dress would look so cute with a pair of dad sandals like these.

+If you are looking for a splashy designer sandal for summer, look no further than Prada. These and these are all the rage right now!

+This dress is on sale and so spectacular. I am obsessing over all of the dresses from this label right now.

+Such a pretty skirt from SEA — love the color and detail.

By: Jen Shoop

This week, in vignettes…

This dog! Guys, this dog. She is seven and 65 lbs but still delivering big puppy energy. I remember a fellow Airedale owner approached me in New York and Tilly jumped up on him — playfully, but still. “I can see your Airedale is just as well behaved as mine,” he joked. It was a generous thing to say because Tilly — all terriers, really — is a handful (feisty, determined, full of personality) and it was nice to have someone “get it.” Lap dogs they are not. This year, she has eaten multiple toys and countless plates of the children’s food, barked at every single delivery person who has come to our door, done wild zoomies around the basement and first floors every time my father-in-law (her favorite person) arrives, and started to lunge at trucks when we are on our morning walks. She didn’t always do this business with the trucks, but I suppose the construction happening a few doors down has led her to link “F-150s” with “stranger danger,” and she is woefully under-informed about what will happen if she actually leaps out at a moving vehicle. Of course, I am so grateful for her, too. Our companionable morning walks are essential to my wellbeing. A reader recently asked how I get my day/week off on the right foot, and my first answer was: “A good night’s sleep!,” which I still consider to be the top ingredient in a productive day, but I also mentioned how important it’s been for me to get outside every single morning, feel the sun on my face, stretch my legs, consider my surroundings. And, yes, steel myself every time I trunk rumbles by. Tilly’s companionship has been a meaningful component of these daily constitutionals. She’s always been pretty good on a leash, which is startling because she’s not so obedient in a lot of other areas, and will often keep gait with me, walking immediately to my side. We spent weeks training her to “heel” in Chicago. I can still remember walking up and down the length of our city block, feeling like it would never click. But it did. And, so long as no truck or squirrel impedes our way, she is my buddy. One of my favorite things about her — and I know this is not idiosyncratic to my girl — is that when I say her name, her tail starts to wag. Sometimes, I’ll be walking along, lost in thought, and then I’ll look down at her fluffy little head and say, “Oh, Tilly,” in my dog mom voice, and her tail will wags and it’s — I dunno. An affirmation of love, of life.

Above, you can see I am still wearing my same old Gap kick fits. These are just my favorite pants to pull on when it’s mildly chilly out and I just need to get out the door. They are so comfortable and easy and they look great with all kinds of shoes — sandals, sneakers, canvas furlanes (mine are Vibi Venezia — lots of other colors/styles available, and many an extra 25% off this weekend; these neon ones are SO fun). It was chilly, so I had paired with my favorite $15 Uniqlo tee and a white half-zip sweatshirt from Target — I alternate between that Target one and my Alice Walk.

My son “graduated” from Montessori this week — he’s actually leaving the primary program a year earlier than most children do because we decided to move him over to the Catholic school my daughter attends. Why are these transitions so rough for us mothers? I think any major event that marks the passing of time, the ends of things, for our children make us realize how distressingly short their childhoods are. I always find myself asking impossible questions, like, “Did I adequately treasure our morning drop-offs, just the two of us? Will I miss that window of 10 minutes we’d have to kill every single morning between my daughter’s drop off and his?” One of my girlfriends gave me the best, most reassuring advice along these lines awhile back. I’m paraphrasing here, but she said: “Let yourself feel it all. Cry if you feel like it. It just shows how much you love your role as a mom.” Wow! That changed everything for me.

Above, my son wears J. Crew dock shorts (the best! and currently like $20/pop) and this Zara shirt. He got so many compliments on this little look!

Last Friday, some of my neighbors hosted a “come one, come all” happy hour. “We’ll have some snacks, but bring some wine to share!” We’re all meant to sign up and take turns hosting these informal Friday affairs, and it’s perhaps one of the loveliest traditions I’ve yet encountered here in Bethesda. I have never enjoyed this kind of community before. Even growing up, we had a corner lot on a busy street in N.W. D.C., and it wasn’t a situation where you’d mosey over to the neighbors to see if Tommy and Caroline could play. I find this low-key, borrow-a-cup-of-sugar, chat-while-walking-the-dog, chips-in-a-bowl-in-the-backyard-happy-hour situation delightful and also deeply reassuring. It feels good to braid myself into the place I am living.

I wore one of my Mille Thalia tops, my white Gap kick flares, my Pam Munson Teddy tote (currently 25% off with code MEMORIALDAY25), and my Gucci sandals. I came bearing pimento cheese straws and that hot honey I’ve been raving about.

Some new favorite beauty products arrived — I know I’ve made much about these new-to-me oils from Olio E Osso but they truly are incredible. The glow oil and regular body oil are currently 15% off at Shopbop. Unfortunately, Shopbop is now sold out of the shave oil because we all bought so much of it last week, but you can still find it (free ship) at Revolve. Also above: Summer Fridays’ lip butter balm, which I am addicted to. I received it in a press package from Talbots and have been carrying it around with me everywhere since. They also sent over this hot pink linen shirt, which is SO cute, and which I will be wearing with white denim.

It felt like summer this week, between graduation and the warm weather. I guess I took a lot of selfies of my feet this week – ha! Above, I am wearing my Antik Batik Flavie dress in a past-season pattern. They have the same dress in a really pretty lilac print on sale here. Love the braided belt! Outnet also has a good little collection of Antik Batik pieces on super sale. I paired with Hermes sandals and my Paris64 bag.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when the gorgeous house-shaped box at left arrived on my doorstep — just the package alone was stunning. I kept the box to use for something else — maybe a doll house for my daughter’s Barbies that she can decorate with stickers/markers? Or just something to package gift in. Wow. Inside, Mme Mink had sent me this adorable basket bag (!). I cannot wait to style. So gorgeous!

This week, I took a day off. It might sound odd to write that, since I work for myself, and my work is free-form and configurable, but I do sit down at my desk every single day with an agenda, and so I have found that I actually need to schedule days off and treat them like proper “vacation days.” This week, I took one to go for a long run, do a big final shop for my son’s birthday, have a lunch date with my husband, go on a long walk with my neighbor, take my son for a haircut (he had a half day), read by myself, and then get everything ready for my son’s graduation — which wasn’t much, but did mean that my children needed to be fed early, re-dressed and brushed, etc. It was nice to have that mid-week, just-before-summer pause: a little admin, a lot of self-care. I’ve mentioned this a few times, but my neighbor and I go for 45-minute walks every Wednesday, and they are a wonderful kind of therapy, and a much-needed mid-week imperative to “get outside,” in more ways than one. Our walks take me out of doors physically, but also take me out of the flow of my own work, my own thoughts, my own life, really. Strongly recommend finding a walking buddy in your neighborhood!

Above, wearing my Madewell fitness dress (30% off), Target sweatshirt, Pam Munson Teddy bag (25% off this weekend). I’m seriously tempted by this Lululemon fitness dress, which just arrived in a few new colors. People are raving because the shorts underneath detach from the dress so you can use the facilities without removing the entire thing.

P.S. Favorite athleisure / athletic wear at the moment. To this I will add that I ordered this hot pink tank and the matching bike shorts.

P.P.S. Join me at the trees.

P.P.P.S. Recently updated my Amazon shop with some great finds.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above: Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue, May 1992.

My Latest Snag: My Target Summer Order.

I did big shops at Target and Amazon this week in preparation for summer and shared most of my purchases in this post, but I can’t wait to surprise my children with a bucket full of new pull toys, including these shark divers and these torpedos at the pool this weekend!

I also ordered a few things to try from Shopbop, including this Alemais dress and this striped AYR dress. Will do a try on soon.

This Week’s Bestsellers.

01. FARM RIO EYELET DRESS // 02. OLIO E OSSO SHAVE OIL // 03. GOOP BEAUTY BALM // 04. SANDRO TWEED DRESS // 05. EMBROIDERED MINI DRESS // 06. ZARA DRESS // 07. COTOPAXI ANORAK // 08. J. CREW SHORTS // 09. PISTOLA DENIM SHORTS // 10. MADEWELL SKIRT // 11. FROSTED CUPS // 12. CAT AND JACK DRESS // 13. GIRLS’ KICK SHORTS // 14. EVERY SUMMER AFTER // 15. LULULEMON TEE

Weekend Musings: This Is Water.

Have you read or listened to David Foster Wallace’s commencement speech, “This Is Water“? It is long but worth a read. I found myself nodding to so much of it, but especially its central thesis, which can be extrapolated from the following excerpts:

“There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes “What the hell is water?”

This is a standard requirement of US commencement speeches, the deployment of didactic little parable-ish stories. The story thing turns out to be one of the better, less bullshitty conventions of the genre, but if you’re worried that I plan to present myself here as the wise, older fish explaining what water is to you younger fish, please don’t be. I am not the wise old fish. The point of the fish story is merely that the most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about. Stated as an English sentence, of course, this is just a banal platitude, but the fact is that in the day to day trenches of adult existence, banal platitudes can have a life or death importance, or so I wish to suggest to you on this dry and lovely morning.

…None of this stuff is really about morality or religion or dogma or big fancy questions of life after death.

The capital-T Truth is about life before death.

It is about the real value of a real education, which has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness; awareness of what is so real and essential, so hidden in plain sight all around us, all the time, that we have to keep reminding ourselves over and over:

“This is water.”

It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out. Which means yet another grand cliché turns out to be true: your education really is the job of a lifetime. And it commences: now.”

Wow! This rang true to me, especially in the way we can occasionally let the drudgeries and comforts of life, its responsibilities and cushions, dullen our senses to the absolute magic of living and to the real work of being a human in this world, which is — as I see it — to stay alert and open-minded and attentive.

As Mary Oliver put it, “Attention is our proper and ceaseless work.”

This is water — this is water!

P.S. I still think these are the most beautiful, wise words to bestow on any graduate.

Shopping Break.

+I don’t need another cover-up…but this one is in my cart. I love the flounce at the sleeve!

+Adore this bag.

+Obsessing over these Gucci sandals.

+ICYMI: this Lake “brunch” dress is seriously cute, and well-priced.

+Fun little rainbow dress for a little lady. Also love this knit seashell dress!

+This bow-backed floral maxi would be so pretty for a summer wedding. More summer event dresses here.

+Sweet dollhouse bookshelf for a little lady.

+Like the colors of these NBs. These sell out so quickly!

+This little pink J. Crew bag is FUN.

+My son adores Bruder trucks. They are highly detailed replicas of real vehicles. He’s also completely obsessed with this Schleich Jeep, specifically because it has this retractible pull cord that you can hook onto various items and drag around. The back door/gate also opens and there are lots of fun little accessories. He could play with that retractible cord for hours! Whenever I pop my head in his room, some poor toy is being dragged around the floor with it.

+These Hannah short pajamas are on sale for $25.

+The kind of dress I dream of wearing on a tropical vacation.

+A fabulous Wiggy Kit dress.

By: Jen Shoop

Thank you so much to the many Magpies who shared their favorite “NOBRs” (north-of-beach-reads, pronounced NOBERs) in response to my plea last week. My tsundoku pile overflows! Below, I’m sharing some of the books at the top of my list, organized by general category.

Beach Reads + NOBRs.

These are books you can safely pack for vacation, lounging at the pool, etc. I know we’ve had this conversation more times than countable, but I’m in a headspace where I’m no longer going to apologize, caveat, or trivialize this category of reading. It serves meaningful purpose in my life: joy and diversion from my midnight anxieties.

I’ve read a few of these already, and am currently reading The Lion’s Den, which (thus far) is a fun social suspense type novel. (Book cover: “Sex, betrayal, and intrigue: A dream vacation on a luxurious yacht turns deadly in this pulse-pounding beach read “chock full of delicious characters who flaunt their sins . . . like the latest Birkin bag.”) I know Sittenfeld’s Romantic Comedy was disappointing for many of you but I personally think it’s worth throwing into the mix — it did hook me and I finished it quickly. I shared some early thoughts on it here. I absolutely loved Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and think it actually transcends this category into more of a “high fiction” space, but it reads very easily, and would make a good vacation companion. I wrote a full review of it here. Finally, Pineapple Street was a bit…tepid (?) for me, but some of the class commentary was really interesting, and there was more substance than met the eye.

I’m most excited to dig into Maggie Shipstead’s novel (have heard her name a lot but never read her — this book’s drescription: “The irresistible story of a summer New England wedding weekend gone awry—a deliciously biting satirical glimpse into the lives of the well-bred and ill-behaved”) after multiple Magpie upvotes, and I’m also keen on trying Emily Henry, whose work also garnered a lot of Magpie love. I’ll be starting with Happy Place (“A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel”), but she’s written a few.

TOP ROW: HAPPY PLACE // MEET ME AT THE LAKE // ROMANTIC COMEDY // NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT

ROW TWO: REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES // THE LION’S DEN // THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB // HELLO, BEAUTIFUL

ROW THREE: PINEAPPLE STREET // IF WE’RE BEING HONEST // TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW // SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Not seen above, but special call out for the just-released (as in, just a few days ago) Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum. I haven’t heard many first-hand reviews since it’s so new but early press seems positive, and the description sounds delightful: “A whip-smart, propulsive debut about infidelity, backstabbing, and murderous intrigue, set against an exclusive summer haven on Fire Island.
This roiling beach community satire serves up wicked, clever fun that is White Lotus sharp.” [Ed. note, added 6/28/2023: A Magpie reader has chimed in to say this book is skip-worthy.]

Non-Fiction, Essay, and Academic.

I’ve read part of Gretel Ehrlich’s lyrical Solace of Open Spaces before and it astounded me. Drawn from a series of journal entries, these essays paint the geography, people, and traditions of the American West with crispness, poignancy, and power. Ehrlich traveled to Wyoming in 1975 to film a series of documentaries and “found she couldn’t leave.” This set of essays capture “the planet of Wyoming.” This region is fascinating to me because my brother lived in Montana for several years, and we spent a good chunk of our childhood in Colorado.

I’ve also read large portions of Natalia Ginzburg’s The Little Virtues, but want to read it in its entiry. Her writing is sparse and deeply moving, and has elsewhere been well-captured as “the wisdom of a survivor.” In her most famous essay from the collection, she writes:

“As far as the education of children is concerned, I think they should be taught not the little virtues but the great ones. Not thrift but generosity and an indifference to money; not caution but courage and a contempt for danger; not shrewdness but frankness and a love of truth; not tact but a love of one’s neighbor and self-denial; not a desire for success but a desire to be and to know.”

I just ordered a hard copy of Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit. Tharp is a renowned choreographer and I absolutely love to read about the creative processes of artists in other mediums (outside of writing). The book jacket description: “All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone.” Wow! I already feel a kindred spirit. Another great book along these lines that I’ve written about far too much already is Frances Palmer’s Life in the Studio. Ostensibly a coffee table book, Palmer shares some gorgeous and stirring insights about creativity, process, and art.

Finally, so many of you have recommended Katherine Graham’s autobiography, “the captivating inside story of the woman who helmed the Washington Post during one of the most turbulent periods in the history of American media.” She is deeply intriguing to me. I know a little bit about her because I was born and raised in D.C. and attended an exhibit on her in NYC before we moved, and I find her position as the female heiress to the Post in a time when very few women were in publishing/paper/media fascinating.

Oh! And if you’ve not read Enchantment, you might find it a lovely “re-centering.” One review described it as “Gentle inspiration for those who feel exhausted or helpless… May shows how paying deliberate attention to what’s around us can surprise us with insights and reveal new connections that deepen our appreciation for the world.” Yes!

High Fiction.

I know no other way to categorize these, but here we have novels that require a bit more study and care. I’m interested in The Sun Walks Down, which Ann Patchett raved about. Description: “The Sun Walks Down, tells the many-voiced, many-sided story of a boy lost in colonial Australia. In September 1883, a small town in the South Australian outback huddles under strange, vivid sunsets. Six-year-old Denny Wallace has gone missing during a dust storm, and the entire community is caught up in the search for him. As they scour the desert and mountains for the lost child, the residents of Fairly—newlyweds, farmers, mothers, Indigenous trackers, cameleers, children, artists, schoolteachers, widows, maids, policemen—confront their relationships, both with one another and with the landscape they inhabit.”

I also keep encountering Barbara Kingsolver’s latest, Demon Copperhead, but I just find myself put off by it every time I glance its way? I can’t explain it. I know she has a huge following and a lot of respect. Maybe one day…

Shopping Break.

A short handful of items I wanted to mention this morning:

+The Internet is going crazy over this fitness dress from Lululemon. The material is soft and comfortable (non-constricting) like all of the pieces in the Align family, but the main selling point: the shorts beneath can be pulled down so you don’t need to take the entire dress off when using the facilities. Brilliant!

+Speaking of Lulu, this $22 Target tank is the spitting image of the Align tank.

+THE “It” sunglasses of summer. Can I pull off the oval shape?

+HVN always does the cutest prints. I have a cherry print shirtdress of theirs from years ago that I absolutely treasure. This sweet sundress style caught my eye — currently on sale!

+Love the pattern on these outdoor pillows.

+My friend Francesca just launched a new collection of handbags for her brand, FRP Collection. As you know, I adore these bags and find them to be exquisitely made and far better quality than the price! Love this mini blue style.

+Lusting after all the dresses from Emporio Sireneuse.

+Boys’ everyday shorts, 50% off. Good time to stock up. Such great colors!

+FUN earrings from Mignonne Gavigan.

+This cover up makes me feel like I’m on a vacation in Santorini.

P.S. Some of my favorite beach reads from a few years ago — I actually wrote this post six years ago!

P.P.S. Beach and swim finds!

P.P.P.S. Imprints of a new suburban lifestyle.

By: Jen Shoop

A couple of great sales happening as we head into the long weekend — !

+Little English: 40% off with code MEMORIALDAY. So many cute things. My children have loved these soft popovers for post-pool/post-beach, and their little cotton rompers for babies were my absolute favorite when my children were young. A little nicer than pajamas! Perfect everyday wear. I also adore their specialty dresses, like this flag dress (seen above, on a two-year-old mini! — perfect for the Fourth) and this smocked style.

+Kule is offering 20% off when you buy 2+ items — perfect time to buy that striped tee and shorts set!

+Jenni Kayne: 20% off sitewide with code MDWEVENT! I have been eyeing their knitwear for a long while. Love this cardigan and this striped crewneck, and I have been lusting after their Marina culottes forever!

+Beyond Yoga is offering up to 75% off — I love (!) their cropped camis and matching leggings, and this featherweight “morning” tee looks like the perfect layer over top ($24!).

+Maisonette: So many great buys, but I want to specifically call out 30% off Petits Vilains ringer tees and shorts (plus extra 10% off with code EXTRA10). Elevated campwear! Also, lots of great everyday pieces from their house label, Maison Me, on sale. Love these shorts and ribbed dresses like these.

+Marysia is offering up to 30% off a selection of their beautiful swim/beachwear. I am so, so tempted by this seashell jumpsuit. Would be such a fun and unexpected happy hour / evening dinner moment. Also available in a maxi dress format if that’s more your style. And, of course, this blue scalloped suit!

+Madewell is 30% off site wide. This little strappy linen mini is shockingly chic and versatile. Love it in the pink or white with a strappy sandal. Also — own and love this fitness dress in the lilac color. Runs small — I took an XS (true size) and it’s snug. Possible I should have sized up — definitely size up if in question.

+Half Past Seven is offering 20% off sitewide — great time to buy this scalloped tray, which we keep on our coffee table in the family room. It has a nice, generous size and is perfect for corraling a few coffee table books, a vase, a candle, some coasters, the remotes.

+Not exactly a Memorial Day promotion, but Shopbop is offering 15% off many beauty products, including this glow body oil I’ve been raving about. It is SO good. Like you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner! 15% off isn’t great but it’s not nothing when it comes to beauty. You will also LOVE RMS Beauty’s living luminizer if you’ve not tried it. SUCH A GOOD PRODUCT.

+Serena and Lily is offering 20% off everything with code SPLASH. I am eyeing one of these adorable lamps for my daughter’s bedside table. My mother recently gave her the dresser/bedside table set that she had when she was a girl and that I also used as a girl — so I’m thinking a lighting refresh might be in order.

By: Jen Shoop

Today, a roundup of really pretty summer dresses — all under $200.

ROW 1: HILL HOUSE COSIMA DRESS // H&M DRESS // D’ASCOLI BETHANY DRESS // OLD NAVY DRESS

ROW 2: DOEN MARIANNE DRESS // MAISON ME DRESS // BURU DRESS // SOPHIE RUE DRESS

ROW 3: TARGET MIDI DRESS // J. CREW SEVILLA DRESS // PINK CITY PRINTS ELSIE DRESS // PINK CITY PRINTS PORTOFINO DRESS

Not seen above but worth a look: this SZ Blockprints Kitty dress, on sale for $119. I own and adore these dresses. Super lightweight and easy to wear. I love the look of these dresses with dad sandals and/or metallic birks. I will say that the tassels make them difficult to launder. Mine are completely a mess after multiple runs through the laundry, even when I launder gently, in mesh bags, and air dry, but I still wear them around at home all the time in the summer months. They are my go-to “after work / before bed” dress. Like wearing a nightgown!

P.S. Dear Dad, you were right.

P.P.S. A recent food diary — everything I ate one recent weekend!

P.P.P.S. Having fun with everyday dressing.

By: Jen Shoop

I was talking with a friend a few weeks ago about tone, specifically with regard to the people we enjoy following on social media. One thing I realized was that I tend to gravitate towards people who live in the interrogative. There are four types of sentences — exclamatory, declarative, imperative, and interrogative — and I find myself circumspect around people who consistently speak in commands (“do this,” “don’t do that”), even when I know it is a schtick — and drawn to the people asking questions. Awhile ago, I read something that said: “Authentic people change their minds.” I’ve been reflecting on that for a long time. At first, it didn’t sit right. Aren’t authentic people the types who live with conviction and consistency? Who do not waver, falter, or shapeshift? On closer inspection, though, I observed that some of the most earnest, “real” people I know are the ones who surprise me with a change of heart, or admit to wayfinding: “At first I thought this, but then I listened and realized this.”

In my 20s, I had the opportunity to work with the renowned design firm IDEO, champions of the “human-centered design” philosophy, which is a creative approach to problem-solving. They follow a carefully crafted set of steps in which they listen and ask questions first, before postulating what the solution might be. (They then fashion lightweight prototypes they can test and iterate upon, but I’m mainly focused on the initial phases of the process today.) This probably sounds suspiciously vague or obvious, but you would be surprised how often we jump to conclusions when seeking answers, and often for valid reasons. For example, later in my life, I would try to convince a private foundation to pay IDEO to help with a very specific problem one of its grantees was facing. More narrowly, one non-profit had stepped up to coordinate emergency housing for survivors of domestic violence across a few different shelters, and there was a consistent issue in accurately reporting how many beds were available across those dwellings, which led to inefficiencies at best and accidental “there’s no room at the inn’s” at worst. There was no one place for each non-profit to share how many beds were occupied, and it was difficult to keep this data up to date given how much fluidity and change there was day-to-day with women coming and going — plus, there were serious issues with privacy and security to contend with. I had tried (with help from others) to put together a proposal in which IDEO would complete its human centered design process to propose a solution, but the foundation was leery. “But what’s the deliverable?” they insisted, validly. Our response was an unsatisfying, but honest: “We don’t know yet. It could be a technology, or a spreadsheet, or a hotline, or a staff member, or something else — we just don’t know the answer until we’ve fully interviewed the stakeholders and thought through the unique challenges of implementation. That’s the objective of this engagement. To listen, observe the inputs, and decide the best way to solve this without, for example, sinking a ton of money into a custom tech solution that may not be feasible, that people won’t have the time or training to update, etc.” The project ended up stalling, and I was frustrated, but I also completely empathized with the funders. It is scary and risky to put up money when you don’t have a sense for the shape of its deliverable. And there are ethical stakes, too, in this case, when the requested money could otherwise go to causes we know are needed and that we have ways of measuring in terms of outcome, for example, food for the hungry, or therapy for victims, or bedding for homeless.

Still, I remain a profound believer in the IDEO way, and in the sanctity of asking open-ended questions first, firmly allaying pre-drawn conclusions. These professional and philanthropic design experiences have shaped me profoundly, and I find the IDEO ethos has colored even my tone in writing and my reaction to the voices of others. One of the hallmarks of the IDEO methodology is converting nearly any question into a “how might we…?” It is such a subtle manipulation of grammar, but wildly powerful and generative. You may find it helpful to try next time you’re stuck, or in a brainstorm at work, or even hoping to subtly shake up a conversation that is heading in a questionable direction. For example, instead of, “Why was this deliverable so late?”, we might ask: “How might we change the process so that we can deliver this on time next go around?” Or, instead of a declarative, like, “We need to stop letting the kids watch so much TV,” it becomes, “How might we get the kids to spend more time doing screen-free activities?” Do you feel the internal shift? The transition from a knee-jerk defense to an open stance? Do you sense the way in which your gaze shifts from narrow and furrowed to wide lens?

The next time you feel stuck or frustrated at work, in parenting, in a relationship, in a creative undertaking, you might find it helpful to reframe as: “How might we…?”

Post-Scripts.

+On creative process.

+On pursuing English as a major.

+The sandpiper.

+What was the first movie or book that made a deep impression on you as a child?

Shopping Break.

+Madewell is offering 30% off sitewide (let the Memorial Day shopping begin!). Love these striped shorts and button-down sets. Button-downs would be a good buy for nursing mamas — so chic with white jeans or leggings. Also love this gingham suit.

+Love the colors of these trail running sneakers.

+A really cute white dress for $128.

+Cute simple sandals for kids — love that these could be dressed up or down.

+Two great H&M finds: this blue eyelet floral and this red and white striped halter.

+If your little one complains about having water in his/her goggles and/or you can’t find a good fitting pair, try this set from Italy. Have heard they’re very effective and easy for kids to use!

+Mildly to aggressively coveting these Isabel Marant sandals that have been trending this summer. More sizes here, but not on sale, and a colorful variation here.

+Adore this striped linen dress.

+How FUN is this children’s air mattress in the shape of a convertible?! Summer sleepover inspo!

+Love the look of these tailored linen shorts.

+Cute cover-up caftan at a great price.

+Cute a-line skirt from Target. Love in the crisp white!

+Drawn to the colorblocking on these toddler sneakers.

+Mr. Magpie just ordered this new coffee grinder. He’d been using a manual one for awhile and it was basically giving him carpal tunnel’s — ha!

By: Jen Shoop

Some really chic finds just added to Shopbop’s designer sale section —

01. CELIA B PERIDOT DRESS // 02. ISABEL MARANT SWEATSHIRT // 03. GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE PALOMA BRA // 04. GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE LEGGINGS // 05. ALEXANDRE BIRMAN SANDALS // 06. SEA RENEE DRESS // 07. ROXANNE ASSOULIN EARRINGS // 08. SEE BY CHLOE ESPADRILLES // 09. SHOPBOP ARABELLA DRESS // 10. AGUA BENDITA SWIMSUIT // 11. BEMBIEN BUCKET BAG // 12. ULLA JOHNSON MINORCA SWIMSUIT

P.S. It’s our job to publish the good news.

P.P.S. Chic recent home finds.

P.P.P.S. Bringing Montessori into the home.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

Q: Any road trip with kids tips? We’re about to embark on one with a three year old and five year old.

A: Nothing groundbreaking here, but I pack a ton of snacks and activities and specifically try to reserve a handful of them for really hairy moments, when the distraction/newness is needed. Sometimes, those hairy moments don’t come, and then you just keep them tucked away for the return trip. (Also, be sure to pack enough snacks/activities for return!) We generally try to avoid pulling out the iPad until we really need it, but I always have it charged and pre-loaded with downloaded movies/shows. I shared some of my favorite car travel activities for kids here, but some items that were big hits with my kids at the ages of yours:

Age 5: Doodle screen, Usborne sticker books, Hidden Picture books, Usborne wipe clean books, BrainQuest smart cards

Age 3: Magnatab, Usborne First Sticker books, My First Color by Sticker books, WaterWow Deluxe

For both: I Spy. We also used auto bingo cards on our most recent road trip and my younger one (3.5) did not get the hang of it and kept shouting out things he clearly had not seen. But, you could play it with the older! And my older one LOVES Mad Libs, which is honestly such a sneaky way to discuss parts of speech!

On the snack front: I try to find new things that will be “special” for the kids. I don’t often shop at Trader Joe’s, so I’ll go there to load up on snacks that will seem different to the kids. I don’t have these, but this would be a cute idea to present lots of different options in a travel-friendly way. Generally, having pre-apportioned snacks or at least snack cups on hand are good for doling things out quickly.

Hang in there!

P.S. Some of my favorite travel gear for families here, and an essay on the magic and mayhem of traveling with young children here.

Q: How do you keep putting out so much great content so consistently?

A: Thank you so much — so kind of you to say. I am process-oriented when it comes to writing and running this blog. I aim to publish daily with the mentality that consistency will help me improve. Over time, writing has become like an emotional center for me, or perhaps — an emotional centering — and I find I am called to it daily. I write to know what I think. I very much doubt you can find a woman with less on her mind; I simply have a calling to convert that mindshare into musings in prose. On a tactical note, I shared some thoughts on how to get started with writing here. I’m also a prolific note taker and list-maker, and will often jot down completely random thoughts, observations, quotes, words, memories. These are the flotsam that percolate and eventually weave themselves into longer essays.

Q: Spring/summer rainy day outfits?

A: In spring: a light rain jacket, a striped tee, jeans, and sneaks or Hunter short boots. In summer: a lightweight cotton mini (also love this Old Navy) and sneakers or jelly sandals, paired with a great pocket umbrella. (Truly the best umbrella ever! It folds up tiny but is super-durable. On rainy days, I like to wear my neoprene Naghedi tote or this smooth leather State belt bag, which — while not impermeable to water — seems to handle it well.

Q: A casual everyday pant that’s not jeans.

A: These Jenni Kaynes have been SO popular. I’ve also heard really good things about this pair from Frank and Eileen, sort of a hybrid between a legging and a trouser. I LOVE this pair of pants from Spanx — so flattering and comfortable. (They’ve offered us 10% off with code SHOOPXSPANX). And when you’re feeling Nancy Meyers vibes, you need this pair of wide leg cropped pull-on trousers, which I’ve gotten quite a bit of use out of so far this season. Finally, you know I love a utility pant — this pair looks chic.

Q: What’s a talent you wish you had?

A: Such an interesting question. My gut reaction was athleticism. I am horribly uncoordinated. I specifically wish I could play tennis because I love the idea of playing outside with my husband and my many girlfriends who do play. At the same time, I truly believe that we’re born/oriented the way we were meant to be, and I feel just fine with the gifts I have. It has led me to focus on writing, which brings tremendous joy and clarity, and which I have somehow managed to parlay into a career.

Q: Affordable girls’ outfits for camp.

A: Target dresses with kick shorts beneath, lettuce edge shorts with ribbed dresses, or these Zara sets!

Q: A crochet dress.

A: V. on trend. I ordered this one — so whimsical and fun! I also love this Zara (Missoni-esque!), this Kitri, this Zimmermann, this Mango mini, and this Target as a cover-up.

Q: Family photo beach outfit – blue and white.

A: This caftan (belted), this Evi Grintela (50% off), this Mirth caftan, this all-white Mille, this Reformation, or this Temptation Positano.

Q: Mom uniform for summer. Don’t know what to wear if not jeans!

A: Caftan life, baby! Try the ones from S.Z. Blockprints (this one on sale!), Julia Amory, Mille, Free People, Emerson Fry, Boden. Pair with a fashion-forward sandal, like a dad sandal.

Q: How do you get your day started on the right foot?

A: A good night of sleep. After five years of poor sleep owing to raising young children, my husband and I have been prioritizing good sleep hygiene and have discovered that a full night of sleep immediately sets the tone for a positive, productive day. A few things that also help: 1) I also like to get up a little bit before I absolutely need to so that I can do my entire morning skincare routine, put in my contacts, and gather myself. Owning the pace of the day from the get go makes me feel in charge of things. 2) I participate in a digital prayer circle with my mother and sister. Just a tiny moment to pause and talk to God before I slide into the day. To be candid, sometimes I am more mindful than others during this time. But it is always a call, and I feel absolutely lifted on the days where I do make a meaningful connection. 3) I take Tilly for a walk. Again, some days, I am more intentional than others, but this time is such an important mood-setter for me. Sometimes, I call my mom, or I listen to an audiobook, and other times, I purposefully leave my phone at home and try to soak up my surroundings.

Q: Black one-piece swimsuit for honeymoon.

A: Love! Try this, this, or this. Very glamorous! You didn’t ask, but this would be the perfect cover-up.

PSA that everyone’s favorite Tory Burch underwire swimsuit (I bought one in a lavender scarf print this season) is on sale for 75% off here.

Q: Tanks for summer.

A: I’m drawn to the polish of this style and like the high neck on these ALC ones. J. Crew is usually my go-to for inexpensive basics — this style looks promising. Mallory Goldman recently recommended these ones on Amazon, and I feel like she always has great finds.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

I just placed some large orders from Target and Amazon, preparing our home for the summer ahead, and it’s made me deeply excited for the coming weeks. I am particularly looking forward to the slower mornings. Camps don’t start until 9, and we have some weeks with no camp at all, and it is delightful to ease into the morning versus go from 0-60 in the usual school-morning shuttle. (It still feels like a race most mornings! There is just so much to do between 6:45 a.m. — when we wake up — and 7:45 a.m. — when the children walk out the door, even with careful enhancements and things-done-the-night-before and all that jazz.) My daughter did basketball and then soccer Saturday mornings this past winter/spring, and we always have Mass to get ready for on Sundays, and so I have been keenly aware of taking “give” where I can get it, as I don’t think we’ll have many days with absolutely nothing at all on the daily calendar. I anticipate, in fact, that this will get even more cramped/hairy as my children get older and participate in more extracurriculars. I recently overheard some baseball moms comparing notes on their schedules — so many practices and games! — and I thought to myself, “Enjoy the relative slow pace of today while you can.”

Anyhow, sharing some of the summer fun finds I’ve picked up below — you might also find my post on getting ready for al fresco dining season helpful in the patio department. And if you’re in the market for patio furniture, Serena and Lily is offering 20% off sitewide, and these teak loungers are so chic.

01. EMILY HENRY’S HAPPY PLACE* // 02. DIVE TORPEDOES // 03. STRIPED TOWELS // 04. WELLY BANDAIDS // 05. MINNIDIP INFLATABLE POOL // 06. LOEWE-INSPIRED SHADES // 07. ICE PACKS // 08. WATER WIGGLERS // 09. SHARK DIVE BUDDIES // 10. SOCCER GOAL // 11. SUMMER PUZZLE // 12. CAT AND JACK WATERPROOF SANDALS // 13. TAKEYA WATER BOTTLE // 14. STRAWBERRY POUCH // 15. MINI GLIDERS // 16. HAIR CLIPS // 17. RAINBOW SPRINKLER // 18. BITSY’S FIG BARS // 19. RED CLAY SPICY PEACH HONEY (BOUGHT MULTIPLES TO GIVE AS GIFTS!)

*I will be sharing a full lineup of fun summer beach reads soon, most of which are drawn from your excellent and useful suggestions in response to this post.

I also wanted to mention that we keep most of our outdoor/summer toys (balls, gliders, pool toys, frisbees, etc) in this rolling mesh bin I bought at The Container Store, and we keep it in our garage year-round. I love that it’s on wheels, as the kids can wheel it out to the driveway to dig into it, and it keeps everything contained without getting musty/gross/mildewy thanks to the mesh design.

And — if you are headed to the beach, I did a lot of research and these semi-hideous beach chairs are the best you will find. I polled Magpies, I read tons of reviews — it all comes back to Tommy Bahama. They are really lightweight and you can carry on your back, which is critical when your arms are full of children needing to be carried across the hot sand, pool toys, coolers, etc. They are also thoughtfully designed, with a pouch for things like phone, watch, etc, and a drink holder. Really glad I let function take the precedence in my shopping because these really work.

I’m hoping to buy a bunch of family board games at some point soon, too. Need to do a bit more research on age appropriateness, but Mouse Trap, Sorry, and Uno are on my mind. I know my daughter could handle those but I don’t want to omit my son so need to read up a bit! Any recs?

Post-Scripts.

Shopping Break.

Post-Scripts.