Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

I sat with a Mary Oliver poem on starlings earlier this week:

“Chunky and noisy,
but with stars in their black feathers,
they spring from the telephone wire
and instantly
they are acrobats.”

A few couplets later:

“you simply can’t imagine
how they do it
with no articulated instruction, no pause,
only the silent confirmation
that they are this notable thing.”

Unlike most Oliver poetry, the speaker does not spectate in the woods, but “in the ashy city.” Even in a concrete jungle, her eye is drawn to the natural, and how it can mentor her. Interestingly — aptly — she is fixated on the commonplace starling, inspiration of the dandelion variety. “Ah, world, what lessons you prepare for us,” she writes. Then:

“I am thinking now
of grief, and of getting past it;
I feel my boots
trying to leave the ground,
I feel my heart
pumping hard. I want
to think again of dangerous and noble things.
I want to be light and frolicsome.
I want to be improbably beautiful and afraid of nothing,
as though I had wings.”

This is a poem of longing, a lament — not of people or places lost, exactly, but of the way grief and world-weariness can alienate us from the natural, instruction-less will to move freely and with joy. Often, Oliver draws us to a place of gentle edification in her poetry by encouraging us to lean into what feels right, what our truest selves incline us to do (“You only have to let the soft animal of your body / love what it loves”). Here, Oliver does not resolve the tension. We end in groping. We close our eyes on a will that is impotent, too over-burdened to lift itself. We remain in a state of saudade, a Portuguese word once cleverly described as “the untranslatable word for the presence of absence.”

It is dark in those last couplets; I prefer not to linger there myself. But I find it heroic of Oliver to write from a place of stagnation, and to do so with her characteristic limpidity. It is a start to observe the distance between here and there, to play Odysseus no matter the set of the sea, to name the absent and longed-for. In the case of “Starlings in Winter,” it is no small thing to observe that one is grounded when one’s spirit is meant for flight.

Post-Scripts.

+One line has been giving me trouble, though: “I want / to think again of dangerous and noble things.” The word “dangerous” slips through my fingers like sand. Would love your thoughts on that word in particular.

+More Oliver wondrousness.

+Oliver seems always an arm’s length away in moments of loss.

+What pursuing English taught me.

+Do the humanities fundamentally cultivate a different kind of outlook than the sciences? This post and the comments on it really made me think.

Shopping Break.

+Chic slides. I owned a pair of mules from Birdies that I LOVED and totally wore into the ground. I give this brand an A+ for comfort.

+I mentioned this dress as almost a throwaway comment in a recent post, but had to re-share more prominently: it looks like La Ligne, but $30! And speaking of La Ligne, WHY did they need to come out with the Vivian in this spectacular blue and white stripe?! Also obsessing over their Frannie dress in blue and white! My kind of summer sun dress.

+Also, I still wear this mini Marina sweater from La Ligne at least once a week. I love the 90s rollneck and the length is perfect for a kind of half-tuck into high-waisted denim.

+Speaking of blue and white: love this classic skirted ottomans.

+Cute favors to hand out at Easter dinner.

+Handsome office chair, under $250.

+These toddler Target sneaks have a New Balance / Veja vibe, but a $20 price tag.

+Currently in my cart for my son: these baseball pajamas.

+This popular lip product was just restocked.

+Love this sherpa ottoman for a closet / dressing area.

+Obsessed with this skirt from Loeffler Randall.

+The engraveable silhouette necklaces are the perfect Mother’s Day gift. So, so sweet.

+This bag reminds me of the ones from Dior.

+Pam Munson just released a gorgeous pareo in the botanical patchwork print my friend Inslee designed!

+This $50 dress reminds me of a midi-length version of my Mille dress!

+Love this sweet side table for a child’s room.

+My husband is absolutely evangelical about this antiperspirant/deodorant from Kiehl’s. Like, it was sold out for MONTHS and he was checking frantically for restocks everywhere. It is completely unscented but works insanely well, he tells me. Just a note in case your man is on the hunt! 25% off right now!

+Johanna Ortiz-inspired for $75.

By: Jen Shoop

Despite the fact that we have generally opted out of a dense travel schedule while our children are young and during this full-on-the-vine time of our lives (more thoughts on that here, and an interesting related conversation in the comments section of this post), we still find ourselves hitting the road a few times a year, and have a couple of trips on tap this summer. I feel spirited along by a comment a Magpie shared recently:

“I think traveling WITH or FOR other people is nearly impossible with younger kids. There are misalignments in schedules and needs (yes we need to be home from 1-4 for a nap, no we cannot do dinner at 8, everyone in this rented house will be awake by 630am sorry). But the captains of small families are also necessarily focused on tending to our ship only, with no time to explain the complex navigation systems. I have found that traveling with only my husband and children to be a truly life-giving experience.” – Elizabeth

I had never realized that we’ve not once taken a trip just the four of us. We have always contoured our schedules and plans around those of the family/friends we are traveling with. Of course, it is magical to spend time with people we love, but perhaps it was the slight tension of trying to accommodate later dinner times for those with older children, or no children, or wedging in naps while everyone else was interested in beach/adventures, that contributed to my general feeling of stress during these travels. Anyhow, I’m encouraged. This summer, we are planning our first trip as a family of four and I am encouraged by Elizabeth’s note.

On to the gear.

Packing cubes really changed the game for me. I have a few sets, all in different colors, so I easily know where my son’s stuff is, where my daughter’s stuff is, etc. I love the ones from Paravel and have been eyeing the colorful ones from State, but I also have a few sets from Amazon that are cheap and get the job done, too. I actually really like that the Amazon ones have a mesh front so you can easily see what’s inside — “oh, that cube has her clothes / this one has her underwear and pajamas.” Pouches in general have been a huge help to me as a mother — wet/dry pouch (don’t always love the patterns PBK has, but I do love these particular wet/dry bags…super insulated, heavy-duty liner; perfect size; monogram options) for each child in my diaper/outing bag, pouch for snacks, pouch for my own stuff. Makes finding items so easy.

I also must extol the virtues of Land’s End XXL totes (currently on sale) — they are ENORMOUS and my favorite way to travel by car. I have one for each child labeled with initials / different colors and keep everything organized that way. The open top makes it easy to reach back and grab what you need. My kids are still small enough that I can wedge these underneath their feet/in front of their seats so everything is handy and proximal to them.

01. LANDS END TOTE // 02. STATE BAGS PACKING CUBES // 03. TRVL DESIGN BACKPACK* // 04. LAUNDRY BAGS (GREAT FOR CORRALLING DIRTY LAUNDRY) // 05. CRAYOLA X STATE ARTFOLIO** // 06. TRAVEL TUBES FOR SHAMPOO, LOTION, ETC // 07. USBORNE STICKER BOOK // 08. BOOGIE BOARD TABLET // 09. POLLY POCKET SET // 10. LOL SURPRISE DOLL // 11. MIAMILY RIDE-ON SUITCASE // 12. LUGGAGE TAG // 13. PACKING CUBES // 14. QUILTED DUFFEL // 15. QUILTED COSMETIC BAG

*If this boutique is sold out of the style linked, check out the others available / inquire after a restock. This boutique does REALLY beautiful monograms. Her attention to detail is incredible.

**I bought this for my daughter and this one for my son and they have been true MVPs. I pack them for Church every Sunday and bring them on any long trek / restaurant pit stop. My kids love having their own little space to draw, a fresh stack of paper with their own crayons (I try to rotate in fresh/sharpened crayons when I remember), and everything packs up so nicely.

01. PARAVEL PACKING CUBES // 02. LETTERFOLK KIDS PASSPORT // 03. STATE BAGS ROLLING SUITCASE // 04. ARTFOLIO // 05. CLEAR PVC POUCHES* // 06. BACKPACK TAG // 07. USBORNE TRAVEL STICKER BOOK // 08. BOOGIE BOARD // 09. MARKER SET IN CASE // 11. VINYL MONOGRAM STICKER // 12. STOKKE RIDE ON SUITCASE // 14. MATCHBOX CARS, ALSO GREAT WITH CAR TAPE

*Good for so much — corralling snacks, small toys, cars, paper, crayons, etc.

**Not included above: 1) travel stroller — we loved our Yoyo (<< currently a tiny bit ON SALE here!), but when I was on the hunt, I also heard really good things about the less expensive GB Pockit Air, which I thought was a good buy if you only use your folding stroller for travel. We used ours A LOT in NYC with two kids — easy to fold up while going up/down stairs, in a restaurant, etc.); 2) travel carseat — don’t mess with anything but the $59 Cosco Scenera. Inexpensive, well-reviewed from a safety standpoint, but most importantly, very lightweight. We would carry ours through the airport in this case, which afforded some (minimal) protection from nicks while on jet bridge / being schlepped, but mainly made it easier to carry over one shoulder. Carseats are so hard to carry!

Finally, a few things for us mamas…

01. LAPTOP SLEEVE // 02. TSA-APPROVED TRAVEL POUCH // 03. PORTABLE CHARGER // 04. DAGNE DOVER FANNY PACK // 05. MINI ORGANIZERS // 06. PARAVEL CABANA TOTE // 07. APPLE AIRTAGS (PUT IN LUGGAGE!) // 08. ARLO TECH ORGANIZER // 09. TRAVEL WALLET // 10. ANYA HINDMARCH COSMETIC CASE // 11. LUGGAGE TAG // 12. AWAY CARRY ON

P.S. Some more great travel/car activities for children here.

P.P.S. Motherhood is a lopsided, but elegant, dance.

P.P.P.S. In case you’re in the phase of new motherhood and are burrowing into your home life, feeling very much like a butterfly in cocoon — I see you.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Chanel.

Q: Outfits for a mid-May trip to Nantucket where I suspect I might be getting engaged. The weather is around 60 degrees that time of year so i’m not sure dresses will be a great option.

A: Oo la la! I would spring for a pretty coat or a heavier sweater/jacket that you can wear with jeans and be happy to see yourself photographed in for years to come. I feel like a trench coat like this or this would be so chic — classic, feminine — or a sweater situation like this, this (in pink), or this. You can layer over a pretty blouse like this or this and pair with classic flats, a ladylike bag, and these gorgeous Asha earrings. A timeless, chic, feminine moment that doesn’t feel too…planned :). I put together a little mood board below. And — if you won’t have time to get manicure before hand, bring a bottle of this Kur nail concealer for easy-to-maintain glowy/polished nails!

Q: An affordable white cardigan to wear with sundresses.

A: For sundresses, I like something light-weight and slim fit like this or this. I generally prefer the more delicate look of those first two I shared, but for transitional months, I would reach for something slightly thicker, like this or this (in ivory).

Q: Bridesmaid and wedding guest dresses. Both summer and cocktail weddings.

A: Fun summer ahead! Tis wedding season! I have to say, I just tried this Staud dress on and actually freaked out — it is SPECTACULAR on. I literally gasped. Not sure if you have the latitude to choose your bridesmaid dress, but it would be a GREAT ONE. Comes in more colors, too — some on sale here. Other pretty dresses I’m ogling: this Wayf (looks like Reformation! Under $130), this Bernadette (please go on sale more), this La Ligne, this Zimmermann. I also shared some chic wedding guest and bridesmaid finds here, so you might find more inspo there!

Q: A fun statement clutch under $100.

A: THIS! Prada vibes! Pattern mix with something like this…SO good.

Q: Cardigan or spring blazers.

A: I feel like I’m a broken record, but I have my eyes on BA&SH’s Gaspard in the lilac color. The yellow is also pretty, though, and I’m kind of having a yellow moment? For blazers, either this linen Emerson Fry or an investment — Veronica Beard anything. Ugh! So chic, and released in great colors like sage and shell pink, though I’d probably spring for timeless navy. I actually just ordered this under-$100 blazer after reading a ton of great reviews. Looks a lot like VB. More great jackets/cardigans/top layers for spring here.

Q: My oldest of four children will be graduating from high school this spring and I’m wondering what I should wear? I’m looking for something to wear to the graduation ceremony, something for the baccalaureate ceremony and then a third option for his graduation party at our home. We live in a smaller community in the Pacific NW countryside {think wine country, lots of apple orchards, etc.}, so nothing too fussy or over the top. I’m a traditional girl at heart when it comes to clothing choices.

A: Congratulations! A few chic classics to consider:

THIS CHIC TUCKERNUCK SHIFT

ALMOST ANYTHING FROM LA LIGNE — IT ALL FEELS SO EFFORTLESSLY CHIC

CO BELTED SHIRTDRESS (SWOON — BEEN EYEING ONE FROM THIS BRAND FOREVER)

THIS COTTON KNIT MINI

THIS NAVY SHIRTDRESS

SOMERSET MAXI IN BLUE/WHITE STRIPE

J MC LAUGHLIN’S MAKENNA DRESS

A LADYLIKE JACKET WITH TROUSERS

I personally would reach for something like the Mille Victoria Dress (look for less with this), Thierry Colson Venetia dress, or Parterre Charlotte Day Gown — not sure of those are too fussy for you with the florals, but they all can be dressed down a bit with flat sandals and a straw tote. I feel like all of them have the same gracious, happy energy — not uptight, but not overly casual.

Q: A cute duffel bag for my daughter.

A: This one from Little English is so sweet.

Q: Spring date night tops with no smocking. Something to dress up jeans.

A: This Ulla top arrived and is so, so pretty IRL. Also love this Cleobella, this dramatic black top, this Nili Lotan (love the silhouette tucked into high-waisted white denim), or this pointelle (imagine tucked into high-waisted jeans).

Q: Back to the office outfits.

A: Love these bold striped button-downs from J. Crew — tuck into high-waisted, dark-wash denim if in a casual environment or trousers if things are dressier. Whenever I’m feeling blah/bored with what I have to wear, I pull out black pants (these or these could be good for work), a great white top, and some killer shoes. Immediately feel like a million bucks!

Q: Everyday purse/bag. Maybe crossbody. Not sure if buckets are still in, or flaps. $500-$1000.

A: I get a lot of mileage out of this FRP Collection bag. I know it sounds crazy since it’s mint green but I love to mix and match with other colors/patterns — but it also comes in other colors that might be easier for you to blend into your own wardrobe. It’s the perfect size for wallet, phone, keys, even Kindle fits in! Bonus: under your budget. I also really love A.P.C.’s Grace bag, which has a Celine vibe and several Magpies have written in to rave about the quality relative to price. This Hunting Season that was just released is SO fabulous, too, and I must add that I’m currently lusting after this Paris 64 bag!

Q: Fun spring fashion jewelry/accessories.

A: Chic shades, a fun sun hat, an engraved birthstone pendant, this raffia belt, an embroidered minaudiere, pearl drops or hoops from Mignonne Gavigan, fun iPhone case, this necklace, and/or whatever Rebecca de Ravenel is dreaming up.

Q: Engagement photo dress. CP in cherry blossom season.

A: Ooo la la! Congratulations! A few I love: this gorgeous linen scoopneck (just a classic), this romantic LSF, this sweet La Ligne. If you’re not into white, I love this, this, this, this, and this.

Q: Black tie wedding guest. 8 mos pregnant.

A: Warrior mama! I think this Reformation would work — size up and play around with tying above the bump? I also love this Damaris Bailey and think you might be able to get away with it by sizing up. Otherwise, ASOS Maternity is the answer — inexpensive, trend-conscious maternity dresses you can wear once.

Q: Wedding in Mexico. Under $500.

A: Have fun! I’m obsessed with this bold striped number if you sense a festive, colorful vibe; this Anna Cate, this Rhode (comes in just under $500 if you sign up for emails and get the 10% off), this terracotta Moon River (SEA vibes, under $200), and this Zara spectacular.

Q: Cute work tops.

A: Hi, chic worker bee! Love this Nina Blanc, this MDLO, this striped J. Crew, and so many of the ones at Tuckernuck would be fun, like this or this.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via.

I’ve been seeing a LOT of crochet and woven pieces out for the season ahead. I love the textural element, and of course, it always feels like an homage to Missoni and la dolce vita, which I’m never mad at. Below, some of my favorite woven and crochet finds this season.

01. THE DROP CROCHET MAXI DRESS // 02. FRENCH SOLE SLIDES // 03. PROENZA SCHOULER BAG // 04. JOIE CARDIGAN // 05. AERIN KEYCHAIN // 06. MISSONI DRESS // 07. SLVRLAKE GRACE CROP JEANS // 08. HEART EARRINGS // 09. FRENCH SOLE SLIDES // 10. STAUD ESPADRILLES // 11. ZARA DRESS // 12. MANGO JACKET // 13. MIU MIU HAIR CLIP // 14. NILI LOTAN JEANS // 15. PRADA FISHERMAN SANDALS // 16. HAT ATTACK MINI BAG // 17. SEA CAMILA DRESS // 18. J. MCLAUGHLIN TOTE // 19. H&M DRESS // 20. ST. LAURENT COIN PURSE

I was really drawn to the earth tones / neutrals in the color story above, but you know I’m a color girl most of the time. Sharing a few other woven and crochet finds in brighter hues below.

01. ANNA KOSTUROVA DRESS // 02. MARNI BAG // 03. WOVEN SANDALS // 04. TARGET TOTE // 05. MISSONI DRESS // 06. GANNI TOP // 07. TUCKERNUCK EARRINGS // 08. SLVRLAKE GRACE CROP JEANS // 09. H&M COVER UP // 10. CHLOE NAMA SNEAKER // 11. PATBO DRESS // 12. PIPPA HOLT TOTE // 13. AMAZON COVER UP // 14. GUCCI PLATFORMS // 15. LELE SADOUGHI HEADBAND // 16. STELLA PARDO DRESS

By: Jen Shoop

Over the years, I’ve occasionally posted “icebreakers” as a way to get to know you Magpies better (some favorite rounds here, here, and here). Your answers are always pure gold — rich, insightful, surprising. They corroborate my suspicion that Magpies are the the coolest, kindest, most interesting readers on the Internet. Today, sharing a fresh set — please join in the fun by sharing your responses in the comments. I’ll copy and paste the prompts first and answer myself beneath.

Preferred style and accompaniment to French fries.

Surprising thing you prefer to do alone.

Surprising thing you prefer to do with company.

Most comfortable thing you own.

Unpopular food opinion.

Something someone has said about you that completely shocked you.

First or last on the plane?

“Old person thing” that you do.

In a rom com set-up, the book you’d be reading when your suitor stumbles into your life.

If you could go back in time and make little changes to your childhood, what would you learn to master over the years so you’d be an expert at it today?

Favorite smell?

Scariest villain.

*******

I’ll go first…

Preferred style and accompaniment to French fries. Thin and crispy, with malt vinegar or mayonnaise, and either a Coke (not diet) or glass of champagne.

Surprising thing you prefer to do alone. Run. I love the idea of running with other people, but I enjoy running primarily for the latitude it gives me to drift in and out of my own thoughts. When I’m running with other people, I’m always toggling into “awareness mode”: am I running too fast/slow relative to my partner’s pace? Does she want to talk to me? Should I signal that it’s time to turn around?

Surprising thing you prefer to do with company. I am 38 but I wish my mom or my husband could come with me to all of my doctor’s appointments. In reality, I exclusively go to them on my own, but I always long for their company — I get so nervous.

Most comfortable thing you own. A heather gray sweatshirt from high school, with my alma mater’s name across the front. At the end of a hard, long day, I can think of nothing better than taking a hot shower and putting it on.

Unpopular food opinion. I don’t love brunch or sushi. Brunch tampers with the rest of the flow of the day, and sushi — I really want to like it, and it’s not that I’m squeamish about the fish, but I simply never feel like ordering it.

Something someone has said about you that completely shocked you. I’ve been told a few times I’m “tough,” which is the absolute last way I’d characterize myself. I am so emotional! I wear my heart on my sleeve! Maybe there are different kinds of toughness, though. I’ve also been told several times I have a deeper voice than expected — ha! I think it’s because I’m small and feminine? People expect Minnie Mouse voice?

First or last on the plane? First. I am way too uptight to stroll into an airport with only minutes to spare.

“Old person thing” that you do. My husband would have a field day with this — there are many. The first thing that came to mind: there are many operations I must conduct on a desktop/laptop — like, I can’t stand ordering tickets for anything on my phone, and I prefer to do things like banking, emailing, form-filling on my desktop, too. This runs against the norms of my generation. I’ve also been harangued for years for the time(s) I’ve packed fruit in my carry-on bag because it would otherwise have gone bad while traveling. Like, sorry about this bruised banana!

In a rom com set-up, the book you’d be reading when your suitor stumbles into your life. Something by Fitzgerald.

If you could go back in time and make little changes to your childhood, what would you learn to master over the years so you’d be an expert at it today? This was a surprisingly provocative question for me. I thought of multiple things at once — tennis, piano (I took lessons for years but didn’t keep it up), public speaking. But then I thought: because I wasn’t doing tennis or piano intensively, I was doing other things–namely, writing. And so I can’t imagine changing anything. Still, one skill I am hoping to cultivate in my own children is comfort speaking in public. There are career applications, of course, but — don’t you want to be able to stand up and deliver a toast confidently? To interrupt a dinner conversation to make a quick “cheers” to the hostess? To command attention when you need to say something important to your family? Even, I think, to confidently order from a waiter or make a request of a manager? All of these things are born of public speaking. I am proficient at it, but it requires a lot of energy and legwork, and I’d prefer not to have to. I wish I weren’t this way!

Favorite smell? The smell of nature while hiking in Aspen, CO. The air is fresh, pine-y, clean. Ah!

Scariest villain. Disney’s Maleficent. (Wrote about that here.) Or Meredith Blake in “Parent Trap.” Yikes!!!

Your turn!

Shopping Break.

+Anthro’s Somerset dress has been a Magpie reader favorite for a few years now (they always release in different patterns/fabrics), but one of you reached out to share this striped iteration and I ordered it on the spot.

+These adorable sandals are in my cart…

+I just ordered these adorable gift enclosures for my children. We are heading into a dense season of birthday parties. I also have these, which are so cute with my favorite Rifle Paper gift wrap! These liberty floral ones are also darling.

+These are just THE BEST PENS. I can’t live without them.

+Two fun dressier dresses for events this spring/summer: this spectacular Rhode and this bold Sau Lee.

+Major look for less moment: my blue pillow shams from Serena and Lily versus these Amazon ones.

+I bought my son these blue suede drivers while on sale, with free shipping! Now I’m hunting for some spring dress shoes from my daughter — I just realized her mary janes from this winter no longer fit! I am contemplating this sweet pair from Boden.

+I did manage to snag her these frill socks, which sell out every time J. Crew releases them! While you’re there — how cute is this athletic skort for girls in the floral print? And for you: this on-trend crochet sweater. Chic CHIC.

+This Wayf dress is delivering major Reformation vibes for $128.

+OMG these floral shortalls for girls. SO cute.

+I know I’m a broken record, but you really must try this bronzing balm. It is UN-believable. I swipe a bit as the last layer on my face across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose and it gives this perfect, believable “I just sat outside for a few hours” glow.

+This top reminds me of Zimmermann.

+Bottega-inspired phone case.

By: Jen Shoop

I have been vacillating between opposite ends of the fashion spectrum lately, either wearing bold blockprints and busy florals or minimalist black and white. Today, I’m feeling the latter, inspired by French street style starlets and their je ne sais quoi. I had a little pocket of free time this afternoon and was torn between wanting to finish my novel or play around with outfit planning for my trip to New York. I sat down at my desk and started putting together outfits inspired by some street style photos I’d pinned. I was delighted to discover I could emulate many of these fashion moments with inexpensive finds, many of which I already own…

LOOK 1: WHITE TEE (MY FAVORITE — DETAILS HERE) // GAP JEANS // JEFFREY CAMPBELL FLATS (I BELIEVE HERS ARE CHANEL) // AMAZON BAG (HERS IS CELINE)

LOOK 2: BLACK TEE // DENIM SHORTS // FRENCH SOLE SANDALS // MARNI TRUNK BAG

LOOK 3: BANANA REPUBLIC TOP // DILLARDS PANTS // KAYU TOTE // FRENCH SOLE SANDALS

I also put together a more general “Parisian-street-style-inspired” board below. Simple shapes, clean lines, tailored details. I want to specifically call out this under-$175 taupe jumpsuit — it looks like it could be Isabel Marant! I also shared a fabulous denim jumpsuit below from Mother, but you can get the look for less with this $59 score at Madewell.

01. MOTHER JUMPSUIT // 02. ILLESTEVA SUNGLASSES // 03. LOEFFLER RANDALL LEONIE FLATS // 04. ANINE BING DRESS // 05. SEA LEONA SHORTS // 06. PISTOLA JUMPSUIT // 07. FRENCH SOLE SANDALS // 08. MARGAUX FLATS // 09. ZARA MINI CITY BAG // 10. YAITTE BLOUSE // 11. YAITTE TROUSERS // 12. NILI LOTAN JASPER DRESS // 13. AMAZON SUNGLASSES // 14. GOLDEN GOOSE MIDSTARS // 15. LOEWE BASKET BAG // 16. ZARA TRENCH DRESS // 17. VALENTINO FLAT

P.S. Amazon beauty and fashion favorites.

P.P.S. 15 chic everyday pieces.

P.P.P.S. Do you ever surprise yourself?

By: Jen Shoop

The past two weeks, I have been reflecting a lot on the balance between my needs and those of my children. It’s an uncomfortable topic. I know, intuitively, what I need, but I find I often overwrite or question those instincts–and that “overwriting” is not always a negative thing, which presents complications. Like, I’m all for self-care, but sometimes my children really do need me more than I need to, say, get sleep. You know? It’s an impossible calculus.

This is where process-oriented thinking can prove deeply helpful. I don’t necessarily reach for this frame of mind organically; I usually have to remind myself to exercise it. I’m highly process-driven in my approach to writing, and so I try to consciously apply similar waves of thought to parenting, both in terms of broad caregiving arrangements, and in the fine-tipped ways I approach the nurture of our children:

This is not the last stage, or the final draft, or the only way this particular phase of parenting can work.

I can change.

I can do something different tomorrow.

I can adjust the dials.

This arrangement feels good right now; let’s go with it.

What works now might not be sustainable, or might not work tomorrow.

The best thing I can do is show up with good intentions and try again.

Nothing is set in stone.

I had drafted this jot list of imperatives in my notebook last week while reflecting on what it meant to think of parenting “as a process, not a place or condition.” I then paused and drove down Massachusetts Avenue to attend an ekphrastic writing workshop at The Phillips Collection. Because I had stopped mid-thought-stream, I found myself particularly sponge-like, susceptible, and so as I was taking down notes on ekphrastic poetry, I found myself translating the conversation into parenting terms. One of the other workshop participants commented that, as an illustrator (there were artists representing a range of different mediums in attendance), he constantly faces “the problem of perfection.” He wondered whether there was a parallel in the realm of poetry-writing, which seemed to him much more forgiving and fungible than his chosen medium. He noted: “If I don’t make the line straight enough, it’s visibly obvious, and so I erase it, and draw it straighter. But does that even happen in writing?” I intuitively knew what he meant: there is bad poetry, but it is much more difficult to objectively say a word or a line break in a poem “works” or “does not work” without the invocation of subjectivity. In illustration, if a line looks bent or broken and the rest of the image is strongly representational, the “error” jumps out at you. But I think that nuance is what makes writing, and parenting, so richly complex, and peculiarly fraught. In them, we navigate murky areas with no bright line rules all the time. A lot of our writings and re-writings are intuition-driven: we have a sense that we did not choose the right word, or land on the right arrangement, and so we make changes. But there is no obvious error mark.

The instructor had something fascinating to say in response. He said: “Art isn’t perfection. It’s striking while the iron is hot.”

I would have put it differently, but I dock at a nearby pier: art is process. It is imperfect drafts, it is language in motion, it is sparks and fluidity, it is “middlework.” It is by nature unfinished and undulating.

I envision something similar when it comes to parenting. It is a lot of fiddling around with the dials. It is listening and stepping back and trying something different, and listening again, and trying again. I rarely feel I have the full picture. Sometimes, I find myself in a good groove, “shucking and jiving,” as Mr. Magpie calls it. Other times, I’m completely at a loss for where to go next, or I’m repainting the same corner over and over again, trying different things.

If the analogy feels heavy-handed, I apologize. But I think the provocation that parenthood can be a process is a powerful one. It affords us grace, and new opportunities, and a growth mindset–and I so badly need those as a mother.

What do you want your process to look like?

Post-Scripts.

+On balancing friendships.

+On making my way through the pandemic in Manhattan. Wow. This essay still gives me all the deep and wild feelings.

+Do you consider yourself creative? (Trick question — you are.)

+If you’re staring down a big move/change: some words of wisdom from my dad.

Shopping Break.

+Two REALLY good dresses for under $100: this Zara (omgggg) and this H&M. The blue color is giving me great energy.

+These girls’ Target sneakers look like they’re by Love Shack Fancy!

+This swivel chair is so handsome.

+Thank you to Mackenzie for helping me find the cutest outdoor bolster pillows for our wicker sofa! (More details on our patio furniture here.)

+Just love this elegant, understated dress.

+Madewell makes the best denim overalls. Into this flared pair!

+Love these striped crib sheets. My son still sleeps in a toddler bed and I might have to snag him the blue and white!

+A chic white pleated trouser.

+One of my favorite fitness tops – I need it in that new stripe option!

+These striped lounge chairs would be so cute in a play room. (Under $200!)

+Inspired by Loewe — but $40. (See the original here.)

+This jump rope would be such a cute gift for a little one.

+Chic wine caddy. Also, one of my girlfriends had me over recently and kept the white wine in one of these bottle chillers and it really, really worked. She could just sort of leave it out for us to serve ourselves and it was crisp and cold for hours.

+These $20 rain boots come in GREAT colors. Mini has owned a few pairs!

+Drawn to this strappy tank. It’s giving Gwyneth?

+These Birkenstock-like raffia slides are only $20!

+Darling book caddy for a little one.

By: Jen Shoop

This week was a deeply generative one for me. I met up with two fellow D.C. area creatives on Tuesday, participated in a writer’s workshop on Friday, and was deeply engaged by all of the rich and insightful conversations that spun out of this post on motherhood and balance. I also discovered a new band (details below), listened to a fascinating podcast on creativity with music producer Rick Rubin, and tore my way through this novel, which intrigues me because it is frothy but also bears the hallmarks of truthfulness in its portraits of the inner workings of its protagonists (yes, plural — interesting in and of itself) and the complex dynamics of family, race, and class.

01. MILLE BLOUSE + CITIZENS CHARLOTTE JEANS. I just loved this outfit from earlier this week. I now own this exact top in two patterns and they are just SO fun and dramatic. Size one or even two sizes down. I take an XXS and it is still enormous. I legitimately think a size small could wear an XXS. I also did order these Gucci dad sandals in the perfect bubblegum pink and can’t wait for them to arrive. I’m thinking I’ll primarily pair with floaty sundresses but kind of like the idea of wearing with this denim moment, too. Fun to play around with color and style. (More dad sandal picks here.)

02. I had two really lovely meals at neighborhood restaurants this week. The first was at Takoma Beverage Co. with two fellow D.C. area creatives, Heather Bien (you have to check out her beautiful cottage on the Rappahanock, which you can rent!) and Maggie of Green Beauty Guide (a lawyer turned sustainable beauty expert). We talked about all things creative and entrepreneurial but we kept coming back to the awkwardnesses and opportunities of transitioning from more traditional career paths to creative ones. I left inspired. I’d never (ever!) been to Takoma or Takoma Park despite growing up in D.C. and currently living in Maryland, and I was blown away. It is such a charming little pocket! I got there by way of East-West Highway and some parts of that drive felt entirely different from the D.C. I know — I almost felt like I was in the Pacific Northwest for stretches? There are so many charming craftsman homes and rolling hills and everything is verdant and green. And then I wound my way into the cutest corridor of shops and restaurants and — wow. I really felt like I was on vacation. The food and drink programs at Takoma Beverage Company were delightful — perfect fare for meeting up with girlfriends or fellow creatives to enjoy french fries and sparkling (which was our stated intention). The second meal I thoroughly enjoyed this week was at Muchas Gracias on Connecticut Avenue, close to Politics and Prose. Mr. Magpie took me there for a mid-week, midday date, and the food was wonderful — light, authentic, fresh, homemade. Normally I side-eye blue corn chips, but theirs are rustic and home-made and salty and satisfying and they serve them with unusual but delicious oil-based salsas that I cannot get enough of.

03. H&M has THE cutest footwear for children out right now. I bought mini these sandals and these gingham sneakers, and micro these sage green sneaks. There are so many adorable things for children at H&M in general right now — I also bought mini this $5 easy throw-on dress, this SEA-esque shorts, and these shortalls, as well as these swim trunks for micro. More of my favorites from their current spring collection for children here.

04. There are so many spectacular eyelet dresses out right now, but I especially love this shirt dress and this spectacular Zara find. Look at it on the site — it even has pleating at the waist. A perfect engagement/rehearsal dinner/bridal shower piece.

05. We ordered this gorgeous outdoor bench from Carl Hansen and Son for a little nook of our front lawn that backs up against a bank of trees and flowers. I am SO excited to enjoy coffee there while watching my children scoot around the driveway. Mr. Magpie discovered this furniture brand and we both fell in love. I love the way our bench in particular combines both clean lines and curved ones — it has a sense of both tradition and romance while also somehow feeling fresh? Plus, teak is SO good for weather like ours in swampy D.C. Can really stand up to weather, humidity, etc. I also love the matching chairs. We talked about buying the matching side table but I think I want a ceramic garden stool in either a solid or pattern instead.

06. Do you watch NPR’s Tiny Desk series? Mr. Magpie and I love tuning in and catching up every few months to discover new artists. This week, we fell in love with Hermanos Gutierrez while watching their performance on Tiny Desk. It is SUCH a vibe. I already added a few songs to my “dinner party playlist” (easy but cool music for evening guests), and I’ve been working/writing to it, too. The music just has a textured, soulful energy to it that I love. Some of it reminds me a little of The Eagles, but there are so many inflections.

07. Do you know about Poppy Gifting? I enjoyed the loveliest conversation with one of its founders, Willa, and she told me all about their concierge gifting service. If you are one of those Magpies who finds gift-shopping a drag, or immense challenge, Poppy Gifting is the answer. You pay them a fee to present you with various options customized to your description of the recipient and occasion and then they gift-wrap and ship it for you. A nice way to outsource a time-consuming element of all of our lives. Though I love buying gifts for other people (and I shop for a living), I am planning to use this service for my mother-in-law, who is, like, impossible to shop for. I adore her, and she has so many varied interests, but she is also exacting and knows what she likes and seems to have everything already. I really struggle with finding her anything at all that might surprise or tickle her. I think I will let Poppy Gifting step in for me.

08. I am in love with Appointed’s new Origin Series of paper products. I’ve written about this D.C.-based paper goods brand many times, but they make spectacular and thoughtfully-designed notebooks. I especially love their Reflections notebook for my drafting/doodling/note-taking/gotta-write-this-phrase-down pre-writing processes, and their Tasks notepad has become my new home for the endless lists I’m producing. I’m a leftie, so any notebook with top binding has my immediate heart. (Did you know it’s hard for us lefties to write with the binding in the center of the page?!). Finally, their Plans notepad features gridded/squared pages, which I absolutely love. I prefer it to lined paper. This is hangover/affectation from my time studying abroad in Lyon. All the French students take notes on gridded/squared paper! One thing I really love about these notebooks is the weight of the paper. Pens never bleed through.

09. I wrote awhile ago about this fabulous “nail concealer” product from Londontown. I use it when between manicures, as it covers up a whole manner of sins and makes your nails look buffed/polished with close to zero effort. (You really can’t mess it up!). Londontown reached out and sent me a whole box of goodies and I was absolutely gleeful! I now have a whole kit of polishes, top coats, nail concealers, and more for when I can’t make it to the salon. Which, honestly, has been a challenge for me lately. I usually look forward to my weekly manicure but between all of the illnesses floating around our home (when will it end…) and a dense period of productivity, I’ve found it really hard to map that time into my weekly routine. Thank you Londontown! I felt like a million bucks when I opened this box of goodies!

10. Finally, special shoutout to this adorable Cara Cara reversible quilted spring jacket. I shared a bunch of my favorite spring outer layers a few days ago, but just can’t get over the pattern and colors on my Cara Cara. Funnily enough, any time I post a photo of this little hanging garment rack from my studio, Magpies ask after it! I have been surprised at how much fun I’ve had arranging current favorite pieces / color stories on it. It’s like a real life clothing mood board? Also handy for packing for trips. I’m using it that way right now, as I’ll be in New York later this week. Anyhow, the rack is this inexpensive but surprisingly sturdy one from Amazon, and I use these acrylic hangers on it.

What’s been on your mind this week, Magpies?

P.S. Are you good at negotiating?

P.P.S. If not, or even if so, what are you secretly good at?

P.P.P.S. All my favorite recent Amazon finds, and the most popular items I’ve shared so far this year (2023 is off to a hot start!).

By: Jen Shoop

My Latest Snag: New Jeans + Easter Outfits for My Children.

This week, Shopbop sent me two pairs of denim and I’m all set for spring. I picked the two pairs that Magpies have been raving over for a LONG time:

1) The Citizens of Humanity Charlotte Crops, but sized up one size (I had previously shared that, in my true size, I found them too constricting to be comfortable for sitting at a desk all day long!), and they are the perfect everyday wash. I cannot tell you how much I love the fit, wash, shape, etc. Dreamy. Also so deeply thankful that they were available in a cropped length, which means no hemming required. (I’m 5’0.)

2) Agolde Riley Crops in Zephyr. I also sized up in these based on reviews. They slightly slim in around the waist in a flattering way. Note the unfinished hem if you’re not a fan of distressing! I would say both these and the Charlottes are a tad roomy in the waist — I wish they made half sizes? — but I am far more likely to wear them since they’re comfortable, and would not size down. A Magpie wrote to let me know a tailor can take in the waist, so will be looking into that!

In other shopping news, this week, I finally ordered my children’s Easter outfits. I’d been hemming and hawing for awhile, but chose this smocked daffodil dress for mini and this pastel plaid button-down for my son (somehow 50% off). The moodboard for their look is here. I also found a few other Easter basket stuffers — this hidden pictures puzzle book, a pastel Lip Smacker, and these inexpensive Dover sticker books, which are great for quick distractions. My MIL recently gave my daughter a joke book and she thinks it’s, like, the best thing ever. This Easter-themed one would be another cute option. All my Easter basket filler suggestions here.

This Week’s Most Popular: Spring Finds.

We have been shopping the prettiest palette, n’est-ce pas?!

01. MISOOK LAVENDER SHIRTDRESS // 02. FISKARS SCISSORS SET // 03. PINEAPPLE STREET (STAYED UP WAY TOO LATE READING THIS MULTIPLE NIGHTS THIS WEEK) // 04. J. CREW STRIPED MAXI // 05. J. CREW FEATHER TRIM BUTTON DOWN // 06. PERSONALIZED SCALLOPED NAPKINS // 07. JACK ROGERS SANDALS // 08. GAP LINEN STRIPED DRESS // 09. FREE ASSEMBLY TEES* // 10. CITIZENS OF HUMANITY CHARLOTTE CROPS // 11. WAVY PHONE CASE

*A full review of these inexpensive, 100% cotton tees here.

Weekend Musings: On Excuses.

Do you know the stationery brand Memo Press? They have a lovely Instagram account and I found myself going deep into their archives, drawn in by the beautiful calligraphy and paper. I paused for a long time over the following:

I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse. - Florence Nightengale — “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse. – Florence Nightingale”

I was, first, humbled. I thought immediately of my post on balancing motherhood with work earlier this week. Was I making excuses? Trying to wriggle out from beneath the sensation of guilt I had been feeling? I also thought about that time I showed up late to an event in my daughter’s classroom that I was supposed to be volunteering at and held up a party for 35 Kindergarteners. I wanted so badly to be able to trot out an excuse of some kind — to deflect, to let myself off the hook. But Nightingale makes a strong case for being direct and intolerant of any kind of hedging or bluster. My Dad is the same way. I’ve never once heard an excuse escape his lips. I wrote some time ago that he is “a straight and good person,” borrowing from the line in “As Good As It Gets” (top ten movie for me) when Melvin says: “I might be the only one who appreciates how amazing you are in every single thing that you do…and in every single thought that you have, and how you say what you mean and how it’s almost always something that’s all about being straight and good.” Nightingale, my Dad — they’re “straight and good” people, and I aspire to join their camp.

On the other side: how many excuses do you accept? I am generally (I believe!) a forgiving and accommodating person. We all make mistakes; grace is the name of the game. But I do find myself more circumspect around people who are quick to justify or seek exoneration for their actions (or inactions). I never feel that I can fully trust those people. I would much rather have someone say: “Oh my gosh, you’re absolutely right, I had the wrong information — my bad” or “You know what? I shouldn’t have said that” versus “I’m POSITIVE someone else told me this; it’s their fault” or “Well, what I was trying to say is…”

What do you think?

And by the way — wow. I was absolutely overwhelmed by all of the direct messages I received on my post about balancing motherhood with work. It’s so interesting: sometimes, I write, and a flood of comments materialize. Other times, my Magpies send me long and vulnerable messages via email or direct message. I think the volume of conversations I had privately this week reflects the sensitivity many of us have around this topic. That is to say: few of us feel we are doing it well, and yet we labor under the misapprehension that others are, or are at peace with their arrangements. I can tell you now that this could not be further from the truth. We’re all in the same boat. Hang in there — I’m sitting right next to you.

Shopping Break.

+Swooning over this this sweet-as-can-be sundress. This brand runs big, FYI.

+A cute Easter tabletop/mantel decor idea: buy some branches (preferably cherry blossom) from Trader Joe’s / Whole Foods / bodega and hang these little Easter egg ornaments on them for a centerpiece.

+Love this boldly patterned blouse tucked into ecru/white denim.

+Absolutely adore these Hermes-inspired sandals in the fun bubblegum pink. My sister and several close friends own and love these sandals. They’re basically indistinguishable from Hermes. I see so many well-heeled ladies in them and don’t know whether they’re Hermes or not unless it somehow comes up in conversation.

+Obsessed with this mixed media tank dress. So minimalist chic. Pair with leather sandals.

+I love these safari print pajamas for children. I hadn’t looked at the Hannah prints in awhile and these are too good to pass up!

+This reversible spring jacket for girls is beyond darling.

+Cire Trudon makes the most extravagantly scented candles ever. You know how a “rule of thumb” when selecting a paint color is to make sure it’s difficult to describe? Like, it should never be: “this room is blue.” It should be: “this room is like a green-gray with some moody blue to it.” (I think I learned that from this book by Allegra Hicks, which makes a great coffee table stack piece.) Anyway, the same is true of Cire Trudon candles and their scents. They are so delightfully complex and evocative. You get so many different hints of scent — truly unbelievable. They also throw their scent well and last a long, long time. I especially love Josephine. Whoever writes the copy for their scents should win an award: “Josephine sneaks the senses into an enchanted garden blooming with pungent kaffir lime, exotic Egyptian jasmine and warm Indonesian sandalwood. Dazzling and regal, the imperial blend will pull you into a euphoric sensory experience.”

+I’m not a shorts girl. I repeat, I am not. So why do I really want to try this pair?! They look so flattering!

+The cutest boxer briefs for a little boy. I accidentally bought my son boxer briefs (thought they were briefs!) and now these are the only ones he will wear.

+This athletic dress is seriously cute.

+Cute way to engage your children in the garden.

+Caitlin Fisher introduced me to the brand Paris64 and now I can’t un-see this adorable little box bag. I need it.

+Talbots has some really cute items out right now — this top reminds me of my Lee Matthews blouse!

+These sandals for girls are, like, really cute. I usually aim for metallic or white sandals for my daughter because they go with everything.

+MAJOR SEA vibes for under $175. Adorable!

+These wide-leg cropped chinos get great reviews and come in SUCH fabulous colors.

By: Jen Shoop

It has been so delightful to forgo my fleet of wool and puffer coats this last week in favor of a lighter top layer. I could not wait for this Cara Cara jacket to arrive — it’s reversible (!), so you can customize the palette a bit. I loved the unusual use of khaki/brown in this coat, and of course the botanical print is beyond lovely. I haven’t yet cut off the tags because it runs roomy, and has a pronounced boxy look at the shoulder which is a tad overwhelming on my petite frame. I can’t tell if the jacket will sort of “soften” with wear, or maybe I just need to lean into the shape. I LOVE the pattern and colors though, and I rarely regret a statement jacket — trust me! It’s SO fun to have a statement piece to throw on over basics. Inclined to keep it. What do you think?

The other piece that I am gravitating towards purchasing this season is this Ba&Sh Gaspard cardigan. I know a few of you own this cardigan in other colors and rave about the quality, and that lilac hue is absolutely calling my name! Imagine over floaty spring dresses, or with white denim? Too cute. I did notice that, for some reason, that jacket is about $100 less at Farfetch, though you do need to pay for international shipping there. I’ve ordered from Farfetch in the past and it’s highly reputable. FYI!

01. CARA CARA MARISSA JACKET // 02. J. CREW GISELLE SWEATER // 03. NINA BLANC QUILTED JACKET // 04. MANGO KNIT JACKET // 05. ANTIK BATIK AMELIE JACKET // 06. MAJE MALO CARDIGAN // 07. ALEX MILL CHUNKY CARDIGAN (RUNS A TAD SNUG) // 08. VERONICA BEARD LEATHER JACKET // 09. THE GREAT REVERSIBLE PUFFER SHACKET (25% OFF!) // 10. BERNADETTE CARDIGAN // 11. XIRENA RHYS JACKET // 12. BA&SH GASPARD CARDIGAN // 13. THE GREAT REVERSIBLE QUILTED JACKET

I also needed to mention that Nellie Diamond and her new Loewe jacket are bringing the field jacket back in a major way. Not that it ever went out — field jackets from Barbour are timeless! My FIL bought me one over a decade ago and I still reach for it multiple times each season. Just classic. But! I love the way Nellie/Loewe are reinterpreting in dressier contexts, with slightly more exaggerated shapes. J. Crew has some great options to consider if you want to channel HRH Nellie: I love this cropped field jacket style and this embellished collar one. And, of course, there’s Barbour. I would opt for something a bit boxier at this fashion moment — the classic Bedale? The general vibe is either cropped, flared, or boxy. Play with shape/silhouette to bring into the contemporary conversation!

P.S. The scalloped edge trend.

P.P.S. What was the first movie that really moved you? I loved your comments on this post.

P.P.P.S. Gracious and traditional home finds for spring.

By: Jen Shoop

*Image above taken at Dumbarton Oaks last year. I can’t wait to visit again this spring.

I read Katherine May’s Enchantment in one long, satisfying draw. I was thirsting for its reminders: slow down; pay attention to what you pay attention to; live where your feet are. And I am generally drawn to biomimicry, of which she seems a determined pupil: the view of nature as mentor. Curiously, ten days after completing it, the message that clings to me like sap is about dandelions. (Of all the things!) In one tributary of thought, May comments that many of us consider dandelions “throwaway” flowers — weeds — but that some cultures value them so much they celebrate them, even pay exorbitantly for them. She makes the point that these cultures recognize that dandelions are remarkable because of their ordinariness. They can grow nearly anywhere, under almost any conditions: perseverance, personified. They are also nutritious (their leaves can be eaten), signal auspiciousness (thanks to the childhood convention of “making a wish” by blowing on the seed-head), and undergo a dramatic physical transformation as they evolve from flowering plant to seed-head, only to parachute seeds off into the wind. Upon reflection, I see that there is something poetically determined about this mode of seed dispersal: a dandelion is not waiting for the incidental bee or bird to secure its legacy; it relies on the surefire movement of the wind to send itself out into the earth. It has learned — evolutionarily — to hedge its bets.

Of course, there is much to say (and May makes this point) about the many wonders we overlook in our own lives because they are “ordinary.” It reminds me of an insight last year about truly seeing what is at eye level — in my case, the small bird’s nest lodged in the crook of two branches of a small tree that stands companion to the flagstone steps leading down to the garage behind our home. The nest was — is (it is still there! I checked yesterday!) — a facile metaphor for all the things in my own life that I neglect to marvel over because they are the stuff of everyday life.

It is not practical, I do not think, to live all of life in a state of wonderment. There are chores to do, and deadlines to meet, and one way or the other, my children need to be fed, bathed, disciplined, caressed, tucked into bed with little stripes of stuffed animals arranged in precise orders. But I could stand to notice the dandelions more often. And, thanks to May, I have been better at it. Each time I pass a dandelion on my walk with Tilly, I find May’s words, as if dandelion seeds themselves, floating determinedly toward me, planting themselves in my thoughts. Look at me, they say. Remember to praise this normal day.

Poet Thich Nhat Hanh once wrote:

They don’t publish

the good news.

The good news is published

by us.

[…]

The good news is that you are alive,

and the linden tree is still there,

standing firm in the harsh winter.

The good news is that you have wonderful eyes

to touch the blue sky.

The good news is that your child is there before you,

and your arms are available.

These observations — the merits of the dandelion, the notion of unpublished good news — nest snugly together for me. They remind me that weeds are abstractions, and that headlines are arbitrary, too. We call plants “weeds” because they grow where we don’t want them to, and we don’t trumpet the small and trivial wonders of everyday living because of their ordinariness–because they are grout rather than tile. It is the work of a grateful heart to rename these things.

Post-Scripts.

+In praise of a normal day.

+More learnings from Enchantment.

+I’m visiting New York in a few days. New York is, as always, sure to be a shock.

+An ode to the Upper West Side.

+I was thinking recently that if I could go back to grad school, I would write something about the modern thriller as an extension of The Gothic mode. I am fascinated by this genre.

Shopping Break.

+I’ve heard such good things about these trousers from Spanx. Going to try (I ordered in the cedar colorway, which I think will be really chic and sophisticated with black accessories) and will write a full review. Love these brands that carry petite-length inseams!

+An absolutely perfect wedge sandal for all summer long. Specifically, obsessed with the leather upper. Looks like Hermes to me!

+Love this under-$100 woven clutch — try it in a fun color, like the green or pink, which give me Marni vibes and will create fun/playful tension with anything you’re wearing.

+This outdoor planter is SO fabulous. It’s giving Regency era garden-in-London vibes.

+WELP, I caved. Ordered these Gucci dad sandals. Will share how I style in upcoming posts, but immediately wanting to pair with floaty white summer dresses from Posse, or boho maxis like this $36 steal from Amazon. More on this trend here.

+These teeny tiny baby sandals look like Alexandre Birman for babies!

+Oh my GOSH. So many cute things at H&M kids. I have this gingham hat, these sandals, this $5 patchwork tank dress ($5!), this swimsuit, and these gingham sneaks in my cart for mini. All my top picks in a collage below, and links to everything here.

+These scallop-edged shorts are having a moment. Keep seeing them everywhere! Also come in black. I’m not really a shorts gal but am tempted. Would be cute with a simple white tank and a little cardigan/cropped jacket situation.

+This floral-embellished swimsuit reminds me of the much more expensive styles from Maygel Coronel — but in a more wearable style. All links here.

+Mini is starting soccer soon and totally shocked me by asking for pink cleats vs. blue ones (blue is, hands down, her favorite color). She’ll be rocking these neon beauties! I also found two pairs of cute soccer shorts for her (bought these in black and these in white) that have a nice short inseam / length — for some reason, I feel like soccer shorts when I grew up were only one length: to the knee. Of course had to do the pink shin guards, too!

+A really good striped shirt. Love the color, the collar, the wale, the cuffs — !!

+And a really good striped sweater. I ordered to try. I am envisioning pairing with my fleet of high-waisted denim.

+This scalloped gingham dress is SO sweet for a little lady.

+Another cute Easter basket filler — carrot-shaped crayons!

By: Jen Shoop

*Image via Architectural Digest, showcasing Nancy Meyers’ L.A. home in real life. I remember when this article came out, someone smart on Instagram said: “Now we know what heaven looks like.” Ha! It is spectacular…!

What would my spring wardrobe look like if I were a Nancy Meyers protagonist? I’m writing this partly in mourning and protest, as I read that a Nancy Meyers project that had been underway was suspended owing to budget trouble. (We need more NM romantic comedies!)

Anyway – I’m thinking pedigreed neutrals with the occasional pop of designer accessory. Sharing the vibe below. I wanted to specifically mention that the patterned Xirena shirt seen below is 30% off — it is the softest, lightest-weight cotton, and you can see me wearing it here, tucked into these wide-leg trousers, which are also currently 25% off at Saks! (Take your true size in the pants – – they have a lot of stretch, too!). Lastly, the Pam Munson Teddy tote is 25% off right now — discount appears in cart. I own this in orange croc trim and wear it CONSTANTLY (see here and here). I also discovered that it is on sale in other colors for 40% off here!