Jen Shoop, Author at Magpie by Jen Shoop

By: Jen Shoop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shopping Break.

+I own many Dorsey pieces, but their Clemence necklace is my long-time favorite – easy to layer but elegant on its own against a bare neckline!

+Tory Burch Romy Tote – perfect work/everyday mom bag. Find more of my spring tote picks here.

+Obsessed with these Rag & Bone widelegs! Probably one of my top two or three most worn pairs of jeans.

+One of my all-time favorite tees from Ayr – a perfect hybrid between a tee and a sweatshirt.

+One piece swimsuit for summer – flattering but cheeky, and come in the best colors.

+This depuffing face mask from Clarins is the GOAT. I didn’t even know my skin was puffy sometimes before I tried this.

+Crisp white bed sheets at a great price. I bought these as back-ups for our higher end sets, but now use them interchangeably. Remarkably good quality relative to cost.

+These pants make lounging feel luxurious. I wore these on an overnight flight to Italy last fall!

+Hotel standard pillows – our favorite inexpensive sleeping pillows. We use throughout our home.

+I swear by this red light therapy mask; reduces wrinkles and promotes collagen production. I’ve noticed a huge difference around my eyes in particular. Use code JEN10.

+An elevated plain white tee is worth the investment, and this is my favorite of all time. I own several white and most of the other colors, too. Use code MAGPIE15 for a discount.

+I love the size and silhouette of this chic bucket bag! Bonus: I’ve never seen anyone else carry it.

+Any and all Chappywrap blankets – my family is obsessed. We have one for each of us! The most gorgeous, elevated patterns, and the perfect cuddle/share size. Use code JEN15 for 15% off.

+One of my all-time favorite moisturizers.

+This Lake lounge set is a long-time Magpie reader (and personal) favorite. The softest, swingiest material – it’s what you want to put on when you’re not feeling well, are tired, etc.

+Quince has become one of my most-loved brands – excellent quality for less. I always find myself reaching for this cardigan to throw on over any outfit!

+I use my Ugg platform slippers daily – perfect for school drop-offs or running to the mailbox.

+High-end fit on these kick-flare jeans from Gap.

By: Jen Shoop

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

A Perfect Everyday Dress.

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

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

A Really Good Barrel Jean for Petites.

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

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

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

Emory’s Birthday Dinner Outfit (Ash Wedesday).

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

Head to Toe Neutrals for a Monday.

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

Doen Sebastiane — My Hero Skirt.

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

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

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

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

The Everlane Way High Curve Jean.

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

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

By: Jen Shoop

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

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

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

*****

“How did you sleep?”

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

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

Your dad wandering around your backyard, tearing up weeds.

A text message replying: “YES!!!”

The door knob mysteriously fixed.

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

A string of heart emojis.

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

“Tell me everything.”

****

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

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

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

Post-Scripts.

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

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

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

+Other permutations of love.

Shopping Break.

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

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

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

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

+Love these inexpensive and chic drinking glasses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

+A great LBD. CHIC!

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

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

+CHIC pareo.

+Gap giving major Reformation vibes.

By: Jen Shoop

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

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

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

Maximalist Finds for Under $125.

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

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

Styling Maximalist Accessories.

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

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

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

P.S. Styling white denim for spring.

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

P.P.P.S. Pastel knits!

By: Jen Shoop

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

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

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

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

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

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

What might yours be?

Post-Scripts.

+Sometimes, love is a salad.

+What are your non-negotiables?

+Our grooming routines.

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