One of the items of Magpie Mail to which I did not respond in yesterday’s post was: What fall investment pieces do you recommend?
I felt this inquiry merited its own post as I am spending a lot of time curating my fall wardrobe at the moment, when I am awake and nursing micro in the wee small hours of the morning. (P.S.: We are through that ultra-rough patch of sleeplessness. We are now on a schedule where I dream feed him just before I go to sleep and then he usually wakes up once at 3 a.m. and is then awake for the day at 6 a.m. That boy has a strong internal clock — he nearly always rouses right at 6 a.m. on the dot.)
At any rate, here are my thoughts on building a fall wardrobe. (Above, the chic pea is wearing that Bottega Veneta pouch bag I’ve been drooling over. And you can recreate her trench lewk with something like this — the sleeves and collar and overall shape are so interesting!)
1 // Comfortable flat in a shade or print that goes with everything. Investment pick: Chanel. I have had mine for ages. I also have a pair of ancient Loeffler Randall pointed toe flats in a calf-hair snakeskin print (sounds weird, but they are SO chic) that have withstood the test of time for going on six or seven years now. They go with everything — black, brown, neutrals, etc. You can get the look with something like this (love that pink trim!) or this ($120!) — or splurge on these. If the print is making you nervous, consider these in the blush or black.
2 // Everyday jeans in a dark wash or black. I still prefer J. Brand photoready skinnies to most other denim brands and cuts for everyday wear, though these and these have been on my radar since basically they day I got pregnant. I also own several pairs of J. Crew toothpick jeans in various washes and love the way they fit.
3 // Statement jacket. Personally, I like investing in a statement jacket every season or two. This is something you wear basically every day of winter, so why not enjoy it and look forward to putting it on? Sometimes people ONLY see you in your jacket, and it’s fun to make it splashy. I loved this Harvey Faircloth fur-trim army jacket I bought a year or two ago! The ones I’m especially into this fall are this plaid by IRO, this faux shearling, this Jacquemus (omg), and this plaid long coat.
4 // A few well-made, neutral sweaters. I love a statement sweater as much as the next gal (well, possibly more than the average next gal), but a few staple sweaters worth investing in that you WILL reach for year after year: a cable-knit cashmere crewneck in a color that goes well with most of your wardrobe, like gray, a cashmere crew in black (literally wear this all the time — paired with jeans and statement flats/heels, tucked into skirts, etc), and a chunky Aran knit in ivory (or blush, which is essentially a neutral in my wardrobe). All of these pair beautifully with a range of different styles and looks.
5 // A few around-or-under-$100 statement tops/sweaters. Keep yourself fresh this season with a dramatic sleeve, a boho neckline, or an on-trend color like marigold/caramel. A few of my favorite finds:
THIS EMBROIDERED BLOUSE IN THE CARAMEL COLOR
THIS CROPPED CARDIGAN (LOVE THE DIMENSIONS, THE BUTTONS – EVERYTHING!) — ALSO LOVE THIS SIMILAR STYLE, WHICH I’VE MENTIONED A BUNCH
6 // An LBD you love. I tend to prefer prints and patterns and trendy sleeves when it comes to dresses (ahem) but it can’t be denied: a basic LBD will see you through a season and can be repurposed for work, cocktail hour, dinner with the parents, etc. Pick a style that flatters your figure. This, this, this ribbed dress, and this are all chic and versatile.
7 // A trendy statement accessory or two. At the top of my lust list:
A PAIR OF COWBOY BOOTS (OBSESSED WITH THESE OR THESE)
A few other staples in case you need to fill these holes in your wardrobe (or upgrade/update what you own): layering tees like this and this, black heeled boots like this or this, a little black bag (love this if a Chanel is out of your budget!).
And a few other splurges to contemplate: this bag is timeless and appropriate for any and all ages, this Bottega Veneta pouch bag (OBSESSED — seen at top) or the ultra-chic and semi-similar Ascot bag by The Row, this bow-front sweater, this gown (DIE).
P.S. More fall fashion finds.
P.P.S. My everyday makeup routine, things that make me happy, and adjusting to life as a mother of two.
P.P.P.S. Micro loves this rattle toy/ball.