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+A REMINDER FROM SMALL BEINGS: I loved this message from Nikita Gill. I shared an adjacent though on Instagram: Rejection is redirection. Almost seven years ago, I closed a business I had started with my husband. It was deeply painful at the time, and I have spent years nursing the wounds. Only now do I see that everything happened as it should, and left me where I am meant to be. Onward!
+FALL FASHION INSPO: My favorite look I saw on Instagram this week was this quiet luxury outfit from Symphony of Silk. This grid gave me all the fall feelings — and also long for a rich brown sweater. A few favorite finds: La Ligne, Aritzia, Gap Stripe, Gap Solid, Veronica Beard, LouLou Studio, and Reformation.
A little inspo board of chic brown sweaters I put together…
GAP SWEATER // VERONICA BEARD SWEATER // LOULOU SWEATER // GAP STRIPE SWEATER // ARITZIA SWEATER // LA LIGNE SWEATER
+COSTCO GEMS: After descending to the seventh layer of hell this weekend at Costco, I asked Magpies on Instagram whether I’m missing out on any exciting buys you’ve found on Costco. Our favorite buys there are Bonne Maman jam, Kirkland chicken nuggets (a lot like Chick Fil A), Kerrygold butter, but I’m sure you have better finds. Sharing your top recs below!
+NEXT IN OUR TBR: Wow — have heard such polarizing things about All the Colors of the Dark, per the comments on this post. I took to Instagram and a poll revealed that about 20% of those of you who read it would NOT rec; 80% would. Majority wins; I’m going to read it for myself. I can’t decide if I should start it now or wait for Rooney’s book to drop later this month and read after. I’ve been filling the void with mindless romances. (Are you a romance reader? What’s your favorite trope? I love to gab about this with fellow romance readers. I’m a Fake Dating girl. The new romance imprint established by the sharp and funny gals behind the A Thing or Two Podcast has some funny merchandise along these lines.)
+A BEAUTY SALE: I hate to say it, but I’ve been using my Dyson AirWrap for a few weeks now and it is a major RWI (regrettably worth it). I’ve never had my hair look this good. My fine hair actually holds a beautiful bend and stays that way. Hair looks professionally, salon-done. I have not had an at-home blow-out in weeks! It is so, so worth it. I wish I’d upgraded years ago! My key learning is that you have to get your hair to just the right level of dryness. It can’t be clumpy with moisture — it needs to be nearly dry with just the faintest amount of dampness. Once you figure out how to get the correct level of moisture, it works like a charm. Anyhow, I discovered that it is included in Blue Mercury’s Anniversary Sale for 15% off. I can’t encourage you more! I’ve actually sent detailed texts to two girlfriends, one sister, and my mother about how much I love it.
Other items included in the sale, at an even greater discount (must spend over $250): Dr. Diamond Metacine’s Plasma, Mason Pearson brushes, Magpie reader favorite Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid, Oribe haircare (their shampoos are elite), Osea’s divine body oil, UBeauty’s Resurfacing Compound.
+FALL LISTENING: I am obsessed with Laufey’s “Bewitched” album. (Pronounced Lay-vay.) It’s not for everyone — Mr. Magpie dabbles but finds listening to the entire album start to finish a bit much. She covers a lot of old standards; her influences are Billie Holiday and Chet Baker; she has a 40s vibe. But I’m hooked. Her voice is spell-binding!
+EYEING + BUYING: I wrote about this earlier this week, but I’m obsessed with this $16 eyebrow pencil. It’s just like the Anastasia one, but less expensive AND the brand just offered us 20% off with JENS20, meaning it’s now around $13. Trust me – it is your best friend if you also have sparse spots from overplucking in the 90s/aughts. Another note on the beauty front: I can’t implore you more to try this gorgeous cheek blur color for fall (color name: AFTERGLOW). I’ve actually been wearing most of the summer, too, but it’s perfect for fall. A rich cherry flush. It looks darker in the pot — goes on with this demi-sheer glow. Wowza. A ten for me. I also love the Merit flush balms, but Goop’s formula lasts longer.
I’ve also been hunting for more chic athleisure for fall sports mom life. I am not a big athleisure girl, but there’s really nothing else appropriate to wear to these things? It’s cold, muddy, dirty, grassy, etc! I’m eyeing one of these Varley sets — eyeing these pants (note that there are different inseams available — this is the shortest one for my fellow petites) and this tunic sweatshirt (love the cinched waist). I know many of you love this brand, and my neighbor recently told me she thinks they make the best sweat suits on the market (and she is a chic athleisure queen).
SORU EARRINGS // MICRO POINT EYEBROW PENCIL (20% OFF WITH JENS20)// LA LIGNE SWEATER (10% OFF FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS WITH MAGPIE10) // VARLEY FREYA SWEATSHIRT // VARLEY SLIM SWEATPANTS // GOOP COLORBLUR IN AFTERGLOW // MADEWELL SUEDE FLATS // CITIZENS BARREL CORDUROYS // TARGET COPPER MUG (FOR FALL COCKTAILS!)
+BESTSELLERS: The AYR Early Mornings Tee was the top-seller, for the second week running! I just got a catalog and found you can get 10% off with code HOMETEAM.
01. AYR TEE // 02. CULT GAIA BAG // 03. FEATHER TRIM COCKTAIL DRESS // 04. PHONE CASE // 05. GAP POCKET SWEATER // 06. BEST INEXPENSIVE SLEEPING PILLOWS // 07. RUE DE VERNEUIL TOTE (ON SALE!) // 08. J. CREW MIDI DRESS // 09. OUR FAVORITE BLOUSE IN NEW OXBLOOD COLOR // 10. STRIPED POLO SWEATER // 11. TAYLOR SWIFT STICKER BOOK (PRE-ORDER!) // 12. ANN MASHBURN BAG
COSTCO Best Buy’s:
KIRKLAND EVO, or KIRKLAND Italian EVO
DIAMOND CRYSTAL Kosher Salt
CHOSEN FOODS Classic Mayo (made with avocado oil)
WILD PLANET Albacore tuna
Thank you! I didn’t realize they carried Diamond salt there! We’re always on the hunt for that salt at a good price — thank you!
Kirkland prosecco is great if you are hosting a brunch or making a batch of sparkling punch for holiday time, or hosting NYE!! Great price. Also, Teton all beef sausages are so much better than hot dogs/bratwursts and are pre-cooked so no stress at the grill. Highly recommend!
Jen, how and how often do you use the U Beauty resurfacing compound? I got a deluxe sample recently and I am trying to figure out how to use it. I already use Clarins serum (and/or a vitamin C serum) every morning, and the M61 power peel at night about once a week. Thanks!
Hi Nathalie! Great recs – thank you!
I’ve been using the UBeauty instead of other resurfacing products / peels / anything that might be aggressive on my skin, so I would personally drop the m61 peels for the time being. I apply it after Vitamin C, and before a hydrating serum (Clarins / Vintner’s daughter) in the morning. In the evenings, I apply it to freshly cleaned skin and then put a moisturizer on top. Let me know what you think of it after testing!! xx
I just received a Frank & Eileen catalogue in the mail (unsolicited but they sure know their target audience…) and they noted code “APPLE” for $50 off your full-priced order (w/ no min purchase price) expiring 11/1. It’s funny that catalogues are old school but still so effective!
Also +1 your neighbor’s rec for Varley! Their athleisure is generally very high quality and *so* chic! I always get compliments when I wear their pieces and I’m so confused why they’re not more mainstream? I’m not mad about it though 🙂
As for Costco, they have a bonne maman advent calendar that quickly sells out every year (can also be purchased online) and they have super special flavors only available via their advent calendar. Think pineapple yuzu, rhubarb with spice, white peach with nectarine, and more! It’s such a fun treat and makes for a great gift.
Thank you for sharing the coupon code! Will mention this in future posts!
Can’t wait to get into the Varley – thanks for the upvote.
Friends of ours gifted us one of the Bonne Maman jam calendars a few years ago – it was so fun / such a treat!
xx
Ahh, Costco — I loathe it so much but when it hits, it really hits! (Ignoring the fact that we finally signed up for a membership in March and have been … twice … )
I’m clearly still a Costco novice, but a few favorites of ours include:
+ GENERIC ALLERGY MEDS (holy hell, such a savings!)
+ giant jars of capers
+ Venus razor blade cartridges
+ Spindrift lemon/lime/grapefruit pack (SO worth it if you’re Spindrift heads like us, even if I still supplement with our favorite flavors at Target)
+ Beach towels / blankets (I have a beach blanket from Costco that I bought 18 years ago when I moved to NYC post-college and it still looks brand-new after heavy use each summer since 2006?!!?)
Loving the suggestions of Bonne Maman and Kerrygold butter — two regular staples that we typically buy at Whole Foods (!!)
Also, v intrigued by the Laufey rec! Sounds intriguing 🙂
xx
These are great – we also always get Spindrift and Topo Chico. Something about the Topo Chico sparkling water in the glass bottles is…divine? Like, it’s just the most perfect drinking experience. We are obsessed.
xx
Hello Jen!
Check out “By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picault. As a writer, you may enjoy the subject matter.
Thank you! Adding to my list!
xx
HI Jen:
Thanks for this post! I am not sure if it’s me, but most of your links – especially gap do not work for me? Please let me know , Thanks,
I’m so sorry, Marianne! I’ve noticed that issue with Gap – it keeps punting me to download the Gap app instead of giving me the actual product. Oy! Are any other brands giving you trouble, or just Gap?
xx