Jen’s Weekend Drafts: Trying Again, Costco Gems, and Chocolate Brown Sweaters.

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

+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