+THE CREATIVE PROCESSES + WRITING ADVICE OF FAMOUS WRITERS: I absolutely loved this round-up, especially Susan Sontag’s question: “A writer, like an athlete, must ‘train’ every day. What did I do today to keep in form?” This obviously speaks to my own writing ethic (I am disciplined about shaking hands with the blank page daily) but I think it’s more broadly applicable to any role to which you are committed. It takes a long time to become. And being good at anything requires daily practice. I love the end-of-day provocation: “What did I do today to keep in form?” Not necessarily to be the best, not necessarily to have succeeded in a material way — just, what did I do to keep myself in shape, to keep myself going, to make progress towards that green light? (Miles are made of inches…and determination!)

+UNDERRATED HOLIDAY CAROL / HYMN / SONGS: What’s your favorite under-the-radar holiday song? I absolutely love “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming.” It strums something in me; leaves me weepy and full of wonder. I also can’t help but adore that Ariana Grande / Kelly Clarkson holiday bop — I feel like we don’t talk much about it, but it brings an A-plus 90s Mariah energy. And “Where are you Christmas?” by Faith Hill?! Come on! I need to belt that into a hairbrush a couple times a season. Finally, “O Holy Night” by Mariah Carey — “All I Want for Christmas Is You” gets top billing, but the way she goes for that high note while singing “divine” at the very end of “O Holy Night”?! Sends a good shiver down my spine! Share yours and maybe we can put together an offbeat holiday playlist…!

+DEEP RED + NARROW TAPER CANDLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Loved these gorgeous images from Christiane Lemieux. That deep, rich berry red! Those elegant taper candles! Gah — major inspo for my holiday table.

+DIVAS AT THE CLUB IN 1784: A Magpie reader sent me this and it made my week.

+THE WORK OF A MATURE PERSON: How moving is this quote?

+SILK + KNIT COMBO: Found myself admiring the combo of monochromatic silk/satin pants and a gorgeous knit this week —

+EYEING + BUYING: Some really great, unexpected sale promotions running / sale finds right now.

+First, this F&E tuxedo-front button down is like 70% off and stocked in all sizes. I own this and the quality is incredible. Elevates jeans in a major way!

+Second, Faherty has discounted their cozy cabin collection, which includes this snuggly sweater (I own in the other colorway), my mittens, and these gorgeous, kind of sexy pointelle scoopnecks!

+These Ruti pants are 25% off! I LOVE these. Ultra comfortable – wear like a sweatpant, pull-on! – but read professional enough for work and are great for travel because they somehow don’t wrinkle? They come in petite inseams, too — so the crop is actually cropped. These look just as chic with sneakers as they do ballet flats or heels; can be paired with a cashmere crewneck or a simple tee. SO GOOD. A very versatile buy for the closet.

+This burgundy blazer is 40% off! I’m having a love affair with this color right now. (I picked up these burgundy jeans this week.)

+Speaking of denim, I’m also majorly obsessing over dark rinse denim. I have a whole post on the trend going live next week but the dark wash versions of these Miro jeans you all have been raving about are at the top of my list. Look for less here.

+Rothy’s relaunched its 30% off cyber week deal — last call for the best house shoes ever.

+Not on sale but I love this new colorway in our favorite running shoes and I recently picked up this Prequel foot cream for my very dry, running-abused feet and early indications of its efficacy are strong. It’s also under $20, which appeals. It’s SUPER thick and ointment-like — I apply at night and immediately put on my socks.

+These heels are SO chic and elegant – can’t believe they’re under $160. Bring to mind Prada!

+These scalloped floral towels reminded me of D. Porthault but much more affordable!

+Alice Walk restocked their iconic cashmere wraps — they can’t keep these in stock! My mom bought these for all of us girls for Christmas and I can’t waittt. Order now for guaranteed Christmas delivery. It’s a no-brainer if you’ll stuck on what to get your MIL.

FRANK AND EILEEN BUTTON DOWN // SCALLOPED FLORAL TOWELS // ALICE WALK CASHMERE WRAP // BROOKS GLYCERIN RUNNING SHOES // BA&SH BURGUNDY BLAZER // RUTI PANTS // SCHUTZ HEELS // PREQUEL FOOT CREAM // FAHERTY CARDIGAN (20% OFF) // CITIZENS MIRO JEANS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ROTHYS CLOGS

+BESTSELLERS: The best blowdry spray for a truly glassy, shiny blowout was the topseller this week! A perfect pairing with our new blow-dryers (still on sale!)

01. BEST BLOWDRY SPRAY // 02. $89 CASHMERE CABLEKNIT // 03. THE Q-ZIPS WE ALL BOUGHT OUR HUSBANDS AND BROTHERS // 04. FAIR ISLE SWEATER (LOW IN STOCK; SIMILAR HERE, CARDI VERSION HERE) // 05. RAG + BONE FLEXI JEANS (TTS; USE CODE JEN15) // 06. RED SATIN MINI // 07. DIPTYQUE SCENTED OVAL // 08. KATE MCLEOD BREATHE PEBBLES // 09. BEST INEXPENSIVE RUNNING GLOVES (GOOD STOCKING STUFFER…!) // 10. GIRLS BOW-PRINT VELOUR PAJAMAS

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