The Magpie Edit: Edition 09.

+BUILT IN STYLING. We recently had built-ins designed and installed (with our interior designer, Kelley Proxmire, helming the process) in our family room and I am having a lot of fun figuring out how to style the shelves. I was thrilled to bring our enormous cookbook and literature collections out of boxes and various nooks and crannies to put them on prominent display in our family room. Sifting through all of my old books brought me such joy. I had almost blotted out memories of Ezra Pound (I wrote and defended a graduate school thesis on his poetry in The Cantos) and now I stare at his name every time I sit down on the couch. It’s like a past version of myself, brought into the foreground. I’ve also realized how important little colorful knick-knacks and objets are to making the shelves feel “styled” rather than “stuffed.” I put my foo dogs out and am eyeing this fun set of decorative boxes from Jonathan Adler for one of the shelves.

+PAM MUNSON x ATLANTIC-PACIFIC TOTE. Apologies for the redundancy of my enthusiasm about this bag but !! I could not be more thrilled with it. The perfect size for me right now. Roomy enough to carry everything I need, plus items for the kids. The navy would also be a good color choice.

+CHILDREN’S COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES. I loved my son’s look at the pumpkin patch earlier this week: his favorite red boots and this Patagonia fleece. But now that the mornings are in the 30s, I’ve had to buy some warmer gear. I shared all my favorite finds a few days ago, but I especially love this adorable statement puffer from Maisonette’s house brand (currently 20% off).

+PHAEDON COOKING BOOKS FOR KIDS. These are the cutest interactive “cookbooks” for littles — they walk children through every step of making pizza, tacos, etc. My children love the pizza one and I just ordered the taco one. What I like about them is that they invite children to think about sequencing, and engage them in the process of preparing food. These would be a great gift!

+NAVY DRIVING LOAFERS. These are such a great staple. My toxic trait is buying statement shoes that have limited use cases, and I’m thrilled I had the foresight to buy one pair of solid navy shoes to serve as the “grounding element” when wearing patterned/colorful dresses this fall. These are a great price and very comfortable. You can see me wearing mine in the photo above with my Frances Hart dress.

+FRANCES HART DRESS. Speaking of that dress — Natalie of Frances Hart recently sent me this beautiful striped dress for fall. Her dresses are so easy and comfortable to wear, and work for all phases of motherhood, including maternity. A neighbor just texted me asking for “chic maternity brands” and I of course pointed her in the direction of Frances Hart. Otherwise, I relied on inexpensive basics from H&M, Gap, and Old Navy in black, white, navy, stripes that I could then punch up with loud shoes and statement accessories.

+J. CREW BLAZER. I have been getting so much use out of a tan blazer I bought at J. Crew a few years ago that looks to be nearly identical to this one. I wore it twice this week — once with the look above and once with ecru pants and a black turtleneck. Basics!

+VINTAGE CHANEL EARRINGS. My best friend gave me a pair when I was her maid of honor and they are one of my most treasured items! I have been wearing them a lot lately, especially when I’m wearing more tailored pieces like blazers, button-downs, etc.

+ULLA JOHNSON MARBLE TURTLENECK. Can you even?! I’m obsessed. I can’t stop daydreaming about layering it beneath that Wiggy Kit dress I mentioned yesterday, but here, I’m wearing it with these wide-leg jeans, my tan blazer, my Chanel earrings, and of course my Vibis.

+CHOCOLATE BROWN OBSESSION. I can’t stop thinking/wanting all things chocolate brown. I have this chocolate brown printed dress from Anna Cate (courtesy of Tuke Bazaar) on its way to me, in addition to this headband, and this ribbed turtleneck. I’m also going to order these faux leather Paiges in luxe brown, and keep coming back to this blanket skirt (very Ralph) and these reasonably priced suede platforms.

+CHANEL INIMITABLE MASCARA. Cannot wait to test this new-to-me mascara! Full review forthcoming.

P.S. How to get started with writing.

P.P.S. On gardening for yourself.

P.P.P.S. Fall home finds.