Midyear Resolutions + Current Shopping Picks.

In the midst of a pregnancy that meant abstinence from alcohol and limited ability to exercise/diet, I kinda skipped the whole new year’s resolution bit this year — the only goal I genuinely and mindfully set for myself was to be more present.  (Maybe those are the best kinds of resolutions?  Not the hackneyed “lose 5 lbs” type?)  And, I’m doing pretty well with it, though there’s always room for improvement.  The single most effective tool has been leaving my phone at home while on walks with the family or setting it purposefully aside while chatting with Mr. Magpie or spending time with mini.

But, I have a new resolution.

My sister FaceTimed me a few weeks ago and, when I answered, she cooed, “You look so cute!”

I had no makeup on.  I was still in my pajamas even though it was well after 10 A.M.  (this makes me feel like a total schlub — if I’m not dressed with the bed made by 9 or so, I feel gross).  I hadn’t even put  my contacts in; I was wearing my smudged, too-big-for-my-face glasses.

But, my sister–whether out of kindness or genuineness, we’ll never know–praised me.

I instantly started deflecting.  “Oh no, I’m such a mess–” I protested.

“Jen,” she said, urgently.  “You need to learn to take a compliment.  Just say thank you.”

It was a surprising interjection since our conversations are usually so light and laughter-filled–and I could tell she meant it.  I swallowed, nodded, and thanked her.

Since her scolding, I’ve noticed I am highly prone to this behavior, and have caught myself in knee-jerk protestation to various compliments dozens of times.  Ugh, how annoying!  Someone is kind enough to take a minute to praise me and all I do is pooh-pooh the compliment, leading to an awkward “no I’m not” — “yes you are” — “no no” exchange?  EW!

Does anyone else do this?  What a horrible habit.  It’s like returning a gift.

So, my latest resolution is to just say thank you.  A different kind of gratitude.  We’ll see how this goes.  Any of you have a similar reaction to compliments?  What do you think?

And with that: a roundup of my current 10 picks.  (More 10 Pick posts here.)

Pick No. 1: The Gingham OTS Dress

I mentioned this in passing yesterday, but I snagged this adorable gingham dress ($79) over the weekend and am anxiously awaiting its arrival…I think I’ll wear it to a crab feast in D.C. I’m attending in a week and a half.  Not particularly practical for the occasion because a) crabs are messy (#oldbayfingers) and b) there tend to be mosquitos in DC at these events, and I’ll have  lot of exposed skin, but c) I DON’T CURR.

Pick No. 2: All-White Athletic Gear

Inspired by these all-white-everything workout looks, I snagged a new pair of my favorite running shorts ($58) and a matching bra ($68) in graphic white.  I will feel so crisp on my next run.

P.S. — From the Nordstrom half-yearly sale, this Nike half zip is v. much my athletic style.

Pick No. 3: The Striped One-Piece

I’ve been lusting after one of these Solid and Striped Anna Marie bathing suits for awhile (more top bathing suit picks here), and I just found this one on sale for $101 at Net A Porter (or this one in solid red, on sale at Shopbop for $94).  I think the shopping gods are smiling on me.  But stripes or solid red?!?

Pick No. 4: The Ruffled Mule

Obsessing over these ruffle-trim denim mules from Loeffler Randall ($325).   Also precious in the suede pink (and on sale!)  I feel like I’d wear them with errrything this summer, but especially a fresh LWD like this.

Pick No. 5: The Pamela Munson Straw Tote

I know I know I know, ANOTHER straw tote!?  But I love the size and ribbon handles of this Pamela Munson tote ($245).

Pick No. 6: The Dodo Bar Or Maxi

I keep unearthing amazing discoveries across these amazing summer sales (AHEM) — my latest find is this Dodo Bar Or maxi, on sale for $270.  So chic and unusual.

Pick No. 7: The BonBon Drop Earrings

I featured these in a recent post on wedding guest attire, but you really can’t beat the price or cool ombre coloration of these $45 bonbon earring lookalikes!

Pick No. 8: The Gingham Mini

OK, more gingham dresses.  AH.  So many good picks this season.  I loveee this checked style ($178), this checked style ($198), and this checked style ($218) –all from The Reformation.  And if the price points are a little too steep for your wallet at the moment, this $90 style is right on point.

Pick No. 9: The Gingham Blouse

And, speaking of gingham, how amazing is this bell-sleeved gingham blouse from Loft ($59, currently 50% off!)?  Looks so high-end, but at such an attainable price.  I love the idea of wearing it with white skinny jeans for an easy happy hour look.

Pick No. 10: The New Must-Read

Even though I shared what I’m currently reading here (and my full reading wishlist here), I’ve had to interrupt those plans to start reading a newcomer for my bookclub: Michael Chabon’s highly-reviewed Moonglow ($18).  And P.S. — I took this snap of the book atop one of mini’s Gathre mats.  Isn’t the print lovely?