I was looking out the top-floor window this morning, noticing the stalwart tree in our cul de sac had finally been kissed crimson on the side of her face most-prone to the autumn sun,
And I found myself thinking of the great fluidity of things. The way the months fold into one another, how autumn technically starts in September but her coat of arms appears later, in October, as though it takes some time to settle in to a new blazon. Well. It takes time to become.
And I thought too of the months gathering like sisters, huddled together, their lovely features carrying echoes of one another, but no one and two alike. Women bearing great change together.
At a doctor’s appointment last week, I properly forgot my age. Had to do the math — was I not 43 already? No, 42. The first time this has ever happened to me, and I’d aged myself. I observed that somewhere between my birthday month in June and now, I’d quietly unhooked from the steady arithmetic I’ve been doing since old enough to count fingers. I’d instead come to see myself as a 40-something woman, the details beyond that impressionistic. Monet’s lily pads. And I thought — how nice, in its own way, to be rounding to the tens. First, to be around long enough that such estimations make sense. But mainly: another way of lessening my self-preoccupation.
And rather nice to see myself like September, or October, one sister-self on its way to another.
Post-Scripts.
+More on what the trees teach me.
+What Magpies love reading (and repeat-reading) in autumn.
Reminder – Virginia Events This Week!
Eek! Come hang with me in Crozet or Middleburg this week! Events open to public — would LOVE to see you there. Not to toot our own horn, but all of these book talks have been exceptionally special and giving. Grab a friend and make a night of it! Middleburg is so charming this time of year — if you’re a local DC Magpie, it’s worth a little evening trek out there! Stop by our chat and then grab dinner at King Street Oyster Bar, or vice versa!
Shopping Break.
+20% off this week only at M. Gemi – this includes the BEST Una flat. So comfortable right out of the box. Great travel shoe for fall adventures! I own in the leopard/calf-hair. Also adore these Chanel-coded ballets. Use code FF2026.
+New Marea fall arrives today! I saw the preview and there are these fantastic patterned pants and Swedish-inspired sweaters that have me swooning.
+PSA that this perfect cream crewneck was restocked — it’s a truly perfect, snugger fit for pairing with wide leg and barrel jeans. Hits right at waist. Use code jenshoop. And I know I mentioned this last week, but add one of these cashmere turtlenecks to your order — it will NOT disappoint. Featherweight, super soft, very tuckable. Can be layered or worn on its own with a gorgeous fall skirt or trousers.
+And, one size left in this long-sleeve stripe we all loved! (Or grab in the versatile chocolate brown!). Will immediately elevate your jeans-and-a-tee uniform.
+A couple of you asked after Inslee’s chic pants from the Raleigh event! She was wearing these pants from Zara! Reformation has a similar style out too.
+Vintner’s Daughter is releasing the first new product it’s released in years — a refining mask — today. If you’re a fellow devotee of this brand, take note — they said they’ve had incredible demand via their waistlist and estimate they have only about 60 units left! I LOVE their active botanical serum!
+Fair isle season is nigh! I also love the options from Doen, Boden, and Veronica Beard.
+The Brylie pant in new fall colors! These are SUCH A GOOD FIT on petites. Not just in length – but overall fit. Meant for a petite frame, trust!
+Just picked up this gorgeous bath mat for our primary bathroom. Long enough to stretch between our two sinks!
+Veronica Beard’s new saddle bag is spectacular. Every woman needs a shoulder bag this shape in brown leather — it’s simply iconic for fall. I have the similar APC Grace bag and love her. She gets wear every season. (You can also sometimes find these in great condition on TRR.). And then of course there is the icon: Celine!
+Currently wearing this knit jacket with these pants in the antler color. You know I love a sneaky way to wear pajamas but look pulled-together. You could absolutely wear this look with some ballet flats!
+I own and adore this belt in the ivory color. I wear it often with my ecru Mother jeans in winter. But how beyond FAB is this leopard calf hair variation?! Swooning. Heads up that you can get $50 off these belts at Saks right now. They don’t have all the colors/materials but a nice little price break! This brown suede would be gooood.
+Tuckernuck has a similar vibe one for less!
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