Seven Fashion Finds That Took Me on Vacation.

There are some articles of clothing that just write their own stories, whether through reference (i.e., Grace Kelly mint green) or suggestion (the airy white linen set that invites thoughts of warm summer recreation). This week, I came across seven spectacular pieces that captured my imagination.

A Gwyneth-in-Mr.-Ripley Dress.

First: this striped Boden dress. I don’t know if it’s the Gucci-esque stripe and colorway or the nipped waistline and cap sleeves, but I immediately imagined myself wearing this as Gwyneth-from-the-Talented-Mr.-Ripley on vacation in the Mediterranean. I’d pair with a flat sandal like this and a ladylike wicker bag like this, this, this. (BTW, if you’re loving the Gucci stripe reference, you must check out these fabulous pants.). Something else my Gwyneth self would throw into her valise: this knit midi.

THE ARABELLA DRESS

Missoni-Esque Sandals for a European Holiday.

I think I was especially prone to imagining a summer vacation in an ancient European city after the comments on this post (Lisbon is now at the top of my list), but these woven sandals from Julia Berolzheimer’s just-launched collaboration with Magpie-reader-favorite footwear brand Margaux immediately went into an imaginary suitcase. Did you see the photography from this collection?! Absolutely spectacular! Sizes are already selling through and I can’t decide between the Missoni-esque sandals below (imagine paired with actual Missoni like this or this, or a look for less like this) and these chartreuse (!) strappy sandals. (You know I consider the color chartreuse the height of glamor. So chic with a simple white dress << this one is excellent. Wears like a t-shirt but looks so polished. Love the length, silhouette, material. Like a heavy weight cotton that hangs beautifully. I often take this on trips!)

THE ISLA SANDAL

This Woman Knows the Good Cheese and Fruit Stalls at the Marche.

The French provincial pattern on this skirt, in that fetching cobalt blue (a color I keep noticing this spring), in that airy, ankle-grazing cut…! It’s just meant for a woman who knows her way around an open air market, and who understands the art of le weekend. She’s not precious about the things that don’t matter; she likes the sun on her skin and a perfectly ripe pair. I ordered this skirt because of the image of myself as this woman. I also love the ultra-lightweight, soft-cotton voile that Doen uses for these pieces. Insanely airy. Can be worn even in the peak of D.C. summer heat, with 100% humidity and 100 degree sun.

I love the way Doen styled the skirt with this matching top and the kerchief worn as a belt embellishment, but I ended up ordering this matching top instead, as I prefer this silhouette on myself. I plan to wear as a set, with a simple brown leather sandal (<< a favorite pair from last summer; love that gold hardware and barely-there look) and a straw tote (<< I borrowed this bag with pink leather details from Vivrelle this month! Reminder first month is free with code JENSHOOP).

DOEN MARCIETTE SKIRT

She’s Friends with Gary Samuelian.

Do you follow GarBearStare on Instagram? He is this ultra-fashionable man who lives out of the way and designs spectacular flower art installations. I love watching him arrange hydrangea stems in the foyer of his house and repurpose ribbon and antique silver in imaginative new ways. When I saw this flower carrier (a great little upgrade for those of you who said you buy fresh Trader Joe’s blooms as a weekend ritual), I thought: this is what I’d carry if I were meandering around flower and antique markets upstate as one of Gary’s friends. We’d stuff this and a few LL Bean totes full of the weekend’s treasures in the back of an ancient station wagon.

If I Were on Vacation with Sally Rooney Characters…

I’d obviously be packing a full suitcase of Ciao Lucia, but especially this butter yellow Ebba dress. Something about the simple, airy, breathable, figure-skimming designs are meant for bare feet, freckles, and tumbler glasses of wine enjoyed by a pool in a remote part of Puglia. I love that their pieces are styled almost intentionally wrinkled/worn: these are pieces to vacation in. To leave out in the sun, to get wet with ocean spray. This top with a pair of simple white shorts for paella dinner. These linen shorts thrown on over a gingham swimsuit for a quick bicycle trip into town for fresh produce. Falling in love with Paul Mescal while in this dress, enjoying gelato in some ancient town. Et cetera. (LOL.) Swoon!

CIAO LUCIA EBBA DRESS

Post-Pilates, Pre-Espresso Exec on the Go.

This woman has her life together — she’s calmly, demurely heading from pilates to the office, with a quick but intentional stop for espresso (chicest drink) en route. Even her earrings mean business. She had some sort of European meusli-yogurt breakfast we don’t yet know about, and she knows how to style a belt. (Belt styling is next level.) This insanely polished sweatshirt-material jacket/blazer is her perfect foil, and she’s wearing with the matching pants, of course.

VARLEY BUTTONED SWEATSHIRT

Meant for Mint Juleps.

I was smitten with this gorgeous spring dress! Just meant for a horse race or garden party or — maybe — my Small Wonders petite book tour.* The botanical motif! De Gournay vibes, but meant for the outdoors. Another dress perfect for this kind of spring venue: this Tuckernuck, which is in my closet.

*I wanted to mention that we have added a stop in my Small Wonders tour in New York City for April 22 at Ann Mashburn on the Upper East Side, 6-8 PM, and I will be interviewed by my fabulous friend Alison Kenworthy, whom you undoubtedly know from her incredibly popular Homeworthy series, where she takes us inside the artful and chic homes of hundreds of interesting and dynamic people. Alison and I went to high school together (!) and used to live across the street from each other on the Upper West Side. She is the epitome of polish and chic, and she’s also an Emmy-award-winning producer. We are so excited to talk books and cheers at one of our favorite boutiques, Ann Mashburn! (Thinking of wearing this to the event…!)

P.S. More fabulous spring dresses here.

P.P.S. The best lounge pants known to woman.

P.P.P.S. What is something that is harder than most people think?

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