On a whim, I posted this whisper of a curlicue of a thought on Instagram earlier this week, and was overwhelmed by the number of Magpies who messaged me saying they’d screenshotted it, so I thought it deserved some air time here on the blog, too —
When I graduated from high school, my parents took me — only me, and l am one of five children so this had never happened before in my life — to Paris and booked me my own room at the Ritz in Place Vendome. It was the most extravagant thing I’ve ever enjoyed in my life. My parents’ full attention, the most opulent room in France, no schoolwork looming over my head, just the promise of college and who I would become there.
I think a lot about that moment in my life. The unbridled open feeling of it. The indulgence. The close-in sensation of being loved and protected by my parents. I still remember fine-grained, filigree details about it: what I wore to dinner at Bar Hemingway (a strapless Zara dress with kitten heels), what I ordered at Le Taillevent (poulet roti, split with my Dad), a last minute trip to Zegna because my father had forgotten his tie at home!, purchasing my first Longchamp with my mom on Rue St. Honore, an afternoon tea at which my father observed, “I see you take some tea with your sugar.”
God, to have that experience — what a gift.
I don’t know why I’m thinking of it right now but just — take the trip! Spend the one-on-one time with your beloved! Do something wild and out of the ordinary that you will treasure the rest of your life.
As it turns out, those times are fewer and further between than we think —
So onward, into this precious and limited-edition set of days we are given —
Post Scripts.
+It’s just that…life is short!
+Simple things I hope you experience.
+How do you handle household chores? A corollary I am very interested in but do not think could sustain an entire blog post: how do you handle laundry? Do you do it all on the weekend? Multiple times a week? Do you stretch it for two weeks? And when you fold, do you make the piles as they’ll go into drawers, or do you just fold and sort when you get to the room? I have this sneaking feeling I’m doing something wrong because it takes me actual hours every weekend of my life, and, as a Magpie reader recently commented: “I hate laundry with the fire of a thousand suns.” (She smartly said laundry would be the first task she’d pass off to a personal assistant if she could.). Help. What are your smart, strategic, Magpie tips?!
+Image via. I have a whole Pinterest board on Paris…! Le sigh!
Shopping Break.
+I still love the look of a scoat (scarf coat) even 2-3 seasons into the trend. A few favorite entrants this season: this Favorite Daughter, this Toteme, this Zara, this J. Crew!
+OMG, Negative just released a dress version of their insanely soft and comfortable “whipped” series. I’m also intrigued by their new Fino Track pant. But if you’re new to the brand, start with their whipped track pants (go up one size) and waffle pullovers…divineeeee.
+New Linnea winter candle scents out — ! Pinewood, Midnight, Stardust! I’m tempted to order them all…! Use code MAGPIE10 for a little price break.
+My favorite thing in my closet right now.
+Always looking for Baptism/religious gifts, and just ordered a few copies of this sweet book of blessings for babies!
+Cozy ribbed sweater pant to style with cool sneakers and an oversized button down and baseball cap for a model off duty vibe.
+SoldOut NYC fall wardrobe staples: tee in olive green, cashmere turtleneck in all colors. The turtleneck is soooo good — soft (not itchy at all), thin, layers well, hugs the body but not overtight, has a nice stretchy weave to it. An excellent piece.
+The kind of cardigan you live in. A true desk sweater.
+Love this mixed media dress in winter white with a brown seude boot and slouchy bag.
+Weezie just opened its holiday shop. I snagged one of these wreath sashes with our monogram on it! How cute?
+Ann Mashburn has the chicest classics: this sweater jacket (the buttons! the longline silhouette!), these classic cords, this plaid cape.
+Joyful desktop frame, under $30.
+Been seeing this chic belt all over the Internet lately…tempted!
+A great gift for a soccer loving kiddo this holiday season — will probably sell out quickly.
+On the holiday front: I just ordered some of this tea! Going to test for myself but if it’s delicious, wouldn’t this be a cute little gift to give out this season to neighbors, etc?
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