The Little Lady, Part III: Weekend Wear

I meant to post this on Friday, but spent the better part of my day officially changing my last name — it’s been a month and a half since I tied the knot, so it was about time.  The process was no fun (waiting in lines at the Social Security Administration and then the DMV and then officially changing my name at the bank and so forth), but the payoff was big: Mr. Magpie was thrilled and insisted on calling me “Mrs.” for most of the day.  At any rate, here’s to looking forward to the weekend (it’s not too far away…) and to all the preppy-casual looks that are inspiring me during this transitional fall weather.  I’m gearing up for a couple of weekend trips (to a fancified camping trip in Virginia for a big pig roast orchestrated by my very talented friend Orr Shtuhl, Beerspotter for the Washington City Paper’s “Young and Hungry” blog; to UVA for Homecomings and apple picking at Carter Mountain; and potentially to a weekend B&B trip with my new hubby) and am busy dreaming up an ideal “I’m-put-together-on-the-weekends-too” wardrobe.  It begins with a structured weekender.  I adore these Billy Kirk bags ($320, Billy Kirk) and have long been looking for a reason to indulge — this fall might be the perfect prompt:

(Bonus points: it’s relatively “gender neutral,” which should pacify Mr. Magpie, who always groans when he finds himself toting my bags — either Louis Vuitton or hot pink — around the airport.  He finds nothing more emasculating.)  I like the idea of wearing it with a thick-knit camel sweater ($248, Intermix Online):

I’d add on some skinnies and some kicky loafers (you know I love a pop of orangey-red — and these Tod’s loafers are no exception — $225, Yoox):

I’d add on a statement bag (I’m still dying over the Chloe Marcie — $1,790, Intermix Online) and a pair of Jackie O-style enorma-shades (dsquared, on sale for $205, Ssense):

Perhaps a classic Hermes scarf ($375, Hermes), tied artfully around the handle of the bag, is in order?

As far as jewelry, I’m liking the idea of heavy polished gold jewelry, like this chunky Balenciaga bangle ($395, MyTheresa) and this modern take on the classic signet ring ($125, CCSkye):

I’ve been swooning over the heavy gold jewelry look since I spotted Olivia Palermo’s excellently-styled, well-heeled getup at Fashion Week, posted on RDuJour last week:

Photos from RDuJour

How put-together is this little chic-pea?  Adore the gold add-ons.  (The Hermes Birkin doesn’t hurt either.)  But back to the matter at hand: weekend wear for the Little Lady.  Other things I’m looking for this season?  Feminine, fitted cardigans in  left-of-center colors like mustard yellow and pumpkin ($62, J. Crew):

Layer over a silky ivory bow-front blouse (Milly, $290, Saks) tucked into some skinny jeans:

I’d pair with some Minnetonka mocs (my favorite footwear for the season), but prim little flats (Kate Spade, $165, Bloomingdale’s) would get the job done with panache as well:

Then add these polished gold, geometric studs (Jessica Elliott, $98, Max & Chloe), a shiny oversized ring ($105, Max & Chloe), and a textured tote ($345, Brahmin):

If temps drop, cozy up to this update on the classic trench by Rebecca Minkoff ($395, Rebecca Minkoff):

Of course, going the classic route isn’t a bad option — check out the J. Crew “Icon Trench” ($298, J. Crew):

Insta-classic.  If you’re as into the “left-of-center” palette referenced above as I am, you might also consider add-ons like this Hermes-esque watch ($100, Pedre) or this mustard yellow hobo ($142, Pret-A-Beaute):

This burnt orangey-brown colored coat has been at the top of my “wait for the sale” list for weeks ($138, Anthropologie), and would look excellent paired with many of the above add-ons:

While on the subject of tailored outerwear, I d.i.e. over this Michael Kors checked trench ($756, TheOutnet):

Perfect for layering over tailored separates paired with deep red accents, like this tassel-front bag ($50, TopShop) and these cap-toe flats (on sale for $29, Baker’s Shoes):

I’m also into the idea of a tailored leather jacket ($349, Eddie Bauer — of all places!) paired with classic cat-eye glasses ($30, TopShop — and if you want a higher end version, check out The Row’s kickin cat eyed sunnies!  Label lust for sure!)

A ladylike handbag softens the aesthetic considerably, especially in this warm red hue ($295, Brahmin):

I’m also loving the idea of retro-preppy look centered around a boxy plaid shirt ($140, Toast)

Go Grace Kelly chic by adding some classic penny loafers ($110, TopShop) and this tassel-front convertible clutch-to-shoulder bag ($195, Endless):

I kind of like the idea of some bookish, retro glasses to complete the look, and those in-the-know wear Barton Perreira or Danish-designed Han (shown below — $180, Han):

Don’t forget some reading for the weekend — I was beyond tickled when Penguin re-released some of its classics with new, patterned, eye-catching covers:

(Madame Bovary is one of my top ten favorite books of all time — I need this lovely version!  In this case, yes — judge a book by its cover.)  And while we’re on the subject of artful books, I could not contain my nerdy excitement when I saw that Maira Kalman, illustrator extraordinaire, had sketched for a version of Strunk & White’s Elements of Style ($25, Barnes and Noble).  Did you read this (aka suffer through it) back in high school?  I’ll never use the word “utilize” again in my life.

Somehow I feel that the illustrations might just be “the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine go down.”  Now, of course, I can’t believe that it’s only Tuesday and that I have three whole days to go before it’s time to test out my preppy-chic looks…