This week, I shared a seemingly errant thought on Instagram and was overwhelmed by the response from Magpies: “I needed this today,” and “I’m in this exact headspace,” and “I needed to hear this. I just started basically a new career at age 44 after being a stay at her mom for 5 years and a nurse for 16 years before that. I’ve often wondered what on earth I am doing but I couldn’t turn down this opportunity!”

My off-the-side-of-my-desk note: “Everything feels chaotic right before you level up.”

I’ve found this to be true in business, in creative undertakings, in social settings–even in parenting. You are learning new things, letting go of old habits and patterns and systems that no longer serve you. Things must fall apart a little before you can build the next step.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve been in that phase and questioned everything, and muttered versions of the following:

Why did I hire someone to help with this?! It was easier before

Now I’ve lost my sense of direction — which way is up?

I have no idea what to do next

Why did I push myself into this new [product line, promotion, content series, marketing effort, social commitment, version 2.0, expansion pack, job opportunity, leadership role, mentorship responsibility]?! Life was so much simpler before

This new [level] sucks

There are too many moving parts now

Can I undo this?

If you are in this “oh my God, what am I doing?” phase where you want to crawl back to comfort — stay the course. Welcome to the murky middle of something good.

Onward, Magpies! Let’s go!

P.S. Some visual inspiration that you might find helpful if this line of thinking is resonating:

IMAGE VIA: ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR

Sunday Shopping.

What candles are we planning to burn this fall? I just burned through my last Hamptons candle and found myself thinking about a fresh transition-to-fall scent for the new school year. I’m drawn to Linnea’s “Fog” candle: “Step into the hush of an autumn morning. Fog evokes the gentle blur of mist, the snap of fallen leaves, and the crisp bite of orchard air.” Gorgeous! MAGPIE10 gets us 10% off at Linnea. I know I’ve converted a lot of you into Linnea fangirls; the scents are complex and the throw is wonderful without being cloying or overpowering.

Also already feeling excited about getting back into my “Winona Ryder on a winter day” cheek color palette — a dark, crimson flush. The two colors I absolutely adore: Merit’s Postmodern and Goop’s Afterglow. Both are such spectacular colors. Don’t let their perceived darkness scare you off; these blend so gorgeously.

MEGA EARRINGS // SAYLOR BLOUSE // ZARA BAG CHARM/KEY RING // RUE DE VERNEUIL TOTE // DL1961 AURA JEANS (MORE HERE) // TOTEME SNEAKERS // POOKY CORDLESS WALL FIXTURE // RL HAT // LINNEA FOG CANDLE (USE CODE: MAGPIE10) // PINK CITY PRINTS JACKET // MERIT CHEEK BALM IN POSTMODERN

Spotlight: Rue de Verneuil Fall Collection.

Final note: I have to do a quick spotlight on Rue de Verneuil’s fall collection. I am paralyzed between a few different pattern options, seen below, but think I’m going to go with this olive flannel.

OLIVE PLAID RDV TOTE // STRIPED BLANKET RDV TOTE // BROWN RDV TOTE // BROWN PLAID RDV TOTE

Some styling for the bag that is at the front of the pack for me —

COS SCARF CAPE // JANE WIN NECKLACE // LESET POINTELLE TEE // VERONICA BEARD JEANS (VIBE FOR LESS HERE) // OLIVE PLAID RDV TOTE // VERONICA BEARD BOOTIES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

THE GREAT CARDIGAN // OLIVE PLAID RDV TOTE // DL1961 JEANS // MERIT CHEEK BALM IN POSTMODERN // MADEWELL BOAT SHOES

RL DENIM SHIRT // VERONICA BEARD FELTED JACKET // ME + EM CORDS // OLIVE PLAID RDV TOTE // TOTEME SNEAKERS

BARBOUR JACKET // FRANK AND EILEEN CARMEL TRAVEL SET // OLIVE PLAID RDV TOTE // RALPH LAUREN HAT // ADIDAS SAMBAS (HIGH SELL OUT RISK IN THIS FABRIC/COLOR)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.