*Photo above and below by Claire Harvey.
JANE WIN JEWELRY. I’ve written a lot about this brand recently but I am in love with these meaningful, beautiful-quality pieces for everyday wear. I am especially smitten with this large “joy” coin, which I have been wearing nearly daily. In the photos above, I am also wearing the petite heart and their amazonite flower pendant. There are just so many fun pieces to layer, wear on their own, etc. These pieces would make such a great gift — specifically, I think, the coins. You can pick one that is relevant to a loved one’s interests / needs / stage in life / etc. The joy one I picked actually has a fertility narrative associated with it (this is outlined on a card that arrives with the pendant) that would be thoughtful for someone TTC. I wear mine to remind myself to seek out the small slices of joy throughout my day. I wore this to dinner the other night, and a gentleman friend complimented the necklace, actually! A fun conversation starter to boot. Thank you, Jane Win, for sending me these beautiful pieces. I absolutely treasure!
MIRTH VIENNA DRESS (30% off! — Add to cart and promotion will appear; no code needed.) Mirth is such a lovely brand and they sent me a few pieces earlier this season. I especially love this ultra-easy-to-wear drawstring-waist dress. My neighbor actually chased me down to ask me about it while I was walking Tilly last weekend. I love all of the unexpected details on my Mirth pieces. In the case of this dress, the sleeves are fabulous — you can push up the cuff for more of a “puffed sleeve” look or you can tug it down for a style that looks a bit more blouson (and fits better under coats). I will layer a turtleneck beneath this when temps get cooler, too. I also own this patchwork blouse of theirs (also 30% off), which is such a bold and unexpected statement. The ties on the shoulders are just so intricate and interesting, and the material is super thick — more like a shacket than a blouse. Their sweaters are spectacular, but not included in the promotion. I have been eyeing this gorgeous one.
SEA PATCHWORK COAT. My exact style has sold out, but I just adore the patchwork quilted coats (cropped style here) from SEA. Normally, I throw on over jeans and a white tee and feel like a million bucks, but I had fun pattern mixing with my Mirth dress. This darker patterned one is on sale and looks a touch more “wearable” if the style is intimidating because of the darker colors. Note: these styles run really, really big. I took an XXS and it is still cavernous.
ANNA CATE ARIE MIDI DRESS. The chic e-retailer Tuke Bazaar sent me this gorgeous dress and oh my LORD this is easily one of my favorite dresses I’ve worn this fall. The picture on the site does not even do it justice (nor do my casual selfies), but the sleeves are super dramatic, the neckline is wildly flattering, and the colors are so unexpected — a dark chocolate brown threaded through with blue and gold. I wore this out to dinner the other night and felt like a million bucks. The neckline, guys! It showcases the most delicate part of the collarbone. The fit of this dress is divine. I felt so comfortable and flattered in it. Wow! This feels like an Ulla Johnson dress, but for under $300. J’adore j’adore and am planning on taking it to NYC this week for a quick trip. It also comes in an ivory colorway. This would be a great contender if you’re still idling to buy a Thanksgiving dress — flattering but not constricting at all. (Can you tell how much I love this dress?) This dress runs a tad on the large size. I took my usual size (XS) and it is very roomy. I could probably stand to have it tailored at the waist but kind of like the floaty fit.
GUCCI HAIR CLIP. Major splurge but so fun.
RAG & BONE HARROW BOOTIE. I can’t believe I hung onto these boots for so long — I think I’ve had them in my closet for five or six years? — but I’m so glad I did because they were the perfect Western-inspired match for my Anna Cate dress at dinner earlier this week. I remember seeing them on Jacey eons ago and buying them immediately. Funny what you hang on to versus what you let go — I’m so glad I kept these. They are currently 50% off here!
CANE DC. We tried this Caribbean street food restaurant down on H Street with some friends earlier this week and wow. One of our favorite spots we’ve tried since moving back to the DC area! (Other favorites — Maydan, Crane, Rooster & Owl.). The whole fish was the star of the show in my opinion, but we tried and loved about half of their menu, and the staff couldn’t have been nicer! The son of the owner was working as bartender the night we stopped in, and he was such a delight — gregarious, inviting, a joy to be around. And (!). He made me one of the best and most inventive cocktails I’ve enjoyed in recent memory, called the Cane Fever, a rum-based cocktail with a slightly vinegary pineapple-habanero shrub (!!! — I know some of us Magpies were just discussing how much we love all things vinegar and one asked about shrubs!). It was exquisitely balanced, with a little bit of everything: tartness, heat, acidity, sweetness, spice. Wow. It is a small spot and was a bit short-staffed the night we visited, but well worth a wait regardless. My only wish is that they had dimmed the lights a bit for more ambiance, but all in all, excellent food, great service, fabulous cocktails.
FEATHER-TRIM HEELS. I know a lot of you ordered these Sam Edelmans (so fun and come in a bunch of colors), but I hadn’t taken the plunge on a pair yet, and then I saw these St. Laurents and could not stop thinking about how chic a pair would look with semi-sheer tights and a black mini. And then I stumbled across this $99 pair from Zara, which look A LOT like the St. Laurents. AHHHH. So fun for winter festivities!
ULLA JOHNSON ANNISA DRESS. A lot of dresses in today’s post but — well, I’d wear a dress everyday of my life and twice on Tuesday. I recently snagged this puffed sleeved midi when it went on sale for 40% off. I love the pattern, the neckline, the detail. If you are lucky, there are a handful of them left at the same discount at Tuckernuck and you can get an extra 20% off with code YOURULE. Ulla’s popular solid army green dress is also on sale for 40% off!!!
LELE SADOUGHI BARDOT HEADBAND. I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of this adorable bow-topped headband lately. I feel like it paired with a dress like the Annisa, or with a simple black sweater and jeans. Cute!
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE LOTION P50. My Mom came back from a spa trip to the Salamander Resort in VA recently and was raving about her esthetician and specifically her introduction to products from Biologique Recherche. I’m sure you’ve heard about this brand before — it has a cult following and has been around for ages now. I’ve been loosely aware of it but always shied away because in years past it has been difficult to purchase and I vaguely remember some controversy about one of the ingredients in the original 1970s version of the product. There are now a couple of different variations on the p50 theme, and I’m in the midst of researching which one I want to try. Will report back with my learnings / decision soon. But the TL;DR is that this is an exfoliating toner that transforms skin. My mom specifically said that she also had been loving my long-time favorite Tata Harper regenerating cleanser but that the scrub/exfoliating factor was rough on her delicate skin, and that this “lotion” toner is much gentler and far more effective. I’m very intrigued. I feel like I need a little skin pick-me-up and am going to swap out my morning cleanser for this one.
ERIN WALLACE HOLIDAY CARDS. Have you ordered holiday cards yet? If not, get thee to Erin Wallace! I love her modern designs this year, especially the fun and slightly vintage feel of this chartreuse fretwork ones and these scalloped ones. Erin Wallace is a dream to work with and has helped me customize a card for this year. Cannot wait to share!
Love Cane so much. Love to see you getting around to all the DC spots and sharing your thoughts!
Yes! It has been so fun to discover new spots!!
xx