Many years ago, a mentor told me: “It’s always cooler and easier to be pessimistic. Do the hard work of being optimistic about what you want to do.” I think of those words often when I’m out there shaking trees, attempting the new, and embarrassing myself along the way. Being passionate about something before you’re good at it, before you’re known for it, feels deeply unfashionable. But that’s OK. There are many unfashionable things I love, and I’ve just got to lean into that mid-life confidence in my own preferences. Case in point: my coffee cup above is laden with sugar and half and half. I’m too old to pretend I enjoy black coffee!
A few other unfashionable things I love:
+No-show socks when running (can’t help it);
+Being out of the loop on most TV;
+Enormous water jugs — a tall glass of water is infinitely more chic but the exigency of my thirst wins out, and there is nothing more appealing than a huge tumbler of ice cold water at my desk-side;
+Pointed toe heels;
+Desk candy (preferably Jujubees);
+Staying in;
+The Wingspan board game, and the app version too (Landon and I will pass it to one another across an airplane aisle);
+Movie soundtracks;
+Middle age (the world seems to find it unchic, but I beg to differ);
+Socks with clogs and socks in bed (come to think of it, a lot of my sock preferences are compromising);
+Introducing myself to people versus pretending I don’t notice them / don’t care;
+Pesto (sort of has a dated vibe, along with sun-dried tomatoes, but je les adore);
+Sugar in my coffee and tea;
+Mediocre cubed cheese and Ritz crackers;
+Commenting on the change in trees, the color of the sky, the latest bloom;
+Putting myself out there;
+Milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate (eeek, don’t hate me);
+Optimism
Post-Scripts.
+Something unfashionable that I don’t necessarily love, but have come to be comfortable with: the middle of things. Lord, life is a lot of middles.
+On the flipside of this conversation: things I find randomly chic.
+Things that are just part of the process.
+On getting through a tough emotional patch.
Shopping Break.
+Well, the time has come. I just pulled out my fleet of La Ligne Mini Marins for the season and am wearing one as a type (cornflower blue color)! These are, simply, the best fall sweaters. I’d start with a solid. Use code MAGPIE10. These go great with the Donni pants (and probably the Target look for less, too).
+Meanwhile, La Ligne is releasing a collection with Banana Republic today! I love it ALL but especially this striped cotton crewneck (the brown / blue academic stripe is seriously on-trend this season), these Diane Keaton coded trousers, and this perfect cropped cardigan!
+Some really good deals happening at S&L through today — my best/top find is this pinecone wreath, currently 43% off! I ordered one of these last year or maybe the year prior and I LOVE IT. I love that it works from Thanksgiving through Christmas and you don’t need to buy a new one every year. Other finds worth a look: cutest table lamp (I have this on Hill’s bedside table), under $200 kitchen table chairs, perfect fleur scalloped mirror for an entryway or powder bath, and a charming side table for over 50% off.
+Two standouts at Madewell: this gingham jacket and these “airy” wide-leg jeans. The latter reminds of this uber-chic pair from Still Here. A friend of mine recently wore them in pink and looked SO CUTE in them! Rails also has a similar drawstring style in a perfect dark rinse, and I think I prefer the slightly higher rise.
+Also really love the tapered barrel leg of these Rails utility pants.
+The Swiss Army Knife of fall event dressing. Works for Thanksgiving, family portraits, back to school events, cocktails!
+Obsessed with this suede jacket. Quince has a great look for less, and so does Madewell. Splurge suede jacket for the season: this VB. Oooh la la, is it gooood.
+Speaking of VB, I’m obsessed with this new suede version of their Dash clutch! I own this clutch in white and wear it all summer long.
+Ordering a few of these for fall runs. The other athletic wear splurge I’m eyeing for myself: this hoodie from Tracksmith. Perfect for post-workout!
+Selling fast: the shearling-lined crocs for kids! Snagged a pair for Emory. Also eyeing this cropped barn coat for her — how adorable? Other kids coats I’m loving: this patchwork Boden, this denim chore jacket, and any of the Konges Slojd teddy zip-ups, like this cherry print, this swan print, this striped dog style.
+Every fall, I find myself itching for a new pair of eyeglass frames. I hardly ever wear my glasses (contacts girl!) except for during that sliver between nighttime skincare and sleep. Still, how CHIC are these new olive green ones from WP?! A fun, different shape. I currently wear these Perceys, which fit great on petite faces. All Rx glasses are currently 20% off there!
+My daughter has really thick, tangle-prone hair. This is THE BEST detangler. I discovered it via many Reddit threads led by mothers in similar straits. It feels like a splurge but it lasts a long time and really, really works.
+For rooting on your college team this fall! (Great gifts for dudes. They also are selling THE mockneck sweatshirts with university logos on them!)
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