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I took the above photo in a historic home in Charleston, SC that I visited last year. The spiral staircase was exquisite.
My Latest Snags.
I did some Prime Day shopping this week, but is that interesting now that the promotions are gone? (If it is, my top purchases were my favorite dry shampoo, my beloved cocofloss, and this Smithsonian Zoology book Mr. Magpie bought for our children — somehow still almost 50% off. My children adore these kinds of animal encyclopedias and they make for great bedtime reading, as we can clearly limit each night to two animals without the inevitable “but that was so short! can you read another book?”)
I also restocked our spice supply a bit this week. I love the flat packs that ship free from Spice House, which I in turn siphon into labeled glass spice jars. Their cinnamon is incredible. Perfect for baking this ideal-for-fall banana bread. (The only banana bread recipe you’ll ever need!)
This Week’s Bestsellers.
01. DOEN MILANA DRESS // 02. STAUB MINI PUMPKIN COCOTTE // 03. GAP CORDS // 04. MADEWELL BUCKET BAG // 05. J. CREW BOOTS // 06. FOOD52 VINYL KITCHEN MAT // 07. APC GRACE BAG // 08. NORMA KAMALI DRESS // 09. LAKE PAJAMAS HOLIDAY JAMMIES // 10. L’AGENCE MULES // 11. SPANX PULLOVER // 12. LIVING PROOF DRY SHAMPOO // 13. KOHLS FLEECE JACKET // 14. CITIZENS GAUCHO JEANS (SIZE DOWN)
Weekend Musing: A Gentle Headspace.
Earlier this week, I asked: “How do you fill your cup when you’re short on time?” One Magpie replied: “The one that I find has staying power (for me) is acts of service. The old adage, ‘you rise by lifting others,’ holds very true for me.” It was a beautiful, unexpected nudge, and it reminded me of another Magpie comment from a few months ago that continues to reverberate with me on a weekly basis:
“When I feel nervous about a social situation, I try and remind myself to focus on making sure others have a great time, and to draw someone out who seems to feel out of place. I have told my children this many times when they haven’t wanted to attend an event they need to be at: “Just make sure _________ (a friend with a special need/ someone struggling) has a good time. That can be your purpose.”
Putting myself in this headspace this weekend, especially at a time when many need extra care and gentleness.
Post-Scripts.
+These popular under-$100 flats are available in the coolest blue suede. I wish I’d found them before they sold out in my tiny pixie foot size. I actually love them in the leopard print? I haven’t been drawn to leopard in awhile but these are calling my name. The silver is also very on trend.
+Anthro’s Somerset dress is so flattering and comfortable (I own in a summer stripe), and I love this rich burgundy color for fall.
+I regret not buying this Stagg kettle while it was a Prime deal. So many of you messaged me enthusiastically about it — it’s treasured by many! One wrote: “I swear pourovers taste better because of it.”
+Celine vibes for $229. And for even less — $109 — here.
+Have heard such good things about these eye palettes from Makeup by Mario.
+Dorseys popular tennis bracelets were just restocked. Heirloom-style jewelry for under $250! So chic as a part of your arm stack. More on my favorite Dorsey pieces here.
+One of my absolute favorite sweaters is 15% off with code SWEATERWEATHER through Monday. 100% cotton, ultra-soft and plush, and wears like a sweatshirt. Je l’adore.
+A great everyday boot with a low heel.
+Sandro is offering 30% off its fall collection this weekend. So many elegant, Parisian-chic finds, but how incredible is this collarless coat?
+Another great Sezane cardi.
+A chic, fashion-y field jacket with its cropped, swingy dimensions.
+I know it’s early, but this Christmas tree topper is beyond sweet.
+Love this knit lounge set.
Hi Jen! I’ve actually just completed my Christmas shopping because we’re expecting a baby girl in late November. I actually collect Elizabeth Harbour ornaments! This year I added a few of her mantel decorations as well. I’m most excited for this one, I wanted it last year and it was sold out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1297704695/
Since they’re wood, I started the collection when I was pregnant with my son, anticipating years of small children. We’re in a small space, so right now we just decorate with fabric ornaments, gold plated ones, a few vintage wood ones, and my growing collection. They’re great fun! The tree looks so festive. I actually bought her stand up angel card as our tree topper this year, until our glass topper can come out when our tree’s less at risk of being pulled down. Normally we do a live tree, but this year we have a small tabletop tree and a lit wreath on our hall console since I know I won’t be up to arrange much while in the newborn haze. It can become a tree for the kids’ room in later years.
I’ve got Ottolenghi’s spice cookie dough in our freezer to bake fresh on Christmas, and I’ll freeze a hash brown casserole as well for the morning of. I want to make sure Christmas is still magical for my son since at nearly 2 he’s understanding a lot more. He has a little French book advent calendar and I’ll be taking the time to read him a story every day. I want him to understand the anticipation of Advent, the magic of candlelight and looking inward. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but I’m leaning into planning it thoroughly this year to compensate for the upheaval a baby sister will bring. I have a folder on my phone where I snap pictures of gifts “for Santa” through the year, but right alongside it are photos of my son playing with whisks, empty purses, cardboard boxes, the shelf that holds our vacuum. When I’m doing my shopping I refer back to those images, and try to remember what I’m trying to pass on to him. We keep the gifts small and the traditions big.
Wow – I aspire to your organization and thoughtfulness. I love this concept: “we keep the gifts small and the traditions big.” And I also love the idea of “what you’re trying to pass on” as a filter for gift-giving and tradition-setting. So mindful. Thank you so much for sharing all of these lovely details.
I need to try those Ottolenghi cookies!!
xx
hi! Thanks for the banana bread recipe! What shoes will you wear with the citizen gaucho jeans in the fall and winter. AND, how did you size the brown Doen dress? TTS? Thanks!!
Hi Marsha! I like with a ballet flat — their femininity balances out the statement-ness of the jean / adds a bit of polish / grounds. You can see me in the Gauchos in the brown color with ballet flats here:
https://www.shopltk.com/explore/jenshoop/posts/43c14b83-3b94-11ee-bb70-0242ac110003
I’m wearing the under-$100 Schutz Arissa flat. I own in two colors and LOVE. Very comfortable and have a more high-fashion look thanks to the high vamp / slightly squared toe:
https://bit.ly/46rLdnZ
When it gets even chillier, I’d probably play around with a suede bootie that has a refined/polished shape to it — nothing clunky. Something like this might be good, but I find it REALLY depends on proportion. You need to have enough of the “neck” of the shoe showing to make it work…
https://go.shopmy.us/p-2305121
Finally, on the Doen dress! I took an XXS. I generally wear an XXS in Doen — I find it runs big — but I will say this and the Rhodia are a tight/slim fit on me in the XXS. They look perfect/great, but it’s sort of within a half inch of my life? Haha. So generally I’d still say to go one size down, unless you feel you’re generally between sizes — then take your true size.
xx