*Image above via Leslee Mitchell. This post is being published a day later than usual in deference to Christmas!
My Latest Snag: Clothes for Mr. Magpie.
I can share this since Mr. Magpie will have opened his gifts by the time this post has gone live, but I surprised Mr. Magpie with a Christmas Eve outfit on the 24th: these velvet tartan trousers (!!!!) and a crisp new white dress shirt. He already owned a pair of velvet tuxedo slippers ideal for the occasion, but these are perfect (and less than half the price) if your man needs a slick pair for NYE. As I’m typing this, I’m regretting not buying him this velvet bow tie, too — and I know he’d love this skull and crossbones style. I also thought temporarily about buying him this velvet jacket. Such good-looking, classic pieces for men!
Also under the tree for him this year in the clothing category: an AMI Paris sweatshirt, a cashmere polo, suede drivers, and a blue crab belt buckle. I swear this man is part Texan because he loves a statement buckle. I’d also bought him this Kule rugby but gave it to him early! It’s boring, but I use the holidays as an excuse to refresh his wardrobe since he’s the type to absolutely wear his clothing into the ground and then look at me helplessly when he realizes he has nothing to wear.
You’re Soooo Popular: Shoes + Dresses.
The most popular items on le blog this week:
AN UNEXPECTED FEATHER TRIM DRESS — WOWZA, LOVE THIS!
THE ROBE HOOK YOU NEVER KNEW YOU ALWAYS NEEDED
THE HEADBAND WE’LL ALL BE WEARING ON NYE
EXTRAORDINARILY JEALOUS OF THOSE OF YOU WHO BOUGHT THESE EMBELLISHED BOOTS (!!!)…I FOUND THEM FOR 25% OFF IN THE ARMY GREEN HERE!
THE DOMINO GAME WE ALL BOUGHT FOR FRIENDS/FAMILIES
A CLASSIC, MINIMALIST MULE TO WEAR WITH EVERYTHING THIS NEW YEAR
FEATHERWEIGHT CREWNECK TEE — GREAT BASE LAYER, AND AT TIME OF WRITING THIS POST ON SALE FOR $11/POP
THIS GORGEOUS MARIGOLD COCKTAIL DRESS, NOW ON SALE!!!
CHIC WRAP CARDIGAN TO LAYER OVER DRESSES
GORGEOUS EVERYDAY FLATS FOR $120 (PRADA VIBES IN THE CROC!)
CRITICAL PLAYER IN MY WINTER BEAUTY REGIMEN
THIS $60 PUFF-SLEEVED TOP (COMES IN SEVERAL FAB COLORS!)
THIS UNDER-$20 TARGET TOP (!!!) IN THE GREEN
Weekend Musings: Golden Moment.
I savored a series of golden “moments” this holiday season. The first was watching my young children sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” around the Advent wreath every night. I could weep at their tiny birdlike mouths singing this old, somber hymn — the same I sang every morning of Advent in the chilly, dim hallway of my parochial Catholic grade school. My son did not learn all the lyrics, but insisted on singing the final word in each phrase fortissimo, with emphasis. Instead of “O Come, O Come E-mma-a-a-nuel,” he would bop along and then shout “-WELLLLL” at the end, usually a half-beat late. Then he and his sister would bicker over who blew out which candle fastest, or first. There was something about those moments — huddled, singing, and hopeful around the wreath — that stirred in me a feeling of belonging during this omicron-dominant time of renewed isolation, as though something was right when everything has been feeling wrong. I was reminded that traditions, faith, family persist! And I am touched to have the opportunity to bring my own children into those folds. In short, I was warmed by something much more powerful than the candles in front of us.
Shopping Break.
+One last-minute entrant into the NYE outfit possibility list: this $50 sequin tee to pair with trousers or jeans.
+This cropped cableknit would be perfect with a high-waisted statement skirt for a dinner out, or these satin trousers, which are currently in my cart.
+These leather-like makeup bags remind me a lot of my ones from Cuyana and White Elephant, but cost $20.
+OMG THIS BAG. I need this for the summer. I would get it sans initials. This woven tote is also tres chic.
+A good suede slouchy boot to pair with dresses like this, this, and this.
+I have been living in a long black quilted, hooded coat Talbots sent me two seasons ago and I’m scared that it might give out. It’s just a perfect coat to throw on with anything, in any weather. It works in drizzly, chilly mornings; it is an appropriate length for both dresses and jeans (like, not hip-length — hits above/around knee); it has pockets big enough to hold a phone and toys. I’m so sad they’ve discontinued it. But I have to say this Barbour looks very similar and I think I’d get equal use out of it. Dog-earing for future.
+If you’re looking for a quilted coat that is more cropped — this Boden is SO good and on sale for 50% off.
+This Etsy shop makes the most outrageously chic playhouses for littles.
+Have not yet recovered from this jacket. It is SO chic.
+Well, this glitzed up sweatshirt situation is just delightful.
+Oso + Me has such sweet baby items — I just love this tattersall set.
+My friend Jessie had the cleverest idea — update your winter lace-ups (especially lug sole boots) with velvet laces!
+This topper is somehow both elegant and downtown cool.
+My new go-to hostess gift.
+If I ever meet a staff member at Melissa & Doug, I will hug him/her for the many hours of peace their reusable puffy sticker books have afforded our family.
+Along those lines: children’s activities for car rides. (Also great for restaurants, visits with family, etc. I always try to keep something in my bag in case things go haywire.)
+I have this Horror Vacui skirt in a different pattern and it is a STUNNER.
+OMG – this SEA sweater is marked down like 60% off, and how fun is this fruit-print one, also on sale?
+This tweed jacket!
+Great, inexpensive runner for a hallway.
+This Shoshanna is a perfect rehearsal dinner dress. SO elegant but fun and different. More bridal finds here.
+Rattan bar cart for under $200!