Weekend Vibes: Standout Magpie Comments.

My Latest Snag: High-Waisted Trouser Shorts.

I was loving the look of these ALC shorts but wasn’t sure I wanted to spend so much on a trend I’m not sure I’ll get a lot of mileage out of, so I was thrilled to find this chic and inexpensive pair from Old Navy. I’m imagining with a black tee and strappy sandals…will style soon!

This Week’s Bestsellers.

A heads up that this popular Target tote is on sale for $21 through today. Great for schlepping all the things to the pool/sports practice/park/etc.

01. FREE PEOPLE SEAMLESS TANK // 02. RMS MASCARA // 03. DOEN STRIPED DRESS (ON SALE!) // 04. CHRISTOPHE ROBIN SALT SCRUB FOR HAIR* // 05. J. CREW COCKTAIL DRESS // 06. TARGET TOTE (30% OFF THROUGH TODAY) // 07. FRANK AND EILEEN DRESS (I GOT IT IN PINK) // 08. R&CO POMADE STICK // 09. J. CREW WOVEN FLATS // 10. MUSTELA CLEANSING GEL AND SHAMPOO // 11. EYELET MAXI DRESS // 12. KULE TEE // 13. ZARA SKIRT

*This was a prime day deal but I REALLY hope that if you didn’t get it on sale, you will still give it a try in this travel size. It is SO good. I’ve been using it a lot the past few weeks and it really clarifies my hair after all my running, sweating, pool time, etc. I just feel like my hair and scalp are squeaky clean and happy! I was worried that all the scrubby bits would get stuck in my hair but it comes right out, unlike sand!

Weekend Musings: Standout Magpie Comments.

Magpies brought it this week. I enjoyed so many stirring, thought-provoking interactions in the comments, via email, and over DM this week. Two that have been at the forefront of my mind:

“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.”…This strategy has served me well my whole life. Just being intentional about zeroing in on a person who needs you has alleviated social anxiety for me.” — Erin

Erin wrote this in response to my post on social calisthenics, and the way I occasionally guard myself / pep myself up as I’m about to head into a social setting that I anticipate will be uncomfortable or stressful. I absolutely love this reframe, and have already been trotting it out — even in situations that aren’t particularly straining. It’s a beautiful way of re-centering my focus from myself to others, a pathway to presence in the company of a friend. Thank you, Erin. I know I will be leaning on this reframe for years to come, just as I also draw heavily from another Magpie reader’s recommendation to shift from saying “I have to do this” to “I get to do this” when facing something I don’t feel like doing (exercising, going for a doctor’s appointment, an inconvenient drop off or pick up). There is almost always a gift in there to be grateful for — a strong, healthy body; the ability to pay for good medical care; a car and safe place for my children to be during the day; etc.

The other comment that has been on my heart came via DM from a lovely woman I am lucky enough to consider a friend in my personal life. She responded to the same post Erin did by saying:

“This is very true for me, too. I’ve spent a little time investigating where my standard hyper-vigilance setting around socializing comes from, and it can stem from a parent or sibling around which we felt we needed to be on our toes, even if just for emotional safety. Open invitation to set your tools down around me! In my opinion, real friendship should have inherent grace as we all learn to become more our truer selves more of the time, and learn to relax more comfortably into it.”

I mean — wow. First, I am grateful to have this open-hearted woman in my life (can we all take a minute to acknowledge how wonderful it is to have someone say: “open invitation to set your tools down around me!”), and second, the gentle wisdom here bowled me over. I had not thought, for example, about how previous relationships and situations may have shaped my instinct to put on a mask or tiptoe when in the company of others. I can now see the way they have conditioned me, an awareness that I find wildly helpful.

Thank you for a deeply thought-provoking week, Magpies — as I said to yet another Magpie this week (you can see my full response here), “I feel as though any time I am straining through something, in the throes of cognitive dissonance, with a sensation of guilt or dread whose provenance is not immediately clear, I know I’m doing important self-work. I’m asking hard questions that will eventually lead to clarity. Which is to say, to myself if not the lovely Magpie I was chatting with – keep going. Keep digging. Worth it to know your own heart. Be an expert in yourself.”

Onward!

Shopping Break.

+Fun colorful sundress.

+This dress, with strappy sandals, is a yes.

+Love the unexpectedness of this nude-colored embroidered top with matching shorts. Entire look under $100!

+While in Baltimore, both of my girlfriends swore up and down about the necessity of a good makeup setting spray — which I’ve never used! I’m hearing good things about Tilbury’s formula. Does any have a rec or review?

+I love S&L’s rug selection, and many are on sale right now. We have this in our family room right now and I have this in my studio, and this gingham has been a Magpie reader fav for awhile! Love it as a kitchen runner or in a nursery.

+Into the Khaite-like sensibility of this sleeveless knit. So good!

+These are great utensils for sending in with your children’s lunches. The forks actually spear things (unlike many other brands, where they are dull to the point of useless / should just be a spoon). Love the colors, too!

+My friend Stephanie has looked SO chic wearing this Loewe bag around Europe! I have so enjoyed living vicariously through her spectacular travels this summer.

+Everlane has some great new arrivals, including this caftan and this structured pencil skirt.

+Kicking myself for missing out on this gorgeous summer wedding guest dress while still available in my size.

+This romantic blouse is giving Doen.

+Cute retro-style running shorts for your little love at a great price.