*Image above featuring my favorite new handbag, from The Jacksons!
Per usual, I had a lot of requests for wedding guest attire. In addition to answering below, I updated my entire wedding guest shop boutique with fresh finds for end of summer and early fall affairs!
Q: As the cooler weather approaches, I’d love to enhance my morning coffee routine and afternoon tea ritual to make it feel more special. Looking for suggestions for great mugs and whimsical china teacups.
A: I love this for you! I share your motivation to seek everyday items that spark joy. I have long lusted after the beautiful Ginori 1735 tea cups and mugs. Swoon! (You can also occasionally find vintage patterns on Etsy! Can you even deal with this tea service set?!). Themis Z also has some fabulous mugs that would bring joy to my coffee ritual, and how fabulous are these bone china Tiffany “paper” coffee cups? Tory Burch’s cabbage pattern is fun. I have a few Juliska mugs that I adore — the toile print is beautiful. And then how amazing are these gingham teacups? Finally, we have Kate Spade’s dragonfly-emblazoned teacups and they are just so fun. She does other great designs, too — love this blue stripe and this painterly floral. This enamel set from PB also turned my head!
Q: I’m wondering if you have any recommendations on gifts in the $200 range for my Dad who just retired. He’s into golfing, gardening, his motorcycles, just to name a few of his hobbies. Thank you so much in advance! I’m stumped.
A: A new golf shirt from Greyson (if he’s more traditional — this is the brand our family’s country club carries in the pro shop and they are like a modern classic) or Rhoback (if he prefers things a bit louder). I also love the idea of new golf club head covers and/or a new golf towel. If he’s a music enthusiast, he might like this fantastic portable, water-resistant, outdoor-friendly speaker. I bought it for Mr. Magpie so he could listen to music while washing the car, gardening, doing yardwork, etc, and we’ve ended up using it for much more (and nearly every day this summer!), whether dining al fresco, hanging out at the beach, sitting by the lake, etc. He’s probably fairly well outfitted if he’s been gardening for awhile, but these Haws brand watering cans are THE best brand and were sold out worldwide for awhile; now back in stock. These garden stakes would also be an attractive way for him to advertise the fruits of his labor! More generic, but I know a lot of Magpie women have gifted the men in their lives this reversible quilted pullover (more colors here) to rave reviews!
Q: Bump-friendly event wear. Wedding guest and dinners out.
A: Congratulations! Dondolo has some fun dresses for dinners out — they aren’t explicitly maternity but so many of their styles accommodate a bump owing to smocking or self-tie belts. I like this red style. Other options for dinners out:
THIS SQUARE NECK MIDI (SMALLER BUMP)
As a wedding guest, you might consider —
THIS HALTER MAXI IN THE HOT PINK (NO BELT)
THIS DAMARIS BAILEY (SMALLER BUMP)
Q: October wedding in upstate NY.
A: Have fun! A few that seem right for a more “rustic” backdrop…
THIS ANTHRO IN THE GREEN COLOR
Q: Officiant in a garden wedding in September. Will be pregnant early second trimester so forgiving is key.
A: I think this Damaris Bailey would be spectacular, as would this Reformation in the pistachio hue (tie sash above bump and pair with big earrings). A few others that might work well…
Q: I’m in the market for a knee-length camel coat, non-robe style. (Robe styles always make me look like an idiot wearing an actual bathrobe. Not chic enough to pull one off.) Of course I love Max Mara coats, but don’t want to spend $3k. I also don’t want a polyester blend, so I’m looking to keep it around $1k or less. Any ideas?
A: Chic! I would check out Anine Bing! I think that’s exactly what you’re after. A few other options: All Saints or Reiss.
Q: I am wondering if you would do a “things you’re shopping for” question on a fall/winter maternity work wardrobe? I am in a business casual office and am just lost on what to wear besides black pants and cardigans/jackets! Which – to be fair, that uniform might be the answer! I know you’ve advised “basics with statement shoes” in the past as maternity wear and I am on board with it… but what winter shoes that are office appropriate??
A: Re: shoes. I would buy a loud pair of ballet flats — I’m obsessed with finding a pair of hot pink velvet ones for myself. This pair is perfect but sadly sold out in my size. I might go for a pair of furlanes instead! Either of these would add an element of whimsy and fun to your wardrobe. A mule is also a great option while pregnant — no bending over! I love these and these. More great statement shoes for the season ahead here. A few other great work-appropriate pieces to layer…
THIS LONG COATIGAN — I LIVED IN LONG CARDIGANS DURING MY WINTER PREGNANCIES!
OVERSIZED STRIPED SHIRTS AND TUNICS
LOOSE FIT DRESSES LIKE THIS AND THIS
RIB KNIT DRESSES LIKE THIS AND THIS
OVERSIZED SWEATERS — IF YOU PAIR WITH TALL BLACK BOOTS, CAN TOTALLY WORK OVER MATERNITY LEGGINGS
Q: Hair bows for baby girls without much hair.
A: Use headbands! I used this exact kind on mini until she had enough hair to pin back in the front, and then I switched to 3″ bow clips. I prefer the “skinny” band on them to the thicker ones. A bit more delicate. These Liberty patterned ones are adorable for fall.
Q: Black tie optional wedding guest dress — Chicago in August. Fine with midi vs. long.
A: Big splurge: this is fabulous. Steal: this $100 Aiden Mattox. Midi picks: this blingy Self Portrait and this sculptural Cecilie Bahnsen will turn heads. All four feel sophisticated-urban in the best way.
Q: Work looks for fall that don’t involve a heel.
A: These black pointed-toe suede flats will serve as a stand-in for heels in virtually any outfit IMO, even in a super corporate environment. Pair with anything from tailored pants to suiting dresses to less formal outfits. More generally, I’m into the idea of cigarette pants or pleated trousers, both of which I’d pair with high-vamp ballet flats from either Mansur Gavriel or Everlane. Pair with a white blouse and wrap cardigan, or a striped button-down layered beneath a slightly cropped wool sweater. A knit dress like this would also be chic with the ballerinas!