*No one asked for this, but I think we all need some tweed in our lives. Love with the padded black headband — I actually bought this exact set from Amazon and it’s perfect for only $7…I also got some wear out of the oversized pearl style!
Q: Perfect lightweight striped sweater to wear with leggings.
A: I love the look of this under-$50 one. Pair with on-trend New Bs. Heavier weight, but this Toteme is goals — the shape is divine — and I love all things La Ligne.
Q: Do you mind helping me shop for a classy yet unique black bathing suit (either two piece or one piece)? It’s for a bachelorette party in Florida in September. Thinking Marysia Venice vibes (but haven’t been able to find the style in my size in black).
A: So fun! OK, so, if you want to go MAJOR, check out Maygel Coronel. It’s a hot new swimwear label and I guarantee you will be the talk of the party. I adore this one and this one. I have also personally be lusting after an investment piece from Lisa Marie Fernandez like this or this. Another option: these rash guards are so impossibly chic. You can unzip it to *there*. I kind of love the houndstooth!
Q: Newborn photo outfits for the whole family.
A: Congratualtions! Dress options for you: this nap dress, this CE Finn, this Daydress (I own and love!), this ByTimo, this Lug Von Siga, this white eyelet, this Daphne Wilde, this Neve and Noor, this Loretta Caponi. Picking these dresses because they are elegant and would work in post-partum days, when you might not want anything too form-fitting. Most have empire waist or smocking/self-tie at chest/waist!
For baby: La Coqueta knit set in a color that coordinates with your dress. I love this pink, this blue, this unisex gray. Timeless and beyond darling. Both of my babies had a few of these sets and they were just too precious for words. The little knit bonnets are also darling!
Q: Outfit for first birthday outside in the heat. (For my son and for myself!)
A: For you: lots of great hot weather dress picks here, but I love the classic shirting stripe and on-trend smocking of this dress. For him: this romper is my all-time favorite on micro. Can be worn with a little white tee beneath or sans shirt if very hot. Pair with these sandals in brown, Keds graham sneakers, or Cienta t-straps.
Q: Wedding gifts when the registry is tapped out and you don’t want to give money!
A: Buy them an extra (duplicate) serving dish or bowl in their china. This was one of the best things my mother-in-law did for me — it means that at holidays/gatherings, we always have enough dishes to serve all sides in that coordinate with the china! I would include an explanatory note in your card to the couple explaining this so they don’t say “eh, a duplicate, let’s return.” But if that’s not thrilling to you, consider a few heavy-hitting kitchen items we cannot live without that they may not have registered for…
A PARCEL OF EXCELLENT COOKBOOKS
Alternately, spring for one of these items — not must-haves, but so lovely to have on hand —
MRS. ALICE PLACEMATS AND/OR NAPKINS
Q: A dress for family photos on the beach.
A: I shared some fall family portrait ideas here, but if you’re not beholden to a certain color palette/season, a few dresses I love at the moment that I would consider…
As you may have gathered, I’m drawn towards feminine midi-to-maxi-length dresses, and not afraid of patterns! Most of these are not sleeveless, too, which I think tends to make most of us feel a little more comfortable!
Q: A classic wooden queen bed that looks timeless and is well made.
A: I feel like you’ll never regret this classic style from Pottery Barn.
P.S. On the bedroom front, some bedroom refresh ideas.
Q: 3rd trimester maternity and postpartum fall/winter outfits.
A: Oo girl, hang in there! The last few weeks are so tough. I would probably be living in Hill House nap dresses because it’s been so warm, and maybe a few dresses from Frances Hart and Gap. Postpartum: this nursing sweater dress is so chic! Pair with ballet flats and big shades to hide the dark circles :). I also lived in maternity leggings, nursing tanks, and longline cardigans the first few weeks after mini was born, when it was still cold out and I wasn’t going anywhere anyhow! A few statement cardigans I love:
You’d be amazed at what a statement cardigan, a slick of blush/lipstick, and a headband can do for a tired mama!
Q: Classic luxe animal print coat — a forever piece.
A: Etro. If you aren’t wedded to animal print, I’d urge you to consider a MaxMara Madame Coat. CHIC! And if you’re game to have faux fur stand in for animal print, this Shrimps is beyond.
Q: Blazers and formal flats for back to office.
A: I got you, girl! Lots of great finds in that post, including this CHIC herringbone blazer and the suede Manolo-inspired flats I’ve mentioned a trillion times. These tweed finds might also be a good place to start digging, though I’d also add these additional finds:
SWOONING OVER THIS VERONICA BEARD PLAID
PEOPLE LOVE SMYTHE — SO SMARTLY TAILORED
THIS DOUBLE BREASTED STYLE IN CLASSIC COLORS
Q: Adorable and trendy sister-in-law birthday gift.
A: So sweet — I am thinking a set of personalized letterpress cards, a Hill House robe, statement earrings or hoops, an Alex Mill half-zip, a pair of Lake Pajamas, my beloved Clarins serum, a personalized bracelet. Basically all things I own and adore or would love to receive as a gift!
Q: Entryway table no longer than 40″ and coordinating mirror, ideally under $500 for both.
A: I spent some time digging for this and somehow the best I could do was $600 for both pieces — but perhaps you can get lucky with a 15% off coupon by signing up for new emails, or a holiday promotion? How about this acrylic console (so chic and versatile) and this dramatic statement mirror? A big statement for ~$600 together. Or this white driftwood style console with a round mirror? Last but not least, this clean-lined wood console with a rope or rattan mirror to go with it.
Q: A leather jacket — not too moto!
A: I LOVE this elegant collarless style. Somehow ladylike and sporty at the same time, with a trim silhouette. Bonus points: it’s on sale for under $300. This quilted leather style is much pricier but also turned my head — sophisticated! — and while we’re talking high-end, this peplum The Row is beyond (you can get the look for less with this Drome). Finally, something about the color of this All Saints style makes it feel a lot less “moto” than the same variation in black.
Q: A black blazer.
A: Chic! I would look at Smythe — people absolutely love this brand; flattering and beautifully tailored — as well as L’Agence, J. Crew, and Banana. Veronica Beard is a bit more of a statement with the exaggerated buttons but I find her pieces exceptionally well-cut, flattering, and high quality. More and more I find myself turning to her for sophisticated staples with a little twist. You can get the VB look-for-less with this under-$100 steal. For a less-structured/more-laidback style, consider Cinq a Sept.
Q: School drop off outfits.
A: If you’re in the athleisure lane, loads of inspo here. But my personal aesthetic is probably going to be a fall dress like this or this paired with a cardigan if chilly and clogs. I actually think clogs are my dream drive-to-school shoe because I prefer to drive barefoot anyway. These will be easy to slip into and out of when I need to jump out of the car! As it gets chillier, will test out some new denim/pants and statement sweaters!
Q: Accent chairs (with arms — not the slipper style).
A: As I don’t know your color scheme/aesthetic, I’ll just share a few shopstopping non-slipper style accent chairs i love:
THIS TUXEDO STYLE (COMES IN TONS OF PRINTS)
IN THE RIGHT MIX, THIS BOUCLE CHAIR COULD BE INSANELY CHIC
Q: Dresses to wear with over the knee boots.
A: A feminine mini with some volume like this (more sizes here) or this. Anything slinky/form-fitting paired with OTK boots feels like a bit much to me.
Q: Rehearsal dinner dress for my sister’s wedding. I’m the MOH!
A: Congratulations! So special. I’m not sure of the formality so sharing a few options — I love (!) this floral with the open back. Sophisticated but festive! I also love this Caroline Constas, this Anthro, this Rebecca Taylor, this Vampire’s Wife. And this tiered floral feels like a Brock Collection piece, but is under $500. I don’t usually do black, but this one is spectacular, especially with big earrings and an updo or red lip.
Q: End of summer cocktail garden party dress.
A: Agua Bendita, baby! (This one is also magical.) This brand runs narrow and loooong. Unless you are tall, you’ll need to have the maxis seriously shortened which is nontrivial because you’ll need a seamstress to ensure the flounce doesn’t look disproportionate with the dress! For something a bit breezier, Doen or Coco Shop. And for something with a touch more structure, Daydress or Reformation.
Q: Chair/chaise for bedroom. Already in room: ivory headboard, gray nightstands, wood dresser.
A: Fun! I shared some chic accent chairs a few queries but, bu you might also consider this round style, which comes in tons of colors — something about the shape and fill affords a softness that befits a bedroom. Alternately: this daybed or this chaise/bench.
Q: Outfit ideas for first birthday picture for little girl!
A: I would go traditional. I love the classic bubbles/dresses from Proper Peony, La Coqueta, Julia Amory, Daniel + Sofia (prices are in AU).
Q: What to send/gift to a new mom? I’m out of town.
A: I like to arrange to have food/a meal delivered. A sweet friend just had a parcel of Murray’s cheese and meats delivered to us as a “welcome to your new home” gesture and I’m tucking that away as a possible future gift for new parents — celebratory but easy to eat! Who doesn’t love charcuterie and cheese?! I’ve also had lasagnas delivered, arranged gift baskets through Eataly, sent babkas/pastries, etc. Not having to think about meals is such a treat! I also have gifted Lake Pajamas nursing jammies to several new moms. So wonderful to have something comfortable and luxe to nurse in!
Q: How do you style your Hermes scarf?
A: I like to pair them with contrasting prints or stripes, i.e., a striped Kule tee or dress or a printed shirtdress like this or this (which I own and have worn many times with one of my Hermes scarves). Mixing the colors/prints feels so youthful and unexpected. They are also a no-brainer with white, like this shirtdress or this linen one when I’m feeling conservative.
There were also loads more specific wedding guest dresses and maternity shoot outfit requests — will continue to try to serve these up in future posts!
Long time reader, first time responder; I have a special request…my sister who is losing her battle with colon cancer is wanting to gift a special piece of jewelry to various friends of hers before she passes as a remembrance of her so they will think of her when they wear it. I have been searching and am having a hard time coming up with something. Could you please help? You have exquisite taste.
Thank you, Kris
Oh Kris – I am so incredibly sorry. I cannot imagine how difficult this time must be for her, for you, for your entire family. What a beautiful gift for your sister to want to share with her loved ones. So touching, and such a testament to her that she is thinking of others during this time. Perhaps you could look at Merci Maman on Etsy?
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MerciMamanGifts?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=166201211
They do all kinds of beautiful pieces that can be customized/engraved with letters or names to mark a relationship or occasion. She could have a favorite quote/phrase, or just her name, or a special date written on it.
Perry & Bleecker also does beautiful, simple gold bands and you can pick the color tie — maybe a few of these for her closest friends with her favorite colored ribbon?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/175958751/olivia-gold-round-bracelet?ref=user_profile
More expensive, but these birthstone bracelets are elegant and simple and she could put her birthstone in it:
https://haverhill.com/products/birthstone-bracelet-14k-gold-1-stone
Thinking of you, friend. Sending you love and wishes for peace.
xx
I am so sorry Kris. Sending you and your sister Love.
My favorite swimsuits are by Norma Kamali. They are flattering, chic, and unique (AKA win, win, win). My all time favorite style is the Bill ruched halterneck (I have it in black and red). HIGHLY recommend!
I’ve heard such good things about their suits and other basics, too – thanks for chiming in here!
xx
Chic diaper bag? For a new mom in late 30s. The backpack diaper bag craze just doesn’t work for me. Looking for something more feminine, less utilitarian student…
Hi Marie! I totally get this. I would just use a chic tote bag and organize it with pouches. A few totes I love at the moment:
+So many chic options from Rue De Verneuil: https://www.ruedeverneuil.com/spring-summer
+Naghedi: https://bit.ly/38NQHx9
+Prada: https://bit.ly/3jTbpSi
+Chanel: https://bit.ly/3jVeMsg
+Monogrammable canvas tote: https://bit.ly/3mMKPwa
And then organize with pouches:
https://magpiebyjenshoop.com/pouch-life/
xx