Q: Cold weather coming home from the hospital outfit for me, the mom!
A: Congratulations!!! I would go with maternity leggings (you’ll still need them), nursing tank, a gorgeous long cardigan or coatigan like this, this, or this, and some slip-on statement shoes, like these, these, these (currently only $39 with code), or these. I would keep the cardigan/coatigan brand-new so you look forward to wearing it, but the key is comfort and practicality. With micro, I wore a caftan that was not nursing friendly on the day I was coming home because it was super loose-fitting and I thought it’d be comfortable — which it was — but then it can take forever to be discharged, so I had to keep taking the caftan on and off to nurse throughout the morning while we were waiting. Not my smartest move. Also — if you end up needing a c-section, slip-on shoes are SO crucial! You will not be able to bend over to tie a shoelace to save your life!
If it’s not too-too cold where you’ll be, I’d suggest an on-trend smocked dress that can accommodate nursing (pull-down) like this, this, or this, beneath a chunky cardigan paired with Vibi Venezias (basically my current non-pregnancy winter wardrobe).
Q: Black tie wedding guest at end of January — I am post partum but still want to look fab!
A: Yay! Congratulations to you! I just came across this feather-trim dress (more sizes here) and it is SO fabulous and I feel like it would hug you in all the right places (va va voom in the bust area, figure skimming elsewhere). Pair with fab shoes and an updo. This is a timeless, classic style in black that I would size up in for the time being — won’t hurt too much because the price isn’t too high — and I feel that the draping of the skirt would be flattering. Then splurge on some major shoes and earrings and make those be the conversation-starters. Alternately, these Saloni dresses have been all over the place, and for good reason — SO fabulous and comfortably demure thanks to long sleeves and a modest silhouette.
You might also skim this post for my ideas on formal attire!
Q: Casual outfit ideas for my February trip to Montana.
A: Oo! My brother and his family lived out there for many years and it is beautiful but very cold, so I would focus on a great, warm jacket (Moncler, Herno, and Mackage are la creme de la creme, but this J. Crew comes in great colors and I love the Moncler-esque shape) and some chic but warm boots, like these always-popular Marc Fishers, Sperry Saltwaters, these fur-lined J. Crews, or Danner’s highbrow hiking boot (people in the know — like actual hikers — know and wear these, and I love the bright red laces). (And don’t forget the socks poking out the top!). Then I’d go big on the fair isle front and pack some great layering pieces for beneath. Also – Uggs are back, baby, and likely to be your best friend on this trip.
Q: Gift for our former nanny.
A: I tend to go for something cozy she probably wouldn’t buy for herself, to make her life more comfortable: a pair of warm slippers; a cashmere scarf; a Barefoot Dreams throw; some beautiful mittens.
Q: A classic plaid car coat.
A: Chic! I absolutely love this J. Crew style, this Kate Spade (on sale!), and this green one looks like vintage Miu Miu!
Q: Trousers!
A: I love a trouser moment. Veronica Beard makes beautiful styles, including velvet ones perfect for a dinner party, more casual ones (<<I own this exact pair), and on-trend cords (look for less with these). For a more casual moment, these Nili Lotans and these checked Chloes. Alice + Olivia has some fabulous party trousers out now: these hot pinks and these tartan ones are SO good. I’m lusting after a few pairs from Maria Del Orden, though not sure on sizing and it’s a gamble since they are a small Spanish brand — but I love these tweeds and these dashing cords. And for work: Theory. On an adjacent note, I also like the silhouette of high-rise, wide-leg crops, like these, these, or these — I own a pair very similar.
Q: Work-appropriate fashionable tops with jeans/leather leggings.
A: Chic! This peplum knit, this striped button-front top, this Ulla, this Victoria Beckham, this army green English Factory, this Ulla, this Maje, this Ayr, this $15 plaid top in the green.
Q: A beautiful classy every day bag under $2K that goes with all.
A: I absolutely love this Celine-esque APC (timeless!), this trebd little Loewe crossbody — can double as clutch! — and this leather Anya tote.
Q: A leather cardholder wallet — preferably under $200.
A: Mansur Gavriel has a great one in tons of beautiful colors, including a super fun rainbow one that is just the kind of thing a SUPER chic girlfriend of mine would pull out of her bag, dazzling and startling everyone. I also noticed you can find Marni’s card holder on sale for under $200 in some great colors, including this styling burgundy. Finally, Clare Vivier has a happy little style you can personalize and still bring home for under $150, and this straight-forward one can be hand-painted with your initials!
Q: Peter Pan collar top for my 6.5 year old to wear under a Christmas jumper.
A: Getting this in just under the wire – sorry! Why are basics like this so hard to come by?! Bella Bliss and Classic Prep have great styles. They are pricey but very well-made, and I find investing in basics like these that can be layered under anything is worth it.
Q: Quality flats that don’t break the bank.
A: Hunt for Loeffler Randalls on sale. I find these shoes to be the most fantastic quality and very on-trend (even trend-anticipating!), and the starting price is already considerably less than a designer pair. These velvet Mary Janes are so on-trend at the moment, and only $117, and these high-vamp ballets look like a pair by Mansur Gavriel that have been all over the place the last few years. I have LRs from close to a decade ago that are still hanging tough — this is a brand that actually makes beautiful, well-made shoes for the price, especially when found on sale!
At around the $200 mark, I’ve heard such great things about Ann Mashburn’s pieces, including these timeless suede ballets, and I know people swear by Margaux flats (currently 15% off with code STOCKUP).
Q: Secret Santa gift under $30.
A: Fun! I shared lots of fun ideas in this price range here, but yesterday’s post made me realize a few things I would probably fight to get in a White Elephant situation…
FOOT FILE (REALLY WORKS)
WEIGHTED EYE MASK (A LITTLE OVER BUT FAB)
A few other ideas:
MILK FROTHER (USED TO USE THIS DAILY BACK WHEN I DRANK OAT MILK — FROTHS SO NICELY!)
MEXICAN TRAINS GAME — PEOPLE LOVE THIS GAME, AND JUST ORDERED FOR MR. MAGPIE’S STOCKING
Q: Christmas pajamas that aren’t overtly Christmas.