*Image above via Cecilie Bahnsen.
Q: Summer clothes for a trip next spring.
A: Girl! It’s like you’re reading my mind. This last week, I’ve started eyeing warm weather pieces. A few amazing finds that are on my list…
I AM DESPERATE FOR THIS SWIMSUIT…IT IS PERFECTION
ELEGANT WHITE SANDALS TO WEAR WITH EVERYTHING
PERFECT UNDER $100 THROW-ON-OVER-A-SWIMSUIT-OR-WEAR-TO-LUNCH-OR-PAIR-WITH-HEELS-AT-DINNER SITUATION
GORGEOUS DRESSES: ZIMMERMANN, ALEMAIS, LORETTA CAPONI, + BORGO DE NOR
CUTE WOVEN BUCKET BAG OR BASKET BAG
THIS $35 DRESS COMES IN TONS OF COLORS AND IS SO EASY TO WEAR…I OWN IN BLACK AND WHITE
NET A PORTER HAS SOME FAB WARM WEATHER STATEMENT TOPS ON SALE TO PAIR WITH WHITE JEANS — CONSIDER THIS CAROLINE CONSTAS OR THIS REFORMATION
Q: Designer tote.
A: I love this Anya Hindmarch, this Loewe, this loud Gucci, this Chanel.
Q: A dress for an April wedding. Shopping now for fall/winter jewel tones, not spring pastels.
A: I absolutely adore this Rebecca Taylor in the marigold — would work in chilly weather! The color feels very Jackie O. to me. J’adore j’adore. This stunning Ulla is in a similar color! This Damaris Bailey is having a major moment right now, and I love that it works in winter/cold weather but is still a floral. own this Rhode dress in a different pattern and it’s so joyful in this print! I think you can make it work for a chilly spring wedding. If you’re considering black, I think this under-$100 steal is majorly sexy. And then hot pink! Having such a moment, and this dress is just gorgeous.
Q: Cross body bag with a handle — classic, transitional. Considering Polene but unsure.
A: I wasn’t familiar with that brand but love it! Thank you for the introduction. I actually adore this style the most — I’ve never seen anything like it! Two others I love that could be worth your consideration: this Tory Burch and this Celine.
Q: Godparents for Christmas.
A: Ahhh! I’m a little late on this query! Je suis desolee. I shared some last-minute gift ideas here that might still arrive on time, and let me suggest this devotional wrapped up in a gorgeous white bow. (Assuming your godparents are practicing Christians!). I have found it very helpful in promoting daily — sometimes weekly — prayerfulness/mindfulness. If you’re not sure you want something as spiritual, two other things I bought for people…
THESE GORGEOUS LIBERTY PLAYING CARDS — JUST ELEGANT AND CLASSIC AND SUGGESTS YOU WANT THEM TO ENJOY THEMSELVES!
GORGEOUS SPIRAL CANDLESTICKS
Q: Flower girl dress for a 2.5 year old.
A: So sweet! Question Everything has lovely smocked floral dresses, and Luli and Me is one of my personal favorites for special occasions — this pink or this petal-collared white would be darling. Major splurges, but Pepa & Co or Amaia are what the British royalty wear to these occasions!
Q: Dress/outfit for dinner at my in-laws country club. In Michigan, so need sleeves! Under $150.
A: I’d reach for a smocked dress like this or this layered over tights and suede tall boots like these. Sweet, on-trend, appropriate at the same time. Alternately, a sweater like this or this, again with suede boots. I feel like you don’t want to look to dolled up / like you’re trying too hard — just something casually chic you happened to throw on and look fabulous in. Haha 🙂
Q: Bracelet or necklace to give to my sister and SIL on my wedding day. Ideally under $200.
A: So sweet! Merci Maman and GLDN are two brands I’ve purchased multiple gifts from in the past, and they have beautiful customized pieces. I love this bracelet or this gold disc necklace customized with a nickname you have for your sister/SIL. Asha also has some pretty pieces, like this heart cuff or this enamel pendant, and Hart Hagerty lets you customized a bracelet or necklace with charms that fit their personalities/lifestyles. I own and adore this zodiac necklace from Lizzie Scheck — you can buy one for each with the appropriate sign.
Q: Winter pants for work — snappy casual.
A: Get thee to Veronica Beard! I love what she puts out in this category. I own this pair (look for less with these), and am lusting after these. And corduroy is majorly in! Check out these Max Maras and these Anthros for a trouser style, and these VBs (on sale!) for a cropped, fitted style I love. Spanx also has a series of “perfect pants” that people love — check out these. Depending on formality of office, I think you could dress these up with pointed toe flats and a fitted turtleneck sweater. I’ve also had a really good stretch of luck with Gap pants — they tend to fit just like they appear on the site for me — and these could be chic in the mauve color.
Q: Looking for a new bag big enough to fit laptop.
A: I like this new, unfussy bag from Cuyana — note the sizes, which accommodate different laptop sizes! — and this croc Clare Vivier. Sooo chic!
Q: Lightweight sweaters that I won’t be too upset if they get messed up, as I’m teaching PREK.
A: I would buy this mockneck in multiples while on sale for around $25. These are so chic, elegant, and yet inexpensive! I own this in pink and just purchased in navy. H&M and Target are also a treasure trove of on-trend, under-$30 steals:
BALLOON SLEEVES IN GREAT COLORS
THIS CABLE KNIT LOOKS ULTRA-SOFT
THIS BELTED CARDI IS FAB
THE DIMENSIONS OF THIS CHUNKY KNIT ARE PERFECT
Q: Party heels what won’t make me regret the decision to wear heels.
A: Haha! Does this exist?! I shared all my favorite party heels here, but maybe we should consider some flat/mules instead? These are beyond, and could totally work with a festive mini. Look for less with these or these! Also love these and these. I do think platforms are more comfortable in general because you get the height without as much pressure on the ball of your foot, and the heels are easier to balance on. These new LRs feel fresh!
Q: Do you have suggestions for hair perfume?
A: Diptyque can do no wrong — I love all of their rose scents! — and this is one of my all-time favorite scents, period. (I often buy the candle in this scent!)
Q: A splurgey cardigan to wear all winter long.
A: OO jealous of this one. I would go with this Khaite in a heart beat. A few more I love: this Shrimps, this Lanvin, this Maje, this Ulla, this Self-Portrait, and this L’Agence.
Hi Jen, Can I ask a question for January here? I’m hoping you can help me find fabric. I’m looking to reuphoulster a set of vintage dining chairs we inherited. If I’m brave enough, we’ll wallpaper the dining room above the wainscoting in S&L’s navy grasscloth (https://bit.ly/3JO080T). I’m looking for a fabric to complement that wallcovering. Leaning traditional, timeless, possibly floral. Would so appreciate your input! Thanks in advance!
First of all, CHIC!!! Love the navy. You won’t regret it. Such a fun statement but still so traditional/refined/elegant in the grasscloth. Woo woo! Second, yes! Let me think on this and answer in my next “what you’re shopping for” post, which should come out later this week.
xx
Oh that would be so helpful! Thank you so much!
Of course!
To the Magpie asking about Polene: I love mine! I’ve had the “numero un nano” for maybe a year and a half now and I’m very pleased with the quality for the price. I appreciate the minimal (Celine-like) styling of this brand in general. I have my eye on the numero onze next!
Thanks so much for the suggestions, particularly love the jeweled cardi! Merry Christmas! xo
Yay!!! Of course! Merry Christmas!