Q: A dress for my 30th birthday dinner. Spending the weekend at the Salamander in February with my husband and three-month-old. Ideally $200 or less. It’s been so hard to find a classic but fun winter moment. It doesn’t necessarily have to be nursing friendly but definitely can’t do strapless.
A: Happy birthday! Wow! I would wear something fun and festive like this pink toile Rhode, this hot pink maxi, this patterned Farm Rio, this boho Free People, or this asymmetrical statement (which I saw on my friend Lauren — looked fab). If you’re looking for something a little less bold on the pattern front, check out this gorgeous black Swiss dot style, this embellished Cleobella, or this above-budget La Ligne.
Q: Affordable yet put-together postpartum loungewear.
A: I absolutely LOVE this lounge set from Lake. Insanely soft but streamlined/chic. Layer a nursing tank beneath and you’re golden. I’m also digging the Victorian ghost vibe of wearing a floaty nightgown from Doen, Hill House, or If Only If. Otherwise, Lululemon align leggings with boxy oxfords and fun cardigans (also love this) over nursing tanks. Personally, wearing something monochromatic or in shades of the same color usually helps me feel pulled together…so another idea would be layering some stretchy ribbed leggings with an oversized fleece or cardigan in the same color family. I also personally lived in this Cleobella set (which I owned in like three colors) while pregnant and while nursing between the hours of 5 pm and 7 am. The belt gives you a nice shape! (Also loveeeeed these ultra-soft Gap nursing nightgowns — great if you have a c-section and want nothing close to the incision. I even wore in the hospital with my second.)
Q: Post-Christmas decor sales for Christmas 2023!
A: Schoolhouse has some fantastic finds on sale from their holiday collection, like this candle carousel and these ornaments. Terrain also has some adorable ornaments, currently on sale plus an extra 40% off with code EXTRASALE. Love these polka dot glass ornaments and this woodland bird.
Q: Dressier coat for cold and rainy weather.
A: Check out the dressy rain coat styles from Jane Post — especially love this one! — or Canada Goose’s Marlowe style, or any of the ones from Max Mara’s technical line (all waterproof and insulated), like this or this.
Q: Chic, low-profile sneaker (not white or bright) for an upcoming Italian excursion.
A: I really love Loewe’s flow sneaker and I feel like they are PERFECT for a European trip. For something more reasonably price, you might try these from Rothy’s, these from Madewell, or these from Vince.
Q: Not wardrobe, but home decor/furnishings for our first home.
A: Congratulations! My personal advice is to go slow and steady, collecting items over time, stretching out the investment process so it’s more comfortable financially, and noticing your needs and the way you use your home as you live in it over time. I prefer the eclectic, lived-in look versus “I bought everything at once from one place.” I mean, we are currently living without a headboard in our primary bedroom (!) because we upgraded to a king and moved our queen mattress and headboard into the guest bedroom — but outfitting our primary bedroom is not a priority at the moment. We are choosing to focus on the areas that we use and entertain in the most: for us, the first floor of the house (kitchen, family room, formal living room, den). I’d rather slowly and perfectly outfit those areas versus buy a ton of stuff all at once that we maybe don’t love or that we “settle on” to meet a budget. Anyhow, for the family room, I would recommend buying a neutral sofa that you can update from time to time with fun designer pillows (like these and these) and throw blankets; a big area rug that you love; fun lighting (Oka currently has some fabulous styles on sale, like this); a large coffee table; and a pair of chic end tables (we are ordering these for our family room). For decor, I find this is where you can get really creative — decorate with books! use budget-friendly trays from Target! scout out vintage ceramics from Etsy! frame cherished notes/recipes/receipts with large mat frames! For the kitchen, chic stools and great pendant lighting for over the counter (we bought these).
Q: Perfect coat for Milan in April. No wool or cashmere.
A: Max Mara does great transitional coats like this — chic, not too heavy, easy to later. A classic trench would also be fabulous — Burberry is of course iconic, or get the look for less with this or this or this. Also love Ganni’s long quilted style and still live in my Everlane liner coat, and this Gap coat is fabulous!
Q: Sister’s Puerto Vallarta bachelorette in March.
A: Oh so fun! My recent resortwear post might be a good starting point, but here are a few FUN, festive, celebratory pieces to contemplate:
Q: Dress for black tie wine tasting in French countryside in June.
A: !!!! Can I have your life?! Are you Emily in Paris? How fabulous! I love…this frothy confection, this Ulla J, this Ganni, this Alice + Olivia, this Markarian, this Saylor, or this Rebecca Valence.
Q: Snow boots.
A: Sorel makes great ones — I like these if you’re into black and these if you’re not.
P.S. More of what you’re shopping for: these seven items have been VERY popular among us Magpies this week.
Can’t speak on the postpartum aspect, but re: the Everlane Boxy Oxford — I LOVE MINE. I’m actually wearing it today! It is definitely boxy — I could have sized down one size without compromising the oversized fit — but it’s sooo chic and the little details (elongated single-buttoned cuff, sturdy (and large) chest pockets, etc.) are great. The major selling point for me was getting to see it in person at the Venice store and seeing the fabric in person — it is made of real-deal Oxford fabric that you rarely see in women’s clothes these days! So worth it. Mine is blue but I have the white on my list!
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Thank you so much for the intel!! Love the detail!
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I always adore your finds! For a future WYSF: I am due with my first baby, a boy, in April and will be having my baby shower in early March in NYC. Struggling with the transitional season and of course bump (8 month!) friendly pieces. Theme for the shower is ocean/surf (my husband is a surfer) and I don’t want to be too “on theme” but would love something that would look put together with the blue/watercolor palate of the day. Thank you in advance for any suggestions!
Thank you so much, Katie! I’m so flattered! :). I will absolutely answer this in an upcoming WYSF — and an early congratulations to you!
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A future WYSF request: looking for a bridesmaid dress for a black tie wedding in Charlottesville in May (reception is outdoors, under a tent, so I think a full-on gown would be too formal). Bride is requesting that bridesmaids wear dresses that are midi or full length and primarily green, but is otherwise flexible! Have ordered a few options but haven’t found anything I’m in love with. Thank you in advance for any thoughts!!
Will look into this, Virginia! Will answer in an upcoming WYSF! Thank you!
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I also want to come black tie wine tasting!! Dreamy. For the next round — I am graduating from law school in early June! What on earth does one wear to their own graduation??? I want to look grown up but not stuffy/professional. The ceremony is in Seattle and will be outside. I imagine I’ll need a dress for under the gown and another for a separate dinner with family. THANK YOU!
Early congratulations! Will answer in upcoming WYSF after shopping around for you! xx
Whoever is going to a black tie wine tasting in France, please let me know how I can become you! It sounds like a dream!
Thank you for the insightful and helpful suggestions for a coat for Milan. I think I am going to get my vintage (and too large) Burberry trench altered to fit and may also spring for something like the Ganni/Everlane layer.
For my fellow Magpie making the trek to Italy, I wear and love my Adidas Stan Smith sneakers and my Reebok Club sneakers for a comfortable and versatile option. I recently received these waterproof ones by Sorel for Christmas and while not low profile or white, they are lightweight, incredibly comfortable and will keep my feet dry! (link: https://www.sorel.com/p/womens-sorel-explorer-ii-sneaker-low-2009441.html?dwvar_2009441_color=191)
Oo YES to tailoring the Burberry! What a great “new” addition to your wardrobe.
Thanks for the thoughts on footwear, too!
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I am going on a yoga retreat in April in Cusco Peru. I will be hiking, shopping and of course yoga. What do I pack, help
Will answer in my next WYSF!!! Sounds fabulous!