A little late finishing up July’s shopping queries (oops, we’re in August!), but the next batch here…
Q: Fall purse.
A: I’m so ready to begin the fall shop, too! I love this elegant, streamlined leather tote from Khaite; this suede Clare Vivier tote or this crossbody; and Loewe’s hammock bag. More chic fall finds here.
Q: Earrings, preferably studs.
A: I shared some great everyday jewelry finds here and — my current obsession — hoops here, but for studs, a few chic finds:
I’M A PEARL GIRL — WEAR PEARL STUDS ABOUT 90% OF THE TIME — AND ADORE THESE PALOMA PICASSOS WITH THE LITTLE BOTANICAL JACKET AND THESE CLASSIC MIKIMOTOS
THESE TINY FLOWER STUDS ARE INTERESTING BUT UNDERSTATED
Q: Work-appropriate dress that’s not too fancy or too casual (and not a shirt dress).
A: It depends on the industry/formality of the office you’re working in, but a few favorite options I’ve come across…
THIS DARK DENIM SHIFT — WOULD LOOK SMART WITH SOME SHARP FALL FLATS
THIS BOUCLE PLAID IS V. CHANEL
THIS TIERED TORY BURCH, IF PAIRED WITH POLISHED-LOOKING FLATS
THIS LINEN UTILITY DRESS (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS)
THIS CINCH-WAISTED STYLE COMES IN GREAT COLORS
Q: Jean shorts — I’m a forty-year-old mom with two young children.
A: I know a lot of Magpies have recommended Agoldes, and specifically the Parker style, which are a little longer and looser-fit. I also feel like Veronica Beard caters to our age group, so might check out some of her more tailored styles. Finally, still love the look of these SEAs and these paperbag waist L’Agence ones!
Q: Baby shower dress!
A: Congratulations! This $40 ASOS steal is beyond adorable. I like that it’s white so you could splurge on a spiffy pair of dramatic shoes, or a patterned headband, or statement earrings, to totally customize the look. As an example, imagine it paired with these floral mules and these fun earrings in the blue.
In general, though, I tended to prefer non-maternity dresses that I could wear again post-pregnancy. I would have considered…
THIS CASEY MARKS STATEMENT (WORN OFF THE SHOULDER WITH BIG EARRINGS)
However, if the shower is later in your pregnancy, a proper maternity dress may be the only way to go. A few I like aside from the ASOS first mentioned:
THIS BURU — THE ENTIRE BOUTIQUE IS DESIGNED TO BE MOTHERHOOD-FRIENDLY, I.E., THE PIECES WORK WHILE PREGNANT, NURSING, ETC
Q: Matching twin and crib sheets for my shared boys’ room. Blue and white patterns.
A: My top pick is S&L’s Seahaven sheet set and matching crib sheet. You could also do the Pehr gingham duvet with solid white sheets for your boy and matching gingham crib sheet for baby for a classic look.
Q: A birthday gift for a husband who loves to cook (and eat). I’m thinking a Spain theme.
A: Oo love this! Paella pan (splurge pick — how gorgeous would it look hanging on a wall?) and Jose Andres’ Made in Spain cookbook. (We are enormous Jose Andres fans over here — another thought: shop from the e-boutique for his Spanish shopping/dining mecca in NYC, Little Spain. Incidentally, a fun NYC destination, though it feels admittedly out of the way from everything else). And maybe some Jamon Iberico, too? (Food and Wine has a guide on what to look for when buying.)
More great gifts for men here, and 10 things you must have in your kitchen (many of which would make great gifts for cooking-loving spouses).
Q: Something to wear with my new Barbie pink Gucci rubber sandals. I never buy the fun colors!
A: So extra, I love it! I would pair with any white dress or white top/jeans situation in your closet, but especially things that look floaty and feminine to balance the heft of the shoes — something like this, this, or this. If you are more into prints, I would pair with this dress, this one, the Hill House mermaid print, or this SEA.
Q: Dress for early September wedding at a winery in rural America.
A: Cannot stop drooling over this Ulla Johnson, especially if the wedding is in the evening. I also love this muted floral, this bold printed style, this saucy Reformation in basically any of the prints and colors, this gathered tank midi, this late summer floral, this sweet puff sleeved midi ($129!), and this Agua Bendita masterpiece.
Q: Throw blankets that look good draped on a club chair but are actually soft and comfy.
A: I love the ones from my girlfriend Christina’s boutique, St. Frank. They are so elegant, come in great colors, and very soft! They are rather thin, though, so if you’re looking for something to curl up under, check out Chappy Wrap. People absolutely love these. (I’m eyeing one for my mom for her upcoming birthday to see what all the fuss is about — she loves to read in the afternoon and I thought this might be a cozy addition to her routine.). I especially love this Hermes-looking one. I also like the look of these thermal-knit throws in the pretty blue or ivory hues — I feel like I would never get out from beneath it! — and then of course there are weighted blankets that people LOVE. The ones from Bearaby are chic, too!
Q: A dress for a big family picture.
A: So fun! I’m so glad we did this in NYC. I would start with this list of my favorite dresses from the current season. It’s basically a curated list of all the best dresses out there, in my humble opinion. I especially love this flattering but eye-catching style, this blue and white stripe, and this Liberty floral. I will also say I think the Hill House Nesli dress photographs beautifully — the sleeves really look amazing…I don’t know, it’s just a well-balanced silhouette on so many people! I also love the cut and print of this muted green SEA.
Q: Comfy sandals for trekking around D.C. Trying to get out of a sneaker rut!
A: I have honestly worn my Hermes Orans close to every single day this summer. I’m like a broken record, but these have been such a good investment for me in classic saddle brown. They go with everything and soften with time. For something less expensive, I haven’t worn this exact style, but I have a pair of flip flops from the same brand that I swear by, and I love the elegant/understated look of this pair. They would go with everything from shorts to dresses and just blend in.
Q: Mom-friendly crossbody bag.
A: I would go with Clare Vivier — beautifully made, classy, and not wildly expensive. (This snakeskin one for fall is SO chic, and on sale now!) I also like this Chanel-inspired crossbody, but the price tag makes it easier to swallow when carrying around on the playground. For something higher end, I’ve always loved Anya Hindmarch’s playful bags.
Q: A weekend trip to NYC in September — looking for outfits that are pretty but practical.
A: It will probably still be warm, so I’d pack midi-length dresses (maxis can be tricky in the city, i.e., going up and down subway steps / avoiding puddles and street muck) that you can wear with flat sandals during the day and heels/statement earrings in the evening. NY is great in that you can literally wear anything and feel totally at home (no one will ever eye you as if to say, ‘why are you so dressed up?’), so feel free to dial up the flash factor — try a print if you usually do solids, try a tiered style if you’re normally a little nervous about that, etc. A few dresses I’m loving at the moment:
THIS RUFFLE DETAIL STEAL — $60!!!!
If the weather does drop, pack a statement cardigan to wear over any of these (I shared a bunch of great ones here) or this adorable denim jacket that is currently in my cart.
P.S. If you’re looking for recs, our favorite restaurants are at the bottom of this post, and some favorite destinations here.
Q: A toddler boy (size 18M-2T) daytime wedding outfit in the fall. Attire is cocktail.
A: So special — if you are a traditionalist, consider these princely sets from La Coqueta. If that’s too frou-frou, I’d get a blazer from Janie + Jack and pair with a button-down and pants (you might consider the classic button-downs from RL or the Euro ones from Luca and Luca with their stylish Mao collars).