*Image above via Markarian.
Q: St. Patrick’s Day.
A: There are some really fun green finds in this post that fit the bill, but a few great green-centric tops to pair with something in your closet…
THIS MILLE (ON SALE!)
Pair any of these with everyone’s favorite jeans and be on your way!
If you have littles, Petite Plume made shamrock pajamas this year!
Q: Roman shades! And home decor inspired by Harbour Island.
A: I have had Lynn Chalk in mind forever — I’ve seen her work used by many interior designers, but you can buy yourself via Etsy. If you are looking for something simpler/not wanting to use designer fabrics, I love the look of a simple Greek Key or border style. For something more coastal in vibe (which it sounds like you may be after), I’ve heard great things about the ones from Annie Selke!
For Harbour-Island-inspired decor, you are so in luck. This vibe is majorly trending. S&L comes to mind of course (we have so many pieces from them, including our headboard, primary bedroom rug, and my beloved dresser) but Target, Urban Outfitters, and Anthro have some incredible finds for less. And faux palm fronds are always a great way to get the look without breaking the bank. Last but not least, check out this fabulous indoor/outdoor jute rug for only $259!
Q: Under-$100 tote bag that looks more expensive than it is.
A: This Mango!
More great bags for the season ahead here.
Q: Palm Beach wedding at art gallery, beginning of April.
A: Oo, fun! I would wear De Loreta (comes in a different style if you love the fabric but not the asymmetrical style)! Many more wedding guest dress options here, here, here.
Q: Best strapless bra?
A: I have heard many, many people rave about Wacoal’s as the gold standard for strapless and have been considering it for awhile, but — because I consider strapless bras torture devices, I fastidiously avoid them if at all possible, preferring skin covers if needed. If I absolutely must, I’ve been making do with these passable, inexpensive Gap ones for the past many years. You are making me wonder about finally investing in the Wacoal, though, because I have been wearing a lot of skirts (some current season favorites here) the past few seasons that I like to pair with these seamless tanks, which require a strapless.
Q: Boy nursery art.
A: I like the idea of Andy Warhol reproductions blown up huge or printed on stretched canvas, traditional-looking reproductions of ship paintings, animal illustrations like these, and framed maps of places significant to the child (i.e., birthplace, favorite vacations, etc). I feel like most of these age well with children / can be placed elsewhere as children grow up! I also like the idea of decals like these on a wall, or woven animals like this or this.
Q: Nursery bookshelf or console.
A: Crate + Kids does such great pieces in interesting colors/shapes, and I personally think Crate & Barrel products are the best in breed at their pricepoint — well-made, sturdy, etc. You might consider this or this. More expensive, but I love this style from Cait + Kids, and it comes in great colors. I’ve written about this elsewhere, but we have Ikea’s similar but crazy affordable cube Kallax system in our playroom (used to be in my daughter’s bedroom in NYC), and we really love how accessible this keep all of the children’s gear. We lined the bottom row with bins and keep different categories of toys in each one — one for dress-up, one for play food, etc. I personally like the size of the cubes — it makes keeping books upright/organized much easier than in bookshelves with longer dimensions. Target has a very similar style they just put on sale, too.
If you want more of a storage console, I love the ones from Bungalow 5!
Q: Bump-friendly (~6 months) formal dress in pink, green, or a floral in either of those colors.
A: Congratulations! I can’t tell whether the slip on this dress would be too restrictive, but worth a shot — dramatic, chic, fun. I also think this Zimmermann could work because of cut. And this is just gorgeous (and well priced)! I love it and would definitely work with bump. However, I did feel that in the final trimester going with an actual maternity dress was easiest for these affairs — I think this is super fun, and this is pretty paired with some big earrings.
Q: Teak outdoors dining chairs.
A: I like these ones from PB, these ones from World Market, and these lattice-backed ones from Birch Lane. While we’re talking outdoor dining, I have to mention Target has the chicest patio set just out — these chairs with this little table and these iron planters. And some great tabletop finds for al fresco meals here!
Q: Masks for littles having an option to rest on their neck?
A: I think you might be looking for a mask chain! This was really helpful with my daughter in particular. I like this one for girls, this one for boys.
Q: Gifts for my boyfriend’s birthday.
A: Some great gift ideas for men here as a starting point. I feel like the best strategy for a great gift for a guy is thinking about the way he moves through his day and looking for gifts that will make his everyday life just better, more fashionable, easier, upgraded, etc. This is something we used to say in the design world: “look for the duct tape.” As in: which areas of life is he currently “making do” with some solution that you could make better? Maybe he has a few chipped mugs and he’s always complaining about his coffee getting cold (our favorite coffee gear here), or maybe he always comes home from his morning walk with the dog with wet feet (I bought Mr. Magpie these rainboots). Or maybe he loves cooking but could use a glow up in the gear department — some great kitchen gear to amp up his cooking game here.
All that said, a few items I would personally love to give Mr. Magpie just based on his personal interests:
ATTRACTIVE TUTEURS FOR HIS VINING PLANTS
SOFA FOR BASEMENT — WE HAVE SO FAR TO GO IN OUTFITTING OUR HOME BUT HE TALKS OFTEN ABOUT HOW MUCH HE’D LOVE TO WATCH SPORTS IN THE COLD BASEMENT
SECOND FRIDGE FOR BASEMENT — HE IS ALWAYS TAKING ON ELABORATE COOKING PROJECTS AND IT WOULD BE SO NICE FOR HIM TO STOW HIS PICKLING JARS AND BRINING MEATS AND STARTERS IN A ROOMY SECOND SPACE
MORE TEES AND SHORTS FOR WORKING OUT
A FIRE KETTLE (THIS IS PROBABLY MORE REALISTIC BUT I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE FIRST)
Q: Shoes good for walking on the beach.
A: Barefoot is frankly best, but absent that, I like Tkees for the beach!
Q: Clothes for vacation!
A: Enjoy! A few hero pieces that spring to mind:
MAYGEL CORONEL SWIMSUIT (20% OFF WITH CODE YOUROCK)
PATTERNED SHORTS
PLAYFUL DRESSES LIKE THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS
PLATFORM ESPADRILLES
P.S. My favorite resortwear finds here, and great swim here.