*Image above via Peony Swimwear. I am loving their beachwear this season — yes, pls.
Q: A black gown.
A: It brings me joy to hear about so many of you heading out to deferred celebrations. Wedding Season, capitalized! Here are a few gorgeous black gowns:
REFORMATION — LOVE THE DAINTY SLEEVES PAIRED WITH THE DRAMA OF A FULL SKIRT
MANY WOMEN ABSOLUTELY RAVE ABOUT THE FIT/FLATTER OF CHIARA BONI LA PETITE ROBE PIECES, LIKE THIS ONE
THIS FROTHY CONFECTION IS SURE TO TURN HEADS
NAMED AFTER CAREY MULLIGAN, THIS DRESS EMBODIES HER GAMINE CHIC
UNFUSSY AND SLEEK — PAIR WITH ENORMOUS EARRINGS
Q: I’ve been invited to an 80’s themed roller skating birthday party for my friend’s 50th in 2 weeks. I would love to hear you take on outfit and gift ideas!
A: This is SO fun. My first thought was — how convenient. Hot pink is IN and 80s are its principal referent point. I would wear shorts or jeans for skating, so my first thought was a hot pink body suit with jeans or cut-offs and tube socks. If you want to go all the way into full 80s Barbie mode, pair with these inexpensive sweat/wrist bands and crimp your hair! If you want to do more of a reference versus costume, pair anything hot pink — maybe this top?! — with your favorite jeans and do a side pony.
For gifts, Lake Pajamas (specifically the long-short set) are my go-to, and when you have them gift-boxed, they are such a beautiful presentation. I also just bought a girlfriend Hotel Lobby’s new island candle scent. Who doesn’t love a luxurious candle? Finally, I believe that any woman over 30 will immediately fall hard for Clarins’ V-Lift Mask. It’s a hero product.
Q: I have a black tie wedding at the end of April. I am 60, usually wear a size 6, and think I look best in something off the shoulder. I would love to wear pink! I dont think the current poofy sleeve/smocked trend flatters me. I would love your thoughts.
A: Gorgeous! Love that you’re leaning towards pink. Here are a few chic black tie options in shades of pink without poufy sleeves or smocking that I absolutely love:
MARCHESA NOTTE — JUST THE DREAMIEST
SHOSHANNA — THE COLOR IS VERY GRACE KELLY TO ME
THIS STRAPLESS REFORMATION IN THE RHUBARB COLOR
Q: Clothing and home decor produced and sold by Indian Americans. So hard to find.
A: I do not have a good answer for this, but wanted to open this query up to the Magpie community in case anyone else does.
Q: Oversized white denim or khaki-ish jacket or chore coat — not Everlane.
A: J. Crew has a good one, and Rag & Bone has one on sale with a bit more drama to it. This style also totally fits with Alex Mill’s vibe, and they do have one, but a bit on the boxier side.
Q: An aqua or white Easter dress to match my little that is less than $200.
A: I absolutely love this pretty white dress from Moon River — Carolina Herrera had a similar style out last season and the cut is so elegant! On the aqua side, Hill House released their classic Ellie in a pretty bay blue hue that might be just what you’re after. More spring dresses under $150 here.
Q: Maternity jeans (side panel ideal), white or medium denim, straight leg, not crop.
A: Gap has several non-skinny styles, including a girlfriend style and a 90s “loose fit.” I love that you can almost always get them on sale, too.
Q: Commencement ceremony dress.
A: I’d reach for something pretty but festive — Mille has several perfect options at the moment, including their Olympia dress (on its way to me now) and their Daphne dress. I also adore this $128 score and this Zara find for the occasion. They all feel happy, youthful, and poised at the same time.
Q: Stone colored chinos and collared/polo bodysuits for 18-mo boy.
A: Too cute. Minnow (size up to 2T — this brand runs a tad small in boy’s shorts/bottoms I find) or Mayoral for pants. If you’re OK with something a bit more khaki than stone, Janie and Jack. For bodysuits: Kissy Kissy all the way! This brand is simply the best for basics. A bit pricey, sure, but they last forever. I handed down all of the collared and non-collared onesies from mini to micro after infinity washings, and I think I even gave them to cousins after that.
Q: Spring jackets for little boys.
A: My son has been living in either a Burberry quilted barn coat (currently hard to find online? — similar vibe at J. Crew for less) or this classic windbreaker, which is great rain or shine. It’s lined in a soft fabric, too, so slightly warmer than a standard slicker. Comes in great colors! Other options in this windbreaker vein: Kuling and Prodoh. I also love this reversible plaid/navy style jacket and this smart knit style.
Q: 5 moms, Palm Springs, first girls trip away from the kids — will be 15-ish weeks pregnant.
A: SO fun! I’m excited for you! I’m thinking loose-fitting dresses in festive, happy patterns, like…
Pair any/all with nude sandals and/or fun sneaks. I feel like the one non-negotiable for a Palm Springs trip (no idea where I came by this impression) is great sunglasses. I’m obsessed with the flashy styles from La Pima. I also like these green ones from Amazon and ofc my Le Specs.
Q: Wedding guest dress in Tuscany in June.
A: This tangerine colored La Ligne is beyond, I wish I could unsee this Caroline Constas which is positively haunting me, this Ulla Johnson (!) is a fun little exclamation point, and this botanical feels apropos.
Q: Smocked maxi/midi dresses for spring.
A: Where to even begin?! A few that have recently turned my head (and/or I’ve bought): this Alemais, this SEA, this Mille, this Aqua, this J. Crew, this dramatic Amazon gingham, and this Cara Cara.
Q: A cute outfit to wear to Napa in April.
A: Oo fun! My daytime vibe would be a midi dress like this, this, or this with simple slides. I also like the idea of this dress with spring sneakers. Finally, this head-to-toe moment with espadrilles.
Q: Cute layers (tops + matching sweaters) to wear with jeans and sneakers in San Fran in April.
A: I like the idea of striped/structured button-downs like this, this, this, this layered beneath a dressy sweatshirt or sweater along the lines of…
Q: A luxe wallet.
A: I really love the Gucci Marmont ones in cream or pink. Celine has some beautiful, sophisticated options, too — I love the color and style of this one!
Q: Proper church attire for 6/7 year old boys who have outgrown Peter Pan collars but are too young for a tie. I am thinking specifically of Easter when we need to take our usual Sunday dressing up a notch.
A: Ralph Lauren oxfords and pants from Minnow, Janie and Jack, RL, or Oso and Me. I also love these cashmere sweaters in the prettiest spring hues for boys — I will layer them over white polos on my son for a dressier Sunday look.
Q: A bracelet-style watch (Cartier Tank-esque) on a teacher’s salary.
Q: I’m in a bit of a shopping conundrum and you immediately came to mind. My daughter and her cousin, both toddlers, will be flower girls in a family wedding this summer, and I’ve been tasked with finding the dresses. The dresses need to be in a dark green, but the location is tropical, very hot and humid, and all I can find is Christmasy. Have you found anything that comes to mind?
A: A total head-scratcher — I spent a long time in pursuit of this unicorn! I honestly could not find anything I’d recommend. You might reach out to Daniel and Sofia and see if they could custom design one like this in a dark green fabric — I know they make their pieces to order. (Or at least you can have a darker green sash perhaps?). If you can do a lighter green/pattern, I love this dress, this dress, this dress, and this one.
Q: My fiance and I are getting married in a “courthouse elopement” in June. I’m wearing a simple, short white dress (from Express!) because I’d rather invest in shoes and/or jewelry that I know I’d wear again in the future!
With a $2,000 all-in budget, what fabulous heels and jewelry would you pick for my wedding day?
A: Wow! How romantic! Congratulations. This is, quite possibly, the most fun question I’ve ever received. I would invest in these Aquazzura heels and these Rebecca de Ravenel earrings. Wedding day perfection!!! I also adore these Jimmy Choos — Jimmy Choo makes tons of stunning bridal-appropriate shoes, but I feel like you’d wear these to infinity and beyond (basically any evening event from here on out, and a pump never goes out of style). Enjoy!