Q: Bachelorette party in the Caribbean — I am not the bride!
A: Oo! Now this is a vibe! A few favorite punchy finds for just such an occasion:
FEATHERED STAUD MINI (SEEN ABOVE — HOT HOT HOT)
THIS ZIMMERMANN-ESQUE STEAL
THIS BOLD TOP AND THE MATCHING SKIRT
ALMOST ANYTHING BY CELIAB OR FARM RIO
DRAMATIC SUNHAT
ZARA MAXI
Q: Really attractive storage solution for open shelving…does it exist?
A: These are sturdy and pretty to look at.
Q: Baby/toddler girl sunglasses. Love your daughter’s!
A: Thank you! Hers are the Cat Cat style by Sons and Daughters. Way cool! I also like WeeFarer’s Ray Ban-esque pair and these flower-shaped ones.
Q: Wedding gift for a sister — doesn’t need to be registry. College student budget. Thanks!
A: Laguiole steak knives. We received a pair for our wedding that we use several times a week, to this day. They are beautiful with the wood handles and for $100, a fantastic investment!
Q: An elegant, feminine dress to wear to my grandmother’s funeral this spring.
A: I am so sorry for your loss. This Elie Tahari is elegant and sophisticated. For something with a bit more of a perspective, I love this Sandro.
Q: Affordable (under $200) wide leg work trousers. Or summer office clothes in general.
A: Banana Republic has such fun pairs right now – these are fab, and these in the white would make me feel like a million bucks. I own and love this pair from Veronica Beard (on sale for under $100) — chic with a blazer. This more casual pair from Spanx is getting really good reviews. Can you wear jeans in your office? I like the idea of these with a dramatic white blouse.
Q: Swimsuits, age 35, 8 months post partum with third baby.
A: First, you might enjoy reading this Op Ed, titled: “I’m 56 years old. Damn straight I’m wearing a bikini this summer.” I read it and nodded vigorously and — onwards!!! Second, so many Magpies have raved about the fit of this one-piece from Tory Burch and the famous Hunza G. They seem almost universally loved for their flattering shapes! I am also personally obsessing over the rash guards from Mott50 — lots of coverage but you can unzip top not to feel too buttoned up — and this dramatic Juan de Dios, which actually offers a lot of coverage and a flattering high waist but still feels very high fashion.
Q: White shirt dress — midi or knee-length, more structure. Not a caftan shape. Sleeves!
A: I think you might like this linen RL, this Ann Taylor, this Daphne Wilde, this Kobi Halperin, this Staud. If you’re open to eyelet, this is adorable!
Q: Inexpensive and fun accessories.
A: Love these $25 earrings, these tortoise cateyes, $18 espadrilles, this trendy sunhat, this Mark Cross-esque handbag, and these LR-inspired platforms.
Q: Luxurious bedding.
A: I would look at Frette, Yves Delorme, and Matouk if you’re planning on making an investment. I also find Boll and Branch to be of wonderful quality for the price — we use these sheets in our primary bedroom. Though I think Matouk, Frette, and YD have more dramatic, tailored, interesting, high-end designs (strongly considering those brands for our primary bedroom whenever we re-do it), I do find that B&B is easier to care for than at least Matouk and YD (have not tried Frette) but similar in feel/refinement.
Q: Summer dresses for early pregnancy — little to no bump but need space.
A: Congratulations! I shared a bunch of maternity-friendly finds here, many of which are not explicitly maternity but offer room to grow. I would specifically consider nap dresses, Frances Hart’s smocked dresses (for all stages of motherhood!), the caftans from Mi Golondrina, these loose-fit blockprint dresses (or the ones from SZ Blockprints or Mille), statement dresses from Hunter Bell like this and this, and cute floaty minis from Doen.
Q: Afternoon wedding in coastal GA in June.
A: I like this Agua Bendita, this Reformation, this SIR, this Cara Cara, this Aje.
Q: Chic but plain sweatshirt.
A: J. Crew has great ones with interesting fits — like this cropped style and have been absolutely living in this half-zip, which comes in SUCH great colors and has a nice light weight. Kule also makes a great solid sweatshirt — I have this exact style and it always feels like a step up from athleisure.
Q: Dress for a wedding in Palm Springs in June – under $150. Thanks!
A: Fun! I like this En Saison, this Wayf, this French Connection, this Wayf. More wedding guest dress options under $150 here! This under-$100 black style feels very Ulla-meets-Ciao-Lucia and will be perfect for nearly any occasion, and you know I love this black and white polka dot gown!
Q: Floor lamp.
A: I love so many of the ones from C&B, especially this linen one, and this scalloped style from Serena and Lily.
Q: Bridal shoes! Statement making but comfortable enough to dance all night in.
A: I am swooning over these! Very expensive, but these Choos have been on my radar for years now. Last but not least, you could switch into these gamine satin mary janes to dance in!