*Image above via Stubbs + Wootton.
Thank you for all of your recently-submitted queries! I’m answering about half of them here and will answer more in an upcoming post. Below, what you are shopping for…
Q: Fancy loafers! (Embroidered? Velvet?)
A: Love a fancy loafer. Some favorites: drama from Gucci; Stubbs and Wootton does such fun needlepoint and velvet styles (seen above; even available in grand-millennial-chic bowood) I’ve been coveting a pair of venetian-style loafers from Le Monde Beryl forever; pretty pink (and on sale!) from Gianvito Rossi — perfect with a wardrobe that is full of ivories, creams, neutrals, camels; this ultra-chic $100 pair in the rust velvet color.
P.S. More chic footwear here.
Q: Winter shoes/boots for a new walker.
A: For boys, I have been loving these boots for Hill this winter. Sportier options: these New Balances (on sale!), Van’s, and Supergas.
For girls, Cientas, Supergas, Elephantito Mary Janes (super sturdy, good sole for new walkers), Elephantito boots, Gap boots.
Q: Comfy not-jeans and not-sweats.
A: These flecked-cotton pants, these knit pants (go monochromatic with this look), or these easy chinos!
Q: Mother-daughter matching/coordinated outfits.
A: Dondolo has some super cute options, like this dress for you and this one for her, as does Doen. Maisonette also releases mommy and me styles periodically that always turn my head — this dress for you, this dress for her. There are also some amazing coordinated tartan looks for the whole family here! Finally, this oversized bauble sweater comes in mommy and mini sizes for a more casual moment.
Q: The perfect neutral loafer (suede or leather?)
A: Tod’s! Worth the investment for sure. They are beautifully made and just never go out of style. You can get the look for less with these.
Q: Master bedroom bedding! Duvet cover in particular. We have the RH with the gray stripe.
A: Sounds like we have similar hotel-bedding-style preferences — we also used to own the RH in the gray stripe! Now, I own and love sets from both Boll & Branch (I have these sheets and am eyeing the coordinating duvet, but can I also put in a plug for their cozy bed blanket, which I currently use and LOVE? You can save 25% off with coupon code STOKES) and Hill House Home (I have the entire Chancery Lane set).
If you want something a bit more ornate, Matouk’s Mirasol and Aziza collections are stunning.
Q: Open cardigans/breastfeeding-friendly sweaters.
A: Oo, this is YOUR season. So many great statement cardigans out right now. A few of my favorites, which could be easily layered over a nursing tank:
THIS GUCCI-ESQUE STYLE (LOVE THE LENGTH)
THIS CROPPED ALPACA (I OWN AND LOVE)
LOVE SO MANY OF THE EMBELLISHED STYLES AT VITA GRACE
SPLURGE, BUT THIS PASTEL STATEMENT IS ON MY LUST LIST
P.S. More recent maternity and nursing finds here, in the post-scripts.
Q: Sweatpants that arent too long! I’m 5’2 and can’t bring myself to hem loungewear.
A: Athleta offers petite sizes and I also own a few pairs of Monrow joggers — the length is not too long on me, and I’m 5’0!
Q: Chic side tables for when I’m nursing.
A: Splurge: love these fun side tables from Oomph Home. For something less expensive, this under-$100 style comes in great colors, this wicker side table is precious and adds interesting texture, and this one has a clever design that enables you to bring the traytop over the arm-rest of your glider.
Q: A chic battery lamp for an entryway where there is no outlet.
A: This is fun — love the height for a console.
Q: Puffer coat that is also somehow slimming and warm. Does this exist?
A: This Everlane! The length, profile, and lightweightness of the “puff” create a long line. (Also has a hidden drawstring cord to cinch at waist a little bit.) Higher-end pick: this Max Mara.
Q: So dumb: bathroom/powder room trash cans that don’t kill my Schumacher wallpaper vibe.
A: Scully and Scully! Almost like works of art — everything from florals to geometric patterns, and in tons of colors/prints. If you are looking for something without a print, PB has a great marble one, here is a silver lidded one, and here is an unfussy lacquered one.
Q: Nightstands (preferably wood) that coordinate with Serena and Lily coastal blue driftway dresser.
A: So chic! I adore these nightstands (so elegant!) and these have an interesting shape, but are $$.
Q: A book explaining the religious side of Christmas to a three-year-old.
A: We have read Christmas in a Manger to Emory since she was a baby! Simple words and images.
Q: Ribbon to put on the Christmas tree.
A: I would suggest going for ribbon that is wide — 2.5 or 3″ wide — to make a big statement. Red velvet is a classic, but I know many of you go with pastels/white-themed trees, so here are a few pretty ones: pink, sheer plaid, even “chardonnay.” This metallic plaid or this mossy green are also chic!
Q: Stylish sneakers for my dance class. We jump a lot!
A: In my opinion, the most attractive sneakers are the APL Techloom. I love all the colors, though I have owned them in black/white in the past.
Q: A black crossbody.
A: Splurge: Celino Trio. It is timeless, understated, and sophisticated. Mid-price-point: Clare Vivier. Affordable: J. Crew, though I like the idea of swapping out the strap for an on-trend snakeskin or one of Clare Vivier’s fun styles. More of a ladylike statement: Hunting Season! For something sporty: Dagne Dover mini phone sling.
Q: Snow boots that aren’t like moon boots.
A: These Sorels (shockingly, they are waterproof!) or these L.L. Beans.
Q: “Grown up” but still fun bedding — I’m in my mid-20s and live alone!
A: I love Matouk’s Charlotte collection — so fun, but still elegant! — and so many of Biscuit Home’s prints are eye-catching as well. D. Porthault also has absolutely epic styles, but they cost a fortune.