*Image above via Linda Tol — can you even deal with her chic, pregnant self?! She’s also nailing a bunch of the trends we’ve been talking about recently, from chunky tube socks to clogs to a fantastic sweater, and it’s all working. Even the hair tuck!
Q: An outfit for mom and dad in family Christmas photos.
A: If you like plaid/tartan, I shared a bunch of cute ideas here. If you’re looking for something else, I say be selfish and pick a dress you love and will look forward to wearing this season and then have your husband coordinate with you. Ha! For example, I love this Dondolo dress, which features festive green and red but does not hit you over the head as a Christmas explosion. Hubby could coordinate with corduroy trousers in the emerald green or maybe burgundy (?) and an ivory shawl collar sweater. I also am swooning over this velvet number — an investment but WOW. He could coordinate with a wool suit and burgundy smoking slippers!
Q: Blush (not pink) sweatshirts or sweaters.
A: I think I know what you want — more in the mauve/dusty color palette versus on-the-nose pink. A few I love:
THIS PERFECT CROPPED SWEATSHIRT
Q: Maternity clothes for months of working from home!
A: Congratulations! I shared some great maternity finds at the bottom of the post here, but if I were you, I would live in great leggings (these are the absolute BEST), Gap maternity tees, and long/dramatic cardigans that you can then use while nursing and in future seasons — I love…
THIS COZY CASHMERE (ON SALE!)
THIS LONG FINE KNIT STYLE, ESPECIALLY IN THE GRAY OR CAMEL
Any of these sweaters also work great over a knit sweater dress like this.
Then, dress up the uniform with fun, on-trend accessories, like…
Even if you aren’t going anywhere or seeing anybody, it always makes me feel happy to be wearing something special and it elevates the pregnancy wardrobe.
Q: Chic nursing friendly shirts (buttons!) in non-fussy fabrics for messy baby.
A: I loved Ralph Lauren oxfords! Pair great with jeans, stay in vogue forever, and if you pluck them right out of the dryer, you can get away without ironing. (At least, much moreso than a poplin top.)
Q: A rug for playroom, toy storage, suede boots, and fall block prints for women.
A: OK, let’s see. For rugs, I shared a bunch of great options here. For a playroom, I love the idea of one of these, which are affordable and chic and 100% cotton (therefore you can more reasonably spot clean it — some of our fancy rugs are totally impossible to clean). I also think the pattern is not too baby-ish and would sufficiently disguise the inevitable stain/spill. Less practical perhaps, but I adore this striped style!
For toy storage, I can’t recommend IKEA’s inexpensive Kallax system enough. It comes in all different sizes, but we use it in mini’s room with these bins (which fit perfectly inside the cubbies) along the bottom row to organize loose/small toys and then the rest of the cubbies are filled with books and wooden toys/stacks of games that we like to display. It’s inexpensive and it does a great job of making all of the children’s toys accessible to them! We also use these in the medium size to store different building toys under mini’s bed (i.e., one for duplos, one for blocks, one for magnatiles). Finally, I just started “decanting” (a word another Magpie recommended — love it) toy sets with lots of small parts or pieces in these bags. Makes it so much easier to pull out all of mini’s calico critters, or toy cars, or puzzle pieces rather than sifting through the bottomless pit we used to have.
For boots: there are some amazing options here, but let me highlight my favorite suede ones: these go great with floaty boho dresses for fall, these are classic and currently on sale for 60% off, and these are just the dreamiest.
Finally, several amazing fall blockprint finds here!
Q: A white terrycloth robe for my MIL for under $100.
A: Parachute Home!
Q: Tracksuits and cozy winter pajamas for toddlers.
A: Tis the season! A few sets I love:
THIS STRIPED THERMAL STYLE (CANNOT BELIEVE THE PRICE — HILL OWNS)
THESE CAMPING JAMMIES (HILL ALSO OWNS)
HANNA ANDERSSON VINTAGE VILLAGE PAIR
ALWAYS LOVE LIVLY BABY’S SWEATSUITS
ZARA ALWAYS HAS PRECIOUS RIBBED LEGGINGS WITH COORDINATING TOPS, AS DOES VANAIT BABY
Q: High-end but classic (not-trendy) crossbody.
A: The Celine trio. Major heart eyes.
Q: A dress for an outdoor wedding party in late October. Something with boots?
A: One of the chic dresses in this roundup — maybe this one?! Autumnal, festive, and works with boots! There are also some super chic options here.
Q: Brown riding boots!
A: These are harder to find nowadays — it used to be all you’d see! These Guccis are amazing, and the kind of boots that will last you a lifetime. These are a little trendier than a classic riding boot, but I adore these waterproof ones (well priced at $200).
Q: Christmas gifts for a two-year-old boy.
A: I will be publishing a full gift post on this subject soon, but a few of the top items I’m considering for micro (who will be just shy of two this winter):
THIS BALANCE BIKE OR THIS CLASSIC LITTLE TIKES CAR
A NAME STOOL (MY MOTHER HAS GIVEN BOTH OF MY CHILDREN STOOLS LIKE THESE AND THEY ADORE THEM / WE GET SO MUCH USE OUT OF THME!)
Q: Not-super-cropped black jeans. I have such trouble finding good black jeans.
A: I just bought this pair this season and I am in love. Stretchy but flattering, a good high rise and a great length.
Q: What bag is in this photo?
A: I am almost positive it is an Hermes Kelly, which is like the investment of a lifetime…or a few lifetimes. Tory Burch has some great handbags with a similar vibe at a more attainable pricepoint — love this.
Q: Tights!
A: I swear by good old-fashioned black Spanx (last forever and very flattering) but the last few seasons, I’ve taken a risk by ordering a couple pairs of Gucci logo tights, too.
Q: Comfy pants that look put-together, preferably stretchy-waisted!
A: I so hear you – I think we are all testing the limits of athleisure during this extended period of time at home. Check out Mango’s Comfy Collection — I like the way they are layering knits and encouraging monochrome looks that afford a bit more sophistication than your typical sweatsuit look might, as with this camel jumpsuit. I also like the way Everlane styles these pants in the sage color, with a silk button-down. Finally, cashmere joggers always look a bit dressier than other sets might. Pair with suede-trim Vejas and a coordinating hoodie or chunky knit sweater.
Q: Wall decor for our office. Couch/rug are navy blue and red.
A: So luxe! A few items I love that might work…
A SET OF NAVY BOTANICALS (PURCHASE WITHOUT THE FERN NAME ON IT)
Love this! I will say, I have the hook and loom rug and it has picked far too much! As for nursing friendly, I find many lululemon tops are so simple to pull down for casual wear!
Oh no! Brooke! Thanks for the heads up. We have a small Hook and Loom in our kitchen underneath the sink that has held up nicely and I love it because I can toss it in the washing machine but that’s disappointing to hear about the larger sizes. Thanks for the caveat.
xx
Comfy pants that look put-together — this is my language! I’d recommend Lululemon’s On The Fly pants (they have it in cropped, 7/8, and full length I believe). It has an elastic waistband, but it has a “polished enough” look that I feel put together going out or traveling in it (not that I’m traveling anywhere these days). You could dress them down with sneakers or use loafers or some other flats. There’s this brand on Amazon called CRZ Yoga (which I believe Jen has mentioned here for running clothes) that makes a very similar pair as LLL’s On the Fly:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CMNZRQL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have both the Lulu On the Fly cropped pair and the CRZ pair, and find them to be equally comfortable, though the latter’s fabric has a very subtle sheen to it and it is not as cropped (I’m 5’0, their 7/8 is full length on me and I hemmed it about an inch).
Crossbody: +1 for Celine! I appreciate their discreet branding. I LOVE my Celine nano belt! Definitely a splurge (bought it for my PhD graduation a few years ago after eyeing it for so long!) but I find it so timeless that it felt worth the cost. I considered the trio too — so classic! — but I always worried how the lambskin would show wear and tear. TheRealReal has several Celine styles!
I’ve really been enjoying these “what you’re shopping for” posts, Jen! This must be a lot of work for you too — thank you for scoping out the cyber black hole (at least it seems that way to me) for your readers!
Ooops I should clarify that the Celine nano belt I mentioned is neither a belt nor a belt bag but a crossbody — but they named the style as such!
The CHICEST bag, Mia! So jealous. I love the elegant, minimalist styling and the quality of leather is perfection and agree one the discreet branding point, too.
I’ve had pretty good luck with CRZ Yoga, so thanks for the tip on those pants (and the fit notes — I’m also 5’0)!
xx
Oh boy Zara! I love what they have but when I visit the store it gives me anxiety! I always feel rushed when I’m in the fitting room( I cannot wait in fitting room lines im too old for that). I end up choosing items that don’t require me to actually undress! The website needs a lot of work. Trying to search an item a second time is like you said impossible. My strategy is don’t waste time in fitting room, buy online!
Haha! Carleen! I think I’ve also passed that threshold of not having the patience/tolerance to wait in line for a fitting room. The pandemic has only deepened my habit of ordering almost exclusively online. It doesn’t hurt that the UPS store is literally across the street from my building…
xx
Here to upvote the Parachute robe!!! I have it in blush pink and love it *desperately* it is spa level comfort but you don’t have to fuss about eating chocolate in it.
This is possibly the best sales pitch I’ve ever read for a robe — now I’m only imagining myself laying down eating bonbons in a robe, and it HAS to be a Parachute one. Talk about aspirational marketing! Haha 🙂
xx
Oooh, I love these posts. Came here to upvote Apiece Apart — I love nearly everything they make and have found their pieces to really hold up well! Love that sweater you linked on N-A-P.
The bathrobe question reminds me of something — what would you recommend for children’s bathrobes? I don’t want to spend much more than $50-60, but sooo many of the options out there are so not my style (think polyester fleece and bright cheesy prints). Would prefer something cotton or flannel, I think! Ahhh!
Also, agree on the Celine trio — have coveted one for years! I would give a vote to Clare V., too, if your reader is looking for something more affordable (but still what I’d consider high-end). Their Double Sac Bretelle mimics the Celine trio, and I also think their Midi Sac is super classic and cool.
Also, for black jeans, my favorite-ever pair is by Acne Studios. The ones I have are the Patti cut (no longer made, I think, since I bought them in 2017ish) — they’re slim and cropped (meaning they hit me right at my ankle bone, since I’m on the petite side) and the wash is “stay black” — i.e. it’s specially formulated not to lose its color, which is a problem I’ve had with black jeans in the past! Definitely worth checking out their current cuts in this wash.
Also: obsessed with those suede-trim Vejas, which are currently 25% off if anyone is eyeing them!
xx
Hi! Yay! Thanks for all the intel. Agree on the Clare Vivier bags. So chic!
Re: robes for children — check out Hill House Home:
https://www.hillhousehome.com/products/the-childrens-hotel-robe?variant=16409585090603&gclid=Cj0KCQjw28T8BRDbARIsAEOMBcxtEPUo8ibtRauxk25cHQ58Lt8ZnR3ZIjvk7CSiB6fVL-v3wc3cy7caAkRvEALw_wcB
I find their products are well-made and I love the classic styling 🙂 We have had a few robes for our children but I think because they are still so young, I tend to skip right over the robe and go straight from towel to pajamas!
xx
LOVE! I should have thought of HHH — I have a nap dress and love it so much, I just signed up for reminder when the tartans one launch! 🙂 I actually think I may have to look for a women’s robe for the child I have in mind, as she’s 10 but nearly 5′, so she won’t fit into the HHH option. 🙁 I will definitely keep the HHH robes in mind for my nieces, though, when they get to be a bit older! Thanks again for the tip!
xx
Ah, got it – hm. I’ll keep my eye out for a good $50 robe!
No worries at all — I should have been more specific about the age/height of the kiddo! I think I found a good option at The Company Store — have you ever ordered from them? I have towels from them from 10+ years ago that still look/feel amazing. Not sure if their quality has kept up, but I may take the plunge! xx
I haven’t ordered from them in years but I think they have a pretty solid reputation for quality. I’d say go for it!
xx
This is unrelated but I am wonder if you or any magpie readers might be able to give some tips on how to shop Zara. Every once and awhile I will stumble on a piece I love online and the quality seems great. Do you search for a specific item? Do you only purchase certain items? Always look through dress? I’m just curious because I find the selection to be overwhelming but then I’ll see a cute sweater on someone and sure enough, Zara, but however did the find it?!
Oh I KNOW. Their site is so difficult to navigate and their product descriptions so laughably non-descript as to be impossible to find a second time. (“SWEATER WITH BUTTONS”?) I tend to stay on top of their “NEW IN” section but still I see random pieces on other women that I think, “How did I miss that one?!” Anyway, my strategy is to look at the “New In” section every now and then, and also to use Zara when I see trends I like on the streets, i.e., dramatic collars — you can count on them to carry whatever is on the more trendy side, and then search “COLLAR” and sometimes you find related items at the bottom.
Basically…I have no hacks. Haha! They could do a much better job organizing and describing their items!
xx
This is prob. not helpful since you’re already a Magpie reader, but I really rely on Jen to pick the winners and tell us about them! lol. I only have a couple of items from Zara — I try not to shop there too much — but both were recommendations from this blog 🙂
xx
Hehe – thanks MK 🙂