I received a number of requests on the same subjects and so organized either entire posts or parts of my shop to help with those: Halloween costumes for littles, fall home decor, wedding guest dresses, and bridal finds. Keep the questions coming!
Also a note: I mention Daphne Wilde’s elegant dresses below, and the lovely founder Britt has offered Magpie readers 10% off purchases with code thefashionmagpie.
Q: New loafers for fall!
A: Chic! Love a loafer. I adore the look of a classic Brixton Gucci loafer with light-wash denim, but Tod’s are a forever favorite of mine and are so fresh in white (imagine with a crisp blouse like this). These shearling Malone Souliers are fabulous and trend-forward if you lean that way. And Aeyde has a slick versatile pair that would work well with dresses and trousers and jeans alike (one lucky size 40 can score a pair in white croc on sale for under $130 here). And then Tory Burch! I am in love with these green croc ones with the gold hardware and her charming jacquard floral (same style on sale in solid colors here)! Last but not least, these black leather and suede ones from Madewell are sleek and on-trend (and under $100)!
P.S. More chic fall footwear here.
Q: Plates to arrange on wall above sofa where we have a big blank space.
A: I love the idea of these cabbage plates on a wall! I would either do the same color in different shapes/sizes (like imagine a big platter in the middle, or an artful arrangement of different sizes in a radial pattern) or mix in some contrasting prints but keep all the plates roughly the same size. I also have always loved the Wedgewood jasperware look, so could be chic to do a wall of those! Alternately, Etsy is a treasure trove for this sort of thing. Some shops will actually curate a set for your wall, like this one or this one. Or if you want to pick a color, search for vintage plates in that color. How great are these ship ones in brown or these mismatched blue and whites ones (mix in some other chinoiserie prints, too)?! A different vibe, but these wicker plates could look amazing, too, in a family room with a coastal vibe and maybe a wicker table (currently 20% off!) to tie it together.
Q: Easy fall outfits for school drop off, soccer practice/games, errands.
A: My formula is going to be a fall dress plus clogs. Specifically planning on wearing this Target, this Doen, this nap dress, and this Neve & Noor with these No. 6 clogs. Also eyeing (!) this Daphne Wilde dress which I’ve been lusting after since summer with either clogs or smart pointed-toe flats.
I also shared a bunch of chic athleisure looks here if that’s more your look!
Q: Sister-in-law is helping to host a baby shower! Something unique and not too small.
A: I assume you mean you are looking for a gift to thank your SIL? So sweet of her (and you). I shared some chic gifts here but items that jump to mind for me…
A LEONTINE LINEN MONOGRAM JEWELRY ROUND — HEIRLOOM QUALITY!
A SPECIAL PIECE OF JEWELRY — MAYBE THIS LOVELY SIGNET RING OR AN ENGRAVED HEART
AN HHH ROBE
Q: Clutch — classic/forever piece.
A: A Chanel wallet on a chain or Celine box bag. (You can tuck the chain inside the Chanel and remove the Celine strap). These are the ultimate — go from day to night, can be worn at any age and with any outfit, especially in the classic black. I also think this simple gently-used Celine pouch (I don’t think they make the style anymore?) would be a forever-chic piece in your wardrobe. If you are talking about for evening, this box clutch from Bottega (not the slouchy dumpling style) will stand the test of time and look fabulous forever. For me, this woven Pam Munson clutch will be a forever-wear piece — I love pearls, I love wicker, I love the entire vibe. Can be worn with sundresses or cocktail dresses! For the same reason, love (!) Mark Cross’ timeless Grace box bags.
Q: Down comforter — I know you recommended Feathered Friends, but which one?
A: We have this one in the medium weight. It is heaven and worth every penny. We sleep on these Amazon pillows, which are also heaven.
Q: Small gold hoops I will have forever.
A: Love this — I did a roundup of all my favorite gold hoops here! I am thinking Jennifer Zeuner’s might be the best bet for you.
Q: Matted frames to hang on the wall to display wedding photos and newborn portraits.
A: I’ve used Framebridge in the past for this and have been pleased. I like these crisp white ones for more of a clean, gallery-like feel and these gold bamboo ones for a more eclectic/textured feel. I’ve also had great luck at Pottery Barn – I especially like the styles with a lot of extra matting. So dramatic!
Q: Chic wide or semi-wide leg crop jeans less than $200.
A: DL1961’s Hepburn pants are having a moment — I love them in that ecru color, but they are also available for just over $200 ($209) in dark washes. Madewell has a very similar style out this season, too. I have a pair of Gap sky-high wide-leg crops in ecru I wear allll the time — similar pair in a denim wash here. More options along these lines here!
Q: We’re taking family photos with a pro photographer in mid October for the first time since our oldest daughter was born almost 4 years ago, and I thought I’d check with you to see if you have any dress recs for me! I know I want it to be light and airy with long sleeves and a long length (and that will be flattering for an awkward 2.5 month baby bump). I’m thinking the girls might wear either light pink or light blue or ivory so I’m thinking something cream / light blue / light pink as well. The setting will be in a pretty park with autumn hues (greens, beiges).
A: Congratulations!! This Sleeper gingham still feels so chic and relevant to me, and would work well with tiny bump. A bit more avant garde, but I also love this LSF and this bold floral from SEA. And a splurge, but this LMF would make for such pretty pictures — the silhouette is so chic, and that big bow! Less in the pastel family, but this dress from The Great is spectacular.
Q: A dress for my son’s Christening in October.
A: Congratulations! CE Finn has some beautiful shirtdresses in seasonally-appropriate patterns that might speak to you. This is so elegant and could be “winterized” with some navy suede pointed toe pumps and a padded velvet headband. A fall floral dress like this would also be very elegant — the ivory background would look sweet against a baby’s christening gown. I’d probably accent with burgundy or ivory accessories. This Roksanda would be a dramatic and stately option, too. Alternately, you could go the timeless tweed route with a dress like this (Carrie Bradshaw vibes!) or this. Finally, if it will be warm where you are at the time, I just love (!) this pretty Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini dress.
P.S. More festive occasion dresses for fall here.
Q: Newborn Thanksgiving outfit!
A: This LaCoqueta, this knit floral combo, this plaid flannel, this diaper set, or this one. If you’re really looking for a true newborn size (i.e., baby is JUST born), I would go with a La Coqueta knit set (so cozy and soft and come in small sizes) or a dressy coverall, like one of the smocked ones from Ralph Lauren.
P.S. For older gals: sweet fall special occasion wear for little ladies.
Q: Tapestry/textile art work.
A: Check out my girlfriend Christina’s business, St. Frank! They frame lots of artisenal textiles. Love this pink one. Love this blue set from Pottery Barn, too.
Q: Tote bag for law school? Needs to be sturdy but not too briefcase-y.
A: Cuyana’s zip top totes are classic, demure, and well-made for the price. Similar, higher-end pick: Mansur Gavriel. I also love Clare Vivier’s slightly funkier styles, like this quilted tote or this suede one. If you want a sportier vibe, people love these State of Escape totes!
Q: Fall family photos — cream/tan/blue/maroon palette.
A: Love this color palette! On you: this dress or this one. On the littles: this dress (or this one for a littler lady); this shorts set for a wee man. On your man: corduroys and either a blue shirt or a contrasting plaid shirt (a little louder/bolder vibe but would work). More coordinating family portrait outfits here.
P.S. If none of this speaks to you, start with a dress you love (lots of burgundy options here and other fab fall dresses here) and then check out La Coqueta, Classic Prep, Sal e Pimenta, and Bellabliss for coordinating pieces. I find those brands tend to have the most diversity of patterns/colors/styles I like.
Q: Tall boots to wear with dresses.
A: I am absolutely in love with Loeffler Randall’s Goldy boot. It is a forever piece — classic, timeless, elegant, great proportions. I have several pairs of their boots that I’ve had for coming up on a decade. Just the best craftsmanship, and definitely worth getting resoled/re-heeled as needed. Schutz has a fab boot out this season in black or snakeskin — go bold and wear the snakeskin as a neutral with other patterns, taking cues from Ulla Johnson! Finally, I like the Isabel Marant “urban cowgirl” vibe — tall suede cowboys! They look so comfortable to wear (i.e., they are almost flat!) and would look great with a fall midi or mini dress. You can get the Isabel boot look for less with these or these. The key for me is that they are suede. Love the contrast! Finally, these Alexandre Birmans are timeless (and heavily discounted) and these Stauds make a chic, retro-mod statement.
Q: Towel hook for a little boy’s bathroom.
A: These modern-looking ones come in such good colors. Would be fun to add a little pop of color that coordinates with whatever else is going on in your bathroom — i.e., the fern green to tie in with Weezie towels with the green piping? Pottery Barn’s sussex hooks are classic for a more traditional look, and then how fun are these animal ones?
P.S. Bathroom refresh ideas here and here.
Q: Pouches to organize my bags!
A: I got you, girl. A shortlist of favorites here.