thefashionmagpie

Archive for May, 2011

Bananagram

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, White, Work Wear on May 27, 2011 at 11:43 am

Thanks to Prada’s S/S 11 collection, bananas have been the produce of choice for fashionistas world-wide.  Caution: please avert your eyes from the extremely unattractive hair/makeup situation on the models below — um, what is WITH the Frida Kahlo look?!  Terrifying.

While I’ll admit that these looks are not my cup of tea (bowl of fruit?) — the boxy shirts look like they should come with pocket protectors — there is something delightfully irreverent about the coloring and the mix of patterns.  Since their debut, I swear I’ve seen bananas everywhere…

{Charlotte Dellal with a banana clutch — as captured by TheSartorialist}

{a Prada banana skirt seen on Cynthia Smith — image via vogue}

{a banana print bikini seen on sterling style}

I’m not advocating that we all go Chiquita Banana on each other, but I’m loving the tropical pina-colada vibe — makes me very ready for summer, and very nostalgic for my honeymoon (now almost a year ago!)  Yellow, here I come.

Let me apologize in advance for the number of Charlotte Olympia tootsies I’ll be featuring in this post — I’d bookmarked her site (the designer is the lovely Charlotte Dellal, snapped above) a few weeks ago and happened to revisit it last night, and nearly went into epileptic shock as I ogled over all of the ankle-breaking goodies she had in store for me.  Move over, Christian Louboutin.  Come to think of it, I’ll start with a pair of her ba-na-nas platforms ($890, CharlotteOlympia — and also available Stateside at Neiman’s)  — I mean…do you die?!  (Or does your bank account?)

Be still my heart…and be strong my ankles.  I.want.these. like it’s nobody’s business.  The raffia fabrication is genius.  In keeping with our theme, let’s do a banana-cream-pie palette — I’d add a soft yellow shirt ($70, LesPommettes) and tuck it into a vintage lace skirt ($280, Net-A-Porter):



In an ideal world, I’d finish with this raffia box clutch by Gucci ($1,495) and this eye-catching statement piece by Malene Birger (on sale!!! and I’m oh-so-tempted to snap it up — $64, MyWardrobe)

I mean…I love the mixed media.  So chic and fresh for summer.  For casual wear, I’m thinking a breezy white sundress ($195, Calypso — and PS: have you checked out Calypso’s diffusion in line for Target?!  Lots of cute, summery items for self and home!  I love this linen wrap dress — and it’s only $42!)

I’d wear it on the weekends with some pop-of-yellow t-straps (I own a pair of neon pink K. Jacques that I sweat in a major way — K. Jacques, $220, Net-A-Porter; alternately, if you have freakishly small feet like myself, you can fit into the kids’ size 4 t-straps from J. Crew, which look identical) and an easy straw tote ($54, SouthMoonUnder), with a pineapple-print scarf tied to the handle ($32, TopShop):

 

 

For more formal occasions, how ’bout this banana split of a dress ($368, Alice & Olivia)

I’d pair with these gold strappy heels from — who else?! — Charlotte Olympia ($1000, Charlotte Olympia) — check out the pineapple accents at the toe!

They pair perfectly with this pineapple accented clutch ($225, KateSpade), which will, incidentally, forever haunt my dreams, since I ordered it in the neon yellow weeks ago, and the package was STOLEN from my doorstep…GR/POUT/PUNCH/DROP-KICK:

For jewelry: you know a like a bare neck with an interesting neckline like the one above.  I’m trying to get over my fondness for addiction to enorma-studs, so I’d try to get outside the box and wear some danglers.  These sparkling gems carry out the whole “pineapple” vibe in their shape and are affordable to boot (about $130, By Malene Birger — can’t get enough of her stuff today!):

And these filigree bangles would finish the look (Kendra Scott, $90, Stefani Bags):

For work, a “fresh canvas” with banana yellow accents is a nice take on a rather LRR routine.  Consider adding a white top (love the neckline on this style — $46, ShopRuche) to a pair of clean-lined, slim-fit white cigarette pants (have you seen the Prabal Gurung for J. Crew collection — suh-woon — love the line, especially these pants — $295, J. Crew):

Finish with an open-weave yellow flat ($69, Zara) and a yellow-and-green-trim tote (I’m serious about my raffia today — Meredith Wendell, $550, Net-A-Porter):

A pair of bold yellow-accented earrings finish it all off nicely (Lizzie Fortunato, $144, Charm & Chain):

As an alternative, try a crisp white blazer ($450, Rag & Bone) over a taupe top ($195, also Rag & Bone) paired with this lovely pineapple-striped skirt ($50, Dorothy Perkins)

You could play it safe with a nude pump, or a white patent heel (Carrie Bradshaw much?), or some combination thereof (check this Versace style out — yowza, little lady!) but personally I think you need some serious statement tootsies to knock this look out of the park — I’m thinking these Sergio Rossis ($760, Intermix) or even these stark-white Louboutins ($905, MyTheresa):

Now — and this is NOT for the faint of heart — if you’re willing to take the banana/tropical look to an extreme, consider pairing bold yellow with black and white.  Something like this tasseled DVF bag might float your boat ($525, Matches):

Or how about this bold beaded necklace ($180, 25Park) — it might work well against a black sheath dress with some huge shades for work –

Now — drumroll please.  I know that this isn’t exactly “banana/pineapple” themed…but.  O.M.G. it is just.too.beautiful not to post immediately.  I drool and die over this Malene Birger gown ($1,510, Malene Birger):

I mean.  Get outta town with that dress.  Is it real?!  It is just beyond.  The color palette…!  Marigold and soft dusty rose and mother of pearl?!  Who would have thunk?!  I’d keep the add-ons to a minimum — just some ladylike earrings (Jenny Perl, $1,650, Max&Chloe — don’t they match perfectly?!), a gold cuff ($95, Citrine By the Stones):

A simple pair of heeled sandals finish the look (Jimmy Choo, $465, Bergdorf Goodman):

Finally, I’ll conclude with an inappropriately bragadocious comment: I am OBSESSED with the Zimmermann dress that just showed up on my  door yesterday.  I mentioned my excitement in yesterday’s {magpie covets} post, but the dress turned out even lovelier and more elegant and chic in person.  The color has a slight luminosity to it — almost a golden sheen.  I DIE.  Can’t wait to attend that wedding next weekend!

 

Bold Baby Girl.

In Accessories, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, White, Work Wear on May 26, 2011 at 12:00 pm

The title of this post hails from an embarrassing childhood story that tends to resurface with alarming frequency, and that prompts me to question the authenticity of my creative spirit.  I’ll recount it here, just to further humiliate myself: When I was growing up, my Dad owned a number of racing horses.  Whenever he purchased a new horse, he would let his five children submit their suggestions for a suitable name.  These tended to run the extremely creative gamut of “snowflake fluffybell,” “sprinkles,” “rainbow smiley face,” “lightning thunderbolt,” etc — and my Dad routinely rebuffed them.  One time, however, when I was about six, he announced that he was purchasing a new filly, and requested name submissions.  I just so happened to accompany my father to the racing track that afternoon, and slyly filched one of the racing programs, tucking it into my pale pink, My-Little-Pony-stuffed backpack.  When I got home, I furtively — and very carefully — copied over a few names from the program onto a scrap of paper (I must have known it was wrong, because I recall crouching behind a door in an ill-lit corner of the house to do this) and proudly presented them to my father, convinced that he would be unable to trace my intellectual property thievery.  When he read them, he burst into raucous laughter.  There, on the paper, I’d proposed the following names:

Clearly he knew a six year old would never choose a sleazy name like “Bold Baby Girl,” as only a creepy, elderly, mustached lecher would use that term of endearment, and the other two were complete gibberish to me.  Does a six year old know that the noun “key” is also a slang verb?  And I’m pretty sure I was three years away from knowing what the word “Advice” meant.  I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar.  We laugh about it to this day…and now you can laugh at me too.  But while we laugh, we can also appreciate the way I’ve reappropriated the title to apply to one of the hottest trends of the season: BRIGHTS/NEONS, for those bold baby girls out there daring enough to test-drive the trend.  Lots of you have given me positive feedback on some of the BRIGHTS/DAY-GLOs I’ve been featuring (see my posts “Bright Idea” and “Hi Def” for inspiration) — and for good reason.  They’ve been all over the place, from street style forums to style blogs to the runways.

{Anna Della Russo in Jil Sander, as snapped by StreetFSN}

{Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style, rocking it}

{christopher kane, ss ’2011}

{brights on the red carpet}

{fedora seen on the street — snapped by StreetFSN}

{as seen on ania b.}

A few of the things I’m currently lusting after?  First — bold, kitschy shades ($89, Jack Wills):

Very neo-Miami Vice with a slim-fit white blazer ($385, Theory), a gold statement necklace (love this tangly little thang — $412, Gemma Redux),  and a bold little t-dress ($158, Chinti and Parker):

 

I’d pair with some bold sandals (Zanotti, $450, Intermix) and a slightly off-pitch (i.e. NOT stark white) tote in blush/cream/taupe, like this Anya Hindmarch style ($948, ScoopNYC):

For work, how slick would a bright pink or canteloupe shift ($310 each, Cynthia Rowley) look?

I’d wear either with a big lucite necklace ($250, Ben Amun) and a pair of stark white flats (Bloch, $200, Zenggi):

How perfect with this bank-breaking Alaia handbag (um, I die.  And so would Mr. Magpie if I scooped this puppy up, but for a very different reason — $3,070, Net-A-Porter):

I’d finish with these pretty gold-accented bracelets ($150, Monica Vinader):

As an alternative, consider a white shift ($255, Theory) with some bold baubles (Mawi, $845, LesPommettes — but check out the entire incredible collection of gems at Mawi):

 

Some gravity-defying, wild Nicholas Kirkwoods and a funky Alexander Wang boxy clutch ($795, LaGarconne) finish the look with flair:

I’ve featured lots of pinks/oranges above, but I’m also liking electric blue — consider a bold necklace ($150, Tuleste Market) with some matching blue tootsies ($149, Isola):

Ideal with this go-geous Matthew Williamson asymmetrical dress ($1,285, Matches — do you die over the print?!):

Any of the above get-ups would look phenom with a boxy little clutch like this Melie Bianco style ($70, Melie Bianco):

Looking for some additional accent pieces to fold into your wardrobe without running the risk of appearing too 80s-gone-wrong?  Tom Binns came out with a ton of UBER-bright jewelry pieces (check ‘em out here), but these earrings made it to the top of my list ($200, TomBinns):

Lovely — as are these modestly-heeled Pierre Hardy tootsies (what they lack in height they make up for in color — woah, nelly! — $575, Net-A-Porter):

Just think of the splash you’d make pairing those items with a white cocktail dress.  Beyond.  For more casual wear, try a bold leather-band watch in a juicy kiwi or mandarin orange color ($90, Tokyo Bay):

Could make quite the splash with a pair of lime green flats ($160, PrettyBallerinas) and one of those amazing Jil Sander “market” totes ($690+, Net-A-Porter):

Word to the wise: the rest of the look should be kept stark white — I’m talking white tee and skinnies — 0r a crisp white dress ($236, LoomState):

 

So??  How ’bout it, bold baby girl?!  (Sketchy.)

 

American Honey

In Accessories, Americana, Brights!, Jewelry, Neutrals, Olivia Palermo, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses on May 24, 2011 at 11:21 am

It always surprises me to read, in survey after survey, that the majority of men prefer their significant others in “a t-shirt and jeans” rather than high heels and a cocktail dress.  Mr. Magpie may be a stark exception to the rule — he enjoys dress-up events, likes me in high heels, and is more commonly seen in a bowtie and oxford than he is in a t-shirt and jeans.  (He has also been known to wear polo shirts to bed / while doing yardwork.)  And even though I’m not much of a dressed-down kinda girl (I’d have no problem wearing a dress every day of my life), there is something Very American about the jeans-and-tee-shirt ideal, and today, I’m seriously coveting the easy-breeziness of the look, especially with Memorial Day right around the corner.  Nothing simpler, less pretentious, and yet enduringly classic than a broken-in white tee ($40, LoomState Organic), a pair of jeans (currently interested in resurrecting my flared styles — Current/Elliott, $240, Net-A-Porter), and some aviators (D&G, $260, Saks):

A well worn handbag (you can have your initials embossed on the flap! — $370, J.W. Hulme) with a navy-on-white scarf ($45, Robindira) tied to the buckle/strap and a pair of stacked heels (Rupert Sanderson, $578, Boutique1) are the perfect accents:

 

Hair should be worn loose/flowy/I-don’t-care.  Tan preferred. Very supermodel off-duty.  A must: some sort of statement-making necklace to let the world know that you may appear carefree, but that you’re actually a well-heeled fashionista.  I sort of like the rocker-chic appeal of this Fiona Paxton necklace ($260, Fiona Paxton):

Or look for denim in dress form — check out this amazing fitted bustier style ($248, StevenAlan):

Ideal with high espadrilles (PourLaVictoire, $270, Shopbop) and an oversized clutch ($88, Scoop)

Because the shoes are so heavy-looking, I like the idea of dainty jewelry — a pair of simple wire studs ($75, ByBoe) and a couple of layered charm necklaces (maybe a monogram disk — $176, JenniferZeuner, and a sign of the zodiac charm — $110, Max and Chloe):

 

For something a bit more dressed down, try this Adam shirtdress ($260, Net-A-Porter) with a statement necklace layered beneath ($135, Nathan and Moe):

I like it with some rope-accented sandals ($69, Heels) and an interestingly-shaped tote (Blake Lively loves this line — $445, Foley + Corinna):

 

There’s also nothing more American than fresh-looking eyelet.  How about this dress ($325, MyTheresa) with a wood-accented necklace ($165, Jigsaw)?

 

I’d add super-high wedge heels ($135, TopShop) and a little rattan roll clutch ($178, Michael Kors):

A stack of lucite-and-taupe bangles ($34 apiece, Nine West) finish the look:

 

Or how about this breezy dress (on sale for $169, Calypso) –

 

– paired with stack denim-and-brown-leather wedges (Paloma Barcelo, $315, Net-A-Porter) and an oversized envelope clutch (this is so rich-looking — dSquared, $715, Ssense):

And how about an amazing leather-and-gold cuff ($110, Leighelena) as the finishing touch?!

If you’re bored to tears of the oversized clutch trend, I’ve been duh-rooling over this affordable Zara tote ($149, Zara) in both brown shades –

…especially since Olivia Palermo was spotted sporting it around (must.have. — she makes it look so expensive!):

{images from vogue diaries}

Colored jeans are big this season, but the only color I’d seriously contemplate wearing is red.  Love.  I’d wear my pair (Current/Elliott, $185, Net-A-Porter) with a simple white tee (the LoomState above) and a cheery necklace ($95, Calypso):

 

I’d wear them with these awesome flat sandals (Pour La Victoire, $228, Nordstrom) and a woven leather bag in an unfussy neutral (love this affordable style — $150, DeuxLux):

 

Here’s to easy breezy!

Magpie Musts: The Pre-Summer Edition.

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Intimates, Jewelry, Magpie Must, Monograms, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sleepwear/Loungewear, Sundresses on May 20, 2011 at 11:35 am

FIRST: I’m beyond delighted to announce the WINNER of the generous LittleBlackShop stationery giveaway: Anna! The touching story about your bestie overnighting you a thoughtful scrapbook so that you’d feel at home in your new Seattle digs left me teary-eyed.  I’ll email you to follow up on your win!  Yay!  So many of you shared such amazing stories — from engagement rings to college acceptance letters to care packages from thousands of miles away, y’all get a lot more exciting mail than I do!  Thanks to all of you that entered, and a BIG thank you to the amazing Jennifer of LittleBlackShop for the giveaway!  If you didn’t win but are still drooling over the goodies in her boutique, Jennifer has kindly extended a 20% discount to you through the end of June with coupon code: FASHION.

Second: realized that I haven’t run a MagpieMust edition in awhile, and that there are sosososo many things that I’m dying over at the moment.  So here, without further ado or fanfare, are the things I must have for this in-between season, or I might implode:

1.  Cat-Eye Sunnies. If you’ve been reading this bloglet for awhile, you will know that I’ve been on a quest for a new pair of shades for awhile now.  I tried the Karen Walker Deep Freeze Sunnies that everyone and her mother was wearing, but they showed up and made my face look oddly shrunken.  Now, I like a pair of oversized sunnies, but the proportions of these were all wrong.  I then contemplated a new pair of aviators to replace the drugstore ones I picked up at the beach a few years back.  But I was sort of yawning about it and dragging my feet on placing the order, so I went back to the drawing board.  Now I know what I need: cat-eyes.  While I do seriously adore the Thierry Lasry pair that Olivia Palermo sports, this uh-may-ZING style from Elizabeth&James ($155, Shopbop) is far more wallet-friendly and just as chic:

2.  Bold Summer Jewelry. I’m sort of getting into this space where I like the unexpected mix of craft-looking jewelry and polished separates, i.e. a conservative black shift dress with enormous tribal-style beaded jewelry.  This BaoBao necklace ($199, BaoBao) is first on my list, and this Roberta Chiarella find comes in a close second ($128, Max and Chloe):

3.  Anything and everything flame red. I’ve been into this color for the past year straight, and cannot get over it.  I’ll take this crossbody ($238, J. Crew) and these strappy tootsies for starters (ToryBurch, $350, FootCandyShoes) to begin:

But would love to pair with these Suzanna Dai danglers ($190, SuzannaDai), which coordinate perfectly with my favorite cheek stain du jour, Tarte’s “Tipsy” ($30, Tarte):

Why not spice things up with flame red undergarments (Deborah Marquit, $195 for top, $110 for bottom — Net-A-Porter) beneath an OLE-ready dress (love.this. in a serious kind of way — Milly, $240, Shopbop):

Perfect with those GORGEOUS espadrille wedges by MyMu that I’ve been lusting after all season (seriously, I need you in my closet — $298, MyMu):

4. Speaking of drool-worthy shoes, I need some neon-accented flateroos. I fell in love with the Kate Spade Tipsy in hot pink, but it appears to be sold out everywhere.  I’ve only been able to find the style in the orangey-melon color ($198, FootCandyShoes), and am seriously considering snapping ‘em up.

I loooove the way the neutral wheat looks against the pop-o-bright.  Delightful.  If those don’t work out, these J. Crew “CeCes” ($128) come in next on the list, although I’ve found that J. Crew shoes are fairly uncomfortable in past years, SO I’m a little scurrred.

5. Cambridge Satchel Company Messenger. I don’t know what happened, but suddenly all of my favorite fashionistas are wearing these messengers ($160 and up), and I’m kind of jealous.  They can even emboss your initials on the side!

Check it out: not only was Hanneli Mustaparta seen sporting a neon version –

{image via Vogue}

But Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere, Carolina Engman of FashionSquad, who appears to own the bag in multiples (as shown here and here, among other places), and Taylor of Sterling Style:

{images from Cupcakes and Cashmere}

{images from TheFashionSquad}

 

{image from SterlingStyle}

I like the smallest size (11″) — the larger ones look a little too…large.  But I must have.  And soon.  With my initials on the side.  Done.

6.Home Spa Day. It’s been, like, a bajillion and three years since I unwound my tense little self at the spa.  I don’t think a day of self-pampering is in the cards at the moment — hard to justify when Mr. Magpie hasn’t yet found out how much I spent on his graduation party (he graduates from his MBA program in just a few short hours!), and I’m not looking forward to breaking the news to him.  (But he deserves it!)  So instead I’ll create the spa day at home.  I’ll begin by sleeping in (ha, never happens — when I turned 26, I suddenly found it impossible to sleep in past 8 a.m., and I’ve now begun an alarming trend where I’ll occasionally rise with the sun at, like, 5 am, to get my day started…sick).  Maybe blocking out the sun with this cute little eye mask ($24.50, MaryGreen — the designer behind the famous sleep mask that Audrey Hepburn wore in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”…but that mask terrifies me a little bit…):

And I’ll canoodle in my bed with one of these adorable printed robes ($95, JohnRobshaw):

 

 

 

After lighting my favorite candle, Tocca’s Florence ($36, Tocca) –

I’d begin with some skin treatments — and I just so happened to rediscover two of my favorite drugstore finds from middle school recently.  Did any else obsess over Mint Julep’s face mask and St. Ives’ apricot scrub?!  Am totally re-obsessed with both.  Brings me back to middle school sleepovers, and the prices are hard to beat (St. Ives, $3.99, Drugstore and Mint Julep,$4.19, Drugstore.com) –

– and then I’d exfoliate the lips (need.this — $22, Fresh) and slather on my other obsession of the year: Laura Mercier’s Mega-Moisturizer ($50, LauraMercier).  This magical serum came highly recommended by a girlfriend of mine who literally has porcelain skin.  So I followed suit and haven’t looked back once.

Finally, I’d finish by giving myself my own “spa” mani-pedi.  I’ve gotten good at freshening up the nails when in a pinch.  I begin with a cuticle oil treatment ($15, ButterLondon), and then follow with a nail strengthener as the base coat ($9.50, Nailtiques):

Then two coats of polish (I’m loving these bright colors for summer by Deborah Lippmann — $16, bottle, DeborahLippmann) –

Follow by a quick-dry top coat (SecheVite, $9, Ulta):

7.  Perfect Perforated Pumps. I saw these Miu-Miu peep-toes ($650, Net-A-Porter) awhile ago, and pouted at the price tag while still ogling over them.

Something about the design just spoke to me as fresh — sort of safari-looking in a way.  They add some edge and interest.  And then I found their cheaper doppelganger over at FootCandyShoes ($195, FootCandyShoes) and was beyond.thrilled.

I can’t decide if I like the fuschia or the nude better — but both would be happy new solemates.  {As an aside, just realized that this entire post has been largely about footwear.  Woopsiedoodle.}  If you’re in the market for a flat version of the above, I’m swooning over these perforated Lanvins ($565, ShopZoe), and their less expensive counterpart from J. Crew ($148, J. Crew):

 

8.  Vinho Verde. Have you had this varietal of wine?!  It’s the perfect easy-drinking summer wine.  It’s very light and tart — almost grapefruity — and has a slight effervescence (not like champagne — more like seltzer water) that is uber-palatable in the summer.  My favorite comes from the label Famega — it’s inexpensive and beyond delightful.

They sell it at my favorite wine shop, BestCellars, but I’ve also seen it at Wegman’s.  If you can’t find this exact bottle, try any label’s version of VinhoVerde — I’ve been consistently impressed.

That’s all she wrote for now!  Happy weekend!

 

The Little Lady Goes to Work

In Accessories, Black, Jewelry, The Little Lady, Work Wear on May 18, 2011 at 12:02 pm

Many of you have asked me to restore my “Little Lady” series (see here, here, and here) — I suppose a classic never goes out of style after all.  I’ve been trying to breathe new life into my LRR work wardrobe, so this post will be just as much about taking stock of new plans for my own workerbee get-ups as it is about bringing a favorite Magpie collection back.  First up: a slick color-blocked look.  I lovelovelove this affordable Bailey44 number ($130, ShopAmbience), and would pair it with a long, mixed-media necklace ($200, SuzannaDai):

I’d pair with a pop-of-azalea-red scarf ($195, ChanLuu), some classic black patent pumps (you know I’m a sucker for Louboutins, but these affordable Vince Camutos are a nice everyday option — $79, VinceCamuto), and this made-for-the-dress ladylike satchel ($395, RebeccaMinkoff):

Alternately, create a colorblocking effect yourself, beginning with a simple black dress (love this cowl-back style — on sale for $220, LoefflerRandall) and a pop-o-strawberry necklace ($140, LorenHopeDesigns):

I’d add a colorblocked purse ($550, Be&D) and a taupe heel ($125, PiperLime):

I’m still loving the look of tailored shorts, but am a little anxious about actually pulling it off.  Will I look like a little boy?  (A serious consideration for anyone of comparably diminutive proportions…)  I’d wear a chic tailored pair (Cacharel, $495, LaGarconne) with a nude blouse (Equipment, $208, Shopbop) and a statement necklace ($155, CarolMarieDesign):

And I’d finish with some polished flats (Chloe, $450, Net-A-Porter) and a geranium orangey-red bag ($415, LineaPelle):

I’m also suh-wooning over this Alexander Wang blouson-style dress (love the contrast of the fabrics — $550, LaGarconne), which I’d wear with

I’d pair with a snakeskin bag (Rebecca Minkoff, $450, Shopbop) and a pointy-toed wedge (PourLaVictoire, $208, Endless):

I’d finish with a couple of classic enamel bangles ($570 apiece, Hermes) and some polished gold studs ($95, EmilyElizabethJewelry):

 

Or how about a simple jersey-weight dress (Tibi, on sale for $130, TheOutnet) with a gold-on-pink necklace ($365, Kabiri):

 

I’d finish with a blush-toned leather, slouchy tote ($298, Nordstrom) and these un.believable Fendi pumps (love the raffia and the little half bow at the tow — $664, Bluefly):

A breezy scarf in an updated leopard print ($135, Lily and Lionel) would be the perfect finishing touch:

 

Finally, I’m all.about the shirt dress, and this military-inspired Tory Burch style ($350, Tory Burch) in pristine, summer-ready white leaves me with a serious covet problem, especially coupled with an oversized link necklace ($30, TopShop) and some aviators:

 

I’d wear it with this Z Spoke by Zac Posen bag ($535, ScoopNYC) and these eye-catching, funky-yet-polished little shoes ($375, Be&D):

If cold, this summer-weight tweed coat by M by Missoni has my name written all over it (but not Mr. Magpie’s approval, given the price tag…$1,184, MyWardrobe):

I’d keep my laptop (a Macbook Air — love.of.my.life.) safe in a chic leather sleeve ($50, Russell and Hazel) –

And while I like a legal pad as much as the next girl, when I lived in France, I noticed that all of my classmates took notes on grid/graph paper, and was an instant convert.  So much easier to stay neat with them (OCD much?) — and for that reason, I am obsessed with this Bob’s Your Uncle notebook to keep myself organized at work ($16, SeeJaneWork) and a rollerball pen ($40 each, Kate’s Paperie):

Just some idea to put a little pep in your step :)

DON’T forget to enter the AMAZING TheLittleBlackShop giveaway for personalized stationery!  OMG.  To enter, all you need to do is leave a message on this post telling me about the best piece of mail you’ve ever received — I’ve already received tons of touching responses.  Please also check out TheLittleBlackShop’s Facebook page and bloglet to swoon over some amazing design and entertaining ideas.  Enter to win by tomorrow, Thursday, 5/19 — I’ll announce a winner on Friday, 5/20!


It’s Wedding Season.

In Accessories, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Glitter, Jewelry, Romantic, Shoes on May 16, 2011 at 12:41 pm

It’s officially wedding season.  Or, in my case, ENGAGEMENT season, since I’ve heard about/toasted to 6 newly engaged couples in the past two weeks or so (!!!) and probably another 6 couples over the past few months!  Such an exciting time!  AND (not to make it all about me), just found out that I will be the maid of honor (refuse to use the term “matron of honor” — sounds so old and ogrely) in my bestie’s wedding and am dying with excitement (!!!)  I’ve clearly already begun to make some preliminary plans for all of the awesome parties I’m going to be throwing in her honor over the next year or so, and have also already bought her a truckload of engagement prezzies, including a Smythson wedding planner with her NEW initials engraved on it.


She informed me that she’s already stocked up on Le Pens ($1.69 apiece, Marvy) and some organizational folders/dossiers ($18, SeeJaneWork), like a good little bride:



The pens will come in handy for all of the THANKYOUNOTE writing she will be doing, and — to further assist her in the enormous task of wedding-related letter-writing — I found her the most ADORABLE note cards in the universe from TheLittleBlackShop:

When I reached out to place the order, I got to “e-meet” the creative genius behind the line, who turns out to be just the loveliest of people as well as the UBER-talented founder/head designer of a event planning / design firm, LittleBlackPress.  (She also lives in Boston, MA, my current dream city, as noted in Friday’s post…).  She has generously offered one lucky reader a set of personalized cards from her shop!  What what!  To enter, all you need to do is leave a message on this post telling me about the best piece of mail you’ve ever received — acceptance letter to college? love note? $5,000 refund?  Pair of Louboutins?  What was it?!  Please also check out TheLittleBlackShop’s Facebook page (lots of interesting ideas for the brides-to-be!) and her uh-may-zing bloglet to swoon over her event-planning capabilities.  Enter to win by Thursday, 5/19 — I’ll announce a winner on Friday, 5/20! Also, died over her “Pregnant in Heels” cards given my unhealthy obsession with the new Bravo series of the same name.  (Ridiculous and also addictive.)

Need to order now?!  The sweet proprieter has offered 20% off all purchases from her Etsy storefront with coupon code FASHION, from now through June 30! WOOO!  Love is in.the.air.

But down to the nuts and bolts of wedding/engagement season: what to wear to all of the festive wedding-related occasions so many of us have on our social agendas over the next few weeks?  I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve received about wedding-related wardrobe decisions, i.e. what shoes to wear with a bridesmaid dress, where to go for cute wedding presents, etc.  So here goes: a few styling ideas to leave us stylish throughout the season!

My first instincts for wedding attendant fare?  A bright sorbet-colored dress (mango — Tibi, $155, TheOutnet; strawberry — $305, Zimmerman; or raspberry — $345, RebeccaTaylor) –

I like the idea of complementing with some dazzling, high-def turquoise statement jewelry — how about this go-geous necklace by Loren Hope ($175, LorenHopeDesigns — incidentally, bought my mother’s “mother of the bride” thank you gift from her — the “Belize Cluster” necklace, and she loved it):

 

Perfect with a chic clutch (love this beaded style — Chloe, $1,650, MyTheresa) and some eye-catching gold sandals (OMG, obsessed with the entire Rupert Sanderson collection! — $795, Rupert Sanderson):

If you shy away from bold colors, this soft gray dress (on sale for $229, Calypso) is lovely, and I d.i.e. over the soft “epaulette” inspired accents on the shoulders.

I kind of like it with some dramatic sparkling danglers ($270, Dannijo) and some jaw-dropping shoes (a girl can dream, can’t she?! — one concern about these: they may upstage the bride…$3,295, Net-A-Porter):

With a monochomatic look of this sort, a little POP in the form of a funky clutch is in order — still head.over.heels for these be-petaled Sondra Roberts clutches, which come in a range of colors ($105, SondraRoberts):

The above dress is also available in a classy navy hue that would look killah with some emerald-inspired earrings ($280, Mariam Haskell)

I’d finish with a show-stopping cuff (Alexandra McQueen, $670, TheOutnet) and some glittering pumps (Kate Spade, $325, Jildor) –

 

For the pastel-lovers, how to die is this elegantly-draped mint dress ($368, Alice & Olivia), especially offset by coral earrings ($320, Bounkit):


I’d finish with a pearl-accented bracelet ($480, Mariam Haskell) and one of the amazing Amanda Pearl roll clutches ($1,395, AmandaPearl):

 

 


More wedding attire posts to come soon — but for now, I’m off!

What’s the Ruckus about Nantuck(us)?

In Accessories, Americana, Beach Wear, Brights!, Magpie Must, Plaid, Pop of Red, Shoes on May 13, 2011 at 11:18 am

(No idea what the title of this post means.  It popped into my head and settled in for the long haul.  So I used it.)  I spent last week in Boston and fell.in.love with its vibe.  This has fueled many a conversation with Mr. Magpie about moving North to try a new home city (he is open to it, but he’s also practical, pointing out that I was there when it was sunny and 70 degrees…) AND spurred many a daydream about vacationing up in Nantucket.  I’ve been “dream-packing” for the loveliest of trips.  (Hint, hint — Mr. Magpie.)

First up: easy-on, preppy-styled dresses.  I’m thinking of this dress ($149, Quail Shop) with an appropriately nautical necklace ($250, Chance):

 

I’d finish with a pair of espadrilles, either in navy or white ($90/pair, Seychelles):

 

For sailing, a classic gingham bikini ($39 for top, $24 bottom — Jack Wills) is perfect –

Especially paired with an easy-on Panama hat ($58, J. Crew) and a crisp white tunic ($63, Petit Bateau):

I’d pack a practical canvas bag ($85, Utility Canvas) with all of my boat-time essentials:

These would include a preppy beach towel ($60, Petit Bateau), some sunscreen wipes ($34, SuperGoop), and some inexpensive flip-flops (Havaianas, $24, Shopbop):

Alternately, a star-print two-piece (Isabel Marant Etoile, $165, Net-A-Porter) beneath a striped tee dress ($95, Aubin and Wills), paired with a horse-shoe design tote (conveniently similar to the Chanel design…me like-y — $121, Ambience):

 

I’d finish with some easy on flips (Tory Burch, $45, SimplySoles)  and some sporty shades (Carrera, $120, Saks):

For casual putzing around the area, I’d throw on my wayfarers ($145, Ray-Ban) and an easy-on oxford ($85, Polo Ralph Lauren) with some lived-in coral red shorts ($42, J. Crew):

 

I’d pair with either  a pair of classic espadrilles ($99, KateSpade) or some classic Sperry boat shoes ($90, Sperry):

 

And the perfect, dressed-up canvas tote ($595, Barney’s) — love the rope handle detailing and the overall simplicity of the shape and design — as well as a vintage-style sweatshirt ($42, TheSunkenShip) for cool breezes:

 

 

Also semi-interested in the cinched-waist shorts I’ve been seeing lots and lots this season — how about a simple plaid button down ($115, Madewell) with a cheery necklace (Sequin, $88, Nordstrom) and a pair of off-white shorts ($59, Madewell):

I like the idea of throwing on a boyish navy blazer ($188, J. Crew) and finish with a cherry red tote ($495, CoutureCandy) and some classic Tod’s mocs ($365, MyTheresa):

 

After a day of tanning and boating, I’d slip into something simple like this striped maxi ($195, SeatonSurf), paired with a statement necklace (YSL, $895, Net-A-Porter), and would leave my hair “beachy” style (as much as it kills me to do so…as my bestie’s fiance put it: “Girls’ hair should be worn long and straight.”) with the help of my Frederic Fekkai texturizer ($24, Frederic Fekkai):

 

A pair of classic gold Jack Rogers (Magpie staple — I buy a new pair each year — $98, JackRogers) and a Jesi Milly ring (incredible jewelry craftswoman! — $980, Vivre) sound about right:

 

 

I kind of like it finished with a POP of nautical green in the form of an oversized clutch ($139, SeeVivier):

 

Alternately, a semi-retro styled striped dress ($72, TopShop) would look beyond adorable with a statement necklace ($173, Max&Chloe):

 

I think I’d finish with these adorable Seychelles flats (seriously into this style at the moment…retro but so fresh — $90, Seychelles) and a geranium red clutch ($135, Opening Ceremony):

Mr. Magpie will wear the Smathers & Branson belt I bought him a few summers ago ($165, Smathers & Branson) and…

 

well, come to think of it: he constantly looks as if he stepped off of a boat in Nantucket, so no wardrobe tweaks are necessary.

Anyone else read to sail away?!

Cafe Au Lait

In Accessories, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Neutrals, Shoes, Sundresses, White on May 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

In a season of BRIGHTS, I’m occasionally inclined to go counter-trend with breezy neutrals.  Earlier this week, for example, I wore a pencil skirt (yes, I wear white before Memorial Day — MaxMara, $224, Matches) with a day-glo mandarin orange top ($48, Dorothy Perkins), a shocking pink linen-fabric scarf (the one below is a cashmere fabric, but you get the drift — $44, Pret-a-Beaute), and these uh-may-zing gray-orange-and-white colorblocked Anya Hindmarch tootsies that I own and adore (couldn’t find anything like them online, so these Louboutin’s will just.have.to.do — $1,149, MyTheresa). The next day, however, I am completely re-fashioned in a neutral, cafe-au-lait look:

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

{Earrings: $200, Mariam Haskell; Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs, $600, Net-A-Porter; Tootsies: Louboutin, $806, Matches}

Do you love?!  So refreshing and sophisticado.  Would wear with this uber-drool-worthy Anya Hindmarch tote (OMG. — $1,000, AnyaHindmarch), which would be home to my oversized tortoise-shell sunnies (glam, glam, glam — but I hate you, Oliver Peoples, for being so pricey — $330, Net-A-Porter) and  a snakeskin iPad case ($145, Kooba):

Must admit that I may have lifted this chiffony neutral obsession straight from Donna Karan’s Spring 2011 collection — my favorite look of the bunch:

The only thing I’d change would be the hair and makeup.  Why wash the poor girl out so terribly?!  I’m thinking that a red lip would have had a major impact.  FYI: the models reportedly wore Deborah Lippmann’s “Naked” color ($16, Deborah Lippmann), which is temporarily sold out.  I snagged a bottle earlier this season and did not like it one.bit. to be honest — it made my fingers blend in with my hands.  Freaky.  I’m thinking that I’ll give it another try when I’m nice and sun-kissed from the summer.

I’ve also been majorly into easy-on silky little dresses paired with sensible flats.  I have a few in heavy rotation — one from Zara, another from Parker, and another from H&M.  I wear them constantly.  In this vein, I find myself gravitating towards neutral dresses like this cinnamon-hued TopShop number ($64, TopShop), topped with statement-making necklaces (Karen Walker, $198, Glassworks Studios — for something similar but a bit less pricey, check out this $80 Kenneth Jay Lane find at Shopbop):

I’d pair with some easy-on neutral flats (am seriously, sickly obsessed with Reed Krakoff — where did he come from?! — $395, Net-A-Porter) and this eye-catching satchel by up-and-coming label, Gryson ($675, Gryson):

Like the slightly “urban safari” vibe the look gives off.  Round it out with some glammed-up aviators (Dolce & Gabbana, $260, Saks):

 

I’m also loving the idea of re-vamping some of my many white dresses to suit this look — consider how fresh a simple white shift ($248, LaGarconne) would look with a tortoise-shell bead necklace (Kenneth Jay Lane, $160, Pret-A-Beaute):

 

 

 

I’d finish with some heavy, strappy brown sandals (love these — $99, Zara — they’re the recessionista’s take on the YSL Tribs):

This quirky rattan-style handbag (Stella McCartney, $648, Farfetch) has my attention at the moment, and would look just right with a pair of tortoise-shell cat-eyes ($235, Orla Kiely) to complete the a sort of laidback 70s safari look:


Just my cup of…coffee?  Haha.  Dumb.  If you want to go more literal with the urban jungle-teer look, try a khaki “cargo-style” dress.  I snapped up one up earlier this season and love to wear it with heels and a leopard scarf or flats and some mega statement jewelry.  This Rag & Bone style also caught my eye ($395, ShopBird), and I’d pair it with my oversized wood-bead necklace (very, very similar to this affordable find — $26, ModCloth):

I’d finish with some open-weave flats (like the added interest — $98, Vince Camuto) and this chocolate-accented messenger (Michael Kors, $990, Net-A-Porter):

A pair of smart shades (Olivia P. owns these puppies by Thierry Lasry, $395, Opening Ceremony) and a scallop-accented wallet (See By Chloe, $195, Net-a-Porter) finish the look with a bang:

For weekends, I just re-discovered this amazing slim-fit cocoa-on-white striped tee that I plan to put in heavy rotation.  For something similar, try this ALC tank ($84, Barney’s) with some LRR (Lather-Rinse-Repeat) gold studs (Gorjana, $40, Shopbop), a simple gold personalized chain (I’m tempted to buy one with my initial and one with Mr. Magpie’s — $132, JenniferZeuner), white jeans, and some amazing t-straps (love the nautical rope detailing on these Guccis — $465, Net-A-Porter):

 

Spruce it up with this yellow python-accented clutch (do you die?! — around $210, WeLikeFashion) and a stack of bangles (MaxMara, $78, Matches):

And finish with some aviatahs (really into this style today — Marc by Marc Jacobs, $110, Shopbop):

 

 

Another sweet look for the weekend — perhaps brunch with your mom? — this darling cream-colored little dress (Vanessa Bruno Athe, $150, Net-A-Porter) with a tangle o chains necklace ($100, Amrita Singh):

I’d finish with toffee-colored pumps (Pelle Moda, on sale for $87, Zappos) and that amazing Marc Jacobs clutch I’ve been featuring non.stop ($1,385, Matches):

 

An oversized starburst ring adds just the right amount of funk to the outfit (House of Harlow, $60, Nordstrom), and are perfectly offset by these Chloe shades (the scalloping sort of echoes the ring design — I live for nerdy design details like that! — $330, Nordstrom):

 

 

Of course, what’s a post focused on coffee without, well, the actual coffee?  Mr. Magpie makes my French Press cup of coffee every morning — he’s got it down to a science.  He likes Intelligentsia or Stumptown for his beans, which he grinds fresh every morning with his fancy burr grinder.  I’m one spoiled little lady.

Yum!

P.S CORRECTION TO YESTERDAY’S POST: I mistakenly mentioned that my Mom has been getting her nails done at Ilo for the past 20 years, but I was wrong — that’s where she gets her hair cut and colored (by Terry and Sal, her dynamic hair styling duo!)  My Mom has actually been getting her nails done by Gloria Phillips at Salon Jean Paul (on Yuma Street in Spring Valley, DC. 202-966-1900) for the past 20 years. My apologies for the oversight!

An Ode to My Mother

In Accessories, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes on May 9, 2011 at 12:33 pm

Last year’s mother’s day post apparently brought my mother {and several other mothers} to tears, so I’ll do my best to avoid the sentimental this go around, though I find a less effusive ode to my mother challenging if not impossible.  I can’t help but speak of her with the most earnest and wide-eyed respect, adoration, and love.

My mother has taught me many things, whether by example {I strive for her selflessness in relationships} or brute force {“Jennifer, say thank you.”}  Here, a few of the major legacies and lessons I have received from my mother, the most ladylike of the bunch:

1.  Do your own bidding. I was something of a shrinking violet as a child {quiet, shy little thing…I was always very, very petite, with a little voice to match}, and I owe any iota of assertiveness and poise to her consistent message of self-empowerment.  This is a semi-inappropriate anecdote, but bear with me: when I was little and having trouble with moving from diapers to “big girl underwear,” she would urge me to repeat “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” when I was in prime accident-prone territory.   Nowadays, I repeat that mantra more often than I care to admit; the message resonates all the more powerfully in my late 20s, now that I’ve fully flown the coop.  She taught me to rely on myself, my own devices, in order to get where I want to go.

2.  Listen. I don’t know how she does it with 5 kids on her hands, constantly vying for her attention, sympathy, and advice, but she is the most patient friend on earth.  She’ll sit and listen to me vent until the cows come home, knowing that sometimes you don’t want advice or feedback or commentary — just a friendly soul to share your thoughts with.  I need to take a page out of her book on this one.

3.  Say “yes” as often as you can; only say “no” when you mean it. My mother claims this as her parenting technique, but I’m fairly confident that she’d apply this to just about any relationship in her life.  Her generosity of spirit is humbling.  May also explain why she is freakishly busy at all times of the year, and why she needs to “pencil me in” for lunch dates.

4.  Read as much as possible. One of the best days of the first ten years of my life (hands down) arrived when my mother took me to the DC Public Library to get my own library card.  I was ecstatic, even though I could hardly sign my name in cursive, and I can remember the months of rapid reading that ensued.  I must have torn through an extra book or two a week just to be able to return and check out the newest “Boxcar Children” under my own tab.  My mom reads an average of an astonishing 2 books a week — by far the most impressive bibliophile I’ve ever encountered.  Must.catch.up.

5.  Never put yourself down. When I was about six years old, I got in trouble with my parents for something or other.  I was so sickened and upset about the whole scenario, I whispered angrily: “I hate myself” under my breath.  My mother whipped around as though I’d taken the Lord’s name in vain and said: “Don’t you ever say that about my best friend.”  My eyes were wide as saucers as I contemplated the unexpected gravity of the words that had so easily rolled off my tongue and pondered the meaning of being my mother’s “best friend.”  (Was it possible for a 6 year old to be best friends with her mother, a real, live adult?!)  The moment truly shaped me — I shy away from the word “hate” as a general proposition and have never since applied it to myself.

OK, and SCENE.  I’m imagining my Magpie Mother tearing up now, so I’ll quickly switch gears to a few fashion-related legacies she’s passed along.  I listed several of her most salient styling tips in last year’s post, but here are a few more gems:

1.  You can never have enough cardigans.

No, really.  She insists that you can never have enough of them.  Think I’m exaggerating?  She literally is the Imeldo Marcos of cardignas.  I swear she buys a new cashmere cardigan every day of the year.  She also constantly advises my sisters and I to “pack a cardigan in case you get cold.”  As a result, I have my own fledgling rainbow of cardigans, many of them the J. Crew Jackie ($62 each), which I must own in about 12 colors already.

{DVF, $355, Matches}

 

2.  Don’t be afraid of bold nail colors.

While my mom would never (nev.er) wear a dark color on her nails, I’ve seen her test-drive some intense pinks, corals, mauves, and reds in her time.  Corollary to this rule: always get your nails done.  She’s had a standing appointment every Friday at ILO Salon for the past 20 years of her life.

{$16/pop, DeborahLippmann}

 

3.  Wear as much color as possible.  Especially if it’s in the peach color family.

My Mom chastises me for wearing too much black.  While I’m Eeyore in mourning (grays and blacks galore), she’s like a little beam of sunshine, in her coordinated peachy-pink-centric wardrobe.  She’s loving the BRIGHTS trend this season, and — admittedly — for good reason.  Color really brings a lot to the table, and can really illuminate you from the outside in.

{Balenciaga, $880, Matches}

{Adam, on sale for $78, TheOutnet}

{Top three pairs of flats: $45/pair, BCFootwear; Bottom pair: Bloch, $165, Net-A-Porter}

{$45/clutch, GraphicImage}


 

{Top: Robert Goossens, $150, Vivre; Middle: Bounkit, $75, Charm and Chain; Bottom: $320, Bounkit}

4.  Dress like a lady.

Ripped/frayed pants?  Distressed jeans?  Low-rise pants?  Midriff-baring tops?  My mom doesn’t want to hear about it or see it.  She’ll forever swoon over a fuller, longer skirt, and she’s always advising us to over-dress.  The risk of under-dressing is a far more serious threat.

 

 

{Earrings: $45, Oliphant; Dress: Adam, $197, TheOutnet; Shoes: $285, KateSpade; Clutch: $58, J. Crew}

5.  Stay organized.

My mom may well be the most organized woman on the universe.  She probably has a dewey decimal system in place for her closet, and her handbags are carefully-orchestrated feats of orderliness.  {By contrast, my bags are black holes of debris and clutter.}  This tendency towards organization extends to all aspects of her life, but most especially her kitchen.  My sisters and I joke that she’s installed GPS devices in each and every one of her bowls, glasses, serving platters, and tupperware containers, because if we dare “borrow” one and neglect to return it, we’ll receive weekly emails asking after its whereabouts.  All jokes aside, that’s some impressive organizational skill — and I could use some of that.  Perhaps I’ll begin by investing in some eye-catching tupperware ($32, FrenchBull), to keep my ps and qs in order.

In short: I love you, Mom, for all of the lessons (practical, styling-related, motivational, and otherwise) that you have taught me.  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

****

DRUMROLL: The winner of the GraphicImage giveaway and recipient of an AMAZING personalized iPad cover is: Erin!  She wrote that her mother taught her that “less is more,” and that “a flattering hemline and a well-tailored fit can truly make an outfit.”  Love it.  Erin, I’ll email you to get your details so we can get your iPad cover to you!  THANK YOU to GraphicImage for this generous (!!!!) giveaway.