thefashionmagpie

Archive for August, 2011

Anniversary.

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Brights!, Champagne!, Fierce, Jewelry, Leopard, Pop of Red, Romantic on August 5, 2011 at 12:15 pm

This weekend, I’ll be celebrating 1 YEAR (!) of marriage with the wonderful Mr. Magpie.  I can’t believe it’s been a year — it seriously feels like just yesterday that I was a jittery ball of excitement and emotion as I got ready to walk down the aisle…!  I’ve been poring over our album with such love and nostalgia over the past few weeks, and while I cherish each.and.every. picture (and swoon over how beautiful my mom and I managed to make that day!), one of my favorites is a snap of Mr. Magpie hamming it up as he was getting ready to share his groom’s toast.  (I’d never heard of this tradition, but my mom insisted on it — and it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.)  Mr. Magpie literally had every single person in the room in tears by the time he’d finished his toast (and though he’s a Tough Guy, even he was a little choked up).  I wish I had a video-recording of it, because I was so moved and lovestruck that I can only clearly remember the last line — “I’m going to take care of you every day for the rest of your life.”  And he has lived up to this promise so generously and beautifully.  I LOVE YOU, MR. MAGPIE!

In keeping with this swoony love-filled post, I just HAD to select Judy as the winner of my Graphic Image giveaway!  In response to my question (“What is your favorite day of the year?”), Judy wrote:

“My favorite day of the year is April 10th. That is the day my amazing best friend got down on one knee in our kitchen – a Sunday morning while making breakfast – and asked me to marry him. I say best friend because he truly is. He’s also thoughtful, hilarious, adventurous, caring, and very very handsome. I’m the happiest girl in the world thanks to April 10th. Now I need that organizer to start our wedding planning!”

LOVE IT.  Judy, I’ll be in touch so we can get your datebook in the mail and on its way to you so you can get the planning process in high gear :)   P.S. — still want a Graphic Image treat?  Use coupon code DATEBOOK to save 20% off your entire order.

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And now — a list of things that will make this anniversary weekend that much sweeter…

1.  Sweets and Champagne

Mr. Magpie and I have defrosted the top layer of our wedding cake and are looking forward to testing it alongside a bottle of Kluge pink champagne.  (Kluge Vineyards used to be in Charlottesville, VA, home of our alma mater, UVA, but has just recently closed.  We literally bought cases of the leftover wine — it was that good.  So our one remaining bottle of Kluge pink bubbly will be cherished with particular flourish.)  We may also pack some of these little champagne splits (Pommery, $16, NapaCabs) for an afternoon/evening on the beach!

I also found a bunch of fun little gifts for Mr. Magpie, including (ugh, I know you’re reading this, Mr. Magpie, so just pretend like it’s a surprise) a box of pistachio truffles from Knipschildt Chocaltier called “The Jennifer” (my name).  The description on the side reads: “A bit nutty, but really quite sweet.”  LOVE IT.

2.  Red Lips (…?!)

Um.  OK.  I have a deep-seated fear of The Bold Lip but finally, finally, I think I might give it a whirl and see whether Mr. Magpie likes it or not.  I’ve heard really good things about YSL’s Rouge Pur lipsticks ($30, Sephora), especially in the corals.

 

3.  Leopard Everything.

I have no idea why I’m suddenly obsessed with all things leopard.  Like…it’s a problem.  So I’m all about lounging in a leopard print bikini ($198, LesNouvelles) with some glam enorma-shades ($275, Net-A-Porter)

 

I’ll be out there in a white, gauzey tunic with my sun essentials (Clarins Sunscreen Spray Oil — $32, Sephora; Fresh’s SPF 15 Sugar Rose lip treatment — $22.50, Sephora; and Frederic Fekkai’s “Beach Waves” hair spritz — $24, FredericFekkai):

 

And, of course, a good book — right now I’m reading Jennifer Egan’s bestselling “A Visit from the Goon Squad” ($14, Amazon), though the jury’s still out in terms of quality.  Interesting from a narratological standpoint — each chapter told from a different character’s perspective from a different point in time, and all of the characters are in some way interconnected — but I’m not sold on the characters.  They all feel a little flat, a little scripted to me.

 

4.  BRIGHT Jewelry.

I’m talking the big ol bold stuff.  As I mentioned in an earlier post this week, it’s just too darn hot these days, so I’ve been living in loose-cut cotton dresses and then throwing on serious necklaces and earrings to add some pizzazz.  Lucky for us, the designers have been on our same page.  How awesome would one of these look paired with a simple white dress?!  (1 — Marni, $405, Net-A-Porter; 2 — $300, BexRox; 3 — $2,175, TomBinnsDesigns):

5.  Road Trip Essentials

Mr. Magpie claims otherwise, but if I don’t pack snacks for him on the road, he gets fussy.  For this trip, I’ve packed…Annie’s Organic Bunny Pretzels ($2.99, Annie’s), lots of water, and Loacker’s Quadratini vanilla wafer cookies (OMG, these are so delicious — they’re like those sugar wafers that used to come from Keebler’s…or maybe still do?! — but gussied up, $4.99, Amazon):

 

And, of course, a killer “Windows Down” playlist featuring lots of country — I like Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban for “open road” kind of days…

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Seeing Spots.

In Accessories, Black, Neutrals, Shoes, Work Wear on August 4, 2011 at 10:58 am

I’ve never met a polka-dot print I didn’t like.  I realized this just the other day when I realized I have 3 different gauzey white-on-black polka dot blouses hanging in my closet, and that they’ve been in heavy rotation the past few weeks.  Is it bad that if I came across the polka dot blouse I just spotted (hehe) on my newest love of life, Giovanna Battaglia (former editor to various European Vogues, current creative designer for W magazine — yep!  she’s stateside!), I would totes mcgotes snap it up and hang it alongside the other 3 polka dot companions currently in my wardrobe?

{PS — I’ve been stockpiling images of Ms. G, a favorite of TheSartorialist and other street style blogleteers, for some time now, and currently feel inspired to run a “Dress Like G” post…if you’d like to get a sneak peek of her stylish amazingness, check out this post from ThePlace2BSeen.}  But back to the dots: I’ve been pairing this balloon-sleeve BARGAIN of a blouse I found at H&M ($19, H&M — I bought it in multiples, including the pink and black print, which looks slick with anything from black skinnies to a trim white pencil skirt; need the shirt pronto and not willing to locate an H&M?  Check out this nearly identical $64 version from PiperLime) with a wider-gauge polka dot scarf ($150, Net-A-Porter) and white skinnies on dress-down Fridays at work:

I’d finish with glossy black sunnies (Gucci, $275, Net-A-Porter), a serious watch (haha, I almost laugh at imagining myself wearing this bad boy, which costs a cool $8,300…thanks, Tiffany) and a fierce leopard ring ($60, Max&Chloe):

 

As for shoes?  I’d probably wear some neutral flats to work, and these elegant Reed Krakoffs are just my cup of tea ($375, Net-A-Porter) — but I must say that I’ve been swooning over those geek chic slipper/loafer (sloafer) hybrids that are cropping up left and right (i.e., here and here and here and here and here…the list goes on…)

 

Work requires a big, slouchy, roomy bag capable of carrying my bajillion and 1 particulars (Macbook Air, iPad, iPhone, unspillable coffee mug, power chargers, legal pads, 34 LePens, bobby pins and hair ties, makeup bag, snackeroos, oversized wallet, sunnies, etc, etc, etc), and I’ve got my eyes on this roomy but chic textured tote ($545, PourLaVictoire):

 

Alternately, how about this Equipment-style blouse (Gold Hawk, $150, LesPommettes) with skinnies and some cheery flats (on sale for $248, Giuseppe Zanotti)

I like the idea of mixing in a bold leopard print against the polka dot, and how CHIC (ugh) is this Jimmy Choo style ($1,300, Net-A-Porter)?!  UGH.

Perfect with some juged up bracelets ($95, StefaniBags for top; $200, CCSkye for bottom):

 

Now, I realize how fall-focused this post is beginning to get (jeans? flats? long-sleeved blouses?), but I can’t help it…wahhh!  The shopping gods are pushing me to think fall even though it’s a cool 99 degrees and humid as all hell outside.  So I’ll just play victim to their devious marketing ploys and admit that I am daydreaming about sweater weather — something like this M. Missoni duster sweater ($990, Net-A-Porter)

 

I’d wear it over an LRR (lather-rinse-repeat) black shift ($128, Ann Taylor) with a statement necklace (do you LOVE AND LIVE FOR this style, made of a knotted vintage Givenchy scarf?! — $175, CrumleyStore):

 

Some serious footwear is in order to sort of spruce the whole look up — I’ve been really falling in love with the latest from Azzedine Alaia (saw a pair of fierce Alaia tootsies similar to the ones shown below in Intermix and d.i.e.d. over them) and Giuseppe Zanotti, who have been featuring similar lace-up bootie styles, like these Zanotti  sandals ($995, Net-A-Porter):

(Too fierce?  Check out these classic Givenchy pumps, which I’ve drooled over about 34 times this week alone.)  Round out the look with a ladylike bag (how darling is this?! — Z by Zac Posen, $525, Scoop NY) — also HUGE for fall.  (See ya slouchy — everyone’s going for the structure these days.)

For jewels?  I’m thinking some classic gold enorma-studs ($55, BingBang), a ladylike watch (lovelovelove the shape of the face — very Hermes! — $51, ASOS), and a monogrammed cuff bracelet ($2,000, JenniferFisher):

 

For a low-key weekend of shopping, how about a pair of eye-catching earrings ($125, SuzannaDai), this sleeveless Marni top (on sale for $195, Marni) with some cropped jeans (I love J. Brand’s “Gigi” style — $165, Shopbop)?

Finish with flats.  I like the idea of a pair of flame red ones, but I’m also into pairing different sized polka dots with one another, and you know my recent obsession with those sloafers….sooo how about these puppies (a special collab between Sigerson Morrison and Madewell — $235, Madewell) in pony hair?

I’d finish with this snake-embossed carry-all ($550, ScoopNYC):

 

Anyone else on the polka dot train?

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a free, PERSONALIZED (you know I love a monogram) weekly journal / datekeeper from Graphic Image!  I’ll be announcing a winner TOMORROW!  In order to win, please become a fan of TheFashionMagpie on Facebook and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite day of the year is.  If you can’t wait to see if you’ve won or want to buy your own goodies from GraphicImage, use coupon code DATEBOOK to save 20% off your entire order.  Oh, and pleeeease with a cherry top like them on Facebook / follow them on Twitter.

Bombshell

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Bombshell, Champagne!, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Glitter, Intimates, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Romantic, Shoes, Sleepwear/Loungewear, The Little Lady on August 2, 2011 at 12:29 pm

One of my college roommates at UVA was an itty-bitty Southern belle from rural Tennessee.  She had a heavy Southern drawl (she found ways to add extra syllables to typically mono-syllabic words), was highly attuned to social proprieties (I can recall the looks of silent disgust that would creep across her perfect, tiny little face when someone would say something out of turn or off-color), and, though she often waltzed around in cowboy boots and jeans, bonded with me over our girlish sensibilities.  She took to calling me “bombsh” — an abbreviation for Bombshell — and I can still hear her feisty little voice calling up the stairs to my bedroom: “Bawwwwm-shuh?”  To this day, I think of her whenever I’m feeling a bit…undone, and need a “Bombshell Moment.”  And though she gave me this “Bombshell Manual of Style” ($12.89, Amazon) at some point in our undergrad careers, I take my bombshell cues from the mother-lode: Vogue.  Recently, I tagged all of the pictures from a phenomenal spread that Vogue Espana put out, and cannot stop drooling over the pics:


It makes me want to get all decked out for the night in something like this bombshell-worthy glittery asymmetrical number (per.fect. for NYE or a Vegas affair — $180, TheOutnet):

 

I mean — do we die!?  I’d pair with sparkling studs to up the ante ($138, Elizabeth Cole), red lipstick (go for the ultra-glam with Tom Ford’s new line of cosmetics — even the package makes you feel special! — $45, Bergdorf Goodman), and some gold, strappy heels (I know I’ve featured these badboys like 349823 times, but they are perfect — more interesting than your run-of-the-mill strappy gold sandal, but still simple enough to keep everyone’s eyes on the prize…i.e., on your dress — $795, Rupert Sanderson)

With an outfit like that, you’ve GOT to pop some bubbly ($51, Wine Anthology) and sip it out of a classic bombshell coupe (LOVE that these say “Mr” and “Mrs” on the side — what a cute engagement gift! — $80, KateSpade):

 

As mentioned yesterday in the {magpie covets} section, I’m dying over the new Rachel Zoe collection that is now available via Shopbop — I can’t get her white tiered gown ($595) out of my head.  I’d wear that, or this similar stark white, drop-dead gorgeous gown by Halston Heritage ($695, Net-A-Porter) with these TDF vintage-style agate earrings (would make great statement wedding-day earrings, too — $285, Bounkit):

 


I’d finish with red lips, this beaded box clutch (Moyna, $230, LesPommettes), and some gray-silver t-straps (love the slightly deco feel of these shoesies — Ralph Lauren, $650, Net-A-Porter):

DIE.  A bold, wine-red mani (“Lady Is a Tramp” — $16, Deborah Lippmann) and some faux cils are musts for these go-glam-or-go-home get-ups:

Don’t forget the Veronica Lake style hair…Now, if you’re like me, and occasions for black tie wear tend NOT to crop up on a weekly basis, there are loads of other ways to amp up the bombshell factor in your life.  For one thing: pull out your most luminous separates, whether that means a silky pearlescent bathrobe; a pair of glittered flats; or a floaty, metallic-thread top.  For example, how luxe would you feel shelving your go-to going-out-look in favor of this poncho-style topper (Gold Hawk, $180, LesPommettes) paired with white shorts (Theory, $160, Net-A-Porter) and some hammered gold drops (KJL, $45, Charm&Chain):


A pair of uber-covetable, sky-high heels in pale pink (Pelle Moda, $144, Nordstrom — I own this exact pair in black suede and cannot WAIT to wear them with black tights and tidy shift dresses in the winter) lengthen the leg and seal the deal:

Finish it all off with a stack of mixed-media bangles ($45, Nordstrom) and a statement-making clutch ($900+, Torregrossa):


If you’re entertaining at home, serve cocktails in vintage-style, gold-accent highballs ($125, ChicShopLA) –

I’ve been into Greyhounds lately (vodka + sparkling grapefruit juice) — they’d look refreshing in the above glasses, especially “jujed” up with some kitschy swizzle sticks (love the pink flamingos — $4.95 for 24, Kegworks):

Serve poolside on a gold tray in your own gold bombshell bikini (Melissa Odabash, $170, Net-A-Porter):

 

 

Don’t forget some fierce black shades (Prada, $290, Net-A-Porter), a vintage striped pool umbrella, and a monogrammed towel (this one from Leontine Linens):

 

 

Bombshell it up!!!  And while you’re at it, don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a personalized date planner for 2012 (see yesterday’s post for details)…how glam would you feel sitting at your desk with one of those monogrammed planners and some glitzy silver pencils ($11 for set, CursiveNY)?!

 

 

 

Splashy Summer Getaway

In Accessories, Americana, Beach Wear, Pop of Red, Sundresses, The Honeymoon Trousseau on August 1, 2011 at 1:08 pm

This upcoming weekend is a Big Deal.  Mr. Magpie and I will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary (!!!!)  I cannot believe that it’s been a year since we said our (tear-filled, beautiful, oh-so-meaningful) I Dos in front of all of our friends and family — it feels like just yesterday we were ducking into the vintage white Rolls Royce my parents had thoughtfully arranged to have transport us from our reception (which went by in a hot second) to our wedding night at the uber-luxe St. Regis.  (Never have I felt so glamorous, lucky, or happy — arriving in a fabulous car decked out in the prettiest gown I’ll ever wear with my wonderful Mr. Magpie in his tux…ah!  I die.  So.happy.)

To mark the occasion, Mr. Magpie and I are taking a long weekend at a luxe B&B in rural Virginia.  We both wish it could be longer, but sadly (!) I only have a handful of vacation days left this year.  To be honest, though, this summer has been such a fun-filled but BUSY string of trips and events (hence the sporadic posts on this blog), I am just ecstatic about the thought of relaxing, eating well, enjoying wine, and spending some QT with the Mr.  Packing is presenting something of a difficulty — with the weather forecast hovering in the high 90s, I’ll need to dress to beat the heat.  Below, my top picks for just such a summer getaway…

First, a roomy, soft-sided weekender ($345, Clare Vivier).  I very impractically bought a Louis Vuitton duffel just before the honeymoon and while I love it, it is heavy.  Even when it’s not filled with the bajillion articles of clothing that I need want to pack.  And by heavy I mean that I can’t carry it more than a block or two without wanting to keel over and die.  And by keel over and die I mean start to complain loudly until Mr. Magpie carries it the rest of the way.  And by a block or two I mean 10 feet.

Second, a lot of loose, gauzy items in bold prints/colors — it’s the only way to dress for the heat but still look bright and happy and cheerful.  I’m in.love with the line LemLem at the moment, and would opt for this tunic dress ($205, LemLem) with a bold, tribal-style necklace (Lizzie Fortunato, $429, TenOverSix):


 

I’d finish with a chic envelope-style clutch (love this Clare Vivier find in either the pebbled cobalt or geranium — $104, Clare Vivier) and a pair of Jack Rogers “Navajo” sanadals (like Jackie O., I live in these in the summer months — $98, JackRogers)

 

Perfect for exploring the town, grabbing an iced coffee, and relaxing on the rocking chairs with Mr. Magpie.  For an easy, light evening outfit, I’d swap the above outfit out for a loose dress in BRIGHT blue (Geren Ford, on sale for $109, Steven Alan) with a statement necklace ($270, Ben-Amun):

 

I’d finish with a bold cocktail ring ($150, ZeeBerry) and a woven gold clutch ($51, ASOS):

…and then your favorite shoes.  Mine would be a pair of ridiculously painful pink Louboutins, but these Charlotte Olympias are just…phenom ($1,000, Charlotte Olympia):

For daytime adventures, I like loose-fitting cotton dresses like this Paul&Joe number (on sale for $267, MyWardrobe) with bold accents, like this awesome (AH, must have) necklace ($112, Lenora Dame):

I’d tie it all together with a bold printed pouch ($24, Marimekko) and some flat sandals (Dolce Vita, $83, Endless):

Alternately, how about a loose-fitting blouse ($85, Calypso) paired with some cobalt shorts (J. Brand, $159, Shopbop) and a tribal-style necklace ($255, Crumley Store)?

Finish with a fire red cross-body bag ($148, J. Crew) and some simple neutral t-straps (Sam Edelman, $60, Zappos):


Any of the above outfits would look awesome with a stack of resin bangles ($20-$40, Ben Amun) — and J. Crew has styles of varying widths and shades as well ($14-$20):

Finally, if you’re more of a prints kinda girl, this Lauren Moffatt number ($364, Steven Alan) caught my eye as the perfect easy-on dress for a hot summer activity:

I’d wear it with some simple t-straps (you know I love K. Jacques — $225, Net-A-Porter) –

And would finish with wear-with-everything clover studs (I bought an identical pair from Sassanova a few months back and they’ve been in heavy rotation over the summer — $46, FemmeGems) and a stack of gold bangles (top: $300 for 3, Mulberry; bottom: $590, Hermes):

 

I’d finish with a roomy, oversized leather tote (I own this exact style and l.o.v.e. it — AND so does Olivia P.! — $149, Zara):

Alright, more to come…but for now — don’t forget to enter the UH-MAY-ZINGLY generous giveaway from Graphic Image!  They are offering one lucky reader a free, PERSONALIZED (you know I love a monogram) weekly journal / datekeeper!   In order to win, please become a fan of TheFashionMagpie on Facebook and leave a comment below telling me what your favorite day of the year is.  A winner will be announced this Friday, August 5!  If you can’t wait to see if you’ve won or want to buy your own goodies from GraphicImage, use coupon code DATEBOOK to save 20% off your entire order.  Oh, and pleeeease with a cherry top like them on Facebook / follow them on Twitter.