I’m loving every aspect of my new Mrs. status — including housekeeping and homemaking and all the trials and tribulations involved therein.  (To my feminist-minded readership: don’t despair of my slightly I’m-down-with-1950s-era-female-repression  opener — there is an equal distribution of power in our little Magpie nest.  And Mr. Magpie cooks me dinner.  A lot.)  Mr. Magpie complains that I’m going to make him fat because I just cannot stop baking — first it was a peach-and-raspberry cobbler (both fruits are so cheap right now!), then it was bread pudding (we had leftover Italian bread and eggs quickly approaching expiration)…

Bread Pudding — image courtesy of Smitten Kitchen

and I just pored over my Nigella Lawson cookbook and am dying to try a few of her dessert recipes.  Of course, I cannot do anything without wondering how to do it in style.  I’m drawing inspiration from an unlikely coupling: the one and only Charlotte York of “Sex and the City,” paradigm of domestic goddess-hood, and Louis Vuitton’s 2010 season (both ad campaign and runway alike), which was brimming with uberfeminine shapes and ladylike separates hailing straight from the 1950s.

Charlotte York, uptown domestic queen

Louis Vuitton’s best ad spread…ever

Ladylike LV on the runway

Let’s start with some shirt dresses.  I’m in love with this navy classic (dubbed “The Jackie” — likely after everyone’s favorite Jackie O. — on sale for $112, TheOutnet), paired with uber-high, unexpectedly sexy Louboutins ($865, ShopSavannah’s):

I’d likely mix it up a bit by swapping out the tone-on-tone belt and subbing in a fitted black bow-front belt ($29.50, The Limited):

Black-on-navy just feels more modern, and the texture contrast is a welcome switch-up.  I like a chunky enorma-stud as the solo accent ($34.50, White House Black Market), with the exception of my wedding band and engagement ring:

If you’d prefer something a bit lighter in hue (you wouldn’t guess it from my past few posts, but we’re still more than a stone’s throw away from fall…), I just picked up an amazing oxford blue shirtdress from H&M ($29, thankyouverymuch) and am still tempted to snag this flutter-sleeve shirt-dress (the flutter just gets me — so feminine! — $29, Old Navy):

Pair with vintage Chanel pearl studs ($220, FarFetch) and a shocking red pair of patent pumps (Jimmy Choo, $665, Net-A-Porter):

Don’t forget a vintage-styled apron in coordinating red ($42, Carolyn’s Kitchen):

(Secretly obsessed with the way the flutter sleeve of the shirt dress echoes the flutter of the apron trim.  Loser over here.)  If, like me, you’re considering trying some of Nigella’s dessert recipes ($19.95, Chefs):

…might as well go the extra yard (i.e. channel Betty Crocker / Martha Stewart / June Cleaver / other fab homemaker) and pick up some pretty cupcake liners (from $3.75, Bake It Pretty):

Love a stylishly presented baked good.  (But don’t get me started on the Georgetown Cupcake craze.  If you live in D.C., you know what I’m talking about.  If you’re out of town: consider yourself lucky.  The uproar is baffling and slightly sad.  Mr. Magpie and I drive by the Gtown Cupcake shop all the time on our way into/out of the District and our eyes nearly pop out of our heads when we see the bajillion and three out-of-towners patiently waiting in line for a cupcake.  Que? P.S.: Insiders know that the cupcakes at Baked and Wired are way better.  And cut.)  Other options for hostessing and/or just feeling good while primping the home?  How darling and feminine and oh-so-chic is this updated housedress by Vanessa Bruno Athe ($123, TheOutnet):

Add this mixed media pearl-chain-and-fabric necklace ($185, Rachel Roy) — adore the pastel peach of the dress against the pastel lavender of the necklace fabric:

Pair with either these slate gray and peach D&G peep toes ($419, Bluefly) for a little contrast or go tone-on-tone by adding these lovely Butter brand slingbacks ($308, Endless):

The perfect topper?  This “Lady Cake” apron ($32, Anthropologie):

Charlotte York wore a similar style in “Sex and the City” (it was also from Anthropologie):

Speaking of Anthro — what an amazing spot to hit that slightly vintage, slightly fashion forward, slightly unkempt balance.  I’m particularly into this Jackie O-esque LBD ($98, Anthropologie):

The folded collar interests me.  As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m on the lookout for slightly left-of-center shapes and styles this season: eye-catching folding, draping, pleats.  Throw it into the mix!  I’d probably go for a super bright patent to pair with this staid dress, but…I’m also dying over these updated Ferragamo pumps (I’m impressed — the somewhat stodgy label managed to update its styling, hoisting its shoe styles out of grandma-only zone! — $584, Zappos):

Pair with these gold bow studs by Kate Spade ($45, Nordstrom) or perhaps these vintage-looking-though-inexpensive costume pieces ($12, Fred Flare):

Don’t forget a feminine wrist watch — this engraved Burberry option is luxe and ladylike in all the right ways ($475, Nordstrom):

And don’t forget the Domestic Goddess’s secret weapon: Benefit’s Bathina body balm ($28, Sephora):

I’ve been using this stuff for years, and it lasts forever and works like a charm.  It has a subtle musky-floral scent, glides on legs and arms, and leaves you looking glimmering and glamorous in the prettiest of ways.  When I need a little pick-me-up (especially when I’m feeling pale), I’ll smooth on some of my other secret weapon (LORAC’s TanTalizer firming body mousse — $28, Sephora) and then some Bathina — and feel instantly recharged.

This odd-print dress (retro-chic if I ever saw a fabric — $161, ModCloth) would also be an enticing pick:

You’ve got to wear some serious black pumps with this get-up — either the Ferragamos above, or these beyond perfect (and sorta throwback-to-Carrie-Bradshaw-circa-2000) Miu Miu pumps ($595, Barney’s):

These TopShop enorma-studs are the perfect addition ($25, TopShop):

And, finally, it just doesn’t get better than this precious “candy striper” ruffle-front dress by Mel en Stel ($350, Sunday Brunch Dress Shop — the second image below is a close-up of the darling print of the fabric) and a pair of glossy red Valentino heels ($695, Foot Candy Shoes):

You’ll definitely rule the roost in these get-ups!

***

For those of you wondering about the impromptu bread pudding whipped up late Sunday night after our trip to Charlottesville to visit my sister, who is currently starting graduate school at my alma mater, UVA — here is a modified recipe from Paula Deen’s collection.  I know, I know.  Not the most figure-friendly.  But delicious — and can be eaten hot or cold, for breakfast or dessert.  I also had all the ingredients on hand for this little dish (no grocery trips required!), which was an extra bonus!

Impromptu Bread Pudding

Preheat the oven to 350.  Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.  Cube day-old Italian bread and place in baking dish (Paula Deen advises for 3 cups of cubed bread, but I probably put more like 4.5 cups in there — I think it’d be too soupy otherwise.  Essentially, make sure the entire dish is covered with a layer or two of cubes.)  Whisk together 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla.  Pour over the cubed bread and let sit for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, mix/crumble together 1/2 stick butter with 1 cup light brown sugar.  Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bread cubes just before popping it in the oven.  Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until pudding is “set” and top appears crusty and brown.

Deen includes a vanilla-and-brandy sauce for serving, but this seems over-the-top.  I just made some whipped cream — I always add a healthy dose of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla for depth of flavor as I’m whipping.

Enjoy!

It’s probably fairly obvious that I’m obsessed with gold accents.  I feel like I’m constantly recommending a “hard cased gold clutch” and “oversized gold jewelry” — it’s just very now and it goes so well with my favored looks: the nautical, the neon, the glitzy, and — yes — the 1970s disco scene.  So this post is positively gilded: get ready for some 24 karat, let’s-go-for-the-gold objets d’art.  To begin: the classic Alice & Olivia Sequin mini (on sale for $346, ChickDownTown):

This dress has been around a few seasons and it ain’t going anywhere fast.  Perfect for Vegas, bachelorette parties, New Year’s Eve, and — well — anytime you need a little gold rush.  For mega-watt shine (and telling taste), pair with these sculptural Moschino heels (on sale for $408, Zappos):

There’s something fetchingly futuristic about them that I can’t quite put my finger on — but at 50% off, what a treasure!  Seal the deal with this hard-cased clutch (Menbur, $144, Endless) and a pair of faux rocks ($40, Max & Chloe):

You’ll look like a million bucks.  Of course, you don’t need to be as blinged out.  There’s a slightly more understated, less-Vegas-appropriate side to the gold tone.  It begins with this lovely Kors sheath ($663, The Outnet):

Pure class, especially with these bow-toe Kate Spade pumps ($285, Zappos):

It’s the perfect hostess getup, in my opinion — chic, slightly retro, and pulled together.  (I always find that a tidy, uptown, “Charlotte York”-inspired aesthetic is perfect for entertaining guests — you’ll feel on top of things, even if you’re running around at the last minute.)  Come to think of it — gilded serve-wear might be the Midas touch for effortless entertaining.  Imagine serving hors d’oeuvres on this chic platter ($145, Vivre):

Truth be told, however, I’ve snapped up a collection of inexpensive gold lacquer chargers over the years ($4 apiece, Pier1) and they always look festive and more expensive than they appear:

I use them to creatively arrange cheese plates, rows of appetizers, and even glasses of champagne.  And serving champagne has never been as regal as it will be with these flutes ($128, Eden & Eden):

Back to decorating yourself, however: this Mad Men-inspired dress has all the panache you’d need for an evening of hosting ($123, ModCloth):

I’d pair with these similarly textured Kate Spade “Carlies” ($298, Kate Spade):

Those puppies would look equally lovely with this metallic-threaded lurex dress by Chloe (why does Hannah MacGibbon do everything right?  Her stuff is exquisite but delightfully wearable — $1,795, The Outnet):

Throw on this chunky gold statement necklace to “toughen” things up (Kenneth Jay Lane, on sale for $89, Piper Lime):

Perfect for a lady’s lunch, a meeting in the boardroom, or slightly-on-the-conservative side cocktail hour — especially when you’re keeping time with this expensive-looking — but affordable! — watch (ugh, love it, need it, want it — on sale for $76.90, Nordstrom):

And if you’re the hostess, you might consider arranging some buds in this gorgeous vase (matches your servewear above — bonus points! — $895, Vivre) and serving post-prandial coffee or tea in this  opulent teapot ($42, Jayson Home and Garden):

Don’t forget to fluff these fit-for-the-queen gold thread pillows ($175, Jayson Home and Garden):

Very neo-Versailles…though if you want to go the old school Napoleon route, imagine seating your guests on these over-the-top chairs ($515, Ivory Pearl Interiors):

Pretty luxe.  If you decide, after your guests leave, that you need to head out and let loose with cocktails and into-the-night dancing, slip into these “I’m ready to disco”  Louboutin heels ($1,195, Net-A-Porter) and throw your essentials into this to.die.for Amanda Pearl clutch ($1,595, Amanda Pearl):

Don’t forget to slip out of the collar necklace and opt for these swinging gold danglers instead (Roberto Cavalli, $615, Net-A-Porter):

Or overhaul the sheath altogether and opt for this glitzy-glam Pucci mini ($1,336, TheOutnet) instead:

Golden goddess material –  especially with some dramatic faux cils (Shu Uemura’s are supposedly the best — $20 a pop) and these kicky, dance-ready shoes (appropriately titled “Fire It Up” shoes — $49, Lori’s Shoes):

Don’t forget the perfect little hard-cased minaudiere (DVF, $295, Diani Boutique) and — just for fun — this bow ring by the one-and-only Kate Spade ($75, Nordstrom):

For those of us with an evening schedule that is less-than-packed with shimmery-little-dress occasions, don’t fret!  There are plenty of awesome ways of glamming up your daywear routine.  These two wear-everywhere totes are as good as gold: the first is by Tory Burch ($325, Foot Candy Shoes) and the second is by Kate Spade ($585, Kate Spade):

The lattice-work of the floral bag above reminds me of these perforated gold flats by Ciao Bella I’ve looked longingly at for awhile now (on sale for $59, PiperLime):

Alternately, glam yourself up regardless of your daytime activities with these gold-toned shorts (Schumacher, on sale for $152, MyTheresa):

Alternately, for a more ladylike look, consider this full-skirted Elizabeth & James wonder ($382, My Theresa):

With a prim, fitted white button down and the KJL statement piece above, you’ll be setting the gold standard!

As I prepare to outfit the newlywed nest, I’ve been spending some QT with various home design and decor websites and blogs.  I continually find myself turning to Jonathan Adler for his slightly kitschy, mod aesthetic.  Incorporating a piece or two of his seems like just the way to balance out my otherwise formal, feminine inclinations.  When I laid eyes on his funky, op-art set of needlepoint pillows ($165, Jonathan Adler), I felt totally inspired:

Somewhat refreshing and dramatic given the predominance of grays, camels, and other muted tones we’ve been seeing on the runways.  I’m instantly reminded of Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick and all of those doe-eyed, skinny-legged icons of the mid ’60s.  Twiggy, for example — say what you will about what she did for the modeling industry (she was a willowy 90 lbs and instantly earned cover girl status, transforming the standards by which all future models were…well, weighed) — had a cool look that, when properly translated to contemporary times, could really elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.  (Refer to Exhibit A: Sienna Miller, the neo-Twiggy.)

How to adapt the mod-tastic look?  Let’s begin with a retro-chic trapeze dress.  Harvey Faircloth’s crisp-yet-dramatic version would be right on the money.  They seem to have removed their eBoutique capabilities at the moment, but I’m guessing they are preparing to either release a new collection soonish or are simply performing routine maintenance:

Though the ladies of the 60s wore little Mary Janes with chunky short heels, I’d stick to pointy toed flats and some classic wayfarers to round out the look.  The London Sole flats I featured in yesterday’s post (pictured here as well) are perfecto:

For a splashier take on the mod squad look, consider this polka dot dream of a dress by Michael Kors (on sale for $553, The Outnet):

Love the modified halter neck.  It’d look killer at work with your pointy-toed Audrey Hepburn flats and this chicly textured Kate Spade bag ($355, Kate Spade):

Push the look further with some white frames (Ray Bans, $135, 80s Purple):

With polka dots on the brain, take your mod self out for a night on the town with this to-die-for Prabal Gurung gown ($1,430, Kirna Zabete):

Are you swooning yet?  UGH, love.  (Gurung hails from Bill Blass; his eponymous line is relatively new to the fashion world, first debuting in 2009.  Love his stuff.)  I’d strut around in it, accenting with this fun little pom-pommed clutch by Sondra Roberts ($148, Nordstrom):

Alternately, slip on this equally swoon-worthy Jay Ahr number (on sale for $804, The Outnet):

For a real Twig-tastic look, pair with this dangling disco ball earrings by NOIR Jewelry, a favorite costume jeweler of mine ($75, Kitson):

I’ll admit I’m a tad intimidated by them, and would probably go the cocktail ring route, but — daring fashionistas out there: go get ‘em, tiger!  For those on my end of the spectrum: I’m a click away from purchasing this fun little bauble by Kate Spade ($65, Bloomingdale’s):

For daytime, I’d throw on this LBTD (littleblackTEEdress) by Alexander Wang ($85, Kirna Zabete):

And then add this funky little “Must Love Dots” Kate Spade bag ($175, Kate Spade) and a pair of oversized shades ($10, 80s Purple):

Then I’d throw on a couple of bold, graphic black-and-white bangles (the first — $10, ASOS; the second — $48, Nordstrom):

I’d probably stick to the pointy-toed black patent flats, but Walter Steiger’s collection of stubby-heeled boots and pumps would be right on trend:

Steiger is a Paris-only man: he owns two boutiques that carry his line of excellently-crafted shoes and handbags, one on Fouburg St. Honore and the other on Boulevard St. Germain.  Very exclusive, very chic.  (Code: very expensive.)  The t-dress above is extra versatile, so you might also consider dressing it up with some heels, an updo, and this retro-cool Kate Spade minaudiere ($225, Kate Spade):

Yellow was, after all, favored by Twiggy herself:

Add on a pair of faux eyelashes (Shu Uemera is supposedly the best of the best) and these House of Harlow sunburst studs to complete ($35, Singer22):

The earrings would look just as perfect when paired with this little 60s-throwback by Miss Me (aptly called “The Mod Dress,” $92, Miss Me):

Love the way it’s styled in the picture here — simple patent flats and oversized, jet-black bangles.  Ideal.  And, now, I know it’s far from winter (it’s been hothotHOT in D.C.), but how perfect is this little collarless wool wonder by Moschino ($962, The Outnet)?

Throw on over some black or (if you dare) colored tights and patent flats and you are set.  Mia Farrow would have easily worn something similar in her day.

When you’re done running your errands, head home to your swingin’ 60s pad, complete with this 1963 Eero Aarnio ball chair ($6,860, Hive Modern):

Curl up in it with your (super-retro) phone — $60 at Velocity:

It’s Austin Powers meets hipster meets Andy Warhol.  And I like it.