Magpie Nest | TheFashionMagpie

Archive for the ‘Magpie Nest’ Category

Holla Back

In Accessories, Gifts!, Gold, Magpie Nest on April 23, 2013 at 12:05 pm

OOOOOOO man, I have been a bad little bloggerina.

Forgive?

Moving right along: this past weekend, I took a “me” day. Slightly unnecessary and self-involved since I don’t have children and I also have a particularly awesome husband who I’d like to spend 100% of my time with AND I have about 1 friend in all of Chicago, and she is my sister. So it’s not like I’m running around catering to the needs of others all the time. Nonetheless, when Mr. Mags informed me that he’d be going on a brewery tour with some guys and then getting burgers, I decided to counterbalance with a Magpie day of spa + beauty services, food I like, and shopping. It was…heaven. I had a massage, mani/pedi, and waxing (less fun, but necessary), grabbed lunchie for one at Floriole (don’t feel bad – I had my other best friend, a good book, to keep me company…I’m reading Lean In right now and we must discuss this at some point — had to check it out given all of the criticism, and I completely disagree with the uproar), and then shopped my brains out. I got some little items for the home from Crate + Barrel and Pottery Barn; some J. Crew treats (um, yes and yes); a ridiculously discounted lace mini and striped tee from Club Monaco; and…daydreamed about all the things I want to purchase from Jayson Home + Garden. How and why I have never been into this store before, I do not know, but — my GOD that store is speaking my language. I want every little thang. And it’s conveniently around the corner from my digs in Chi-town. First up, they had these goatskin rugs ($95) casually draped over stools, side tables, etc., and I need one in the baddest way.

Yes m’am. I am thinking it might go well over our leather ottoman. They would also play nicely beneath this tortoise tray table ($155), which I think should probably make its way into my house. (This one from West Elm, $150, is also cool with its chrome legs, but I don’t like the tray as much — they have, in the store, one that has a lineny-finished tray top that I die over.) Would look fantastico with this gold lamp (I.die. – $588) and some gold-accent pieces, like these little bowls, which I just snagged from Canvas Home ($22-55):

And, even though these belong in the kitch, I might consider using just one as a little accent piece on the tray, maybe atop a set of books?! — because these giraffe measuring cups are SO freaking cute ($25):

Among the 23923898 other things I want from Jayson Home: these python x-benches ($595). I mean, how glam?!

Shifting gears a bit from animalia to all things colorful, I recently discovered that the illustrator Happy Menocal has begun to sell prints online, and am absolutely dying over this matador trio ($300 for set — also available individually). You may know already that I snagged an amazing vintage matador print that is currently hanging in my guest bedroom, so I’m worried I might start to seem like a freak if I have tons of matador/bullfight artwork in my home, but…these are amazing. Love the colors.

The set would look uh-may-zing hanging above one of these modern-looking tables ($699) from Blu Dot after discovering that Jenna Lyons uses the one in hot pink as her desk. Um, amazing. I think they may be a little too modern for my sensibility, but on the other hand, how cool would it be to see that sitting in an otherwise more traditional bedroom/office?!

While we’re on the topic of color, I think I may have mentioned that I’ve been slowly…painfully…trying to coordinate and style one of my bookshelves. The main thread tying things together? Mint/aqua, gold, and white. I decided I needed a few more mint/pistachio items and decided on easy way to add the color would be to stack some items atop a cakestand — and narrowed it down to this jadeite style ($36) and this beaded style ($17), though I also considered this personalizable ceramic style from Etsy’s Vessels and Wares ($80):

I went with the first one. I think it will look uh-may-zing with the other trinkets I have going on, including these adorable egg cups ($22) –

– and these lacquer boxes ($120 for set — and P.S., I’m pretty sure these are actually by Swing Design, who is sold out in the style, though I’d stalked their site for weeks…#winning):

(P.S. C. Wonder also carries similar styles in coral and navy. Loves.) I’m offsetting all of this aqua with lots of books, mercury glass, gold, and, of course, my beloved foos from Furbish ($82 for set):

{You can get the look for less from C. Wonder ($58).} I stack some of my favorite books with turquoise spines strategically, including the Domino book (amazing — on sale for $21), the Tiffany’s Table Manners Book (which I received as a teen — $17), James Joyce’s “Portrait of the Artist” (the Penguin edition has a tiffany blue spine), and Michael Smith’s “Elements of Style” (beautiful — $30):

OK, that is all for now. I’ll be back soooon, I promise!

▶ View 3 Comments

Home Sweet Home

In Accessories, Fierce, Home Decor, Leopard, Magpie Nest on April 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

Over the past six months, I have done a lot of traveling. I sort of imagine myself like George Clooney in “Up in the Air.” (Exaggeration of the century.) I’ve become a pro at navigating the security screening checkpoint — I have it down to a science and know what to wear vs. not wear in order to expedite the ordeal; where to store items so that they are easy to access and remove and place in the right bin; etc. I’ve also come to be too keenly aware of the minor nuances/frustrations of flying — for example, if I’m in boarding group 5, I find myself pouting because this means I’ll need to gate check my bag; if I am miraculously in boarding group 2, this probably means I get the much-hated Coach seat right behind first class, and cannot have my carry-on with me during the flight. More pouting.

I’m a huge brat about all of this. I realize how lucky I am to have a great job and to have the flexibility to do business from my home most of the time and to make my way to our headquarters when needed. And when it comes down to it, I’m not flying every single week (just most of them…), which I know many people have to do.

All this to say that when I am home, I am one happy little chica. When I flew back most recently from DC after a particularly stressful and busy string of traveling weeks, I saw Mr. Magpie’s cute little face at the door in our happy little apartment and I started to cry on cue. I don’t know if it was relief or stress or homesickness or exhaustion — probably a mix of all four — but it made me realize how much of a homebody I am. (Don’t worry, the tears aren’t really anything serious. Mr. Magpie claims I need to “have a daily cry” to keep things in balance. I am the worst/biggest crier ever. I cry at commercials, in every single movie I watch, when I read something particularly moving in an email, when I think about our wedding, when Mr. Magpie brings me flowers or leaves me a note when I see an old picture of my siblings and I. Ugh, it’s a problem. I come by this earnestly however — everyone in my family wears their hearts on their sleeves, including my tough cookie father.)

So, I’ve been slowly working on making my nest the coziest place it can possibly be. I feel like I find new things I “need” on a daily basis, much to Mr. Magpie’s dismay. He’s coached me into the “24-hour wait-and-see” policy — if I see something I want, I have to wait 24 hours to see if I still feel as strongly about it before buying. This is quite a shock to my system, as I’m much more of the “omg-I-need-to-buy-this-right-now-let-me-scramble-for-my-credit-card” ilk, and the 24-hour-wait period leaves me a constant state of anxiety, since I almost always have something I want and I almost always still want that thing 24 hours later.

Right now, my big daydream is purchasing and framing a Paul Marrot “Feathers” textile ($997, more for framing)…

As you can see, Paul Marrot has something of a cult following amongst the owners of well-decorated homes…

I want to join their ranks. Paul Marrot has some other beautiful textiles, but the bird one is calling my name (helloooo MAGPIE):

What do you think?! I die. Pleeeease can this show up at my house for my birthday in June?! I want it hanging over our bed. (Yes, that was directed at you, Mr. Mags.) I love it because I’ve sort of taken up an aviary theme in various parts of my home in homage to my Magpie alter-ego. And I found these gilded prints ($189) and am pretty sure I need to add one to our gallery wall above our side-board, which features a lot of golds, blacks, and whites:

And maybe this feather tray ($35) needs to accompany this purchase?

Other items I am currently swooning over…this butterfly-ish chair ($358), which would look fab alongside Mr. Magpie’s leather couch and our slightly hunting/safari-themed living area. (We have a set of mounted antlers similar to the ones shown below that we found on One Kings Lane. You can find similar styles in this Etsy store.) Also, I’ve been whining about the need for a cowhide rug ($780) for centuries now, but it’s been a no go with Mr. Magpie to date. He’s (rightly) pointed out that we have sort of a mish-mash of themes going on in our living area — some hunting/safari/horse-type accents; a slight chinoiserie bent to the coffee table/pillow situation; and bookcase styling that includes aqua and metallic accents. The rug might really confuse things. Or it might be awesome, which is the side towards which I’m leaning. It doesn’t all need to make sense, but there need to be color or design elements that tie things together. We shall see…

And P.S. – this leopard lumbar pillow ($165) needs to be mine/needs to join the pillow party on our couch:

I just set my eyes on this amazing cow-hide base lamp ($375) and am thinking it’d look uh-may-zing atop something like this antique-finish media center piece ($1,699):

I might style the top with these gilded antlers ($24.50 apiece) from my new home decor obsession, Waiting on Martha (great e-boutique):

And maybe I’d style the top with a Safari book (on sale for $16), some fancy matches ($3.50 — p.s., I’m obsessed with Caspari and have spent a shameful amount of money on patterned paper napkins), elephant picks (how cute?! — $28), and these tortoise shell high-balls ($60 for set of 4) atop a leather tray ($89):

Now, I know I mentioned this in Friday’s post, but I’ve been realllllly feeling the Moroccan influence in textiles lately, and I feel that especially towards “fouta” type runners, hand-towels, etc. See below to get on my page:

Barf, I really feel like I need to up my ante when I see shots like this. The gold hardware in the latter photo (from Alaina K.’s stunning house tour which I already drooled over last week in a few posts…PS – check out her blog, Live Creating Yourself, for more inspiration) is so unexpected and fresh against that wainscoting, and the wallpaper in the former is so bold, whimsical, and just quirky-cool. (I think it’s Katie Ridder’s Beetlecat print.) (And also, the first picture is from a tour of Bailey McCarthy’s stunning home — she also has a great bloglet, Peppermint Bliss, and also happens to own Biscuit Home, an e-boutique I’ve featured in the past that has lots of amazing home goods and linens.)

OK, If you managed to survive that last paragraph without getting lost on the interwebs, dying over the beautiful homes of others — well done, m’lady. I could literally get lost for hours looking through the archives of all of the sites above.

But my point was that I like these Moroccan-inspired linens, like the one in Alaina’s bathroom — this exact style can be found on the cheap ($10/towel!) at West Elm:

Or maybe one or several of these organic-looking table runners? (And P.S., check out the whole Canvas Home store, which is chock-full of great serving essentials. Mr. Magpie and I own a bunch of wine tumblers like these and pretty much use them exclusively. For some reason, all of our guests LOVE drinking out of them — we always get compliments! And I also just snapped up these gold-lined bowls, on sale.

I feel as though these would spruce up any kitchen table — and this rug ($35) would spruce up a kitchen floor…ESPECIALLY if other blue + white elements are offsetting them around the room:

Like maybe a cluster of ginger gars ($58-$78) –

…and maybe these fun printed bowls ($9.90 each), an oyster plate ($30 — from Biscuit Home, mentioned above — and I recently have decided I’d like to take up collecting them and then line a wall of our kitchen area with them…hello, lifelong pursuit), and some linen-esque napkins from MyDrap (currently on sale for $20 at One Kings Lane! — great little hostess gift when wrapped up in a bow; I’m especially smitten with this gingham style):

AHHH there is so much more stuff that I’m dying over, but I’ll cut myself off there.

▶ View 3 Comments

The Round-Up

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Denim, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, Pastels, Shoes, White on April 5, 2013 at 10:35 am

We made it. Friday. Yes. Done. AND the winner of the bomb giveaway is listed at the bottom of this post…!

Some “tings” I’ve been obsessing over lately, in no meaningful order…

I finally abandoned Proactiv face wash (see ya, teenage years — probably appropriate as I am in my late-20s…) for Soap + Glory’s face wash. Ob.sessed. I told you awhile ago that I thought I’d be all “adult” and switch to Laura Mercier’s beautifully packaged cleansing series, but it just wasn’t right for me (read: my first breakout since I was 13 — LITERALLY. Cue panic.) and I instantly ran back to my loyal Proactiv. Then I discovered Soap + Glory’s face wash through a sample I received. Done deal. First, I LOVE the soapy, old-school scent. I know some people are sensitive to fragrance, but the smell makes me feel so fresh and so clean, clean (*Outkast reference). Second, it’s inexpensive! (Well, compared to cosmetic line analogs.) $16 for a big tube that lasts forevs. And finally, it’s kept my skin clean and blemish-free for weeks now. So: ignore the teeny-bopper packaging (it reminds me of Clearasil or something) and do it.

After taking Alaina K.’s home tour in The Everygirl, I sorta kinda wished I had a space that I could decorate in the girliest of girly ways. Sorry, Mr. Magpie. (Do you love her apartment?! I’m dying over how she redesigned the bathroom. Black, white, gold. Bam.) One decorating influence that’s new-to-me and that I saw in some of her styling (and that of other well-appointed homes) is the Moroccan-inspired touch. I’d love, for example, some of these block-printed pillows (ABC Home, $140), or this punchy woven rug (Dash + Albert, $94+ depending on size):

I want. And I want in all pink and purple colors.

Straightforward, but this tee is on sale for $35, plus 30% off. Love the colors. And, you know, I love me some stripes. Pair with the perfect beachy necklace (Suzanna Dai, $425) and glossy gold sandals ($69):

Aaaand a little straw clutch (I own this in green and looooove — $88):

I don’t know if it’s because I just booked a trip to my parents’ winter home in FL, but I’m having a minor love affair with all things palm right now…

{Gold earrings: $2,500, Scully + Scully; coral top: $105, Scotch + Soda; “Pina Colada” sandal: $995, Aquazzura; palm clutch: $460, Lizzie Fortunato}

Random, but I’m smitten with these pencils ($12/set), adorned with cute phrases/sayings on the sides. Total indulgence, but I kind of want to snap them all up and display them on my desktop in two clusters in two separate pen cups.

Oh, Paris. Tu me manques. I have been dreaming of a trip to my favorite city in the universe for the past few months in particular, so I’ve been on a hunt for some artwork that would fill the void. I feel like a lot of “Paris” artwork is super-cheesy – great, another Eiffel tower sketch. It’s almost like a touristy sub-genre in the art field. Then I found the Paris Print Shop, which I loved because the photography sets out to capture the nooks and crannies of the city rather than the big tourist attractions, and the shop suggests that you group your artwork by color, which makes the entire operation seem a bit more sophisticated. I very seriously contemplated buying a group of four or eight for the wall of our guest room, and was leaning towards the mint/aqua collection given the colors in our bedding. (I ended up deciding to go with a set of vintage Audubon bird prints that I had framed; I knew Mr. Magpie would prefer them and they lent the room a much-needed “vintage” flair.) Still, I’m hemming and hawing over where I could squeeze these into our apartment and what color I might go with. (I’ve been thinking about reupholstering our kitchen stools with this Rubie Green fabric, so maybe the yellow would look lovely on the wall behind them?)

Oh, swoon.

So, I mentioned my fixation with palm prints at the moment, and this leaf-print blazer (Joie, $298) is no exception. Die. I’d wear it over a little white dress or maybe with white skinnies, some linen-and-leather wedges ($139), and this BANANAS OUT OF CONTROL AMAZING necklace ($2,485…dream on):

Aaand finish with this adorable wicker/cane box clutch (Charlotte Olympia, $1,120):

I believe I may have already waxed poetic about this, but I snapped up Nars’ Roman Holiday lipstick ($26) and it is the PERFECT everyday spring shade. Natural but pretty.

And that about does it, my love bugs. Except for…DRUMROLL, PLEASE! The winner of my giveaway! Let me just say that I l.o.v.e.d. reading all of your responses / what you’d wear things with. You are such a chic bunch of chicas. The winner is: SHANA! (She plans to wear it with the exact dress that Kate Middleton owns from ASOS.) Shana, please email me at jennifer@thefashionmagpie.com so we can arrange shipping.

A biggggg thanks to Dawn B. for arranging this generous giveaway!

▶ View 5 Comments

Nesting

In Accessories, Gifts!, Magpie Nest, Nautical, Pop of Red, White on March 5, 2013 at 1:17 pm

2013 has been cray so far, and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon — trip after trip, event after event, wedding after wedding — so much fun, so lovely being able to see friends and family so frequently. But also a small, old womanish part of me is craving a quiet, lazy string of weekends back to back when I can focus on finishing some of the as-yet-incompletely-decorated rooms in our home. Some things that have been cloying for my attention lately:

First, don’t even know where this BRIGHT coral/orange chair (CB2, $149) would go in my apartment, but I think it would be such an unexpected color and modern shape in our digs, sitting casually in one of our rooms. Maybe in my lavender office, as a nice contrast? Or with this neon pink embroidered pillow ($38)?!

Kind of amazing with this striped and pom-pommed rug ($59) –

I know it’s from the kids section, but it is just so amazing. And you could trim the poms if they aren’t your dish — and the stripes would be oh-so-fab. In the same color family, I saw this flamingo serving platter ($59) and just about fell out my chair. It is too perfect. I think I might actually mount it on a wall and use it for wall decor — so in loves.

I’ve also been looking for an aqua/teal accent piece for one of our bookshelves — I have a bunch of books with aqua spines and I think it would be the perfect balance to the case. These Swing Design lacquer boxes ($130 for set of 2) seem like the ideal solution.

That Hermes orange color is winning, eh? I like them stacked one atop the other. Perfecto. (And P.S., West Elm has a small lacquer box in a fabulous, unexpected shade of yellow on sale for $15 right now — if only I decorated with more yellow.) These would also look lovely stacked atop a desk, alongside some lovely ladylike desktop accessories, like these winning boxes of note cards ($22 each):

Especially with these personalized pencils (LOVE — $15/set):

Perhaps with this framed watercolor of a flamenco dancer overhead (Fairysomnia, $155 — and it’s ORIGINAL!) or this fashion print (Blonde Lasagna, $25):

Or maybe an entire new set of desktop necessities in a BRIGHT, punchy color ($49 for set — scissors, stapler, pens, and tape dispenser)!

And you know my thing about pens — I pretty much need to order a couple dozen in bright colors ($12 per dozen) and to group them together in a pretty desktop bouquet.

Perfect for using with my Maybook notebook ($20-$23, depending on the book type you pick — you can pick a wedding journal, graph paper, a calendar, a bump book — whatever you want!):

I’m now particularly enamored of this funky zebra pattern of theirs:

And…I’ve been enamored of the idea of adding a ceramic garden stool to our home for some time now. I’m thinking it may work best in our guest bedroom, which is outfitted in navy, blue, and coral and has a bunch of great art of collected for the past six months. So I know that this yellow color ($139) doesn’t exactly GO, but isn’t it the sunniest, cheeriest little thang you’ve ever seen?! Also nice in white. The detailing is fab — adds a little whimsy to any room.

Our master bathroom has something of an undersea theme — we have an amazing oversized chart with corals/seaweeds on it that was printed on a canvas scroll — and the walls are mint/seafoam. So when I saw these darling watercolor-esque coral prints from Driftwood Interiors ($25 each) in this cheery ruby color, I knew they needed to hang above our towel rack to complete the look.

I’m thinking about hanging them in mirrored frames ($29-$69) to really reflect the light in the bathroom. It will look great with this hardcover book on coral ($23), which I first saw in the beautiful Ralph Lauren store in NYC as a prop in one of their amazing bedrooms and just snagged and will stack beneath some vases in one of the windowsills of our bathroom.

I have one piece of coral already on a tray in between our sinks (and I hang my current favorite piece of jewelry on it), alongside a small jewelry dish and a favorite candle du jour), but would it be overkill to also snap up these cheerily colored ones ($29-$59)?! Hmm.

(And P.S. – this bathroom mat, if its dimsensions made sense in our bathroom, would have been a great complement. It didn’t, though — we have a double sink and I needed two twin mats to live happily so that both of our feet could be warm in the morning while getting ready. That marble floor is BRUTAL on cold Chicago mornings.) Anyway — that’s all she wrote for today! What do you have your eye on for your house?!

▶ View 5 Comments

Bluebell

In Accessories, Brights!, Denim, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, White on February 7, 2013 at 2:12 pm

I know I’ve mentioned my fascination with ginger pots / chinoiserie in the past (get your own set here, $58-$78 per piece).

And I know I’ve posted a lot about blue color schemes. But, here I am again, with more. I just keep tripping over great styles and I can’t help but feature. Hope you’re into this moody hue as well. What about this cool tye-dye dress ($235), for example? Very Kate Bosworth at Coachella, circa 2011. Especially finished with this amazing Kelly Wearstler pendant ($385):

Perfect with some no-nonsense K. Jacques ($253) — literally, wear these bad boys with anything.

Or, if the boho chic look isn’t your bag of chips, this layered dress (Acne, $314) with this fun speckled drops (Janis Savitt, $385) might do the trick:

Heartsies. Wrap it up with crystal-encrusted sandals (Zanotti, $595):

Also love this white beaded top ($96) with a great necklace (Hyla Dewitt, $150), skinnies, and these floral pumps ($148):

Or, how about this ornate Roberto Cavalli top ($865)? Must be worn with whites in the summer, so I’m just going to go ahead and feature it now and pretend like it’s appropriate. I’d pair with these eye-catching drops from one of my favorite jewelry lines, Asha New York ($495) and some simple gold sandals ($138):

Continuing the beachy theme, check out this Sheridan French number ($395 — she has the BEST fabrics) with these vintage shell studs ($316):

How adorbs with these linen-and-white wedges ($175) and this sweet raffia clutch (so retro-chic! — $90):

Finally, because Isabel Marant is so cool right now, this lovely shift ($505) with big earrings (Bounkit, $320):

Perfect with these white wedges (Jimmy Choo, $650):

Loveeeeeeee.

▶ Comment

Cleanse

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Ikat, Magpie Nest, Neutrals on December 28, 2012 at 11:40 am

The past few weeks have been a happy, shimmery, indulgent blur of holiday joy. A trip to NYC to celebrate my bestie’s birthday; a week and a half at home in D.C. with our families; plenty of festivities; some big family surprises; and, of course, Christmas! So delicious, so rich, so cozy.

But now. I feel the need for a detox or a juice diet or something comparably dramatic. The gray and grizzly Chicago weather is befitting — I need some of that chilling, cleansing air. Since I know I’d never actually follow through with a detox (I was curious about it a few years ago, but I read a few harrowing accounts of the hunger pangs you have to endure and quickly changed my tune), I’ve come up with a few “cleaning up shop” shortcuts that make me feel a little…fresher. First, Sara Happ’s lip scrub ($24). A girlfriend of mine gave me this, and I’m absolutely obsessed — perfect for chapped winter lips or…the inevitable red wine lip stain that accompanies the holidays. (At least in my case. I swear I have super absorbent lips — everyone else will be casually sipping a glass or two of malbec and look fine, and my teeth and lips will be awkwardly stained black from the wine’s pigment. Haha. Uncomf.)

I love the crisp peppermint flavor, but she also has other flavors to pick from, like green apple, creme brulee, brown sugar, and red velvet…

Don’t forget to apply a moisturizing balm afterwards. I typically use plain old Chapstick, but when I need the big guns, I use Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream ($25), a Magpie Mother favorite. She swears by this stuff. She put it on minor abrasions and cuts when we were children, chapped lips, cuticles, dry hands.

Second, a good face scrub (I use Laura Mercier’s Face Polish — $30) followed by a deeply moisturizing lotion/gel ($37 — Clinique’s is super hydrating, but I am a recent convert to Dr. Perricone’s face finishing moisturizer — $69. It has a light, non-greasy texture and a faint rose petal scent. I’m obsessed.):

Third, constant access to Evian moisturizing spritzer ($14 for set of 2):

Other items I am eager to try on this cleanse kick — anything by Koh Gen Do, a line that boasts amazing, mineral-rich “Cleansing Water” products. I want to try their spa water ($39) and makeup removing cloths ($39):

I’m also intrigued (mainly by the packaging, I’ll admit) by Farmaesthetics herbal cleanser ($36 — and the color-accented washcloths are $4 for a pack of 10):

I like all of the fresh herbs in there — I bet it smells amazing. Switching gears a bit, I use Frederic Fekkai clarifying shampoo (with apple cider vinegar! — $25) a few times a year when I need a little extra cleanse and I really like the inexpensive Neutrogena grapefruit body scrub (smells great and yields a nice lather — $6.99) for a full-body tune-up:

After all of that, I’d want to slip into something crisp and freshly pressed, like my Claridge + King oversized oxford nightshirt ($108 — mine is monogrammed with our wedding date on the cuff!):

And curl up in freshly laundered sheets ($290 for set) with a mound of mixed-print pillows (pillow 1 — $89, Z. Gallerie; pillow 2 — $85, Clayton Gray; pillow 3 — $16, Gracie’s Pillows):

Or maybe — just some quiet, peaceful time, snuggled up with this cozy sweater ($269 — plus an extra 40% off!), some leggings, and some snuggly mocs ($39):

What do you do to recharge after the holidays?!

▶ View 6 Comments

The Midas Touch

In Accessories, Glitter, Gold, Magpie Nest, Monograms on November 6, 2012 at 10:08 am

Glam gold accents at home are what this little Magpie is all about these days. I’m seriously gaga (!) over this original art piece by Kiki Slaughter, a graduate of my own alma mater, good old UVA. Is it not bananas?! I need this hanging above the desk in my guest room.

I pretty much want everything this little lady creates, so do yourself a favor and check out her entire site. Quel talent. If it did find its way to my desk space, I’d update the entire work station with glam gold accents, like this pharmacy lamp (love, love this style — $175); this cool pebble tray, which reminds me of an oyster plate ($45); a brass pineapple-topped letter opener ($16); a metallic agenda ($36+ — monogrammable!); and a lucite tape dispenser ($24):

And maybe this lucite tray ($70) from Tilly Maison to store mini goodies, like this gilded stationery set from SugarPaper ($24 for set of 6)?

Maybe offset the magnificence of the Slaughter print with this cheeky, one-of-a-kind artwork in gold foil lettering ($35 — ah, I love Etsy):

And use these funky gold starbursts either on the wall, arranged artfully, or on top of stacks of books ($25-$35 depending on size)?

{Another unique wall-art or bookshelf idea? These brass letters — $50 each. You might pick your monogram or just the first initial of your first or last name.} I’m envisioning this wall-art above a pristine white sofette (love the nailhead detailing) topped with oversized gold-and-white striped pillows ($49 each), and one of those metallic-flecked cow-hide rugs to finish ($669):

Perhaps offset by this little golden stool ($129), topped with some glossy coffee table books and a funky objet, like this ceramic horse ($225 — although Etsy has TONS of affordable antique finds along these lines, like this chic little dalmatian, $35, or these ceramic horseheads, $30)

Or, for a festive tablescape, how about some brass candlestick holders ($26 for set of 2) with some gold-and-white tapers (get something similar from Ana Design)?

Very cool with personalized napkins ($98 for 100), some gold flatware (on sale for $23/setting!), and these darling footed dipping bowls ($44 for set of four — imagine filling them with yummy little snackskis):

Love this set-up paired with these gold-striped old fashioned glasses from Marc Blackwell (drool-worthy — $75):

In closing, I’ll continue yesterday’s Gifting Guru mini-post — and will try to keep this up through the holiday season to create a whole bunch of different gift ideas for you all. All of these mini-gifts will be $50 or less.

Today’s is this adorbs Frenchie dish ($38) — I feel like it makes such a sweet, personal little gift wrapped up in pretty tissue or cellophane!

Precious?!

▶ View 3 Comments

Where Have You Been All My Li-i-i-i-i-fe

In Accessories, Denim, Fresh Combos, Home Decor, Intimates, Magpie Nest on September 19, 2012 at 11:27 am

Hi.

I’m the worst blogger ever.

And I even attended a blogger event earlier this month and felt all high on my horse and excited to get back into the blogging groove, and yet…time slips by, work piles up, the leaves turn, and suddenly I’m in American Mattress on a Sunday, testing out Sensa iComfort beds and wondering where the past month has gone and why I haven’t blogged. (The mattress shopping is a random, but true, incident, and it really made me feel Old, in the capital “O” sort of way, to be testing out beds with Mr. Magpie and telling the kind, slightly pushy salesman that we were “trading up” for a bigger bed and foisting our older one into the guest room. Where have you gone, 20s? I can’t say I’m beleaguered by the impending big 3-0 — still two years away, but there in the ether, nonetheless — but moments like this, where I am laying in a display bed talking about firm vs soft mattresses and the pros and cons of the double wrapped metal coil supporting me, I find myself blanking out a bit and wondering where the college days of worrying about who to take to formal and how I can smuggle a dubious mixture of vodka and crystal light into Scott Stadium have gone. I suppose fall is always a keen source of nostalgia for me — the biting kind. I love fall because I am a nerd at heart and I miss school and the promise of a new school year, but also because I always think of Charlottesville in the fall, and if you’ve ever been to Charlottesville in the fall, you know why it’s enough to make a grown woman buckle at the knees. There’s just something about its crispness, the richness of its color and smell, its quietude.

And so, that’s where I’m living today — in a sleepy, meandering sort of nostalgia for falls in Charlottesville. Well, one foot is in nostalgia. The other is planted firmly in regret for neglecting you, my lovely readers, for so long. I feel like i have lots to say, too.

The first thing — and gird your loins, ladies, because this is going to throw you for a loop — I think I might be ready to buy a pair of bootcuts. Or even flares. Or — gasp — bell-bottoms?! Yes. It’s true. And before you judge me, please examine exhibits A, B, and C:

The secret to success? The J. Brand Lovestory style ($218), which all three of the ladies above are sporting. OK, phew. Got that out there. They just look so fresh and new after 23 seasons of skinny, skinny, and skinnier jeans. So there’s that. I’ve had mine chilling out in my Shopbop shopping cart for like 23 days, and I keep wondering what will push me over the edge. The fall weather is certainly helping me move towards purchase. I’d wear mine with a cute fall outfit — I like this hen sweater for its sweet kitsch ($95) and these geek-chic specs from Warby Parker ($95):

And some preppy rugby striped flats ($135):

Ooh.la.la. Now, as fall descends and the nights get a little cooler and cozier, I’ve been wanting to expand my sleepwear collection. I recently invested in a monogrammed set from J. Crizzle ($85) that will keep me looking chic at night:

I’m also loving all of the cheeky prints from Marigot Collection ($120 for pajama set):

However, my absolute favorite loungewear? My monogrammed “his is hers” oversized oxford from Claridge and King ($108):

I took this little snapski of my own, which I had embroidered in coral (hello, UVA).

And while we’re on the subject of Instagram (aka my best friend, much to the chagrin of Mr. Magpie), let me just take you on a quick tour of the last few (busy) weeks of my life, beginning with an engagement party for my little sis and her soon-to-be hubs. My other sister and I put together a silhouette themed affair, which turned out super cute. I got all of the supplies (poster below, stickers on napkins, and a garland) from LePapierStudio. I just sent over photos of the happy couple in profile and she handled the rest! I also bought lots of party goods (napkins and the BEST part — mini spoons and mini cups for scoops of my sister’s favorite ice cream, a peppermint that is house-made at our family’s country club) from The TomKat Studio.

P.S. — The darling fabric above is from Cotton Revival. It cost a pretty penny but looked SO sweet on the table. And then. There was the trip to The Big Apple, which was epic. We stayed out until 5 am one morning — woah. I felt like a serious party-girl. And then it took me like a month to recover from the lack of sleep. Old Bones over here.

My sister’s darling boyfriend and I meandered through the Upper East Side together for the majority of Saturday since my baby sis had to go into work. She works in the fashion industry, and things were cray cray in anticipation of fashion week — we missed her, but we had quite the Day of Adventure. We wandered through Central Park, as evidenced above, hit up the Whitney (very cool exhibition was running while we were there, which has since been closed). We went into a bajillion and one stores (he may be the only man I’ve ever met who is patient in this situation), and he let me drool over the fine bags in VBH. (If you visit NY, you must stop into their store — it was breathtaking. And the bags are ridiculous. You can buy them online here as well.)

We also stood in line at La Duree (the esteemed France-based macaron shop) in the hopes of procuring a “treat” for my little sis, who was mega-bummed that she was missing out on our day of fun. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, happy to wait in line for something that would bring a smile to my sister’s face. On the other hand, I always snicker at the complacent tourists waiting in line at Georgetown Cupcake back in D.C., and…yet, there I was. Doing the same thing. Dumb.

It was also likely an unnecessary indulgence since the entire weekend was filled with treats, including Dylan’s Candy Bar:

And some authentic NY pastrami:

And many, many plates of charcuterie (a staple in my sister and her boyfriend’s lives — I think we had one a day while we were there. They often pair their meats and cheeses with honey or fruit jam, which was delish):

Yum. Speaking of food, back home in Chi-town, I’ve been really enjoying cooking lately…

Oh, joy. OK, and now that I’ve sufficiently made myself voraciously hungry, I’ll close with my favorite recent addition to the Magpie Nest: this amazing dog painting that Mr. Magpie and I found. I ADORE his gruff little face and then the fact that he has a little ball at his paw. The contrast is brilliant, and he always makes me smile.

Alright, so that’s what’s been up with me. What’s new with YOU?

▶ View 10 Comments

Some Tings

In Accessories, Brights!, Home Decor, Magpie Nest, Neutrals, White on August 10, 2012 at 12:36 pm

When my girlfriends and I visited the Bahamas for Spring Break in college (errr what? Spring Break, you say? Now that I have a Costco membership, I’m too old to understand such jargon), we came across a ginormous PSA poster promoting safe sex that read: “Protect Ya Tings, Mon.” Of course, this meant for the next 2-3 years, we would sporadically tell one another to “protect ya tings.” This thought came to me in a flash the way useless tidbits do yesterday while brushing my teeth and it’s been floating in the ether since. So. Here are some TINGS to brighten ya Friday, mon. (Miss you, girlies!)

First: a Jill Rosenwald vase ($76). Ugh. I’ve wanted one of her pieces for a long time (I love you long time, mon) but for some reason just can’t bring myself to take the plunge. I wish the pieces were just a *leeeetle* bit cheaper to justify their purchase, because I feel as though you can find this sort of thing on the cheap from Anthro…but then again, they aren’t Jill Rosenwald. Wahhh.

Yes, you, little guy! I want you on my desk with some white peonies. Thanks. While we’re talking desktop, I’d also like the entire 6-book series of notecards from Russell + Haze ($22 each)l. I think they look so feminine set up top on a desk:

Of course, use a Le Pen (get a set of 18 for $25 here) to craft any meaningful note:

I can daydream about myself working in a glamified girly office, sitting in a lucite desk chair ($410) behind my pristine white desk (the Jonathon Adler Channing…dream…$1,700), writing letters in style…

Beneath my tootsies? Some sort of animal hide or fluffy sheepskin rug. This Furbish find is to die ($700):

I can guarantee you Mr. Magpie is rolling his eyes right now because he says I only like to decorate in neutrals — white, beige, crystal, etc. I must admit that this accusation holds true. The proof is in the pudding: check out my Pinterest “Magpie Nest” board. Oops-i-doodle. I swear I like color, but white just looks so serene and classy…

Is there a problem here?! Fiiine, I’ll add some color. I will say I’ve been dreaming about stockpiling a few of these inexpensive and brightly colored bud vases from Design Darling ($16 each):

Oh, and maybe this fun phone plug-in ($29):

One other random (and colorful) item I’ve had my eye on lately? These scented drawer liners from MacBeth Collection ($12/roll):

Genius, n’est-ce pas?! OK, fronds — have a great weekend! See you next week, and please forgive me if the next few weeks of posts are a little nest-centric. We’re designing some of our new rooms here in Chi-town, so all I can think about is interior decorating at the moment. We need to buy a new couch, a new bed, a new dresser, and a million other new things…soooo. Get ready.

{Placecard from SugarPaper — buy it in paper form at $14/pack of ten.}

▶ View 4 Comments

Do You Want Some Cheese with That Whine?

In Accessories, Bombshell, Brights!, Champagne!, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red, Shoes on June 14, 2012 at 10:19 am

I try to stick to fashion on this little blogski, but today, I must digress and admit to the fact that I am the biggest baby ever. Over the weekend, I had some sort of terrible allergic reaction to something that caused my right eye to itch and water uncontrollably for like a bajillion, trajillion hours and have been on all kinds of eye drops and ointments ever since. I know it’s not a big deal and “this too shall pass” as my Magpie Mother pointed out while I was tearfully begging for her Dr. Mom opinion, but — I’ve just been having a big ol’ pity party for myself nonetheless and I need to snap out of it. What better way than by planning an imaginary Whine + Cheese party?

First: setting. I’d like to steal an idea I saw on Chevrons + Stripes by hosting my whine party in a glamorous pillowed teepee/tent from Fute Design

I’d wear a floaty caftan ($575 — and if you’re not into the ankle/maxi length, check out this $325 Cynthia Vincent style, which I’m BANANAS over…that citrine color!) with some glam drops ($430):

I’d finish with pure gold Zanotti sandals (on sale for $385 — but also available in pink here)

I’d serve wine in colored, stemless drinkware ($35 for set of 4) –

I’m weirdly obsessed with these neon corkscrews (around $100 each) by L’Aguiole, which would certainly make a lovely accent-piece (and come in handy):

Meanwhile, I’d serve treats on some dainty paper plates (who says paper needs to look cheap?! — $7.50 for 10):

We’d keep some vino / champers chillin in a sleek ice bucket ($175):

And you better believe there would be a nice spread of cheese and other treats ($24 for cheese slate board) –

I just discovered these tearable cotton napkin rolls — you buy a roll for $27 from MyDrap and can just tear them off as you need them!

All of my guests and I would sit surrounded by pillows ($115 each) and blankets ($170 each) until the wee hours of the night –

Of course, good tunes are de-rigueur — especially when issued from a hot pink iPod dock ($162):

I’m feeling better already…

▶ View 6 Comments

Living in Color

In Accessories, Florals, Home Decor, Ikat, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red, White on February 22, 2012 at 2:12 pm

I’ve been on such a wild art-collecting rampage for the past few weeks that I’ve kinda neglected everything but my walls in terms of updating and outfitting my little Magpie Nest. This is in part because Mr. Magpie and I have been talking/planning for some time to move elsewhere, and it seems semi-wasteful to buy new items when we aren’t even sure of the dimensions or style of our soon-to-be new digs. That being said, I have my eye on about 3234 items I will readily snatch up the minute Mr. Magpie and I make our move, and all of them are in keeping with the BRIGHTS trend all over the runway. First up, I kind of just need this set of shot glasses ($29, Burke Decor) to spruce up my shelf space. How darling would they be situated on display in a glass cabinet?!

Serve them atop a chevron tray ($56, Pencil Shavings Studio):

Would look especially splashy paired with some ikat-print plates ($10, C. Wonder), some monogrammed napkins ($14o for set of 6, Monogram Goods), and some gold cutlery ($85 for five-piece setting, Shop Horne):

Perfect against the bold backdrop of this canvas/print ($39 and up depending on the size and framing choices you make! — Image Kind):

I’d mix the bright colors in with pristine glass. I have managed to collect apothecary jars and cake domes in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and I love the idea of one day clustering them on a shelf or lining them up on a kitchen bar (minis — $38, Rain; cake dome — $205, Rain):

Next up: OMG, these armchairs ($279, Urban Outfitters). I like the idea of adding one to an office space or bedroom as a fun little accent POP.

Perfect situated next to a mirrored side table ($599, Z Gallerie) topped with a lovely lamp ($298, Monogram Goods) and some darling poodle book-ends ($69, Lamps Plus):

Now, I’ve long lusted after a cowhide rug, and the muted hue of this style ($499, West Elm) is perfection:

Meanwhile, a mix of typed (“Blah” letterpress print — $15, Raw Art Letterpress), abstract (Ikat canvas — $66, Lulu and Drew) , and sketched art works (Jason Wu sketch — $20, Inslee By Design):

Kinda rad mixed in with this shabby chic elephant wall hook ($16.50, The Door Stop):

I die over the idea of this miscellany hanging behind the wall of my personal desk, which would be accompanied by a fab lucite chair ($175, Lexington Modern):

Imagine it situated behind an uber-sleek, modern desk from the likes of Pieces (yikes, price tag — $1,750, Pieces) and topped with an eye-catching lamp (fuschia-lined shade — $89, Shades of Light; base, $236, Shades of Light) and a stack of lovely books:

The desk would ideally be placed just on top of a bold Madeline Weinrib rug:

I’d most definitely need to find a place either on my desktop or bookshelves for these darling Foo dogs ($265, Chic Shop LA):

Oh yes indeedy. Perfect with the whole room beneath this palm-leaf chandelier ($1,995, Pieces):

And it goes without saying that I would NEED a cozy armchair for reading ($1,295, ABC Home), juged up with pillows (LOVE this floral print — $60-$75, Caitlin Wilson) and accented with this darling navy ceramic jar ($185, Emilia Ceramics):

This navy printed throw ($333, Cococozy) is a bananas addition:

In the corner? A bar cart ($295, Society Social), topped with retro-style glasses ($165 for 7, Chic Shop LA):

I’d be sure to set it up with some bold napkins (like the idea of mixing and matching colors here — $22, Burke) and a lovely little bowl for cocktail treats ($30, Tertullia)

– and I’d also need this dachshund tray ($168, Jonathan Adler) for additional goodies!

EEP. So many other goodies I’d like to share, but I’ll start with that! Remember to enter my giveaway {see the “Sportive” post for details} for THIS AMAZING NECKLACE! by midnight tonight! A winner will be announced tomorrow. Oh LA LA.

▶ View 4 Comments

This + That

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red, Shoes on February 17, 2012 at 11:54 am

FRIDAY!!!! I’m so happy to see you! It’s already a great day because this fantastic old school jam by Color Me Badd aired on the radio early this a.m., much to my delight and glee. Just the thing to greet the weekend. As per usual, I’m far too excited to roll out a carefully organized post, so I’ll just pass along what’s been striking my fancy for the past week.

Did anyone else tune in to see the dog show earlier this week? It only exacerbated my puppy fever. I need a dog. Now. Mr. Magpie and I have long been debating between the Welsh Terrier and the French Bulldog, but my main objective at the moment is just to add a little four-legged pupperoo to our life, whichever breed he prefers. This goal has, of course, sent me on a variety of imaginary shopping excursions for our little pup. How darling are these dog beds ($59-$79 depending on size, Harry Barker)?!

Also, how cute are these personalized dog prints ($9, Fire Hydrant Press)?! Is it too early to order one?! (We already have the name picked out!)

Just when I thought Chloe’s Marcie couldn’t be any more covetable, they created a version in downtown-chic denim. ACK. I can’t decide which I love more — the crossbody ($525), the shoulder bag ($1,325), or the large satchel ($2,265). So.so.amazing.

I’m attending two birthday affairs this weekend, and heading to Vegas in just two weeks for my bestie’s bachelorette. Suffice to say, I’ve got celebration on the brain, and I need some killer kicks. Loving (!) these polka dot mules from — who else?! — Kate Spade ($328, Jildor):

Yeah, neon is still rocking out in my world. I’ve been sporting either shocking pink from Illamasqua ($14, Sephora) or poppy orange-red (Tom Ford, $30, Bergdorf’s):

I was up in NYC this past weekend for what might have been the most hilarious + fun weekend of my life. I got to attend a fab blogger event hosted by Currently Obsessed, Shopbop, and ASOS at the Soho House in NY, explore Chelsea Market {which was hosting a pop-up “Swamp People” exhibit with REAL alligators! Who would have thought I’d see an alligator in Manhattan?!}, hit up the Rubins art museum {fascinating, especially the murals on the 3rd floor}, eat lots.of.delicious.food {including at Spice Market — incredible!}, go wine tasting, people watch at the Standard Biergarten, and — sort of my favorite pitstop of the weekend — hit up the Rusty Knot for post-dinner drinks. This place is kitschy. Half of it sort of looks like a waiting room in a dentist’s office, with an awkward small-scale fish-tank and a strange lined-upalong-the-wall chair arrangement. But the crowd was awesome and unpretentious, which was semi-refreshing after the “I’m very important and beautiful” vibe I witnessed at the Standard {can’t say it wasn’t a deserved ‘tude — there were lots of beautiful and important people there!} At any rate, the Rusty Knot had the most INCREDIBLE frozen drink called — you guessed it — the Rusty Knot. My cousin called them “frozen mojitos,” and that’s about accurate — I tasted mint, limes, and rum. DELIGHTFUL.

{When I recreate them, I need to serve them in these cheeky plastic cups — $38 for sleeve of 25, Monogram Goods.}

Speaking of citrus, these 11×14 letterpress designs by Sycamore Street Press ($35 each) caught my eye. I think they’d make a fun little installation on a white kitchen wall.

Love the retro appeal. And how cool that they’re letterpressed?!

My bestie and I have weekly “sninner” + trashy tv + wine nights. {Sninner = snack dinner, or lots of little appetizers instead of an actual meal.} I try to switch things up when I’m hosting {for Italian — caprese salad, crusty bread, and Italian charcuterie; other times, it’s Greek — hummus and pita, spanokopita from Trader Joe’s, dried fruits, and olives; still other times, it’s Spanish — marcona almonds, manchego cheese, chorizo, etc.} But the one staple? Cheese. I have to have it for our weekly sninner because Mr. Magpie is not a huge fan of the fromage. {He had a rough experience with Mac & Cheese as a child, and has been leery of it every since. Strange, in a sense, because he’s the ultimate adventurous eater otherwise.} For this reason, I’ve had my eye on this brightly-colored cheese server kit from L’Aguiole ($32, Anthropologie)

I’ve also got my eye on these ceramic cheese markers ($35 for set, Rain Collection):

Alternately, for another serving option: I recently saw a cute presentation for a cheese board — serve it on a chalkboard — and have been contemplating doing something similar. Buy one here or take on the DIY challenge with instructions here.

{images from Wit & Whistle}

There’s no legitimate explanation for needing or wanting this camera ($90, ModCloth), but it’s cool. Enough said.

…and not just any jewelry. I’m all about pops of sapphire blue, like these Bounkit drops ($395, Charm & Chain) and this gumball stone bracelet ($45, J. Crew) as well as citrine/neon yellow ($24 for necklace, ColorBlockShop):

Finally, I really must own this hot pink mini from Robert Rodriguez ($395, Shopbop). It’s a done deal.

The color! The scalloped hem! I die. (And PSST. I know I feature a lot of Diane von Furstenberg already, but please take a minute to check out the amazing color palette she’s made available this season. DIE.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

▶ Comment

Homebody

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Intimates, Magpie Nest, Sleepwear/Loungewear on February 1, 2012 at 1:54 pm

UPDATE: The winner of the generous Concierge Couture giveaway for these adorable arrow necklaces to ANDREA F., who said she would give the spare necklace to her sister after a rather difficult year. ANDREA — email me ASAP so I can send these pretty pieces your way!

********

This past weekend, I felt so exhausted and worn-out, I decided to stay in on a Saturday night. I felt a little badly/jealous when I received texts from Mr. Magpie while he was out enjoying a chili cook-off with some of our friends, but that R&R was so badly needed that I couldn’t conceal my relief and delight at having an evening to myself. {OK, on a scale of 1-10, how old womanish is this introduction? Am I divulging a secret inner-Cathy? Remember Cathy from the comic strips we read while growing up? Even at a young age, I hoped I’d never turn out like her. So whiny.} Anyway, if you’re on my level, I highly advocate that you do the same some evening in the future — I hadn’t realized how much I needed a night off and alone! So follow my lead with the following steps…

And I mean dress down. I wore a tattered old UVA tee of Mr. Magpie’s {oh so soft, oh so hole-filled} comparable to this Rebel Yell style (on super sale for $22, Karmaloop) and some boy shorts (Hanky Panky — $29, Bloomingdale’s):

I completed the look with a snuggly robe (Eberjey, on sale for $89, Journelle) and my glasses (I hate wearing them, but need ‘em to see the boob tube — I have the same pair of tortoise shell specs I’ve had since high school, but these geek chic Warby Parkers are pretty rad — $95, Warby Parker):

Finally, a pair of trusty ol slippers (Minnetonka, $36, Zappos):

Once outfitted in sufficiently cozy threads {slightly man-repelling, eh?}, I moved onto step 2.

Remember when we were little and used to build forts?! I pretty much did that this past Saturday. I essentially sat in a massive pile of pillows and blankets and loved every second of it. Build your own with this retro back pillow ($340, Chic Shop), the classic ultra-covet Hermes Avalon blanket (ha — $2,575, Hermes), and some fluffy pillows (TOP: $55, Caitlin Wilson; BOTTOM: $110, Everything Begins):

Scent your pillow palace with your favorite candle. My go-tos are Tocca’s “Florence” and Diptyque’s “Baies,” but on this particular day, I felt like I needed a change and was really loving Jo Malone’s “Pomegranate Noir” ($65, Saks):

Crocker or Draper — either works, depending on how happy you want to be about spending time in the kitchen. I baked some snackeroos for myself, donning my classic apron (yes, Charlotte did wear this in Sex and the City — $32, Jessie Steele):

I made these little cornflake-based treats called “Honey Crackles” — you basically melt butter with sugar and honey, pour it over cornflakes, and bake for 10 minutes. So crunchy and delicious. And fun to make when you have fun new kitchen implements, like these heart-shaped measuring spoons ($6.95, PaperSource), pink mixing bowls ($24.99, Amazon), and a cherry red whisk (Le Creuset, $24, Amazon):

Don’t forget the cute cupcake liners (on sale for $9.49, Linens N Things):

Handle with care by virtue of these darling oven mitts ($8.95, Paper Source):

All of that Couch Potato time was the perfect opportunity to read, make lists, and plan future blog posts — three things that constitute ultimate relaxation for me. I’m reading Jonathan Foer’s “Incredibly Loud and Extremely Close” for a book club I just joined, but I took a break for the night to revisit one of my favorite books of all time — Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse.” My version is tattered, dog-eared, and cluttered with notes, but Pentagram just released versions of all of Woolf’s classics with the loveliest cover designs:

I kept notes on future blog posts in a little Smythson notebook that my maid of honor gave me just before my wedding (love that this style says “OMG!” on the front — $60, Smythson) and updated my planner (I own this pink croc personalized Graphic Image style, but this fun little Sarah Pinto version caught my eye — $20, Sarah Pinto). I of course used my Le Pens for these activities. I swear by their razor-like tip. Perfect for my freakishly neat handwriting.

I’ll admit it. I’m a chick flick fan. I feel abashed at this because so many of my good girlfriends are the types who scrunch up their nose and want to punch the screen when they watch this trash. But I love it, and will continue to watch it on the sly when I have nights to myself. Saturday night’s matinee showing? “No Strings Attached.” Not outta this world, but it did the trick — and I died when Ashton Kutcher called Natalie Portman “a female Rick Moranis.” Best reference ever. This viewing required popcorn ($11.99, Target — I make mine on the stovetop — so cheap, so easy, and you can adjust the flavor, salt, and butter levels to your liking. I sometimes sprinkle mine with parmesan cheese or, when I’m feeling indulgent, truffle oil):

– served in a retro popcorn box ($9.95, Sur La Table) –

– and a large Coke Zero, enjoyed through a straw ($3.50 for 15, In the Clear).

It felt sorta wrong to be home for so long without doing something productive around the house, so I did about 3498 loads of laundry. Mr. Magpie and I have the tiniest washer/dryer known to man. I swear that it fits one sock, one teeshirt, and one washcloth at a time, and it still takes 23 hours to fully dry. I had a stockpile of sheets and towels from recent house-guests that needed laundering, so I accomplished quite a bit. I use this lovely Tocca scent for my delicates ($15, Beauty Bar):

I don’t own this retro laundry cart ($185, Old Faithful Shop), but for some reason I want it and imagine that laundry time would be better with it. If for nothing else, it’s on wheels. So there’s that.

I also used a little trick I learned from a salesclerk at Blue Mercury — I stop the dryer when my clothes are still a touch damp and spray a little Diptyque Room Spray in the Baies scent ($60, Aedes). It gives my clothes and linens a nice little scent.

Enough said. I was snuggled up, lights out, by around 11. That’s early for me, but I’m something of a night owl.

OK, so this last step wasn’t part of my 7-part stress-relief night in. And I’ll admit to a little grouchiness when he called me up around midnight requesting a ride home, in turn requiring that I drag my sleepy little self out of my nest and brace myself for the freezing January air. But then — totally worth it to have Mr. Magpie back in bed!

▶ View 4 Comments

On My Radar

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Brights!, Jewelry, Magpie Nest on January 17, 2012 at 11:02 am

A mish-mash of items on the brain this rainy Tuesday morning, but mainly…

1. A denim blazer. I’ve wanted one since I saw Derek Lam and Stella McCartney play around with dressed-up denim separates a season or two ago, and then K-Cavs showed up looking as pissed as ever {she would be terrifying to know, but I kinda want to be friends with her} in the Band of Outsiders style pictured below.

Snag your own via Tibi ($415), or go the cheap route (like I did) with this H&M version for only $49. The pic on the H&M site looks hideously off-putting but it’s much higher-quality-looking in stores. I prom. And I’ll be wearing mine with black skinnies and crisp white poplin/muslin tops.

2. The Clip-On

WOAH. Where have I been for the last century? These darling shoe clips from Jackie Valentine ($22/pair) are genius. Add them to your standard-issue neutral flat and BAM. Insta-upgrade/trend-i-fier.

Consider, for example, these leopard clips ($22) with these tangerine pointy-toed pumps ($62, ASOS).

Tres chic, ca.

3. A knack{er} for lacquer.

What’s this? A new, hot nail polish brand on the market?! Love the colors from newcomer Scotch Naturals ($14.99 per bottle) — especially that tomato red and that lovely pastel nude/pink hue.

4. Holst & Lee Jewelry

Hang on to your horsies (and keep your wallets at arm’s length) — I’m absolutely dying over the eye-catching jewelry from Holst + Lee! EEEP. The designer site is not yet outfitted with e-commerce, but Latitude has a number of their pieces up for grabs here.

5. Bright New Flats

My flats are so boring. I want a new pair in a fresh, hot new color, like acid yellow or mint green. Topshop has some affordable ballet styles available ($32 each). Sign me up.

{ring of TopShop flats pictured above assembled by the bloggerina behind Pursuit of Style — check her out!}

6. Pinning.

Do you Pinterest? If not, get ready to be obsessed. This awesome tool lets you collect and store images and products you find around the web in one place — you can use it as a virtual shopping cart, an inspiration board, or just a nosy way of seeing what your friends and favorite bloggers {hehe} are eying at the moment.

I use my Pinterest account for all of the above reasons. So follow me to see what I’m coveting at a given moment. Today, this includes:

Oh, and PSSST. If you prefer to “tumble” instead of “pin,” you can also follow me on Tumblr. I’ll pretty much take inspiration from wherever I can get it.

7. Mara Hoffmann

I know we’re far away from bathing suit season, but this Mara Hoffmann bikini is TDF (on sale for $235, Matches). I’ve been staring at it / stalking it / not understanding why it’s still so pricey.

This in turn has left me lingering over the entire Mara Hoffmann collection. I love all of the mosaic/tile effect patterns and the bold color combos. This presents me with two options: buy now and stare enviously at the bikini for the next few months, or buy now and book a flight to somewhere tropical before Mr. Magpie has a chance to say no. The third — and least palatable option — is to do nothing, which doesn’t sit well with my shopaholic constitution. So. Tropical vacay anyone?!

8. Fetching Watercolors

Arg, OK, so I’ll admit I’ve had a horrible case of tunnel vision of late — all I can think about is buying new artwork for my home. And today that artwork includes this lovely Paris watercolor print ($25, Jessica Illustration) –

– and this bouquet in a chinoiserie-style vase ($25, Kerri Shipp):

Love ‘em, want ‘em.

▶ Comment

My Darling Clementine

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Leopard, Magpie Nest, Neutrals, Shoes, Winter Weather on January 10, 2012 at 12:26 pm

Pantone recently announced that the color of 2012 is “Tangerine Tango.” I’m thrilled. Punchy, juicy orange hues have been all over the place –

– including towards the top of my ever-expanding list of coveted items, which, as my loyal magpies know, revolves around the Celine Boston bag. What I wouldn’t give for it in this lovely, luxe-looking orange shade.

On the more realistic side of my covet list, you’ll find this roomy frolic of a bag ($395, DVF):

What an exclamation point, especially on a lather-rinse-repeat work outfit like the one below, which fairly accurately captures my “uniform” for uninspired mid-week mornings: Equipment blouse ($83, The Outnet), a chain necklace — love this KJL style with the lion head! ($61, Thomas Laine), J. Brand skinnies (our office is relatively informal when we don’t have guests and it’s as cold as it’s been…), and some spiffy flats (on sale for $236, Loeffler Randall):

Some orange statement earrings (Oscar de la Renta, $225, Net-A-Porter) spruce up the entire look and bring it all together:

The above would look equally perfect with a collarless denim top (my dream style is by Vince, and is available here for $225, but this Built By Wendy variation is euqally cool — $62, Built By Wendy), a statement necklace ($450, Wendy Mink), and some tangerine skinnies (Current/Elliott, on sale for $79, Barney’s):

I’d finish with some neutral flats ($225, Kate Spade) and this colorblocked leather bag ($69, DSW):

Or, how about a striped tee in a sunny clementine orange stripe ($42, J. Crew) paired with this awesome statement piece from Lanvin ($1,065, Brown’s), skinnies, and some studded flats ($56, TopShop):

I’d add a colorblocked tote featuring — duh — tangerine (DVF, $685, Net-A-Porter):

I love the structure and bold effect of this colorblocked Gucci top ($625, Net-A-Porter), which I’d enhance with a orange-and-strawberry link necklace (Andrew Hamilton Crawford, $198, Max&Chloe), skinnies, and those Valentino rockstud flats ($625, MyTheresa):

I’d throw this cozy plaid wool cape over the entire look ($265, Coggles) and one of these super-slick SANG A bags ($1,495, Sang A):

For something on the more formal side, how gorgeous is this jewel-necked Phillip Lim number ($539, Boutique1)? I think it’d be fun with these feather-and-jewel earrings (Lizzie Fortunato, $220, Kirna Zabete):

I’d add only some eye-catching heels (Jimmy Choo, $1,150, Net-A-Porter) and this funky feathered clutch ($60, Shop Latitude):

Want just a pop? Check out these classic Ferragamo flats ($419, MyTheresa), or these tasseled earrings (bargain! — $34, Farfetch), or the classic H Clic bracelet ($570, Hermes):

For home, I’m loving these monogrammed splatter placemats ($45 each, Luxury Monograms) with some orange napkins ($28 for 4, C. Wonder):

Love! For the couches, how about some punchy pillows? Consider this tangerine lotus pattern ($55 and up, depending on size, Caitlin Wilson) mixed in with a contrast-print in an aqua hue (also $55 and up depending on size, Caitlin Wilson):

Would look darling atop this amazing wingback chair ($1,898, Anthropologie):

Incidentally, the perfect perch for journaling (or, in my case, chronic list-making) in a chic little journal ($80, Smythson) with classic Rhoda pencils ($1.95 a pop, Goulet Pen Company):

A Hermes blanket in their hallmark orange hue would be a dream ($1,225, Hermes), but I’m not sure whether a $1,225 blanket could be a reality in my life. I think I’d always prefer a new handbag…

Oh, and a cup of coffee. Duh. In one of these fetching little mugs ($10 apiece, West Elm):

Anyone else ready to do the tangerine tango?!

▶ Comment

The Primaries: A Mixto

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Ikat, Jewelry, Magpie Nest, Pop of Red on January 9, 2012 at 11:20 am

Lots of little items in bold primary colors have been catching my eye over the past week, and it’s all been sort of hearkening back to an Andy Warhol vibe — graphic, bold color contrasts in high-def.

First up: as mentioned in my {covets} section, I’ve migrated from my obsession with Alexander Wang’s Emile to Alexander Wang’s Prisma ($685, Net-A-Porter). I think I’d snag it in the toffee color, but this bold blue is arrestingly attractive:

Shifting gears entirely, from arm to foot, check out these affordable ankle duck boots ($32, Target), in cheery cherry red:

And how about a fun little clutch {er, really an iPad case, but I’d wear it as a clutchski — Reed Krakoff, $590, Net-A-Porter}:

Either would look awesome with some skinnies, a white blouse, and a pop of green in the form of these cute, retro-style loafers ($100, TopShop):

As for accent pieces for home, how about these quick pick me ups in bold primaries? First, a couple of bold ikat bowls to store little odds and ends ($8, C. Wonder):

Or, how about a punchy orange chevron throw ($135, Furbish) with some bold pillows ($75 each, Luxury Monograms):

Or, update your walls with some of these whimsical Paris v. New York prints ($24 a pop, Society 6):

Or, how ’bout one of these acrylic monogram necklaces ($58, Moon and Lola)?

For a bit more punch, condsider these neon-lined linen crossbodies from Theyksens Theory ($325 for small, Barney’s; $425 for medium from Barney’s):

For another bold statement, consider this beaded bib necklace ($45, Swell Caroline). I own this exact style and rock it all summer long with little white dresses and simple white tees, and it gets compliments every second of the day. And it’s only $45! Slam dunk.

Pair with these funky velveteen sloafers (on sale for $139, Cynthia Rowley) — do you LOVE the embroidered scarab?! So sick!

Or swap out the bold necklace above for some splashy enorma-studs ($32 a pop, Loren Hope):

Bam! HAPPY MONDAY!

▶ Comment

Happy Happy

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Fur, Glitter, Home Decor, Magpie Nest on January 2, 2012 at 12:48 pm

HAPPY 2012! I have a good feeling about this year, although I can’t say 2011 was exactly a poor vintage — and if you have any hesitations about that comment, check out Google’s moving “2011 in Review” commercial, which oddly left me a little verklempt. On a personal note, this year saw number of exciting Magpie milestones — Magpie’s 1st Year Anniversary, dozens of giveaways, lots of new daily readers, and hundreds of new fashion discoveries. Thank you, my little love bugs, for reading this indulgent little fashion diary — I’ve loved “meeting” so many of you in the comments section of this blog, over emails, and via Facebook and Twitter. {Ritva, thank you for “liking” most everything I post — what a lovely affirmation.} Today, on this last day of the Christmas holiday, I’m enjoying my daily cup courtesy of Mr. Magpie {I love you!}, writing thank-you notes, and obsessing over the Instagram app on my brand new iPhone 4S. {What.what. Mr. Magpie randomly took me to the Apple store this past Friday and treated me to a new phone! I was beyond ecstatic.} The camera is fantastic on it! A few quick picks for your early 2012 viewing:

Some of my favorite recent indulgences — my Timex Easy Reader watch (they sold out in the black-and-gold, but here’s a chic python variation — $60, Piperlime), which I love so much and wear so frequently, that I had to buy the brown counterpart for my little sissy for Christmas; my YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in color #13 ($30, Saks), and a darling little Rebecca Minkoff pouch one of my besties gifted me for Christmas.

Glitter and fur — the two coordinates of my New Year’s Eve get-up. I wore this Parker dress, a cropped white fur coat (similar style on sale and available here from Halston Heritage), black Dolce Vita platforms (on sale for $74, Endless), and some black drop earrings. {I found my earrings at Cusp — they have some fab, affordable statement pieces in their “house” line — but I really want these $53 tassel drops by Kenneth Jay Lane right now.}

A cluster of my favorite products — Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume ($106), Diptyque’s interior room spray in the Baies scent ($60), and Fresh’s Hesperides body lotion ($22) — perched on my dresser top.

A series of snaps from the Have Yourself a Merry Little Cocktail Party one of my besties and I threw. It was a fab night, full of food and friends. In the first picture, you’ll see a tray of eggnog, which was the true hit of the party. I used this Martha Stewart recipe, which was relatively involved, but so worth the effort {and millions of calories}. We served it in shot glasses {who wants a full cup of egg nog?} and garnished with mini candy canes which made them extra scrumptious, because the peppermint sort of melted into the foamy nog to create a boozy peppermint milkshake. Yums. In the second snap: my baby sis made her own gougeres {cheese puffs}, which were another big hit. The perfect little holiday bite. The last two snaps: treats from our spread, including {in the bottom picture} cranberry champagne punch and charcuterie. Perfection.

The aftermath of New Year’s Eve: Mr. Magpie’s famous reubens {using Wagshals’ famous corned beef} and Bloody Marys. We used the Charleston Mix I featured in a gift guide before Christmas {which found its way into Mr. Magpie’s stocking}, and it was scrumptious. Spicy, herbacious, and not too chunky. Delightful. Sorry for the chaos going on in the background of the snap above — I was too hungry to finish my reuben to figure out a less cluttered photo backdrop.

And from cluttered to serene: my personal haven, our bedroom. I love and live for the wall color, which soothes me into a peaceful mood. The two botanical rose prints were a small victory for me — Mr. Magpie was none-too-pleased by the clear gender bias they telegraph, but he let me have my way and hang them above our bed in exchange for non-girly bedding {in a “platinum” color}.

Finally, the beginnings of my gallery wall: my Him and Her original canvas {thank you, Mr. Magpie!}, and, of course, a framed Inslee print. Which brings me to the exclamation point on this post: THE WINNER OF THE INSLEE HAYNES PRINT GIVEAWAY! I’m happy to announce that ANDERSON is the winner of the beautiful print below! Anderson, hope this print cheers away your post-tonsil-removal blues!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

▶ Comment

thefashionmagpie

TheFashionMagpie

Archive for the ‘Magpie Nest’ Category

Holla Back

Home Sweet Home

The Round-Up

Nesting

Bluebell

Cleanse

The Midas Touch

Where Have You Been All My Li-i-i-i-i-fe

Some Tings

Do You Want Some Cheese with That Whine?

Living in Color

This + That

Homebody

On My Radar

My Darling Clementine

The Primaries: A Mixto

Happy Happy

Archives

Recent Posts

Magpie Tweets!

Subscription Options:

Get Magpie Mail!