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Confetti

In Accessories, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on April 24, 2013 at 11:12 am

First – the title of this post makes my mouth water for a confetti sprinkle cupcake. You know — the super-fake, non-organic, boxed Pillsbury mix? Yum.

Second – fresh whites paired with pops of BRIGHT confetti color. That’s what I want right now. Partly inspired by these cheery seaside photos (image 1; image 2 — both $19+ depending on size and frame) from Minagraphy. Slightly reminiscent to me of Maison Gray’s genius, but at a fraction of the prix.

For example, I am loving this cheery aqua necklace (Hyla Dewitt, $130) with this great, slightly hippy-dippie macrame dress ($150 — loves. Coachella chic, ladies.)

Finish with simple gold t-straps ($69) and this fun little clutcheroo ($218):

Or, maybe a little white-on-white action in the form of this pair of white scalloped shorts ($60) and this beautiful gauzy blouse ($195), accented with this simple cord-and-bead necklace ($33! — love Etsy):

And now for the POW. I like them — unexpectedly — with these pointy toed ombre neon snakeskin flats (Loeffler Randall, $275), which I would wear every day of the week and twice on Tuesday…need.

AND this mega-great bag in stark white ($308):

Or: this adorbs pink-and-white dress ($140; love the shape — keeps it from being too cutesy) with this phenom oh-so-covetable marble and crystal stunner ($68 — love when necklaces incorporate unusual materials like wood, marble, etc.):

I’d finish with fresh, modern, silver sandals (on sale for $132) and this fab little clutch ($88):

And again – that hippie side of me wants to wear this blousey poncho top ($250) with some neon jeans ($187 — or pick from the other cute colors on sale for $39 at J. Crizz), silver flats ($188), and big ol drops ($78):

And finish with this fun clutch ($410):

Two other add-ons I’m dying over? These Louboutin flats ($625):

And — do you not die over these sweet little gumdrops ($187 each)?

Anyone else in love?!

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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!

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Spring in My Step

In Accessories, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, White on April 1, 2013 at 11:54 am

***Spoiler alert: This post ends with a FAB giveaway for an amazing necklace…soooo make sure you read to the very end.***

Oh, hello, April. So, so happy to see you and your attendant warmer weather. It was nearly 60 degrees when Mr. Magpie and I landed in Chicago yesterday after spending the weekend with our families in D.C. It’s making me want to buy a lot of warm-weather things in my favorite pastel-meets-bright palette (read: lots of lavender with accents in chartreuse and coral). For starters, I love these eyelet shorts ($69) with this blousy top (DVF, $132) and this chunky necklace ($333):

Finish with some unfussy gold Tkees ($50):

Or, how about some bling-bling earrings (Loren Hope, $68), this floaty skirt (Jenni Kayne, on SUPER sale for $148) with a simple white blouse (L’Agence, $277 — as an aside, I’m obsessed with this studded-collar sleeveless top from J. Crew. I’ve been dreaming about it since I first saw it. Must buy.) I loveeee these Charlotte Olympia tootsies ($975) with this look:

Finish with a silver-and-lilac-trim clutch ($135):

Or, this pretty printed coral number ($275) would look amazing offset by a lilac-pommed scarf ($110):

Finish with these clean white sandals (Tory Burch, $265) and this sleek clutch (Rochas, $225):

Also loving this simple white dress (interesting panels — $50) with this stunning necklace (Loren Hope, $175):

I like it finished with some clean-lined mango-colored sandals ($138) with this fun little hula-girl clutch (Charlotte Olympia, $420):

Or, how about a simple lavender tee (on sale for $15, plus 30% off! I love J. Crew sales…) with a white lace/eyelet skirt ($325 — or check out this adorable comparable version from J. Crew for $98…LOVES) and this cheery necklace (Stella + Dot, $138)?

Finish with some modern/fresh white sandals (Gianvito Rossi, $720):

Now, for the AWESOME news: like that Stella + Dot necklace above?! It could be yours! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know what you’d wear this Stella + Dot necklace with by midnight on Thursday, 4/4, and I’ll pick a winner on Friday. WOOOOOOO!

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Something Different.

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Jewelry, Neutrals, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes, White on March 27, 2013 at 11:07 am

Sometimes, I want to rid my closet of all things frilly and colorful in favor of simple and sophisticated black + white. I bounce back and forth between this extreme and the other, i.e., lots of mish-mashed bright colors and patterns. Today I’m of the former mind, and I wish I was wearing this ($575 — yah, yah, I know it’s a jupsuit-type-thing, but it’s just so sleek and looks like it could be separates) with some lovely drops ($495 — obsessed with the line ASHA) and these inexpensive ankle-strap heels ($49):

This dotted Phillip Lim clutch ($876 — or get the look for FAR less with this inexpensive find) would finish the look perfectly:

I’d offset the sophisticated look with a bright red lip (Nars’ Heat Wave is pretty bomb — $26 — and P.S., I just bought Nars’ Roman Holiday, a pretty soft pink, and am literally obsessed — ob.sessed. with the color. BUY. Immediately.):

I am also very into the idea of a wrap maxi skirt like this white style ($190 — so sophisticated!) with this black silky tank (love the neckline — $120) and a pop of color in the form of these fun drops ($26):

I’d finish with these elegant Jason Wu heels ($845) and this pop-of-color minaudiere ($128):

For something more casual, how about a ladylike top ($198) with a statement necklace (wow — $206; if that’s too funky for your taste, a simpler tassel/lariat necklace like this one would do the trick), some leather-esque leggings ($194) and some polka-dot flats ($49)?

Finish with one of those monogrammable Clare Vivier roll totes ($476):

Finally, while on the topic of black + white, I have to share a recent obsession. My bestie has long been coercing me into getting no-chip (shellac) manicures, and they do work like a charm for someone like me, as I’m often cooking/washing and have been known to ruin a manicure within a few hours of receiving it. I’ve been getting stark white nails (usually OPI’s Alpine Snow) — obsessed at the moment. I know it sounds scary, but it comes off looking very…polished and sophisticated.

Happy Hump Day?

Spring Has Not Yet Sprung

In Accessories, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Florals, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pastels, Romantic, Shoes, Sundresses, White on March 19, 2013 at 9:44 am

So, it’s not quite spring. But that doesn’t mean a girl can’t dream / plan for the future. I’m attending several weddings and rehearsal dinners and showers in the coming weeks, so it’s about time to stock up. At the tippy top of my list is this beautiful, ladylike pleated dress from M Missoni ($795 – I know, I was also shocked that this was from Missoni!) with my very favorite earrings from Suzanna Dai ($138 — I own this EXACT pair and have gotten so much mileage out of them!):

That lasercut detailing! That petal pink color! Loveeee. Perfect with platinum heels like these Choos (hottt — $1,150; Or get the look for less with these twinkle toed tootsies — on super sale for $129 — the perfect bridesmaid heel, eh?) and this stunning clutch (DVF, $395):

Also smitten with this bejeweled Paul + Joe shift ($325) and some big studs ($52):

Perfect with these meant-to-go-with-the-dress heels from hot line Aquazzura ($775) and a futuristic silver clutch ($35):

Perfection with this statement cuff in just the right hues ($98):

Also swooning over these cheery daffodil drops ($315) with this sweet eyelet dress (on sale for $200)?!

Finish with this jeweled clutch (on sale for $99) if you’re not too afraid of the matchy-matchy and these of-the-moment heels (Gianvito Rossi, $625):

Or, what about this splashy little thang (DVF, $670) and these incandescent earrings ($58):

Perfection with this pair of ladylike bow-toe pumps (Jimmy Choo, $650):

{Or, get the look for less with this pair for $149.} And UGH this mint dress looks like it would do the body wonder (Emilia Wickstead, $1,201), especially with this fierce statement necklace ($150), which musses up the ladylike quality of the dress:

I like it with these Manolos ($775) and this stunning lace box clutch (Kotur, $395):

{Love the idea of mint + lace/eyelet…together?! Check out this affordable find of a dress!}

Da Blues

In Accessories, Americana, Denim, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Shoes, Sundresses on March 14, 2013 at 10:46 am

Today, I’m into BLUES. I love this striped skirt (D + G, $512) with a white embroidered top (Chloe, $625) and some pink drops ($24):

I’d finish with some ladylike court pumps (Manolo Blahnik, on sale for $452):

If we live in la-la land, the dream finish would be this vintage Hermes Birkin in ostrich cobalt…WOW. And it costs $36K. NBD.

Or, how about this darling Oscar de la Renta for the Outnet top ($395) with some topaz earrings (Bounkit, $365), cobalt skinnies (J. Brand, $176) and these bananas Missoni wedges ($593):

I’d finish with a slouchy brown bag (Michael Kors, $926):

Or, this darling striped top ($423) with some white skinnies, a bold blue necklace ($60), and these sueded green sandals ($90):

Finish with this navy bag ($76), which looks surprisingly like the Phillip Lim Pashli ($895) that I swooned over all season.

And, finally, this throw-and-go striped dress ($140) with this amazing pukka shell necklace (Tory Burch, $450):

I like it with these embellished brown sandals (adorbs — Tory Burch, $285) and a simple red clutch (Clare Vivier, $180):

Loves.

Etcetera

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Fur, Gold, Home Decor, Jewelry, Shoes on March 1, 2013 at 10:15 am

OK, hang on to your hats, because here is a pastiche of a post for your Friday morning consumption. Read: very disorganized.

Did anyone see “Anna Karenina”? I was underwhelmed. Or rather, I was visually overwhelmed throughout the movie (quite the spectacle), but the net effect left me neutral. One critic pointed out that the book’s strength is the humanity that Tolstoy affords each of his characters. The characters in the movie, by contrast, feel glassed off, remote — it’s hard to connect to them given the visual pageantry carouseling (new verb, y’all) before your eyes, and the result is a disconnected spectatorship.

But. Mama mia, did I love the costumes. Though I drooled over the ball gowns, my favorite looks were the fur-and-diamond-laden outfits Anna wore while traveling:

What’s not to love? Since the movie, I’ve convinced myself I need a fur hat, ala:

My top picks: 1) Borsalino, $1,103; 2) Gilly Forge, $119; and 3) also Gilly Forge, also $119.

Any other takers?

Just learned about a new shopping site called The Editorialist. I think it might be taking itself a little too seriously, purportedly “combining content with commerce”…which is what lots of magazines and blogs have done for years on end at this point, but there are some interesting new labels, including Lele Sadoughi. Check out this necklace ($485) from her collezioni!

Mr. Mags and I plan to buy a home this summer when our lease is up — exciting! Of course, Mr. Magpie is looking forward to building a smokehouse in our backyard so he can smoke bacon and salmon and lots of other treats, and I’m ecstatic that I can paint and wallpaper my walls! I have long wanted to use wallpaper in a powder room or perhaps on the backsplash of a built-in book-case or bar nook. Somewhere small. I LOVE so many of the patterns from Hygge + West. Don’t you love these gold ones (here + here — $125/roll)? So glam. I may have to bookmark these for use in my office, which I envision outfitting primarily in lavender, because I don’t think Mr. Magpie will be too enamored of them.

I’m also loving this seahorse pattern for a child’s room. To die.

I love the cover design of this coffee table fashion book ($41). I think it’d look lovely stacked on a desk with a few other items in glossy gold.

While we’re looking at foil/gold, I gotta share these cheeky sweatshirts from Brian Lichtenberg ($98), which riff on the high-fashion house labels of Hermes and Celine.

This is truly neither here nor there, but ever since my chic little sis told me she was eyeing a jumpsuit in sleek black crepe de chine, I have been eying them curiously myself (and so have some of you readers, it turns out — I JUST received a request for jumpsuit advice from one of you darlings last night! Something is in the ether…). Wouldn’t you know it — the style I REALLY want is Valentino, and costs $10K. Ha. But imagine…with a hot pink necklace ($138) and some funky sandals (LK Bennett, $475):

I fell in love with this fashion sketch ($18) from artist Aurore de la Morinerie.

I’m thinking it’d look good in the black + white corner of my bedroom…

…but Mr. Magpie might kill me if I add one more “girly” thing to the mix. Poor chap. Speaking of poor chaps, don’t even TALK to me about the finale of Downton Abbey, which I just saw this week with my littlest sassafras sister. I can’t even talk about it. I’m not so much sad as enraged. What a cheap curtsey out of the season.

How amazing is this Phillip Lim coat ($1,095)?!

I think the jacket above would look BANANAS with this snakeskin tote (Tory Burch, $595):

Or, if you like a smaller style, this sleek clutch from hot new handbag line Meli-Melo (Olivia P. owns a MM bag…oh-so-covetable — $145):

This Island Girl cocktail sounds delicious right about now…

Thar she blows. Have a great weekend, magpets! (?)

Coloratura

In Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 28, 2013 at 10:01 am

One of my love bugs mentioned in a comment on a recent post that she has been stockpiling lots of colorful goodies in her closet for spring, whenever spring decides to rear her lovely head. I’m teetering dangerously on the edge of following suit — I keep wanting to buy everything on the Calypso St. Barth site (i.e., all things beachy/summery, with LOTS of great spring colors). My top pick from their collection? This flowy hi-lo dress ($450). BA.NA.NAS. I’m imagining myself (or a very tall, tanned version of myself) wearing this with my hair all beach wavy.

I’m not afraid of color — are you?! Good. Check out these ultra-covetable Thierry Lasry shades, and let’s both wish we had enough dough to drop $475 on a pair of sunnies.

I like them with my favorite color combo du jour — lavender, in the form of this silky little top (on sale for $69), and BRIGHT orange, in the form of this necklace (on sale for $89), with white jeans and perfect metallic sandals (Rebecca Minkoff, $165):

I’m also gaga over this sweet little neon coral number (only $80!), and I’d wear it with a statement necklace ($48 — yah, yah, I know I featured this badboy already, but can you beat the price or the on-trend colors?! No.).

The coup de gras?! These unexpected, FAB green tootsies by the ever-imaginative Charlotte Olympia ($901). I know they are borderline cray-cray, but I think you can rock them OUT.

{These shoes remind me of a pair of pillows that I considered purchasing for our nest — isn’t this palm frond pattern BEYOND?! I ended up with this pattern instead to incorporate more colors into our living room, and sweat them in a serious way. Does anyone else still use the word “sweat” as a verb, or am I the only 90s chickadee who uses that term?!} This conversation in turn reminds me of these AMAZING C. Wonder pillows ($38 a pop) that I discovered recently. LOVE this print.

I loveee. And I also loveee this inexpensive white peplum top ($30) and these sparkling drops ($24), with white jeans (such a clean look for spring/summer):

I’d finish with this AH-mazing pair of Sergio Rossi wedges ($1,000):

And would add this lovely ostrich crossbody (Michael Kors, $450 — now, I know $450 is pricey, but the bag seriously looks like it cost a couple Gs. Good investment.):

Since the color scheme (and warm weather clothing) above are tres Palm Beach chic, I gotta conclude with this funky little letterpress flamingo print ($16) — cute no?!

This would look so precious mixed in with other prints in a gallery wall, all framed in pristine white. Lovely. And if you want to bring that flamingo print to life, check out this darling flamingo print two-piece from Tory Burch ($135 for top; $95 for bottom):

Cute beneath this breezy caftan, n’est-ce pas ($40)?

Oh man. I would love a little warmth. I promise this is my last post about how cold it’s been. I’ll next aim for something a little more chip chip cheerio. Happy Thursday! Almost to the weekend…

Isabel…of the Ball

In Accessories, Black, Denim, Leopard, Shoes on February 27, 2013 at 10:42 am

Isabel Marant has built brand equity like no other fashion house over the past few seasons. I’d be surprised if there’s a fashionista out there who does not list Marant as a “favorite everyday wear designer” in a casual interview (I’m always bewildered/intrigued by interviews of that ilk — you know the type, where a chic pea in the fashion industry claims: “I live in Rag + Bone tshirts, Ksubi jeans, and Marant dresses.” They seem so disingenuous — a careful calculation of what they believe to be cool. My response would be decidedly uncool — “Most days, I’m wearing a much-loved pair of fraying J. Brands, one of three chunky sweaters from J. Crew, and my favorite statement scarf or jewelry of the day. And some ratty-ass mukluks, so that I don’t lose my limbs in this freezing weather.”)

But I digress. (And I apologize for the snarky tone — chalk it up to the weather?) Let’s get to Isabel: part boho (lots of embroidered skirts and gauzy blouses), part Parisian (black; trim, lean lines), part “street” (high-fashion sneakers, bomber jackets), the label projects a fashion-forward nonchalance. And I want to wear that look badly. This snapshot captures the look very nicely –

Let’s recreate the style with less $$, OK? First, this studded-shoulder dress ($35) is SO Isabel.

The dress above reminds me of these funky little boots from Isabel’s most recent collection ($1,155):

Or, how about this flippy skirt ($83), very much in keeping with this season? Perfect with this lovely washable silk top ($235) and a quilted leather jacket (this Phillip Lim style is TO DIE — $1,500 — but get the look for a little less with this Catherine Malandrino style or this TopShop find):

So chic. Finish with either sueded boots/booties (if you’re into the entire Isabel ensemble), or these colorblocked heeled sandals (affordable find! — $59) and a YSL cross-body ($1,150):

Or, splurge on an actual Isabel heirloom — this funky crochet-knit jacket ($1,455) and some super-skinny jeans with some sueded booties (Brian Atwood, on sale for $340):

(P.S. – To really complete the look, you could wear those Dicker booties by the label that everyone swoons over. Not exactly my style, but felt I had to offer it as an option!) I’d add a burgundy bag (Golden Goose, $1,534):

And now – perhaps this isn’t exactly Isabel, but it’s in the same Parisian vein, so here goes: this lovely lace skirt (Joie, on sale for $112! — also in a beautiful nude/blush color) with a quilted leather jacket (I KNOW, another one…Michael Kors, $795), black tights, and these stunning perforated leather booties (Alexander Wang, on sale for $321):

Wrap it all up with this STUNNING Phillip Lim multi-colored fur clutch (ahhhh — $750! — P.S., This style literally just came out the other day, and mark my words, this is going to be a huge favorite amongst fashion editors):

Other items of interest that may be mixed into any of the looks above? First, a cheeky printed tee ($163); second, this chic leopard print bag from hot line Jerome Dreyfuss ($670); and third, a pair of two-toned heels ($49 — SO chic):

Anyone else jiving with this look? It’s HUMP day…woooooo!

Packing a Punch

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 26, 2013 at 10:38 am

Here’s a haiku* for you:

My parents have a winter home in Florida.

They have spent the better part of the past few weeks there.

I am horribly jealous.

Blarg. I am so sick of jamming my legs into jeans and boots. Jeans and boots. Jeans and boots. Lather, rinse, repeat. (Although I did manage to recently score these Loeffler Randall wonders on RIDIC sale, so I am not quite as furious about the boots part.) *For my lit ladies out there: I do know that this is not, in the strict sense, a haiku. FYI. In case you’re thinking I failed my poetry seminars. And while I have your attention, have any of you read “Flaubert’s Parrot” by Julian Barnes? Some thoughts: A) Reading this book has rekindled my love of literature — have not felt so excited about a book in a long time; B) This book led me on an Amazon binge and I wound up with Gustave’s letters, volume 1; Gustave’s “A Simple Heart”; and George Sand’s “Indiana.” I literally cannot read quickly enough – so excited to digest it all; and C) Am contemplating reading Sartre’s “Family Idiot,” a study of Flaubert, afterward, but almost feel that without the support of a classroom discussion, I’ll drown. Sartre scares me almost as much as Hegel, who tormented me in graduate school. If I need to draw diagrams to understand a paragraph of prose, I find myself distressed. One last footnote, for those of you wondering: “Why Flaubert?” Well, Barnes will quickly cultivate and nurture a love affair with his genius in his book, which is a curious blend of lit crit, autobiography (presumably), and fiction. Barnes’ summary of Gustave?

“The hermit of Croisset. The first modern novelist. The father of Realism. The butcher of Romanticism. The pontoon bridge linking Balzac to Joyce. The precursor of Proust. The bear in his lair. The bourgeois bourgeoisophobe. In Egypt, ‘the father of the Moustache.’..all these titles were acquired by a man indifferent to ennobling forms of address. ‘Honours dishonour, titles degrade, employment stupefies.”

I mean — anyone else giddy as a gumdrop reading this? Barnes packs a powerful punch in his writing — so dense, so visual. Not a word out of place — “the pontoon bridge.” Ah! In love!

So, from geeking out over a book to geeking out over a different form of artistry: let’s talk about fashion that packs a punch and that I would happily throw in a suitcase on my way to FL. (Mom and Dad, don’t be surprised if I show up on your doorstep in sunny Naples.) First: I know it’s pricey but I wantttt this blouse (Simone Rocha, $1,095), and I’d wear it with this tone-on-tone necklace ($128), white skinnies, and some platinum sandals (these are kids’ sized, but they run very large…I can fit into them…$35):

Finish it up with one of these sweetly colored wallets (Cleobella, $161):

I’ve been very into colored lace lately — loveee this sweet skirt in tangerine lace ($80) with a white tank (Rag + Bone, $290) and a splashy statement necklace (T+J Designs, $68)

Finish with these perforated leather wedges from Chloe (on sale for $247), which I’ve literally stalked for years.

Finish with this sleek white cross-body (Loeffler Randall, $395):

And — thoughts on these parfait-colored colorblocked trousers (Camilla + Marc, $495) with an unfussy white silk tee (Phillip Lim, $295)? I love. And I’d finish with these smart sandals (Sam Edelman, $125) and this statement necklace (so many good ones out right now!!! — $48):

Or, check out this melon-hued peplum tweed top from hot line SEA NY ($251), paired with skinnies in a deeper coral color and finished with a statement necklace (J. Crew, $148) and some perforated flats (Aerin, $228):

AND, for the beach — MUST have this bikini in this fun yellow color ($15 for bottom, $18 for top)

Cuteee! Almost as darling as this LemLem cover-up dress ($248), which looks like just the sort of breezy thing I’d live in on vacation. Along with these lucite shades (Han Kjobenhavn, $134) and these studded sandals ($135):

Aaand one of these Figue clutches ($195 — love the contrasting color tassel!):

Alright, anyone else dying for some sun?!

…and fade to black.

In Accessories, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Jewelry, Neutrals, Shoes on February 21, 2013 at 1:04 pm

APOLOGIES. This post should have gone live last Tuesday…so it’s a bit out of date. Forgive the anachronisms!

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I know I should be running a Valentine’s Day post, but I’m feeling black and white, and what the heart wants…it gets (? Is that how that idiom goes?) I have to admit that I do love Valentine’s Day — I’ll take any day that involves lobster + champagne for dinner (a February 14th tradition chez Magpie) and an excuse to wear pink. But, I will be the anti-hero aujourd’hui and instead indulge a preference for high-contrast b+w. Very Kim Kardashian. (Or, as my Dad calls her in the way only a man who takes absolutely no interest in pop culture and therefore cannot be bothered to look closely at the spelling of an icon’s name could, “Kim Kuh-day-zee-en.” Excuse the stream of consciousness — I’m just a regular Holden Caulfield over here, aren’t I? Start to worry if I begin to overuse the word “phony” — but just saying my Dad’s name reminds me that I’m flying out to Seattle tomorrow to toast my brother and his beautiful bride (now sister in law! YEEEEE!) and I get to spend the whole weekend with my entire family. I am a giddy gumdrop. All four of my sibs + significant others + my parents = glee. I know I’ve not spoken much about my father on this little bloglet, but it’s with good reason: a) I can hardly write a line about him without tearing up. He is my absolute hero, the classiest and most intelligent gentleman out there. And my sisters and I all absolutely idolize him. You should see us when he stands up for a toast at an event — which will inevitably happen this weekend, I just realized — all four of us start sobbing by the time he makes his way to the front of the room. He is a man of few words, so when he speaks, words weigh heavily. He also happens to be incredibly articulate (perhaps the best-read man in the universe) and at the same time, despite the fact that he is an attorney by trade, fought in the Vietnam War, and is short on patience when it comes to things he deems beneath his intelligence, and therefore SHOULD be a tough cookie, he wears his heart on his sleeve and is a huge softie for those he loves. See? Already making myself misty-eyed. and b) My father is fiercely private. It feels antithetical to all he stands for to speak openly about him here. But — there are so many things to say; so many lessons to share; so many unbelievable examples of his genius and kindness that deserve to be spoken of. I know I owe at least a full post to him, if for no other reason than that it feels wrong not to speak of one of the most important people in my life.)

And…fade to black. Excuse that digression, ladies. You can chalk it up to the fact that I’m SO EXCITED TO GET TO SEATTLE and that I am delaying bedtime as long as possible while snacking on my favorite treats, as tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent, and I gave up snacking between meals. It’s going to be Brutal. (Capital B.) I am pretty much a grazer by nature, so this will involve a reboot of my current nutrition plan. And by nutrition plan, I mean the lack of any actual plan.

OK, so here goes: first, can I get a “hell yeah” to this Prabal Gurung for Target wonder ($50)?! YES. Yes. Yes. Perfect with these art-deco Rachel Zoe drops ($250):

Annnnd with these Nicholas Kirkwoods ($825) and this studded clutch (Zara, $90):

And, I love this mod silk-crepe dress (Giuletta, $875) with this eye-catching statement necklace (on sale for only $59!):

Finish with unfussy black heels ($65 — or get the brand-label Tibi version here for $395):

Finish with an unexpected pop of pastel to soften the look (Blair Ritchie, $125):

Now, how about this black-and-white polka dot top ($198) with that black skirt I’ve featured a mil times (MSGM, $189)? Stellar with these cluster studs (Bounkit, $330) and a quatrefoil necklace (Asha, $395):

Finish with these architectural tootsies (Alejandro Ingelmo, $1,295 — or get the look for less with these Prabal Gurung for Target wonders for $39):

Don’t shy from mixing prints — go ahead and top it off with a snakeskin clutch (Phillip Lim, $395):

And what do we think about this blousey top (Raoul, $328) with some striped shorts (Raoul, $295) and some flower studs ($195)?! Kinda loving.

Kind of love mixing it up with these laser-cut Alaia heels (be still my heart — $1,000):

Dreamy!!!

Pale in Comparison

In Accessories, Cocktail Dresses, Denim, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Romantic, Shoes, Sundresses, White on February 12, 2013 at 10:40 am

Oh heyyy, pretty dress (~$80). I want to wear you with these lovely drops ($26):

And these Alaia babies ($1,312):

And this clean-looking pouchlette ($35):

Also mah-jorly into this sweet little skirt (Thakoon, on BANANAS sale for $87) with this amazingly draped top (Chloe, $625) and this lovely House of Harlow necklace ($75):

I loveee these J. Crew heels ($278) in pretty much every color, but especially this blush-and-lilac pair –

And, thoughts on bolstering my colored denim collection with some lilac skinnies (J. Brand, on sale for $118)? Perfect with a gussied-up white tee ($20), a HUGE statement necklace (OMG…$228), and these snakeskin flats (Tieks, $295):

Aaaaand with this laser-cut roll bag (Tory Burch, $550):

And, how about this Jackie O.-esque shift (Tara Jarmon, ~$500)?! Love with big studs (Bounkit, $365):

…and these beautiful white sandals (Tory Burch, $285) and laser-cut clutchski (Newbark, $440):

Other items I’m drooling over? Laser-cut flats in beautiful “iced lilac” ($158), some pastel shades ($55), and a beautiful pouchlette (Acne, $290):

Mix and match with any of the looks above. Gorgeous. Or, get ready for the kicker: this stunning white Tibi dress ($850) with this affordable statement necklace (Adia Kibur, $85):

Finish with these colorblocked Stuart Weitzmans ($335) and this structured mint green clutch (Coach, $188):

I guess I’m ready for spring?!

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Bright Eyes

In Accessories, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes on February 6, 2013 at 12:40 pm

Did I tell you that last Friday, weather.com said it “felt like -19″ outside when I woke up? Negative 19, people. Negative. Nineteen. As my bestie put it: “I have no frame of reference for what -19 feels like.” Neither do I. Nor do I want one.

I’ve been fomenting my own rebellion against the weather by wearing the brightest clothes I own. Last week, I dusted off my hot pink jeans and pulled out a blue-and-neon-yellow LemLem style scarf and wore them with reckless abandon. Boom goes the dynamite. (Or, this act of vengeance did nothing to curb the cold temps.)

I shouldn’t be so grouchy — I do love the fact that it snowed for a few days in a row this past week. Chicago is beautiful in the snow, and I love the view from our bedroom when it’s snowing. We have glass doors that look out onto a patio in our bedroom and it’s snuggly to watch the snow fall at night. It also meant that Mr. Magpie and I “stayed in” most of the weekend, cooking, drinking wine, and watching a million movies. (We saw “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” and “End of Watch” in the span of 24 hours. Lame or impressive? Have you seen any of these? Thoughts, please.)

But, to the point at hand: BRIGHT separates to improve my spirits. First — how much do we love this peplum top in the cheeriest neon ever (Tibi, $385)? Temper with rugged jeans (Current/Elliott’s “The Stiletto,” $228) and finish with a bright coral necklace ($88) and these strappy sandals ($100):

I like it with this honeycomb-print clutcheroo (DVF, $395):

Or, how about some cobalt blue skinnies (J. Brand, $306) with an airy tunic top ($165), gauzey neon-tinged scarf (LemLem, $140 — another great color combo available here), and silver flats ($135):

Add only this mini crossbody (on sale for $118) to echo the strip of neon in the scarf:

This throw + go dress from J. Brand ($440) also caught my attention. Lovely with this TDF statement necklace from J. Crew’s latest and greatest ($148):

I’d finish with these stunning blush sandals (Alejandro Ingelmo, $1,295):

Finish with this perforated clutch (DVF, $345):

Also, do we love the idea of pairing a crisp white dress ($100) with a pendant necklace (Trina Turk, $150)

Finish with this TDF tasseled clutch (adorbs — by hip new line Figue, $195) and these fierce tootsies (Alejandro Ingelmo, $1,350) — enjoying the idea of wearing lots of different shades of coral in this look.

Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 10.32.59 AM

Or, thoughts on some hot pink trousers (on sale for ~$150) to spice things up at work? Dreamy McDreamerson with this Marni peplum stunner ($711), though pretty much any blouse would do the trick!

Top it off with those clear Manolos ($775):

How are you surviving winter?!

Grid and Bear It

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Fierce, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes, White on January 28, 2013 at 9:56 am

Wide grid prints have been all over the place lately, and I’m smitten. It feels sophisticated, crisp, modern — a nice change of pace from the funky Tucker-type prints that have been all of the rage of late. (Not that I’m hating on Tucker — still love that stuff.)

Absolutely LOVE. Camilla Belle (shown last at the Michael Kors show, wearing MK) looks like such a little lady. I’ll be getting the look this season with this affordable TopShop shift ($76)

I know I recently featured this clutcheroo (Clare Vivier, $280), but I gotta repost it to complement this dress. YES. You could wear with black pumps, BRIGHT flats (cobalt or coral would be amazing) OR go for the ultimate statement with these lizard-effect Alexander Wang sandals ($540):

Make sure to seal it with a BRIGHT kiss (I like YSL’s L’Orange — $32):

While we’re on the topic of color, why not test-drive the window pane print in color? I’m HOH (head over heels) with this Marni top (on sale for $320), which I’d envision pairing with some classic cropped trousers (J. Crew, $90) or that amazing skirt I featured last week (MSGM, $178):

Finish with a pair of Sophia Websters ($695 — seriously so in love with this new designer) and the Clare Vivier duffle ($460)

Holy chic. Another colorful option? These satin-twill pantalons (J. Crew, $368) with a navy blouse (Joie, $198), eye-catching necklace ($35), and some cray-cray awesome Aquazzura cut-out sandals ($485):

Finish with a structured cross-body (Calvin Klein, on sale for $620):

Or, get the look in a much smaller dose with this cheerily printed Pierre Hardy tote ($895). I’ve been on the prowl for a change-up from my Louis Vuitton Neverfull. I’ve cherished it dearly, but I want something fresh — and I had my eye on a Goyard, but a) had no idea how expensive they are (what?! — they are like double the price of an LV!), and b) discovered that they have no structure to them…which would be annoying since I literally carry a whole house worth of junk, and imagining it all jostled around in a shapeless sac is scary. This is perfection:

And, do we not die over this Tibi shift ($450)?

I kind of like mixing prints with these Aquazzura tootsies (amazing…no price posted, but I’m guessing based on the price points of their other footwear, they’ll set you back around $600).

This geometric clutch (Tonya Hawkes, $1,275) finishes the look with panache:

For a look on the edgier side, consider this checked blouse (Tibi, $275) with a leather skirt ($76) and a geometric necklace (Kenneth J. Lane, $128):

I like this look finished with some simple captoe flats (Yosi Samra, $70):

Finally, drool over this cozy topper (Burberry Prorsum, $2,865)

Perfect over this trompe l’oeil grid-imprint sweater (3.1 Phillip Lim, $350) with a big beaded necklace (Kenneth Jay Lane, on sale for $130), some leather skinnies (J. Brand, $298), and some laser-cut heels (Alice + Olivia, $325):

Finally, for something really bold, consider this Michael Kors jacket (the exact same one Camilla Belle is wearing in the picture above — looking OH so chic — $1,995) with black leather shorts (Thakoon, $525 — my super chic fashion designer sister rocks these and looks unbelievable in them):

Hot tamale. Complete with black heels/sandals, and these B. Brian Atwoods are at the tippy top of my list (I like them in the cobalt/deep purplish-blue color, but they look amazing in black, too — $425):

(The Tibi Carine — $355 — would also work well.) Anyone else feeling this print?

Hodge Podge

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Gold, Home Decor, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, Sundresses, White on January 25, 2013 at 10:23 am

Welcome to the weekly circus — the round of up items I have my (apparently A.D.D.-ridden) eyes on at the moment. A few of you have told me that you like this kind of “everything but the kitchen sink” post a lot, so I’ll keep ‘em coming. Ready, set, go.

The x-based bench is not a new phenomenon by any stretch of the imagination. I’m pretty sure that every bloggerina in the universe owns a pair, along with ikat pillows, a chevron rug, and a gallery wall. (Just telling it like it is.) So in a sense I’m a little bashful that this is my number one stunna this week, because I just read an interesting interview with Jamie Meares of Furbish Studio {I love that site a little too much…I snagged these puppies and this funky little doo-dad most recently}, the takeaway of which was: “Be yourself. Stop copy-catting.” {The other takeaway is that she studied Literature as an undergrad. Hells yeah, humanities! Here’s to application-less undergrad degrees and how they can sometimes prove not so useless!} Still. When I saw that, I began second-guessing my plans to make a soft-pitch to Mr. Magpie that we definitely, definitely, definitely need a pair of coral x-based ottomans in our living room in order to introduce some color and offset the lovely hue in our new pillows. But then I looked at the x-based ottomans again and really really wanted them, so here they are, at two price points (Hi: Serena and Lily, $650; lo: Ballard Designs, $189+ depending on fabric)

And in case you’re wondering what the big fuss with these x-based ottomans is, check out these glam set-ups prominently featuring these little guys:

Oh, and check out the uber-chic and yet attainable/livable digs of fellow Chicagoan Nathalie of Mint Love Social Club. Those $60 x ottomans? Get OUTTA here. I wish they were still available. Harrumph.

While we’re talking house (I’m obsessed right now — as I said, I go in fits and starts, wanting to buy a million things all at the same time to make some upgrades and then living with it for a few months before getting the decorating bug again), can we just chat quickly about how cool these lucite letters ($95 apiece) from her ladyship Tory Burch are?!

I love this dotted, tasseled scarf from DVF ($177). I imagine wearing it as a sarong with HUGE (we’re talking face-shield-level) black shades on the beach and feeling very smug about it.

Can I tell you a secret? I started using some serious anti-aging products January 1st of this year. A New Year’s resolution, if you will. I know I still look very young — I’m carded more often than not, and — this is not a lie — I was once mistaken for a 12-year-old child when I was 21 years old. So. If I’m projecting an age that’s actually a decade my junior, why would I be worried about aging? The issue is the very beginning of wrinkles. ACK. I’m 28, and I am starting to see wrinkles. What. So I pulled out the big guns and started using Stri-Vectin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles ($69) on the recommendation of a girlfriend of mine. I’m liking what I see so far, though I’ll be the first to admit that I’m prone to the placebo effect, i.e., thinking that things are happening just because I think they should be. (Also, I really wish Stri-Vectin would revisit their marketing and packaging decisions. I know they’re trying to pitch a “science-forward”/”clinical study” feel, but it kind of makes me think I’m taking medicine, and I hate medicine. And I like pretty packages that I can display proudly in my medicine cabinet rather than bury at the back of a jammed drawer. Sorry, Stri-Vectin, you’ll be relegated to bottom of the drawer status until I see a classy new package.) Anyhoo, all of this is to say I’ve also been open to testing out facial products other than Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer (which I’ve cherished for a decade now), and this Trish McEvoy multi-purpose product is now on my radar ($75):

What do you use? Any suggestions?

I know I just featured a pair of Erickson Beamon’s earrings in a recent covet list, but these ($360) are also phenom. UGHHH. I love.

I’m so into lavender these days — I want lavender jeans, lavender pajamas, lavender walls, a lavender pencil skirt, lavender heels…

Case in point: this Alice and Olivia wonder ($495). The texture is knit (like a sweater) – so fab!

I feel like this dress is so not my style these days, but I just couldn’t get over the perfect design. Feminine in the front, a hint of sexy in the back. The genius/unusual fabrication and color choice. Ahh. A breath of fresh (spring) air, n’est-ce pas? Perfect for a bridal shower, a late winter/early spring wedding with silver/lucite/pink accents. Too good.

Now, I don’t need any other small leather accessories (seriously…never again in my life), but this Smythson card carrier ($280) is so lovely. I love all of the details.

Inspired by this post on La Dolce Vita, I’ve been craving a tropical getaway with lots of palm trees. I want to wear these dramatic earrings (House of Lavande, $918), with this breezy white mini (to die for — $180), and these outrageous Charlotte Olympias, just for kicks (on sale for $622) — though you probably couldn’t walk, let alone kick, in those shoes).

One of my favorite Christmas gifts from Mr. Magpie was an Aerolatte frother ($19). I was feeling tremendous guilt for spending $4.50 or whatever obscene price Starbucks is currently charging for their skinny lattes when Mr. Magpie would so kindly make me coffee at home every morning. But sometimes a girl just wants a latte. Problem solved: with this little gadget, I heat up my skim milk on the stovetop or in the microwave, use this little doo-dad until it froths up, and then pour it into my coffee with some splenda. New morning ritual.

And to cap it all off with something truly left-field, this limited edition Cook + Gates duffel ($158) is just the sort of unexpected accessory you’d find on the arm of a REALLY cool fashionista, kind of like the first time we all saw the Cambridge Satchel and were like, “Uh, woahhhhh. Someone’s got it poppin‘.” (Nicki Minaj voice.) And now we’re bored of that.

Take a looksie and let me know if you agree:

…and scene. Happy weekend!

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Grown Ups

In Accessories, Black, Minimalista, Neutrals, Shoes, White on January 24, 2013 at 10:15 am

When I saw these looks from Paris fashion week, I pretty much wanted to throw every patterned/printed/bright item I own into a garbage bag and only wear simple, elegant, adult pieces in black, white/nude, and red. (Please excuse the hideous hooves on the woman in the last picture on the right. Barf. I even considered photoshopping those out and replacing with an elegant pump, but…alas.)

So I’m thinking something along the lines of this dramatic skirt (MSGM, on sale for $178) with a polka dot blouse ($128):

Finish with those dreamy Choos ($1,150 — O.M.G.):

Alternately, tell me this isn’t the most sophisticated dress you’ve ever seen (Malene Birger, ~$350)?! Perfect with oversized earrings (Miriam Haskell, $380):

You know you’ve got to finish with some classic Louboutins ($695):

Meanwhile, this elegant apricot-pink dress is absolute perfection (Theory, $345). I love everything about it — the interesting shoulder detailing, the zippered pockets, the cinched waist, the collarless top. Lovely, lovely. Perfect worn beneath this leather-sleeved Jason Wu stunner (on sale for ~$900):

I’d pair with these stud-accented t-straps (Schutz, $185) to add a little edge to the look:

I’m still hung up on the chic, boxy style of the Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique ($1,190), so I’d add that:

Nail the elegant-but-dressed-down look with this form-fitting peplum top ($128) and leather skinnies:

And these amazing printed booties (Rosegold, on sale for $221):

Chic add-ons? These stud-framed shades (Valentino, $295); this chic nude watch (Kate Spade, $195); a polka-dotted scarf (Joseph M., ~$100); and a Smythson jotter ($60):

Anyone else feeling it?

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A Fresh Coat of Paint

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Gold, Jewelry, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes on January 23, 2013 at 11:29 am

I was just thumbing through my Pinterest account for some inspiration and found myself very much drawn to the crisp, high-contrast items I’d pinned. Items like this boxy white top (A.P.C., on sale for $97), paired with blue Minnies ($89) and a Holst + Lee stunner ($510), topped off (footed off?) with a pair of woven flats (Rebecca Minkoff, $225):

Yes. A must-wear with this swoonworthy monogrammed Clare Vivier clutch ($280 — man, is this label killing it this season!):

I’m also keen on this striped tee ($45) with a big statement necklace (Hyla Dewitt — OBSESSED! — $115), black skinnies, and contrast-print pumps (yes, you can do the mix! — $80):

Dreamy to finish with this Jerome Dreyfuss bag ($1,015 — coolest new bag-maker out there, hands down; love the shape and matte effect of this piece in particular):

I know I’m having issues accepting the winter season, so please excuse my diversion into warmer weather fashion territory with the brandishing of this striped maxi ($275), oh-so-fetching with mirrored gold sandals ($138) and a pair of gold-rimmed cat-eyes (Elizabeth and James, $425):

Ughhh. Why am I not on a beach somewhere again? Anyway, a few other items that caught my interest — 1. an easy, striped, slouchy tee (T by Alexander Wang, $130); 2. a polka-dot belt (Gap, $29); 3. a colorblocked clutch (Gap, $29); 4. optical-white-and-black flats (Pierre Hardy, $250).

Finally, this textured, striped topper ($134) strikes me as something perfect to pair with leather skinnies and some contrast-print flats (Charles Philip, $155):

Finish with the studded Alexander Wang Rocco in their cheery tomato red “Tang” color ($895):

FRESH. How is your week going? Surviving HUMP day??

Printed Matter

In Accessories, Brights!, Denim, Florals, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Pastels, Shoes, White on January 22, 2013 at 9:32 am

It started with Lilly Pulitzer dresses — I loved the scale of the prints, and have been hooked on scouting out unique patterns since. This season, I’ve seen so many amazing mixed-print looks and have been completely inspired. I still don’t know if I’m ready to go all out with this look — potential for disaster being at an all-time high — but more pattern and color?! YES.

A few favorites I’ve had my eye on – first, this amazing paisley top (Malene Birger, on sale for ~$155) with this asymmetrical statement necklace (Gemma Redux, $425), J. Brands, and the unexpected pop of pink in this adorbs captoe ($148):

Finish with a structured cross-body ($238):

Or, how about this sweet striped top ($471 — the shape is uh-may-zing) with skinnies (white! — can’t wait to pull those out of winter hibernation), a pendant necklace (obsessed with this new brand, Hyla Dewitt — $130), and some floral print flats ($195):

Top it off with this colorblocked Reed Krakoff ($1,400):

Or, how much do you die over this Jil Sander skirt (on sale for $699) with a white blouse and this amazing quartz necklace (Loren Hope, $140):

Finish with these Manolos (on sale for $516):

And maybe a pristine white, structured purse (Loeffler Randall, $495 — so into these structured bags these days!):

Or, do you not live.and.die for this dress ($613)?! UGH, can summer be here yet? (Wait, no. It says it “feels like” -2 outside up here in Chicago. Negative two.) Round it out with some coral earrings ($95):

I’d love the look with these Carven tootsies (on sale for $357):

A simple coral crossbody ($195) finishes the look:

In closing — two final touches I live for: these unbelievable earrings (Janis Savits, $275):

Deliciously awesome. And these affordable patterned heels ($79) — LOVE.

iCovet

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Florals, Fresh Combos, Gold, Home Decor, Jewelry, Nautical, Pastels, Shoes, White on January 18, 2013 at 10:00 am

This month has been tough, y’all. After the Extravagance (yes, capital E is warranted) of the holidays, I felt like I needed to reign it in and “shop my closet.” (Blech. Hate that phrase. One of the fashion glossies I was flipping through on the elliptical the other day proclaimed: “It’s so fun to shop your closet!” Ew. People that say it’s fun must either a) be Olivia Palermo, or b) be lying to themselves.) But there are so.so. many things that are vying for my attention and my wallet…what is a girl to do? (P.S. Thanks, Caroline, for pointing out that the ALC dress I was swooning over is on sale for $199 at the Outnet. I’m almost barfing I want it so badly. Sick image, I apologize.) On this week’s radar?

Just when you thought you’d seen enough sloafers to satisfy you for the rest of eternity, the coolest of the pack emerge. Yes. These Missoni puppies ($575) are It. I die over them. I die. Can you imagine pairing them with just a simple navy blazer and white jeans?!

Love the color, love the texture, love pattern. And kind of love that they don’t scream Missoni.

I’ve been on the hunt for a great mini cross-body in a fun color for the upcoming spring season. I had this amazing white one from Rebecca Minkoff, but it got all rubbed up and dirty, and now bears a certain air of dinginess that I just can’t permit. These J. Crew minis ($148) will be hard to pass up.

That yellow one is calling my name. Imagine it popping against a denim shirt or a striped blouse. Incroyable.

I’m very sad about this. I found the rug of my dreams ($140+ depending on size) and it was sold out. Do you love?! I know that oriental rugs are the jam, but I often find them to be a little ornate for my current decorating style. The color and scale of pattern in the one below is just.perfect.

It might be for the best. Mr. Magpie may have thrown a small fit when I asked him to hang two new pieces of wall art in our bedroom, as one was a fashion drawing my uber-talented baby sister (similar one from Jessica Durrant below — $25) had sketched for me and the other was this ink-and-paper sketch of the L’Arc de Triomphe ($50).

Oops. I think I may need to dial back on the femininity. On the upside, he promised that when we buy a house, I could have my own office and paint it pink if I so desired. I won’t, though — I am really into lavender right now. I think I want a lilac-hued office accented with gold and white. But that’s a story for another day. And if that rug above had been available, I may have been inclined to change that plan of action.

Every few months, I want to invest in new pajamas. This pair by Equipment ($388) is insanely overpriced…a little scary, in fact…but they look oh-so-cozy. And the print is perfection.

But…I will probably end up with these fun little lobster jammies ($12). Affordable, cute, done.

I love new coffee table / bookshelf eye candy. Ours tend to center on food — we probably have 100 cookbooks between the two of us — so this beautiful modern + contemporary art book ($30) would be a welcome change of pace.

I’d like it situated amongst some other fun accents, like a pair of foos ($58 — I’m obsessed.) in white and these funky bolster pillows in retro-chic fabric ($210):

Pastels are gonna be huge this spring — lavender, mint, pale pink. Boom. This Gap tote ($110) is the perfect way to hit the trend without over-committing. Also, I just love the unfussy simplicity.

Stripes are basically a neutral for me. I own more stripes than you could shake a stick at (…? Never understood that colloquialism, so thought I’d take it out for a spin.) I love the breezy, easy-on fit of this silky tank ($98), which is just CALLING for summer. Hit the pastel trend with some coral jeans (J. Brand, $178) and some gilded gladiators ($138):

Wahhh am I on a boat in the summer yet?

Obsessed with all things Erickson Beamon, but especially this darling pair of enorma-studs ($315). I’d wear with everything — my cream nubby Chanel-esque tweed jacket; a simple denim shirt – and – jeans combo; a sheath; a feminine blouse and skinnies. Ah. Need.

I’d really love to upgrade my office supplies with these golden lovelies ($22 for clipboard; $24 for stapler; $24 for tape):

You should mos’ def’ check out the entire Biscuit Home site — the prettiest bedding, including amazing crib sheets for those mamas out there (how adorbs is this bicycle print for a little boy, or this beautiful floral for une petite fille?) and these upholstered headboards are just too good. UGH.

I love the composition and colors in this Alison Cooley print ($100). I wish that the original was available — definitely something I’d consider splurging on. It would look so lovely in my (oh so girly) room, which has a whole corner full of artwork in peachy-pink, black, and gold.

Alright my love bugs, that’s it! Cheers to the freakin’ weekend. (I’ll drink to that. Yeyeahhh.)*

*Mom, the last three sentences in this post are from a Rihanna song.

The Plastics

In Accessories, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Fresh Combos, Glitter, Jewelry, Shoes, White on January 17, 2013 at 11:29 am

The title of this post may call to mind the universe’s most exclusive high school clique ever, commandeered by the one and only Regina George, BUT this is not an homage to “Mean Girls,” great movie that it is. (Also, an interesting pre-apocalyptic study in Lindsay Lohan, as it was the last decent thing she worked on before she unraveled. It’s sort of sad in that respect. She was so cute, so promising! And then…) This post is really about a ridiculous raincoat (Valentino, $755) that I found thanks to bloggerina Natalie Merrilyn (thanks, darlin!)

Part whimsy, part insane, and mainly just awesome eye candy for this Thursday. It’s almost looks like a jellyfish. High-contrast, high-fashion. And goes hand in hand with Sophia Webster’s latest collection, which includes these puppies ($395):

Oh, polka dots + PVC. Who knew you’d make such a fetching combo. In keeping with this plastic/Barbie-esque theme, how about this interestingly-structured-and-textured top (Balenciaga, $595) with the raddest shades ever (I need these — $18), a lucite necklace (Wendy Mink, $222), lighter-wash jeans, and black-and-clear flats ($55)

Next: tell me you don’t love this loud-and-proud Sass + Bide dress ($620) — umm hello Miami. Yes.

Perfect (per.fect.) with these Manolos ($645) and this structured box clutch (CC Skye, $275)…ruling lives with this look!

Or, how about this border stripe dress (Raoul, $454) — love, love, love. — with a crystal statement necklace ($95)?

Love it with these slick heels (Gianvito Rossi, $625):

And — finish with this splashy clutch (DVF, $348):

Finally, this printed/sequinned skirt ($475) with a white blouse and statement necklace ($40):

Finish with the Manolo “Audi” ($775)

Maybe finish with one or two Alexis Bittar bangles ($275/each):

FRESH.

Brownie Points

In Accessories, Black, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes on January 16, 2013 at 11:12 am

I’ll admit that the cold weather has stifled my fashion will this week. I find myself rotating between the same two uber-thick nubby sweaters, jeans, and Tory Burch fur mukluks…pretty much every day. And swaddled in a blanket while at home. The other day, I realized that I was wearing five layers on top. Five. FIVE. And I still felt cold. Wah, 16 degrees on the thermom is no fun. So today’s post is more of a “wishful thinking” type post. I want to will myself into some sleek and sophisticated browns, tans, blacks, and navies — a nice transition from grubby winter gear. How about this suede-pocket skirt ($45) with a white blouse ($110) and a cool girl hat (really want one of these to wear this season — $139):

Finish with the chicest platforms ever (B. Brian Atwood, $340 — even though platforms are definitely on their way out — just read last month’s VOGUE, which essentially served as an obituary to the trend. They were really pushing the single-sole. SHEESH, Vogue. I get it.) These Atwoods will hold their own however, and your daughters will find them back in fashion by the time they’re old enough to wear them. Finish with a cool colorblocked cross-body (Rachel Roy, $59):

Now, ever since I saw Emma Morrison (fashion assistant at Vogue, featured on the EPIC series “5 Days, 5 Looks, 1 Girl” — if you don’t read this series…you must. It will make you feel like you need to care more about your appearance, but in a good, inspirational way. These ladies have got.it.going.on. They have a story or sartorial logic behind each piece they wear. Cannot say the same for my own closet, but we’re getting there.) wearing a paisley print dress to work, I knew I needed one. It felt so unexpected, so fresh, and yet so timeless. As soon as I saw this A.L.C. dress (on sale for $337), I knew I had to have it. It’s conveniently/inconveniently (depending on how you look at it) gone on sale, and now I have quite the dilemma on my hands: to buy or not to buy. I’d style with black tights, simple black booties ($69), and these amazing earrings (Lizzie Fortunato, $198)

And, round it all out with a structured bag. The Givenchy Nightingale ($2,020) is ridiculous, and I’ve been seeing it on the arms of many-a-chic-pea lately.

Or, how about this nubby jacket (on ridiculous sale for $165) — quite the statement piece! Perfect with a printed blouse (Equipment, $246), skinnies, and these amazing snakeskin-heeled boots ($299):

jbrand

Ideal with this insanely gorgeous patterned Balenciaga ($2,895):

The tie-dye/watercolor pattern is so sick. I’ve long wanted a Balenciaga bag (Kourtney K. owns a fleet of them, and they always add a cool edge), and this one is KING. Finally, this IRO dress ($475 — P.S., while you’re on the Intermix site, check out their sale, which is now an additional 50% off. This lace/embroidered shirt, on sale for $60, has been chillaxing in my online shopping cart the last 24 hours…would look awesome with my cobalt blue J. Brands, black booties, and a BIG sparkly necklace, with hair up in a top knot.) has such a great pattern and shape to it. Love a nipped waist – so flattering. I’d wear this with this unusual/sleek collar necklace (Henri Bendel, $198), tights, and an embellished bootie (Valentino, $1,495):

Top it off with a structured black purse ($238):

I’d love an excuse to push myself out of these winter doldrums. Maybe I’ll just get dolled up for the heck of it tomorrow? How do you banish these winter blahs?!

Crisp

In Accessories, Brights!, Denim, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Leopard, Pastels, Shoes on January 9, 2013 at 10:30 am

For some reason I woke up yesterday wanting to wear a crisp, pristine, white button-down with some classic, dark-wash skinnies. This was an unfortunate fashion revelation because I’m working in D.C. for the week, and my wardrobe lives in Chicago. So instead, I put together this post outlining crisp separates for this heavy-sweater-weather. I love this Proenza Schouler colorblocked number ($695) –

– dreamy, and very Taylor Tomasi-Hill, with these phenom laser-cut sandals (again, Sophia Webster ruling lives — $695)

Not sure if this Jerome Dreyfuss bag ($1,398) isn’t a little too matchy-matchy, but I don’t care…too pretty to care!

For a truly classic look along the lines I woke up imagining, pair a crisp white top ($118) with a funky statement necklace (Ranjana Khan, $438), denim skinnies and ponyhair flats (Matt Bernson, $195):

I’d finish with this bright little thang (DVF, $433):

Lots of street stylin folks have been wearing printed pants lately, and I’m curious about testing the waters. I’d go slow with these relatively unscary Opening Ceremony trousers ($425), a sleeveless white blouse (Joie, $188), a “rosary” necklace (Tory Burch, $225), and pink suede pumps (Zanotti, $495):

Top it off with one of those Illbeca by Jill Gryson bags I swooned over awhile back (great price point — $98):

Now, if the printed pants send you running for the heels, try the inverse. Begin with a clean white canvas of a dress (Thakoon, on sale for $358), offset by a fun gemstone necklace ($40):

Finish with printed pumps (on sale for $139, plus 30% off!):

And top it off with this winning Anya Hindmarch top-handle ($1,780):

LOVE. Crisp. Fresh palette. Into it. Are you surviving the week??

It’s Electric

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Denim, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes on January 8, 2013 at 10:32 am

I’ve been loving all of the near-neons (near-ons?) that I’ve been seeing lately, especially those neon-ish mango-coral-red colors. Yum.

I’m obsessed with this Holst + Lee necklace ($415) with this fabulous textured dress ($403) by HOT new designer Sea:

Dreamy with simple, leg-legthening sandals (Nicholas, $249) — and yes, I am already dreaming of warmer climates. Finish with the Proenza Schouler iPad case ($685):

Or, how about this silky colorblocked top ($35), prominently featuring that delicious neon mango color? Finish with mirrored shades (all.the.rage. right now — Ray Ban, $155), black skinnies, and those black Carine sandals (Tibi, $395) I mentioned yesterday –

Finish with this oversized, woven clutch ($98):

Also loving this colorblocked oatmeal-and-citrine sweater (Madewell, $89) with a silver necklace (Whistles, $105), boyfriend jeans, and unexpected silver flats ($188):

Finish with this neon-lined snakeskin tote (loves, loves, loves — $489):

Or, how about that Joie lace top ($149) I’ve featured before with a fun, colorful pendant necklace ($92) and some BRIGHT coral skinnies (AG, $214) and some printed flats (I am actually obsessed with these Loeffler Randalls — must.own. — $275):

Finish with this Reed Krakoff ($1,190):

Or, imagine a cool peplum top (Sea, $320) with black skinnies and these JAW-DROPPINGLY-AWESOME lucite-black-and-neon heels (HOMIGOD — Sophia Webster, $395):

I’d finish with this bright satchel (Meredith Wendell, $495)

Finally, how about this easy-on colorblock shell (on sale for $49)? Pair with amazing retro-chic shades (Prada, $365), black skinnies, and funky sandals (Jil Sander, on ridiculous sale for $328):

Round it out with this lovely snakeskin tote (Tory Burch, $595):

Things are looking BRIGHT in 2013!

Blocked Out

In Accessories, Black, Fresh Combos, Shoes, White on January 7, 2013 at 3:47 pm

One thing I realized in reflecting on my post about new street style trends last week was the prominence of colorblocking. I mean, one look at this Giambattista Valli coat (70% off — but still $894) and you know what’s up. I like it with a simple collar necklace worn flush with the coat’s collar ($565 — or get a comparable look with this $55 style):

I’d pair this with these un.be.liev.a.ble Choos ($1,150) and this ladylike doctor bag (Z Spoke, $495)

Love a ladylike, prim look now and again. For something more casual, consider this colorblocked sweater (~$200) with leather pants and some studded flats (Michael Kors, $150):

Can you even imagine it paired with the Pashli mini in this amazing snakeskin fabrication ($950)?!

Too delicious. Cobalt has been in recent heavy rotation in my closet, so I’m leaning towards this layered/blocked silk tank (Boy by Band of Outsiders, $255) beneath the most amazing mixed-media leather jacket (so cool! — Maison Scotch, on sale for $278), with black skinnies and these BANANAS boots (Aquazurra, on sale for $497):

I’d finish with this eye-catching crossbody (Jason Wu, $995):

Finally, still in that cobalt family, albeit slightly a-seasonal…this eyelet top (Tory Burch, on sale for $210) with a fun necklace ($145) and this surfer-chic skirt (Tibi, $315):

I’d finish with these tres a la moment heels (Tibi, $395)

Seal the deal with a croc doctor’s tote in upscale black (Alexander Wang, $1,125):

Happy Monday! (Groan.)

Elle-ctric

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Leopard, Pop of Red, Shoes on January 3, 2013 at 10:31 am

After Marlien Rentmeester mentioned her last week, I’ve spent way too much time ogling over Elle Strauss, senior Lucky fashion editor, and her impeccable style in her feature on Refinery 29. UGH, I just die over her. Too cool, to chic. Damn.

Everything, I WANT IT ALL. The key takeways here:

Lesson 1: Leather moto jackets are not scary.

I didn’t think this wardrobe staple was for me until I saw Elle style it with the lace dress above (by Lover). Elle’s leather topper is by TopShop ($330), and it sent me on a wild tail spin into the search for the perfect leather jacket. I actually preferred this faux-leather TopShop style ($116) to the one she wore for its quilted sleeve detailing. (Ahmazing. And you can’t beat that price!) But then that led me to search elsewhere for other leather coats with quilting, and I fell head over heels for this collarless Catherine Malandrino find (on sale for $380). Which would you pick?

Of course, the bank-breaker would the Balenciaga moto jacket, which also features quilted detailing, and — to my knowledge — is no longer available. See it styled on the chic peas below for a little convincing that you NEED a quilted leather jacket:

Ugh, love. Anyway, need one of those puppies. But I need to pair it with a lace sheath ala Elle to cut down on its intensity. The DVF Zarita ($325) is the perfect answer, although I’ll admit that this hella-inexpensive number for Dorothy Perkins ($44) in a-seasonal white caught my eye as well. Pair with black tights and classic Sergio Rossi pumps ($575):

The Chanel bag would be the dream come true, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. For more moderately priced options: the Rebecca Minkoff “Flirty” ($295) is pretty arresting with its on-point studs; alternately, this (also studded) crossbody ($128) would be a fun little closet addition, and it comes in a range of great colors, including a fab cheery red:

Lesson 2: Isabel Marant is the bomb.com.

After hearing Ms. Strauss wax poetic about her Isabel skirt + shirt combo that she’s worn “so many times it’s embarrassing” (we’ve all been there before…I’m sure Mr. Magpie will barf if I wear my new burgundy leather J. Brands one more time in the next week), I realized that it may be time to finally snag one of the many Isabel Marant pieces I covet every season but find a little out of my price range and/or challengingly chic with their Parisian street slouchiness.

I love Isabel Marant’s silhouettes — pin thin, tailored trousers/denim with wide-neck booties and blousey/slouchy tops (almost cartoonish in the proportions!) or urban hippie flared/ruffled minis with loose knit tops. I just — who new that a flippy skirt could look so fresh?! I may or may not be considering this embroidered skirt from her diffusion line, Etoile by Isabel Marant ($290) with an embroidered white blouse ($25 — alternately, go BIG label with this stunning lace/embroidered top from The Row, on sale for $580, or this affordable, demi-sheer find for only $44):

{P.S. if you like the printed/flouncy skirt look Elle was rocking rather than my adaptation above, check this Isabel style out, on sale for $462.} Now, Elle finished the look with Isabel Marant “Dicker” booties in a sand color ($600), and I KNOW how popular that shoe style is, but I just can’t accept it. I’m sorry. I know a lot of my chicest friends rock them OUT, and I have to say that Elle made the look more fetching than ever, but I just…always want the heel to be a little higher. And the shaft to be a little taller. I don’t know, it’s not my silhouette. So, I’d finish this look with a heeled, mid-calf bootskis (Sigerson Morrison, on sale for $297):

Cool cool cool in an urban cowboy-ette kind of way. Especially finished with the Wang mini duffel (which also comes in rad neon colors this season! — $795):

Lesson 3: No, really. Clue yourself in to Isabel Marant.

She didn’t specifically mention the Isabel Marant “Lazio” wedge boot (on sale for $832) that the entire fashion world raved about, but it’s all I could think about after reading about her love of all things Isabel. Get the look for less with this Madison Harding find ($275)

Lesson #4: Leopard continues to reign king.

I feel like we all might have thought leopard would be swept under the rug for a few seasons, but not so, selon Elle. Her cute leopard topper reminded me of Wren’s leopard coat, which Alexa Chung wore to rounds of applause a few seasons ago. Unfortunately, that style is no longer available but — GASP — wait til you see what Wren replaced it with: an even chicer (in my opinion) colorblocked leopard-trim coat ($598):

No but REALLY. Please get in my closet. {I also love this style from Emerson Fry for $425, but you can get the look for far less with this ASOS style, on sale for $61!} I’d wear it over a chunky knit sweater ($379), leather jeans, and — while I know she’d finish it with those little elfin booties with suede fringe (according to Marlien, she swears by this Steve Madden pair), I’d swap those out for these AHMAZING Chloe boots (I want, I want — on sale for $599):

And — finish with this unassuming, wear-with-anything cross-body ($159):

Lesson #5: Try a red lip.

Elle swears by Nars’ lipstick pencil in the bright red Dragon Girl shade ($24). I’m game.

Anyone else smitten?!

Bring in the New

In Accessories, Black, Denim, Fresh Combos, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Shoes on January 2, 2013 at 11:45 am

HAPPY 2013! The New Year brings with it the opportunity for reinvention, and I’ve been drawing a ton of inspiration from the street style looks captured by The Sartorialist, Stockholm Street Style, Tommy Ton, and more. I feel like the vibe on the streets tends to center upon an urbane mix of the loose/undone (baggy sweaters, boyfriend jeans, slouchy knits) and the razor-edge/pin-thin (straight hair, sharp edges, structured bags). The color palette is fresh if not basic: navy, red, camel, black. I know I’m throwing a lot of generalities around here, but that’s the aesthetic that’s cropping up on my radar, and I’m cozying right on up to it.

LOVE. (Except for that last pic — the way her leg is angled makes me feel uncomf. Anyone else?) Here are some pieces that I’m strongly considering in homage: first, a nubby knit sweater ($495) with skinnies and those colorblocked Aquazzura booties I fell in love with earlier this season (now on sale for $425) and maybe a cool-girl knit hat ($39):

The Alexander Wang Duffel ($895) would be dreamy here:

Or, how about this optical white Stella McCartney topper (on sale for $698 — what a slick investment piece!) with a crystal-encrusted collar necklace ($470):

Finish with this colorblocked tootsies (so chic! — $110) and…O.M.G., bargain of the month, this Jerome Dreyfuss wonder (on sale for $722):

Slam.dunk. Also hot on my list? This cuffed-sleeved trench (Whit, on sale for $358):

I’d wear it over a slim-fit striped tee/sweater (Comme des Garcons, $150) and uber-skinny jeans, capped off with some great neutral booties (on sale for $95):

Then, finish with the Wang Pelican ($925)

Bam. Finally, one last look inspired by the snapski of Christine Centenera (the Vogue editor in the asymmetrical skirt above): a colorblocked sweater (on sale for $158) with either a leather skirt (I snagged this style for $149 earlier this year — please disregard the horrendous styling on the Club Monaco site…it’s truly terrifying. The skirt itself in person is beyond adorable) or coated skinnies ($218) and some mid-calf, wedge booties (Givenchy, on sale for $722):

{A pair of Isabel Marant booties would be even more “Street” for the totally fashion-fearless.} Finish with a simple cross-body ($298):

New year, new fashion horizons!

Getaway

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Beauty Products, Brights!, Denim, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes on December 31, 2012 at 10:41 am

Preface: I know it’s NYE, and I am flat out not addressing it in the post below. I began to conceptualize a post on glittery frocks but then thought — eh. My chic peas will already have their outfits purchased/planned/in the bag/etc., so it’s a litttttle late to wax poetic over the newest duds on the rack. Mr. Magpie and I have officially entered old person-dom and have decided to approach this NYE a little differently: we splurged on expensive champagne, caviar + blinis, lobster, and some oysters {and I’ll be making this deliciousness as a side, and went ahead and made a classic cheesecake yesterday for indulgent dessert}, and are staying in with old movies and party hats. {That doesn’t mean I’m not getting dolled up. I’ll be wearing this.} Anyway — have a happy, safe New Year, whatever you’re doing!

*********************

The other night, Mr. Magpie casually asked me: “Where do you want to go on vacation this year?” Eee! I hadn’t even been thinking about a getaway, but now the seed has been planted. (We shall see, though. Between work trips, bachelorettes, bridal showers, and weddings, I have at least two trips a month from here until eternity, it feels like! Staying home has become a welcome respite.) Still. I’m ready to pack mes valises (I’d love a set of Globetrotter suitcases — merci, merci!) and head somewhere tropical.

I’d head straight to la playa and bask in the warmth all day long…

I’d pack a bright towel ($170), sunscreen ($23), lip balm (die over this stuff — $25), slick lucite shades from Thierry Lasry (need.a.pair — $435 — or get the look for less with this $117 pair), and some hot pink flips ($50):

I love these accessories paired with a blousey tunic cover-up (LOVE the neckline detailing — on sale for $240):

In terms of swimwear, I kind of die over this retro-color-print two-piece (and so affordable! — $20-$24 per separate):

Finish with this amazing embroidered tunic ($190) and maybe this tasseled statement necklace ($219):

And, these awesome, futuristic-looking buckled sandals ($96):

Also kinda digging this scuba-inspired two-piece ($20 per separate — loving colorblocking!)

I’d wear it beneath this breezy caftan (on sale for $162) with a pair of cat-eyes ($185) and a Chanel pendant ($2,695):

And, for casual apres-beach wear, I have to admit I like the idea of some white denim jeans or cut-offs (eek?! — $154) with a striped tee ($35) and statement necklace ($540):

Round it all out with a pair of neon sandals ($165):

I can almost feel the sunshine…

Holidazzle

In Black, Champagne!, Denim, Dream Wear, Gold, Jewelry, Plaid, Pop of Red, Shoes on December 20, 2012 at 1:58 pm

When I was six, I convinced myself (and tried my vehement best to convince my aunts, uncles, grandmother and grandfather, and parents) that I had seen Santa. I don’t know whether it was a dream that I in turn believed had actually happened or whether I wanted to see him so badly that I made it up and then tricked myself into believing it, but I remember squinting out of the window of the old stone house that I grew up in, which looked out onto a circular drive, our garage, and a sturdy old apple blossom tree. I remember seeing footsteps and reindeer hoof prints in the faint dusting of snow on the driveway, as though the sleigh had just landed there a bit ago and had pulled around the side of the house so that I couldn’t see it anymore — but I saw Santa hustling around the corner, out of sight. He had a sort of jolly, slouchy, old-man walk — almost a limp — and I thought I heard him chuckling to himself.

The next morning, I proudly alerted my siblings to the Santa sighting, and of course my little sisters took the bait — hook, line, and sinker. There we were, huddled at the top of the stairs in our matching plaid flannel pajamas, waiting impatiently for my father to set up the tripod video camera downstairs and for my mother to call up to us so that we could stampede downstairs to our gifts. My little sisters believed every word I told them and asked important questions like whether Rudolf actually had a red nose, how big Santa’s bag was, and whether he was eating one of the cookies we’d left for him.

I love that this happened. I love it because it really showcases the magic of Christmas — the faith and belief that I had in Santa, the excitement of potentially spotting him, the eagerness of sharing that with my sisters. EEE! I still get that jittery feeling around the holidays, and this year is no different.

Things I want to wear…a full, cherry red skirt ($525) with a white sweater ($79) and a big pearl-and-crystal necklace ($195):

Finish with these fab crystal-studded heels ($350):

Or, how about a plaid skirt ($648 — and also available in black watch tartan) with a white blouse ($163) or — if you’re going very J. Crew — a denim shirt ($98) and a collar necklace ($135):

Finish with black tights and those slick booties I mentioned yesterday ($297):

Super high end pick? This red-trim peplum top from Prabal Gurung ($1220) with a pencil skirt ($318) and some gold bow studs (the ones below are a vintage pair I own from Kenneth Jay Lane, found on eBay!):

Seal the deal with — you guessed it! — Valentino Rockstuds ($895) -HOMIGOD.

Glam. For something a bit more dressed down but still festive, I like a jean button down ($98) with a cute metallic-thread skirt ($38) and a glam statement necklace ($89):

Finish with black tights and some black boots with glossy gold accents (on sale for $367)

What are you wearing for the holidays?!

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Faute de Mieux

In Accessories, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Fresh Combos, Gold, Home Decor, Pop of Red, Shoes on December 14, 2012 at 10:26 am

The French phrase “faute de mieux” is a linguistic gem. Its very existence reflects both the center and circumference of a distinctively French attitude. “Faute de mieux” translates literally as “for lack of something better” — and only the French would have a figure of speech of such dismissiveness and nonchalance, n’est-ce pas? Us optimistic Americans just use the neutral “instead.”

But, today’s post is in fact aptly titled “faute de mieux” because I couldn’t quite corral my diversity of covets into a cohesive post. That, and I thought the phrase sounded cooler than “Instead.” So sometimes the French have it right — at least where aesthetics are concerned.

Alright, that was a lot of pedantry for a Friday morning, so let’s cut to the chase here. Things to drool over:

1. IllBeCa by Joy Gryson Church Street Envelope ($98).

UM, what. Is this not the chicest thing since sliced brioche? (???? Don’t know what that means.) And how is it only $98? I literally rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Did they drop off the first digit there? So run, don’t walk, to snap up your own. The shape and colors are of-the-moment in an I’m-a-fashion-editor kind of way.

2. Horn Tumblers ($75 for 2).

I’m a little late to the game here, but just started watching HBO’s GAME OF THRONES. (Nerd, cough.) And. Obsessed. Tell me I’m not alone here? Kind of thinking I need some horn steins to guzzle mead out of while watching the rest of season 2. Anyone else?

3. Letter Bracelet ($185).

Shifting gears to something a little less embarrassing, I’m smitten with these lettered gold bracelets, part of a designer collab between Bauble Bar and Maya Brenner. (Maya is better known for her state necklaces — if you have some state pride to brandish, check this series out!) I kind of want one for both my first initial and Mr. Magpie’s.

If $185 is a little steep for this sort of accessory, check out these lettered necklaces from Gorjana ($50/pop).

4. Script Blouse ($103).

And while we’re on the topic of the alphabet (a loose connection, at best), how funky-cool is this script-print blouse from Karl, on RIDIC sale for 70% off from Net-A-Porter?!

I can’t make out what it says on the shirt, but I hope it’s something snarky like “faute de mieux.” (Ha. It all comes full circle.)

5. Two-Tone Clutch ($39).

I don’t know if you’re feeling clutched out after what feels like 34 consecutive seasons of non-stop clutching (?), but if you have room in your heart for these little guys ($39 but Gap has been running discounts for the past 2 weeks), the colors are really spot-on.

6. Non-Seasonal Lust Item: Suno’s High Neck Patterned Dress ($595)

I know this is wretchedly inappropriate given that I’m excitedly awaiting for Christmas, but I saw this stunning dress from hot line SUNO NY (originally made famous by Kate Bosworth’s hippie chic look at Coachella a few years back, where she made quite a splash in a tie-dyed Suno number) and stopped dead in my tracks. I need this. End of story.

The color, the print, the neckline. It’s just delicious perfection. Sort of like a grown-up Lilly Pulitzer.

7. Kaleidoscopic Print Sloafers ($155)

You may be exhausted with this trend as well (I’m sorta winding down on them myself), but the print on these puppies was too good not to showcase. Love ‘em. Imagine with #allblackeverything.

8. Foo Dogs ($58 for set)

Shifting gears, I love these fun little ceramic foo dogs. I would use them as book-ends or maybe would separate them and have them live in different parts of my house — as decor on a bookshelf, on a mantel, on a coffee table atop a stack of books, proudly displaying a couple of my necklaces in my dressing room, etc. Great colors, don’t you think? I’m torn between the deep blue and the pristine white.

9. Cozy, Candy-Colored Thermals ($24)

Tell me these aren’t the snuggliest, cheeriest little thangs you ever laid eyes on. I snagged the melon-and-cream striped one earlier this season, and am regretting it since they’re now so cheap — $24 plus 30% off. Perfect for pairing with cozy pajama bottoms on Christmas day, or beneath a puffer vest with some boyfriend jeans and funky flats.

10. Painted Birdcages ($182)

I supposed I’m drawing some serious influence from Asian accent pieces, because in addition to the foo dogs above, I’m also swooning over these brightly colored pagoda birdcages. Love how fanciful they are. I can see them in a little girl’s room, as a big accent piece in the corner of the room.

So there you have it — faute de mieux, 10 items currently inspiring me! What’s on your radar?

The New New

In Accessories, Black, Denim, Fierce, Fur, Gold, Jewelry, Leopard, Shoes on December 13, 2012 at 4:14 pm

NEWS FLASH. I snagged these deep-wine-colored, coated jeans from J. Brand on sale for $152, and they showed up and they’re all I dreamed that they would be and much, much more.

Had to share.

I can now happily join the ranks of all other leather-effect-jean-wearing chic peas.

EEEEE. Just turned a new corner in my fashion life. EEEE. And they were on sale! YES. This is what I have in mind, outfit wise. First, ALL BLACK EVERYTHING. Except for the jeans. (Yes, the “all black everything” is a reference to a Kanye line from “Run This Town.” So what if my taste in hip hop is pitifully out of date?) I’d wear my Blythe blouse ($110) with a serious set of gems ($945 — OR get the look for less with this amazing style for only $89), my black fur vesticle (I own the exact style below, by Adrienne Landau — $750 — but you can get the look for less with this TopShop style for $110), and some KILLA pumps ($275):

Very Miranda Kerr, eh?! Love. Finish with this AHMAZING roomy tote from DVF (stopped in my tracks when I saw this — love the shape and play of textures — $545):

Glossy gold accents from jewelry line Vita Fede are the perfect exclamation point. I’m especially smitten with this Omega ring ($198), which has that iconic look that the Cartier love series projects.

For something on the lighter end of the palette, I like the idea of balancing the tough gal look of the leather-effect jeans with a white lace top. I recently snagged this affordable style (also on sale at Shopbop for only $55), but the top below is $47 and I love the polka dot pattern and bell hem. I’d wear this with a crystal bling bling necklace (on SUPER sale for $69, plus 30% off! DO IT.) and some simple metallic flats ($99).

Finish with this yummy caramel colored Pashli ($825) with silver hardware:

For something a bit more street, consider this side-zip sweatshirt (glammed up sweatshirts are all over the place these days, and this one is not too overpriced — $85) beneath a denim jacket ($118 — but 30% off! — I own a Gap classic, available here), and finished with some fierce booties (LOVE these, and they are marked down ridiculously low, to $145!):

Love it finished with this cool textured clutch (very Proenza Schouler, but a fraction of the price — $98). The pop of green is so unexpected and, well, rad.

Jewelry-wise, this look soars with an antique-looking bangle or two from hip line 2 Bandits ($138-$168):

Amazing how one well-timed addition can make ALL the difference in your wardrobe!

Gifts for the Guy

In Accessories, Americana, Gifts!, Magpie Men, Shoes on December 3, 2012 at 10:31 am

One question I frequently receive from my lovely readers is — “What do I get my boyfriend of X months?” “What do I get my husband of X years?” Etc. Here is a graduated approach to gift-giving that will hopefully answer questions for the lot of you.

UNDER 6 MONTHS

This is a tricky stage. You don’t want to get something TOO personal or TOO over the top, or it will seem like you’re trying to say “I love you” too soon or rushing the relationship. Of course, every relationship is different, so go with what feels natural or appropriate to you. (Some people just KNOW. Or are older and a bigger present might make sense. Or have a lot of money to burn.) But generally speaking — if the relationship is under 6 months, I would advise a price tag of $50 or so and nothing too personal. I think that these cheeky flasks ($25, or if he’s a real old school type, this croc-effect covered style for $37) with a nice bottle of booze would be a welcome gift for most gents:

Mr. Magpie is perhaps unique in his attention to detail when dressing himself. (The other day, he went on a tirade about the fact that too many men wear “the double windsor” knot when tying their ties. I looked at him, puzzled. He responds: “Wife, there are 200 ways to tie a tie. I’m a four-in-hand guy. You should know this.”) So if you have a similarly-minded man in your life, he may appreciate this “Dressing the Man” book ($58), which Mr. Magpie considers a Bible of sorts:

Or maybe he’s into cooking? Mr. Magpie loves the Charcuterie book ($21) from Ruhlman.

Things to avoid:

-Clothing (too early — unless something like a hat, scarf, gloves)

-Gift cards (too generic)

-Anything personalized

6-12 MONTHS

Shoot for something under $100 that says: “I know you well enough to know your style.” Consider their interests and try for something personalized to their passions. For example, Mr. Magpie is a bow-tie lover. A perfect under-a-year gift for him would have been a nice bow-tie from hip line Forage ($68):

Or, say he’s an outdoorsman — perhaps a L’Aguiole pocket knife ($98) will be a welcome step up from his Swiss Army classic:

I like both of these items because they’re tailored to your man and have a meaningful bent to them, but both seem small in scope and therefore non-threatening/not over the top.

OVER A YEAR

This is when things start to get fun. I think the price point can depend based on your age, work situation, etc., but now you can get into the personalized, “I know you” surprises. I would steer for something under $200. I think that, for an iPad user, a personalized leather case would be nice ($125):

Or say you know your guy has a ratty old wallet — perhaps an upgrade reflecting his tastes/interests (for example, one embossed with anchors — $125, or one with two crossed pistols — $88):

Or — one of Mr. Magpie’s favorite gifts in recent years was this oyster-buckle belt ($150). Perfect for him because he loves oysters, and it adds a little interest to what we call his “entrepreneur outfit.” (We realized that all entrepreneurs wear the same thing: dark-wash jeans, nice loafers, and a blazer.)

Or — for the handy cook — perhaps a nice set of steak knives (Laguiole, $59 for set of 4) with a cookbook, a gift card to an upscale butcher (like Wagshal’s in D.C. or Gepperth’s up here in Chicago), or other kitchen accoutrements, like one of these Thermapen Instant Meat Thermometers ($80):

Or, if he’s into this sort of thing (Mr. Magpie is decidedly not), a pair of vintage-style Nike kicks ($98). Love the colors of this pair!

OVER TWO YEARS

I think that statement/investment pieces that they’ll wear forever are nice around now. For example, a classic leather watch (Daniel Wellington, $229)

Shades are a great gift if your guy is into the higher-end styles. I recently bought Mr. Magpie an iconic pair of Persols ($360 — the 714 style is where it’s at; Steve McQueen wore them!) that he rocks.out. These Shuron Sidewinders are classic (on sale for $198) — the shade of tortoise is just perfect. The Selima Optique Money 2 ($385) is another hot style — Ryan Gosling wore them in the movie Drive so you’ll get bonus points for that.

OVER FIVE YEARS

Once you’ve hit the five year mark with dating, literally anything goes. You can get him that terrycloth robe you know he’ll use or the Xbox game he’s been talking about or plane tickets for a vacation. Mr. Magpie and I have done big years and small years for each other — and some years, I give him lots of little things and other years, one big thing. Some cool picks if you’re running on empty this holiday season — some wall art for his man cave (love this cool sequence of a man taking his hat off — $240):

Or, how cool would it be to get him a vintage set of nautical flags to decorate his pad ($490)?

If he’s a big traveler or music geek, you might consider these covetable Bose noise-cancelling earphones (my Dad lives for this — $299)

MARRIED — TIME TO SPLURGE

If we have a little extra spending money and Mr. Magpie has been a very good husband, I would splurge on something like this luxe overnight bag ($895) from Ernest Alexander –

– or my latest, most favorite thing to gift (because it’s actually a gift for me too…ha!): art for the home. Mr. Magpie and I have a budding gallery wall inspired by the dog portraits/hunting paintings that adorn the stairwell in the landmark Ralph Lauren store in Chicago. This handsome oil painting I discovered on Etsy ($548) would make a phenom addition:

Other Big Ticket items I’ve purchased for Mr. Magpie: a Tag Heuer watch, a Barbour coat ($399), RRL jeans ($250+), those Persol shades mentioned earlier, and Tod’s loafers ($445).

Things I have learned: no guys like body care products or throw blankets. Just don’t do it. And one fool-proof gift? Not exactly exciting, but sure to suit just about anyone?

A gingham shirt ($64 — but 25% off today!). Fool-proof.

Deck the Halls

In Accessories, Denim, Gifts!, Gold, Jewelry, Plaid, Pop of Red, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 29, 2012 at 10:41 am

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and it’s time to deck the Magpie halls. Mr. Magpie will be playing his annual bit role of Clark Griswold as we find our tree this weekend {he always picks the biggest, and with super-high ceilings in our new digs, I’m slightly terrified at the scope of tree he has in mind for us} and I’ll be rolling out the decorations, stockings, wreaths, and lights. The newest addition to the Magpie nest? This silver ball wreath ($50). I normally go with a classic boxwood style, but this is something I can roll out year after year:

We’re going to put on the carols and enjoy a holiday cocktail {this one, to be exact} or ten in some festive barware ($96 for set of 4) and some stripey straws ($8):

And if I’m really swept up in the holiday spirit, I might get some wrapping done, as we have so.many.presents to administer this year. I’m especially loving all the wrapping goodies from SugarPaper, like this reversible wrapping paper ($8) and these “From Santa” tags ($9):

I’ll be wearing my own little deck-the-halls get-up — this lovely chiffon dot blouse ($128 — INFINITELY wearable) with a plaid scarf ($39), some distressed jeans (loving the lighter, looser, more distressed styles for casual Saturdays), and those Valentino Rockstud flats ($845 – UGH! PLEASE BE MINE!):

In terms of jewelry, I’m going classic — gold ball studs (such a great price for a classic — $52), a woven cuff ($85), and a personalized necklace ($50 — great gift!):

I’d finish with a cheery red coat ($600 — though, if we’re talking coats, how beyond adorable is this bow-front topper from J. Crew?! OMG.) and some furry earmuffs ($56):

And then a winter white cross-body from Chloe ($1,500):

Although — let’s be honest. I think I’d wind up in my pajamas ($25 for set) on the early end, snuggling by the hearth.

Speaking of snuggling by the hearth, another great stocking stuffer / gift for a loved one? These cozy little winter booties ($39):

Ooh la la, the holidays are HERE! PS — A gift from me to you? This HYSTERICAL recording of two little sisters recounting an incident in which one cut the other’s hair. I literally cried with laughter when the elder said: “When I put down the scissors and looked at her hair I said – Uh-oh. This is bad bad bad bad bad bad.”

Mira, Mira on the Wall

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Dream Wear, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Gifts!, Jewelry, Shoes on November 20, 2012 at 11:09 am

Do you follow me on Pinterest? If you do, you’ll have noticed a slight grush (girl + crush) on Russian fashion plate Miroslava Duma. She’s wildly eclectic and, despite her diminutive size, pulls off patterns and haute shapes with ease. Check out her avant garde fashion blog, Buro 24/7 — LOTS of eye candy.

Also, I love her hair. Kind of makes me want a slick, even-length bob. But I think you need her bananas bone structure to pull it off with style. Anyway, I’ve been trying to figure out what makes Miro tick in the fashion sense, but it’s a challenge — the sampling of looks above demonstrates her versatility: from ladylike cape and croc purse to playful floral jumper, and you should see some of her even wilder creations. But I am going to put together some Mira-esque looks for my own personal enjoyment…first, we gotta begin with something bold, textured, and interestingly shaped: a pink cocoon coat (Gianluca Capannolo, $1,489) will do the trick. She’d wear it with a huge necklace (Shourouk, $1,100 — and PSST: I received a special coupon code from the kind folks at Charm + Chain for 25% off EVERYTHING now through December 14th with code: CC25OFF! Get shopping!):

Finish with some colorblocked heels (Brian Atwood, $915)

Another look very much up her alley? This voluminous sweater-top-dress ($36) with an oversized medallion necklace ($635), a pair of lighter-washed, slightly-distressed jeans, and some funky heels (on SUPER sale for $88):

Finish with the McQueen Demanta clutch ($850) — you need something big and oversized to finish the look.

I can also very much see her in this Proenza Schouler number (loving the quilted collar detail — $1,150), with a statement necklace ($367) worn under the collar ($black tights and some ankle-breaking booties (Alaia, $1,878):

I can also envision her in this darling Marni dress ($1,000) with this BANANAS leopard necklace (I just MUST own it — $138):

A slam dunk with these platformed velvet and satin tootsies (Tory Burch, $425) with this limited edition DVF “sun circle clutch” (a piece of art — $995):

In closing, for our gifting guru item of the day…

…and though it’s a tad above our $50 goal, how Miroslava Duma is this Shourouk-esque necklace ($78)?! Imagine it tucked neatly under the collar of a printed dress. Ba.na.nas.

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Chameleon

In Accessories, Gold, Jewelry, Neutrals, Romantic, Shoes, The Little Lady, Tweed, White, Winter Weather on November 19, 2012 at 12:38 pm

J.Crew is nailing it this season. I popped in the other day to take care of some Christmas shopping and I found myself clutching onto about a dozen different items that I “needed” for myself. Great colors, great price points, great patterns, great gems. Love. The thing I admire most about them is that they’ve stepped away from the “classic” and really re-tooled themselves into a totally versatile brand. You could be 16 or 72, a hipster or a lady who lunches, and you’d still find goodies there. That takes some master-minding, eh? This led me to realize that if I purchased one basic item from them, I could reinvent it any number of ways to suit any number of styling perspectives I might have in the next few weeks. Take this felted mini ($60-$80, depending on color):

Great colors, great, classic style. The seamed pockets give it a little juju.

LOOK 1: PARISIAN STREET CHIC

So let’s see — say we want to go Paris Street Chic. Pair the white mini with a polka-dot, tie-front blouse in classic black and white (woah, what a find! — $25); black tights; and some classic black leather heeled boots (Loeffler Randall, $595):

In a dream world, finish with a Celine Constance bag and some studded gloves (Valentino, $445 — or get the look for less with this $68 pair)…and as a Parisian lady, don’t forget your Illy espresso and croissant as you stroll the streets of grand ol’ Paris:

And — to protect ourselves from the cold climes — this bananas leather-sleeved wool topper (DVF, $775):

As a gift-ski for this street chic pea…

This darling “love” ring ($47) — so perfect for the quirky-chic lady strolling the streets of Paris with her beau (or with lots of shopping bags):

LOOK 2: THE LITTLE LADY

Of course, a felted mini is perfect for the ladylike traditionalist, especially paired with a pale pink lace tee ($138), some ladylike enorma-studs (Bounkit, $320)

Finish with some bow-toe flats (Kate Spade, on sale for $119), and the dreamiest of handbags, the Chloe Marcie in dusty rose pink ($1,795):

Finish with this nubby jacket ($495):

And, as a gift for the Little Lady…

Don’t you love sporting this look to a ladylike tea (do you DIE over this tea service set?! — on sale for $40! — and it comes in a darling HATBOX):

LOOK 3: ECLECTIC DOWNTOWN FASHIONISTA

Or, say you want to wear something a bit more mix-and-match? Try a denim button-down ($98) with a bold gold necklace ($220) and some leather Loeffler Randall OTKs (on sale for $578):

I’d round it out with this bananas leather studded watch ($115) — a much more affordable version of the Hermes Medor ($4,050):

Finish with a cherry red Pashli mini ($650):

Finish with a cozy-chic hat ($69) and this amazing epaulet coat ($101):

Complete the look for her with the perfect cold weather gift…

A pair of woolen mittens ($25 — plus 30% off! I snagged lots of winter essentials for myself with this coupon code, including some thermal knit tees in fun striped combinations for the cold Chicago winter!):

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

A Piece of (Art-)Work

In Accessories, Black, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Fresh Combos, Gifts!, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes on November 14, 2012 at 11:17 am

When I think back on some of my very favorite memories, so many of them have taken place in the presence of great art: in the Guggenheim Museum in Venice while studying abroad and feeling very independent for the first time in my life (I had chosen to split off from my traveling buddy to explore Venice on my own, and spent a good half-day ogling over the visual splendor housed in that villa on the channel); in Paris at Musee Marmottan with my parents, soaking up every last minute of their indulgent kindness before heading off to college for the first time; at the Frick in New York with my baby sister just after she’d moved up there and we were feeling very lucky to have a day of sisterhood; at the Phillips in D.C., where I interned for a summer and managed to smuggle some friends into a boozy after-hours event and wound up having the time of my life. Today, I’m hoping to pay some modest homage to this trend by featuring some of the artful pieces I’ve seen cropping up all over the place — hand-painted items; brush-stroke prints; unique, artisanal patterns.

Let’s begin high-end, with this stunning horse pattern shirt ($836), which would look bananas with these expensive-looking drops ($100!), a wool mini (on sale for $125), and black tights:

Finish with these city slicker cap-toed booties (Alice and Olivia, $405) and a pebbled leather clutch (Clare Vivier, $157):

Also a huge fan of this funky artful printed blouse ($98), paired with this ginormous deco pendant (obsessed with this affordable find — Rachel Roy, $65). This look would be fab with a simple pair of skinnies, but why not juju things up with some red Minnies ($70) and some simple black flats ($80)?

I’d finish with this textured “bubble” clutch (Phillip Lim, $325):

For something even bolder, check out this painted leather dress ($250), which reminds me, for some reason, of part of a Frida Kahlo painting. Totally something fashion-plate Miroslava Duma would wear. Finish with an emerald-esque necklace ($575 — OR check out J. Crew’s jewelry collection, which features lots of this color, as with this stunning necklace):

You’ll need to pair this look with the highest — and thus most haute couture — heels you can muster, like these Charlotte Olympias, which defy all logic ($895) and a artful clutch ($650):

As an aside, this snakeskin Balenciaga bag ($3,350) is mesmerizing and Jackson Pollack-esque…a true work of art!

Shifting gears/color-palettes, love the idea of an artfully-printed blouse (DVF, on super sale for $118) with this ah-mazing piece of horn jewelery ($385), skinnies, and almond snakeskin flats ($250):

Perfect for a day of shopping/art-browsing! Could go well with this stunning clutch (love the clasp! — $850) in blue if you’re transitioning to evening-wear, but the black is so versatile…

Also liking the idea of pairing this brush-stroke print scarf ($185) with a pleated dress ($143)

Finish with these cheeky heels ($945)

This funky clutch (Morgan Parish, $220) might be the perfect cap to the look, if you’re not too afraid of matchy-matchy…otherwise, go with a simple black clutch.

Speaking of Morgan Parish, one of her other goodies makes the “Gifting Guru” corner today…

How darling are these funky little key-rings ($30)?! A perfect stocking stuffer or gift for a co-worker, cousin, etc:

The Miranda Rights

In Accessories, Black, Fierce, Fresh Combos, Gold, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 12, 2012 at 11:54 am

Miranda Kerr has been all over my Pinterest feed for the past year or so — her sophisticated, streamlined fashion sense (featuring lots of leather) has caught my attention as well.

First, begin with a color-blocked blouse ($396) and pair with coated skinnies ($210) and some patterned Choos ($950)

The pointy toe is key to getting the look right. Cap it all off with the phenomenal Alexander Wang quilted pelican ($945):

Other looks? A color-blocked sweater from Proenza Schouler ($1,895 — love the zipper detailing on the shoulder) with coated maroon skinnies ($360) and some cap-toed heels ($275):

Perfect with a roomy black tote in a simple, structured shape ($99):

I’m also envisioning this patched sweater ($129) with a nude/rose scarf (Chan Luu, $195), skinnies, and booties (B Brian Atwood, $460 — but get the look for less with these):

Perfection with the Alexander Wang Prisma ($685) –

Or, how about a hand-painted striped tee ($66) with some leather shorts (DVF, $475) –

Perfect with classic patent pumps from Louboutin ($625) and the All Saints Rixey tote ($295)

Finally, I can totally envision Miranda rocking this leather-trimmed sweatshirt-material dress (comfy and chic — $350) –

– finished with these affordable cap-toed, snakeskin pumps ($69) and the Lim 31 Hour Bag ($750):

And now — I know this is above the $50 limit we discussed earlier — but for today’s gifting guru…

…these darling fur cuffs ($98), which come in a range of colors. I loveeeee these puppies, and can imagine Miranda rocking them in her signature mulled wine/burgundy:

Happy Monday!

Gray Day

In Accessories, Black, Fur, Home Decor, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 8, 2012 at 12:46 pm

So far, November in Chicago has been…gray. No snow (yet), but lots of gray skies and dropping temperatures. I’ll go with the flow, take a cue from Mother Nature, and will adorn myself in the same slightly desolate hue. To begin: let’s all drool over this bad boy from YSL ($3,787) and these leather pantalons (J. Brand, duh — $895) with herringbone, heather-gray cap-toed heels ($268):

Great with the Edie in black ($238, but on sale for 25% off!):

Or, this nubby little jacket (Rag and Bone, $450) with these snakeskin studded flats (GREAT find! — $50), this unique chain link necklace ($98), and some black skinny wool pants ($118):

Cap it off with the the PS11 clutch ($1,950):

Or, check out this classy tweed dress ($215) with a big crystal necklace ($198 — plus 30% off!):

I like this look with a pop of red in the form of these colorblocked Proenza Schouler heels (interesting fabrication — $595):

And — forgive me for basically featuring this bag every single post — the Pashli ($895) in tomato red. This bag is just too delicious, and I hate everyone who owns it.

And how au courant is this number ($795)? The gemmed collar situation is so right now. And with these crystal drops ($370)? To die.

Bomb with these Loubs ($1,295):

And…not to be a broken record — the Pashli in gray croc ($975):

For more casual wear, I’m dying over this llama print scarf ($130), which I’d pair with a textured sweater ($30), colored denim (on sale for $49!), and snakeskin flats (FIND — $25!):

(Or check out this more expensive designer variation, on sale for $114!) And finish with this structured tote ($300):

And why not let the gray percolate into your home decorating decision-making? I’ve had my eye on this funky vase (which I would probably just use as a piece of decor on one of my bookshelves! — $48). Fab, isn’t it?! Especially atop a gold accent table ($249):

And how about these awesomely affordable flokati pillows ($19 each) on a cozy upholstered sofette ($1,295):

Lovely…and now:

Aren’t these patterned sloafers perfection ($40) for your fashion-forward little sis?

New in November

In Accessories, Fierce, Gifts!, Plaid, Pop of Red, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 7, 2012 at 11:28 am

November?! You’re here?! OMG. This year is hurtling to the finish line. It just occurred to me that we’d crossed the October finish-line yesterday, as I was voting. {P.S., why are the ballots like 3 feet long? I pretty much knocked people out while wielding my poster board ballot yesterday.} I also realized that I’d unknowingly dressed for the occasion in a denim shirt, ginormous rope-and-crystal necklace (this exact one, which is now sold out — but find a comparable style here), and red skinnies. Yep. Red, white, and blue. I guess my fashion subconscious was pushing me towards civic duty. At any rate: as we kick off a new month, I thought I’d pause and share some of my obsessions du mois (of the month). They’re a little all over the place, so please forgive.

First — my favorite snack of the moment: rosemary-parmesan-truffle popcorn. {I graduated from using the microwave bagged popcorn awhile ago — so much more fun to make it in a pot and add all of your favorite toppings.} I pop 1/3 cup kernels in 2 T of canola or olive oil (ceramic measuring spoons — $13 for set) and then drizzle with truffle oil ($15) before topping with salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, and freshly grated parmesan using my Microplane ($23):

Yummy. And kinda healthy…healthy-ish. Or not at all. Just enjoy. Second — new Sorel boots. I bought the Joan of Arctic style ($150), though I know the Caribou style ($140) is also very popular. You know that this little Magpie likes all things with fur trim…and the red-camel-navy color triad was right up my alley.

And P.S., in case you were wondering: I wound up ordering this Barbour coat after hemming and hawing between it and the Barbour Troop Parka. I also considered this wool anorak style from Pendleton, which looks uber-warm. Winter weather, I’m prepared for you. Third — a new winter bag. I have my sights set on this darling JAS MB bag ($440):

I think it will be a challenge to match, but it will just have to be a “statement piece” for the season. I imagine wearing it with black skinnies and booties, a big oversized sweater or sweater cape, and some aviators. And some kinda fur in there — a collar, mittens, etc. Speaking of season-appropriate additions, I am in love with the kitschy print on this woollen hat-and-gloves set from Aubin and Wills (hat – on sale for $36; mittens – on sale for $36):

Would look so precious with a quilted vest in a bright color and a thick white nubby sweater. I kind of want to wear all of this to bed, as our heating system has been a little on the sporadic side in our bedroom. Mr. Magpie is cold-blooded (no joke, it’s science), since he could easily and comfortably sleep in sub-zero temperatures and still live peacefully. Meanwhile, if it’s a lick below 73 in our apartment, I’m shuddering. I would snuggle beneath this darling printed blanket from Story North (around $70 USD) — looks like the Swiss flag, which hence reminds me of the Alps and thus skiing. See? It all makes sense. And yes, I’m aware that this is a baby blanket, but it just looks so snuggly.

But back to actual winter-weather gear, is anyone else dying over all of the Fair Isle sweaters this season?! YES. I love that we’re seeing a throwback to this style, and at all different price points (high end: Proenza Schouler, $873; affordable: J. Crew, $148):

{Speaking of J. Crew — they’re still running their 25% off dealie, which is making it REALLY HARD for me not to snap up lots of warm and woolly goodies. Anyone else obsessed with this darling print sweater?! So many people have been rocking the random animal print sweater, and I’ve been a little dubious. Then, they bring that sweet pea out and I’m weak at the knees. They nail it every time…} All of this winter weather gear makes me excited to whip up some delicious fall/winter meals. This past week, I made chicken and dumplings, and it was the perfect cozy comfort food for a chilly Chicago night. I made it in our Staub Dutch oven ($249), but these cheerily colored casserole dishes ($83) from Bauer LA caught my eye, and would also make a lovely Christmas gift for a cooking enthusiast!

And finally, speaking of holiday gifting — today’s GIFTING GURU entry:

The perfect cozy little winter scarf ($40) in the BEST neutral palette to give to a beloved co-worker, aunt, cousin, etc.

Wouldn’t this look lovely with a camel or winter white coat and some gray tall boots?! Yummy/chic.

Glass of Merlot

In Accessories, Fresh Combos, Fur, Gifts!, Jewelry, Pop of Red, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 5, 2012 at 10:02 am

Purple-red merlot has been a hot color this season. I am digging it. It plays well with camel, heather gray, black, and all things fur. Pour votre consideration, regardez:

Let’s get the look, shall we? First up: I love love love this fur vest ($198) in “mulled wine” — perfect over a cozy striped sweater ($89) paired with jeans and croc flats (French Sole, $181):

Perfect with the new J. Crew Biennial colorblocked tote ($368):

Or, how about a classic trench ($298) with some enorma-studs ($125), a fetching pair of burgundy-colored booties ($495), and this Victoria Beckham tote (ridiculous…$2,100)?

And how classy would you look wearing a monochromatic camel look — fur collar (Maison Martin Margiela, $1800), sweater (Gucci, $1,150), trousers (MaxMara, $612):

Finish with all burgundy accent pieces, like these Miu Miu pumps ($690) and the Phillip Lim Pashli ($895):

And maybe this studded leather wrap bracelet (Fallon, $150)?

Also living for this full skirt ($360) and a white blouse with gold chain detailing ($260) — with earrings ($45) to match:

Lovely with coordinated peep-toes ($650) and this to die Pucci clutch ($1,740):

And, of course, a chunky link bracelet ($88), and maybe this foo dog bracelet to boot ($98):

Perhaps topped off with this to DIE fur coat ($2,495):

Or, how about pairing a simple maroon crewneck sweater ($80) with this origami-pleated skirt in heather gray (Phillip Lim, $425) and a bold necklace (Lulu Frost, $278)?

Ah-mazing with these studdied t-strap tootsies (swoon! — $185) AND the iconic oversized Valentino Rockstud clutch ($1000):

Thoughts? Are you into it?! PS — check out La Mer Collection’s capsule series with TARGET! All of these wrap watches are only $39! WHAT. Great gift as the holidays approach, n’est-ce pas? My favorite remains the classic brown leather with gold hardware, but the white with rose-gold is calling my name…!

Midnight

In Accessories, Black, Cocktail Dresses, Fierce, Fur, Jewelry, Shoes, Winter Weather on November 1, 2012 at 1:16 pm

As mentioned yesterday, I’ve been more and more attracted to a dark palette lately. Navy, black, midnight, cobalt. It’s all in the mix. It feels edgy and downtown. I LOVE the fashion-forward shape of this Carven dress ($750), and the midnight hue can’t be beat, especially glammed up with some gems from Dannijo ($345):

So retro-fab with these ah-mazing Kate Spade pumps (also on my Christmas list — $328):

P.S. – Saw these pumps on the bloggerina behind The Pink Peonies and fell in love. I attended the same RewardStyle event she was headed to in NY, but our paths did not cross! Or else I would have stared awkwardly/enviously at her shoes. Wouldn’t it be to die with this fur topper (Versace, $5,175) and this BEYOND mirrored clutch from Judith Lieber’s new diffusion line ($495)?!

Love.love.love. I’m also obsessing over the idea of a formal night out in this leg-baring Rebecca Taylor maxi skirt ($225) with a sleeveless blouse (on sale for $149, Joie), some eye-catching earrings (in.love — $78), and some platformed sandals from Miu Miu ($635):

Finish with a crystal-embellished clutch (DVF, $395) and some Alexis Bittar bangles ($225 and up)

I guess I’m in the mood to get dolled up, because this last look is also evening-appropriate: this unique dress ($395 — die over the shape and the fabrication. Very Rachel Bilson) with these stunning sparkling drops (Suzanna Dai, $175):

Perfect with these bronzed YSLs (such a throwback, shape-wise, to the 90s — LOVE — $695) and this paillet

Alternately, consider this GLAM necklace (gush, gush, gush – $315) with a lace-detailed blouse ($38) and a full skirt ($360)

Meant to be worn with the Kate Spade “Latrice” (on sale for $220) in black and navy:

And perhaps this funky clutch ($,089) to finish?!

One last MUST MENTION: and Phillip Lim’s 31 Hour Bag in midnight blue ($750). Delightful.

Almost to Friday!

Dark + Stormy

In Accessories, Black, Denim, Jewelry, Shoes, Work Wear on October 31, 2012 at 9:38 am

First, shame on me for not acknowledging the monstrosity of a storm the East Coast suffered earlier this week. I was in constant contact with my two sisters who were in harm’s way — one lives in Manhattan, the other in D.C. — and both were safe and sound so I selfishly pushed Sandy out of my head as soon as the worst had passed for them. But — woah. My heart goes out to all of you who were affected by the storm, and for the many of you still without power. Let’s hope that’s the end of the crazy weather we’ve had the past year or so…

In that vein — this post is all about darkly chic looks. Leave it to clothing to cheer us up. Mmm, yes. Clothes. I’ve been coveting SO.MUCH. lately thanks to the turn in seasons. I’ve been stocking up on printed blouses, wooly sweaters, and, of course, outwear galore. Strangely (for me), I’ve been gravitating towards lots of black and leather this saison. For example, check out this very Elin Kling look — a boxy heathered knit($337) with leather-effect skinnies ($194) and these ah-mazing embellished flats ($895 — Valentino does it again)

Extra cool layered beneath this leather-tipped Reed Krakoff driving coat ($1,590) and perhaps this glossy little clutch to finish ($400)?!

Or, how about this leather-trimmed tee ($119) with this eye-catching snakeskin collar necklace ($58), a pair of denim skinnies, and these studded-strap heels, which my uber-chic little sis just scored ($89)?

Finish with these well-priced studded tote ($114):

And I like finishing it with this snakeskin wrap watch ($92 — but LaMer is offering 20% off all purchases today!):

Glam slam. For work, how about this printed bow-front blouse ($28) with some wool trousers ($158 — also digging them in the heathered camel color! Very cool) and a pop of color in the shape of this pair of uber-affordable suede pumps (love this color — $120):

I’d finish with the uber-chic Romeo satchel from Rebecca Minkoff in the ostrich leather ($550):

And this pair of bangles from Tory Burch (love — $145 each):

One final note: I LOVE this leather-trim skirt. I must have it. Imagine with black opaque tights and a tie-front blouse. To.die.

Oh, and….

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

En Hiver

In Accessories, Americana, Denim, Fur, Plaid, Shoes, Winter Weather on October 30, 2012 at 4:47 pm

Welp, it was 35 degrees outside this morning. See ya, fall. Hello, winter. The cold snap sent me straight to the Barbour store to pick up a heavy-duty, casual winter coat. I had my sights set on the quilted utility ($449), which I envisioned wearing with a cozy turtleneck sweater ($85), some lighter-wash jeans (I’ve been rocking a pair of Paiges I own a LOT this season…a nice change of pace), and some comfy herringbone flats ($155):

I’d round it out with a snuggly scarf ($68) and the mini Chloe Marcie (hot. — $695):

But. Then I saw Barbour’s “Troop Parka” ($599 — but get the look for much less — $169 — here) and had a dilemma on my hands.

Quite possibly the warmest thing I’ve ever placed on these lil shoulders. Now I’m totally torn — which style do you prefer? Can’t you imagine rocking the look above in the middle of winter with a roomy knit sweater ($375), some fleece-lined leggings ($18 — another recent investment), and some winter boots ($195 — an upcoming investment):

I’m pretty much convinced I need the mega-artillery for my first winter in Chicago, so I’m wedded to investing in a Barbour, but one other cute fall option I’ve had my eye on: this fur-hooded capelet ($148 — the fur lining is detachable in case it ain’t yo style), which would be darling over a cozy flannel shirt ($88), with broken-in J. Brands ($209) and some classic Minnetonkas ($40):

Cute with a fuss-free leather tote ($160):

All of these looks are perfect for curling up in front of the fire with some cozy cable knit throw pillows ($69+) and a fur throw ($79)

Snuggle up with some treats — I’ve lately been into putting together charcuterie and cheese trays and serving them family style on wood cutting boards / planks, like this darling style ($54):

Who doesn’t love a little meat + cheese with a nice glass of red?

Alright, winter. Bring it.

Descouvertes

In Accessories, Fresh Combos, Fur, Home Decor, Ikat, Jewelry, Leopard, Polka Dot, Pop of Red, Shoes, Work Wear on October 10, 2012 at 10:48 am

I’m a little scattered today — my little sis arrives tomorrow, one of Mr. Magpie’s best buds arrives on Friday, and I’m off to Vancouver for work on Monday. Basically, it’s going to be the greatest week ever. Family, friends, and a new city to explore. Woo woo! Accordingly, the post I’d planned to run with today is still floating around in mid-complete territory, so I’ll instead share some recent discoveries (decouvertes, en francais) that I’m loving.

1. Auden Design Jewelry

I’m smitten with this line — just the right amount of edge and sparkle, and the weight feels just perfect for the colder weather. (Earrings — $328; pendant necklace — $388; spike necklace — $388):

Love love. I would wear that last style with the boucle peplum blouse ($50) I just snagged, as I mentioned here. Or maybe I’d get it in the more wearable crystal…hmm. Food for thought!

2. Zara Home

Zara just unveiled a new home goods section! Though I thought most of their goodies were overpriced for what they were, I’m in love with this lucite folding table ($189), which I’d top with a great lamp ($375), some pretty books ($75 for set from Assouline), my favorite candle ($60), and an ikat bowl (get the look with this set from C. Wonder):

3. Red Pants

I know I bragged about my amazing score of a find at Gap — these cropped red wool trousers for only $49! — BUT now I’m kind of in love with these full-length, wider-leg trousers ($240) for an elegant work look, paired with a dotted silk blouse ($128 — or get the look with this Michael Kors blouse), some sparkle ($140, Loren Hope) and the perfect pointed-toe pump (on sale for $249):

Dreamy with the Reed Krakoff Atlantique bag ($1,495). Important to keep the rest of your accents toned down when you’re wearing such bold pantalons!

4. Fur Scarf ($88)

I’ve already requested this under the tree this Christmas, but I had to share this Adrienne Landau style, currently on super sale (down from $295!) at Saks!

So glam with a pair of Valentino Rockstud gloves (dream.on — $400) and enorma-shades (Choo makes shades now?! — $295):

5. Sophie Hulme Bag

Um, this bag by newcomer Sophie Hulme ($870) is amazing. Enough said.

6. Budget Buy: Leopard Dress

Love this inexpensive leopard dress ($28) — perfect with tights, booties, and a great necklace.

7. Patterned Pouches

Love this cute set of cosmetic/storage pouches ($56) from DesignDarling:

8. Sock It

Socks are usually a necessary evil, so anytime I find a fun little pair that I can layer beneath boots in the winter, I’m all for it. A fun little surprise. And these funky leopard print pairs ($8) from Gap seal the deal.

What are y’all coveting today?

Tailgatin’

In Accessories, Americana, Denim, Monograms, Pop of Red, Shoes on October 9, 2012 at 9:16 am

So, confession: I hate football. Well, hate is a little strong. I am apathetic towards football. It was a huge deal back at UVA, and it’s essentially Mr. Magpie’s third love in life {behind me and baseball…or maybe fourth, behind me, beer, and baseball}, so it appears that it’s going nowhere fast and I know I’d better just bite the bullet and accept its unwelcome seasonal presence in my life. But. The games are long, the rules are tedious, and it usually involves standing outside in cold weather for an afternoon watching a ball move a few yards per hour as I lose circulation in my toes. {And then there’s Fantasy Football, which has earned an entirely different level of notoriety in this little Magpie’s “burn book.” But that’s another issue entirely.} BUT. The tailgates. Now that’s a different ballgame. And the further south you go, the more intense/religious people become about their tailgates. I’ve heard it on good authority that it’s fairly common to attend the tailgate but not the game at certain Southern schools, and if that’s the case, I will happily relocate to the South during football season. So, let’s see: my kind of tailgate look can pretty much be captured with shades ($150), cozy poncho sweater ($340), skinnies, and some OTK boots ($825 — loveeee the zipper up the back):

Keep your paws warm with some slick leather gloves from Tory Burch ($167):

Then, add a pop of color in the form of a structured cross-body (Opening Ceremony, $550) — or get the look for less with this Clare Vivier style.

If you’re a true baller, imagine setting up camp with these vintage folding leather chairs (OMG!) — or get the look for less with this style from UO:

Stow some warm blankets ($139) in the car…just in case you-know-who (me) gets cold + cranky:

A nice little bar spread featuring a Bloody Mary bar might be a nice touch — Charleston Mix bloody mary mix ($10); Ketel One vodka; pig napkins ($6); tipsy cocktail stirrers ($12):

Serve in shatter-proof acrylic monogrammed tumblers ($55 for set):

For snacks? Arrange some traditional ham biscuits on top of a pig platter ($40):

Don’t forget the honey mustard ($6) and spreader ($60 for set of 4 — I own this set and use these little guys all the time!):

As a Wahoo, I’d keep some state pride going with classic Virginia peanuts from Feridies ($5.50 and up):

Stow it all in a large, personalized tote ($150):

Add some personalized koozies ($14 each) if you’re more into the brewskis:

With this sort of spread, even I can get into the rooting spirit!

Leather Weather

In Accessories, Black, Denim, Fierce, Jewelry, Leopard, Neutrals, Shoes, Winter Weather on October 8, 2012 at 10:10 am

It turned ~~fall~~ winter over the weekend here in Chicago. It went from a balmy 78 degree Thursday night to a chilly 30 degree Saturday morning, just like that. I love the turn in seasons, if for no other reason than having a whole new (or new-since-last-winter) wardrobe to enjoy, but the brisk change in weather caught me off guard. My parents were in town so we went on the architectural boat tour (highly recommend it — full of great anecdotes about Chicago, its buildings, and the characters and plots that populate the Windy City’s history), but it was so.cold. out on the water that my fingers and toes went numb and I couldn’t think about anything, least of all the Mies Van Der Rohe architecture, for the last 20 minutes of the trip. Suffice to say — I’m not ready for this Midwest winter. Yet. I unpacked my fur vest, my heavy-weight Smart Wool socks, and my box of gloves and scarves and felt a bit more prepared, but still. It’s time to invest in some winter weather clothing, and by winter weather clothing, I mean items with lots of insulating leather. I’m pretty much OBSESSED with leather at the moment.

I’ll begin with something borderline impractical, but season-appropriate nonetheless. First: I am this.close to ordering this leather-cap-sleeved dress ($229) for work. I’ll wear it with a statement necklace ($28), black tights, and black booties (like this affordable style! — $129):

I like it with this masculine-meets-feminine watch ($195) and bangles ($39 for 3) –

– and this personalized cuff (love the tiny scale of the initials! — $395):

Or, this Rebecca Taylor dress ($425) with this edgy necklace from Nina Garcia’s capsule collection with BaubleBar ($32) –

– accented with this bomb fox-head-clasp belt ($150 — insta-heirloom material!) and some cap-toed booties ($405)

For something more casual, check out this eye-catching tweed peplum top (love the cinched waist — $350), perfect with a chunky statement necklace (um, obsessed with Fallon right now. — $250), black skinnies and these studded Valentino flats ($640):

(Or get a similar, FAR less expensive variation on the Valentino flats here for only $49.) Finish with this cool / edgy ring ($195) and this UNBELIEVABLE find of a cuff from Tory Burch, which I just HAD to have ($145 — but 25% off today with code TBFRIENDS! Great time to buy your fall boots from Tory…)

And maybe this gold-tipped clutch ($45) to finish?

Very Vogue editor with all of the black. Or, if black leather feels a bit too edgy for you, consider a yummy brown leather skirt ($267) with a fun, lady-like blouse ($118) and some glitzy studs ($295):

I’d finish it with the perfect flat ($195). The shape is just ideal, and the color is wear-with-anything. I also like that it’s in suede — in perfect textural contrast with the leather skirt and silky shirt.

And the Givenchy Nightingale ($1,935) is the dreamiest exclamation point…

Oh, leather. I love you. Hope you guys had a great weekend!

Pep(lum) It Up

In Accessories, Denim, Jewelry, Magpie Must, Shoes, Tweed, Winter Weather on October 3, 2012 at 9:56 am

Was anyone else terrified when peplum came into vogue? (“You want volume…where? In the mid-section? Right by my thighs? Que pasa? Are you insane?”) But then…this:

So. It was time to reconsider. That, and the fact that my hip little sis was wearing a peplum top when I visited her in NYC, so that pretty much sealed the deal. So, I snagged this inexpensive boucle top from TopShop ($50) — I liked the color and texture. A little different. I’ll wear it with a deco-style pendant ($168), my black J. Brands ($185) and booties (um, these Zanottis are…sick — $995. Side note: did anyone see Ramona Singer shopping at G. Zanotti’s flagship store in NYC on RHONY earlier this season? She botched the name so badly I almost went deaf.):

I like it with an oversized clutch ($62):

Or — how about peplum on the bottom, in the form of this dreamy Lanvin skirt (I mean…perfection — $2K — but get the look for far less with this TopShop style, $68), paired with a patterned blouse ($27 — Kirna Zabete for Target) and some big earrings (LOVE me some Suzanna Dai — $145)

Finish with a classic pair of pointed pumps ($206) for a seriously glam daytime look…and of course the Givenchy Antigona bag wouldn’t hurt (dreamy. – $2,500):

For something on the more casual end, consider this striped peplum top ($58) with a tangly pearl-and-chain necklace ($150), dark wash skinnies and Chanel-esque flats ($69):

I dream about wearing the latest + greatest from Alexander Wang (though I’m still loving my Emile, which I drooled over for a full year and have enjoyed every minute of owning — $985):

While this isn’t peplum, how much do we love this mustard capelet from Alice and Olivia ($495)?!

Perfect over this peplum top ($37) with jeans and some chic booties (love this cap-toed pair from B Brian Atwood! — $475):

I’d finish with this TDF snakeskin cross-body ($795). I saw it in person at the J. Crew Collection Store in Manhattan, and was uber envious.

If this is all too much, just test it out with a cozy topper from Tibi ($495) and your favorite pair of work skinnies ($89) and pointed flats ($188) for some high-gloss sophistication:

Finish with a smart cross-body, like the Mulberry Effie ($670). Can’t decide if I like it better in the white or black…

Who’s willing to try the trend?!

High-Balling

In Accessories, Brights!, Fierce, Fur, Jewelry, Neutrals, Shoes, Winter Weather on September 26, 2012 at 1:03 pm

OK, you didn’t think you’d get a fall lust list from the Magpie without some bank-breaking goodies, did you? (Sorry, Lucy P.) So first — I want this detachable fur collar coat ($450).

I’d layer it over everything, but fur a chic work look? I’d pair it with a tone-on-tone gray trouser look courtesy of these Theory pants ($275) and a cashmere Tippi sweater ($188), and this lovely deco-style necklace ($165):

I like it finished with a pair of red snakeskin Manolos ($865)

And I’d finish with this perfect-for-fall pumpkin tote from Pour La Victoire ($475):

For a little arm candy, I’m loving these wrap watches from Jennifer Miller ($240):

Now, if we’re really ballin’, we’d reach for this very Hitchock Heroine wool dress from Gucci ($1,995), with these charming jaguar-accented earrings from Alexis Bittar ($295):

Finish with those ultra-covetable Rockstud pumps from Valentino ($1,145):

Finish with one of these Meli-Melo totes (dying over these — Olivia P. owns them in a bunch of colors, and I can’t pick which one I like best! — ~$700):

Beautiful…! Speaking of leather, I’m loving the idea of a rich leather skirt for fall. I’d like this Rebecca Taylor style (on sale! — $247) with a white bow-neck blouse (I love this Rachel Zoe style — $295):

I’d finish with some booties (LOVE these Rebecca Taylors – $365):

Finish with this ah-mazing bag from Jerome Dreyfuss (on sale for $476):

Swoon. And, yes, I’ll admit I took some cues from Olivia P. with this style:

Girl’s got it going ON.

Fall Finds

In Accessories, Black, Fur, Jewelry, Magpie Must, Neutrals, Pop of Red, Shoes, Winter Weather on September 25, 2012 at 9:51 am

FIRST. OMG. I had SO much fun reading through all of the responses I got to my “Getting to Know You” post. Y’all are hilarious and at the same time so thoughtful and deliberate about your fashion choices — really loved “meeting” you and hearing all about your style predilections. (One surprising thing? Almost everyone prefers to shop solo or online — guess that the trope of the galpal shopping date is more fiction than fact.) At any rate, I had to pick Micaela L.’s post for three reasons: a) When asked what one item she would rescue from her burning home, she said “a basket that has most of my purses in it” — I like the way she thinks; b) she wants to own leather pants, which, as I mentioned yesterday, have been a long-term goal of mine; and c) this sentence: “I’m not going to say I wore bebe shirts, but baby tees didn’t really work for anyone.” Micaela, send me your mailing addy so I can mail you a Magpie Treat!

******

And now: fall finds. My sister is probably as big of a shopaholic as I am (maybe bigger?), and she recently texted me: “Hate everything I own. I need to get a new fall wardrobe immediately. Please send me a couple thousand dollars for shopping. Thanks, bye.” I feel her pain — I’m so ready to snap up everything fall-oriented around me that things could quickly spin wildly out of control. But while there are a few investment pieces I’m saving up for this fall (this and this and this, to name a few), there are lots of cute and affordable pieces I’ll be snapping up to spruce things up in the short term — and I’m dedicating this post those fall finds. Yes, that’s right, ladies. Everything in this post is under $150, and most ring in under $100! I don’t know how I did it. (Well, there’s one exception — a pair of Tory Burch bootskis. Forgive me.)

So, first up: I love this affordable leather-accented dress (on sale for $89 — WHAAAA?!) for work. Imagine it with tights and booties and an edgy necklace ($75):

PSST. You can get an even cheaper version of the dress above through the Kirna Zabete for Target capsule collection here ($45). Or how about paired with this mixed-fabric bag ($49) and these cap-toed tootsies ($149)?

Or, how about this leather tipped poncho ($148 — plus 30% off now with code 30FALL):

Love it with a pair of black skinnies and some punchy flats (these get the same look at those Valentino rockstud shoes everyone dies over — but for $49!):

I like it with a pop of color in the form of this pouch (love the tassel!) from Morgan Parish ($160) OR this fur pouchlette ($45):

Or, how about this yummy sweater dress (on sale for $78), which you can pair with a statement necklace ($147) and your favorite sets of boots (OK, these are not budget-friendly, but I heart them — $525):

I’d finish with this slouchy, clean-lined catch-all ($125) and a fall-printed scarf (love the little foxes on this guy — $30):

Or, if you want a bit more color/pattern in your life, how about this paisley skirt ($56) with a simple camel sweater ($79) and some studs ($68):

Finish with a pair of red flats ($49 — or brown/nude, if the colors are getting to crazy for your taste) and a foldover clutch that coordinates with the pop of deep blue/purple in the skirt ($125):

Finally, this felt skirt ($110) in the cheeriest of maraschino cherry reds, which I’d pair with this printed blouse ($80) and some flashy earrings ($138) for a very Blair Waldorf look:

I’d finish with some simple black flats ($56) and this Valentino-esque studded tote ($118):

Don’t you love?! Hope y’all are having a great week! xxx

Crop Trou

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Black, Brights!, Fresh Combos, Jewelry, Shoes, Work Wear on September 24, 2012 at 11:14 am

This past Friday, I broke new fashion territory for myself.

Drumroll, please.

I decided that I would wear something other than a dress or skinny jeans out for a night on the town. I wore a pair of wool-blend ankle-cropped tomato red pantalones. And I have to say — I’ve never drawn more looks from the gentlemen. Mr. Magpie can attest to this; at one point, he said, “I feel like you’re getting checked out…a lot.” This is slightly perplexing to me, as I personally felt that the ladies would appreciate the look more (and let’s be honest, we all dress for women anyway), and I wondered whether Mr. M would think I was entering “old woman territory.” Apparently not. Let me recreate the look for you: a flashy bronze necklace ($198); camel sweater ($79); red pants ($79 — though I got mine from Gap of all places and they fit me like a velvet glove); my favorite camel suede Declic Louboutins (mine are closed toe and a hair taller than the ones shown below, but you can get a similiar look for less here):

I finished it off with my Chanel and a patterned scarf heavily featuring camel ($205):

This has really led me to rethink life. And by life, I mean the inappropriate emphasis on denim in my evening-hour wardrobe. It’s time to switch thangs up. Micaela L., I get where you were going with coveting a pair of leather pantalons. I ordered and returned this pair of coated J. Brand’s last year — leather with training wheels, essentially — but I couldn’t find the appropriate occasion to wear them, even though I thought they would look so.chic. with a chunky knit and some killa heels…anyway, I’m mega into non-denim bottoms this season, especially in the cropped style. I need. this pair of hunter green Minnies ($89), which I’d wear with a big necklace ($188), patterned ($298) or nude blouse, cap-toed heels (aren’t these a bargain?!? — $80 — love.)

I’d finish with a classic leather bag, like this stunning D&G score ($2,345):

If these colors scare you, never fear. Black is not far away. Try a pair of black cropped trous (Acne, $320) with a patterned bow-front blouse (Marc Jacobs, $875), some glitzy enorma-studs ($35), and some pointed-toe heels ($168):

If you’re into the bow blouse like I am this season, check out these less expensive styles here, here, and here. The latter one I’m particularly ecstatic about. With jeans?! C’mon. I’d wear this with the Philip Lim Pashli ($895) in the pebbled leather. Swoon.

This look needs to be worn with a swipe of hot pink lipstick (YSL’s Soft Fuchsia is lovely — $32):

Or, how about this navy-printed blouse from Equipment ($230) with a bold beaded necklace ($36)), some DVF trousers ($435), and THE PERFECT FALL HEEL (O.M.G. — Manolo Blahnik $645 — love how the Carrie Bradshaw classic has come sling-shotting back into vogue):

I’d modestly mix prints by adding this dove shawl ($195), which goes perfectly with the palette and adds a little warmth and contrast, and would round the outfit out with this Proenza Schouler cross-body ($1,950):

Side note — discoveries of the weekend: this snow leopard fur scarf from Rachel Zoe ($190) which I MUST.OWN within the next 24 hours, and this stealerooskidoodledoo of a dress ($25), which I almost bought in multiple colors, but that just seemed weird. No one wants to be seen wearing the same dress in two colors. I was torn between the gray/orange and red/navy, but ended up opting for the gray/orange because it was more unusual and it goes with a pair of ridonculous Anya Hindmarch platforms I own (patent gray, orange, and white…trust me, they’re beautiful).

HAPPY MONDAY!

OH. And I’ve been DYING over all of the amazing responses I’ve received to my “Getting to Know You” post from last week! Please share your thoughts! I’ll pick a “winner” tomorrow!

Getting to Know You

In Accessories, Beauty Products, Intimates, Magpie Must, Shoes on September 20, 2012 at 9:51 am

I promise to return to our scheduled programming (clothes…clothes…and more clothes.) soon, but I’m in an unfocused mode and I’m kinda curious to know more about you, my lovely readers. So. I am going to ask a bunch o’ questions and you can either leave your responses as comments on this post OR email ‘em to me. And then I will send a special Magpie treat to one reader whose responses tickle my fancy. (I hate that phrase — it sounds so naughty.) SO — here goes:

1. What indulgence do you routinely treat yourself to?

2. How do you like to shop? Solo, with a best bud, or in a group? (Or something else entirely that I’m not thinking of?)

3. What are you on the hunt for right now, clothing-wise?

4. Your house is on fire and you have enough time to grab one thing from your closet. (Improbable, but roll with it.) What would you snag?

5. Whose closet would you most like to raid?

6. What are you wearing when you feel most confident?

7. I would never wear _______.

8. I wish I could wear _______.

9. Biggest fashion mistake you’ve made?

10. I’m saving up for _____.

…and GO. Post your response by Monday night and I’ll announce a winner on Tuesday a.m.!

Now, I will answer myself:

1. What indulgence do you routinely treat yourself to?

Um, I have to pick one? First is weekly manicures. I’m usually an Essie gal, but I’ve been wearing a lot of OPI Cajun Shrimp lately. It’s just bright enough without bordering on neon. My bestie and I prefer to pronounce that word with a thick Southern drawl, i.e., “shray-ump” and I find myself using that pronunciation in public. Embarrassing.

Second is upscale underpinnings. I set a bad precedent for myself while living in Lyon, where all of the lingerie is lovely, and I can’t kick the habit now. I have my eye on this outrageous D & G set ($510 for top — barf! — and $430 for bottom):

2. How do you like to shop? Solo, with a best bud, or in a group? (Or something else entirely that I’m not thinking of?)

There is really only one person I can shop with: my sister who lives in NYC. I feel self-conscious in pretty much every other shopping arrangement — I don’t like feeling like people are waiting on me, or like someone’s following me around a store, commenting on everything I touch.

3. What are you on the hunt for right now, clothing-wise?

I need some new wear-with-everything flats. For some reason, I find flat-buying dreadful. I’d always prefer to drop my benjamins on a pair of fab new heels. Flats feel unexciting to me, even though I then wear them into the ground. Wah. Right now J. Crew’s CeCe in neon azalea has my eye.

4. Your house is on fire and you have enough time to grab one thing from your closet. (Improbable, but roll with it.) What would you snag?

I know I made up this question, but it’s impossible. I want to grab 345 things. But. I guess I’d pick a pair of hot pink Christian Louboutins that I bought several years ago as a treat to myself.

I think they are my favorite thing I ever bought. Ridiculously impractical, highly painful, and just plain gorgeous.

5. Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Kourtney Kardashian’s. I know you’re all gasping/shocked. But I love her style — fashion-forward, slightly edgy/slick, and just adventurous/playful enough. Plus, she’s roughly my size, so I could fit into everything and she owns a cadre of great bags (Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel — OH MY).

6. What are you wearing when you feel most confident?

Heels and thick, black mascara (I wear DiorShow).

7. I would never wear _______.

Hunter Boots when it’s not raining. I hate this look. If you must wear them for their intended purpose (splashing through puddles), then do it. Otherwise…brown leather boots will do.

8. I wish I could wear _______.

Shorts with heels. I love this look. But I always feel like I’m trying too hard when I attempt it and promptly change before leaving. (Outfit below: Lulu Frost necklace, $238; white blouse, $98, brocade Red Valentino shorts, $320):

And, of course, majah heels (Lanvin, $975):

9. Biggest fashion mistake you’ve made?

“Lingerie-inspired” tops were in heavy rotation during my college years. Standard “going out” fare. Barf.

10. I’m saving up for _____.

Right now, I really want a Goyard tote in white or gray. Yes.

So, now it’s your turn! Spill!

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Hey, I Heard You Were a Wild One

In Accessories, Black, Fierce, Fur, Jewelry, Leopard, Pop of Red, Shoes on August 23, 2012 at 11:13 am

My sassy little sis and I have a very serious commitment to Mr. Flo Rida’s “Wild One.” It’s pretty much our song. When I hear it on la radio, I remember dancing all out with her (you know the kind — eyes closed, body jumping up and down, voice straining from screaming the words as loud as you can, hair whipping back and forth, Willow Smith style) at one of the seediest bars in the D.C. area, Rhino. (Rhino is a dumpy dive for Georgetown undergrads…and my high school classmates were able to get in at the age of 16, if that says anything.) So, little C, this post is for you, even though I’m sure you’ll cringe at all of the animal prints. (Little C is a surrrrious New Yorker. She’s one of those cool people who wears black, doesn’t bat an eye at a 13-story walk-up, and could probably navigate the NY subway in her sleep.)

But anyhoo. This post is actually only incidentally about our song, and more about the fact that when I went on my run yesterday, I saw a zebra, a cheetah, monkeys, and a rhino. In downtown Chicago. Ha. I was running through Lincoln Park and I decided to jog through the zoo. Bad idea; I think I spent more time stalling in front of the animal cages, marveling over the cheetah in particular, than I did burning calories. But how amazing is it that on a random Wednesday, I saw a zebra standing about three feet away from me?!? This in turn made me even more excited for the print I recently ordered from Etsy artist The Aestate ($25 and up, depending on size) to arrive:

I ordered it in a larger format (16×20) so it will really make a statement on my wall. Isn’t this little gal perfection?! Eee. I love, I love. Pretty ah-mazing paired with one of those hide rugs ($650) from ShopFurbish I’ve been drooling over:

For wearing? Um, yes to these Valentino Rockstud zebra print flats ($845). I’m also smitten with the clutch collection from Gift Shop Brooklyn, like this style ($58) and KJL’s classic double leopard head bracelet ($198)

(My other favorite is this lovely lilac iPad case. So darling.) For a more daring look, check out these Brian Atwood puppies, on sale at Intermix for $259, plus an extra 30% off!:

Wow. Loves. Almost as much as I dig this snow leopard print dress from DKNY ($185), which I’d wear with this Beth Lauren necklace ($110):

I’d finish with these Marc Jacobs heels, 70% off for $268!

Love that quilted heel! OMG. I’d wear this look with a clean little roll bag / bowling bag ($89 — or get the high-end variation from Anya Hindmarch for $1,360 here):

Or. Drumroll: how about this amazing leopard maxi skirt, on sale for $122?! Perfect with a simple black tee or tank and a tassel necklace (what a find — $36! — OR get the name brand version from KJL here for $143):

I like it with these Michael Kors flat sandals ($595)

And I’d finish with a pop of color in the form of one of those Blair Ritchey clutches ($85):

Other animal picks?! These pricey shades from Prism ($430) and these inexpensive Gap sloafers ($50, cannot get enough…I want one in every print!)

I think they’d look great with this statement necklace ($35) — not exactly of the animal print variety, but it just goes.

Happy THURSDAY, my ladies. One more day to the weekend. Woot woot. And I’m going home to D.C.!

Horsing Around

In Accessories, Americana, Denim, Dream Wear, Pop of Red, Shoes, Tweed, Winter Weather on August 22, 2012 at 10:28 am

“Oversized blouses are pretty much all that matter to me.”

-Rumi Neeley

HAHAHA. I read this quote from esteemed fashion blogger Rumi of Fashion Toast (recently featured in The Coveteur) and literally guffawed. I know she was being sarcastic here, but after I regained composure, it did make me pause and think about priorities. And how sometimes the most important thing isn’t scurrying over to J. Crew to snap up the last pom-pom blouse they have in your size, but making sure that you take the time to tell your husband that you are running that errand so he doesn’t freak out and use iCloud to track your whereabouts with Apple’s GPS, thinking that you may laying dead in a ditch somewhere. (True story. That actually happened. Poor Mr. Magpie.) I don’t know why I feel compelled to shell out this PSA today, because Lord knows this blog stands at cross-purposes with that agenda, but perhaps it’s good to come back to center every now and then and remember that fashion isn’t a religion, and that taking it too seriously is a big no-no.

Actually, I do know why I feel this compulsion today: a good cause. Now, I promise not to clutter this blog with various personal causes, but this one is near and dear to me because one of my nearest and dearest friends, Lady S. we’ll call her, is very closely involved with it. Lady S. spends her spare time teaching disabled individuals to ride horses as a form of physical therapy through the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program. Her heart is ginormous, and just hearing her talk about the work she does — with such dedication and modesty — is enough to restore your faith in the universe. If you live in the D.C. area, you MUST attend their annual fundraiser, a polo match! (It’s coming up soon — September 8th. Buy tickets here.) It’s pretty much the ultimate Magpie treat — supporting a seriously amazing cause and being able to get all dolled up for a classy, outdoor affair. Win all around.

If you do end up going, let’s talk equine fashion. What screams fall more than a tweedy equestrian look? Accomplish with this affordable blazer ($55), some skinnies, and some cap-toed flats ($150):

Perfect with my beloved Alexander Wang Emile ($970) — (I own it in the toffee color with the rose gold hardware…to die.)

Now, I kind of live for (ha, bordering on Rumi above) this feathered collar necklace ($598) from the one and only Lizzie Fortunato. OMG. I’d wear it with an LBD for a big statement.

Bof. Now, a more traditional tack on the equestrian look might call for this classic wrap watch ($125):

And then some gold, glossy accents, like this chain link necklace ($60), a signet ring from Sarah Chloe ($98 and up, depending on shape and metal), or this horsebit bangle ($150):

Or, of course, a classic monogrammed necklace would be a nice addition to the fall look ($58 apiece):

Loves. Other accent pieces? I dig this cute horse-print scarf ($32 — though Gap has a similar version in navy or red for $30, and they’re running a 25% off coupon code!), and how beyond precious is this horse-head necklace from Tory Burch ($265)?!

(PS — If that’s too bold a necklace style, check out this longer style for $175.) Now, the dream closet addition would be this ridiculous two-tone tweed blazer from Givenchy ($2,740):

Lovely, lovely, lovely. (J. Crew has a solid red flannel style that can approximate the look available for $198.) Imagine pairing it with the ULTIMATE riding boots from Hermes ($2,475)…be still my heart.

But we all know that riding boots have been a staple in the fall fashion scene for the past few years or so, and are plentifully available at multiple price points. These Tory Burch puppies ($495) are perennially popular. I own and love a pair of Loeffler Randall Mathildes ($695) — sleek lines. Meanwhile, I owned and ran into the ground at least two pairs of Steve Madden Intyces ($150) in my post-college years. They get the look down pat, but they get destroyed rather quickly. Perfectly tied together with a leather-and-gold wrap bracelet ($40 apiece).

Another look to love? A crisp white oxford (the one below is from Gant for $190, but we all know Polo’s classic oxford, $89, is the prepster’s staple) beneath a vest (loveee this J. Crew excursion vest in herringbone! — $138), paired with those embroidered flats I just snagged ($40):

Very sleek. You might accent the look with this cape/scarflet ($440)…

Pair with the CLASSY Marc Jacobs Bowery tote ($1,295) and you’re made. Keep personals in this pony-hair pouch from cool line Hare & Hart (LOVE. — $145):

Speaking of bags, let’s get back to the equestrian look at hand with a classic brown leather saddle bag from J.W. Hulme ($470 — and you can get it embossed!). (Or, check out this cute colorblocked mini style, available for $238.) Perfect with a classic Hermes-inspired silky scarf ($100).

Of course, the ultimate riding/hunting gear? A Barbour coat ($379). My oh my do I want one. Mr. Magpie rocks his, and so does Lady S.

Now, if this post didn’t make you wish for fall, I don’t know what will. And if I were you, I’d look into attending the polo match! Thanks lovelies! Have a great day!

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Come and Go

In Accessories, Beach Wear, Brights!, Cocktail Dresses, Fresh Combos, Glitter, Jewelry, Nautical, Shoes on August 21, 2012 at 9:41 am

I know that neon will eventually lose its effervescence on the fashion scene — it’s the textbook flash-in-the-pan trend, and it’s already dwindling. (Don’t fret — your mini magpies will one day l.o.v.e. your neon Cambridge Satchel when it comes back into vogue in another decade or two.) I already see it being phased out in favor of richer, more royal hues for fall. And yet. There are still some pieces that flag my attention and make me sit up straight, happy that we’ve been enjoying this warm embrace of color. I, for one, would still happily sport this citrine-and-nude concoction from Mason by Michelle ($530) –

It’d look pret-ty fantastic with a glitzy necklace ($138) –

– and some serious shoes: behold the holy grail, ladies. 5.5″ inches of sparkly Charlotte Olympia perfection ($975). Swoon.

Alternately, how fun is this affordable glam slam of a necklace ($58!)?! I like it with a minimalist white blouse ($188), white skinnies (not for long! Labor Day is just around the bend…), and some patent sandals ($98):

Perfection with this tasseled clutch from Blair Ritchey ($85), which would easily make the transition to your fall wardrobe:

Other affordable neon necklace options? One of these collar necklaces from T+J Designs ($42 apiece) –

Alternately, check out the goodies at Elm Elm or Love Obsessed on Etsy — both shops are brimming with bold baubles that you’ll flip over. Or, this rip-off of the House of Harlow station necklace, available for only $39 (boo ya):

Or, go nautical/preppy with the neon look by sporting this rugby stripe tunic ($198) from Sail to Sable over a white bikini ($215) –

– and of course a beachy tote (LOVE Dermond Peterson’s designs!!! –must buy all of his prints!!! — $115) and some gold sandals ($44):

For in-home decorating, go big with this lovely armchair from Stella Dallas (oh, how I love faux bamboo…$750):

To die accented with one of these fun little leopard lumbars ($165):

Or, accent a side table with one of these neon-hued foo dog lamps ($535 for pair):

Amazing, eh?! Finally, keep the look relatively low-key by reserving the neons for small pops in the kitchen. Consider these wooden spoons from Nicole Porter Design ($25 for set of 6), or these painted wooden pinch bowls from Wind and Willow Home ($21 for set of 2):

Finally, this set of salad servers ($33). Too good. (Or pick from one of the other shades below.)

Anyone else still on board with this, or am I the last woman standing?! P.S. My apologies for yesterday’s truly A.D.D post. I was really a little scattered yesterday…

A.D.D.

In Accessories, Denim, Florals, Home Decor, Jewelry, Neutrals, Pastels, Shoes on August 20, 2012 at 4:23 pm

WHAT. How is it Monday. (Grumble, grumble.) This weekend flew by in a millisecond, though it was full of fun and shenanigans. First, I dropped some mah-jor cash on outfitting our new apartment here in Chicago. My favorite find? The least expensive one — this stately little steed ($39), which is now gazing into our fireplace, though it may make the trek to our coffee table, as I fully intend to copy the look below from my new favorite read, The Everygirl:

Yes. Yes. I need those green mossy poufs, too. So I shelled out some bones on new home accents and the apartment is sloooowly coming together. I know this is a good problem to have, but our new spot is about 2x as big as our old one, and there’s just a lot of space to cover…so. Mr. Horse was my favorite new addition to the magpie nest, and I know he’ll enjoy being outfitted seasonally with various accents. Mr. Magpie and I also enjoyed a boozy night in on Friday. He made Zuni roast chicken, the most legit roast chicken recipe you’ll find in the universe. (Zuni

is a famous restaurant we visited in San Francisco when one of my besties lived out there…and it is scrumdiddly-umptious.) Cook caveat: you need to salt the chicken 1-3 days in advance of cooking, so plan ahead. Mr. Magpie and I like to let it sit/dry for 3 full days, so this is a week-long process.

Mr. Magpie and I are pretty formal when it comes to dining — we sit down at a set table most nights of the week and eat off of our wedding china with relative frequency. (We both love cooking and eating well, so why not make every night a little more special?!) Friday night, we ate off of our china (Kate Spade’s June Lane collection in platinum) and a be-linened table (placements — $98 for 4; napkins — $48 for 4):

We enjoyed a California pinot noir with our chicken. Pinot + roast chicken = match made in heaven, and we felt pretty slick since we were drinking Iron Horse pinot, which is a short drive away from San Fran’s Zuni. We really kept it local. Mr. Magpie’s mom had gifted us the pinot along with the “wedding cuvee” champers as a two-year anniversary treat, so we enjoyed it and celebrated our wedding (again…)

Yum, yum, yum. Plus, the horse emblem brings it full circle — maybe the label was what inspired me to purchase Mr. Horsey? Saturday, I got a true taste of the “Midbest” when we drove up to Milwaukee to tailgate and attend a Brewers game. I had previously (mistakenly) thought that the further south you travel, the more serious folks become about their tailgates. I was mistaken. These Wisconsans have made an art of it. (Or they are at least comparable in intensity and scope to those I’ve seen in the Deep South, where tailgating is often more important than attending the actual game.) I saw families deep frying things in the parking lot (blblblblb? Dangerous?). I saw many, many large tents and several coolers large enough to sleep in. My plot, because it was manned by well-intentioned but decidedly masculine bachelors, however, featured a “grill” that was probably under 6″ in diameter; zero utensils (and therefore, a makeshift “fork” forged out of a flattened Milwaukee’s Best beer can that one brave “grillmaster” used as an extension of his hand in order to flip bratwurst); and about 3498983498 beers that were probably “frat cold” (i.e., at room temperature) and promptly guzzled by the group. (Meanwhile, I inappropriately sipped a mimosa and probably stood out like a sore thumb, especially since I was also wearing a blouse — on sale for $68, plus 30% off! — jeans, and spiffy flats ($135), and should have been sporting a t-shirt.)

I even wore some bling (LOVE THESE EARRINGS and have already gotten a ton of mileage out of them — $75):

I wore a cross-body, but this clutchski (personalized!) has been on my wishlist for a few weeks and would have been equally perfect.

If I don’t snag that puppy, I at least need one of K. Slademade’s tassel keychains ($18 each):

Oh, and I also wore a Nats hat. Just because — can’t forget my D.C. roots. Probably another reason why I didn’t quite fit in. All jokes aside, it was a blast. I had my first bratwurst on a “Sheboygan hard roll” (ketchup is a no-no in these parts, FYI); met some very kind, absolutely hilarious Wisconsans (with very, very strong accents — “doooon’t ya knoooo”); ate lunch at Comet Cafe, which Guy Fieri raved about on “Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives”; and got to see one of Mr. Magpie’s best buds, who recently relocated to Madison, WI. All in all, a great trip North. Then, Mr. Magpie and I drove home and enjoyed a lazy Sunday of TV, laundry, a late dinner, frozen yogurt at StarFruit (yum), and online shopping. I placed these “gurgle pots” ($46 each) in my proverbial shopping cart about 3498 times before realizing that there were probably more pressing ways to spend our money, like buying the new bed we need in order to put up guests.

They would look so good accenting my coral-and-green themed bathroom, which prominently displays this rad vintage canvas poster of seaweed I found on Etsy from Arminho ($70):

Le sigh. So instead I put it into my basket, took it out, put it into my basket, closed my laptop. Thought about it while eating fro-yo. Took it back out. Etc. Then we watched BREAKING BAD. HOMYGOD. Does anyone else watch this joint?! It is delicious, edge-of-your-seat programming. All in all, a fab weekend, but…where does the time go?!

Hope y’all are off to a great Monday!