Reflecting on these words this morning, in equal measure beautiful and profound:
“To pray is to regain a sense of the mystery that animates all beings, the divine margin in all attainments. Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. It is all we can offer in return. Who is worthy to be present at the constant unfolding of time? Here we are admist the meditation of the land, the songs of the water, the humility of the flowers, flowers wiser than all alphabets – Suddenly we feel embarrassed, ashamed of our complaints and clashes in the face of tacit glory. How strange we are in the world! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for the gift of our unearned chance to serve, to wonder, to love life and each other. It is gratefulness which makes our small souls great.”
–Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful for you!
P.S. An incredible prayer that still brings tears to my eyes — my father will be reading it at the Thanksgiving table later today. So special to celebrate with him, in person.
P.P.S. Another moving memory of my father reading a prayer on an important day, plus thoughts on “being bad at prayer.”
I think because so many of us spent the past holiday season apart and isolated under pandemic conditions, this season feels extra extra. I didn’t even hear grumbling from the usual quarters about how we’ve start celebrating Christmas too early. Everyone is leaning way in and showing up with bells on. Think Truman Capote’s black and white ball. Heck, I bet you could even get away with wearing a Venetian mask to your next affair!
Below, a few of my favorite festive outfit finds under $150…
P.P.S. A cocktail to make things even MORE festive.
By: Jen Shoop
When you were young, what superpower did you want most of all?
A reader (hi, Beth!) sent along this stirring mini-film Burberry produced and it immediately brought to mind my youthful musings on the matter. I was always torn between wanting to fly or be invisible. I presume these aspirations to be fairly common for children, as both hint at freedom from authority, and isn’t that the crux of childhood/adolescence for many of us? Nowadays, I am close to allergic to the idea of flight in both the metaphorical and real-world senses. If anything, I have sought out terra firma these past few years, and I have a horrible fear of heights to boot. Mr. Magpie and I used to take guests up to the Willis Tower when we lived in Chicago and the first time we reached the skydeck, I simultaneously burst into tears and let out a hiccuping laugh. It was the strangest thing — it was as if my body could not figure out how to respond to the horrifying stimuli and so it flailed into multiple modes of expression at once. Suffice to say, I could not wait to retreat to ground level. As far as invisibility, a few years ago at a dinner party, Mr. Magpie and I got into a long conversation on this exact subject (our shared childhood obsession with superpowers) and the consensus was that invisibility is only useful to “bad guys,” as people on the straight-and-narrow never have anything to hide. I remember my brother-in-law saying: “I mean, really — what would you do if you were invisible for a day? What possible help could it offer unless you’re doing shady things?” And we all realized that there were no practical or convenient applications. (By the way, the conversation sprang from my daughter’s Table Topics set, which is a funny prompt for dinner time chatter, whether with children or not, though they also have adult versions.)
All of this to say — what superpower would you want now?
I think I would want to manipulate time in some way — to be able to time travel, or teleport, or simply slow down those golden moments to savor them more fully. But on second thought, I’m not so sure. The evanescence of a golden moment only adds to its allure. And while I have on occasion thought of transit time as “lost time,” I also think that driving in my car affords me important processing time, and invites me to call my loved ones and friends with more regularity than I might otherwise muster. I know that many of my friends were shocked to discover, while working from home in the face of this pandemic, that they missed their commutes. “I needed that time to transition from Work Me to Mom me,” one of my friends said. And so maybe transit time is a natural way of affording us pockets of freedom, and tampering with that mix does not promise to be therapeutic. Can I even imagine a vacation without the journey? If I were able to push a button and instantly disembark on a sandy beach, would I be erasing a critical part of what it means to “get away”? Surely part of the psychology of escape is the process of anticipating, navigating to, and then arriving at, the destination. (There was a hilarious and apt article on the closure of National Airport’s Gate 35x, “cursed portal to the rest of America,” in the Washington Post earlier this year that has forever imprinted itself on my understanding of how physical spaces transform experiences, and especially the very physical process of air travel.)
So, what then?
When I think about abilities that would be most helpful to me at this time in my life, I assemble the stodgiest line-up of candidates: patience, cheerfulness, agility in the face of changed or failed plans, gentleness. That is, they take the shape of small virtues rather than majestic faculties.
But perhaps they are superpowers all the same.
What about you? What capabilities do you consider “superpowers” nowadays?
+These cashmere gloves look like heaven and would be the perfect accompaniment to the oat/white stripe La Ligne sweater (<<still a few left, and on sale for $115!) so many of us own. Gorge.
+Just added this just-released book of essays by Ann Patchett to my tsundoku pile. I absolutely loved (loved!) her novel The Dutch House. It’s one of my favorite audiobooks, too.
+Shrimps continues to slay it in the statement earring department. These are just SO good.
+You can get a similar Shrimps vibe for less with these, and honestly I’ve fallen in love with the entire boutique — how amazing are these clover drop earrings and this clover necklace lariat? The shop also sells some fabulous home furnishings/holiday accessories, including these clip-on candle lights for your tree that you can control with a remote, this reclaimed wood console, and this stone guardian angel statue for a garden.
+Talbots generously sent me this vest, which felt like next-level wizardry because I literally mentioned debating between it and another puffer vest in this post, and it showed up the next day. I have been layering it over everything. Super love. It’s shockingly warm, too!
+This bunny romper looks so similar to the much more expensive one I bought my new nephew from Livly (<<though it, too, is on sale ATM!).
+OMG. I can’t believe Longchamp is still making this style of bag. Seeing it was a major throwback. I bought this exact bag while traveling abroad without giving any thought to the fact it had no shoulder strap and, as a young college student traveling nearly every weekend around Europe, I would often be on the hook for lugging it around airports, down narrow Italian city streets, etc. Still, I thought it was impossibly chic and well-designed, which it still is after all these years. Brilliant to be able to unzip the middle panel and earn a couple extra inches of solid packing space. Just would not recommend it for backpacking-esque travel in your college years. But GREAT for car travel! Love the colors it comes in, too.
+While on this subject, two absolute workhorses for travel: this MZ Wallace (ON SALE FOR 50% OFF — RUN! — and I recommend buying it in the medium size; it fits a TON, has a zipper, can be wedged under an airplane seat, and weighs next to nothing on its own) and this Paravel, which is kind of my favorite thing for the inevitable “extra random stuff” that you have nowhere to put, which for me is almost always an extra pair of shoes, a curling iron/my Revlon One-Step, and a bulky bag of cosmetics/skincare. I almost always end up with those items just hanging out on top of my suitcase looking for a home. The Paravel has become my favorite for that miscellany, and it holds a TON. It’s also great for a day trip with children.
+BTW, the MZ Wallace medium metro (again, 50% off!!!) is a great diaper bag. The biggest complaint is that the shoulder straps tend to slip off your shoulder if you’re carrying it for any meaningful amount of time. You can twist the straps under one another to prevent the slippage, but TBH I rarely have carried this for long stretches. I usually hook it onto my stroller/put it in the basket or, if I will be walking a lot, use my MZ Wallace backpack. Anyhow, a full review of the tote here.
+But really, my secret to diaper bags is internal organization via pouches.
+If you want *just a sip* of sequins for the holiday season, these under-$30 earrings are so fun.
+This rainbow of chopsticks is so fun. I bought Mr. Magpie something similar earlier this year, and it brings so much joy to our table!
+I added this faux mini Weber kettle grill to micro’s holiday gift pile. So cute. Mr. Magpie is a charcoal grilling enthusiast and I love that he’ll be able to emulate his dad!
+More great holiday gifts for young children here.
+Jasmine-scented shower gel in the prettiest packaging.
+This turtleneck tunic sweater has been v popular this season.
By: Jen Shoop
*Mini’s LaCoqueta dress is 25% off and you can get her personalized hair bow for 10% off with code magpie10.
I just picked up some amazing steals from Bellabliss, Ellifox, and La Coqueta, all discounted! Sharing favorites below and notes beneath…
Bellabliss is offering 40% off some amazing pieces. I love this brand because I feel like they do a good job of walking the line between being tailored/classic while also being playful/not fussy. I find this brand runs a tiny bit small, so would size up if in question. A few items you might consider —
THIS STRIPED POPOVER DRESS — SUCH AN EASY FORMULA FOR EVERYDAY DRESSING PAIRED WITH INEXPENSIVE OLD NAVY LEGGINGS AND A BIG NAVY BOW
THIS BLOUSE — MY OTHER NO-EFFORT FORMULA FOR DRESSING MINI IS PAIRING A STATEMENT BLOUSE LIKE THIS WITH LEGGINGS, A CARDIGAN (<<ALSO ON SALE AND THE HEATHERED PERI IS SUCH A GOOD COLOR THAT MINI WEARS ALL THE TIME), AND A BIG BOW
PRINTED PIMA TURTLENECK — PERFECT FOR LAYERING BENEATH OVERALLS (<<ALSO ON SALE WITH CODE BFCM25…NOTE THAT THIS STYLE RUNS NARROW; I WOULD ADVISE SIZING UP)
THIS FOOTBALL CARDIGAN…I AM BEGINNING TO REALIZE THE WINDOW OF TIME WHERE MICRO WILL TOLERATE THESE SWEET PRINTS IS QUICKLY CLOSING
PATTERNED LEGGINGS — I USUALLY BUY SOLID LEGGINGS BUT LIKED THESE AND AM CONTEMPLATING PAIRING WITH THIS FUN CARDIGAN
If you’re an anticipator like myself, you might want to consider snapping up one of their classic first-day-of-school pieces. They release many of the same pieces (or variations on them) each year, so this is an opportunity to get a classic piece at a discount. Mini wore this dress to her first day of school two years ago, and I also love this shortall for a little boy and this matching dress for big sis for the occasion.
Ellifox, one of my favorite children’s boutiques, is offering 30% off some fantastic brands. They carry many of my favorite styles from Little English, so though LE is also offering 25% off sitewide with code BFCM25, you can get them for a tiny bit less at Ellifox (30% off). Worth a look (I bought almost all of these items, but a few were sold out in my children’s sizes!):
I BOUGHT MINI TWO OF THESE LILA + HAYES SETS (ALSO GOT THIS WREATH SET) — I FEEL LIKE THE WHITE TOP THAT COMES WITH THE FIRST AND THE BLUE LEGGINGS THAT COME WITH THE SECOND WILL BE GREAT TO PAIR WITH LOTS OF OUTFITS, AND THE DUCK PRINT LEGGINGS ARE FUN FOR FALL!
TRULY SHOWSTOPPING SAL E PIMENTA DRESS — I JUST LOVE THE DETAILS
LITTLE ENGLISH JAMMIES (SIZE UP A SIZE) — LOVE THESE ANTIQUE CARS AND THESE CANDY CANES (<<BOUGHT THESE FOR MICRO AND MINI)
LaCoqueta is offering 25% off sitewide. I’ve been eyeing their gorgeous dress coats for my daughter for ages and might take the plunge by ordering a size up and hoping it will stretch this season and next. (I do find they run small.). Mini’s Thanksgiving dress is also on sale and it could totally work for a holiday dress, too — I also love it in the dark pattern — and these perfect velvet shoes are also discounted. Finally, if you have a little lady around 2 years of age, I have to say these diaper sets are a surprisingly good investment. I bought a few in a size 2 and mini first wore them as dresses and then wore them as tops with leggings when she was 3. I also think they make patterns (especially the pink one linked) that can work across seasons. The pink could be wore with a cableknit sweater and tights in winter, white leggings in spring, and gray knee socks in fall.
Finally, if it’s pajamas you’re after, you are in luck…a few favorite styles on sale now:
P.P.P.S. Sending some love to all the moms-to-be and new moms out there.
By: Jen Shoop
Did you read The Other Bennett Sister? This is one of the four books that eased me out of my reading rut earlier this fall. The novel imagines the untold story of Mary, sister of Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, and, for obvious reasons, is a delicious escape for those of us who consider ourselves Austenites. The book has its flaws — I found the beginning terribly slow and the self-denigration of the protagonist heavy-handed to the point of irritating. I also found the novel’s initial asynchrony with contemporary mores startling. This is a book that attempts to fully occupy the mind of a Regency Era woman, with prudeness and temerity in spades, and not the faintest glimmer of modernity until perhaps the final fourth of the book, when we are led to believe that Mary suddenly discovers her sense of self, sexuality, etc. On the one hand, the arc is not atypical from a bildungsroman perspective, but it felt as though — overnight, while traveling to Scafell — Mary begins to flex muscles I did not even believe capable within the construct of the novel. That turbulence aside —
This book is a delight to be enjoyed hearthside this holiday week, should you find yourself with time on your hands. And there are lovely stretches of self-awareness that ring deeply true. Frankly, I needed to hear this passage, when a suitor asks Mary’s opinion on a subject in front of the bullying Miss Bingley:
“Mary considered. Whatever comment she made would provoke a sneer from Miss Bingley. She supposed she could say nothing at all, or confine herself to the blandest possible observations, hoping not to excite that lady’s contempt; but to her surprise, she felt herself disinclined to be cowed. She would say what she thought, and Miss Bingley could make of it what she liked.”
Last year, I began to accept the fact that I cannot control how other people react to situations. The notion unlocked something for me. While I continue to be (I hope!) a fairly deliberate person, considering how my behavior or comments might be perceived or might impact those around me, it has been freeing to realize that my efforts to accommodate others can only go so far. At the end of the day, I must let people be themselves. And I must also let myself be me. I do not want to play a dilute version of myself, dull as dishwater on account of agreeableness. This means accepting that my perspectives and objectives will not always dovetail with those of others.
My father recently forwarded me an email from an elegant friend of his who disagreed with him on a matter of military history (I guess this is the stuff of epistolarity between two highly educated men?) and, at the end of his polite rebuttal, added: “One aspect of civilized people is that we can agree to disagree.”
On the heels of that note, a friend of mine wrote me a very thoughtful analysis of Sally Rooney’s Beautiful World, Where Are You? in which he noted:
“There are numerous examples I could cite that are quite simply beautiful. But there are two images in particular that are burned into my memory. They are the image of loneliness as symbolized by “the single fork and plate on the draining board” after Simon has finished a meal alone in his apartment, versus the image of hope, companionship, and promise symbolized by the “two empty bowls [that] had been left in the sink, two spoons, an empty water glass with a faint print of clear lip balm on the rim” after he and Eileen have made love and subsequently enjoyed a bowl of ice cream. Is there a more poignant image of the young Millennial professional, who lives his/her life in quiet loneliness, than the “single fork and plate” left after a meal? The juxtaposition of a single utensil versus utensils in twos is both affecting and effective. I could also write a very, very long email–one that would put you to sleep!–about how beautifully she demonstrates the need for patience and humility when communicating with one another.”
There is I believe an important thread here, one that strings together primum non nocere (“do no harm”) on the one end and carpe diem (“seize the day”) on the other. I am chastened to remember, as my friend put it, “patience and humility when communicating with others” and emboldened to recall that, as my father’s friend put it, “one aspect of civilized people is that we can agree to disagree.” Now to find the right balance…
+ICYMI, I absolutely love Rooney. I am now realizing I am overdue for a review of her most recent novel but frankly my friend’s notes above far exceed my own analysis!
Shopping Break.
+On the recommendation of a new friend, I’m going to read Donna Tartt’s Secret History next. I know people love this author but have never read her work.
+I can’t stop thinking about two dresses: this Ulla and this HVN. Spectacular!!! The latter has been sitting in my cart since I first laid eyes on it last week and I keep thinking I need it for Christmas Eve? Even though I had a different outfit picked out? (I already ordered this plaid La Ligne, which is now sold out in the navy plaid, but OMG THE FIT OF THIS DRESS IS SO SO GOOD. I will for sure wear it somewhere else this season. We have a holiday brunch, a holiday tea, a holiday cocktail party already on the books so I’ll slot it in somewhere! Anyhow, frankly I would buy it in the black or gray plaid if you can find it in your size. The fit is so flattering and dramatic. Sometimes you can just tell the quality of the clothes by the fit and this feels like something tailored to my body!)
+If you like the La Ligne dress but not the price, check out this J. Crew.
+If it’s sequins we’re after: this Ann Taylor dress is drop-dead gorgeous (!!! and 30% off ATM) and I also think I need to have this $30 top.
+Obsessed (!!!) with this belted “coatigan.” I love it in the blue color but black is also versatile and why do I also think I need the red?
+I know many of you are Dudley Stephens lovers and just discovered that their entire site is 25% off with code GIVECOZY. I ordered one of their Park Slope fleeces over the summer when I found it on sale at Tuckernuck and I have to be honest: I like mine but don’t fully understand the hype? Like, it is a nice weight and very warm but I would not put above any of my other fleece/sweatshirt-type pieces? I think it’s possibly that it feels a bit more structured/elevated than your run-of-the-mill athleisure top and I get that appeal. But — just my two cents. I would not say it’s intrinsically superior to other items I own in that category, but I have reached for it, especially cold weekend mornings when walking Tilly. I like that it can layer beneath a puffer when really cold without being really bulky.
+This cardigan has been a best-seller all season and is now on sale!
+Just ordered one of these “heat tech” turtlenecks for layering — just a brilliant idea! Thin enough to layer under a nap dress but insulated!
+This blazer is haunting me, too. With black velvet trousers?! Or my black watch tartan high-waist trousers?! (Mine are sold out — past-season Ralph Lauren — but you can get a similar vibe with these or — not sure of quality but the cut looks chic — these. YOWZA.
+And speaking of tartan pants, Talbots generously sent me a pair of their Soho leggings in tartan and I can’t wait to pair them with my metallic Chanel captoes and a cape situation. (More tunics/capes/ponchos in this post.)
+I keep some “emergency” activities in my gift closet for slow weekends — just bought this “shrink art” kit, this felt ornament kit, and these holiday-themed puffy stickers to keep my little ones busy.
+These mini bottle brush trees would also be a fun sensory play add-on, especially with some of these arctic animals. More sensory play ideas here and more indoor activities for toddlers here.
+LOVE this necklace as a layering piece. More heart necklaces here, including this $35 statement necklace I’ve been layering with a lot of my ivory sweaters/blouses this winter. Currently 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20.
+I love this plaid throw blanket. It makes me want to curl up and read or do some Black Friday damage from my phone in front of a fireplace.
+Rifle Paper is offering 30% off nearly everything with code VIP30. They make the most gorgeous gift wrap — I just ordered a few rolls of holiday paper (this and this — with code, it ends up being $1 more than most of the Target styles!) and a few of my favorite children’s gift wrap for birthday parties. I love having it on hand!
+Mr. Magpie’s favorite sweats/lounge pants are 50% off in the merlot color. Trust me – pick up a pair as an add-on gift for your man and he will be very happy with you.
+30% off at Nicola Bathie with code blackfriday. I’m especially loving her emerald pieces, like these studs and these drops.
+20% (or more — spend more, save more) the must-have feather trim Sleeper pajamas here.
+30% off Laundress products with code JOLLY. I absolutely love their products, as I recently shared. Treat yourself to beautifully scented sheets and towels with one of their fabulous scented formulas (my personal indulgence — I launder all our clothes in Tide, which I find the best on stains, but it is heaven climbing into bed!) and snap up their wool/cashmere shampoo, which has honestly saved me a fortune on dry cleaning. Throw in one or two of these brushes — my secret weapon for stains!
+Everyone’s favorite Lake Pajamas has an excellent sale section. This is my favorite style they have, but I just added this poplin pair to my cart. So classic! Love the green stripe. And a bunch of their children’s styles are discounted, too!
+No blanket code, but some fantastic markdowns at Intermix and Shopbop, including this SEA blouse, cable knit cardigan, and Clare Vivier tote.
+Sunhouse Children is offering 40% off sitewide with code GRATEFUL. I had been eyeing this suit for mini and was able to snag it at a steep discount for next summer.
+25% off at 1212 with code BF25 — they make the softest onesies for babies (my favorite for my children when babies — love the stretchy head opening and the fact that they have two snaps to close versus the standard three…) and the cutest printed pajamas.
+Madewell is offering 30% off everything with code OHJOY. Don’t miss this cute dress, this wear-with-everything cardigan, and everyone’s favorite jeans — they truly are the best. Mine arrived and I haven’t taken them off in three days. They are contemporary-feeling but not too “out there” or trend-y. A modern classic.
+Petite Plume pajamas are 15-20% off at Maisonette!
+Elemis is offering 30% off everything. I really love this makeup-melting balm. It smells like heaven and leaves skin so soft, cleansed, and hydrated. I gave it to my mom for her birthday!
+Carter’s has marked down a ton of their pieces and is offering free ship as well. I just picked up this coverall for micro — it is SO cute and only $8 (shipped!) I love the waffle fabric! I also love this evergreen pair but it was sold out in micro’s size.
+There are some good deals at Etsy, including 20% off these darling cardigans, these name puzzles, and these bow sandals for littles; 20% off these fun earrings in red or sequin for the holidays; and 20% off this dog collar (perfect for a holiday photo).
I’ll be sharing some additional sale finds later this week — I have it on good authority that two other favorite brands of mine, Everlane and Cleobella, will be launching sales later this week that are worth a visit. Everlane has such great sweaters/fleeces — my mom often buys all of us matching sweaters from there for the holidays!
A peer of mine, Sarah of the blog “Fewer and Better,” recently asked to profile me as a part of her “What’s In Your Closet” series. She’ll be publishing it on her blog in a few weeks, but one of the questions she asked was about the five most special items in my wardrobe. Most of the pieces that sprang to mind were gifts or inheritances from my mother and grandmother, but the first item on my list? The hot pink Louboutins seen above. I’ve written about these elsewhere, but —
These are shoes that know how to have a good time.
These are shoes that wink, that want to dance, that splash a little champagne over the rim of the coupe as they make the rounds at a cocktail party — but with an elegance that makes you forgive the oversight.
If she were a car, she’d be a convertible with white leather interior. She’s impractical but so style-conscious you overlook it. She’s coquettish like Marilyn but doe-eyed like Audrey. She might be seen taking a roast out of the oven, but she’ll also enjoy a gin martini in the corner booth.
These shoes invite imagination. Sometimes clothes just do that to you — they conjure a mood so powerfully that you can’t help but fall under their spell. I feel that way about many of the pieces from Ralph Lauren in particular. As an example, I look at the fair isle knit skirt and sweater I shared here and I am flung into a montage of fall moments on the back roads of Connecticut, surrounded by leaves and wood-burning fires and a lot of people wearing things like tweed and driving gloves. And I think: “Oo, am I that woman?”
Yes. Fashion can invite you to be that woman, and also the movie starlet wearing hot pink heels to a Hollywood party, and also the ski bunny wearing mukluks and a sherpa vest, and also, and also, and also —
A woman contains multitudes. Fashion often reminds me of that truth, in turn urging me not to hem myself in. I can wear sneakers one day and knee-high boots the next, just as I can be a mother and a lover of pop music and a Catholic and a chick-lit reader and a serious student of poetry and a dutiful daughter and an embarrassingly competitive Scrabble player and a bug-hater and a nature-lover and a reluctant cook and an avid baker and and and and and and
+Two fabulous pairs of shoes that evoke similar sentiments to the above: these Birmans (swoon) and these Aquazzuras (I can’t EVEN with the bow). Those girls want to DANCE.
+Also hoping that by the time this post is live, these moire and feather mules will have been discounted as a part of a Black Friday promo. I need them! Can’t decide if I need them more in black or pink…
+While we’re talking pretty, glitzy things, Rotate has some really fabulous sequined pink pieces that I can’t stop thinking about. I love this dress and this skirt. Get the look for less with this $128 steal, which would be so chic with an ivory crewneck cashmere sweater.
+We’ve been entertaining a lot more recently — I am considering buying this to keep tabs on all of our guests and menus for both practical and sentimental reasons. (Sometimes it’s easier to pull out a menu that worked well!)
+Contemplating ordering this wreath for our front door. Love the dried citrus! Would add a velvet or grosgrain bow.
+Pretty $14 bow for you to wear this holiday season.
+I saw these oyster shell Christmas trees in a boutique in St. Michael’s — how cute?!
+I mention this all the time, but I live for pouches, especially clear ones. I like to use these inexpensive ones for stowing overflow cosmetics and samples under my sink. I have separate ones for different categories (i.e., hair care, skin care, cosmetics, etc).
+Another great utility buy: these round makeup removing pads. These are so helpful on nights I can’t be bothered to scrub my face or when I want to remove all makeup to reapply before going out for the evening. Wet with water and everything comes off!
+How fun are these cocktail stirrers? Imagine tied off with a green grosgrain bow as a hostess gift! (And maybe mix up a batch of these and bring along with you!)
+This velvet maxi skirt comes in two fab colors and is only $30. I’m drawn to the champagne with a ladylike blouse!
+I love Gathre mats with children — these changing mats wipe clean and are fold up really small in a diaper bag, and I still use our large size allll the time when my children are doing sensory play or having a picnic in the living room or even coloring with markers — but found this brand is very similar and has great patterns!
+Pretty little key ring (can be personalized) — sweet gift for a new homeowner or teen whose just gotten her license!
All of the sudden, I want emerald green everything. It started with these furlanes and now I’m adding green (especially green velvet!) to cart left and right. I just ordered this Ulla-esque cardigan in the fetching green color to layer over nap dresses, and I think I’m going to pull the trigger on these green velvet pumps to wear on Christmas Eve. (However, I also just discovered these adorable Olivia Morris slippers on sale for $130 and am finding them hard to resist…but how many green velvet shoes does a girl need?!). I’m absolutely loving these emerald trousers for the holidays, too…so chic for cocktail hour, and couldn’t believe the price on this satin slip dress (under $150) for an elegant winter wedding look. Finally — a velvet mini skirt! So chic with a sweater or blouse and statement headband.
P.P.S. You must try this cocktail. I’m actually about to whip up a batch for our dinner guests in a few hours!
P.P.P.S. What energy are you putting out into the world?
By: Jen Shoop
My Latest Snag: Holiday Accoutrements.
This week was about panic ordering things I’d forgotten to order, including gift wrap (detailed all of that at the bottom of this post) and velvet bows (to tie napkins) for our Thanksgiving table — I ordered mine from this small Etsy vendor in a dusty salmon color but she appears to have sold out. These are similar, and I’ve heard Mrs. Alice has lightening fast shipping in case you’re in a similar boat. I also realized I didn’t have enough taper candles (!!) and ordered this set in the nick of time in the most gorgeous olive green, which is a near-perfect pair with our garland (just arrived and looks beautiful!). Looking ahead, I’m going to try to plan ahead for our Christmas table. You can get velvet bows in tons of colors at a great price (but takes 1-3 weeks to ship!) from this Etsy shop, so contemplating some green velvet ones for Christmas. I also am absolutely swooning over these tartan “tuxedo” napkin rings and wondering if I might be able to find them on sale somewhere during the Black Friday madness since they are rather pricey. A few other fantastic finds:
Weekend Musings: “You Become What You Think About.”
I recently witnessed an unpleasant exchange in which a public persona was being harshly and in my opinion gratuitously criticized by a commenter, and part of her response was: “You become what you think about.” I visited with my sister later that evening and, as we sat curled up under blankets, we unpacked the concept. We ended up taking it more in the direction of goal visualization than I believe the persona initially intended (I think she meant something along the lines of “you earn back the energy you put out there”), but it was enlightening nonetheless. My sister noted that she once took a journaling class and the facilitator prompted her to define her goals by writing out exactly what it would look like to have achieved them in the narrowest of senses, i.e., “what would a day in your life look like if you achieved x goal?” (And the goals could be anything — relationships, work, parenting, finances, fitness, health, etc.). I realized that I have always been disciplined about documenting goals and imagining the contours of meeting them, and that taking the time to articulate exactly what it is I have wanted has helped me — even subconsciously — manifest them, or work towards manifesting them. I have even written down the big, scary ones that almost feel laughable to put in writing. I’m talking about things like earning an executive job title, or purchasing a vacation home, or having five children (!!!) — not that those are mine in particular. In business school, they call these “BHAGs,” or “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals.” (Really, it’s part of the MBA patois.) Don’t be afraid of the BHAG! Write one down somewhere private where only you can see it. I think you will be surprised to find yourself working towards that goal in the background, making micro-maneuvers that draw you closer. It’s along the same lines of those sport psychologies that encourage the athlete to “visualize the golf ball going in the hole” or “imagine the basketball going through the hoop.” If you build it, they will come…
I’ve been thinking on this a lot this past few days, about the way we give life to what we give energy to. It’s a useful mnemonic for digging myself out of moments of pettiness or frustration with others. Why would I dwell on those unpleasantries? It’s horrifying to repeat to myself “you become what you think about” when I am stewing on something not particularly gracious or interesting. That’s not where I want my arrow pointed. I’d much rather focus my mind and heart on things that fulfill me or that draw me forward, closer to where I want to end up.
What do you think of the quote? Does it resonate?
Post-Scripts.
+Urgent: Madewell is offering 30% off everything through 11/22! I shared my favorite finds from there here. They generously gifted me a few items, including this hot pink sweater and this adorable plaid dress and I’m loving them all!
+Also urgent: every year at this time, I feel compelled to remind you of the Krinner Tree Stand. I am convinced this contraption has saved countless marriages. It is hilarious how many of my friends agree that putting a tree in a tree stand is a continuous source of marital friction! This makes the process so much easier (Mr. Magpie can basically do it on his own), and the stand is far sturdier and better-designed (it has a huge tank for water!). It is so worth the investment!
+We are thinking of purchasing a fire pit for our home. How gorgeous is this one?
+I must buy my mom this croissant ornament. She loves a good croissant!
+This Gap puffer is perfection! The colors are so good! The olive green reminds me of this much-more-expensive style from SAM.
+Another fool-proof gift for a four or five year old: walkie talkies! My children love playing with these.
+Cute Stoney Clover-inspired pouch…fun gift for a little one/tween.
+These scooters are even better looking than the ubiquitous micros!
+A random but lovely indulgence — hang this on the inside handle of your closet, or on a hanger or knob in your closet! Your clothes will smell like heaven!
+Speaking of Yamazaki, I still love these tosca bins and they’re currently (at time of writing this post) on sale for only $23!
+These stocking holders are attractive and low-profile.
+I feel like every dude loves shorts like these that work as swimming trunks, fitness shorts, or just loungewear.
By: Jen Shoop
I ordered mini’s Christmas dress a week or two ago and it appears to now be sold out in nearly every size but a handful. There are still a few in the bishop style in smaller sizes! I couldn’t resist the wreath embroidery and of course mini’s favorite color — blue! For micro, I was planning on ordering the sweater and cord short situation seen above but they’ve sold out in this colorway in his size in the sweater! Trying to decide if the blue is Christmas-y enough, or maybe I could swap in another sweater (or look for less with this)? Alternately, I’m considering these handsome green velvet trousers with a solid green sweater and navy tuxedo slippers (meep!), possibly layered over a white or tartan button down.
A: I shared all my favorite little boy finds here (all items I bought for my own son), but my current favorite uniform is corduroy overalls from either Little English (25% off with code BFCM25) or Osh Kosh paired with patterned turtlenecks and finished with either Hunter boots or Sperry boots, depending on weather. My other fool-proof outfit is long-sleeved Lacoste polos, which he’ll wear with jeans, cords, or even fleece joggers.
For you — I would pick up some reasonably-priced, on-trend knits, layer over tissue turtlenecks, and pair with a few new pairs of jeans (I picked up these and these) or cords you’re excited about. I’m also loving layering turtlenecks beneath dresses this season, including this tiered cord style and my Ellie nap dresses. Planning on doing the same with this plaid mini and one of Daphne Wilde’s styles, which are at the top of my shopping list at the moment.
MORE OF AN OUTERWEAR PURCHASE BUT THIS IS JUST SO FUN AND DIFFERENT — COOL WITH MARANT BOOTS OR LUG SOLES
Q: The perfect teacher gift.
A: I’m newer at this because gifts were not allowed at mini’s prior school (we just contributed to a cash pool), but this year, I bought a few tins of my favorite holiday teas and am going to bundle with these monogram mugs for each teacher. I also like the idea of giving personalized note pads like these or these. I also can’t imagine a person who wouldn’t love these fleece-lined mittens on cold school mornings (they are my personal absolute favorites!). There are a bunch of other under-$30 gift ideas in this post — perhaps if you know the teacher well, something there might be a winning idea?
Q: Stationery for my 20-something son’s stocking.
A: Ooh, I love this idea! I might have to borrow from you! All of my favorite children’s stationery finds are in this post, but some top picks:
Q: Fleece/teddy jacket that is more dressy than sporty.
A: I got you! This J. Crew style is like a fleece that’s gone to finishing school — tres tailored. If you mean more in the sherpa/shearling direction: j’adore this & Other Stories! The details are great — love the collar and those welt pockets. Meanwhile, this sherpa/puffer hybrid would turn some heads!
Q: 30th birthday present for my boyfriend, who is impossible to shop for! Under $500.
A: Guys can be so tough to shop for! A few gifts that are total classics, almost all of which I’ve purchased Mr. Magpie…
COMANDANTE MANUAL COFFEE GRINDER — FOR A TRUE COFFEE SNOB (DETAILS HERE, BUT THE ELITE CONSIDER HAND-GROUND BEANS SUPERIOR TO ELECTRICALLY-GROUND BEANS)
Q: A Christmas gift for my brother’s fiancee, under $50. Maybe a bride thing? Not sure.
A: So sweet! (Congrats!). What about a monogrammed jewelry round (with her new initials, if she’s taking a new name) with one of these must-have dazzle sticks tucked into the wrap? If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, these Shop Surcie ones are gorgeous, and I’ve gifted these sweet Smythson notebooks to brides-to-be in the past (alternately, you could personalize one of these plain ones). And one of my favorite gifts from my own bridal shower was an LL Bean tote with my new last name on the side! We still use it constantly, and it was such a thrill to have something with my new moniker on the side.
Q: More universal gift recs regardless of age or gender — ex: the dried pasta you like.
A: Love this prompt. A few things we absolutely love in our home that would be fun, well-vetted gifts…
P.S. More food gift ideas here; more chic gifts for anyone here; and gifts under $30 here.
Q: Chic top to wear with wide leg winter white trousers in January for a rehearsal dinner in NYC.
A: Congratulations! And how incredible chic?! My first thought was feather-trimmed 16 Arlington or LaPointe, which are major statements but WOW. Cult Gaia has a similar one for a little less. A few other chic options in the same festive lane:
Not ivory, but I feel it incumbent upon me to mention again these $30 Target cords and these navy velvet Max Maras, which are just soooo chic.
Q: A statement desk under $600.
A: I love the simplicity and clean lines of this PB style. Add a statement lamp like this or this and/or desk chair and you’ll have the chicest work perch on earth.
I also like this lacquered grass cloth style — or, for a totally different vibe — this wood desk, which feels like it belongs in a writing cabin. Just looking at it makes me feel productive, as though I’d be inspired to write a modern Walden.
A: Love this look — I shared a bunch of chic lug-soles, many in a chelsea style, here. I have to say that Madewell just generously sent me these lug sole boots (under $200) and JE SUIS OBSESSED. I’ve never worn this style of boot and it makes me feel v relevant. I also super love these waterproof Sam Edelmans, especially in that on-trend ivory hue. For a more polished look, check out Aeyde’s styles, like this sophisticated black pair or this twist-on-a-chelsea in suede.
Q: Bridesmaid (black, long, formal) black tie wedding dress for an April wedding in D.C.
A: This is spectacular. I’ve heard such good things about this brand! I also love this dress, though the bust area could be a bit too va-va-voom depending on the event, and this one looks fun to twirl in. Finally, this one has a Jennifer Aniston-on-the-red-carpet simplicity to it that I’m drawn to.
Q: Every day bag (small).
A: Are you tired of hearing me talk about my new J Link bag from Marc Jacobs? It truly is the perfect size and the colors are so interesting — it goes perfectly with everything in my fall wardrobe! It comes in a few other colors/sizes, too, in case you prefer black or ivory. I also love this Hermes-inspired mini bag, especially in the fun yellow color, but it comes in other colors (including saddle brown). For an investment, a girlfriend of mine has one of these Loewe Hammock bags and it is SO chic (and configurable!). Other options I love:
In case you’re stuck looking for inspo for children over the age of six, a few fabulous finds. A big ticket item? A motorized ride-on car, and might as well make it look chic! Two of the families in our neighborhood have them and while it is mildly terrifying to watch, the children love them.
