Sephora runs two savings events each year, and luckily for us, one is just in time for the transition to winter skincare and holiday shopping for loved ones. The promotion runs on a tiered membership schedule:
+If you are a VIB Rouge member, you can score 20% off from 10/30-11/9.
+If you are a VIB member, you can score 15% off from 11/3-11/9.
+If you are a Beauty Insider, you can score 10% off 11/5-11/9.
No matter your membership status, a little break on cosmetics is a blessed thing, as they go on sale much less frequently than other products do. You can use it as an excuse to finally test out a serum. I have been using serums for two or three years now and the three I have used have done a great job specifically of brightening my skin. I always say it’s like turning the lights on in the house — wow! I have tried variations at several price points and frankly have liked them all. Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum is the one that first got me hooked and I still love it — I will alternate between that, Vintner’s Daughter (not carried at Sephora), and this inexpensive bottle you can buy on Amazon. I think they all do a fantastic job, though the latter always feels a bit tacky to me when applying compared to the others, which glide into the skin.
LIP SLEEPING MASK (PERFECT TO WRAP UP IN CELLOPHANE WITH AN ENORMOUS BOW FOR A SMALL HOLIDAY TREAT)
CHANEL PERFUME (A CLASSIC — PERFECT ATTAINABLE LUXURY GIFT FOR A GAL IN HER LATE TEENS / EARLY 20S — A COLLEGE ROOMMATE OF MINE WORE THIS AND I WORE IT FOR YEARS AFTER)
P.P.S. In praise of a normal day. It is challenging to think of any aspect of 2020 being “normal” but we have, in a certain sense, hit a new normal in our own household and I would do well to acknowledge and celebrate that.
Tis the season! I just organized a selection of holiday finds here and have already shared gifts for loved ones (mainly focused on women), gifts for toddlers and young children, and will be releasing a gift guide for men and one for babies in the near future, too. Today, I want to focus on gifts for older children and tweens!
I love my fellow anticipators, many of whom have been asking me for more holiday decor ideas, with a specific focus on trimming the tree. Our strategy when we got married was to buy a few boxes of inexpensive, traditional-leaning sets of ornaments (i.e., a lot of balls in different sizes) in red and metallic and then to add in novelty ornaments every year since. If you’re in that camp — i.e., looking for a starter set of inexpensive ornaments to get things going while you slowly add more meaningful ornaments over the year, I’m dying over this $25 pack of gorgeous rose gold ornaments! It also comes in red/gold, which is more of the color palette we have. Amazing price for the number of ornaments you get, and just look at the reviews!
It took us years (!) to find a tree topper we liked. We felt like there were so many cheesy styles out there. Finally, we found a gorgeous one at ABC Home downtown just last year (!) after close to a decade of searching — but this Anthro one is similarly stunning.
Below, I’m organizing ornament ideas by palette since I think that tends to be how we ladies plan these things, but a few other must-haves:
P.P.P.S. One of my favorite Christmas posts (written while living here in New York City) ever, in which I wrote: “On the taxi home, as we zipped up Park Avenue, a wreath the size of a studio apartment came into focus dead ahead of us, shining like a beacon from the front of Grand Central. And there was something about its sudden and unanticipated beauty, its charm, its improbably generous existence in a city that often feels viciously indifferent to your wellbeing and spirit, that moved me. To think that there is a line item in the Grand Central budget for a wreath — and that there are staff hours dedicated to ordering and hanging it — somehow stirred me into a weepiness I did not anticipate. Even in that monolithic building, there is Christmas cheer, a willingness to delight and welcome the Christmastime visitor–or, you know, the New York transplant worn down by the city’s inelegances.”
By: Jen Shoop
My Latest Snag: Stock-Up on Children’s Cold-Weather Staples.
The weather is suddenly full-on autumn (borderline winter?) and I scrambled to stock up on cold-weather staples for the children this week. My favorite purchases for them:
THESE LL BEAN HATS (I BOUGHT MINI THE “SILVER MOON” AND MICRO THE “FELDSPAR” COLORWAY)
*I have been looking high and low for a good pair of everyday, warm boots for micro — there were so few attractive styles out there! These are selling out everywhere so jump if you can still find them in your boy’s size.
Though I usually stick with white socks for the children (prevents inevitable problem of one sock missing from a pair), I had to buy micro these fun printed train/vehicle socks. Good colors and fun prints. The only items left on my current winter shopping staples list are a puffer coat for micro, snowsuit for micro, snow mittens/gloves for both, and some Sperry snowboots. For puffer coat, I’ll probably go with Patagonia’s Hi-Loft in the yellow color — mini has owned in the past and they are warm but not super thick/heavy (can stuff into a bag if needed), and I love that they come with the built-in hood. And for snow gear, will probably circle back to Polarn O. Pyret!
You’re Sooooo Popular: The Crochet Trim Sweater-Jacket.
A reader shared this quote on a post I wrote not too long ago:
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Thank you for that, Brooke — it has been on my mind since. Sharing it again here, prominently, in case one of my Magpies needs a “giddy up!” this morning.
I’ve found it personally resonant while clipping back into a running routine over the past few months. I now run every other day for 2.5-3.5 miles, without fail. (My goal is to get to 3-4 miles per run, but I’m easing into it.) I am, frankly, astonished at my ongoing capacity for commitment to this somewhat aggressive routine given that just a few months ago, I would have told you: “I have no time! It will cut into xyz! Maybe next year! I have other higher priorities right now! I’ll get back to it at some point!” I have fallen in and out of running for most of my adult life, and I think one reason I’ve been able to stick with it this go around is that my understanding of goal-setting and goal attainment has matured in the past few years thanks to my experiences as a mother and an entrepreneur. Jen of 30 years would set out to do something and throw her hands up in frustration if results did not materialize close to immediately. Jen of 36 understood that it would take weeks to get to a place where I could consistently run without fatigue and muscle pain, and months to get to a place where running 3-4 miles per session was realistic. I knew that it was going to be rough starting from scratch this time, and my expectations were on-target. But that quote about “the second best time being today” rang true to me: start now, Jen, and understand that it might take a long while for the roots to form and the trees to blossom.
+The Vampire’s Wife is enjoying major cult brand status at the moment, and The Webster marked a few of its near-iconic dresses down 50% off: here and here!
+Currently testing this inexpensive retinoid (on the suggestion of TONS of Magpies and at the encouragement of my dermatologist) and can’t wait to give a full review in a few weeks…
By: Jen Shoop
Use code BATTASTIC for an extra 30% off sale prices at The Beaufort Bonnet Company! (They are also currently offering free site-wide shipping!). This is an ideal time to pre-buy a back-to-school outfit for next year, or outfit your child for the virtual interviews happening now (micro is applying for a twos program at the moment) in something that screams “school-ready!” Ha! I love their plaid jumpers like this (still available in all sizes) and this (<<mini wore this exact style on her first day of school) and something like this plaid longall for a boy.
They also have a handful of precious night-nights marked down to like $32 — this stork print is one of my all-time favorites (micro owned!) and they even have a few Christmas themed ones.
Finally, mini has just outgrown her TBBC slicker and she ALWAYS gets tons of compliments on it. I just ordered her this one as a replacement (on sale for like $35!). Also comes in blue for boys and the cutest giraffe print. These are NOT lined and run a bit big, just FYI.
P.S. J. Crew Factory just marked down a bunch of great staples and festive holiday finds to ridiculous prices…
P.P.S. I’m writing about this tomorrow, but I just ordered micro these everyday boots/hi-tops in the chestnut color. I had such a hard time finding a good lined (warm!) everyday boot/sneaker for him! This particular pair is selling out everywhere!
I cannot overstate mini’s excitement about her Halloween pajamas this year — she routinely harrumphs when they (both pairs) are in the laundry. So I’m excited to introduce some holiday jammies to her wardrobe this year. My top picks below:
I posted an elevator selfie on Instastories yesterday on my way back from dropping mini off at school and stopping by Eataly that I wanted to footnote (headline?) here. Though I avoid athleisure most days of the week, it was 52 degrees and raining when I woke up that and it was my turn to take mini downtown, so I leaned into a leggings look. When I glanced at myself in the mirror on my way back, I realized that I was wearing several of my absolute favorite products: all exceptionally well-designed, reasonably priced, and built to last. Interestingly, many of them are true investment pieces (even though none are very expensive) in the sense that they have been or will be used and loved for years and years and years to come. I am borderline evangelical about each of these items and had to take a moment to rave about each in turn. Note that all of these (all!) would make great holiday gifts, too. And if you need an explanation, just copy and paste my glowing reviewd below into the card you affix to it!
1 // Hunter Refined Short Waterproof Rainboot. I owned tall wellies for many years and I always disliked the way they hit at the top of my knee-cap. I am short and they looked so strange on my leg, almost like a halfway-over-the-knee style that made no sense and was frankly uncomfortable. I bought Hunter’s refined short pair a year or so ago and I am in love. I wear rain boots frequently nowadays — if there’s even a chance of rain in the forecast, I wear them while taking mini down to school, as there is nothing worse than slopping around New York City’s rain puddles and overflowing gutters and slick Subway stairs in shoes not built for rain. And these are awesome. The short, refined shape is more flattering and less overwhelming on my petite frame and this particular pair is made of a more flexible material than the Hunter classic, which I think makes it a lot more comfortable.
2 // Davek Mini Auto Umbrella. Mr. Magpie gifted me this mini umbrella maybe ten years ago in my Christmas stocking and — OMG. You don’t know how amazing it is to have a good umbrella until you take the leap. This one is tiny — it can fit into the pocket of most of my coats — and exceptionally sturdy. It never inverts in wind! I love that you can toss it in your bag or pocket when running out the door if there’s even a chance of a rain because it’s so small and lightweight, it doesn’t add much bulk to your bag! I’ve given this as a gift to my mother-in-law and a few friends and it is always well-received. Davek also offers a lifetime guarantee, so you can ship it to them for gratis repair in the unlikely event it breaks.
3 // State Bags Fanny Pack. I cannot believe I lived without a belt bag for so long. I use it constantly, but especially love it when trailing my children at the playground or on a family excursion, as I can keep my phone, keys, credit card, and hand sanitizer on my person and leave bulkier items in stroller/car while remaining totally hands-free. I can’t tell you how many moms have stopped me at the park asking what brand it is — it’s a smooth, luxury-looking leather but the price is right at $150. I like that it has a nice defined structure, too, rather than the shapeless pouches you see elsewhere: it feels higher-end, more defined. It’s a belt bag with perspective. A small wonderful detail: it has an inside pocket that I often use to keep my credit cards all together in one place if I haven’t had time to transfer them to my card case.
*While we’re talking State Bags, note that this feminist toile backpack that I bought for mini is currently marked down to $29! Check out the design up close — it’s hilarious! The ducks are burning bras 🙂 It’s small enough to be appropriate for a child but could also work for a lady!
4 // Colorful Koala Leggings. This was sort of a slow-burn surprise for me — I got them after reading countless rave reviews and thought, “OK, they’re fine. But they’re not, like, Lululemon Align great.” Over time, I’ve become more and more enamored of these. They will still never dethrone my beloved align leggings (the softest and most comfortable and most flattering EVER), but for $23? They are pretty damn good. Comfortable, stretchy but slimming, come in great colors, and have held up really well in the wash. I find that I reach for these over many other more expensive pairs that I own!
5 // Feetures Cushion Socks. I am obsessed with these socks. I love the way they contour to the foot (it feels like the sock is hugging my foot!) and live for the slight cushion at the footbed — so luxurious! I truly don’t think I gave much thought at all to socks (except for in the winter, when I swear by the thickest, warmest socks I can find, and those are SmartWool or Vermont Darn Tough) until this year, when Feetures sent me a couple of pairs of socks and I will never, ever, ever go back. I have already ordered five pairs on my own from Amazon! This particular pair is fantastic for boots/rainboots because they are non-bulky but warm, soft, and snug.
6 // Everlane French Terry Hoodie. The perfect layering piece. I always liked the Parisian chic look of a lightweight hoodie under a long topcoat (see above), and this is the style that can make it happen. It’s slim-fit but not tight or formfitting and made of a lightweight (non-bulky!) cotton that you can actually fit underneath a coat without feeling like your arms are restricted/Michelin-Man-Esque.
7 // Talbots Quilted Long Coat. Talbots generously sent me this chic transitional coat in black earlier this fall and I had no idea how often I would wear it. I reach for it most mornings — it’s not marketed as waterproof but it is definitely water-repellant; I love the length (hits just above knee, creates a long line!); the hood comes in handy on rainy days when my daughter co-opts my umbrella; and the pockets are nice and sizeable (can hold phone, sanitizer, random detritus that you accrue as a mother, and even these Dover sticker books, which I almost always have on me as toddler entertainment on the subway). It is also the perfect weight. I can layer a hoodie or sweater underneath if it’s cold or just throw on top of a Kule tee if it’s milder and feel totally comfortable. Somehow, I am always the perfect temperature in it? I’m in love!
8 // Not seen in picture, but on my person that morning and also well-loved:
+Eo Hand Sanitizing Spray. I love this not so much for myself (honestly, it’s kind of hard to use spray on your own hands since one is always holding the spray bottle) but for the children. Amazing way to cover their little palms without the gel sliding right off. The lavender scent is amazing!
+Calvin Klein Modern Bralettes. These make my inner-90s-teen-self’s heart sing. I love the throwback styling and they are just so incredibly comfortable. Perfect alternative to a sports bra on athleisure days.
Tell me about your favorite rainy day (or every day!) products — the workhorses that are thoughtfully-designed and built to last.
Earlier this year, a reader asked after my fall 2020 bucket list, and I am proud to say I managed to tick everything off the list, from apple picking with the children at Fishkill Farms to enjoying one of the most memorable meals of my life at the Stone Barns at Blue Hill. (I almost literally rubbed elbows with chef Dan Barber while en route to the bathroom there and did not realize it. Shoot! I wish I had matched the face to the name — I love an opportunity to applaud a job well done. When I was younger, my mother used to stop women on the street to tell them that they had “great hair,” or “looked wonderful in that cheery pink color,” and I was routinely mortified. Now I go out of my way in emulation of her generosity. Nothing feels better than an unexpected and deserved compliment.) We also managed to undertake some autumn baking, carve jack o’lanterns, visit Storm King Art Center while the leaves were changing, enjoy pumpkin waffles and Halloween movies for dinner one night, send out Halloween cards to loved ones, hold a “Halloween costume dry run” that turned into a dance party in our living room, stop by a winery for a bottle of red on a patio overlooking fall foliage, buy some new Halloween decor, put out an Oktoberfest dinner spread (with sausage, homemade soft pretzels, saurkraut, etc.), and make multiple trips to designated bits of the UWS with beautifully decorated brownstones. In short, we leaned into the fall festivities this year, moreso than usual. My sister, who has been our companion on several of our outside-of-Manhattan fall excursions, noted that one silver lining of our pandemic-constrained lives has been an urge to get out there and do things (that are safe/practical for social distancing) that require planning and effort and that therefore occasionally, in other years, have not feel worth the fanfare.
“You know, under normal circumstances, we might have just gone to dinner a few times instead,” she commented as we swooned over the burgundy and marigold and pumpkin-colored trees at Blue Hill, and I had to agree. Would we have jumped through the hoops to procure the reservation and agreed to the extravagant price tag were it not for how few and far between such indulgences have felt this year?
Now, as I look to winter 2020, I’m mildly bummed to think that we won’t be able to take in the Thanksgiving Day Parade on CPW or take mini skating in Central Park or at Rockefeller Center, the latter of which I’ve been daydreaming of since last winter, when mini still seemed too young. (I don’t think renting ice skates is a COVID-friendly reality…?) But that’s OK. I am excited about my burgeoning holiday bucket list anyhow:
+taking a long walk through Central Park on Thanksgiving Day with mugs of mulled wine;
+driving outside the city to select a Christmas Tree;
+visiting the Empire State Building (which I’ve never been to before, but now might be the best time to go — few tourists and timed tickets!);
+making snowpeople and snow angels with mini (she is already excited about the prospect of snow and I hear we may have a snowier winter than usual);
+trimming the tree while sipping egg nog from an enormous punch bowl;
+and — if it seems safe enough? if it’s being held this year? — possibly going to see the train show at the New York Botanical Gardens.
What about for you? How has COVID-19 changed your 2020 bucket list? Are there any silver linings for you?
Post-Scripts: Little Scores to Brighten Winter 2020.
+These plastic snowmen molds are absolutely amazing. My MIL sent one to mini last year and she loved it. You can find different shapes, too, like this penguin. Fun way to make a snow day that much more special this winter.
+I mentioned a punch bowl for egg nog — we actually have this genius glass cake dome, which can be inverted to become a punch bowl.
+Amazing Target find — I had to add this to my cart! More great holiday scores from Target here.
+Polarn O. Pyret makes the absolute best winter/snow gear for children. The quality is amazing — I actually have purchased a number of items from their clothing collection and cannot speak highly enough about their attention to detail and the longevity of wear. WTTW: they run really tall (probably for the tall Scandi children they normally outfit). This snowsuit is such an incredible deal (usually like $120) and would probably fit a 1.5 year old. Mini owns this bib style (also ridiculously discounted on Amazon!). And I think I’ve written at least a dozen times about how much I loved their infant snowsuits — I bought for Hill in a few sizes so that I could put him in it and strap him to me in the Baby Bjorn while picking up Emory from school when it was really cold out last winter.
+I bought mini these $13 thermals for snowdays this year! (Read reviews!)
+These fireside lounge socks look like heaven, though if you’ve not yet bought a pair of Darn Tough socks for winter…you’re missing out. The footbed is cushioned and the sock is SO warm. Heavenly for layering in boots.
+This year, I’m in the market for a simple cashmere beanie like this (and matching mittens!) to pair with all my coats, both casual and dressy.
+These L.L. Bean hats for children come in some great colors — adore the “silver moon” colorway for mini.
+An investment, but a Lionel train around a Christmas tree is a classic. We have inherited the one that belonged to Mr. Magpie’s parents and it is unbelievable.
+Pearl cableknit sweater to add interest to your Netflix + Chill winter wardrobe. Mango is killing it with the knitwear this season — also eyeing this cardigan, which feels very Ulla.
+This felt tree is in my cart — perfect Saturday morning activity for my children. They love this kind of thing! (BTW – yes, you could totally make this on your own, but have you tried cutting felt recently?! It is hard! Even with good scissors! I made a little felt pizza activity for mini and spent like thirty minutes hacking at felt to make mushrooms, pepperoni, etc. My arm was tired! I’ll gladly pay $12 for a professional to do it for me. Haha!
+And while we’re on the topic of staying indoors, if you’re looking to get out of a meal rut in your home, crack open a bottle of sparkling wine, sit around the coffee table with plenty of paper towels, and try this indoor shrimp BBQ recipe! So festive and delicious.
Is anyone else’s front stoop starting to look like the photo above? Between all of the epic sales happening lately and shopping for holiday gifts, I think the UPS guy will spend half his day at our building. Anyhow, Shopbop is running a brief 40% off fall sale that ends tomorrow. I had to share a couple of standouts…
*Image above via Dondolo. I have all the heart eyes for the dress the mother is wearing in the portrait above!
I can’t tell you how many inquiries I’ve received asking for advice on what to wear for family portraits, each with their own nuance. I shared some tartan/plaid family looks here, but am adding a couple of other options below that might suit your circumstances! My biggest piece of advice is to start with one piece you love, whether it’s a dress you’ve been eyeing forever or a special occasion piece your daughter owns and then build out from there, and know that not everyone has to be matching! Some of you can just have a little pop of the principal color/texture/vibe, i.e., just a pair of velvet smoking shoes if the children are in velvet outfits, etc.
If You Want a Fall Palette.
If you’re, say, shooting amidst fall foliage and don’t want straight up “HOLIDAY TARTAN” for the photo, I would go with this Sea dress* (I’ll be wearing this on Thanksgiving!) with children wearing pieces from Luca and Luca (also what my children will be wearing on Thanksgiving — ha!) They have such great fall colors in muted browns, burgundies, etc, that will all work beautifully together without looking matchy-matchy. For example, mini is wearing this (with knee socks or ribbed tights and Mary Janes like these or these) and micro is wearing this shirt and these dungarees with knee socks and saddle shoes. If that feels like too much competition with your dress, put yourself in a chic textured dress like this suede style (SO OBSESSED) or this sweater dress with some great suede boots.
For your husband, a shawl collar sweater in a warm camel color with his favorite corduroys and a white button-down, or have him test out wearing a fair isle in a pattern that compliments the family’s color palette. (And if that feels too busy, try one of these fantastic Pendleton sweaters in an olive green/brown/tan color.)
*Dondolo has a lot of other great options in different palettes and lightweight fabrics from their recent collaboration with Pencil & Paper Co worth considering, too! Or build the entire vibe around this stunning dress, which would work well with nearly any floral pattern on little ones.
If all of these seem too complex to coordinate/you want something more casual, have everyone in jeans and a camel sweater/blouse/top, or make camel the unifying color. So easy to find pieces in that colorway this season! For example, you could layer this over any solid-colored piece your little lass already owns (or pair with jeans), your boy could wear these “brandy”-colored cords with an ivory cableknit sweater, and you can invest in that cashmere turtleneck you *need.* (Haha).
P.S. I actually want every single thing on this gift list for myself.
I’ve been listening to David Chang’s memoir, Eat a Peach, and it’s nothing like I expected it to be. Where I anticipated the slick and smug persona that has become synonymous with his celebrity, I have found instead startling vulnerability and the unmistakable ring of honesty. (There is also some showmanship and self-roister, but it is refreshingly self-aware.) In his book, Chang grapples with the conditions of his success as a restauranteur, his lifelong mental health journey, and what I can only describe as raw, unstilted philosophizing about the nuts and bolts of his profession. These musings are recherche in the sense that Chang is well-read, often citing classical authors from The Canon and beyond, and also deeply conversant in the philosophies and perspectives of many of the most highly-respected figures of our times in the realm of culinary arts–but he is also a free thinker, somehow untrammeled by the trappings of tradition. Hearing him talk about cooking and menu design and plate composition and restaurant concepting almost affords the impression that he has discovered it all on his own, though it is clear he is a studied professional. There is something about his tinkering inquisitiveness (i.e., “this flavor is too assertive, what if we tried x instead?” and “our customers find this too hot, but we still need the szechuan peppercorns to numb the tongue”) and his confidence in his own tastes (“no one likes umeboshi except for when drinking”) and his fearless cross-pollination of ideas (noodle bars, in America, before they were a thing — but in a category of cuisine he determinedly labeled “American” rather than “Asian” or, as was the now-rightly-denigrated term of art when he started his career, “ethnic”) that solidifies the fact that this is a man who truly thinks for himself. It’s not so much outside-the-box thinking (though this is also probably a fair assessment of his creativity) but the kind of ego-centricity that, at its worst, disrespects the culinary history of which he is a part and, at its best, demonstrates a kind of authenticity that is rare and precious.
I also last week watched an episode of Jon Favreau’s show Chef in which he and his co-star Roy Choi make flatbread with Pizzeria Blanco co-founder Chris Bianco and Tartine co-founder Chad Robertson. In it, Bianco displays a somewhat similar (though more approachable) variation on Chang’s M.O. when he says that he’s not sure how to classify what he’s making — flatbread, pizza, focaccia — and that he doesn’t much bother with labels anyhow: he cares about what tastes good and the provenance of his ingredients. He implies that he has been head-down working on making something delicious rather than positioning his work within a culinary framework. He later says, shruggingly, “All cooking is appropriation.”
I’m fascinated by the casual, almost flippant, anti-establishment ethos of both these artists — and they truly are, in my opinion, artists. They are familiar with the canon and yet they somehow appear to be operating outside of it, or imagining that they are, or inviting us to envision that they are capable of such outlander status. “That’s tradition over there, and that’s cool,” they seem to be saying, “But I’m just doing what feels interesting and fun over here.” Is it disingenuous? Is it pretentious? Or is it the exact opposite — radically authentic?
I have always felt that much of art is pastiche and allusion, the patchwork of influences that talented craftspeople are able to combine and transform into magical new iterations, driven by the force of their rare intellect and aesthetic impulse. It is alchemy. But references are the key and bulkiest ingredient. “No man is an island” (John Donne), and all that.
In my own narrow experience, I find that my writing materially improves the more I read. That is, my creativity is borne of the work of others: I stand on their shoulders and perch on the branches of trees they have planted.
But what share is theirs and what is mine? How much credit do we give? And what is the purpose of such — how to call it? — attribution or bean counting or divination? — anyhow?
It’s hard to say how Chang or Bianco would respond to a direct line of questioning along these lines, or whether they would bristle and reply: “Who cares? Don’t think so much.” (I could see that reply as well.) But these are the kinds of intractable rhetorical questions that their bright and startling comments dredge up, and they feel like the stuff of artistic integrity.
Any thoughts on this conversation on a Wednesday morning? Has anyone read the Chang book or watched the Favreau show? Free-wheeling commentary encouraged — a lot to chew on here.
Post-Scripts.
+What are you reading this fall? I just finished Shari LaPena’s latest thriller and I can’t remember the last time I stayed up until midnight reading a book. I had to finish it! I didn’t think it was quite as good as some of her previous novels (the conceit of marital infidelity and misgiving is starting to feel a bit old), but she is a master of suspense and specifically of sowing the seeds of doubt. You can trust nobody in a La Pena novel. It makes for fun reading. Strongly recommend if you want something you can’t put down!
+I’m currently reading The Lions of Fifth Avenue on the recommendation of multiple Magpies. Stay tuned for a full review.
+I am working on a gift guide for gentlemen that will be coming out soon, but wanted to let you know now that Mr. Magpie absolutely raves about his Apple AirPods Pro — there are a ton of enhancements over the original design (which I own and love), like noise cancellation, earpiece controls (i.e., you can tap the airpod in your ear for various features), and more. At the time of editing this post (10/27), they are marked down to 20% off so I had to share in case you want to buy now and save a little money!
+I polled my Magpie Instagram followers to ask for recommendations for masks to wear while exercising. The top recommendations were these by Athleta (NOT the ones on their site marketed specifically for exercising — many readers said those are in fact horrible and suffocating!) and the disposable surgical ones on the grounds that the wire makes them easy to mold to your face and sort of cup around your nose/mouth so that the material doesn’t keep getting “sucked in,” which has been my major issue using fabric masks while running. I tested running with the latter because I already had some at home and I found it so scratchy on my face! Am I a baby or what? Contemplating ordering the Athleta ones unless anyone has any other suggestions to throw on the table?
+Speaking of masks, mask-ne (mask-induced acne) is a thing now. One benefit to adding this retinoid to my regimen: it also combats acne. (I will write a full review on my experience with it in a few weeks!) Also on the unseemly topic of breakouts: my dermatologist recommends this inexpensive body wash post-exercise. Also going to test and will report back.
+I’ve loved Self-Portrait for years and years now — several of my favorite dresses are theirs. Currently dying over this velvet midi for the holidays and this satin bow style, too. (The eyelash neckline!)
+So into the statement vest this season, and this is now my top pick. CHIC.
+I saw a chic pea coming back from a run in Central Park wearing all black exercise gear and this running hat and…shamelessly bought it to copy her.
+Lake Pajamas has some super cute Christmas jammies for little ones available for preorder here. (A couple of other darling Christmas pajama finds here.)
+As always, in case you need to hear it, you are enough.
