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New in November

By: Jen Shoop

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.

 

 

 

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