By: Jen Shoop

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Earlier this month, I had a strange professional interaction that threw me. I believe the other party was just sharing her expertise, but she made me feel about an inch tall. I have gone over the conversation with a fine-toothed comb — was I being over-sensitive? Or was she in fact insulting me? Was I simply unaccustomed to her blunt manner? Or was she — as it seemed — trying to take me down a peg? And if she was, what did it matter? Why did I let her comments get to me?

I don’t know, maybe I was due for a humbling.

But also — I don’t know, maybe I should have said something — “excuse me, I don’t need to be spoken to that way,” or “I’m surprised you’d feel comfortable saying that,” or even repeating what she’d said aloud — “Can we back up for a second? I may have misunderstood, but it sounded like you asked…”

Mainly, I have been feeling disappointed in myself. Surely I am tenured enough to stand still in my center. Surely I can let a stranger’s comment roll right off my back. And yet I got off the phone call, went downstairs to Mr. Magpie’s office, and found myself on the brink of tears. After detailing the conversation, I finally explained, “I feel…embarrassed?”

It’s a tricky thing, to sift out the ego from the earnest. To know when to give yourself a shake and say: “You know what? She does know better, even if her delivery was gruff; just take the medicine,” versus “Jen, you’ve gotta stand up for yourself!”

I mentioned a little of this on Instagram, and how the entire incident made me feel so far afield from my vision of what it means to be “a woman of substance,” that luminous north star. I concluded that maybe being a woman of substance is more a practice than a destination. Something to aspire to daily.

One Magpie offered the most gorgeous soft landing (thank you, Kate) — she wrote: “The ability to engage in self reflection? That is a trademark of a woman of substance. Vulnerability? Same thing. You are doing great.”

I don’t feel like I did great that day, but it did prompt some useful self-examination. For one thing, I have been workshopping a couple of strategies for similar situations in the future. I could tell, two minutes into the conversation, that I was upset — could feel my own fluster and hurt building — and yet I permitted the exchange to go on for a full hour. I felt locked in for some reason; I let her lead. Why?! I suppose out of politeness? Next time I witness those warning flares, I am going to exercise the right to pause the conversation — “something came up; let’s connect on this another time.” Or even ask if I can call back in a few minutes, after I’ve gathered myself. Having a second to think about how I feel and possibly phrase an objection or redirection would have helped, or at least put me in a place where I felt more emotionally prepared.

Have you encountered a similar situation? How did you acquit yourself? What has helped you through?

****

Sunday Shopping Poetry.

First – did you know Nordstrom Rack carries a fair amount of designer denim, including Mother, which has slowly become one of my preferred brands?! A great pair of classic white skinnies here. (Yes, you can still wear skinnies.) Also: just received my Westman bronzing drops and have been in such dire need of them. I am so pale! And! My mother ordered this adorable little Madewell bag while we were traveling together. It’s 25% off right now.

OK, last two shopping notes: 1) I just ordered this fun Merlette top. I’d never seen anything like it! Love the chambray material and dramatic collar. SO chic! 2) Everlane is offering 25% off sitewide! This white dress is a classic.

ALEMAIS DRESS // MADEWELL BAG (25% OFF!) // FREDA SALVADOR FLATS (10% OFF WITH MAGPIE10) // MOTHER JEANS (ON SALE!) // WESTMAN ATELIER BRONZING DROPS // EVERLANE DRESS // MERLETTE TOP // MANGO SHORTS // LIZZIE FORTUNATO NECKLACE

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+BOOK THE TRIP: This week, I went away for one night with my mom to the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, MD. We’d never done this before, a mother-daughter trip just the two of us. It was soul-filling — spa treatments, a long laugh-filled dinner, and two 1.5 hour car rides in which you wouldn’t have been able to get a word in edge-wise. Just a reminder to book the trip, make the date, pick up the phone. One of the surprises of adulthood: how little time you really have with your loved ones. And you’d be surprised at how restorative just 24 hours feels! (Funny side note: we both showed up wearing Frank and Eileen, the universally acknowledged spa trip wardrobe. I was wearing this set and she was wearing this popover beneath her navy Spanx athleisure set (here are the matching pants) — she doesn’t like “the unfinished hem” of the F&E sweat sets, ha. Also her signature: won’t get within a mile of a frayed or distressed garment. BTW, many Magpies have raved about this similar sweat set from Amazon as a way to get the F&E look for less.)

+AND WHILE WE’RE TALKING SPANX…They are running a big sale, with up to 70% off, which includes my favorite pea tendril green half zip and leggings set! The color is so fun. I don’t know why, but it gives me some get-up-and-go when I’m dragging my feet. I also like the look of this long-line zip-up. It reminds me of some of the styles at Varley but about half the price.

green spanx fitness set

+ICONIC KISS: Part of “Wedding Crashers” was filmed at the Inn at Perry Cabin, and of course I couldn’t help but think about that scene in the movie where Rachel McAdams is tip-toeing down the hallway in her pajamas while Coldplay’s “Sparks” is playing. One of my favorite cinematic moments. This in turn led me to think about “The Notebook” and this iconic kiss moment from awards show history. (Afterward, Ryan Gosling could barely string a sentence together.) The whole thing gives me butterflies.

+FAYE WEBSTER: Thanks for all of your “underrated music” recs here; I want to throw another artist into the ring: have you heard of Faye Webster? (Start with “Kingston” and “I Know You.”) Has a Clairo vibe, but there’s something else there…maybe like a more twee/indie Natalie Merchant or Norah Jones vibe? I am really enjoying working to her music, which says a lot — normally I can’t work with vocals on and need to go all instrumental.

+EYEING + BUYING: Don’t miss Everlane’s 25% off sale this weekend to order their way high curve jeans! We love these! Run TTS but have a very rigid denim – fyi. All my top picks from this promo below. I also own and adore this “ranch jacket” in denim!

WHITE RIVIERA DRESS // BALLET FLAT MULES // RANCH BARN JACKET // BUCKET BAG // BOXY BUTTON DOWN // WAY HIGH CURVE JEANS // BOAT SHOES

+HOW TO RESPOND TO A RUDE COMMENT?: I am never able to think on my feet in these circumstances — I usually cook up a good comeback two days later, while in the shower. (Esprit de l’escalier, in full force!) Over time, I’ve decided this isn’t necessarily the worst thing — I’d rather not saying something in the heat of the moment and regret it later — but there’s a fine line here. We also don’t want to be steamrolled. Anyway, one suggestion as to how to respond to a rude, inconsiderate, or intrusive comment: “I’m surprised you feel comfortable saying that.” I like the way it dodges direct engagement and invites the other party to self-reflect. Does anyone have another solution for this? On a more trivial note, something else I need: has anyone figured out the right thing to say when someone knocks on the door of the bathroom you’re using? I’m sure this happens to all of us routinely, and yet I’m always a fluster of: “In here / occupied / out in a minute!”

+MAKING ART: If you are making any kind of art — and I define art very loosely, because I think getting dressed can be a kind of art, and making the bed can be a kind of art — you might find reassurance in this quote:

+BESTSELLERS: At the top of this list: this fabulous everyday dress from Tuckernuck, which I also ordered, and wore at the Inn at Perry Cabin (see below — rest of outfits details here).

Also very popular this week: this CHIC mini bag from Madewell (25% off at the moment!). My mom bought both while we were away!

01. TUCKERNUCK DRESS // 02. MADEWELL MINI BAG // 03. TARGET HIGH-RISE WIDE LEG PANTS // 04. TORY BURCH ROMY BAG // 05. YSE SKIN GLOW PRIMER (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // 06. MARGAUX ANKLE WRAP SANDAL (BUY NOW; IT SELLS OUT EVERY SEASON!) // 07. SPLENDID ANGIE PANTS // 08. TUCKERNUCK CASHMERE CARDIGAN // 09. JEFFREY CAMPBELL JELLIES (THE ROW INSPIRED) // 10. SERENA AND LILY CROSBY TEAK DINING TABLE // 11. DOEN SEBASTIANE SKIRT // 12. ALICE WALK COTTON WEEKENDER SWEATER

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

A Perfect Everyday Dress.

It was hard for me to capture the perfect details and draping on this G. Label dress. A great putty color that goes with everything. A fabulous everyday, elevated basic.

G. LABEL HARPER DRESS (15% OFF WITH SHOOP15) // HERMES SCARF // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALTUZARRA BAG // DORSEY EARRINGS // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)

A Really Good Barrel Jean for Petites.

Wanted to specifically call out these on-trend jeans from Ruti for fellow petites! They are running a promo right now — $55 off with code SS25. The fit is perfect if you’re under 5’3. These are very similar to Nili Lotan’s virally popular Shon jeans, but tailored for us shorties! Go up a size. I am normally a 0/2 and I took a 4p in these. They have a fantastic amount of stretch in them — good workday pants. You can sit comfortably in them all day even though they have that raw, dark denim look from afar.

Also – if you’re looking for a great striped button-down, this is it, and it’s 20% off with JEN20. It’s Rag & Bone and boasts a perfect fit — not too boxy and not too snug/trim. I go down a size in this to an XXS. Has a great lightweight and tucks easily. I love the contrast stripe pocket detail.

RUTI PETITE BARREL JEANS ($55 OFF WITH SS25) // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // RAG AND BONE MAXINE SHIRT (20% OFF WITH JEN20) // LA LIGNE MINI MARIN SWEATER // VARLEY MORVEN JACKET // DORSEY HEART NECKLACE // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS // CELINE SUNGLASSES // ALTUZARRA BAG // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE)

Emory’s Birthday Dinner Outfit (Ash Wedesday).

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

MANGO TRENCH // KILTE CARDIGAN // FRP COLLECTION BAG // RIXO BLOUSE // AGOLDE JEANS // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // OSSA PHONE WRISTLET (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // DORSEY EARRINGS // DORSEY HEART ID NECKLACE

Head to Toe Neutrals for a Monday.

SOLD OUT NYC BUTTON-DOWN (15% OFF WITH MAGPIE15) // FRANK AND EILEEN SWEATER // RAG & BONE LOGAN JEANS (20% OFF WITH JEN20 — SOOO SOFT AND DRAPEY; RUN A TAD BIG) // JANESSA LEONE HAT

Doen Sebastiane — My Hero Skirt.

Getting so much wear out of this gorgeous boho skirt. Look for less here, here, here.

DOEN SEBASTIANE SKIRT // LOUP SWEATSHIRT // FREDA SALVADOR JADA FLATS (MAGPIE10 FOR 10% OFF; LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALTUZARRA BAG // / CELINE SUNGLASSES // LOEFFLER RANDALL COAT

Pastel Fitness Outfit (I.e., How I Motivated Myself on Tues Morning).

ALICE WALK SWEATSHIRT // VUORI FEATHER TEE // FREE PEOPLE SHORTS

The Everlane Way High Curve Jean.

Finally got my Everlane way high curve jeans! Run TTS. They are SO flattering on hip / waist — heads up that the denim is very rigid though. I would not wear these all day long / travel in them / work at my desk in them. So chic and I love the ecru wash.

EVERLANE WAY HIGH CURVE JEANS // SOLDOUT NYC TEE // ROTHYS CLOGS // ALICE WALK ALPACA SWEATER (VIBE FOR LESS WITH THIS) // PARKER THATCH CHARLIE BAG

By: Jen Shoop

Most mornings, Landon materializes in the door frame of my writing studio with a cup of coffee prepared just the way I like it, down to the ounce of sugar. He measures it on a kitchen scale. If I have my headphones on, which I often do in those luminous morning hours awaiting Calliope, he knows I’m in a flow, and will deliver the coffee and leave without conversation. “Wasn’t I good this morning?” he’ll sometimes ask later, meaning: “I wanted to talk, but I delivered your coffee and left out of respect for your work.” Because sometimes, too, he will arrive with coffee and leave thirty minutes later, after we’ve lost ourselves in wandering marital chatter. (What is marriage but one long conversation?).

How precious to be cared for in this way. The coffee mug in his hand nothing but a bare-faced “I love you.”

A propos of my coffee-born “I love you,” this morning, republishing one of my favorite musings from 2024 — 10 different ways of saying I love you.

*****

“How did you sleep?”

A full tank of gas waiting for you in the car.

A post-it note reading: “Heat at 350 for 20-25 minutes.”

Your dad wandering around your backyard, tearing up weeds.

A text message replying: “YES!!!”

The door knob mysteriously fixed.

An email reading: “Saw this and thought of you.”

A string of heart emojis.

Your favorite flavor of yogurt stocked in your mother’s fridge.

“Tell me everything.”

****

A few weeks ago, my best friend and her husband were staying over, and as her husband came into the kitchen, I asked, near-reflexively: “How did you sleep?” He looked a little surprised, and then pleased, and said: “Oh! Great, thanks.” As soon as the question came out of my mouth, I realized I was parroting my mother. Asking how I’ve slept is one of my her favorite ways of saying “I love you” — more a gesture of affection than anything else. I want you to be rested and comfortable, is the subtext, and I care about how you feel.

U.A. Fanthorpe put it best: “There is a kind of love called maintenance // Which stores the WD40 and knows when to use it.” Elsewhere, I’ve riffed on this sentiment when writing about Mr. Magpie: “I love the way you echo through my daily chores and counterspaces. Proof that love is a modest thing, never making a fuss about the furnishings. We’re just as likely to find it on the Duplo-strewn floor of the basement, tired parents with children crawling over us, as we are dressed to the nines sitting in a Paris cafe. Love is looking for us everywhere.”

What are some of the hidden ways people tell you they love you?

Post-Scripts.

+You can purchase an illustrated print of the piece above here. I have mine framed in these inexpensive lucite blocks.

+While visiting my sister in New York, she lamented (in her Nora Ephron manner), “No one ever makes me a salad. A salad is the ultimate gesture of love.” I knew what she meant. Sometimes love is a salad.

+More on the small gestures of love our parents extend our way.

+Other permutations of love.

Shopping Break.

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

+We’re almost to linen season — last year I got so, so, so much wear out of this set from Frank and Eileen. I really love styling the set as a cohesive look (Nancy Meyers leading lady vibe), but I also loved the linen shirt with boxer-style shorts; you might consider this $30 gingham pair! So cute with a straw tote.

+Get the F&E linen set look for less with this (and this matching shirt)!

+Currently wearing this Tuckernuck top. Makes me feel like I’m on vacation. J. Crew has a great dress they just released that gives me a similar feel.

+Love these inexpensive and chic drinking glasses.

+Today is the final day of the Shopbop sale — 20% off of so much great stuff. All my picks here.

+Every now and then, Veronica Beard generously offers to send me something — I scrambled all over myself to request this east-west clutch. SO GOOD. I’ve been eyeing those ones from Savette for like two years now and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this similar style from VB. I will be wearing this all summer!

+Thinking ahead to warm weather, I feel like I want to live in these Natalie Martin fiore dresses. Such cool patterns to throw on with leather sandals and great shades.

+If you’re ever hosting a breakfast or morning time birthday party where you’ll be serving coffee — these to-go cups are a cute touch.

+Another great Banana find — wow! They’re killing it.

+No-manicure, low-maintenance great nails. I use this between manicures at my salon.

+A great LBD. CHIC!

+Cute spring shorts for your man. Love the lilac!

+Have you heard about the brand Abbey Glass? Really bright, fun wedding guest dresses under $400.

+CHIC pareo.

+Gap giving major Reformation vibes.

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

I have to be honest – I’m a pretty big maximalist. I spotted the above fringed tote from Mercules and my heart did a little leap. I sometimes tamp the exuberance down in my everyday dressing but I am forever drawn to a big necklace, a bold pattern, a joyful color. I am drooling over these mesh ballet flats I’ve been seeing everywhere (look for less with these), and my beaded phone strap, while impractical and rage-inducing in front of Mr. Magpie, sparks so much joy. Below, some bold finds for spring —

FLEUR STRAW HAT // GAZELLE INDOOR SNEAKERS // STAUD ALBA BALLET FLATS // BOXY SHOULDER BAG // MERCULES FRINGE BAG // ALAIA MESH BALLET FLATS // FRP COLLECTION BAG // LIZZIE FORTUNATO CAPRI NECKLACE // BIG EFFING CLIP // LOEWE CURVY SUNGLASSES // PAPAYA EARRINGS

Maximalist Finds for Under $125.

A few additional finds at a lower price point — how GOOD is this phone pouch from COS?!

PHONE POUCH LEATHER // MESH BALLET FLATS LIGHT BLUE // PERSIMMON BEADED PHONE WRIST STRAP // LASSO HAT // SEZANE BEADED BRACELET // RED CORDED PHONE STRAP // LE SPECS SUNGLASSES // SQUARE TOE LILY RED // OVAL HOOP EARRINGS // MADEWELL MINI RAFFIA BAG

Styling Maximalist Accessories.

ROMY GATHERED COTTON BLEND POPLIN DRESS // THE OPHELIA SLINGBACKS // ST. PIECE SCARF // BOXY SHOULDER BAG // LOEWE CURVY SUNGLASSES // LIZZIE FORTUNATO EARRINGS

RELAXED LINEN SHIRT // 90S PINCH WAIST JEANS // FLEUR STRAW HAT // DAVIS LEATHER SANDAL // POT DI MIEL // OUTTA LOVE SUNGLASSES

TECHNIQUE POPLIN DRESS // FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE CARDIGAN // SEDONA SUNGLASSES // HEART AND SOUL SILVER TONE EARRINGS // WIDE BANGLE BRACELET // PHONE POUCH LEATHER // MESH BALLET FLATS LIGHT BLUE

P.S. Styling white denim for spring.

P.P.S. Chic totes to transition into spring.

P.P.P.S. Pastel knits!

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

A few weeks ago, I joked that the Early Morning Tee by AYR is “Magpie Core.” Like, so many of us own and love that shirt that it’s become a kind of visual patois between us. This made me think about other “Magpie signatures” — what might they be? The first few that came to mind: listening to movie scores; the Gap kick flare jeans; Circe and Sally Rooney; strategic thinking about vacations, Disney, skincare, and meal planning; “you’re where you need to be”; great at-home cocktails or mocktails; a curious obsession with pouches; running; upgraded air plane tickets; “just move the dirt”; the Tory Burch Romy bag; carrying a Kindle everywhere. What else?

I had fun, then, thinking about the “signatures” of a few people I love.

My mother: Quelques Fleurs perfume // Hermes scarf // Crispix and skim milk // the newspaper on the dining room table // loopy script // immaculately ironed clothing // notepads // “bacon, extra crisp” // peonies // a fully-charged phone battery // tissues in every pocket // “mmm, buh-bye” at the end of every phone call // kindness personified

My father: Legal pads and accordion folders // Montblanc pen // his “running closet” (a closet with only his running gear in it) // bamboo fly rod // Hechingers (RIP) // squat historical tomes // tall pour of Chardonnay // cold cut sandwiches // WWI poetry // either responds immediately to a text with a thumbs up or three word sentence, or doesn’t respond at all // “atta girl! alright!” // self-deprecating humor

Landon: Hedley and Bennett apron // obscure Japanese knives // Reddit // gray UVA sweatshirt // black Jeep Cherokee // pho 75 // all caps // keys with a sailor’s monkey fist knot // very loud music // very good gin // “why not?” // the number 18 // the best time ever

What might yours be?

Post-Scripts.

+Sometimes, love is a salad.

+What are your non-negotiables?

+Our grooming routines.

+On the friendships of girlhood. There’s just nothing like them.

Shopping Break.

+I wore this Julia Amory set (skirt, top — both 15% off with JEN-15) to dinner with my parents this week. I love her patterned sets — such a great way to feel pulled together, and then you can style the pieces separately, of course. Love the top with white jeans, or the skirt with a white tank. Also love this pattern with the matching skirt. Cute cute!

+I wore the set with my beloved Glyn flatforms (on sale!) — I’d forgotten how much I absolutely freaking love these shoes. They are so comfortable but give you 3″ of height. A petite girl’s best friend, but without any of the heel-wearing agony. I also like the way they look on the foot — flattering somehow / the strap doesn’t cut the ankle at a weird place.

+Love this quilted reversible sweatshirt ($29) in the pastel green!

+We gave my daughter one of these instant print cameras for her birthday and she is obsessed.

+Preston Lane sent me their best-selling counter spray (Doheny Drive – “Grapefruit, Mandarin, Rose, Musk”) and I have to say it’s a very luxe cleaning product. Scent is clean but not overpowering, and it actually works. I just noticed they are offering free shipping through 3/16 in case you want to try!

+Speaking of home scents – I just retired all my winter candles! I am currently burning Linnea’s new Sun Day scent, which is very subtle and clean and does have the quality of fresh sunlight and open windows (kind of similar to the Doheny Drive spray, actually — neroli, mandarin, bergamot) and just received this Roma Heirloom Tomato scent from Flamingo Estate, which smells absolutely divine. It smells earthy, viney, green, full — peak garden. Linnea’s Fields is also a perennial spring/summer favorite scent of mine — I have one in my candle drawer for later this season. Smells like cut grass and flowers. IMO Linnea makes the most luxury, complex scents for under $40 (use my code MAGPIE10 for 10% off). You really can’t find anything as nuanced for the price. I’d put the Linnea scents on the same tier as Diptque, but they’re much less $$.

+This top arrived and is just SO MUCH FUN. It’s like the sartorial equivalent to funfetti cake. I already have it dogeared for a birthday party.

+Gorgeous spring dress for $225. Reminds me of a Schumacher print!

+Serena and Lily look for less. (Compare with this.)

+Quince has some cute swimwear options for little ones – this tankini and these pastel-colored rash guards ($22 versus $54 at Minnow).

+Clever collapsible bucket for toting, gardening, outdoor play, etc.

+I cannot get over how adorable this overall set for girls is.

+Just discovered the coolest Spanish brand of handbags, Mercules. I’m obsessed! This mint green fringe bag!!! Also have my eye on these soon-to-launch basket bags.

+One of my favorite sweatpants (I have two colors), in a great and brand-new sunwashed hue for spring.

+Love this raffia flat for spring.

+Cute Easter finds.

+Chic and simple set of end tables.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

There’s been a new fashion micro-trend in the ether: “fisherman cottage core.” I am loving the vibe — it’s charmingly haphazard, and suggestive of a rustic, quiet lifestyle. I absolutely love the way it blends the feminine with the masculine. A floral print with some chunky borrowed-from-the-husband rainboots; an exaggerated collar paired with an oversized cableknit. I’d feel a tiny bit twee going full force on the look given my suburban lifestyle but there are ways to accommodate the vibe in smaller doses.

Below, how I’d channel the look myself, in slightly more accessible ways —

Fisherman Core Styling Inspo.

THE GREAT TAP SHORT (MORE SIZES HERE) // FRANK AND EILEEN SHIRT // G LABEL FISHERMAN SWEATER (15% OFF WITH SHOOP15, OR LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // FREDA SALVADOR SANDALS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // J. CREW STRAW TOTE

SHAKER STITCH JOHNNY COLLAR SWEATER // LUNA CROPPED HIGH RISE TAPERED JEANS // PATTERNED HAIR SCARF // BOAT & TOTE // DREAM BALLERINA // CHUNKY HUGGIE HOOPS // BALI POLARIZED ACETATE SUNGLASSES

HELAINE CROCHET MIDI DRESS // CASHMERE FISHERMAN SWEATER (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // THE RUTH BALLET FLAT // BUCKET HAT // SARDINE STUDS // 13MM DOME CUFF BRACELET // MINI BUCKET CHOCOLATE

STRIPED STRAIGHT SHIRT (FANTASTIC PRICE ALERT) // PETITE DARTED BARREL JEAN // LYNN LEATHER FISHERMAN SANDALS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ALPACA COCOON CREWNECK (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // TRIOMPHE 53 MM ROUND SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NATURAL AND OFF WHITE GOODY BAG // GOLD MINI STUDS

FLETCHER WAX PONCHO // OVERSIZED SHIRT IN OXFORD // THE PERFECT VINTAGE WIDE LEG JEAN // DARK BROWN MAX SANDALS // LA PILAGE COSMETIC CASE // CABANA OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES // GOLD INFINITI HUGGIE EARRINGS

P.S. Thoughts on syling white denim for spring.

P.P.S. My favorite spring jackets.

P.P.P.S. Gardening for yourself. (More philosophical than instructive.)

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

THE SILENCE OF THE GIRLS / MARTYR! / JAMES / ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK / 33 PLACE BRUGMANN / LONG ISLAND

I’ve not been reading as much fiction as I normally do the past six months; I’ve instead been drawn to the creative practice of reading poetry most mornings when I settle into my studio. This is partly my own conscious embrace of the “fractionality” concept — i.e., knowing I don’t have as much time to read in longer stretches and accommodating little pockets of available time by reading sips of poetry instead — and partly because it’s what’s making me lean forward right now. I love the distillation of poetry, its elision and parataxis. Sometimes I re-read my prose and think, “now what would the poet do?” and weedwack about half the words off the page. Concision has never been my strong suit; I’m still learning to “kill my darlings.” Occupational hazard of the noticer, I guess — I want to leave it all in.

I have a couple of trips planned in the coming weeks and I’d like to take those occasions to dig into some novels, though. I miss the feeling of flopping, hammock-like, into a book.

Right now, I’m reading Pat Barker’s Silence of the Girls and my God does it scratch the itch Circe left years ago. I’m about a third of the way through and loving it, but my progress is stymied by the fact that I only seem able to read during that narrow crescent just before bed, when my mind swims as close to the rim of sleep as it can without actually slipping in. Not great; I find myself re-reading 1-2 pages each night. Have you read it? If not, disregard the following, but did anyone else get a small and strange thrill when Achilles cried as Briseis was taken by Agamemnon? I find his portraiture absolutely fascinating. I love the obliqueness of it (at least, as of 30% in) — it almost feels like Barker paints him in profile versus 3D. We see only the cut of his jib, but it’s closer-in than we’ve ever seen him before. The book is so cinematic; I’d love to see it adapted to screen. We’d need a Hemsworth brother for Achilles, and maybe like a Brie Larsen for Briseis? Natalie Portman also came to mind but she’s a bit too delicate for the way Briseis is written…

Next up: The Berry Pickers (check trigger warnings! I know a lot of you have written that you couldn’t stomach this one, as it has to do with the loss of a child) and then All the Colors of the Dark. These have been recommended dozens of times by Magpie readers and I need to see what all the buzz is about. A lot of you have specifically mentioned these books in the same breath as The God of the Woods, which I found gripping and pleasurable to read. (Full review here.)

I also always have a romance or two downloaded to my Kindle. They’re my escape valve when I’m fretting at 3 a.m. or killing time in a waiting room or some other unpleasant situation. I currently have B. K. Borison’s First Time Caller and Elsie Silver’s Wild Side downloaded but not started either. Heads up to check the spice level (i.e., open door vs. closed door) ratings from Beach Reads and Bubbly if you’re new to this genre!

Also on my radar…

+Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy — described as a literary thriller; people have been raving about the poetic quality of this work. “A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon.”

+Martyr by Kaveh Akbar. Have heard this is darkly funny, incisive, poetic — but realistic. “A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret that leads him to a terminally ill painter living out her final days in the Brooklyn Museum.”

+33 Place Brugman by Alice Austen — “An outstanding debut novel—a love story, mystery, and philosophical puzzle, told in the singular voices of the residents of a Beaux Arts apartment house in Belgium during World War II.”

+James by Percival Everett. I’ve had this downloaded for almost a year. I know I’ll get to it eventually!

+Long Island by Colm Toibin. When I polled Magpie readers on Instagram as to what they were reading, this was the number one response. (“From the beloved, critically acclaimed, bestselling author comes a spectacularly moving novel featuring Eilis Lacey, the complex and enigmatic heroine of Brooklyn, Tóibín’s most popular work in twenty years.”)

Not really my speed / grabbing me, but there’s a lot of buzz right now about the novel I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacquline Harpman (“Ursula K. LeGuin meets The Road in a post-apocalyptic modern classic of female friendship and intimacy.”). Has anyone read? Is it worth the hype?

What’s in your TBR (to be read) pile?

Reminder: embrace your bad book girl self.

Shopping Break.

+Big Madewell sale started yesterday — 25% off sitewide, and this includes their popular darted barrel jeans, which are almost always excluded from sale. I also love these in the butter yellow and this adorable raffia bag.

+So much great stuff at Farm Rio – this dress, this top! Such great Easter options, both.

+This floral vest is beyond adorable for little ladies. Pair with an inexpensive ribbed leggings set for an easy spring outfit.

+Obsessed with these pull-on pants from Banana.

+Our table from Oomph finally arrived (like eight or ten months after ordering!), and it’s so cute…I also like the look of this fun Serena and Lily option if you’re also looking for a pop of color but don’t want the wait (or price tag). Bonus: it’s 20% off.

+CHIC statement shorts at a great price. Pair with a polished tank like this.

+Why do I love this Gucci tote so much…

+Another really pretty spring top. Love this tucked into mid-wash denim or ecru pants.

+My inner prep is finding it difficult to resist this striped tank. It’s very Ralph-meets-Abercrombie but grown up.

+Speaking of our inner prep — the kind of classic oxford dress you can live in. Imagine barefoot on a beach, over a striped bikini. And I’m also swooning over this Reformation dress, which also has a great throwback prep vibe. I had so many pieces like this!

+Ordered this striped performance polo for my son in the lavender stripe! Love when brands offer more than just red or blue for boys.

+Pretty and very well-priced patio umbrella. Serena and Lily vibes!

+Wait – these little loafers for boys remind me of the Loro Piana Summer Walk loafers, which seem to be sold out all the time! I’ve been wanting to snag a pair for Landon for months now. I might get him these similar Brunello Cucinellis instead.

+Fab spring trousers.

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

I’ve talked quite a bit about how much we enjoy games in our family — Landon and I play Wingspan multiple times each weekend, and we also love games that our five and seven year old can play with us. In fact, when I contemplated the question: “What is considered normal in your household?”, I was struck by the fact that “playing games” was one of the first few answers I tossed out. Game-playing even made its way into the design of our front living room. When we mentioned how often we enjoy Wingspan over coffee or cocktails on the weekend, our designer suggested incorporating a small game table into one of the corners. Right now, it has a half-completed puzzle on it, but I think I might buy a beautiful chess/checkers set to leave out on its surface moving forward. I love the classic look of this set.

Aside from being enjoyable in their own right, I’ve found that games are a great way to embrace playfulness, connect with my husband and children in a different way (i.e., it’s exciting for my kids to “compete” with me!), engage in something not involving screens, and model strategizing and resilience. I also like that it implicitly invites rest, as there are many instances where we are waiting for our turns. Funny how something as simple as a game can become a tool to express family values. I feel the same way about meals and mealtimes — another canvas for value-expression.

Anyway, while we were away with friends last weekend, my children discovered (and loved!) Checkers, and our friends mentioned that Monopoly Jr is big in their household — and we’d never played it before. I’ve asked this a few times here and there, but want to make a big open ask at the bottom of this post —

What are your favorite family games?

Family Games for Kids 5-8.

JENGA // TACO CAT // EYE FOUND IT // CHARADES

The games we play most frequently in our home —

01. Taco vs. Burrito.

02. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — a wildly popular favorite.

03. Klask — a little pricier but worth it!

04. Great for restaurants/doctor’s offices: Spot it! and Disney Eye Found it.

05. Hurry Up Chicken Butt — especially good for a big group of kids / play date situation.

06. Classic charades.

07. War — they each received a set of Disney playing cards in their stocking (on theme for this year) and they love to play this!

08. Slamwich.

09. Jenga!

10. Beat the Parents — we’ve not yet tried this but it’s on our list next!

By the way – we just picked up these card holders for little hands. My son has trouble with some of the games because he can’t display them all efficiently!

Game Recommendations for Slightly Older Kids.

BATTLESHIP // MONOPOLY JUNIOR // GUESS WHO? // MONOPOLY DEAL // BLOKUS

A few recent discoveries and recommendations for Magpie readers and friends:

01. Monopoly Junior.

02. Blokus.

03. Monopoly Deal.

04. Battleship.

05. Guess Who? — card game edition.

Decorative and Giftable Games.

BOOKSHELF GAMES // DOMINOES // PLAYING CARDS // MONOPOLY // SCRABBLE

In putting this post together, I also came across some gorgeous decorative versions of some classic games — these would be great if you, too, have decided to incorporate gaming into a high-traffic area. Some of these are pretty enough to leave on a shelf or coffee table, and/or would make a great family gift:

01. Pretty Scrabble.

02. Decorative playing cards — from Anthro, Dear Annabelle, or Rifle Paper Co.

03. Monopoly — “bookshelf edition.” Or see this option from Food 52.

04. Lucite tic tac toe or this brass set.

05. Butterfly Backgammon.

06. Another pretty Monopoly option!

07. Lucite Domino set.

Our Favorite Two-Player Games for Adults.

These are more adult-oriented, but older kids can definitely partake if patient — a few of our other favorite two-player games: Azul, Patchwork, Jaipur.

P.S. Other things I’ve bought for my family.

P.P.S. On dating my husband.

P.P.P.S. Spring dresses.

By: Jen Shoop

This post is sponsored by Shopbop.

A GREAT promotion went live this morning — 20% off at Shopbop with code SELECT20. This sale includes some of my most treasured wardrobe staples, like my Ancient Greek Elfetheria sandals, La Ligne sweaters, SLVRLAKE Grace jeans, Loeffler Randall Leonies, Mansur Gavriel Cabas, and La Ligne Colby pants, which I just wrote about yesterday — on sale and flying in emerald and slate gray.

Above: Janessa Leone hat, La Ligne Mini Marin sweater, and SLVRLAKE Grace jeans, all 20% off!

LA LIGNE MINI MARIN AND MINI MARINA SWEATERS // ANCIENT GREEK ELEFTHERIA SANDALS // LA LIGNE COLBY PANTS // SLVRLAKE GRACE CROP JEANS // LOEFFLER RANDALL LEONIE FLATS // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS TOTE

Shopbop Sale Picks: Spring / Summer.

Lots of really fun picks as we head towards warmer weather; these jelly flats are such a fun pick me up and surprisingly comfortable, and how fun are these shell earrings? Meanwhile, you may have noticed my raffia hat above — I adore it. It’s packable (easy to toss into pool bag or travel with!) and, I realize this is niche, but a good hat for beach reading because you can lean your head against a chaise without a wide brim getting in the way.

BRINKER AND ELIZA SHELL EARRINGS // ALIX OF BOHEMIA BLOUSE // DL1961 JEANS // CLARE VIVIER NET TOTE // LE SPECS SUNGLASSES // AGUA BENDITA DRESS // JANESSA LEONE SUN HAT // LESET STRIPED TOP AND BOXERS // HUNZA G SWIMSUIT // ANCIENT GREEK JELLY FLATS // BRINKER AND ELIZA SHELL NECKLACE // ZIMMERMANN ROMPER // ALTUZARRA CLUTCH // FREDA SALVADOR FLATS

Shopbop Sale: All Year Round Picks.

PISTOLA CARDIGAN // CHIMI SUNGLASSES // PISTOLA JEANS // LOEFFLER RANDALL BAG // SCHUTZ FLATS // LA LIGNE MINI MARIN SWEATER // LA LIGNE LEO PANTS // LA LIGNE COLBY PANTS // DRAGON DIFFUSION TOTE // BY MALENE BIRGER DRESS // LOEFFLER RANDALL SANDALS // ALTUZARRA BAG

P.S. Remembrances of my grandfather.

P.P.S. A really fun cocktail.

P.P.P.S. All my favorite Goop beauty products.

By: Jen Shoop

The following content may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation.

I know many of you are already fans, but I have to take a moment to praise the La Ligne Colby pant. They are one of those unicorn wardrobe pieces that you can style a million ways — work just as well with a chunky knit for everyday wear as they do with a blouse and blazer for an evening out. My only issue with them is deciding what hem length to leave them at — if I want them with a casual shoe, they’re a little too short for a heel, and vice versa. I have three pairs and I left my velvet ones long for evening wear (almost puddling at the floor) and the other two a bit shorter — but not so short that I can’t wear with a 3″ heel. Anyway, I can’t recommend them more; they’re a great alternative for leggings or jeans if you’re looking for something a bit more polished but just as comfortable. I take an XS in these and the fit is perfect (I’m a true XS). I would not size up or down. My code at La Ligne, MAGPIE10, should still get you 10% off.

I also wanted to mention that many of you have written to praise J. Crew’s similar “Stratus pant,” which are on sale through today only for under $100, and come (conveniently!) in petite and tall inseams.

Styling Inspo for the Colby Pant.

Loving the idea of black and navy together — very CBK.

COLBY PANT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // DOUBLE FACED WOOL SWEATER // LUNA MESH BALLERINA FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // THE SHOPPER TOTE // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS // SCULPTED CUFF // 1983C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

COLBY PANT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // CASHMERE CREW CARDIGAN // MARGO TEE // T-LOCK SUEDE SHOULDER BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // SQUARE TOE BALLERINA // KREWE SUNGLASSES // STRIPED MONOGRAM COTTON SILK SCARF // CHUNKY MEDIUM HOOPS

COLBY PANT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // VERONICA BEARD SNEAKERS // CREWNECK WOOL BLEND SWEATER (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // CHIMI SUNGLASSES // BIG NANTUCKET BASKET (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // BEANIE EARRINGS

COLBY PANT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // COTTON RELAXED OVERSIZED TEE // CASHMERE CLASSIC CREW CARDIGAN // CHINO SPORT CAP // BETH LEATHER SNEAKER (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // 14K GOLD LINE STUDS // BALI POLARIZED SUNGLASSES

P.S. Pointelle favorites.

P.P.S. The Spring Dress Edit.

P.P.P.S. On maintaining wonder in parenthood.

By: Jen Shoop

I’ve lost track of how many Magpies have written to let me know they’ve adopted the mantra:

Just move the dirt.

Some of you have this taped to your desk, or saved as an alarm title for your morning workout wakeup; others use it as shorthand in your offices with workplace friends.

The phrase comes from a Magpie reader, who shared that whenever she is dreading a run, she’ll tell herself: “Just move the dirt, girl.” And I love the no-frills, no-fluff entreaty: get out there and get it done. I am big on the sentimental, but sometimes I need that kind of unflinching tough love. It fits snugly with my yeomen-like ethos around creative practice:

Inspiration will not always find you, so you must learn to be disciplined.

Landon and I were talking about this recently within the context of completion desire. I love to cross a task off a list, and have learned over time to break projects down into clusters of small tasks so that I can “feel” my progress on a daily basis versus staring anxiously at one longer-term goal that I won’t be able to “cross off” for months. I do this in every realm of life — household admin, fitness, business, creative undertakings. I’ll even put “laundry” and “order uniform socks” on my to-dos just so I can make my own effort, my own progress, visible. Landon is much better about accommodating the middles without these visual crutches — and life is, after all, a lot of middles. He is master of the middle; comfortable in the formation of things. He somehow intuitively understands that even if he’s not crossed something off of a list, every moment of research and conversation is part of the process that gets us to the end. I marvel at his “dirt-moving” leadership in this. I was telling him just yesterday that I felt I was floundering with a particular project related to my blog, and was outlining all the things I’d explored and contemplated and not yet been able to implement for various reasons. He looked at me incredulously and said: “You’re doing the work, Jen. That is the work.” The thinking, the consideration of possibilities, the logisticizing, the changing tacks, the right-sizing — this, too, is the job. Just because I’d not yet implemented a solution didn’t mean I hadn’t made material progress against the goal. I’d been moving the dirt all along — who knew?

I thought these thoughts might be apropos if you are staring down a very Monday Monday laden with micro-tasks and drudgery and middles.

Onward! Keep moving the dirt!

Post-Scripts.

+More on creative discipline.

+Are you a hummingbird or a jackhammer?

+Advice for disillusioned writers.

+What’s something you wish people understood about your job?

Shopping Break.

+Alert! Alice Walk is running a highly rare 20% off on all of their sweaters. I have been wearing this cashmere cardigan around the house constantly lately, but my absolute favorite sweater they make is their cotton weekender. It’s truly a year round sweater — perfect for chilly nights at the beach / on the water, and soft like a sweatshirt in the fall and winter. I own in two colors! Now is the time to grab one.

+Treat yourself this spring to the best white tee on the planet. It’s a splurge but I promise you’ll reach for it every time you open your drawer. It is perfectly tuckable (great length but also a sufficiently thin fabric that won’t bunch / add bulk) and opaque, and I love the fit — the sleeves are perfectly cut. I just noticed they offer a two-pack for a discount (get two white tees for $145 vs $180). I also own this tee in brown, navy, gray, and black. Literally perfect. I also adore this scoopneck tank for pairing with fuller skirts and trousers in the summer. My code, magpie15, gets you 15% off sitewide but may not work on the two-pack t-shirts.

+If $90 is too steep for a tee (but I PROMISE the money per wear makes it make sense — and the quality is incredible), the $15 Uniqlo is a great standby. Thicker material and more cropped length.

+I use these inexpensive julep cups all over my house — as mini vases, as pen cups, as toothbrush cups, etc.

+I got a lot of wear out of these netted Staud flats last summer; I noticed Target released a cute Mary Jane take on this trend with this $35 pair.

+So many of you ordered this Tuckernuck dress last week that I had to follow suit. Just ordered to try, along with this white lace caftan I’d been eyeing for several weeks and this fun patterned version of our favorite boxy top. (Imagine with white jeans.). Try YOUROCK or YOURULE as promo codes — one or the other usually gets you 20% off. More Tuckernuck picks here.

+Such a pretty spring blouse.

+Two really cute Anthro finds: these tomato plates and this spring front door mat.

+Rag and Bone just sent us 20% off code! JEN20, sitewide. You know I love their wide-leg jeans; I’m eyeing this featherweight pair for the transition to warmer weather.

+Loving my new Varley bomber. It works over athleisure or with jeans / casual wear. So chic!

+I just found this perfect petite Marni wallet on sale for 50% off.

+Great Gap find.

+Still time to avail ourselves of the Serena and Lily 25% off sale for backyard furniture! We have this teak dining table on our patio, and I love the clean look of these chaises.

+Really chic woven bucket bag – looks more expensive than it is.

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