By: Jen Shoop

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

Meandering thoughts from the week —

I’ve been keeping this photo of myself at five on my desk. I originally thought she would remind me of how far I’ve come — an invitation to practice gratitude and astonishment on a regular basis — but she mainly tells me to give myself grace (I would never talk to five year old Jen the way I talk to 40 year old Jen), and tap into easy joys. How good it feels to stretch your arms; a full mug of coffee on my desk. Highly recommend putting a photo of yourself as a child on your desk and seeing what shakes out.

Something else I’ve been keeping on my desk: this post-it note that reads “Strive to be the lowest heart rate in the room.” I would do well to etch this onto every surface available to me. A cue to slow down and not rush through the life I’ve always dreamed of. I wrote more about this here, and the message has gotten a lot of shares on Instagram, too. I think a lot of us need this nudge, but I really needed it this week, and, frankly failed at it more than I succeeded. I was sprinting through the week. Too much pawing at my pockets; the margins too thin. I cried big, satisfying tears at one point, and it’s been a minute since I’ve done that. But that’s OK. In life, we will make mistakes. We must be like the fox — make more tracks than necessary — and practice resurrection.

One of the highlights of the week: my daughter asked to go to the bookstore. We took them to Politics and Prose and permitted them to pick one book apiece. In consultation with the friendly, knowledgeable staff there, she selected a new graphic novel which she in turn read six times in a row over the course of 24 hours. My son curiously chose a paint by sticker book, which I initially attempted to deter, but — eh. It’s OK. He has been really into reading these enormous encyclopedia-style books on dinosaurs, animals, sealife, etc, at home (current favorites: this and this) so maybe he just wanted something to play with. I need to capture this moment in action, but lately, my children have been coming to the breakfast table with books and propping them open to read while they eat. It’s so charming to see his tiny five year old form schlepping an enormous book and poring over the animal images (“mama, did you know this frog is poisonous?”) while he drips milk onto its pages.

Another (edible) highlight of the week: Landon made choux au craquelin using this Chef Steps recipe with the children. It took multiple days and a lot of work, and they were outrageously delicious. My favorite moment: we dispatched our children to bring a couple of the choux over to our neighbors, and I watched them from my front stoop as they communicated the instructions we had told them to pass along (i.e., “refrigerate if not eating tonight!”). There are two specific moments in motherhood that never cease to delight me: first, watching my children eat a full plate of food (I can’t explain it – hangover from not being able to produce enough milk to feed my children on my own and needing to supplement with formula? It is so deeply satisfying to me; I could watch their bird mouths forever!) and second, observing them doing a small thing independently, and working hard to do it the right way.

This week, I did not feel like I had the time to exercise, but I forced myself to do it a la the inspo “whenever you feel like you have no time to exercise, you need it the most,” and it gave me the best temporary sensation of slowing time and taking up space in my day. I usually do Sherica Holmon’s cycling videos (available on Apple Fitness) and she almost always says, at the beginning, “the next twenty minutes are just for you — so let go of what’s on your mind and take this time for you.” OK, Sherica!

Below: motivating myself to “just move the dirt” by wearing a pea tendril green, brand new fitness outfit (this one from Spanx – top here, bottom here, and a Beyond Yoga tank beneath; I think my code SHOOPXSPANX gets you 10 or maybe 15% off at Spanx).

After: the satisfying moment in which I put an “x” through the day to indicate I worked out. I’m proud of myself this month: I worked out more days than I didn’t. I find this visual very motivating. (Completion desire is real!) I had a few questions about this beautiful little desk calendar via Instagram. It’s from my favorite paper company, Appointed, but sadly sold out. Something like this would be a good (an inexpensive!) sub.

Finally, a moment of true rest at the end of last weekend: Landon and I playing our favorite board game over cocktails (Landon made Pink Ladies; aren’t they gorgeous, strutting around with that heavy lip of egg white foam?). One of the many reasons I love playing games is that it reminds me that I don’t need to fill every moment with something. I am often waiting for Landon to complete his turn, and I sit quietly and let my mind wander, or be empty. A surprisingly good way to practice slowing down.

OK, Magpies – into the new week. Shake a leg.

Sunday Shopping Poetry.

In this collage, want to make a little plug for my Rothy clogs (seen below). I absolutely love them. They have a sole that is suitable for outdoors but I mainly wear at home (or to slip on to take out garbage / run to the mailbox / etc). They have this arch support thing that feels like a massage on your instep. Sometimes I put them on and audibly sigh. I LOVE THEM.

A GREAT WAY TO TRACK YOUR FITNESS PROGRESS BY HAND // DROOLING OVER THIS STATEMENT TOP // A CABBAGE MUG FROM TARGET // MY NEW SPANX SET (TOP, BOTTOM) // MY FAVORITE AT HOME SHOE // THE BEST $15 TEE // FANCY PANTS // NEWLY OBSESSED WITH THIS SPF PRIMER* // I HAVE AND ADORE THIS PRADA CARD CASE — MAKES ME SMILE EVERY TIME I SEE IT IN MY BAG

*I have several products in this category that I love and alternate between. This one is new to me (I discovered it via Julia Berolzheimer, who was wearing nothing else on her face but this and looked like a radiant queen) but I routinely use the RMS SuperSerum primer to blend in with my foundation as well, and I also love the Iris and Romeo “Weekend Skin” which is sort of similar to both of these — probably the lightest-weight of the three.

By: Jen Shoop

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

+HOW TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE WHIMSICAL: A friend of mine sent me this carousel of things women do to add whimsy to their lives, and I was deeply charmed. Basically — small ways to have fun with yourself, to make inside jokes with yourself. Time alone increases steadily as we age; it’s always a good idea to make friends with yourself.

+THE LEAST ROMANTIC THING ABOUT LOVE: I absolutely loved this post from Laura Fenucci. How achingly true! Another unromantic thing that is also deep proof of love: someone showing you patience when you’re at your worst. It also reminded me in general of our conversation about what marriage is — a lot of things, and at a wide variety of different volumes.

+SPEAKING OF…Inslee and I have done a few reprints of our Marriage Is print and are running low on our most recent one in case you’re interested in buying! This has been far and away our bestseller. We recently sold out of “Green Flags,” and the cardinal in that one has a special place in my heart. My Tilly girl hidden in plain sight.

+A BEAUTIFUL OBITUARY: Roxane Gay, one of my favorite social critics and writers, wrote the most beautiful tribute to her recently-deceased mother this past week. I loved every fine-tipped detail she included; I felt like I met her mother. It is so important to write down the details about your beloved lost while the memories are still fresh. I’ve written about this concept here —

“When someone passes away, sit down at your desk and capture in precise language a memory. It doesn’t have to be profound, or moving, or dramatic. It could be a joke that made your aunt double over in laughter, or your cousin’s favorite turn-of-phrase, or the narrow and undecorated details of a trip to the shoe store with your grandma, or a conversation in the backyard with your next door neighbor.

Send these memories by hand to the bereaved, as though releasing paper boats into the water:

something slight and hand-formed that still, against all odds, floats.”

I have clung to the most threadbare memories of my friend Elizabeth more than I thought I would. I am glad I took the time to capture her a bit later than I should have; something is better than nothing.

+EYEING + BUYING: I did some spring shopping this week! I treated myself to this fun little spring jacket from Loeffler Randall (spurred on by the desire of adding more “whimsy” to my life!), these curve jeans from Everlane, and a few fitness goodies from Vuori (all my top picks here). Also absolutely drooling over these new denim ballet flats from Margaux (so good for spring, j’adore) and Cuyana’s latest bag silhouette!

PASTEL CROCS FOR SPRING // $20 FLORAL JAMMIES FOR LITTLE ONES // MY NEW SPRING JACKET // EVERLANE WAY HIGH JEANS // VUORI FEATHER FITNESS TEE // MARGAUX DENIM BALLET FLATS // WESTMAN ATELIER BRONZING DROPS // CUYANA DOUBLE LOOP BAG

+BESTSELLERS: The Tory Burch Romy bag! I’ve been wearing mine non-stop. She’s so easy to pick up and toss everything into, and the gray color is unusual but goes with everything. You’re gonna love her.

01. TORY BURCH ROMY BAG // 02. $49 WHITE WIDE LEG CROP JEANS (HAVE WORN MINE A TON ALREADY) // 03. FUN SPRING SNEAKS (SUCH GREAT COLORS; I HAVE IN RED) // 04. $12 GIRLS FITNESS DRESS // 05. TUCKERNUCK JELLY SANDALS // 06. EN SAISON EYELET SHIRTDRESS // 07. SPRING LAKE PAJAMAS // 08. EYELET MIDI SKIRT // 09. FOR THE BEST SMELLING LAUNDRY // 10. CUTEST DATE NIGHT TOP // 11. TUCKERNUCK BELT // 12. VARLEY SWEATER CARDIGAN

By: Jen Shoop

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

Spring Lake Pajamas

COZY MORNING: LAKE PAJAMAS // J. CREW CARDIGAN

STANDARD WORK/MOM DAY: J. CREW CARDIGAN // DOEN SKIRT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // J. CREW POINTELLE HENLEY // BIRKENSTOCK BOSTON CLOGS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

STANDARD WORK/MOM DAY: ALICE WALK CASHMERE CARDIGAN // J. CREW POINTELLE HENLEY (GRAY) // CITIZENS CHARLOTTE JEANS // TORY BURCH ROMY BAG // DORSEY LUCIEN EARRINGS

EMORY’S FIRST CONFESSION!: JULIA AMORY DRESS // MARCH HARE WATCH (20% OFF WITH MAGPIE20) // LIZZIE FORTUNATO EARRINGS (OLD, SIMILAR HERE) // VERONICA BEARD DASH BAG // DORSEY HEART ID NECKLACE // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE

STANDARD WORK/MOM DAY: VERONICA BEARD JESSUP VEST (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // ELLEME BOOMERANG BAG // RAG AND BONE WHITE TEE // HEAVEN MAYHEM MINI KNOT EARRINGS // PISTOLA JEANS // ASHA HEART CHARM BRACELET

MORNING MINISTRATIONS (LOL AT THE MASK, BUT I DO LOVE IT): CURRENT BODY RED LIGHT THERAPY MASK (JEN10 FOR 10% OFF) // RHONE DREAMGLOW HALF ZIP AND JOGGER (REALLY LOVE THIS PUTTY COLOR – GOES WITH EVERYTHING) // VUORI ENERGY TANK (MY FAV – I LITERALLY WEAR THIS EVERY SINGLE TIME RIGHT AWAY AS SOON AS IT’S OUT OF THE LAUNDRY) // DORSEY CLEMENCE NECKLACE // DANA REBECCA BEZEL NECKLACE // UGG TAZZ SLIPPERS

SUNDAY BEST: VERONICA BEARD BLAZER // MADEWELL JEANS // SOLDOUT NYC TEE (15% OFF WITH MAGPIE15) // CHANEL FLATS // TORY BURCH ROMY TOTE

P.S. If you could go back to school tomorrow, what would you study?

P.P.S. A bit of fiction for a Friday.

P.P.P.S. Quince favorites.

By: Jen Shoop

This past week, my friend Caroline Lunne wrote a beautiful musing on how fear can be a sign of big things coming — a precursor to “divinity,” in her words. It made me think of a quote about how success is often on the other side of fear — something I’ve found to be true in life. Some adjacent encouragement and reassurance if you’re navigating daunting moments of change or pressure yourself:

If it feels hard, it is hard. While I was on the stationery bike this week, the instructor said: “If it feels hard right now, it should.” Wow — a message I would do well to internalize in realms beyond just fitness. In parenting, in business, in writing, in family life: if it feels hard, it’s because it is hard. You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s not harder just for you. It’s because a lot of the worthwhile stuff in life requires elbow grease. I’m thinking of this one time I called my brother in tears about my daughter’s willfulness, and said, “God, what am I doing wrong?” and he said: “Nothing. This is is parenthood, and it’s hard.” I really needed to hear the message again this week. I am navigating a lot of different projects, plans, and inputs right now in my professional and personal life and have been feeling under the water. I’m doing what I love; it’s all good stuff — why do I feel like a drowning rat? It feels hard because it is hard. Related: I keep a post-it note on my desk that reads: “Good writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident.” This is true in so many realms. A great presentation is no accident. A pleasant customer experience is no accident. Etc.

Let positivity into the boat. On the spiritual side of Caroline’s post, one thing I think about when I experience fear in a particular situation comes from a parable whose details are honestly a little fuzzy to me, but whose message rings crystal-clear. In the story, Jesus tells a fisherman how and where to fish — but first He asks to be let in the boat. When I am worried about something, I lean on that visual: just let Him in the boat. You aren’t alone here. But you’ve got to open up to let faith aboard. I think this is true of positive thinking as well. Let positivity into the boat; let optimism into the boat.

Right before you level up, there is a moment where everything feels misaligned. One thing I have absolutely found to be true in moments of big transition: right before you make it to the next level of growth, there is always a moment where everything feels chaotic, alien, and out of sync. It’s unnerving. It makes you want to crawl back to comfort. But things have to fall apart in order to give way to the next phase. To give a narrow example: I have been writing a lot about how, in entrepreneurship, you should do everything yourself until you become the bottleneck, and then pass off the task. This is easier said than done. It is excruciating to give up control over something you’ve poured your heart and soul into. You may even be deluded into believing you are the only person capable of completing the task to your own high standards (I am guilty of this). And the process of finding and then training someone to do what you’ve been doing proficiently yourself for as long as you can remember requires a lot of energy, time, and patience. It doesn’t happen overnight; there is a learning curve, and there may always be a gap between your expectations and their delivery. During that baton-passing period, things feel chaotic and warped. You may be thinking, “This is a waste of time and effort; I can do this all more quickly and cheaply myself.” But once you’ve made it through that period of misalignment, you have a new pocket of time to dedicate to higher priority issues, tasks, etc. You’ve leveled up.

And while we’re talking reassurances, a Magpie reader left a comment on this post about the acute agony of setting boundaries in a fraught relationship, and navigating the painful aftermath. She wrote:

“Occasionally when feeling a deep emotion, I’ll search your site to see if you have written about it. Today I searched the word “mistake” and found this balm of an essay. I’ve been deep in a days-long anxiety attack where I am worrying over and over a decision I made to stand up for myself, and drowning in self-retribution and shame. This essay felt like a balm. There are no answers – just the comfort of knowing I’m not alone, at least.”

This is of course one of the top compliments I have ever received. It brings me a sense of profound purpose and comfort to know that there are other women navigating similar straits, and looking for someone else to squeeze their hand, and finding me somehow. Solidarity! In that vein, sharing a couple of posts I’ve written over the years to offer myself comfort in moments of strain in the hopes that they might be easier to find in list form here:

+If you are on the eve of making a big decision that you’re unsure about: You’re gonna love it.

+You’re running thin on patience for something to happen: It’s all part of the process, this natural unfolding of things, in which you are always only on your one correct path. Also, everything happens in its own perfect time.

+If you’ve made a mistake: In life, you will always make more tracks than necessary. (As Anais Nin put it: “In life, you will make mistakes, and those, too, are correct.) Remember that every good life includes mistakes, bad break ups, closed doors, and more unpleasantness; don’t return the groceries with the cart. Finally, give yourself a soft landing.

+If you are frazzled and flustered by the demands of motherhood: You’re where you need to be.

+If you’ve just lost a pet: Grief is a permutation of love; it is nothing to be scared of.

+If you are about to lose a pet: These are the good ol days; let me press them to my heart.

+If you’ve just set boundaries in a tough relationship: Time will help you let out the seams.

+If you are struggling through a tough period of any kind: You will find calmer seas. Everything is a flowing.

+If you feel frustrated by you proficiency in something, or can’t close the gap between your aspirations and your performance: We are in a constant state of rewriting. Keep going; today is not the final version. Sub niche: encouragement for creatives.

+If you feel hemmed in: You can start anything today, and with no one’s permission.

+If someone makes you feel small: No need to “play it cool” — chase what makes you lean forward and the people that matter will stick around, and probably love you for it. Also: at least you tried! And let them be wrong about you!

+If things feel bleak: fortunately, today is not the final draft–and there are lots of little things to celebrate.

+And finally, a sort of catch-all comfort: the words we’d say to our 20 year old selves. Which more or less boil down to: “It’s all going to be OK.”

Last but not least, I wanted to share two posts I came across on Instagram that I found deeply reassuring this week:

“Actually life is beautiful and I do have the time” from @madebyaub

Going to keep this post-it on my planner — a good antidote to the usual “OMG I have so much to do!”

Reassurances for a rainy day from Lyndsay Rush

She just about covered it!

Shopping Break.

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

+Earlier this week, I wore my new Veronica Beard denim eyelet blazer (she’s so gorgeous IRL) and got so many compliments on her. Saved to my secret shopping Pinterest board this week: this denim eyelet overshirt, which has a similar ethos, but is $59.

+I absolutely love the head to toe look they styled with the overshirt — these matching jeans. The hem detail is so fun. So chic, and the entire look is $110.

+Several Magpie readers have recommended this $59 set as a great look for less for my go-to Frank and Eileen.

+You need to know about J. Crew’s new arrivals. This cutaway vest is a must. I absolutely love the look of this style of waistcoat/vest. (I have been getting so much wear out of my denim version from VB!)

+Also absolutely love this white skirt from their new arrivals. A more polished/less boho alternative to my Sebastiane skirt, and $128!

+Finally, this bag!!! Adorable.

+Target just released adorable cabbage motif dishes in time for our spring/Easter tables! Love this mug and this plate.

+I just went to Vuori to buy another one of their featherweight Energy tees (truly the best — I always reach for it first when its clean) and suddenly filled my cart with like five other items: these shorts; this feather tee; this oversized hoodie; this sports bra. I want it all!

+Fun date night top on its way to me.

+My dear friend Inslee just launched a collection with Pink Chicken! The sweetest dresses, pajamas, and separates for children adorned with her whimsical art. I adore this dress.

+Constantly looking for ways to add hydration to my skin. Just discovered this rose cleansing oil that intrigued me from a new-to-me beauty brand.

+Gorgeous pink polo sweater.

+Goop just gave us a 15% off code for their house labels in beauty and fashion — SHOOP15. All my Goop beauty favorites here, and from the new fashion collection, I think I need this dress.

By: Jen Shoop

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

I have been leaning hard into pastels the past few weeks. It started with the butter yellow Pistola sweater I’ve been wearing a lot recently and now I can’t stop! I’ve also been enjoying styling this gorgeous Favorite Daughter crewneck in the prettiest shell pink (seen above with my Dehanche belt, Mother half pipe jeans, Tory Burch bag, and a $69 gray sweater around my shoulders). It has a slightly boxy / loose modern fit with extra long cuffs. I am also drawn to Doen’s Penrose style and their gorgeous Freya Cashmere Cardigan, too — or you can go with my look-for-less from Tuckernuck.

Some street style inspo:

Pastel Sweaters at Different Pricepoints.

TOP: DOEN FREYA CARDIGAN // FINE GAUGE KNITTED CARDIGAN // LILAC CASHMERE RELAXED CREW SWEATER // ICE BLUE CASHMERE SWEATER

BOTTOM: J. CREW RIBBED CASHMERE CROPPED SWEATER // DOEN PENROSE CARDIGAN // ARITZIA SONDER SWEATER // POINTELLE CREWNECK

Outfit Inspo: Pastel Knits.

PENROSE CARDIGAN // 501 90S ANKLE WOMENS JEANS // FATHOM FLAT // DALIA BAGUETTE BAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // SEDONA SUNGLASSES // SAMIRA HOOPS

CLASSIC CREW LIGHT HEATHERED MOSS // LE SLIM PALAZZO HIGH RISE JEANS // FRESH BUDS SCARF // DOVE NAPA FLATS // MANSUR GAVRIEL BAG // BABY KNOT EARRINGS

POINTELLE CREWNECK // BARB WIDE LEG PANT // MARTINEZ DOVE NAPA FLAT // BLOCKED CAT EYE SUNGLASSES // T-LOCK SMALL LEATHER CLUTCH (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // BEANIE EARRINGS // PUFFY CUFF

FREYA CASHMERE CARDIGAN // TAYLOR HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // SILENT D SEENA SNEAKERS // ALVA BIG BAG // TANER HOOPS // SUEDE ROLLER BUCKLE BELT // WORK IT SUNGLASSES

P.S. Serena + Lily Vibes for Less

P.P.S. Nordstrom Sale Picks

P.P.P.S. Zara Finds

By: Jen Shoop

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

Above, wearing: J. Crew Factory jeans, Pistola sweater, Celine sunglasses, Tory Burch bag.

I’ve never subscribed to the narrative of no-white-after-labor-day. I style white all year round and am currently eyeing a few new pairs. I’ve been getting a lot of wear out of these $49 wide leg crop jeans and am also contemplating this barrel pair from Everlane after seeing them on Shannon Pulsifer (a fellow petite; note that the jeans come in two inseam lengths). A little pricier, but I’m also eyeing these Ren High Rise Wide Leg Jeans by Agolde. The stark white is fun to style with a pop of color or basic black for a clean and modern look.

Street Style Inspo: White Denim for Spring.

Below, some spring white and ecru denim inspo —

My Top Picks for Spring White Denim Silhouettes.

MADEWELL PERFECT VINTAGE WIDE LEG CROP // WIDE LEG CROP JEAN // REN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // EVERLANE WAY HIGH BARREL JEANS

I should also mention that last season, these wide leg crops from SLVRLAKE were among my most worn, and this winter, I’ve been wearing these half pipes from Mother at least once a week (that curved seam down the leg is incredibly flattering). Both great options to consider as well.

Outfit Inspo – Styling White Jeans.

RIBBED CASHMERE CROPPED SWEATER // REN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // PENNY SLIPPERS IN GLAZED LEATHER (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NEW FINCH TRENCH COAT // SMALL TOTE IN GRAIN CALFSKIN (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // RUSSELL OVAL SUNGLASSES // DEHANCHE BELT // FAWN SILVER

THE SLOUCH COAT // CASHMERE OVERSIZED SWEATER // REN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // PREMIER BASEBALL CAP // CANDY HOBO // TRIOMPHE OVAL SUNGLASSES // VALENTINA SNEAKER COBBLESTONE

TANNER TRENCH COAT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // OVERSIZED TAILORED SHIRT // CASHMERE OVERSIZED SWEATER // REN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // ARCHER VANILLA NAPA // MINI LEATHER HANDBAG (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // DREAM LOVER SUNGLASSES

ZOE VNECK SWEATER (ON SALE!) // REN HIGH RISE WIDE LEG JEAN // CUYANA NEW DOUBLE LOOP TOTE // LESET MARGO TEE // PRUDENCE BALLET FLAT // CAT EYE SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // NEW FINCH TRENCH COAT

P.S. My Veronica Beard new arrival picks.

P.P.S. Long days of parenting. (Been there…)

P.P.P.S. The very busy spider.

By: Jen Shoop

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

A few favorite spring finds from one of my favorite retailers, Tuckernuck. I just tested this, and the code YOUROCK still gets you 20% off sitewide. (Happy shopping!)

Above, I’m wearing the most gorgeous cashmere cardigan in the prettiest shell pink from their house collection. I’ve gotten a surprising amount of wear out of it already! I like it paired with pastels, white or lighter wash denim, black, gray, etc. Above, wearing it with this pretty pendant from Thatch Jewelry, a great pair of everyday jeans, and a pointelle tee.

COCO SHOP DRESS // NINA FLATS // WOVEN KNOT STUDS // WHITE BUTTON DOWN // CHIC BELT // DRAGON DIFFUSION BAG // MOTHER JEANS // SHELL PINK CASHMERE CARDI // YELLOW EYELET SKIRT // WHITE LACE CAFTAN DRESS

01. Obsessed with this pretty dress from Coco Shop. Easter dress contender for me.

02. This gorgeous and versatile white lace caftan dress has been a bestseller among Magpies the past week or two.

03. These under-$200 flats have such a high-end look.

04. Fun everyday chambray dress.

05. We all adore this top. I own it in the blue and white stripe – love the structure. White would be so versatile for spring.

06. Such a fun top for date night / gals night.

07. Obsessed with this Dragon Diffusion tote in every color.

07. Pretty $110 eyelet skirt in my favorite color du jour (more butter yellow here).

08. This on-trend belt reminds me a lot of my Dehanche, which is like 3x the price.

09. These Rupert Sanderson heels have me drooling.

10. Classic white jeans.

11. Pretty spring studs to wear with everything.

12. A gorgeous cashmere cardi in the perfect pink shade.

P.S. In case you need to hear it today: you are enough, and you are not a project.

P.P.S. What do you keep in you guest bedroom?

P.P.P.S. Moondances of different kinds.

By: Jen Shoop

Image via.

Ed. note: This post originally had a different title, which unintentionally replicated a quote from a social activist. I apologize for this oversight and am grateful to Magpies for bringing this to my attention. Updating with a new title and fresh copy.

Over the weekend, I picked up a memoir written by one of my father-in-law’s best friends, Terrell Tannen. In it, Mr. Tannen explores the challenges and successes of his career as a highly-paid Hollywood screenwriter and specifically examines fame in all its corrosive and rewarding qualities. I am less than a quarter of the way in, but I love the nimble way he writes and find his crisp insights applicable even to someone far afield of his line of work.

One of his lines leapt out at me. He’s talking about a brief stint during which he wrote obituaries for celebrated scientists in a major scientific periodical, and how, as a part of his reconnaissance, he’d interview peers and partners of the deceased. He explains that it was often difficult to get off the phone because many of the interviewees were passionate about the field, and aware that the interview might earn them billing in an important publication. He ends with: “But it was good trouble.”

Welcome inconveniences!

Landon and I often talk about this concept in different terms. When we are complaining about interruptions and challenges, sometimes we’ll take a step back and realize that our “inconvniences” are in fact signals of growth, or wellness. Just a few weeks ago, I saw someone on Instagram (I think it was Caroline Chambers) write: “You know you’ve made it when the Instagram trolls come for you.” Ha!

But there it is — welcome inconveniences.

And then there is the other flavor of this concept — the irrational things you do for love. One college summer early into our relationship, Landon was waiting tables at a pizza restaurant in Arlington, VA, and he would finish his shift at 11 or 11:30 at night and then drive 20 minutes to my parents’ home in N.W. DC. We would spend maybe thirty drowsy minutes together before he’d drive home. I remember him saying, “it’s no trouble at all,” but of course it was. To be so in love you’d drive forty punishing minutes at the end of a long, physical shift of work for a kiss and conversation? A welcome inconvenience.

A few other examples of “welcome inconveniences”:

Having to replace running shoes because the treads are low (or any fitness gear worn out by heavy use)

Staying up until two a.m. because you can’t put your book down

Selling out of something you’ve made

Losing track of time while creating or talking to a good friend

Discovering you’re the bottleneck and that you need to hire someone to handle something instead

Being told to “keep it down” because you’re laughing too loudly

Internet trolls (you know you’ve made it when…)

Paying a late fee or cancellation fee because you prioritized something important over something scheduled

Feedback (always a gift)

A messy kitchen counter (evidence of a full, thriving household)

Inventing problems just to spend time with someone you like

Needing to upgrade your plan from “basic” to “pro”

Running late because you waited for your child to do something on his own

Releasing version 2.0

Anything you love that takes up more space than the world wants to make for it

What else would you add to this list?

Post-Scripts.

+Bad days and blank pages.

+How to fill your cup in an under an hour.

+How do you make your mornings easier?

Shopping Break.

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

+I’m in love with Lake’s new spring arrivals. I can’t help it – I’m addicted – but the prints are so pretty and auspicious. I picked this pima set specifically because the pattern reminded me of one of my favorite “happy corners” of my home – seen below (I was wearing my new Doen skirt, look for less here, and Birks!). I also love the pattern on this robe (in the French blue color option) and might order it, too.

+Elemis gave us a 20% off code — use JEN20. Great way to save on our favorite nighttime ritual: this cleansing balm. I’m actually currently using the fig version of their cleansing balm and really enjoy it, too. When I was using it last night, I thought to myself: if I were to come up with a list of “little things that make life better,” this would be on it. It is truly such a relaxing, nourishing part of my unwind process at the end of the day.

+Love these under-$200 flats, which remind me a lot of styles from higher end brands like Le Monde Beryl.

+Sweetest $15 swimsuit for your little lady.

+Chic raffia and leather tote.

+Fun transition-to-spring jacket. Also love their gingham rain jacket!

+Don’t ask me why, but I love buying new pens and highlighters. Just got these.

+Love the look of this classic outdoor chaise (at a great price).

+Zimmermann magic.

+Speaking of, The Outnet often has a really great collection of discounted Zimmermann. See here (pair with a simple white tee and leather sandal), here, and here!

+Always a classic. I have several of these in different sizes and use them constantly for toting packages, kids gear, books, etc! Get them personalized with a funny nickname, slogan, or initials.

+This top reminds me of the Zara ecru macrame jacket I bought last season and have already pulled out again this year, but much better-quality. You can style this as a jacket over a tank, or as a top in its own right. Super elegant and versatile.

+Elegant spring heeled sandal.

+Favorite fancy candy.

By: Jen Shoop

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links below, I may receive compensation. Outfit worn above can be found here.

As you know, I absolutely love that pointelle has been en vogue the past few seasons. Part cottage core, part nostalgia — I just love the soft, stretchy feel and the added texture/interest/daintiness. For most of this winter, I have been wearing pointelle as my base layer beneath knits. My most-worn piece is this Leset pointelle long-sleeve in white (I own in a few colors, but the white is my most-worn), but this J. Crew henley has been getting a lot of mileage. I slightly prefer the J. Crew henley to the Leset one (which I also own) because I like the slim/snug fit of the shirt at the wrists. The Leset lays a bit more boxy.

My Favorite Pointelle Finds.

ANN MASHBURN CARDIGAN // SCOOPNECK TEE // POINTELLE PANT // SOCKS // STRIPE CARDIGAN // MANGO BEIGE LONG SLEEVE

01. Leset pointelle long-sleeve. Only a few left, but several Magpies have written to say they prefer Marea’s version of this tee. Look for less here.

02. Henley from J. Crew or Leset.

03. Ann Mashburn darling neutral cardigan.

04. This inexpensive Mango long sleeve in beige and grey options. On sale now!

05. The scoop neck on this Madewell long sleeve is stunning — this is such a versatile top. Layer or wear on its own!

06. JCrew pointelle pants! Upgraded pick here.

07. The entire pointelle loungewear collection from Negative. — I own several pieces and especially love these lounge shorts.

08. JCrew cardigan in a few striped and solid color ways.

09. This Doen cardigan is everything! So dainty and feminine.

10. I love these Aritzia crew socks. Currently on sale for $10. Blush option here.

Styling Pointelle.

I love Doen’s inspo for layering this look — a full skirt like this (great look for less here!) with a pointelle cardigan (in white) and some unexpected suede clogs or penny loafers (look for less here) beneath a barn jacket (look for less here, here).

SKIRT // JACKET // CLOGS // LOAFERS // CARDIGAN

Another way to style:

TOP // SOCKS // PANTS // CLOGS // CARDIGAN

P.S. Latest color obsession.

P.P.S. Chic finds under $250.

P.P.P.S. On simple things and motherhood.

By: Jen Shoop

Wow — when I asked for new music recs, you seriously delivered. I’ve been listening to so many new artists since last Friday thanks to you. A few of my favorites: La Lom, Sarah Kinsley, Shakey Graves, and Sierra Ferrell.

I put together a new music “mix tape” playlist featuring almost all of the recs you submitted — you can listen on Apple here and Spotify here. Let me know which your favorites are! I want to mention that Sierra Ferrell came up a lot via comments and Instagram. Worth a listen!

I should caveat that the listening topography of this playlist is slightly jarring; we go from big ballads with main character energy vocalists to no-lyrics vibey guitar. But it’s fun for new music discovery, and of course you can star your favorites and eliminate the rest. Trimming the list to your own tastes is, in and of itself, a creative act — enjoy and feel free to share your own versions (with additions, alternative tracks from these artists, etc) in the comments.

Post-Scripts.

+If you’re looking for more playlists: music for a romantic night, our secret (orchestral/cinematic score-centric) work playlist, and songs for getting chores done at home (“dishwashing music”).

+If you’re on the eve of doing something new: you’re going to love it. (Encouragement from my amazing Dad.)

+A very divisive book among Magpies. (What did you think?)

Post-Scripts.

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

+Still obsessed with this under $175 straw tote (I believe released last season but brought back again this year) — looks like a high-end designer. Buy now to pair with jeans/trenches/etc (yes, you can wear straw in winter!) and ease into summer by pairing with your everyday shorts and skirts.

+Gap released a boat shoe, too! Big trend for spring. (Higher end picks: Jamie Haller, Miu Miu.) I know a lot of you bought this under-$150 pair.

+I love everything Westman Atelier does — currently have their new bronzing drops in my cart.

+Great alternative to a plain tee — love to layer with everything from leggings to jeans.

+Into the idea of a denim shirt to layer over everything / tuck into white jeans / wear as jacket over floral dress / etc.

+The Colby pant in new colors! We love these. I own in a red poplin and black velvet and they are truly amazing — comfortable and very chic.

+Best shoe storage solution for out of season footwear.

+This terry cover-up is in my cart for spring break.

+CHIC, versatile dress (comes in several colors). Pair with heels and big jewelry for a gala / evening event or dress down with flat leather sandals and a straw tote for everyday.

+Cute spring break through summer belt bag. Will go with everything and I like the texture – makes it feel a little more fashiony.

+Had been eyeing one of these Hunza G suits for my daughter — price is super steep BUT this lasts for years since it is OSFA / super stretchy. So really you’re probably getting the equivalent of 4-5 years of wear out of it. But my daughter loves a bikini so I ended up getting her this J. Crew for now. Still wondering about the Hunza…

+While I was at J. Crew, I also picked up this cute athletic dress for her — at time of writing this post, it’s an extra 50% off, meaning like $12!

+This top with high-waisted white jeans or a white skirt!

+A post-shower game changer for my daughter.

By: Jen Shoop

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

If you’ve been following my “What I Loved Wearing” series recently, I have been getting a ton of wear out of this practical and luxe Romy Pebble Leather Tote from Tory Burch. The soft gray is so elegant and unexpected, and the perfect transitional neutral; it plays beautifully with spring pastels but also works with a more wintry palette. I also find its forgiving size highly practical in my life, whether I’m running to a meeting or schlepping carpool snacks.

Below, some spring bag inspo via Pinterest —

And a round up of some great transitional bags that caught my eye below. You might recall I own the Mansur Gavriel Cabas in a dark atlantic green and she’s a perfect everyday bag — carries a lot and so luxe-looking. I’m personally eyeing this Dragon Diffusion or this cute Pam Munson style, but this under-$200 style from Madewell is a great option for less. (Quince has something similar for $149!)

TORY BURCH ROMY // PAM MUNSON BEACH AND TOWN TOTE // MANSUR GAVRIEL CABAS // AESTHER EKME SAGE GREEN CABAS // HEREU RAFFIA BAG // MADEWELL WOVEN TOTE // DRAGON DIFFUSION BAG

Some notes on styling…

ANISA ALPACA CARDIGAN // THE LIMITLESS PANT (A FABULOUS SPRING TROUSER AT A GREAT PRICE) // BETH SUEDE LOW TOP SNEAKERS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // CLASSIC MIDI LENGTH TRENCH COAT (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // WORK IT SUNGLASSES // SMALL GIA STUDS // ROMY PEBBLE LEATHER BAG

COTTON POPLIN MIDI DRESS // FREYA CASHMERE CARDIGAN (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PRINTED SQUARE SILK SCARF // ROMY PEBBLE LEATHER BAG // CAT EYE SUNGLASSES (SALE ALERT) // SMALL CELIA HOOPS // LEATHER MARY JANE BALLERINA FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE)

LIBBY WOOL CASHMERE SWEATER // DAME HIGH RISE WIDE LEG // THE MARGAUX DEMI FLATS // 2000C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // PUFFY DAGGER SILVER EARRINGS // MADWELL HANDWOVEN LEATHER BAG

GINGHAM MAXI // FEATHERWEIGHT CASHMERE CARDIGAN // MOA LEATHER BALLET FLATS (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // 1998C SUNGLASSES (LOOK FOR LESS HERE) // madewell HANDWOVEN LEATHER BAG

P.S. Recent Zara finds.

P.P.S. The low places that become ponds.

P.P.P.S. When people seek your advice, what are they usually asking about?

By: Jen Shoop

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

Today’s prompt can go a number of different ways — what crossed your mind first? The philosophical or the practical?

I’m mainly curious today about practical things that have “saved you” after reading an interesting comment from a Magpie on my “Beginning to Think about Disney” post. Kelly wrote: “And whatever they wear, I always take a picture of my kids before we go somewhere crowded in case we get separated.” (!!) This had never crossed my mind before, although I probably accidentally accomplish this anyway, as I take tons of pictures every day. But it made me think about the things you do “just in case” that end up saving the day. I know you Magpies will have great suggestions along these lines. What would you add?

A handful of things that we do:

01. Travel with photocopies of our passports, etc, and also scan them and save them in 1Password.

    02. More generally, use 1Password — after the initial panic that you might lose the master password, it saves so much time and makes your online “stuff” much safer. I also love that you can share passwords with your spouse and access the passwords from anywhere.

    03. Pack a light change of clothes in our carry-ons for longer trips.

    04. Bring a full water bottle with me any time I get into the car. I’ve been doing this ever since I read about a terrible accident on 495 in which people were stranded in their cars for hours and hours. There have also been too many drives home in which someone is “dying of thirst!”

    05. Related to the above: use the restroom before leaving home.

    06. Take a lot of pictures. Of everything. Box arrives in the mail tattered or torn open? Take pictures before opening! Minor scratch appears on the car door? Take picture! (I also photograph things like license plates, receipts that might need to be called up, shipping labels, etc.)

    07. Update new addresses in iPhone as soon as I receive notice! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a “we’re moving!” card and then neglect to update it in my phone and have a Christmas card returned. Or, worse, I show up at the wrong address — this happened two years ago while I was traveling out of state and I vowed to be better about this!

    08. Keep children’s medicine cabinet fully stocked. I always have a back-up bottle of Tylenol, Benadryl, etc, and the minute I tap into the back-up, I re-order another bottle on the spot. The same goes for tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and wipes. (You’d think we’d be beyond our “wipes” years but we still find them handy for sticky fingers, travel/outings, etc, and ordering a new box as soon as the back up is done is the easiest way to stay on top of inventory.)

    09. Keep emesis bags in the car. These pack up compactly/flat but the ring keeps the bag open and makes it easier for little kids to actually throw up in the bag. Gross but so helpful and has saved our car (and my brother’s car, relatively recently) on several occasions. Emory used to be prone to carsickness, so I would also keep big trashbags (for stowing soiled clothes) as well as a change of clothes and a towel just in case any time we were on the road.

    10. Having a few important phone numbers committed to memory. You never know when you’ll lose your phone / be without service / run out of battery and need to call for help!

    11. Have my children verbally rehearse their address and plan for what to do if there is a fire inside our house. Thankfully these haven’t been needed but I feel at peace knowing they know what to do if the horrible happens.

    12. Label children’s clothes. I recently discovered I must also label their shoes when my daughter came home from a field trip with the wrong shoes on, and we couldn’t figure out who had swapped with her. (The shoes she wore home did not fit her — we had to buy a new pair immediately!)

    What else would you add to this list?

    Post-Scripts.

    +An extension of this list: gifts for our future selves.

    +A Magpie desiderata. (More philosophical rules of life.)

    +What are your non-negotiables?

    +Come, share your grooming routines with the group. (Loved the comments on this post.)

    Shopping Break.

    +Pretty eyelet shirtdress ($156!)

    +Love the fit/style of these jeans. I was delighted to find that these also come in a petite inseam but are selling fast!

    +Sam Edelman has some fun new sneakers in great spring colors — love these, and these reminded me of my VB Valentinas.

    +Some fun Quince new arrivals: a Hill-House inspired “nap dress”; leather wrap sandals that remind me of my pair from Margaux; a sleek one-piece swimsuit.

    +Fun gingham midi from Zara.

    +New Varley arrivals! I love how they are redrawing the lines between athleisure and everyday womenswear. Love this sleek set and this sweatshirt-material cardigan.

    +Just stocked up on some activities for upcoming road trips / travel / rainy days / sick days (I like to do this in batches so I always have something at the ready): road trip table topics (my daughter LOVES these; we have several sets); a book of drawing prompts; a neon hidden pictures book; Usborne activity books of different varieties (doodling, secret codes, stickers); fresh sketch pads and sets of markers; and “Weird but True” Disney facts. (The Disney mania is in full force in our home; my kids are absolutely obsessed with these guide books to Disney World for kids — a Magpie reader rec!)

    +While we’re talking kids activities — mine keep coming back to / rediscovering this magnetic story maker set. They mainly use it to string together silly stories but I like the way it’s teaching in its own way the parts of speech and art of sentence and story construction.

    +Love this chic vest top from Posse — perfect for pairing with the matching skirt or ecru jeans.

    +A very chic suede sandal. I love brown suede — you can wear it any time of year! Transition to fall, transition to spring, even in summer!

    +G Label just dropped a new collection and I’m swooning over this perfect shirtdress. They do elevated basics so well.

    +The sweetest Mary Janes for a little lady for Easter, First Communion, etc! Emory decided these were too “frilly” for her taste but had to share. I thought these sneakers (also J. Crew Factory) were also adorable.

    +J. Crew has some cute athletic wear for little ladies — love these shorts, this ribbed tank, these ribbed shorts.

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