Ask Magpie: Packable Hats and Work Totes.

*Image via.

Q: Summer beach hat that packs well.

A: People rave about this one from Janessa Leone. I also personally love this striped canvas one but know it’s not for everyone. Would be cute with a white swimsuit! Finally, though I do often pack sunhats and love the overall aesthetic, I’m much more likely to wear a ballcap…

I did want to mention that I’ve also heard people rave about this tote, which comes with a built-in straw hat carrier, though you can get the look for less with this, or upgrade with this monogrammable Weezie one.

Q: Casual white jacket.

A: I love the look of a utility jacket like this or this (the latter is technically off-white/bone colored), although this fleece (sweatshirt-material) topper also turned my head as a cute top layer. For something sportier to layer over athletic wear / athleisure, I really love this $37 style. The bracelet cuffs are so cute (and handy, if you want to push the sleeves up and have them stay put). You can see me in mine here.

Q: The Hay Adams for the 4th.

A: Oo, have fun! I would wear a patriotic cocktail dress like this, this, or this. More Americana summer outfit ideas here.

Q: Bridesmaid dress with light pink background and different colored flowers — floor length.

A: Oo, tricky one! A few options at different price points: this Bardot, this Reformation, this Bernadette, this Saloni, and this V. Chapman. This Self-Portrait is technically more midi-length (tea length?) but might get the bride’s approval?

Q: Tote that fits a laptop.

A: Cuyana makes a great workhorse bag for, well, work. The zippered top is clutch for travel/commute, and it holds up really well. Honestly can’t believe the price — I’ve had one for years. If you’re looking for more of an investment, I would try the Celine Cabas (depends on size of your laptop), Khaite Amelia, or Bottega Arco. I remember the ultra-chic Becky Malinsky claiming the Arco was THE perfect work bag.

Q: Summer family photo outfits for the whole family. Daughter 19 months and son four months.

A: So cute! I would put my daughter in one of the fabulous, heirloom-quality diaper sets from La Coqueta, like this or this, and baby boy in something like this or one of the little La Coqueta knit short sets. I would wear a dress like this, this, or (splurge) this — something that feels ethereal, painterly, but not too over-dressed. Don’t worry about being matchy-matchy. Just pick pieces in the same general color family.

Q: Classic fall coat for wearing to Paris. An early fall version of the travel series?

A: I love this request and will begin to keep my eyes out for chic fall finds for European travel, but not seeing too much out there for the fall yet! In terms of coat, now is a good time to buy last season’s standouts on sale. You must consider this ultra-luxe Toteme, currently 40% off. WOW. Understated elegance. This scarf-trim Toteme (still not on sale) was also crazy popular last season and would be a fabulous statement to bring with. Also love a tweedy option like this. Imagine over trousers, denim; layered with a bit of fair isle peeking through, or with head to toe black.

Q: July in Vail! What evening outfits work that are cute/warm enough?

A: I was just chatting with a friend heading out to Vail about this. We both thought that dress from Doen or The Great with clogs or booties and a cardigan like this or this was the answer. Alternately, your favorite jeans and a fun top like this with clogs/booties and cardigan! Also, this would be such a fun statement (currently heavily discounted) with jeans/white tee/booties.

Q: Everyday bag — crossbody or shoulder. Two young kids but not a full diaper tote.

A: I really love the options from Mansur Gavriel. This shoulder one has lots of space for the essentials and just looks fabulous, and I’m dying over these woven ones. I like the way both drawstrings closed so you can cinch everything in place when bending over to tend to a little one. This one from L’Uniforme is similar but a little less expensive. For something more casual, have seen a few moms at my daughter’s school with this Naghedi crossbody. Seems highly functional, durable, and cute for a sportier look.

Q: Fun sunglasses for my bachelorette beach weekend – under $50.

A: Have you seen these $12 ones from Amazon? They’re inspired by a style from Loewe and SO fun. Come in great colors. I bought them in yellow, as seen here. I also own these fun oval ones in two colors. Really fab. I first saw them on my girlfriend Alison Kenworthy. We were having a coffee date and I ordered them right from the cafe table!

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