Sunday 12 July 2020

Meghan Is Stylish in Beverly Hills & Girl Up Summit Plans

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted out and about in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon.


I've always loved Meghan's relaxed casual style and this look is no exception. The Duchess chose the white linen Toscana dress by Lithuanian brand Magic Linen. The $76 dress is an asymmetrical style, sleeveless and loose-fitting with a high-low hem. The dress is handcrafted from high-quality linen. It's available with free shipping in sizes XS-XL at Etsy. On Instagram the brand said: "We couldn't be more excited! The gorgeous Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, today was spotted wearing our white linen dress Toscana!"


The Toscana is also available in light pink.


More on the brand's design ethos:

'Each MagicLinen product is carefully designed and handcrafted in Vilnius, Lithuania. We believe that it is the little details that matter in life so we’ve added magical touches to our products in the form of ruffles, pom poms, coconut buttons and more. We also have rich color palettes for home textiles and clothing you can choose from.
Manufacturing of textiles can be a complicated process, involving various treatments and chemicals which can be harmful to you and the planet. Ensuring that we do no harm to either is at the top of our list, this is why we chose to be completely transparent and invested in third-party testing. All of our products are Oeko-Tex certified meaning they are absolutely absent from harmful substances and chemicals. We are also excited about being able to offer you the option of reducing your plastic waste as we have partnered with environmentally friendly packaging suppliers. Our mailers are made out of corn starch and PBAT, a bio-based polymer, which means they do not leave behind any of the damaging residues that plastics do when they break down.'

Founder Vita Murauskiene on the inspiration behind the brand: "Since childhood linen meant special occasions. I can still remember my gran fussing over table linen just before big family gatherings. There was always a magical feeling that something special was about to happen. When it came to redecorating my own home I wanted to reintroduce that feeling back into my household. I kept coming across brands that offer linen basics with few color choices and nothing seemed to fit my family’s modern lifestyle. After a long search, I sat down and came up with a few designs of my own. MagicLinen was born on my kitchen table and what started as a few bedding sets made exclusively for my friends and family has now flourished into a wide range of kitchen, bath, table, bedding, and clothing linen collections. I’m proud that today I have a whole team of experts behind me, working with passion to create products that help celebrate the effortless beauty of linen."

In addition to clothing, the brand is known for it's divine bedding collection. Below, the linen bedding set in Woodrose.


The Duchess wore her Chanel ballerina flats.



Meghan's hat brings the whole look together; it's the Janessa Leone Sammy style. Described as: "A timeless boater silhouette with downturned brim in a lightweight woven straw with contrasting black suede ties." It's available for $265 on Leone's website.

With thanks to What Meghan Wore and Meghan's Mirror for their ID work on this look.

As many of you will know, the Mail posted the photos first late last night. They led with the headline the couple chose "a gas-guzzling" SUV which is  "as far from environmentally-friendly as you can get". Firstly, the Cadillac is in fact a hybrid (with thanks to several tweeters who researched this) and secondly their security team/firm would have selected the vehicle. As COVID-19 headlines begin to dissapate, it seems the the tabloids plan to return to the same nonsense we've all tired of seeing in the past three years.
************

In exciting news, the Duchess of Sussex will join Michelle Obama, Hilary Clinton and Sheryl Sandberg for the virtual 2020 Girl Up Global Leadership Summit. The virtual summit, which takes place from tomorrow until Wednesday, will see United Nations Foundation initiative bring female leaders and change-makers together to discuss and highlight issues affecting women and girls. Girl Up’s leadership development programs have impacted 65,000 girls through 3,500 clubs in nearly 120 countries and all fifty US states. Issues at the heart of the organisation include education, gender equality, gender violence and STEM for social good.


We'll see Meghan join the summit on Tuesday. I think it's very much a glimpse into the type of work the Duchess will pursue moving forward and indeed the direction of the Sussexes' charitable entity Archewell.

36 comments:

  1. The dress is already sold out according to some tweets. After mos learns vehicle is hybrid will find something else to complain about. It's tiring, but I know Harry, Meghan, and Archie are doing well.
    I hope all girls who wanted to were able to sign up for Girls Up and not trolls or reporters.
    Stay blessed Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Doria.
    #TeamHarryMeghanArchie

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    1. The dress isn't sold out in neither color (July, 12th, 9pm, CEST)

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    2. looks like the company isn't marking the dress as sold out but is asking for patience as they ramp up production. Per their instagram account, they are overwhelmed with orders: https://www.instagram.com/p/CCoAQLxJJnk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (July 14 2:33pm EDT)

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  2. Meghan does have great "off duty" style. Loving the linen dress. It also reminds me of Two Days Off Clothing, which I hope Meghan finds because it is run a small label brand with great ethics founded by a mixed race woman. It would be a great company for to support. https://instagram.com/twodaysoffclothing

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  3. This is a conservatively modern linen dress. There is no form or summer’s bare body exposure even in the sun. It looks purposeful, sturdy, loose enough for summer and/or first trimester.

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  4. Love a good linen dress and this one looks so loose and comfortable to wear in the summer heat. Meghan and Harry obviously cannot travel around in a compact, and still accommodate their security. They need something the equivalent of the Land Rovers used in the UK and the Cadillac Escalade is the American equivalent. (American presidents normally use Lincolns and Cadillacs for their official cars). Good to hear that it is a hybrid which is in the line with their environmental concerns. By the way, although I'm sure she is concerned about the environment, I've never seen any comments made by Meghan on the topic, but the environment is something that the Wales family has always championed. Charles in particular was an early advocte..

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    1. You're correct Meghan hasn't said anything about the environment. When she met the scholars at BP and one said their area was the environment she said her husband also. But we all know Meghan gets blamed for everything by British media and others. Harry and Meghan are used to keep other media from talking about what is coming out.

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  5. I love this dress and was inspired by Meghan’s style a while back to get a similar one in olive green, which I wore today with Meghan’s Sarah Flint sandals! I have bought bedding from Magic Linen and am very impressed with the quality and reasonable price.

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    1. Olive green sounds very nice, and those shoes are lovely!

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  6. Hello Charlotte
    Thank you for these great pix of our intrepid duo, Meghan and Harry! And wonderful news about Meghan being a part of the illustrious lineup for the GirlsUp summit.
    Renee

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  7. Thanks for giving us fact. shame on haters

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  8. I loved seeing this very Meghan look -- effortlessly chic, simple, monochromatic, and sourced from a company with particularly positive ethics. She looks so cool (cool in both ways.) I love it.

    I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing her at the Girls Up summit.

    Thank you, Charlotte.

    R

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  9. So glad to get the update. I adore this entire outfit; it can be worn by virtual!y any woman of any age, size or skin tone and it would look beautiful. Seemingly effortless chic😇The summit sounds amazing.
    I hope Harry's able to get back to some of his personal partnerships and patronage soon as well, although travel is still difficult.

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    1. Sorry to disagree. This outfit only works with a smaller chest or if you are tall. Otherwise the cut makes you look very big and short. In my experience there is no cut/outfit that will suit everyone. It looks great on her though.

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  10. I enjoyed seeing Meghan today dressed in her simplicity. I laughed as my daughter owns the dress and I own the shoes. Linen is the most quintessential fashion statement of summer as temperatures sore into the 90 degree range reminding us that it is Summer in the USA. Dress it up or dress it down even with the expected wrinkles that seem to instantly adorn the fabric with the slightest movement you just can't beat the fashion statement. Black and white linen are most frequently seen in cities as well as in sea shore towns. Unfortunately, it is short lived and packed away come the end of August. I so enjoyed seeing Meghan and Harry looking so typically American. Harry has certainly adopted the California uniform of jeans and T Shirt. I don't recall seeing him in anything else since their arrival from Canada. I could be wrong. He must love the informality of it and probably took awhile to get use to it. I would not be true if I did not say that in my opinion no one wears a uniform like Harry. I do miss that fashion statement from him in his past life and dress requirements. But, they look fabulous.

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  11. Thanks for your post Charlotte!
    One question, does anyone know: what is the intent and purpose of the black straps on the hat? How would one wear it for this casual look? I couldn’t make out what Meghan did with them.

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    1. In creating a fashion statement I think the ribbon ties are just left flapping in the wind. If necessary they can be tied under the chin so the casual hat stays in place. Most often that style hat is worn to protect yourself from the sun while outdoors or on the beach in the most casual moments. That particular straw hat is typical summer gear in most peoples closets much like the baseball cap.

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    2. I'm thinking the straps dangle in the back and if you're somewhere with a swift summer breeze, you could tie them under your chin.

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  12. Meghan's fashion choices are mostly hard on me. Often I like the idea but there is one odd thing destroying the look (be it some of her coats and shoes, her jewellery style or the actual cut/fit of the pieces). There are only a few outfits were she blew me away completely (the white Givenchy at an engagement with the Queen, the red and the teal skirt and top combo, the black jumpsuit in SA, the purple dress with red coat, the white turtleneck pregnancy dress and her black pant suit(s)). I think it is actually because of Suits. Her character was always dressed immpaccable and I think this wardobe would have worked fantatsic in the royal invorment. Her personal stlyle is much different- she even said so in interviews. For me, the transisiton from Rachel Zane to Meghan Markle to the Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wasn't easy and I still hope everytime time she "shows up as Rachel Zane".
    Well, Meghan certainly shouldn't and won't bother about what I think about her style. I think it is sad, that they are still papped when they go about their private life. It must be horrible for Harry, as he explicitly complained about this type of intrusion. I would have hoped that they would finally be left alone and only be reported on when they actually choose to.

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    1. We have all seen Meghan transition from the TV personality Rachel Zane to a public figure as the Duchess of Sussex with sightings of Meghan as Harry's wife and Archie's Mom. Much as we see Kate in similar roles I think we can safely say the true personal taste of each is the at home version. In my opinion as much as I can appreciate both Kate and Meghan for their "work attire" as Kate has called it I most like there personal off duty choices that are often very down to earth and approperate for their age bracket and current look making them both look very relatiable.

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    2. USA Granny- that is probably the most diplomatic comment I have read on this blog. It was a joy to read.

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    3. I love that you brought Rachel back because that’s where I first took note of her. What simpler time, eh.

      I think Meghan did bring a bit of Rachel with her with that green shirt and green leather skirt combo (on her Sussex visit) or those sheath dresses. Personally, my favorite look tends to be the casual, comfy, more relaxed Meghan. This simple dress with the flats and hat suit her.
      - Martine

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    4. US Granny- I agree. But I will say that Kate's private attire is much more up my alley than Meghan's. Nothing wrong with either style it just comes down to personal taste.
      It sometimes feels as if I am the only person that didn't have a clue about Meghan before she started Harry. From what I gathered Suits was a mediocre succesfull tv show? Seven seasons isn't bad but I think it cannot be compared to the big shows with massive impact on YA culture like Frriends, SATC, How I met your mother or Big Bang Theory for example. So I totally missed "Rachel Zane" but as her role came up I did look it up and wow- the women on Suits looked like the perfect business model.

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    5. I had also barely heard of Meghan before Harry either. I have never seen one episode of Suits and the first time I ever saw Meghan was in a Hallmark movie. That said, why must the words "mediocre" and "z-list" be used to describe her acting career? According to a quick Google search, the average annual salary for actors in the US is less than $60K. And note, that figure is the mean, not the median. Some other info I found via Google said that actors need to earn at least $16K annually to qualify for health insurance through the actors union - and only 30% of working actors are able to meet that bar. By any measure that seeks not to bash, she has been quite successful as an actor. I get a bit perturbed by derogatory descriptions of her work because I have a friend who is an actor and earns a nice living by simply doing ad work, and therefore, my friend is a "successful actor." Meghan was an accomplished career woman before she met Harry - full stop.

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    6. CrissieP- if this was aimed at my comment earlier- I never called her z-list and I called the show mediocre successful not her? If you have a look at her IMDB profile you can clearly see that Suits was her big role and in my books getting such a part is a big accomplishment for any actor. There are enough talented people out there that never make it to the screen or stage. But I am utterly confused when people talk about her acting career in a way as if she was in the same rank as the top elite? It’s clearly not true and it’s for everyone to see. TV Show actors can be highly successful and paid a lot (hello FRIENDS) but still play in a different league. Like College Football compared to the NFL. I get neither the belittling nor the exaggeration. We will never now if Suits was Meghan’s one big shot or if there would have been more high profile work. It doesn’t matter though.

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    7. Yes, my comment was in response to your comment. And I agree that it doesn’t matter, which is partly why I found your comment confusing in the first place.

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  13. Becca in Colorado13 July 2020 at 17:20

    I love this look on her! I'm also looking forward to seeing her at the Summit. I do wonder how they're both settling in in LA, but it seems that they're taking things in stride. I also wonder how often (if at all) they'll actually "split their time" between America and the UK. Since they're original plan of being 1/2 working royals fell through, among other things, I feel like they will only go back for specific holidays. I guess we'll have to keep waiting to see. It's hard to believe that their announcement to step down was only a few months ago. 2020 has felt light years long.

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    1. I agree with your comment.

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    2. Yes, reluctant as I am to admit it, the longer they stay away from UK, the harder it will be to go back as things will have moved on without them. You can see that the way the "Senior Royal family" is now working post lockdown has been radically changing and that the Queen is actually in partial retirement now. The Prince of Wales with his Duchess, and the Cambridge and Wessex duos are taking up their future roles with assistance from Princess Anne and perhaps the Gloucesters. It will be intriguing to see if any further changes are made. For example fewer balcony and Ascot appearances and less elaborate dinners and processions in a move to downplay ostentation? European monarchs have already dispensed with elaborate and expensive coronations. Will the British follow suit?

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    3. A kiwi fan, I agree with your assessment, and I think it is a very good thing! There seemed to be more working together by RF members, and that may have been partially due to the COVID crisis. I guess the BLM movement is not having a lasting result as it, I hope, will in the US. I think it is very good that the hole left by the departure of H&M has been closed over. There will always be comparisons and it's easier for K&W to be the "only ones" in that generation. I think they will return for their patronages, for Harry's groups, I hope for family visits, and maybe for special occasions. Harry will always be a prince, they can go wherever they wish, and things seem to be working out very well. Other than the awful worldwide problems, of course! :(

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    4. Becca in Colorado17 July 2020 at 16:56

      Are things really that different for the BRF, though? I haven't noticed any significant changes...in fact, I think they've rather kept things much the same, which could prove detrimental down the road (although, England doesn't seem too keen to do away with the class divides and racial injustice, yet, which is a shame). I do think they've carried on as though nothing had happened, which is both good and bad. I partially agree with your comment about things moving on the longer H&M stay away, but I think that will actually make it easier for them to go back and visit. I'm just not sure how much they *will* go back. I guess that will depend on how big of a rift there is or isn't, which is something we will likely never know in full. Perhaps once Harry and Meghan have established their post-royal working lives more, they'll start to fold in their UK patronages.

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  14. that is great Charlotte. how do we watch the virtual event?
    thanks

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  15. It looks like she might have received Diana’s gold Cartier tank?

    The watch doesn’t look like her two tone and certainly looks like a full gold Cartier tank to me!

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  16. its great too see the duke and duchess of sussex

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Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)