We Meet Again

We Meet Again

Dear Friend,

I’m back! And, dare I say, feeling better than ever. (Which is to say, it's all relative in the time of Covid.)

Taking a break in the name of self-care has never felt more important. When waking up to chaos is the new norm, finding time to reset is a necessary ingredient for sanity.

Herewith, my current reset recommendations:

• Watch: Michelle at the DNC. It’s inspiring and uplifting, while at the same time serious and motivating. Oh, and VOTE.

• Listen: Not only is this artist’s name the coolest, but so is Okay Kaya’s version of Cher’s “Believe.”

• Taste: Padma Lakshmi’s “Taste The Nation” series. It’s history, food and love all wrapped up in the best burrito ever.

Most importantly, your new Style Guide has arrived!

Shop my new Storefront dressing rooms by clicking on the links below and any purchases will connect back to me. Or, ask me directly to place your orders or create custom digital dressing rooms. If you need additional sizes or colors, just let me know.

• The House Dress is the New Sweatpant

• It’s All About Blazers

• This Fall New Shoes = Life

In a world of chaos, only one thing is certain: we’re going to look GOOD!

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret

In The Blink of an Eye

In the Blink of an Eye

Dear Friend,

 “Art is long. Time is fleeting...” 

 Meaning? Life is short. It’s never been more relevant, with the pandemic stripping everything bare, to just get BUSY. 

 My dream is to say what I mean and wear what I love. If you share that dream, here are some ideas to get started:

1. Change how you think and join this open thread about truly life-changing quotes. It's transformative, and only a teeny bit corny.

2. Listen to Michelle Obama’s new Podcast. No one loves a good conversation like Mrs. Obama and I’m here for it.

3. Be authentic and wear some great clothes. See below:

Your new Style Guide has arrived! Shop my new Storefront dressing rooms by clicking on the links below and your purchases will connect back to me. Or, ask me directly and I can place orders for you or create a custom digital dressing room.

• Wear more dresses. It’s the new athleisure uniform. Try it with some LOGOS.

• Prada all day long. ‘Nuf said. Also, Valentino.

• New Dries Van Noten just arrived! Add to an easy outfit upgrade.

• And, stirrup pants. This early trend will modernize your outfits this fall. I’ve already ordered mine to wear under everything!

In short, don’t miss out on...anything. Didn't Ferris Bueller say it best? “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”  

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret

No, really. How are you?

No really. How are you?

Dear Friend,

I’ll admit the past few months have been hard on my mental health. It’s been a struggle to stay both informed and positive amid an onslaught of world news that feels like a shiny, pointy-toed, Saint Laurent boot to the gut. For ideas on how to cope, read on...

How to stay “woke” and cheerful* amid a soul-crushing newsfeed:

1. Hear Patrick Stewart recite Shakespeare everyday. He's still a badass at 80 - all the more reason to listen to The Captain.

2. Learn about these 12 common phrases with racist origins. I’ll wager you’ve heard one of them uttered at least once today. 

3. Hooyah and BZ** to the first Black female Naval tactical fighter pilot. A win for #MeToo, a win for #BLM, a win for all.

* Cheerful is a close relative to happiness and may be easier to achieve, albeit fleeting.

** Bravo Zulu, aka “BZ,” is a naval term for “well done.” Roger Tango, Maverick.

Keep that oxytocin flowing by looking good, staying chic and dressed for success! Shop my new virtual dressing rooms below. 

First, don't miss these new eye-popping pieces from Tom Ford and Balmain!

1. Tap into your Modern Muse

2. Keep it lively with fun summer Prints and Patterns

3. Upgrade your basics with a basic Wardrobe Refresh

• Click and shop the links above (purchases will connect back to me) or contact me directly and I’ll take care of your order. 

• You can also send me your shopping wish list and I’ll curate your custom dressing room!

If you’re still struggling to keep your chin up, try applying the new Japanese rule for riding roller coasters and “please scream inside your heart.” After all, it's Covid-friendly and my new mental health mantra for 2020. 

Yours in good health, fashion and tongue-in-cheek,
Margaret

The Search for Calliope and Clio

The Search for Calliope and Clio

Dear Friend,

The Creative Muses eluded me this week, so I’m focused on what’s exciting! 

Herewith, my Exciting List:

1. HAMILTON! Period. Exclamation point. Repeat.

2. SEX AND VANITY. More about the crazy rich from the author of “Crazy Rich Asians”. 

   Take me away, pao pao yu.

3. A DIFFERENT 4TH OF JULY. Independence Day is complicated. Here’s how to better understand its history through this series of mini-essays.

Until the Muses reveal themselves again, here are 3 new LookBooks from my Storefront to inspire you get dressed:

• Build your Foundation

• Saint Laurent = Sex Appeal

• The New Neutral Summer Staples

Reach out to me directly about questions, how to order, sizes, colors and curating a custom digital dressing room just for you!

While we’re on the topic of muses, take a look at 73 Questions with Alicia Keys by Vogue. Everything about her is revolutionary and creative - truly a new definition of independence.

May your Muse be evergreen!

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

Dear Friend,

Quarantine life has me asking a lot of questions. On the light side is the ever-present query: “What do I wear?” Nothing in my current closet will do. I’m in the mood for a major style reset. Hbu?

I’m frequently asked about the process of a style reset. Here’s an important step: identify your inspiration. It can be a person, place or thing. Does Hailey Bieber or Reese Witherspoon inspire you? Maybe it’s all about Diane Keaton. Do you connect with a Parisian flavor, an Italian flair or architectural vibe? Next, assign adjectives to your inspo: cool, sophisticated, sexy, bohemian, unique, edgy, etc. Then, challenge your wardrobe to stand up to those adjectives. 

Cue the inspirational lookbooks to help with your style reset journey! 

Take a look below or reach out to me directly for a consultation so I can curate a virtual dressing room just for you. Questions, need sizes, different color? Just ask.

• International Flavor 

• Stylistic Flair 

• Architectural Androgyny 

The power of dressing is an undeniable tenet of expressing the story of “you.” And if you, like me, believe that the way to WHO you are is connected to WHAT you wear, then even our President can’t hide behind his clothes. 

So, what will YOU wear today?😉  

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret

Inhale Exhale

Inhale, Exhale

Dear Friend,

Please sit up straight and take a deep breath! Gooood. 

Spending too much time in one position can take a toll, and so can marching in protest, so here are some easy but impactful stretches that alleviate stress. 

Now that you’ve released endorphins, let’s discuss your summer travel wardrobe. Whether you’re virtually traipsing down the Champs Elysee (or any cobblestone lane in the world) via Google Street View or headed on a plane or road trip, you’ll want to get in the mood by dressing the part. 

Get ready and shop my Storefront or browse below. These shoppable links connect back to me or I can place orders for you.

• A Summer Floral Explosion

• Fresh Denim Looks and Must Have Shoes

• Statement Tops

If you didn’t get to shop Saint Laurent last week, here’s another chance, just let me know your picks and I’ll take it from there. 

Saint Laurent Sale:

• Women’s Sale Shoes

• Men’s Sale Ready-to-Wear 

• Sale Handbags

Saint Laurent Current Season:

• Handbags

• Men’s and Women’s Shoes

• Women’s Ready-to-Wear

If you have questions, need sizes or color options, or would like your own curated digital dressing room, just reach out to me directly.

And for those who want to know what the heck is going on in the fashion world, here's your Comprehensive and Opinionated Guide to Fashion’s New Shape and Schedule.

Remember to breathe, because, no matter where you go, there you are.

Yours,
Margaret

Perfectly Imperfect

Perfectly Imperfect

Dear Friend,

I want to share the information that is continuing to be the most helpful to my ongoing learning and understanding in the quest for antiracism. Education has never been more important.

Reading list is courtesy of @jobyearle and @lupitanyongo. The Tool Kit and Foundation information is courtesy of Barack Obama’s recent essay on Medium about the recent protests. 

• White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

• The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

• Native Son by Richard White

• The Obama Advocacy Tool Kit

• The Obama Foundation’s Anguish and Action page

I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe and I look forward to seeing you soon once again.

Yours,
Margaret

Back To School

Back to School

Dear Friend,

I want to share the information that is continuing to be the most helpful to my ongoing learning and understanding in the quest for anti-racism. Education has never been more important.

Reading list is courtesy of @jobyearle and @lupitanyongo. The Tool Kit and Foundation information is courtesy of Barack Obama’s recent essay on Medium about the recent protests. 

• White Fragility by Robin Diangelo

• The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

• Native Son by Richard White

• The Obama Advocacy Tool Kit

• The Obama Foundation’s Anguish and Action page

I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe and I look forward to seeing you soon once again.

Yours,
Margaret

The New Frontier

The New Frontier

Dear Friend,

Greetings, fellow occupants of our new pandemic world! And one that includes SpaceX and X AE A-12. Controversy aside, it might be worth a peek into the eccentric billionaire handbook to try and create whatever reality we want living here in the new normal. 

It feels like a time for reinvention. A pandemic renaissance, shall we say. And what better way to start than with our style? I’ve been following the thought-provoking debates on ManRepeller and she brings up an interesting trend: the lack of fashion trends is making space for other trends, including taste. TASTE! Style may be based on others’ perceptions, but “taste” is more impervious to the effects of quarantine. It’s what you carry with you and inside you - it’s the authentic you.

Taste is what draws you to a particular painting at the museum. Taste is why you pick peonies over daisies. Taste is how you decide to wear Balenciaga one day and Celine the next. Let’s hone your taste skills to sharpen your style by dipping a toe into the vat of reinvention.

Here with, my next round of Storefront fashion favorites. You can also browse my edits at Moda Operandi. Shop the links and websites I’ve provided, or reach out to me directly, and I’ll set up a custom digital dressing room while you relax and keep up your WFH life.

Let’s see where your eye takes you, what new gallery inspires you and make note of what challenges your perceptions of how you “should” and “want” to dress. A whole new world awaits.

It’s the new frontier, not the final frontier. Make it so.

Yours in safely, health and fashion,
Margaret

It's Not Goodbye

It’s not Goodbye

Dear Friend

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support! It’s been such a pleasure to get to know you and an even greater honor to help inform your wardrobe and closets. 

I hope you are healthy and safe, and continue to find ways to stay connected. 

I’ll keep you updated with my newsletters so you can stay on point with what’s new in the world of fashion and what I’m keeping my eye on in general.

Let’s continue our work together! I’m happy to offer you my personal styling services, as well as curated Storefront digital dressing room formats, (safe) home styling sessions and soon-to-be announced trunk shows. There’s lots more to come! Contact me directly for questions and custom requests.

This is not “good-bye,” it’s only “see you later.” 

Yours, 
Margaret

Change It Up

Change it Up

Dear Friend,

Are you in? I’m ready for a big, post-quarantine makeover. I want a fresh, New Wardrobe that doesn’t involve Sweatpants. Maybe lockdown claustrophobia is to blame, or it's all the time spent on Instagram dreaming of this season’s fashion that never happened.

My SIP experience has forced me to look deeper into...well, everything. So, my New Wardrobe must be more sustainable, have more meaning, and feel more authentic, yet remain timeless and modern. Quite the task under quarantine circumstances but I’ll make it easy and break it down for you.

Let’s start with this feel good playlist, then browse my Storefront for my current favorite, must-have picks of the season, to instantly update, re-fresh and impress once we re-emerge:

• Wardrobe Cure All: Blazers

• Shoes Needed: Square Toes and Sneakers

• Baby Steps: From Sweatpants to Easy Pants

• Time to shine: I’m All About Daytime Jewelry 

Shop the links above, or you can reach out to me directly, and I’ll set up a custom digital dressing room while you relax and channel Posh Spice. Remember: just ask if you have questions or if you don't see your size, color or choice.

I'll let you know ASAP once we can return to in-store and by-appointment shopping, with all new safety measures in place.

Last, what better way to change and charge your brain than with art? Download this free Fine Art Coloring book by emerging and established artists, including my favs Julie Curtiss and Kelly Beeman.  

I can feel those winds of change a-blowin, and I can’t wait to see you all again. May the post-quarantine makeovers begin!

Yours in safely, health and fashion,
Margaret

And The Winner Is

And the Winner Is…

Dear Friend,

Life in Lockdown has revealed a new clothing accessory: the FASHION FACE MASK. If you haven’t navigated the world of disposable, homemade, or custom masks, not to worry, I’ve done the research and my list of winners has emerged: 

• 3rd place: Buck Mason Antimicrobial Masks. I would liken this brand to Carhartt’s fancy little brother, so no floral patterns here, just a sturdy, efficient mask with a touch of street cred. The antimicrobial material lasts through 30 washes and is made from factory fabric remnants. 

• 2nd place: Beth Miles’ “Mother of all Masks”. Located in SF, Beth Miles creates these hand-made patchwork masks from upcycled denim, so naturally, I own one. If you’re a denim-head or fan of Ralph Lauren’s RRL, this is right up your indigo alley. 

• 1st place: St. John Knits Personal Care Face Masks. Made from a surplus of their classic knit pique, I’d call these masks the new gold standard for their comfort, breathability, and dare I say it: style. This iconic American brand is dusting off their former image with a new designer, taking this moment to put another feather in their proverbial fashion cap.

If your face mask game is already on fleek, then here’s how to get the rest of your wardrobe up to speed:

• Shop my Storefront for must-have Summer picks. You can shop the links, or click through and shop the websites on your own. Any purchases will connect back to me. (If you don’t see your size, color or other preferences, just ask me!) 

• Reach out directly for full access to my curated Storefronts, digital dressing rooms, and personal styling services. 

• Did you know we have Aurora Lopez Mejia jewelry at Jeffrey? You can choose from the designer’s custom talismanic jewelry, something we all need right now. Contact me for details - and it's not too late for Mother's Day gifts!

I’ll sign off with this prestigious (and heavily local) list of finalists for the James Beard Foundation Awards, including links for restaurant pick-up, gift cards and online delivery. Now we're all winning.

Yours in health, safety and fashion,
Margaret 

The Post Quarantine Dream

The Post Quarantine Dream

Dear Friend,

Well, we’re in for thirty more days of Quarantine but we can dream about re-emergence, just like Anna Wintour at Vogue. It also begs questions about how we’ll shop post re-emergence: will we go back to the mall and how will shopping change? When we’re ready, here’s how we can work together:

• Shopping safely by appointment in-store

• Socially distant in-home sessions

• FaceTime and Zoom digital dressing rooms

• Custom online Storefront shopping

Consuming fashion is not a “need,” obviously; it’s there for you as a pick-me-up on a bad day, reward on a good one, and for life in between. 

I want to know what YOU want. Please feel free to share your thoughts about how you want to shop with me in the future. After all, from change comes renewal and growth, and now is the perfect opportunity to adapt.

Meanwhile, here are options for that pick-me-up or reward, and also: don’t forget Mom!

• Shop my Storefront for my latest look books and Mother’s Day gift ideas.
  You can shop from the links, or click through and shop the websites on your own. Any purchases will connect back to me. (If you don’t see your size, color or item, just ask me!)

• Reach out directly to me for full access to my extensive Storefront and comprehensive personal styling services. I can curate a custom "store" and digital dressing room for you.

• Take a look at my latest spring shoe, bag and jewelry edits from Jeffrey.

Finally, because it’s just FUN, this 80’s song helped me find my “faith” again, and that’s definitely worth dreaming about. 

Yours in safety, health and George Michael,
Margaret

Are You Not Entertained

Are You not Entertained

Dear Friend,

It’s day 35, 36 or 107 of quarantine life, aka: the game called “Everything-Outside-The-House-Is-Hot-Lava.” Like me, maybe you’re weary of messaging about The Virus. That is important, but I’m more in need of pure entertainment right now.

So, here are 3 things entertaining me this week about humor, food and fashion while wearing my version of Sweatpants:

1. I love this totally accurate article on your Quarantine Personality, According to your Zodiac Sign from the ManRepeller blog, another fan of the Lava game.

2. I’m sick of banana bread. Here are 10 Things to Bake When You Don’t Have Flour that are mostly not banana bread. The recipes are gluten-free and have less than 10 ingredients. (Even I can handle that.)

3. You’re not living unless you get a farm animal to crash your next Zoom meeting. You’ll support our local farmers while you’re at it. 

Once the oxytocin hormones have kicked in, you’ll be ready to dream about your next vacation and the fierce wardrobe to go with it!

• Go ahead and visit my Storefront to fill your suitcase with all your beach holiday and mountain getaway desires. You can shop from the links there, or click through to any of the websites and shop on your own. Any purchases will connect back to me. (If you don’t see your size, just ask me!)

• You can also reach out directly to me for your comprehensive personal styling needs so you’re ready to go anywhere and at any time.

Quarantine life is hard, but don’t worry, we’ll be in that TSA line before you can say: “Are you not entertained?!?”

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret

The Future of Fashion

The Future of Fashion

Dear Friend,

Leave it to Vogue and Anna Wintour to gather the international fashion cognoscenti and grapple with the future of fashion and creativity in light of the pandemic. Yes ma’am, sign me up! I want to know what the fashion future holds, how our industry will recover and to change it for the better.

The question still remains: “What does one wear in this new version of the sartorial future?” Obviously, it must be modern, wearable, and stylish. Sweatpants don’t typically come to mind.

But, it’s a recurring cry lately: “Margaret, I need sweatpants!” If you know me at all, you know what I have to say about sweatpants is that I’d rather not.

Alas, these are desperate days, so, let’s consider that there are sweatpants for sleep (pajamas) and for working out (yoga pants). However, “Sweatpants” are the new dress code. “Sweatpants'' are modern, fun, stylish, luxurious and never, ever emblazoned with a conference logo. They can also be jeans and a sweater, or, my personal favorite, jeans and a hoodie.  

Below are some ways to shop my “Sweatpant” recommendations to get you out of your sweatpants. Many of the items are discounted 30% or more, so game on!

•  Shop and click my Storefront to browse and shop my Inspiration Boards and Products. You can shop those links, or click through and shop the websites on your own. Any purchases will connect back to me.

• Reach out directly to me for full access to my extensive Storefront and comprehensive personal styling services. I can curate a custom "store" that works like a digital dressing room, just for you! We can also talk personal shopping, closet editing, Style Guides and wardrobe refreshes. I offer a wide variety of packages - visit my website and contact me for details.

If you want more newsletters like this, respond to this email to sign-up. And last, for that extra edge in your next Zoom meeting, learn How to Look Good on Camera, According to Tom Ford. 

I’m excited to learn what Ms. Wintour envisions for the future. Surely, fashion and creativity will emerge stronger and more thoughtful, just be sure to wear your “Sweatpants.”

Yours in safely, health and fashion,  
Margaret

Is Shopping A Moral Imperative?

Is Shopping a Moral Imperative?

Dear Friend,

Shopping isn’t going to save the world, but it might lift your spirits.

Safety and health are the number one priorities, but, I’m also online ALL DAY, seeking answers, relief from boredom, and searching for comfort. Where I find solace is shopping; it’s where there’s connection, joy, and inspiration. So, I’m developing a new “virtual dressing room” format because the retail world might never be the same again, and we all need our fashion fix.

This article from the NYT’s Vanessa Friedman and subsequent discussion with Man Repeller perfectly encapsulates my current retail mood: I can still shop and not feel guilty!

Here are four ways to do some self-care shopping:

• Browse my curated recommendations for tops, pants, shoes, and bags from Moda Operandi. Send me a list of your favorites and I’ll take it from there! Shop directly from my curated store front and all purchases connect back to me.

• Shop current collections from Dries Van Noten, Celine and others available at Jeffrey. Contact me directly and I’ll get everything taken care of.

• Reach out directly so I can curate specific looks and items in a personal dressing room for you!

Last, I thought this program about brain plasticity in combating depression was SO relevant and important. And I love these 5 apps that can help us all stay CALM. If you want more shopping and notes from me, respond to this email to sign up for my weekly newsletter.

Sheltering in place isn’t fun, but it’s important to find a little joy where we can. Retail therapy never felt so close to saving the world!

Yours in safety, health and fashion,
Margaret