We’re 24 hours post-launch, and I’m quite pleased with how the Duchess of Sussex seems to have silenced her haters. I could feel those haters reaching for something, anything about her Smart Set capsule collection launch but even those complaints seemed to fall flat. “But the purse is expensive!” But it’s really not? That was one of the few arguments. So now that we’re awash with another successful Meghan project, let’s continue this vibe. Did you know that she and retailer John Lewis also organized little gift bags for the attendees of the launch? This is kind of remarkable for a royal event – royals generally don’t GIVE gifts, they are GIVEN gifts. And did you know that Meghan spoke without notes on purpose? LMAO.
Meghan, 38, launched the range on the rooftop of John Lewis’ flagship store on Oxford Street in London, where guests included fashion designer and good friend Misha Nonoo, members of the fashion industry, the media and Smart Works executives and beneficiaries. While fashion events usually include a glass of bubbly, only water was served throughout the launch and guests took home a goody bag worth £100, which included a Bobbi Brown lip tint, a cleanser, a S’well reusable water bottle and a leather card wallet on a strap.
Wearing the Misha Nonoo shirt and Jigsaw trousers from the collection, Meghan delivered her six-minute speech without notes, stopping only once at the beginning to “pause for sound” while sirens in Oxford Circus wailed. A royal source tells HELLO! that aides had offered to prepare notes for her speech, but she didn’t have any to hand when she spoke. At the end of her talk, Meghan admitted she had learned the John Lewis tote bag had already sold out while she was on her way to the launch in the car, urging brands to generously restock “so that everyone can play a part in this shared success story”. Friends of the Duchess told HELLO! that she came across on the podium “exactly how she always is in life – kind, eloquent and compassionate.”
We’re talking a lot about the Smart Set launch in the Gossip With Celebitchy podcast out on Monday. My feeling is that every part of it was a success, and that Meghan continues to shock all of the royal courtiers and members of the royal family with her work ethic and her ability to get down to business quietly and then launch something which is fully realized. And the fact that she can give a speech about it without notes is just the cherry on top.
Actress Jennifer Saunders is a patron of Smart Works and she was there. She’s a Meg fan!
Was excited and proud to be at the launch of #TheSmartSet today and so impressed with Duchess of Sussex who spoke with confidence and clarity and passion about this wonderful charity and without notes. How refreshing . She’s impressive and has come up with this brilliant idea. https://t.co/xAkOnGPY7T
— jennifer saunders (@ferrifrump) September 12, 2019
Photos courtesy of WENN and Avalon Red.
Meghan’s shoe game is strong. And this project is well-organized and practical. I hope it is a massive success.
Yes, those shoes are perfect.
I will be copying this look next week.
It’s a great look!
I see the PR firm Sunshine Sachs is spoon feeding you all.
@ Ari
And I can see you’re happily representing your own firm, Bitterson + Haters.
What a powerful speech! She’s glowing and I love her more and more.
If MF EDINA MONSOON is a fan… I swoon. What a nice little article about how well run and well done this launch was. And really, at this point, that just means there was no complaining or backhanded compliments in it.
LOL!!!!! The Shredder is impressed!!!!
Hahahaha! I forgot about that nickname!!!
OMG I JUST REMEMBERED THAT EPISODE!! Penny Casper (dying laughing)
Edina all day!!!!
Her acting background certainly helped to provide some of the confidence to speak without notes, but her genuine passion & commitment towards this cause (and all she does, really) made this such a successful speech. She isn’t just a figurehead, she is deeply committed and involved and it shows.
Not all actors are necessarily confident and good public speakers, it is just that this comes naturally to Meghan.
Sure, but the point I was making is that her passion, enthusiasm and genuine interest in the cause made her confident enough not to need notes. The acting and all the related training and experience played a role – her posture is always impeccable, and she is good at not always revealing emotions, what’s she’sthinking etc.- but I think she believes in her work and is therefore confident speaking about it with conviction.
@jules I agree with you completely
She is on video at 12/13 giving her middle school graduation speech.
@amandala If you can speak in public AT ALL then in no way are you useless. If you have a job requiring you to present then in no way are you useless. I’m not sure if you were joking about this but please don’t say you’re useless. plus you’re on this site so you can’t be all bad!
plus, don’t forget she’s an actress used to learning and memorising lines and delivering them.
I’ve read the posts here over the last few days.
Needing notes – apparently useless and unprepared.
It took me a long time to work up confidence. A lot of people feel the same. And there are always those ready to tell us we should just sit down and be quiet.
This has nothing to do with not needing notes meaning you are a better speaker, it means we have one Duchess who actually cares about speaking. It has nothing to do with you.
Right, so when I need notes I don’t care about my speaking.
Why are you internalizing this so much? I repeat, it has nothing to do with you. It’s about observations of Kate speaking vs Meghan speaking. If Kate cared that much we’d be able to tell even if she used notes for it, anyway.
You’re all over these posts throwing strawmen at people who like Meghan, I’ve noticed.
It’s not that Kate uses notes. It’s that she reads straight from the notes, like she hasn’t even cared enough to read through the speech beforehand.
And it was Kate’s fourth (?) garden show event. She should be able to talk about it in her sleep by now.
Maybe we are crediting Kate with abilities that she simply does not have.
Amandala, there is a BIG difference between being prepared and needing notes to refer to (which a LOT of us do), and reading your notes because you’re not prepared and have never looked them over (P. William “I never read the briefs” Wales).
Public speaking is nerve wracking for a lot of people. Meg is a natural. Thanks all.
Um, wow.
Baytampabay
Kate has that ability. Every so often kate blows everyone away with proper clothes, being on time and speaking clearly. It is very rare and she purposely set the bar low, but it happens so we know she is capable. And we see when she is not. When she arrives late (if at all) or she appears to have some idea what she’s speaking about. Not just pushed on stage with notes she’s reading for the 1st time.
@Maria you’re the one who brought up Kate and one duchess caring about speaking etc. We were having a conversation about nerves, ability etc. so your statement “I repeat, it has nothing to do with you” is incorrect because it was her I was talking to and about, her nerves, her take on her ability and her feelings. Neither of us mentioned Kate or Meghan being in competition, that was you. “It’s about observations of Kate speaking vs Meghan speaking”. Again, incorrect. Kate isn’t even mentioned in the post.
I was not replying to you. That’s why there is the option to create subthreads. I saw amandala’s statement about the posts from the past few days (undoubtedly regarding Kate due to the mention of having notes during speeches) and mentioned why people were discussing it. It is a reference to the other posts.
Let’s be clear: Just because someone is an Actor that doesn’t automatically qualify them as an excellent speaker.
Thank you. I roll my eyes at the people who keep pushing this idiotic claim because many actors are terrible at giving speeches, prepared or otherwise.
I don’t think I’ve seen an actor give a bad speech, just overly long, worthy, sometimes political but never be bad at it. Ann Hathaway thanking Victor Hugo was hilarious but she didn’t do it badly.
Sean Penn is an awful public speaker. Just watch that time at the Academy Awards when he presented Sandra Bullock with an Oscar. Yikes!!!
As someone once said to me, “They are actors and there’s a reason they need a script.” It’s rare for an actor to be able to speak eloquently off the cuff. Brits fortunately frequently defy this rule because they usually have a better education and British society as a whole is more articulate.
@Bella Bella – I’ll have to disagree with your claim that our society is more articulate as a whole, there are large swathes who would fall right off that train! One thing I would probably say is that if people are not able to articulate themselves they may fall back on sarcasm or some other attempt at humour to distract from the fact. Which may sometimes work, or can sometimes do the opposite and just be disrespectful.
That is very true Julie. I’ve heard many famous actors and actresses say that when they are speaking as themselves and not a character, they get very anxious.
I agree not always. But, in general, I think it helps. I did speech team and drama in high school and college, and it’s been hugely helpful in life. I’m comfortable with public speaking, and even when something goes wrong, I can wing it.
Thank you, I feel like they bring that up to diminish Meghan’s ability. Have you seen “baby Meghan” delivering her middle school graduation speech; she’s far superior to anything Kate has ever read… Kate reads as if she’s never seen the words before
In most cases it is because she probably hasn’t seen them before. Kate was able to sing in public as a kid so she doesn’t have this debilitating stage fright that people pretend she has as an excuse for giving poor speeches. She just doesn’t put the work in. And people have noted that she has improved because she has probably put in more effort than before.
Exactly, believe it or not, many actors are quite shy and uncomfortable when they are not on script. I used to believe that people in entertainment were always “on” but surprisingly they are like anyone else, it just depends on their personality.
The dumbest criticism I found was the “she’s contributing to fast fashion and wrecking the environment” complaint that was discussed here. The privileged bragging about buying sustainable clothes was outrageous, imo. How about we let people buy whatever clothes they like, fit, and can afford? And how about we instead put the onus on companies to do better? People should not feel forced, ever, to spend more to protect the environment. That just lets big business off the hook.
Oh, and ladies bragging about thrift shopping for bargains: thrift shop goods should be left for people who can’t afford anything else. Consignment/resale shops are another thing, but thrift shops like salvation army, etc. are literal charities for the impoverished. Don’t snap up their merchandise. That 5$ blouse you could afford to spend more on should go to the woman for who 5$ is already a stretch.
The mission of Goodwill is job training, the mission of the Salvation Army is charity. They want everyone to buy their stuff so they can use the proceeds to fund those programs.
There are many points to quibble with some thrift store places but I wholeheartedly disagree that what they sell is meant for the poor.
They want to give the poor turkeys, Christmas toys for their kids, and job training at no cost. They want everyone to buy your grandma’s comforter.
First time poster! But responding because I feel like I finally have something to say! I shop at Salvation Army because I have to. I would rather shop somewhere else. I would LOVE to buy something new. I can purchase things there that I wouldn’t have unless I shop there. I think it’s great to provide Christmas festivity, but I can live without a Christmas meal……although it would be sad. I can’t live without some of the essentials that I need throughout the year. I wouldn’t have these without charity shops.
I disagree that thrift shops should just be for those with no other options. I have enough money that I could buy new clothes, but not enough that I could buy good quality clothes. With two small kids thrift stores let me buy them a good assortment of quality clothes instead of just buying them the basics from Walmart. I can get myself items of clothing that I would never splurge on if I had to buy them new, and it makes me feel great and gives me confidence. Any clothing, toys or household goods we no longer use get given back to charity. Maybe because I live in a large city it’s different? There are plenty of thrift stores where I live and they are full of middle class moms looking for a deal. There is a high turn over in merchandise, yet the stores are always full, there is never any shortage of clothes. The charities make lots of money which allows them to engage in more charitable activities so everyone wins.
Please don’t assume that just because someone is commenting here that the have or have always had money. I’ve ‘bragged’ about past consignment finds… turning a period where i had little money into a revised history of thrift and creativity. I agree that places like the Salvation Army should be left if possible for those truly in need. But at a few times I wasn’t much above that. I may have looked like it. Was employed and needed to look presentable for work but had very little left over income. Please don’t be quick to judge
It was a valid question, though, that was raised. Instead of manufacturing more depreciating assets, why not use the funds to provide the women to shop for clothes that are already in stores? Some people have bought the bag and are reselling on EBay already. That extra money is not going to the charity.
Because that is a lot more cumbersome for the charity. SmartWorks has the clothes there, at the site. They don’t take the women shopping in stores. Can you imagine the manpower necessary for that? they help the women choose an outfit out of what is already there, so this is a way to make sure there is an ample supply of classic work clothes for them to choose from. Then they get interview and resume tips, etc. SmartWorks isn’t a personal shopping service.
“Some people have bought the bag and are reselling on EBay already. That extra money is not going to the charity.”
Welcome to capitalism and the free market. Nothing is perfect. There are downsides to everything.
I always forget and underestimate some people’s ability to be prats. Nice move making a profit reselling items that are are tied to this. Don’t imagine they are giving any of those profits to charity. Will the collection be restocked? If so please wait to buy rather than buying a resell. I’d even purchase another item from one of the partners of this. It might give them incentive to remain a partner. Please don’t reward the opportunistic scavenging resellers
Because of the one for one scheme, the pieces being bought are going directly to Smart works and then directly to a woman needing them. The fact that the bag is sold out means the project is working. A woman in need of a work bag is still getting her bag. I appreciate a more hands on project than her just tossing money at a cause and letting them figure it out. There are necessary complaints about fast fashion, but this project to me isn’t one of them.
@Bebe: It sucks that people are reselling on eBay & trying to profit off the back of a charitable initiative. But their original purchase still helps the charity, does it not? Isn’t that the point of the initiative?
Who cares if people are reselling..when they bought it, the charity got their match – success. If they gave ppl the money to buy outfits r they supposed to check to see if spend all the money on clothes.
The charity’s model is to give their clients clothes. this project is doing that.
@ Becks I see what you mean, but how does the 1:1 model ensure that the women receive what they need? For example, if someone buys the shirt and a shirt is donated to SmartWorks, what if it is in a size no one needs? Doesn’t a money donation ensure that the women are able to select pieces that are the right size and fit? If they choose from clothes that are already in circulation, this eliminated the waste of producing a garment that may be donated but never worn.
@BEBE Smartworks is able to request the size they need of the item that is donated when it is purchased. A few of the items that are featured in the collection were not new, but taken from already produced pieces from the brands. If Meghan were to just donate money, how would that ensure that all the women are receiving those donations? How would that money be alloted? The pieces are high quality basic staples that wont ever go out of style for the working woman, which is what was in high need as said so by the women themselves.
No, but that original purchase means a bag is going to the charity & then to a woman who needs & will use it.
I was one who said I thrift. I’ve done so for a long time, specifically because I didn’t have a lot of money but needed to look professional. I got my current job wearing a suit I bought on eBay. I am a little more financially comfortable, but still need to save money where I can. My issues with fast fashion are that it’s cheap (plastic) clothes, and they fall apart within a few wears. Polyester and fast fashion is one of the biggest causes of pollution. It’s not a knock at the collection, DoS didn’t create the fast fashion industry. However in the past she’s worn and supported ethical fashion in the past and I would have liked a bit of that here.
I also brought up buying secondhand and sustainable. Which is something I personally have been more conscious about for about a year. I don’t consider it privilege when I have to save up to buy something, it keeps me from mindless spending on quantity vs quality.
That would have also meant the prices of those clothes would have been very expensive if she went the ethical route for this collection.
I really don’t get the “fast fashion” criticism either. Fast fashion is clothes that are trendy and go out of style quickly and are cheap so people don’t feel as bad if they don’t want to wear them. These clothes are classics that will be worn over and over again. Isn’t that what the anti-fast fashion people say, don’t buy cheap throw-away clothing, instead buy things that you can wear for a long time?
@Rapunzel – The core principles of everyday environmentalism are reduce, reuse, recycle. Buying fewer clothes, or buying clothes from the resale market accomplishes all of those goals. No one has to spend more money to protect the environment, they just need to make informed choices about the money they already spend.
Thrift shops throw away–yes throw away –massive amounts of clothing because they cannot sell it as fast as they accumulate it. People shopping at these stores will NOT deplete merchandise. And the more people who shop there, the more money these places have to spend on other charitable projects.
I have worked at and with many thrift shops–trust me, they are not hurting for goods. They are hurting for cash. The Salvation Army actually spends on advertising trying to draw more customers into their shops.
Shop away everyone, please!
Unfortunately, the Salvation Army is a religious franchise.
I agree w your comment about thrift stores. I used to be real real poor and couldn’t afford new clothes. Now that I have money, not a lot but I can buy new clothes, I don’t think I should still shop at goodwill, salvation army, etc. You’re right, save it for the people who can’t afford anything else.
This rollout was pretty flawless in my opinion. The mild criticism she is getting for various things is almost laughable, because its so obvious that the critics are reaching.
Re: the speech, of course her background and training helps with memorizing a speech, but not all actors are good public speakers. She is. She comes across as genuine and warm, and you can tell she really believes in what she is saying, which is an important part of a good speech.
Agree. She looks great, she sounds great and she’s making a tangible positive difference. I’m very impressed by it all.
I love the collection. 10/10 would wear, and Meg is doing an amazing job with the roll out. I hate leather, though, and it’s so unnecessary. Brands like Vera Bradley make stylish, affordable work totes without leather…but I was giving the capsule collection a pass on using leather because they’re for a good cause. The gift bags, though? C’mon.
I gave the gift bags a pass. It was a nice gesture. Think it would have been nice if people had donated them to smartworks after receiving them. the actual clients would probably very much appreciate the items in the bag
Gift bags are usually donated by the sponsors of the charity event. It’s not an issue.
It’s not “not an issue.” Meghan has done nothing wrong if that’s what you mean, but the mass production of beef & leather has reached unsustainable levels and even small reductions here and there can have a huge global impact. Nothing wrong with saying here’s a necessary use of leather but here’s one we can reduce.
Love her and well done Duchess!!
My only complaint is that the models chosen did not represent different body styles. All of them, real-life SmartWorks success stories, were thin, young, and attractive. I would have liked to have seen greater age and body size representation among the models chosen.
I don’t think Meghan has done this charity any favours in the long run. I feel like she has basically damaged the reputation of SmartWorks.
Instead of “shining a light” on the charity and the amazing good they do, she found them lacking. So the impression everyone now has of SmartWorks is that they are essentially a junk shop – with women unable to put a nice outfit together.
The capsule collection will sell for 2 weeks. After the 1 for 1 outfits are gone from SmartWorks, what then?
I think Meghan should have highlighted the donation of work clothes aspect to encourage more women to give to SmartWorks. It feels like she visited and said this stuff isn’t good enough!
I’m sure the women prior to Meghan making her comments were very happy with the selection and many, many, many great outfits were put together for them.
I guess I don’t see how this benefits the charity in the long term. I think she wants to swoop in and be a saviour for every charity, every time. That worked for Grenfell with the cookbook as that can continue to sell forever, but what happens when the capsule collection no longer benefits SmartWorks?
She has forever tainted them as not having clothes that are decent enough without the help of the capsule.
@Cat Ca,
Can Meghan not go out to other retailers, ask for help, put together another capsule collection and make this an annual event?
Hello,
Yes, she absolutely could make this an annual event, however that will make the charity dependent on Meghan.
@Cat Ca, What do you think Smart Works should do for the next fund raiser?
“tainted?” You know, there are other places where you can make that kind of “critique.” Say, a racist tumblr? Daily Fail comments? Shoo! (Points broom in your direction).
@lanne, Yesterday, in another thread, when I gave examples of “merching” I was not responding to you personally but answering a question you posed rhetorically in your post. If I offended you, please except my apology.
no prob, BTB!
Meghan did not insult or damage the charity. She said that the charity was missing staple pieces in multiple sizes. The SmartWorks CEO is ecstatic to have Meghan as a patron because the exposure and donations have been monumental. I haven’t seen any negative articles or reports about SmartWorks. The only negatives I see are from people on the internet who are trying to tear down and nitpick this project.
And now, maybe when people donate to SmartWorks, they’ll think about what they are donating. Or maybe more people will have now heard of SmartWorks and will donate money to the organization.
Ugh, Meghan is the patron. She’s not going to abandon Smart Works after this current campaign. Furthermore, I’m sure the exposure the charity has received since Meghan became their patron has significantly increased their clothing and cash donations.
I don’t see it at all that way, but to each their own. If showing up and creating initiatives where the charity is highlighted, the women are celebrated, and a problem is actually being solved is swooping in and being a savior then I think she should swoop away.
You’ve been on point today, Taryn. Kudos!
LOL ok. The desperation of certain people to find something, ANYTHING wrong with this project is hilarious.
I know, because patrons are supposed to have MAGICAL POWERS and solve every problem that could possibly arise. If they can’t do that, then they are “tainting” the charity! (I’m not letting that go. It’s hella RACIST, no matter what your intention was Cat Ca. C’mon. Either you know better or you don’t care. Troll elsewhere!)
SERIOUSLY. They want so much for Meghan to be wrong the mental gymnastics are insane. SmartWorks has just sold out their upcoming charity event in five days, but Meghan is harmful. The reach!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Step Right Up! Step Right Up!
Behind this curtain we have a AAA Hater. It bends! It contorts! It knows it ALL And Hisses its Hateration Everywhere!
OMG I love this!!!!
LOL.
You tried it, though.
@cat_ca, this is such an unbelievable reach. She’s “tainted” them? Seriously? Most Britons didn’t know jack about Smartworks before she became the patron. Now they’ve seen a huge upswing in philanthropy and donations. Please stop.
@Cat ca
Meghan didn’t get involved with SmartWorks to become their “saviour” she became a patron because she believed in their program and the works they were doing already. SHE didn’t find them lacking, she got the idea from her visits and many sit-downs with the founders and the people involved in their charity program. She heard THEIR concerns with the type of donations they were receiving, So anything that was deemed “lacking” in SmartWorks came from them themselves, not Meghan, she listened and she got an idea to help based on their conversations.
I highly doubt if SmartWorks felt they were hindered or made to look bad by Meghan’s involvement and idea, that they would have greenlit this project.
Also in her speech, she didn’t mention anything criticizing SmartWorks or their program, she just saw and heard FROM THEM that they were not receiving the best or most needed type of donations. Voicing this could actually help future donors think critically about the quality and the purpose of the items they are donating, instead of just giving them pieces that they no longer like, might be out of date, or slightly worn out, or not useful for certain work environments.
“I’m sure the women prior to Meghan making her comments were very happy with the selection and many, many, many great outfits were put together for them. –Oh really?? your SO SURE about this, surer than SmartWorks, the people in their program, and Meghan, who all actually met multiple times and decided to go ahead with this together? Perhaps Meghan should quit and you should become the patron seeing as you seem to know what’s best for them better than all of them. /s
I think this will have highly positive effects on their donation program in the future.
During her speech her and the CEO joked that there was a rack of 40 lilac colored blazers. So the donations they were getting were indeed pieces that women didn’t want to wear anymore. MAYBE there were some good pieces, but not nearly enough. Meghan went about this in a very smart way. She brought in British retailers to support, and the scheme ensures that Smartworks gets to choose the sizes they need before the item is donated in pieces that are actually new and good quality, stylish, and makes the women feel good.
hahahahahaha. She has damaged the reputation? Hahaha
Tell me where to send the money, cause your comedy act is the funniest I heard in a while
See, I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt, and assuming you were joking and not just another bitter jealous hater
@ Cat Ca You must have never been to a thrift shop in your life. If you did, you would know that it can be hard to find the basics. The reason being is that this stuff doesn’t go out of style so people tend to keep them until they wear out and are not fit to be worn. And I’m sure that the women themselves talked about how hard it was to put together an outfit and some pieces were still lacking. So rather than go out and spend money they probably can’t afford, they will be gifted items to make a smart outfit. Also I personally find your comment to be very condescending, like “these women should be happy for what they get”. How typical, are you a Turnip Toff?
This is exactly why i’m not getting the fast fashion critique of this specific launch. Women need pieces exactly like this in their wardrobe. You can’t just tell these women “go thrift something” when that takes time and effort and is not a guaranteed method at all. The dress was already in production and in M&S stores, the collection features a high quality shirt, pant, and blazer that will last for years, and so will the bag as well. Isn’t that the whole point of non fast fashion?
I believe next year Ed Sheeran will be launching his capsule collection for SmartWorks which will solve this issue.
This has to be one of the most bizarre comments in contrast to the actual situation that I have ever read on this site. And I have lurked here a looong time.
Edina!
The haters have tried to get criticisms to stick and nothing has. Ha! This was an excellent launch and a rousing success.
I went to buy the dress last night and all of the long versions were sold out. I have a question…how short is the dress? I’m short (5’1). Would the regular dress hit my knees or thigh?
“The haters have tried to get criticisms to stick and nothing has. Ha! This was an excellent launch and a rousing success.”
On other sites when the mud thrown against the Smart Set project would not stick, the haters fell back and retreated to attacking Meghan personally and body shamming her. It is still really ugly out there for Meghan. I try not to get too comfortable on CB by going out on other sites to see what is being posted and trying to figure out why.
Racism. I’s really that simple. It’s just shocking to see how much of it there is out there. And racists feel emboldened when they can hide in anonymity. What’s really disheartening is that most of those toxic commenters are probably not basement dwelling knuckle draggers. They are likely “nice looking” women who are sitting next to us at the nail salon, in line at the sandwich shop, at the playground with their kids, bringing baked goods for the office. I think there are a lot of Jeckyll/Hyde Beckies out there. I wish that were not true, because I like to assume the best about people. But that’s a dangerous attitude–I learned that in 2016 (and I was crazy naive/lucky to be able to go that long without realizing that).
@lanne, For me it is important to be aware of the hate and racism out there in the world because I will not come across it in daily life. I have learned more about racism at CB than any other place.
The regular dress would hang like a potato sack on any woman’s frame as its cutting pattern is nonexistent. Probably looks good on a plank. Wear that dress to any job interview for any job and they characterize you as “pauper” and “no style” = doesn’t fit in here.
Oh for heavens sake. Go tell a child there’s no such thing as Santa and you will have done your horses ass deed for the day. Really? Puh—leez!
Hope you’re not on any hiring panels.
Wow! I’ve been on a number of hiring panels and I’ve never once thought someone too poorly dressed to hire. I will admit I’m impressed by those who come in looking sharp in a suit and tie or dress/pants/blazer combos, but it doesn’t really sway me either way.
The only time someone’s clothing impacted me was when they looked like they’d slept in their clothing and smelled like they hadn’t showered in a month. I had concern for their general emotional/mental state and their ability to care for themselves/handle the pressure inherent in this particular job. But I’ve never thought someone didn’t dress cool enough to fit in with us. And I don’t think I’m some paragon of virtue – I’m pretty judgy actually.
Four months doesnt seem like enough mat leave to me, is that the typical amount of time new Moms get in the UK? Finding nice business clothes at a reasonable price is hard so I think this was a great initiative. Way to go Duchess Meg. Also on a completely superficial note, she looks great.
I believe she went in maternity leave a month prior to the due date. And Archie came late so overall it was probably just under six months total, four months post-Archie.
Yes, it does seem short for the UK (and most other industrialized countries for that matter) but I guess since her role gives her the flexibility to have the baby with her (or close by) most of the time, it made sense to go back when she felt ready.
In the UK women can get up to 1 year mat leave although I think after 6 months they stop getting any sort of salary (not sure – never had a child and am British). From what I understand so most British mums going back after 4 months is unusual as most take at least 6 months but am basing this one people I know.
Here’s a deep cut. When the queen became concerned that Katie Waity was not a productive member of society, her parents called some friends, who happened to own Jigsaw, and got her a few-days-a-week job as an “accessories buyer” there, If memory serves, she didn’t even last long there. And now Jigsaw is participating in Meghan’s project. Dunno if that’s a purposeful dig, but if it is, well played.
I don’t think its a dig on Meghan’s part, but I think its hilarious bc the RRs are making it like it was a “tribute” on Meghan’s part or something. People Mag has a bit about the “sweet connection” between Meghan’s initiative and Kate. I mean, come on now lol.
I think Jigsaw was asked to be part of Smart Set because it is a very respectable company with an online and brick & mortar presence in the USA.
TopShop could not have been part of this due to all problems with Philip “Sir Shifty” Green. Even the Daily Fail is after Sir Shifty Green so he is now toast.
I suppose some special tea blend or coffee could’ve been part of the initiative as a nod to Kate’s contribution of fetching coffee and tea for people who worked at Jigsaw.
“special tea blend or coffee” Oh my gosh!! Hahahaha. Winner! I doubt, she’d stoop down to fetch coffee or tea for anybody else though.
Lol I remember that detail from the time. Also,
“Kate arranged the job with founder Belle Robinson, accommodating her schedule which required flexibility for her royal-girlfriend commitments, and so she worked three days a week with everyone else in its London office.”
Royal-girlfriend commitments. Lolol.
DeeDee…oh my! Lol!!
Wow. Are we laughing at people who have fetched tea/coffee as part of their job now? I was raised to believe a job is a job.
@Your Cousin Vinny, no one is laughing at “people who fetch tea/coffee as part of their job” so stop with the fake outrage. But if you are a graduate from a prestigious and expensive college and that is all you aspire to….? A make-work job until your boyfriend proposes? Yeah, you get the side-eye. It’s not like Kate was a high school student intern fetching coffee.
Kate basically had an intern’s job despite being the most educated female royal eva and at three days a week she could only last a few months. Her work ethic was pathetic and remains so to this day.
@msiam, there was no outrage (fake or otherwise). I asked a simple question and provided my own two cents that a job is a job. Stop with the hyperbole and accusations.
I wonder if other retailers will approach Smart Works to continue the project? Would be so cool if 12-18 months from now there’s some additions to the collection
I adore Meghan and will support anything she does!!! The Royal Family is so lucky to have her!!!!
I made the mistake of reading the comments of a message board that hates Meghan yesterday and they said that by criticizing the lilac blazers, she was insulting anyone who liked purple. And that how dare she have a red item in her collection after criticizing lilac.
So…. the haters will always find new things to criticize. But she continues to amaze the rest of us!
I missed that. What did she say about lilac blazers??
There was a rack at Smart works full of lilac blazers.
Yeah LaineyGossip predicted there would be outrage over that from haters lol! The point is we often donate things we don’t like and wouldn’t use ie. lilac blazers. Through this initiative quality pieces in basic colours that work for most people will end up at Smart Works. It was a great point that she boldly made and good on her.
The point about lilac blazers was that they aren’t the most practical thing. Maybe you can wear one to a job interview with black pants (but not to a place that may still expect a full suit for an interview) or with a black dress or skirt, but it’s not as versatile as a basic black blazer is. That’s not a slam against lilac. It’s acknowledging the expectations of the job market. A woman is likely to get a lot more wear out of a nice black blazer than a lilac one.
“I made the mistake of reading the comments of a message board that hates Meghan yesterday”
@Jan, It is never a mistake to know evil exist and where it hides its ugly face.
I agree w your comment about thrift stores. I used to be real real poor and couldn’t afford new clothes. Now that I have money, not a lot but I can buy new clothes, I don’t think I should still shop at goodwill, salvation army, etc. You’re right, save it for the people who can’t afford anything else.
Brava, Meghan. Always focused, always rising above, always delivering.
So happy for Smart Works who provide such a vital service, and so happy for all the women who’ll benefit from this initiative.
What I really love about Meghan’s approach to her patronages is that she takes none of them lightly. They’re not there to serve her. She’s shown, in the relatively short time she’s been able to use her Duchess platform for good, that If she’s on board, then she’s on board for life.
Just… Brava. <3
This event should not have been done on Sept 11.
It wasn’t. It was on September 12
Say what peanuts, emphasis on nuts.
Oh Peanuts! What a bona fide idiot you are!
Just so you know, the 12th is not the 11th. It’s the day after the 11th.
Poor old you, so desperate to find fault that you lose the ability to count!
That’s a lie, @Peanuts. Now, what else you got? Did @Cat ca steal your ‘best’ talking points? These hater criticisms are getting more and more desperate and ridiculous, and this one just lowered the IQ of the entire thread to room temperature.
Erin… totally agree with you! There were several of us kids growing up and my Mom on her limited income would buy a lot of cheap stuff. Well, she’d have to replace these clothes every few months because of lack of quality. Not trying to be a snob, but give me quality over quantity any day. A few quality items can go a long ways.
I just LOVE Edina’s shade about not using notes – LOL!
These royal threads seem to have been inundated with a bunch of new pro-Dolittle posters. Hmm!!!
which included a Bobbi Brown lip tint, a cleanser, a S’well reusable water bottle and a leather card wallet on a strap
I think I would rather have the Pounds 100 in cash.
I would bet dollars to donuts that she works really hard to improve her skills. That she puts a lot of time and effort into getting what she does right because that’s the kind of person she is and part of what I admire about her.
She’s been successful at trying to feed and clothe the vulnerable in her new home. I wonder what she is going to do next, maybe the UK version of Habitat for Humanity. I’m thrilled to see what new projects she comes up with.
Why is she so orange? She never used to have so much color in her face. And her hair is a mess in her face she is always touching it so we see her ring. Maybe not so empowered after all.
It’s the light bulbs. And the wind is blowing her hair, how else should she brush it back from her face if not with her hands?
@Nuts, it’s called pregnancy hormones, sometimes it darkens the skin. Does it bother you, what color she is? Why? Let me guess. And all the royal ladies are dripping with jewels, do you complain about them too?
Just stop, @Peanuts. You don’t like her, so why stalk the internet for comment sections about her? Go comment on the Keen or Cain threads. There’s obviously nothing on the Duchess of Sussex threads that doesn’t make you feel resentful.
Uh, it’s called melanin. And glowing. She looked amazing. Glowing.
No it is overuse of tanning lotion and bronzer. Her hands are white and her face orange. Ladies, dislike of this person is not always about race. In this case, it’s eondering why she is the color of a crayola crayon
@Peanuts,
So, you admit you dislike the Duchess of Sussex but here you are again. You have no clue what changes the DoS’ body has gone through with her pregnancy and you have no clue what skincare regime she applies. You just make sh*t up and repeat stupid sh*t you’ve read elsewhere on hater sites, and then come here and not expect someone not to provide common sense, intelligent responses to your canned hater comments. You are fixated and seriously punching above your weight here. This is not Tumblr, DF, Twitter, IG or hater sh*t sites like L(TO), RD or RG where stupidity is the norm.
I just adore her. We are behind you Meghan. We support you.
Hear, hear!!!
Full, 100%, unwavering support!
😉 😉 😉
Talk about Cringe! To see an old lady or ANYONE for that matter, curtsying to this fraud makes me sick to my stomach.
Does your tummy wummy hurt? Maybe it’s that gaping hollowness inside. Poor baby, must be so hard for you.
Lol!
Well, prepare to carry a permanent sick bag around, because this particular “Fraud” is going to be receiving curtsies, applause, praise and adulation for the foreseeable future. Hope you enjoy the thought!
🙂
@moon, who give a sh*t what you and that peaNut think. Why don’t you take your jealous selves back to commenting on the daily fail.
You know, this racist troll may bring a positive with them. I feel like often when some of us say “Meghan gets abused” others who may not hang out on twitter or the like think we are exaggerating and thus don’t understand why we are so defensive of Meghan.
This. This is why. It’s not made up or in our heads. People say sh*t like this about her on the regular. they egg the RRs on.
And for the record, they say this sh*t on the royal family and Sussex royal IGs or the royal family’s Twitter, and no one is blocked or deleted. Mention Andrew and Epstein though…….
Mention Andrew and Epstein though…….
Yep. It’s the same on the Daily Fail – a free for all for those commenters (bots?) who crucify Meghan, but each Andy comment is screened and vetted before being published. Only tame or favourable ones are shown. Go figure.
I live in London an am extremely annoyed it was an event for a small crowd of rich people instead of allowing for some tickets for members of the public. I would have really wanted to see her
The worst part is that people care more about Meghan’s galas than her work.
Her outfit looks professional, nice, I think she’s still navigating post pregnancy weight and clothes and that’s normal
I feel like this is the way to live. Her acting background helps, she’s confident, perfect posture and seems like a passionate extravert.
But what sold me here was her genuine smile, it’s so cute! Also she didn’t try (at least to me) to change her accent too much. She is glowing. Definitely smarter than Harry (sorry dude, not your league but you’re fun and have a title).
The blonde lady she was walking with in a flowery dress though… Couldn’t help but think of Kate.
Meghan, borrow me your shoes.