The Duchess of Sussex finally arrived at the launch of her Smart Set collection, which is what it’s being called – not “the SmartWorks collection,” it’s the Smart Set capsule collection. When people buy the Misha Nonoo white button-down or the John Lewis tote or the Jigsaw blazer and trousers, one will be donated to SmartWorks. This scheme is such a great idea, and items are already selling out. I hope Meghan, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Jigsaw were prepared for the demand for these items, and I hope they have enough in stock long-term.
Meghan arrived to the John Lewis roof terrace, which is where the launch took place. She wore items from the capsule collection – that’s the Misha Nonoo blouse and the Jigsaw trousers. Super-cute, and showing off the versatility of those items, and how they’ll probably look good on most body types too. She accessorized with… Princess Diana’s butterfly earrings.
Here are some videos from Omid Scobie of Meghan’s speech… which she did without notes??? LMAO, I love her.
Meghan — wearing a @mishanonoo shirt, trousers from @InsideJigsaw and earring that belonged to Princess Diana — welcomes guests and tells the #SmartSetCollection story… pic.twitter.com/KatAzqXNhj
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 12, 2019
“It was just last September that we launched the Together cookbook with the women of the Hubb Kitchen,” says Meghan. “Now, one year later, I am excited to celebrate the launch of another initiative of women supporting women, and communities working together for the greater good.” pic.twitter.com/LxfWcOLJi9
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 12, 2019
Meghan concludes her remarks and talks about the importance of women supporting other women💪🏻💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿 #SmartSetCollection pic.twitter.com/OQFdN7eYhK
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 12, 2019
Photos courtesy of WENN.
So beautiful!!
Also I had some wine and made a poorly advised Sephora run last night after reading about Meghan’s fave products so if anyone needs recommendations let me know, lol.
I do. Please. Thank you!
I have combo skin, dehydrated and congested. I’m also looking for something for my mother whom has oily skin.
I only bought the products I read she loved, but I really recommend the Tatcha line, I’ve been using it for awhile and the classic Rice Polish and the Luminous Dewy Skin Mist/Mask products are so nice, hydrating without being heavy, I feel like they’d work with all skin types!
@Melissa Manifesto – we have a similar skin type. Try the Niacinamide + Zinc serum by The Ordinary as it does wonders for congested skin! Cleared my congested pores and got rid of 90% of my acne. I will forever repurchase it.
Stay clear from matte things as they usually cause more harm than good. Use gel creams and hydrating toners. You can use a heavier cream at night but try it out before committing to it. I love Weleda creams.
I highly recommend the Tatcha line too. I have oily skin and the Water Cream Moisturizer is awesome. It’s expensive for me but I sometimes I get it from qvc rather than Sephora so I can pay month by month.
Ummm what are Meghan’s favorite products?? Did I miss that post? lol
It wasn’t a post, I just googled old interviews haha
🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️
The Dior Lip Glow in Coral, Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria lipstick, Tatcha products, the Jo Malone Wild Bluebell and Wood Sage and Sea Salt perfumes, the YSL Touche Eclat are all her faves! I didn’t get them allll because of $$$ but yeah lol
Fresh Sugar lip balm, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, DiorShow Iconic, NARS Orgasm. Why do I know these things? And these are just things that are at Sephora. I absolutely cried looking at all of this. Does anyone else get exceptionally cry baby during their birthday?
Happy birthday N!! Treat yourself to a Duchess approved fave haha
JML Wild Bluebell and Wood Sage and Sea Salt are my two favorites. I didn’t know she favored them as well.
N- Happy Birthday!
Thank you ladies. I promise I wasn’t fishing. Just being a crybaby. Wild Bluebell and Wood Sage and Sea Salt smell delightful combined! They never last long enough. I may disgust everyone but I will spray perfume on my armpit and it really does last. The scent stays true!
@Melissa Manifesto
I really enjoy the water gel cream from Tatcha for a light moisturizer splurge. Their Violet-C mask is also awesome when used consistently. The only mask I have seen results from.
NARS Orgasm is amazing – I have the blusher powder and the multi stick.
Am in the UK so we don’t get Tatcha but its seem quite expensive – is it worth the money?
No. They are beautifully packaged and the schtick is based on geisha. The company was also acquired in June by Unilever that has Axe, Dove, and Vaseline in their portfolio. I don’t doubt that there will be formula changes soon. The only product I will repurchase is the Pearl for an eye moisturizer/concealor combo with make up.
I have dry skin so I got the Nars Orgasm blush in liquid form. It is going to last me 20 years! The formula is so concentrated I only need the tiniest drop.
I’m taking a screen shot of this so I won’t forget or have to look it back up!
You’re out here doing the Lords work.
I have Jo Malone Wild Bluebell and I LOVE it but it doesn’t last nearly long enough on me. It’s heavenly, though. I also have the NARS blush in orgasm and it’s wonderful.
Her skin tone is so beautiful (let’s be real, she is just ridiculously beautiful.) I’m just so darn pale, I wonder if what she uses would work for me. I’d probably need to try different shades, but it’s helpful to know the brands! I get the fun aspect of having acne with gray hair and wrinkles. Don’t ever let the world tell you you can’t have it all, ladies.
I’m so addicted to Wild Bluebell! I just bought the small size so I can refresh. I wasn’t sure her products would work for me but I just went for it lol. I usually go for a more coverage foundation but I gave her faves a try!
I can attest that the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick, Dior Lip Glow and DiorShow mascara are the bomb (and Orgasm is an old fave of mine) I’m pretty close to Meghan’s skin tone though. I’m wearing them all right now!
Wrong Spot
I read yesterday that the way to make perfume last is to apply a little Vaseline to the area, then spray the perfume. I don’t know yet if it works, but it will be inexpensive to try.
I have a question for skincare aficionados. I have skin that is becoming more sensitive the older I get. Especially since having a baby. I struggle with acne and large pores. But I need to tend to my skin as I age. I have some scarring. Not too bad. Any suggestions on where to start?
Only -late response, sorry! I would start with a very gentle chemical exfoliant, like an AHA. A lighter moisturizer with antioxidants and ceramides would be nice to complement this. I do really like the Tatcha moisturizers for this purpose.
I use the NARS Orgasm multi stick and have for almost ten years! It’s incredible and versatile across the color gradient. I’m so pale you can see through me 😬
Hi! I have the worst nose sebum plugs that I have ever seen. I have to clean them out almost every day. I use tretinoin, and this does nothing for the amount of gunk in my nose pores. Does anyone here have the same problem? Has anyone here found a solution for this?
you possibly have a problem with malassezia fungus. It’s a lipophilic yeast/fungus. Start with vinegar and water cleanse (acidic) (you can mix 50/50 or 25v/75w or to your preference) then stop using any bar or soap on your face (they have oils) and use Effaclar cleanser. (it’s gentle and oil free). You can use alpha-hydroxy acid gel (not the lotion). Also pure honey masks (leave on for over an hour). Honey is anti fungal, anti bacterial and has a natural hydrogen peroxide action. Yep. Just the honey from the jar.
Number one: switch to oil free products and try acidifying your face when you cleanse with the above.
let me know if this helps
Thank you so much blacktoypoodle! I haven’t heard of this before, and I will definitely let you know how it goes. The amount of gunk that I can express out on a daily basis really isn’t normal. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your comment – I really appreciate it.
She looks GREAT!!! I hope this sells out in less than an hour. Kudos, Meg, for again, doing something tangible to really help people (rather than just talking about it)!
I LOVE that she’s speaking from the heart, and not looking down at notes, hesitating. THIS is how it’s done!
Her speaking style is amazing.
This charity is such a great choice for her– she is a woman who has gone on many job interviews and been out there working and being a professional. It’s something that not a lot of others in the BRF can claim to know much about.
Yes, you can tell when she’s speaking that she’s talking from her own experience, and it really shows. She really lived a life before becoming a royal, and it gives her a depth that we don’t really see with many of the other royals. Very, very impressive.
I love this woman! She resonates with me as a black business professional. THIS is what my peers are like–intelligent, sharp and passionate. And hey, I was wearing that outfit yesterday–a crisp white shirt, trousers and great heels. I love that she has done this to help women be successful in their careers!
and I love that she reminded everyone that just one year ago, she had another amazing projects in the works.
Was wondering if the clear podium had a screen with her speech on it for back up? She looks down at it from time to time – although that could just be a pause in speaking. Whether it’s from memory or notes, she is a very good public speaker – she clearly knows her topic and is passionate about it – and that comes through which is so refreshing! (As a trial lawyer, trust me, there is no harm or shame in having notes in front of you in case you have a brain fart!). I would buy the outfit she’s wearing today!
@Redgrl I thought the same thing, but someone who was there said she checked all around (lol) for a teleprompter or something similar and couldn’t see it, and I cant see any notes or writing on the podium. I think she was just looking down to gather her thoughts?
No it wasn;t a screen with notes pre-printed on it, it was just a stand for a notebook or some such like Duchess Kate used yesterday at her 100th garden launch LOL!
Meghan spoke for 7 minutes with no notes!! SHe’s amazing, came across as enthuiastic, caring, interested and passionate about her project and what it stands for – a job really really well done.
And she looked absolutely beautiful, radiant in fact…
Yay Meghan! THIS is how you Duchess! I wonder what would happen if she suggested a small joint project with Kate? What do folks think would happen?
1) would it be a way to show the media that the “feud” is fake and buy Meghan some goodwill?
2) would the RRs try to turn it into a competition (of course they would)
3) would the RRs fall all over each other to praise Kate for “taking Meghan under her wing” even if Meghan really did all the work?
4) Would Kate let them do that, or would she be generous enough to insist it was a joint effort?
5) Would it backfire into more White Woman Tears and Meghan accused of Diva behavior? (Meghan getting thrown under the bus in the act of trying to take one for the team)
6) would people finally see them as 2 grown ass women with different trajectories and temperaments who can work together toward a common good. Thoughts?
I think it would be great. All this “women feuding” nonsense is good for no one but the tabloids, so finding a common cause and working together would be nice. Plus it would draw a lot of attention to the cause.
I think a joint project would be great.
I think they already tried to the joint project route to an extent when the two couples were both briefly working in tandem in the same foundation. And the splitting off the foundations means they will each be largely going their own way with work. Which is fine. Trying too hard to make the public or press think Kate and Meghan are two peas in a pod and BFFs would be contrived at this point.
But they have enough overlapping interests that it’s plausible they’d work well together if not for their husbands. And Kate probably would be an asset to a project like this. I’m not a huge fan, but I bet she’s would do more if 1. She weren’t under a mandate to not outshine hubby & 2. Wasn’t anxious about media skewering if she shows more sides of herself than doting wife/mom.
It could really be as simple as Kate wearing one of the pieces and meghan returning the favor for one of Kate’s causes.
I don’t think Willy would allow it. Too much attention diverted away from himself.
Cain would definitely not approve and it appears her only desire is to do what he wishes.
Now THIS is coming back from maternity leave with a bang. She looks great, some products already sold out by the time of the official launch, and the different companies provided different aspects of the launch (catering, gift bags, etc.) Bravo Meghan. Welcome back!!!
People sure love to criticize her but they want to dress like her too…
Well, the shift dress in still available online in all colours. and most sizes. It’s a very affordable piece too. I was expecting it to sell out right away.
It doesn’t surprise me since the dress was ugly and too casual for a job interview imo. The rest of the pieces look like good classic pieces so it’s understandable that they are the ones selling out.
She looks great, especially her hair and shoes.
@Polly I don’t think it’s ugly and the blue is out of stock. The shift is fairly basic but looks nice belted. On of the women at event was wearing it in blue and it looked really good on her, looked great with her skin and she looked tall. What I like about this collection is that it’s doesn’t try to be everything. A few nicely done basics you can build on and very Meghan. It’s a test run. Hopefully the brands will build on it if it’s a success.
And she’s wearing one of Diana’s bracelet’s, the one with the blue stones that she also wore on the tour last year.
She looks great.
She always comes across as very genuine and enthusiastic. I hope this program goes well and helps a lot of women.
Me too.
+1
Yes! Watching her speak all I can think is she is a superstar. More power to her.
She looks amazing and you can tell she enjoyed working on this project. Meghan has the innate ability to execute projects flawlessly.
She looks amazing and she’s doing a fabulous job. Her critics must be reeling this morning.
Meghan is truly a phenomenal woman wanting to support other women.
Beautiful to see.
The outfit is indeed lovely, but THE ACCESSORIES!! The belt, the bracelet, the shoes!!!! I’m all over it. Perfect.
You know what comes across when she’s speaking? She knows this project. It’s clear she jumped in and she’s been involved every step of the way and it’s something she cares about. She obviously prepared her speech and it’s a subject she knows back to front anyway.
And on a superficial level, she looks great!
It’s always easier to talk about something that you have been working on yourself. That’s why speeches are more effective when you have written the speech yourself instead reading the words of others. While that may not always be feasible, the best speakers are always at least somewhat involved in the writing of every speech they make.
There is no denying Meghan was very involved in this project. It shows in every way.
I agree 100% with what both Beli and Nic are saying. However, would it be possible to also say there is a space where Meghan could improve? While she does know this project front and back, she could also turn this speech a little more away from herself and a little more toward the stories of the women who benefit from smart works, anonymously of course. (This is similar to the constructive criticism this board also gave her when she presented at the British Fashion Awards in December.) She talks conceptually, abstractly about what SHE was thinking, about going home thinking about the lavender blazer, about how she did Grenfell a year ago, her husband, the foundation, etc etc. About her philosophy of community/collective/communal, all these sort of buzz words–and that’s not to dismiss them–but they aren’t really that concrete. They are ALL worthy things, and she should be proud. But descriptive success stories about women who have pulled themselves up with the unglamorous day-in-day-out encouragement and hard, often thankless work of the behind-the-scenes people who run and volunteer for Smart Works would have been incredibly moving and very gracious. She’s a great speaker, I just think what really sticks with people are great stories. Maybe she could have included both her thoughts and their stories. I don’t know…just a thought–please do not put me on blast for a (reasonable) opinion.
Disclaimer is that I haven’t seen every single video of the event of course!
@hashtagwhat, I agree completely with all that you say. Meghan needs to talk about how the project will benefit people who need help not how she came up with the idea to help said people.
Disclaimer: I am not trying to take away anything Meghan has achieved with this project. She deserves all the accolades she can get.
But that’s what the panel discussion is for. Meghan is there to talk about her role, how she came up with the idea, etc. and the panel (including women who used SmartWorks services) will talk about the impact of SmartWorks, how the program works, etc.
And, quite honestly, I want her to sing her own praises since we know the general media won’t do it. They’ll minimize her role or talk about how other royals have done it better or whatever. I want Meghan showing that she has been involved from the embryonic stages all the way through the launch.
@royalwatcher
Thank you very much.
I agree with hashtagwhat. I think Meghan has huge potential to do amazing things but one of the biggest reasons for her unpopularity is her focus on herself even when she is doing work for others. That actually takes away from what she is doing because people think she is doing it to feel self-important. And to promote herself. This is a common refrain heard everywhere. If you hear other royal speeches including those by Sophie, CP Mary, Letizia etc. nobody talks about themself as much as Meghan does. Meghan is hugely focussed on herself and comes across as a bit too full of herself. If she could display some humility, even if she doesn’t feel it, she would be immensely more likeable and people would be a lot more open to her ideas.
@Mia: Unpopular where? And no, the British tabloids and whatever hate blogs you visit do not count as “everywhere”.
But British tabloids DO count. She is supposed to care about the UK and British opinion. Not what Americans think about her.
@Mia: No, they certainly do not. Not when the vast majority of the British populace ignores said tabloids in the first place. Actual British posters on this site alone have indicated this AND that most British people don’t even focus on the BRF enough to have such opinions that you claim are “everywhere”.
I really loved her take on “charity” (tossing random stuff from your closet that doesn’t mean anything to younanymore) versus “community ” (donating the item that helped you nail your first interview, helping someone else get to where you are).
That gave me pause because I’ve done both. I’ve separated good office pieces from casual wear. She nailed the difference. I’m just in awe of this woman. Harry is a lucky man. She’s a great asset to him and the RF.
She is back with a bang.
As a white British working class woman, I just love her and what she is doing. Thank you Meghan.
I want those pants, dang.
They’re part of the Smart Set collection from Jigsaw!
I agree they look really flattering.
I looked them up, over $120 for a pair, which I would totally be willing to spend on a high-quality pair of pants! Plus they look so flattering!
And the weather showed up for her too! It was so COLD and grey here in London yesterday ! I love how she consistently just gets the job done. I love how hard she works and doesn’t listen to all the noise
It was a wonderful speech. She was natural and well-spoken and made some amazing insights re charity vs community that I think is such a unique and important way to look at giving. I LOVE the shoes and belt she paired with the Smart Set pieces. It looks classic, effortless and professional without being stuffy. Very smart way to showcase the pieces
She looks amazing! I would totally wear that outfit, including the shoes which are gorgeous. Another home run for DM.
Not to be shallow – but hello booty!
I noticed that too! She has some azz!
such a cute butt, she looks great
I noticed that too but wasn’t sure if I should say so. I am jealous of her little booty!
Lol!! Has anyone heard of any complaints from Harry? Please post them😂
😂😂😂 The only thing Harry says is: “She’s mine!” He’s so proud of his wife👍👏
I hope the anti-Meghan stories actually decrease a bit because while she was on leave, the media didn’t have anything to print, so they just had to make sh%t up.
The negative stories and comments have NOT decreased in tabloid media and high traffic gossip sites and I do not believe they ever will unless something really weird and unsettling happens like Bill & Cathy Normal-Cambridge divorce.
Great look, great cause and great job! This makes me smile.
She is just breathtaking. I love, love, LOVE what she’s wearing, especially those gorgeous suede pumps. I bet the stiff, racist courtesans are all in a tizzy about her wearing/rocking the sh!t out of those trousers.
Bravo Meghan! She looks amazing — she has a great booty, too!
What a great idea! I hope this is a project that is long lasting, because it would really be a boon to so many women who need to feel and look professional for their jobs or interviews. I hope there is a new collection once or even twice a year.
Inspiring. I love it.
She’s glowing. I love this look.
She looks amazing. This is what I call serving lewkssssssss.
Also, I appreciate her post baby body. She’s glowing, she looks healthy, she’s setting a wonderful example for girls and women everywhere.
My gosh … I just love her.
The pieces look great. Well done, Duchess!
Love it and love her.
Obviously this is an awesome project, she’s doing amazing work with her patronage, and she’s a skilled public speaker.
I say all this first so that you may all forgive me for now blatantly objectifying her for a moment:
Her figure looks amazing. Post-baby booty is terrific (I mean, like, damn. That’s a difference!), and she looks better than ever.
I love her enthusiasm, and how great a speaker she is. No reading a sheet of paper for her!!!
She’s just lovely. Smart, passionate and sincere. She’s also an excellent public speaker. The RF does not deserve her.
One more time for the haters in the cheap seats, @MariaS!
Does anyone remember the Polo match William and Harry had a few months ago? Body language says a lot. I didn’t see any interest in baby Archie. I know when I was school age a baby cousin please; that’s a doll. First cousin uncle Harry’s son! Let me hold, let me see. I didn’t see any interaction between Kate and her nephew. The children had no interest in baby Archie. I found it odd. Also the christening the Sussex sat far from the Cambridge. Women can be bitches; smart, good work ethic, slim, good looking, confident, take care your of business vs do little! Meghan has made Kate look like crap! It’s not said openly. But the brits and elite know this. Look at the 60 minute crap “Meghan do less”! Kate can’t compete. Kate design jewelry for JigSaw?????? Kate is milking this garden crap. She doesn’t have to do a damn thing. All she got to do is get Meghan out; she can be Kate. The chick is lazy and so is William. Can’t fix lazy!
I don’t think Meghan and Kate have anything in common. I think Kate is intimated and jealous of Meghan. The Americans are putting these brits to shame. Where’s the hospitality or class? I wouldn’t be surprise if Kates in Williams ear. Meghan is cramping Kate’s style and I’m sure she has her cheerleaders to tear this collection down. Tatler calls Meghan a social climber. If Meghan wasn’t black maybe. No black woman gets to sit on her ass like Kate. We know from the crib “We have to work twice as hard and no credit is received. I’m a license professional after 30 years of busting my ass. Never again! I’ve seen and been through a lot of shit! I know bitching when I see it. It’s Kate and William, they finally have something to work for “Destroy Harry’s marriage”!
Louis looked like he was the happiest to interact with Meghan and Archie, especially when he swiped his mother’s sunglasses and strutted over to Meghan to show off his prize. I thought that little vignette was really adorable.
Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper…