Margaret Logan Style

Empire Reindeer Club Sweater, photographed by Kari Herer at Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, fall 2010.

Few people on this planet have real style. Rarer still is the person who is blessed with the grace and heart on top of it to take care of their tiny corner of the world ~ their friends, their colleagues and those who could use a leg up, a helping hand, a kind heart. Especially at Christmas.

My friend Ken Murphy is this person. First let me say that I am blessed just to know him. And those who do completely understand that underneath his rugged good looks, his uncanny style sensibility and his impeccable eye, lies a man who is humble, determined, funny, fiercely loyal and a giant artistic talent riding stealth-like over the Portland skyline. But if you’ve ever eaten at Fore Street or Street & Co., had a beer at Oasis, eggs at the Porthole (That huge lobster painting? It’s Ken’s.) or  shopped at David Wood, Barbour or Helene m., you’ve crossed paths.

Ken is a designer by day, and by way of festive merriment, a genuine, over the top love for the holidays and throwing a good party, and an even deeper affection for those near and dear to him, he is a philanthropist. Ken would be shocked at this declaration. Yet, it is true. For what else is one who decides to grab a few of his closest buddies, and completely out of pocket put on a lavish, spirited and high style event at the Portland Yacht Club (black tie optional, fellas), design letterpress invitations and send them out to a few more friends, all the while intending to give the proceeds to Toys for Tots here in Maine. Because the idea of a kid without a Christmas present under the tree is just too much for him to bear.

And thus, The Empire Reindeer Christmas Club was born.

No fanfare and no press announcements. Just a lot of hard work, time and passion to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas, in a very old school, authentic sort of way. The lush evergreens that envelope the room on the night of the party? Ken was out foraging for them the day before. The live music selection to set just the right tone? Ken. The Facebook page, the website, styling and production? All Ken. His close friend and cohort Nick Dambrie is by his side every step of the way, handling his own set of monumental tasks to pull off this evening in a smooth, successful and savvy way. Last year’s event actually raised $10,230 for Toys for Tots, its largest single gift within the state of Maine. The ultimate hommage to children in need, both in spirit and in deed.

The Empire Reindeer Club sweater, sold exclusively at David Wood in Portland. Photo by Kari Herer, 2010.

If you were not fortunate enough to receive an invitation to this now coveted, and yes, private affair, there is still an important and stylish way you can help. Thanks to David Wood, you can purchase the most sophisticated and let’s face it, handsome holiday jumper this side of Bridget Jones (Colin Firth not included).  A rich navy and white lambswool with the Empire Reindeer logo intarsia on the back, this limited edition crew neck is custom made in London, and sold exclusively at David Wood, 75 Market Street, Portland. It retails for $148, and $50 from each sale will go directly to Toys for Tots, courtesy of the retailer. It is available in sizes for men and women, and would make a fabulous gift for the one you love. Not to mention putting a gift or two under the tree of some wide-eyed child filled to the brim with the hope and magic of Christmas.

Let’s make it so.

Photo by Kari Herer, 2010.

Shiraleah Nautical Bags, $66, at Motifs in Portland

What a fun, jazzy and affordable way to invite a little summer flair into your wardrobe. These nautical bags from Shiraleah offer plenty of space and style for all of your seasonal necessities ~ sunscreen, cell phone, oversized shades, bathing suit and flip flops. I dare say one could even pull off an unexpected overnight with this tote. The rope handles and bright sea faring colors makes these satchels impossible to resist ~ if the price point weren’t enough!

Available at Motifs, 97 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine. For more information, give them a ring at (207) 518-9494.

Slate Board Shorts by Rogues Gallery

Fellas take note. These Board Shorts by Rogues Gallery are very cool, entirely masculine and yet have a little unexpected pop of color when cuffed that make them all the more appealing to the eye, and therefore all the more intriguing to the female species. Perfect for the beach, for a sail or for an afternoon of fun and frolic.

Just saying.

Available in an electric array of colors from the more low key slate and chocolate brown to lemon yellow and a vivid red with a turquoise cuff, which is also quite nice. The Board Shorts retail for $95. For more information, visit roguesgallery.com.

Cherry Red Board Short by Rogues Gallery

As seen in the July issue of Oprah Magazine

Happy feet. Gotta love those happy feet…

Leave it to Oprah to discover the jazziest little summer sandals this side of Saint Tropez. The colorful and bejewled  Miss Trish of Capri Splash Koi Fish t-strap thong sandal is a sure fire way to put a spring in your step and take your casual, “everyday” warm weather style to new and exotic places. Even if it is just the grocery store…

The most pleasant surprise is the price tag. At a mere $55 a pair, you can indulge yourself without guilt and splurge on several. Or better yet, surprise a friend with an unexpected little “thanks for the dinner/drinks/weekend,” or even a just because….

After all, something so good for your spirits and fun for your feet has got to be better shared.

For more information on the cutest summer shoes I have seen in forever, including where to purchase, visit Oprah.com.

Ladies, the hat is finally out of the bag. Many of you have asked me over the last few years where I get my brightly colored, wide brimmed hats, and more importantly, where you might get your hands on one.

Folly 101 on upper Exchange Street here in Portland is a delightful little store full of all kinds of colorful finds. Including, I am happy to report, my beloved hat.

Made by Scala, the Lanikai sun hat is perfect for blocking out those unwanted UV rays of summer sunshine with just the right amount of flair. Available in a broad range of colors from bright yellow to hot pink to navy blue, the 100% cotton canvas cap breathes well, packs perfectly, and is guaranteed to turn heads on a city side walk or a long stretch of sandy beach.

It’s one size fits all with an adjustable drawstring inside, and retails for $21. For that price, by all means, treat yourself to two.

For more information, please stop by Folly 101 at 101 Exchange Street in Portland, or give them a ring  at (207) 773-5227.

These sandals are undeniably cute, impossibly stylish and over the top chic for such tiny feet! But at a mere $16.99 a pair, who could possibly resist?

Miss Trish of Capri, designer of pricey warm weather footwear for women, normally holds court with icons of summer style like Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers, and Eres. But thanks to Target (what would the rest of us do without Target?), we now have a delightful selection of Miss Trish for girls, and not a moment too soon. This mom in particular is very tired of Tevas and clunky old Merrills that wear heavy and hot on my poor girl’s feet (not to mention my pocketbook).

I stumbled upon this fabulous collection at the South Portland  Target, tucked away in the girl’s shoe department, with absolutely no fanfare or merchandising. Something just happened to catch the corner of my eye as I strolled past, (the lime green sandal with the hot pink flower, perhaps?) and it brought me to a screeching halt. Suddenly, I was surrounded by a gaggle of moms oohing and ahhing over these terrifically stylish and affordable summer sandals for the girls, angling for a better look. We all grabbed a pair and headed straight for the check out line. Paper towels? What paper towels…

The level of detail is wonderful ~ the buzzing bee atop the pink flower on the green patent sandal couldn’t be any more charming ~ and it’s nice to have the choice between sandal or thong for those with sensitive little toes. These have been in store since April, so selections are picked over, but it’s still worth the excursion. It’s Target after all. Another treat is surely right around the corner…

Talk about a remarkable day in the life. Maine’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, Kevin Grover, a second grade teacher from the Lunt School in Falmouth, met the President of the United States yesterday. In the Oval Office.

Now, I don’t know about you, but for most of us, this would pose the ultimate closet panic attack. After all, what does one wear to meet the President of the United States of America? And whatever it is, it’s unlikely that it is hanging in one’s closet, just waiting for the next big fete.

Well, if you’re Kevin Grover, your colleagues come to the rescue. Back on April 6th, I received an email from an old pal named Sarah who just happens to work with Mr. Grover (and I quote):

“Margs, I need your style connections and insider’s edge. A friend and coworker of mine, Kevin Grover, has been named 2010 Maine’s Teacher of the Year (we refer to him as T. O. Y.) He has had several appearances and conferences to attend this school year, but the best is coming up in a couple of weeks as he will be flying to Washington D.C. to meet THE PRESIDENT! Though Kevin is a very stylish 2nd grade teacher (he is known for his ties), he rarely has an occasion to wear a suit. Through your connections…do you think anyone would consider providing a suit for this special person for this very important event?”

It took me all of three seconds to forward this email to David Hodgkins of David Wood here in Portland. Not only is he one of the kindest, most warm hearted and stylish men you could ever hope to meet, I knew he would share my sentiment on this subject matter: One must put one’s best foot forward when meeting the President of the United States. And sometimes it takes a Village.

It took David all of about three minutes to respond, in classic David style:

“We’ll do it. Best, David.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

A major shout out should go to David, who generously, and without question, fitted our Teacher of the Year  into a handsome Southwick suit, made here in New England, a tailored shirt by New England Shirt Company, and one of David Wood’s own Lobsterline ties. The perfect finishing touch.

Some pictures of Kevin’s fitting at David Wood, 75 Market Street, in Portland, with David Hodgkins, as well as a close up of his ensemble for the big day. Stay tuned for photos of Kevin meeting the man himself, President Barack Obama.

This is the ultimate get. The perfect scoop. Liana Marshall Zaborowski, manager of Helene m., in Portland, Maine, goes on vacation to the Dominican Republic, and who should she share a plane with?

None other than Anna Wintour.

Read more about her “moment with Anna” on the Helene m. Blog. Well done Liana ~ I think you should consider a career change!

Roger Vivier, indeed. Let the love affair begin.

Available at Colette for the tiny little price of $800 American.

I nearly crashed my cart when I saw these adorable rain boots (a.k.a., Wellies) at Target the other day. I mean, how cute are these?! Liberty of London, of course, and in case you didn’t know. It figures that the week the collection launched at Target, I was house bound and sick as a dog. By the time I made my way to the store, the collection had been incredibly picked over, and rightfully so.

Charming, charming, charming! Rompers and sun hats for toddlers, ultra-fem and rather sexy floral print shirts for men, fabulous day dresses for the ladies that are already almost entirely sold out, and unexpected little treasures like these rain boots, sized for women and children, at a mere $24.99. Okay, that’s a top notch price point for kids at Target, but well worth the splurge.

Liberty prints are a complete vision of loveliness, with just the right amount of  taste and “mod swinging 60s London” thrown in to keep them relevant, intriguing and somehow timeless. I have every Liberty print my mother ever bought for me with the quiet understanding that I will pass them on to my own daughter one day.

And now, here we are, and I am thrilled to be able to begin a collection of her very own.