Margaret Logan Style

I’ve long been an admirer of Portia’s pearls. And I’m in good company. Katie Couric, for instance, thought enough of her necklace to wear it for her CBS News promo photo, which ended up everywhere from USA Today to Elle magazine and the Wall Street Journal to Times Square. Now, that’s a pretty chic feather in the cap of our very own Maine-based designer and resident lovely person, Portia Clark.

Perhaps more telling are the legions of local gals of all stripe and measure who consider their freshwater pearls from Portia Clark precious little treasures. But not too precious to wear everyday, whether it’s to work, out for a coffee or some delightful special occasion when you want to feel extra special and a dress just isn’t enough.

Some of us have pet names for these little lovelies. My favorite one of all comes from our very dear and worldly friend Pat. She fondly refers to her collection, and I do mean collection, as her “beads.” As in, “Where are my beads, darling?” And she looks divine in each and every one of them.

As the season of giving approaches, why not spread some of this positively infectious joy to the ones you love? Sisters, friends, moms and even special colleagues will swoon, and hold dear not only the thought but the beauty of such a rare and unexpected gift.

From the green and pink felt hand-stitched jewelry case (you will learn to hoard these, and rightly so) to whatever grand or glorious treasure lurks inside, beaming smiles and copious kisses will ensue.

Christmas indeed.

Visit Portia’s newly refreshed online site to view her collection, or stop by Helene m. (Portland, Portsmouth, NH and So. Hamilton, MA), Nest in Dedham, MA or Josephine in Camden, Maine to try her pearls on and be tempted….

Been really, really good this year? Perhaps you’ll find this little number under your tree. Gives new meaning to the term “baubles…”

Or the little sister, so perfect for everyday…

Michelle Obama and the President at last night’s State Dinner, honoring the Prime Minister of India

Our First Lady is, quite simply put, gorgeous. And we should be so proud.

Visit Mrs. O for more fabulous pictures, commentary and information about that incredible dress, designed by Naeem Khan.

‘Tis the season ladies….Evening soirees, fundraisers, cocktails at 8 pm, dinner at 10 pm, who knows what by midnight? These fabulous frocks are wondrously beautiful and, like a loyal old friend, will see you through well past the end of party season.

So fret not. Kick up your heels and your heart and steal away with a magnum of joy, if only for one special night.

From Alice + Olivia, we have the Bustier satin dress in black. This little black dress is a strapless statement piece with an incredible sculpted bottom that flirts with you from afar. It practically screams, “Where’s the after party?!” Available at Net-A-Porter, $525.

Rebecca Taylor’s Metallic Party Dress soaks up city life and its social whirl with a vigor. Turquoise and gold jacquard fabric with an oversized bow at the bust and pleated detail in the body creates a look that is simply stunning and holiday perfect. Available at Net-A-Porter, $350.

Milly’s Petal Cocktail Dress conjurs images of a gorgeous, lonely girl strolling along Fifth Avenue the morning after, sipping coffee and peering into another world, compliments of Tiffany & Co. Silk chiffon with unfinished petal details blooming at its base, this halter-neck LBD is utterly delightful. And, of course, a splurge! Available at Net-A-Porter, $695.

The Lele silk chiffon strapless dress by Diane von Furstenberg is for the gal who doesn’t need a lot of embellishment or whimsy to her evening attire, just chic, chic, chic! This teal chiffon fitted dress with a shimmer of gold is made all the more suggestive with a trace of black lace peeking out from below the hem.

And ladies, note bene: ruching is indeed your friend. Not only is it used to stunning effect with this dress, it also acts as a great concealer. Don’t believe me? Try something on with this detail and you’ll see what I mean. This little number has just a touch of spandex for a little give and maximum comfort.

The heads will turn with envy and amazement as you take the evening for all it is worth. Because let’s face it, if you’re donning this dress tonight, you’ve got bigger and better things on your mind than appearances. $385, available at Net-A-Porter.

Milly does it again with a knock out LBD that is stunning and ultra-feminine. The Elizabeth dress gives a nod to haute couture with its oversized ruffles lined in pink satin, not to mention its daring neckline. Pink martinis, anyone? $365, available at Net-A-Porter.

Why, I can already hear the corks popping….

Who else, but Diane von Furstenberg, could do shearling so chic?

Forget the heavy, generic overcoat styles that don’t just keep you warm but have you working up a sweat, looking like you ought to be trekking across an arctic tundra rather than having lunch with the girls on a chilly January day.

Feminine, fluid and reversible, the Iggy Stardust shearling jacket in ivory by Diane von Furstenberg is understated and elegant. Dress it down with jeans for everyday or keep it city sophisticate with leggings, a bit of a heel and a fabulous bag. Not to mention a great skirt and tall boots or even winter white trousers. The possibilities are endless.

At $1,100, it is more than a little bit of luxury in which to indulge during times like these…and yet all things being equal, in the world of shearling jackets, not too over the top.

Santa baby?

I found this image on the Kate Spade website months ago, when fall fashion was just kicking into high gear.

I love this coat ~ the Bisous Tamaris Swing Jacket, $495 ~ and I love this image, especially the title: Treasure Hunt.

It instantly reminded me of my dear friend Portia. Ever stylish, always unique and ever on a treasure hunt. Here’s to you, Portia!

Leave it to Kate Spade to bring some extra cheer into the world. And not a moment too soon, I might add. Just looking at this delightful scarf is sure to bring a smile to your face, for it is truly something to admire.

The Hand in Hand Pull Through Scarf by Kate Spade is actually hand made in Bosnia by women who have survived their country’s war-torn history and are struggling to keep themselves and their families afloat in dire economic conditions.

Kate Spade is empowering these women by joining forces with Women for Women International. Women for Women provides the training in knitting, and Kate Spade provides the creative direction.

And we, dear consumer, get a fabulous, fun, lovely, useful product that, when purchased, will spread joy and strength and beauty far and wide.

Let the season of giving begin.

Vintage tee’s available at McKenzie Tribe, 237 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine.

Bo Sox, Bruins, Celtics too. At the very vintage price of $39.50. A very cool thing indeed.

Photo courtesy of Portland Press Herald/MaineToday.com and Avery Kamila

Putting your best foot forward ~ Avery Yale Kamila of the Portland Press Herald covered Wednesday night’s Propel fashion show at DiMillo’s, featuring clothing from David Wood, McKenzie Tribe, Barbour by David Wood and Serendipity.

Please follow this link for more great pictures and commentary on a successful evening. Also tune into Maine’s Sunday Telegram for more coverage in Scene & Heard.

Fashion shows. Lots of fun to attend, and at times, even a bit glamorous. One hopes.

Getting the models “runway ready” is always an exercise in branding, taste, styling (with a smidge of something over the top), and good story telling. If you aren’t intrigued by the models or the ensembles being presented, the effort, and the entertainment, will fall flat. And let us not forget, audiences want to be entertained, first and foremost.

So here is a quick snap shot of how an ensemble comes together, compliments of Will Thomas, who is modeling looks from David Wood, McKenzie Tribe and Barbour by David Wood tonight at Propel’s fashion show at DiMillo’s.

Start with a fabulous pop of color, in this case a gorgeous long sleeve shirt in a butternut orange plaid from Barbour by David Wood and a bold purple tie for contrast.

Then add a righteous sweater like Barbour’s International Zip Up, which has a trim cut with a European flair.

Toss on a To Ki To jacket from Barbour’s Heritage Collection (which has had great face time in GQ, New York Times Style and blogs too numerous to mention, including this one), aviators and a leather weekend satchel, and voila…

Suddenly you have an incredibly handsome fella heading off on a weekend of intrigue and excitement. The ladies will swoon and the men will covet.

An enticing proposition.