Inside the impossibly beautiful new Saks Fifth Avenue store on Wilshire Blvd., and how you can shop it's expansive merchandise floors with Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher.
An Exclusive Shopping Experience Only Accessible Through a Stylist
Take a peek into the luxury experience of Meg Gallagher's stylist partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue; granting you access to a start-to-finish shopping heaven with complimentary valet parking, a personalized pull of stylish items selected for you waiting in Saks's elegant and spacious private fitting rooms, mobile ordering and direct delivery of signature cocktails to sip on while you shop, spa-like rooms for beauty treatments like facials and complimentary makeup application, along with exclusive access to Saks's brand new restaurant The Terrace, which is only available for dining when shopping with a stylist! Keep reading for a full run-down of specialty services, unique offerings & all things shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue.
You asked and we delivered. Last week, one of my clients reached out to me and brought the subject of networking front and center. With industries in hiring mode, it's a great time to think about how to network the right way, whichentails something people often forget... Visual impact. Expanding your professional circle might mean meeting colleagues for coffee, joining up for a meal, going to conferences and more. Research shows that most people make a first impression of a person within 7 seconds(credit: ScienceofPeople). This makes how you visually show up for meetings imperative to your success - your visual impact directly guides the first representation of who you are to those you meet. That's why I've made a simple list of do's and don'ts to follow for your next networking meetup or event. Read on for a wardrobe stylist's favorite networking outfit ideas as well as a curated shopping list of pieces to wear at your next meeting or work conference.
Achieve your highest potential with Personal Stylist Los Angeles Meg Gallagher's Styling Services! Meg will build you a wardrobe filled with confidence-boosting outfits expertly styled to emanate your personality, profession and flatter your body type.
DON'Tthink no one will notice - Someone will ALWAYS notice. Putting your best effort into how you show up to your meeting or event is worth it.
DO get your colors done. Color is a powerful way to bring balance and personality into your wardrobe. Use ColorGuru to know which seasonal palette you fall under. Their package essential includes a comprehensive list of the colors that flatter you best, and which colors you should avoid. Adding the makeup card to your package guarantees a life-changing cheatsheet palette of colors that will look the most youthful and radiant against your skin. (10 Percent off your ColorGuru order, use my code: MEGGALLAGHER10)
DON'T forgo wearing a bra, or wear underwear that shows the bra or panty line. I can't believe we have to say it, but it's true. Keep your silhouette properly supported with a well-fitting bra, and make sure you possess a well rounded undergarment collection that gives you the right shapes and coverage for a no-show wardrobe.
DO pay attention to your grooming. Touch up the roots of colored hair. Make sure your skin tone appears even. Keep your nails clean and prevent nail polish from chipping. Use a lint roller to snatch up any pet hair on your clothing.
DON'T ruin your outfit with pieces that are worn out. Your coat, shoes and handbag are the pieces others see first when you walk through the door. Pay close attention to cracks, scuffs or bends in your shoes and handbags. Do not wear a coat that has any snags or is damaged from wear.
DO keep an elevated piece in your car like a structured jacket or heeled shoe if you're going to a meeting or conference straight from a casual work or errand day.
DO skip athleisure unless your networking involves trails or studio.
DO be comfortable. Being alert and present starts with an outfit that is non-distracting to it's wearer. Make sure your sleeves and pants lengths are hemmed. Make sure your outfit both fits your body and brings you confidence, so that you feel likethe best version of yourself. Remember... it's not about perfection - it's about presence and projection.
DON'T forget to factor in weather and climate. If you're networking in a different city, pay attention to the climate and do your research on the city's social nuances when packing your outfits.
Meeting Up For Just A Coffee
The king of casual networking (and perhaps the most common format) calls for a mix of comfortable and elevated pieces. For shoes, think cool boots, trending ballet flats, fashion forward sneakers or loafers. Blazers with denim, dresses with fashion sneakers and blouses with denim are great examples of how to mix casual and elevated.
Networking Outfits at Lunch
Networking at lunch allows room for elevated casual looks that show off your personality through textures, trend, accessories and silhouette. While not a hard rule, try stepping away from fashion sneaker looks in favor of business-friendly shoes like boots, flats and loafers. Try elevating denim with a dark wash, cream or black. Opt for personality details in dresses, blouses, outerwear, fashion bags and accessories!
What to Wear to A Conference in 2025
There are two major factors to consider in a perfect conference outfit. 1. This is an all-day look: Think bigger bag, shoes with a walkable element, and pieces you can stand or sit in for long amounts of time. 2. This look should be memorable. Unlike a one-on-one coffee or meal, you'll be making impressions on an entire room. Your visual impact should focus on a powerful, pulled together look that emulates your craft and field. Utilize color, silhouette and great accessories for a stand-out look to keep you on the radar.
What to Wear while Networking with Cocktails or Dinner
This is a great opportunity to break out pieces in leather, lace, fur trim or high-shine details to add a chic going-out statement to a business-friendly look. For a shoe, try heeled boots, slingbacks or trending satin kitten heels. Think of outfits like a fabulous dress paired with a blazer and boots; or a blazer, trousers and satin camisole paired with slingbacks.
Networking over a Hike or Studio Session
The most important key to networking over a physical activity like hiking or yoga is avoiding dressing sloppy or too sexy. The goal is to create a pulled together look that allows you to perform the activity without compromising a professional image. Make sure your sneakers are clean and unscuffed, your tops and bottoms are not too short or revealing, and that your outfit looks like an outfit. Consider co-ord sets, workout dresses and flattering colored pieces that won't leave you wearing all black. Bringing a structured shirt jacket or anti-wrinkle blazer to throw on pre and post-workout is an easy way to upgrade your workout outfit.
NETWORKING EVENT FAQ
Q: Can I wear jeans to a networking event? A: Yes, you can—as long as you're mindful of the event's dress code, location, and the professional norms of the community. When in doubt, opt for dark-wash jeans with minimal or no distressing for a more polished look.
Q: Are there rules for what to wear to a networking event or conference? A: The most important step is to do your research. Find out where and when the event is taking place, who will be attending, and whether there’s a stated dress code. Check out the venue online and look for photos from previous years to get a sense of what attendees typically wear.
Q: What do you wear for smart casual? A: Smart casual is all about balance. It blends polished pieces with more relaxed elements. For example, you might pair a silk blouse with well-fitted jeans, style a cotton button-down with a long pencil skirt, or layer a blazer over a casual dress. The key is to look put-together without feeling too formal.
The FW 24 New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week shows have officially ended, bringing us jaw-dropping trends to inspire us for autumn ’24/winter ’25. We’ve done the legwork of sifting through the shows in order to gift you your very own Runway Cheat Sheet! Read on for the key pieces, colors and commanding aesthetics that will take over in 2024, and stay ahead of the trend with our directional stylist curated shopping list at the end of this article. When is New York fashion week? Next shows are from Fri, Sep 6, 2024 – Wed, Sep 11, 2024.
Want to know which trends are right for your wardrobe? Check out Los Angeles Stylist For Women, Meg Gallagher! With Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher's styling services, you will have a closet that marries this years latest trends with your own unique style. Discover a wardrobe of pieces curated and collected for your exact aesthetic, body and lifestyle today.
Clever pattern mixing, directional layering, oversized knits and of-the-moment embellishments like feathers and lace are brought together in a shockingly approachable relaxed boho style. Colville’s aptly named pieces like the “Waterfall dress” drape over the body in an effortless drift per every step taken, further suggesting the motto of their wares: “Clothes to move and live in”. We can’t get enough of the masterful top to bottom ensembles, specifically the non-conformist everyday statement shoes. Sneakers dipped in gloopy high-shine resin and color pop wide-stitched loafers inspire us to utilize color mixing and contrast to it’s fullest extent.
Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher's Favorite: Erdem, Romantic Femininity on Display
Described by WWD as “the opera star on her way home”, Erdem’s collection of dramatic shawl collars, delicate sheers, feathered coats and slippers, liquid tassels, mini capes, endless florals and rosettes take romanticism to it’s highest level. Like colors straight out of a Rococo painting - pastels and soft metallics intermingle with burgundy, plum and midnight greens/blues. The occasional pop of red pulls out an added sense of drama, making this collection truly inspiring for work, event and evening wear.
The Conversational Favorite: JW Anderson, From Nostalgia to Colloquialism
“Gray-haired poodle perms” are seen paired with Grandpa coats, texture-laden sweaters, housewife slippers and piled-on layers. The core of this divisive collection plays on familiar elements of the nostalgia obsession; from glamorizing age to a cheeky nod at “the nosy next door neighbor”. Ribbon streamed belts were described to be like horse-riding rosettes and wrestling belts, citing inspiration from “things where you win trophies at.”
A definitive press statement shed light on JW Anderson’s thematic values: “Instead of nostalgia, colloquialism. In lieu of the sensational, the non apparent. Rather than notoriety, being secretive. An inquiry into dressing as a psychological act, looking next door. The subtle and the loud. A grey wig as a device. And flats. Housewife flats. Grotesque everydayness, in grotesque distortions and proportions. Knitted dresses, jumpers and shorts. Knots, and dowdy fits. Scraps of a trench coat, and rosettes. Too much space between the body and a coat; too little between the curves and a camisole. Draping, more knots and curtain draping. More cockades. A neutral palette. Hints of newness, through subtlety. Tropes and types: the ones that usually get unnoticed. This, that.”
A Familiar Designer Gets New Buzz, Burberry
Burberry’s use of color palette and wearability gave a freshness to their latest collection. Muted mud tones of olive, earthy brown, herby chartreuse and gray and black locked in a grungy state of mind, still making room for trending pops of red through the filter of a bright red tartan scarf. Maxi kilts and moto boots are trends that will be sure to stick this Fall.
Popular Themes and Aesthetics for This Fall/Winter
Punk & 90’s Grunge
Odes to Vivienne Westwood, long maxi skirts, kilts, tartan plaid, leather, double belts, chunky moto boots, olive, black and red are all the rage this year. Heavy eyeliner, smoky lids and vampy maroon smudge-lips pair with scene-kid bangs to complete this aesthetic head to toe.
Melke, Isidor Montague, Giovanni Giannoni/WWD, BurberryMarques'Almeida
grunge hair, Ludovic De Saint Sernin, NYFW Arturo Holmes
grunge makeup, Victor VIRGILE Prabal Gurung, NYFW
Coquette Fashion
In stark contrast to the grunge aesthetic, ultra-femme coquette fashion took the runway by storm with corsetry, bows, fringe, delicate sheer, ruffles, rosettes, feather embellishment and lots of pink.
Veil Hair Trend, Al Zeta Asia Fashion Collection, NYFW
Big Hair Trend, Nina Westervelt Marc Jacobs, NYFW
And there you have it - those are the best trends from New York Fashion Week. When is New York fashion week? Next shows will take place at New York in September 6 – September 11.
How to Dress for Your Beach Resort Vacation in 2026, Image via Pinterest
Do you have your outfits ready for vacation? You've booked the trip, you've made your reservations for hotels, dinners, events and more. But what about what you're wearing? Unfamiliar resort dress codes, dubious temperature changes, outfits that can go from beach to dinner, walkable shoes and more can leave you completely stumped for what to pack.
That's why Meg's Styling Services are invaluable when packing and preparing for your trip! Los Angeles Personal Stylist Meg Gallagher offers last minute travel styling and vacation capsule wardrobes for President's Day, Spring Break, Summer Vacation and more. Here's what you'll experience when you work with Meg:
*Save time, eliminate stress! Meg's services do the legwork of shopping, styling and packing. *It will enhance your experience. By having a travel wardrobe pre-curated around your itinerary, your outfits are organized and you can focus on your trip worry-free. *No more over or under packing. You'll never again be bogged down by extra clothes, or even worse - realize you've forgotten something you needed. *You'll feel great. With preparedness comes confidence. Truly relax on your vacation with outfits that fit, flatter and look great in all your photos!
We'll be diving into all things beach in this post! Shop the best stylist recommended beach cover ups at the end of this post. If you're looking for packing inspiration for your next ski trip over President's Day Weekend, check out our sister site Madison to Melrose for a full rundown on Skiwear and Aprés Ski:
Travel Styling for 2026: Beach Resort Outfit Ideas with Cover-Ups
Lightweight Beach Dresses and Jumpsuits
Slip a lightweight linen or cotton dress or jumpsuit over your swimsuit for a look that will take you from the beach straight to dinner! Some dress trends to look out for: Sleeveless/Tube top, Wrap top and Off-the-shoulder!
Knit and Crochet Pieces
Perhaps the most definitive trend we're seeing this year are knit and crochet pieces layered over swimsuits! This is a perfect look for those who want to show a little skin without bearing it all. Crochet dresses, pants, skirts and matching sets are popular in both neutrals and brights.
Lightweight Skirts and Beach Pants
Exploring around town straight from the beach may call for some coverage! Pair your swimwear with lightweight skirts or pants for airy outfits that will provide an easy outfit post-swim.
Matching Sets
Matching Sets are still going strong in 2026 for being an easy wear. We love sets because the outfit's already made! Pack some matching sets in your suitcase for a low-stress outfit suitable for city-strolling, beachwear and lounging!
One-Piece Suit with Sarong Outfits
Pair your one piece with a sarong for a flattering, elegant beach resort look. Neutral colored one-piece swimsuits in black, navy, white and tan are popular staples in capsule travel wardrobes, serving as a perfect base top to pair with sarongs, beach pants and more.
Kimonos and Sheer Cover-Ups
Kimonos and sheer cover-ups are great for wearing on the beach! Match your swimsuit to the fabric or pattern color for a cohesive beach outfit.
I need a travel capsule wardrobe for a beach vacation that fits in a carry-on. For a compact and versatile beach capsule, focus on multifunctional pieces. Pack a relaxed, oversized button-down shirt that can double as a swimsuit cover-up, along with a pair of shorts or a sarong. Include a beach pant or lightweight trouser, and a minimal sundress or slip dress that transitions easily from day to night. A one-piece swimsuit can double as a bodysuit when paired with trousers or a skirt. For footwear, bring a beach slide and a flat thong sandal. Finish your look with a wide-brim hat, a straw tote for the day, and a clutch for evening outings.
I need on-trend outfits for a beach vacation. Matching two-piece sets are a top trend for beach vacations! Shop coordinated tops and skirts, shorts, or lightweight pants in breathable fabrics and fun prints. They're effortless, stylish, and easy to mix and match.
Nothing brings down a winter outfit quite like the pilling of your cashmere sweater. Let's face it... Pilling looks sloppy, and what we project through our style matters! Don't start getting rid of your old sweaters just yet. There's a simple way to breathe new life into your worn sweaters, and all it requires is a $10 comb. If you've ever spent an hour with a pill shaver, you'll definitely appreciate how much more quickly a cashmere comb can lift the knotting! A cashmere comb is designed with fine-toothed double edges, allowing it to quickly and gently remove pills, fuzz & lint from cashmere & wool garments without damage. Simply glide the comb over the fabric to restore the natural beauty of your clothing. I've created a tutorial to show you how a cashmere comb works with before & after shots, as well as included a fabulous edit of must-have cashmere pieces to get you through Winter and Early Spring!
Some additional tips for sweater care:
-Avoid the washing machine. Dryclean or handwash to avoid shrinkage, color fading and pilling. When hand washing, make sure to gently rub the underarm area and any other spots affected by perspiration. When it's time for the garment to dry, place the wet sweater out on a towel and roll the towel up (like a cinnamon roll) to squeeze out excess moisture. This helps to avoid stretching the sweater and helps dry it faster. Unroll and remove towel, then place sweater out flat to air dry.
-Try wearing a thin t-shirt under your sweater to extend it's life between washes. Keeping a t-shirt between your body and your sweater allows for a longer time between washes. You can simply change out and wash your t-shirt rather than the sweater!
-Wash your sweaters all at once. Chores are best done efficiently, and hand-washing can feel like a real hassle! Try waiting until the end of the week to wash your sweaters all at once. This will keep the chore to just one sitting, rather than an overwhelming process strung throughout the week.
Check out Meg's Styling Services to start off in style for the new year! In a New Years Closet Edit, Meg evaluates missing wardrobe essentials, creates new outfits based on your lifestyle, helps you to eliminate ill-fitting and out-of-style pieces as well as alert you to pieces that need to be repaired or replaced.
If you've ever noticed that your well-loved sneakers are bringing down your outfit due to scuffs, dirt, grime or other signs of wear, don't think about replacing your shoe just yet - it could be time to invest in a shoe cleaning kit! This before and after picture is what my husband's shoes looked like pre and post treatment of the Jason Mark Shoe Cleaning Essentials Kit. I opted to also replace the laces with new ones, but you could always wash the existing laces if they're dirty but not worn. While it may sound tedious, the right products make the process nearly effortless with a simple brush-solution scrub down akin to the time it takes to brush one's teeth. Products like Jason Markk on-the-go quick wipes make the process all the more simple, and protective stain and water-repellent sprays minimize future messes for even easier sneaker care and cleanup.
Sneaker care goes beyond the obvious of keeping your look great head-to-toe; it's also about maintaining the longevity of your shoe, and extending the resale viability on collectible and high-value shoes. Here you'll find my list of fantastic sneaker and shoe care products, as well as the top sneaker styles to buy in 2024 for women and men. Shop sneaker care and the sneaker essentials shoe edit below.
Check out Meg's Styling Services to start yourself off in style for the new year! Meg offers Closet Edits that will give you a full evaluation of missing wardrobe essentials, out-of-style eliminations and alert you to pieces that need to be repaired or replaced.
Here's yet another example of the Jason Markk Cleaning kit on my own shoes. I didn't get the before shot, but as you can see they look completely refreshed post-clean!
My shoes after cleaning with the Jason Markk Deep Cleaning Solution and brush kit.
Sneaker Care and Cleaning Essentials
The Jason Markk Deep Cleaning Solution is described as a premium cleaning solution safe to use on all colors and materials including leather, suede, nubuck, canvas, vinyl, rubber, cotton mesh, white shoes etc. The Jason Markk Essential Standard Brush is best suited for tough materials like leather, canvas, rubber, and vinyl. For more delicate materials, The Jason Markk Premium Shoe Cleaning Brush with softer hog bristles is recommended. I love the quick wipes for on-the-go treatment ESPECIALLY useful while traveling. The stain repellent spray and leather care kit are great preemptive efforts for the longevity of your sneakers.
HYPEBEAST has a great tutorial for how to clean sneakers with the Jason Markk kit, and can be watched here:
