Introducing August Morgan

We all know August Morgan for their darling cheeky cocktail napkins that instantly add humor to any cocktail hour. They are fun to give as hostess gifts and even more fun to receive. What's better than a fun napkin to start a conversation among new friends at a cocktail party? I mean, does it get any better?

Well apparently it does ...

The darling Kate Hersch has taken her brand to the next level by introducing her first collection of clothing. This compilation of classic, traditional pieces wowed me from the moment I received the media kit. As my assistant said ... "you are about to die over this email" and she was completely spot on. Made with the classic preppy in mind, the pieces almost feel like the entire collection was designed just for me. Each piece makes me happy, it is all just so very good!

Kate started August Morgan eight years out of her passion for needlepoint. She shares ... "I learned to needlepoint when I worked at Sotheby's New York. The ladies in my office would meet at each other's apartment for a "stitch and bitch" and cocktails! Doesn't that sound fabulous? Her love of needlepoint expanded into her rescue of vintage needlepoint pieces. She would see them either incomplete and finish them or ready to be finished and would turn her new finds into pillows. Once complete she would sell the pillows to fine boutiques and retailers such as Barneys NY and Antropologie.

While she loved the needlepoint business she shared it was quite time consuming. "I took my love for embroidery and designed four separate cocktail napkins. Those took off, and now I have over 40 designs. They are sold all over the United States and though Neiman Marcus online and in stores."

As we know that little cocktail napkin idea put her on the map as the supplier of adorable cheeky cocktail napkins. I love pulling mine out and having my guests smile when they see which one I have chosen for them. The napkins are truly the best addition to any happy hour!

When Kate dove into the fashion world she designed her collection with the August Morgan girl in mind. She "is a woman, regardless of her age, who enjoys entertaining and takes the time to use linens. She also has a witty irreverence and enjoys a good time". She went on to tell me that the clothing line in her words is "classic yet modern and can be worn by women of all ages. The clothing is the antidote to wearing active wear. It takes little time to slip an August Morgan dress on. By dressing for the day you show respect for yourself and for others. Effortless, classic and smart."

I will let the clothes speak for themselves so you can easily see why I have fallen deeply in love ~ get ready to order one of each.

And my personal favorite, the Mai Tai caftan ...

Can you see why I am giddy? I love classic preppy pieces which are both comfortable and so flattering. Every single piece of this collection has my heart. I love slipping on her pieces with my Jacks, wedges or even a simple pair of Keds. It just works either dressed up or down, for any occasion. I have already staked my claim to a few of her new pieces which I haven't even seen based on her description.

As Kate shared with me her pieces are designed to be worn with a cocktail in hand and I was more than willing to oblige her ...

What I love most about this piece is how I feel when I wear it. The first time I wore the caftan was in Palm Beach and it was perfect for a dressy dinner where I felt I needed something more but could still remain quite comfortable. I wore it again to market on Saturday and was stopped in almost every single both and complimented on my attire. After I stopped at the pool to grab the kids and three woman stopped me to inquire about my dress. One woman even said ... I must tell you that you look beautiful. Excuse me while I wear it all day every single day.

Here's to living life with purpose and dressing for yourself. I know Kate has challenged me to rethink my everyday uniform.

Thank you sweet friend for sharing your talents with us all ... and CHEERS to evenings in darling clothes with friends and family toasting with fabulous drinks sporting August Morgan napkins!

Have the best Monday!