Updated 12/8 – Scroll for updates
Meghan made a stylish appearance at the grand opening of Godmothers bookstore in California on Saturday night, alongside Oprah Winfrey.
The Duchess of Sussex spoke at the event, reflecting on her love for bookstores, dating back to a secret visit in New York in 2019.
Meghan, dressed in a black Club Monaco jumpsuit, praised the bookstore founders for creating a space where people can feel seen through books, whether in laughter or grief.
The bookstore, a project by literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson, aims to serve as a community gathering spot in the affluent Montecito area. Its opening drew notable figures, including Prince Harry, Ellen DeGeneres, and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
More from Town & Country magazine —
The idea for the name started with Harry at his Beverly Hills book party. He thanked Winfrey, Jackson, and Rudolph Walsh for their support, calling the trio his “fairy godmothers.” When plans for the bookstore took shape, Winfrey told the new shopkeepers: “There’s really only one thing you can name it: Godmothers.”
The bookstore proudly displayed Meghan’s children’s book The Bench alongside Prince Harry’s memoir Spare in the ‘Hometown Heroes’ section—a special area dedicated to local authors who have made a significant impact. (Seen on the window sill below.)
The bookstore’s design includes cozy reading spaces, a children’s section, and a membership program offering exclusive access to a living room-style area. Food for the event was provided by a vintage Airstream food truck run by “the Godsons,” featuring gourmet dishes.
More about the bookstore from Godmothers’ website —
We believe in our bones that authentic storytelling is the magic medicine we need to connect and heal our world. We are fiercely passionate and committed to bringing diverse people together to share stories, ideas, wisdom, treasures, and tools for transformation.
Oprah headlined the event with a conversation with author Shaka Senghor about his transformative experience in prison, tying it back to the theme of “godmothers.”
Meghan also took the mic to express her gratitude for the space and quickly departed to make dinner for her children. The event was a mix of community and celebrity, with guests lingering to enjoy the atmosphere of connection the bookstore aims to foster.
Elizabeth Holmes shared this clip on Instagram of Oprah being seated right in front of her!
The store owner shared their vision in a clip posted to Instagram —
This is our local authors section when you first walk in… We celebrate our hometown authors as if they were our hometown heroes because to us they are.”
The event drew a crowd of influencers, authors, and literary enthusiasts, all eager to celebrate the opening of the new store. Oprah Winfrey, Meghan’s close friend and one of the event’s key figures, also addressed the audience.
Below, Meghan and Harry arriving at the bookstore are greeted by Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres (left) — while Jane Lynch chatted with guests (right). (Photos – Sara Prince)
Harry and Meghan with store owners — literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson.
Our look at what Meghan wore for the weekend engagement.
Friday evening, Meghan wore an all white ensemble.
Her tank top is the Ralph Lauren ribbed cotton tank in off white, $78 (no longer available). We show a similar style from the brand below. The top is also available in white here.
Below is a great alternative to get the look – Amazon, $19 (20% off coupon is offered on the site.)
Her trousers are the Ralph Lauren Collection Charmain Silk Wide-Leg Pant in cream,$1690, (No longer available.).
She first wore the trousers for the Wimbledon Women’s Final, July 2018.
As confirmed by Town & Country, her shoes are from Aquazzura. We could not see the exact pair Meghan wore, however she frequently wears the brand’s Purist 105 Pump in black suede, $642.
The Duchess carried a clutch from Khaite, the envelope style in black (no longer available).
UPDATE 12/8: Meghan’s necklace a custom piece from Logan Hollowell based off of their ‘Fortuna’ piece. Below is the best close up of her wearing the necklace.
Below are the stock images of the ‘Fortuna’ tennis necklace with diamonds. It is available in lab-created or natural diamonds starting at $33,000, in white gold.
Town & Country also mentioned that Meghan wore a pair of Heidi Merrick sunglasses. Our guess is that she wore the Santa Barbara frame, $215. She own’s the brand’s Ex-Pat frame as well.
For Saturday’s appearance Meghan wore a black Club Monaco Sleeveless Collared Jumpsuit, $348 (marked down to $239). The jumpsuit is no longer available as it’s end of season. It’s possible that it may be restocked.
Meghan’s shoes are her Jimmy Choo – Etana Mule 50 Leather Sandal, reg. $875 now $570.
Once again she wore her Logan Hollowell Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds, $ 55,125.
Town & Country also reported that Meghan wore her Givenchy sunglasses, first seen at the Invictus Games last September.
She also carried a Givenchy bag of which she owns several different styles. We’re thinking it was one of two bags which she has carried in the past.
The Givenchy Triple Leather Crossbody Bag in black which the Duchess carried during their visit to Dublin, July 2018. The second one is the Triple Leather Bag carried during her visit to Cheshire with the Queen, June 2018 and more recently in Canada, February 2024. Both are no longer available.
UPDATE 9/12 – BONUS! Meghan was spotted back on September 2nd at Godmothers bookstore. See People magazine’s article here. Details on her outfit below!
Sweater: Anine Bing ‘Lee’ sweater in deep navy, $500
Pants: Ulla Johnson ‘Paulina’ – no longer available. She wore these last fall for her arrival at the Invictus Games in Germany.
Hat: Sarah Bray Bermuda Wildflower hat, $200 – (The brand confirmed that Meghan’s hat is the Wildflower without the ribbon and grommets. Please contact them here if you would like to order one without the ribbon – hello@sarahbraybermuda.com)
Wallet: Bottega Vaneta Long Intrecciato Wallet, $900
Bag Charm: Anya Hindmarch ‘Match Book Charm’, $310
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban aviators, $180
Necklace: Cartier ‘Juste Un Clou’ Collar Necklace in Gold & Diamonds
Bracelet: Lorraine Schwartz Evil Eye diamond bracelet (worn previously)
Illustration by Amelia Noyes. Thanks to Mary of Meghan’s Closet for the sweater.
I absolutely love Meghan’s navy jumpsuit and the all white monochromatic look. She looks lovely! ❤️
Elle est tout simplement magnifique et je trouve Harry craquant et séduisant de plus en plus. Il portera bien la quarantaine….
Town and country says that Meghan also wore a givenchy bag and celine sunglasses on Saturday. I’m guessing that her sunglasses were the ones she wore on her way to Dusseldorf last year.
Hi Amy, I forgot to include that information. Most likely they are the same Celine sunglasses she wore last year. Thanks, Susan
C’est beau de la retrouver. Elle sait allier l’utile à l’agréable. Bravo Meghan.
Translation: “It’s great to see her again. She knows how to combine business with pleasure. Well done Meghan.”