Hi friends,

Temperature check. How are we doing? I’ve been heads down for a couple weeks writing an entire Wall Street Journal section that’ll be in print on September 11th. It’s been a very fun doozy getting these pieces in shape on a bonkers deadline with a dozen+ sources. Long live print!

But like the whole world, my heart is still with Dolly. My boyfriend photographed one of her album covers and it feels like he was touched by a living angel. I have Dolly to thank for him, for us, for this life I have in LA. Can’t say I would have swiped right on his Hinge profile were it not for his photo with her. What an inspiration to all. If you want a slice of Dolly in your home, he is offering a limited run of prints here.

I’ll be back with more source needs soon. I have a new print feature hitting newsstands tomorrow, a celebrity cover story + four additional features hitting newsstands in a couple weeks, and a packed September full of assignments. Stay tuned!

Link Love, Dolly Edition <3

• My favorite photographer’s prints. 🤍

• “Add to cart” on this Dolly tee ($33) right now.

• Sonic Editions also has an incredible collection of vintage Dolly photographs ($99+), mostly from the ‘70s.

• Pour yourself a cup of ambition in this Dolly mug ($20).

• Daily reminder: What would Dolly do? ($9)

Hi friends,

Good news for me and all of my mom’s friends: I wrote a feature for the new issue of Country Home, my first for the newsstand mainstay. If you want to lower your blood pressure, may I recommend cozying up with an issue of Country Home? It takes you back to an earlier era, one you may not have been alive for, when could you read a magazine front-to-back without being bombarded by 1,000 other thoughts. It’s nearly ad-free (how they do it, idk) and truly so inspiring and relaxing to read.

I’ll be heads down writing three Wall Street Journal pieces this week (!) on a bonkers deadline, which is a friendly preemptive acknowledgment that I will be slow to respond to emails. See you on the other side of my deadline hell.

Link love <3

• Phew, I did it – I hiked Mt. Baldy! It was simultaneously slightly easier and way harder than I thought it would be. My outfit VIP was Hikerkind’s Packable Windbreaker, which has a hood that packs into the collar. So smart, so cute, and you feel slightly Amish (in the best way) wearing it.

• My post-hike recovery plan, which I was daydreaming about the last two torturous miles:

  • Never underestimate foot health! Everyone needs a foot massage ball ($7)

  • Nothing beats a good old fashioned Theragun Prime ($330) session

  • My Chirp Contour Decompression & Massage Table ($610), which I will haul around for the rest of time

  • Esker Magnesium Bath Enhancer ($40)

  • LOOPS x DUNE After-Sun Hydrogel Face Mask ($30)

  • Legs up the wall, always

    💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

I’m baaaack. Gettin’ right to work because I am on a bonkers WSJ deadline. (A great thing!) For House Outlook, I’m writing a piece about warning signs that your house has a foundation problem. If you have a contractor or real estate expert who’d be a good fit, shoot me a note, ideally today: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Foundation Problems.”

My House Outlook assignments will be slowing down soon, since my editor is about to go on maternity leave until March, which is scary for my budget but uplifting that there’s a publishing company that still offers a six-month maternity leave?? Good for her. Good for them.

Link love <3

• I’m hiking Mt. Baldy for the first time this weekend! If you’ve done it, any helpful tips? I haven’t 100 percent decided what I’m wearing yet (typical), but chances are looking good for these:

  • Zamberlan Thunder Pro GTX hiking boots ($390), no brainer.

  • Fjallraven Abisko Softpack ($105), which is a perfectly petite size but allows for plenty of snacks and water. I’ve been carrying it for a couple years, since an especially lovely press trip with Fjallraven in Joshua Tree.

  • Greyson Wind Ultra-Light Short ($98), which just arrived yesterday and I can already tell they’ll be in heavy rotation for hikes, dog walks, house lounging, etc. They’re weightless.

  • Splendid SunSoft UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Tee ($68, on sale from $98), which I’ve had to hand-wash recently because I wear it so often I can’t let it sit in my laundry basket.

  • Municipal Inflow Lightweight Bra ($64) or Greyson Venus Sports Bra ($68) because I love a twisty black sports bra.

  • Help, my sun hat options aren’t great. It may be time for a neck flat situation.

• I’m a bit of a sucker for a Pierce & Ward collaboration (sue me!), and this West Elm x Pierce & Ward olive striped shower curtain ($49) proves why. So pretty.

  💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Hope you’re not sick of me yet! I have a quick source need for today. For House Outlook, I’m writing an explainer on how you can use chalk to remove oil stains from clothes. Got someone who’d be a good source? Shoot me a note asap: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Oil Stains.” I’d need a few simple questions answered by EOW.

Link love <3

• My favorite zebra-y Vitamin A set, my go-to beach outfit, is on sale. The Playa Boyfriend Shirt ($122, on sale from $165) and matching Getaway Short ($84, on sale from $110) are the only non-athleisurewear pieces I’ve been wearing all summer. The woman at my UPS, who is never not crabby, even complimented it the other day.

• Neal Allen and Anne Lamott = my idea of a supercouple. Their new book, Good Writing: 36 Ways to Improve Your Sentences, should be annual required reading for every English-speaking human ages 13 and older. It’s practical and easy to digest, and a good reminder in the age of AI that writing strong sentences is a true skill. Depending on where you prefer to buy, the price varies. It’s $16 on Amazon and $25 on Bookshop.org.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Now that it’s been on newsstands for a month or so, I’ve finally come up for air long enough to tell you that I wrote five features for the latest issue of Bridal Guide, including the cover story. I started my magazine career in bridal (Minnesota Bride, Wisconsin Bride, Arizona Bride, Seattle Bride, Oregon Bride, and California Wedding Day!) so it feels like home to be back in that world.

More source needs to come later this week. Stay tuned.

Link love <3

• No salt and vinegar chip left behind. That’s a new motto I’m making up on the spot, since IKEA has the cutest pack of chip clips that are the barrette-like variety. I can’t get over the price: $4 for a set of 24. Stock up.

• I’m ready to lean all the way into the holidays this year, starting with my new Old World Christmas ornaments: a pug in honor of my Buster ($20), my homestate of Wisconsin ($30), and my boyfriend’s native New Jersey ($27). They have ornaments for every pet/state/college/food/sport/special interest. Shop here and remind yourself it won’t be 95 degrees forever. (Or, perhaps someday soon, it will?)

• Speaking of Buster, he was recently spoiled with some Lane & Leash goodies – what a lucky dog – and he (I) especially love the Velvet Dog Collar ($30), which you can personalize with their name, your phone number, charms, or an engraved ID tag. Cute all around!

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Happy Monday. This week I’m diving into three more print features (!), two online articles, and have a few more WSJ features on my docket soon too.

Source need for today: I’m writing a little explainer for How Everything Works on a topic we’ve all probably searched: why does toothpaste make orange juice taste bad? Do any of you rep dentists? Or a toothpaste company? If so, shoot me a note: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Orange Juice.”

Link love <3

• I’m lucky in 1,000 different ways, but extremely unlucky that I have whatever blood type mosquitoes love most. Some mornings I wake up with a dozen new bites. (Wonky, old Los Angeles apartment windows with screens that are barely clinging on, god help me.) Lately I’ve been slathering on Kate McLeod’s Bug Balm ($28) before bed and it seems to be keeping the little buggers at bay. It also smells nice – citronella, geranium.

• I’ve told y’all about my absolute #1 mosquito defense though, right? The Bug Bite Thing ($9.97) seems ridiculous, but truly, genuinely works. I would never lie to you. I have one in my bedside table, in my car, in my purse…I feel like I’m at war with mosquitoes and that I moved to LA just in time for them to move there too.

• Last week I developed two tiny new freckles on my right hand and spiraled about how I need driving gloves. Anyone have a recommendation? I’m looking at this pair from Solbari ($55.20, on sale from $69.) I already use the Omnilux Gloves ($345) and the NIRA Pro Laser ($699) on my hands, alternating every other day, and am constantly reapplying Kiehl’s Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ ($29) on my hands too, so ruining the skin on my hands while being stuck in traffic seems extra cruel.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Are we hanging in there? This summer has been bonkers. Congrats to all of you who escaped to Italy/Portugal/Greece/younameit. Personally I’ve been couch- and computer-bound and am very ready for September back to school energy. I want football (go Pack go), sweatpants (this gray pair), and to not be melting to death.

I have so many new print stories to tell you about, including another cover story already on newsstands and two pieces in legacy magazines hitting newsstands soon, but first…

For House Outlook, I’m writing a piece about red flags that scream “money pit” to potential home buyers. Where are my real estate experts? If you have someone who’d be a good fit and can tell me their top money pits with a few sentences explaining each by Monday morning, shoot me a note: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Money Pits.”

Link love <3

• It’s been too hot to wear anything but this Cozy Earth bra and boxer set ($88) around the house. Highly recommend. (Hi Hannah!)

• Oh, how I love a barely-there skinny strap. How cute is this Buttercup tank ($48)? I have the daffodil yellow color, which is currently sold out, but have my eye on the dill pickle gingham too. If you nab one, just sure to air dry it. Skinny mini straps are too delicate for a dryer. Add the matching bloomers ($37) for another outfit to wear around the house when clothes feel encumbering.

• You know how I feel about a table lamp from Etsy! This one I’ve had my eye on is currently on major sale ($46.75, down from $85), so please enjoy in my honor.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

I am beat. You too? This summer has taken it all, and then some more, out of me. The good news: I’ve wrapped up five print features (!) in the last couple weeks and this week I’m writing three more.

I’m also starting to write for a new-to-me and also new-in-general outlet called How Everything Works, which functions as a site, of course, but primarily as a newsletter. It’s a little more science-y that my normal niches, and often answers the questions we all Google. For my first piece I’m tackling this topic: Why are airplane windows always round?

Do you have a source who’d be a good fit? Email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “airplane windows” ASAP please. I need to wrap this one up on Wednesday.

Link love <3

• Considering the thongs made of who-knows-what we used to wear in the early 2000s, I’m now picky, picky, picky about what underwear I wear. (A sign of old age?) Entirely organic cotton only, please, with ideally with no lines but honestly I care very little about those now. My favorites: Subset, PAKA, KENT.

• As I melt away in my AC-less apartment (help me) I literally daydream of the days when I can wear comfy cozies again. LILYSILK kindly sent this chicccc duo: rolled cuffed sweatpants ($149) + zipped track jacket ($159) duo that I will be wearing nonstop once the earth cools its shit.

• Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned clay mask. This clarifying clay mask from Cosmette ($39) has been my go-to for a couple months now.

  💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Perhaps this is niche, but do any of you rep home stagers? I’m writing a piece for House Outlook with tips from home stagers on how to elevate your home, even if you’re not selling anytime soon. Maybe I could swing a home stylist too. Got someone? Email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Home Stagers.”

Link love <3

• Collaborations have gotten so diluted in the past few years, but there are two new ones that really, really hit.

  • Kacey Musgraves x Stanley?? Yeehaw! Until I find a Montana ranch to escape to, I’ll be wandering LA with my cow print 40-ounce Quencher ($65) and 16-ounce Suburban Mug ($45), both with cute, Kacey-approved keychains. Also in the collection: a Classic Legendary Bottle ($55) and a pet bowl ($40) Not to be an alarmist, but I imagine this collection will sell out fast…

  • Also selling out fast: the Alex Mill x Quiet Town collab. Come on. It’s the perfect, but unexpected, blend of high-quality cuts and up-cycled fabrics in optimistic colors the world needs right now. Gimme this sweet pastel jacket ($275) right now. Or do I want the same work jacket in punchier colors?? I’m a sucker for a colorful canvas weekender ($275) too.

• Going to IKEA makes me break out in hives and their website is nearly as overwhelming for me, but I was recently reminded how delightful and delightfully priced this wavy orange vase ($19.99) – first seen in their 1995 catalogue! – is. This vase + Trader Joe’s flowers = easy, affordable friend gift.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Hope you all had a happy weekend. I’m in the thick of interviews for five new print features, and rumor has it I’ll have more WSJ assignments coming up soon. Stay tuned for more on those…

In the meantime I’m also writing a House Outlook explainer about thread count that I’d love an expert’s help with. Maybe someone from a linen company? You tell me if you have someone who’d be a good fit. Email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Thread Count.” It’s super simple – I just need a few questions answered by EOW.

Link love <3

• I've been hiking as much as possible recently, even in this godawful heat, but am a sun protection freak so long sleeves it is, 95 degrees or not. This UPF 50+ Splendid top is the best-looking sun shirt ($98) I’ve ever seen. I wear the red version for hikes, dog walks, and normal days when I know I’ll be in/out. I especially love the hand protection.

• I don’t cook, but HexClad very generously gifted my boyfriend, who handles all of the meals in our household, their 2-quart saucepan with lid ($139). You woulda thought it was Christmas morning when he opened it. His first reaction: “It’s so beautiful. I can’t wait to make a sauce!”

• I’ve slowly/surely been throwing away my boyfriend’s ugly throw pillows from pre-me years. My best upgrade is this Pendelton striped square pillow ($145) that’s adds texture and pattern, and isn’t too southwest feeling that it’s out of touch in my LA apartment. I can’t wait to curl up with this Pendleton camp throw blanket ($188) once fall hits too. Gimme a Sunday full of football and wings and couch naps with this blanket!

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Gettin’ right to it because this heat is melting my brain. For House Outlook, I’m looking for interior designers to share their favorite front door paint colors. Specific colors/brands appreciated, along with a couple sentences about what makes it great for curb appeal. If they have images to contribute, all the better, but not necessary. Email me by EOD Monday with submissions: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Front Door Colors.”

Another q for all my makeup girlies out there. I’m on the hunt for a new eyebrow pencil. Thin, precise, ideally with a spoolie. My long-time favorite is Kevyn Aucoin (still gifting us with his genius), but I am open to new suggestions!

Link love <3

• Notebook hoarder over here! I’m devoted to my morning pages (er, morning page, singular, usually) and scribbling my thoughts and worries in Papier’s personalized notebooks ($38). Lined, spiral bound, so many beautiful designs, big. For my daily to do list I use and love the Galison Van Gogh spiral notebook ($9 on their site or $13 on Amazon). It’s the simple things!

• Laundry is my favorite chore and it’s even less of a drag with DedCool’s detergent ($35).

• Finally a bikini bottom with proper coverage that doesn’t ride up or wiggle around or dig into your bits or get weird after washing. And it’s leopard print! WATSKIN’s Aria High Waist Bikini Brief ($155) is a bit of an investment, but one you’ll have for pool parties for years to come.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Hope you all had a happy long weekend with brats and hammock naps and long stretches reading or doing whatever you wanted. Last week was a bit of a wash, but now I’m diving head-first into July with a five new print assignments, including a celebrity cover story (!) of someone I’ve admired since middle school. So exciting. I’ll tell you all about it as soon as I’m able.

More source needs are coming your way later this week. I have five new web assignments I’ll need help with soon. Interior designers, realtors/home stagers, and paint experts, stay tuned. Until then, godspeed getting back into the swing of things.

Link love <3

• I ♥️ Ranger Station and they’ve kindly given me the code MEGAN25 for anyone who wants early access to their upcoming sale – 25 percent off anything! Some of my favorites, all with pre-sale prices:

  • I’m a sucker for anything sandalwood, including Ranger Station’s Santalum fragrance, also featuring amber resin, iris, and leather. Perfume is so personal, so try their 10ml quickdraw ($39) first or if all things sandalwood are for you (raises hand) go all in with their 50ml ($94) or 100ml ($144) options.

  • I’ve raved about Ranger Station’s hand soap before and here I go again! Atlas Cedar ($39) is my go-to and in that sweet spot of luxe without being crazy expensive. Such a great gift for anyone you want to impress without spending serious $$$. If I had a gift closet (someday!) this is what I’d stock it with.

  • I take my role as a Taurus seriously, which includes being a candle connoisseur. Ranger Station’s candles check all the boxes: beautiful scents, even and clean burns, and not a bazillion dollars. I’ve been burning the Sandalwood + Bergamot ($39) every day recently.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Don’t tell me you’re actually still working today. I hope you log off soon, head to a lake (or ocean or any kind of water) and treat yourself to something on sale. I’ll be back at it next week.

Link Love, Extended Sale Edition <3

• Uh oh, my all-time favorite sneakers from Merrell ($134.99, on sale from $180) are on sale in seven colorways and I want all of them! Adding the chalk ones to my cart right now.

• Heidi Merrick, the coolest woman alive, is offering $50 off a $250+ purchase site wide.

• Horse girls, this one is for you! This Wrangler denim top ($35.97, on sale from $59.99), with embroidered horses and cowboys, always earns me compliments.

• The adorable Lee gingham tote I’ve been putting to serious use is 30 percent off, making it, if my mental math is correct, something insane like $21??

• Get ahead for next Galentine’s Day. These personalized retro custom matchbooks are on sale for just .61 cents, instead of the normal $1.01.

• This MIRTH top ($138, on sale from $198) = chic and comfortable. Best of both fashion worlds.

• My freckles aren’t as cute as they used to be, so I can only hike in long-sleeved shirts now. I have the Hikerkind trail shirt ($102.40, on sale from $128) in two colors and throw them on for everything from eight-mile hikes to dog walks around the block. 50+ UPF protection!

• Beyoncé cookie cutter. Need I say more? On sale for $8.92, from the original price $10.50.

• I won’t drink Los Angeles tap water without my Sans Water Purifier ($379.99, on sale from $499.99) or breathe its air without the Sans Air Purifier Mini ($199.99), which isn’t on sale but is very cute as far as air purifiers go.

• The Spiritual Gangster cropped tank that I wear probably too much is currently $19 (!), on sale from $58.

• If you’ve had your eye on a pair of Margaux shoes, hop on to their archive sale. These sleek mules ($166, on sale from $325) are on my wish list.

• Yes, I am a dog mom with a custom embroidered photo hat of my pug Buster. What of it! This one is on sale for $11.70+ from the original price $29.25+.

• Tbh I’d wear this gold sequined floral Nadine Merabi dress ($302.50, on sale from $605) to get married. I actually wore it to the Magic Castle though. Whatever your event of choice, it’s beyond beautiful.

• If you’re really cool you can wear these Sunday Collective striped pants ($60, on sale from $120) with an oversized sweatshirt or slinky little tank. I wear them as cozy house pants.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Hope you are all only keeping one eye on your inbox this week, half-assing it right into a long weekend. If you’re still at it though, you’re a better person than I am. My news: I’m thrilled to announce I wrote five (!) features for the new issue of Rue. Do yourself a favor and nab a copy at a newsstand to read this weekend, ideally near a water source with your loved ones.

I’ll be back with more source needs soon, but this week I’m working on another print feature for a new (to me) print mag. Print! Features! In 2026! Who coulda guessed. I’m truly chuffed. Thank you all for your help along the way.

Question for my LA girls: Help, I need a new hairstylist! I live in Larchmont, but am open to driving wherever as long as they don’t charge a million dollars for a simple trim. I thought I’d found ~my guy~ but he recently disappeared off the salon’s schedule with no online presence. Good for him. Bad for my split ends. If you have a hairstylist recommendation, please send my way!

Link love <3

• Margaux’s sale is no joke. I have a pair of the black nappa Parra flats ($265, on sale from $365) — itty bitty heel, pointed toe, seriously ladylike — on their way and cannot wait to wear them everywhere. I imagine sizes will start selling out, so hop to it if you’ve had your eye on a pair.

• Save Khaki United was not on my radar, but now that I’m in the know (sorry!) I’ve been wearing this boxy green oxford shirt ($160) and lightweight workwear-inspired jacket ($220) nonstop. Love.

• In general I think toes (especially men’s) should be hidden away, but TKEES convinces me that a barely there strappy sandal — especially a square toe glossy black pair ($85) — can be a good idea.

• If you’re in the market for fresh socks, let me tell you about LA Apparel’s unisex socks. I want 100 pairs and I’m picky about socks. They come in dozens of colors, are $7/pair if you buy three+, wash beautifully, have extra cushion on the pad of the foot, stay put, and are made in beautiful Los Angeles.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Just wanted to pop in with a big hooray for my latest Wall Street Journal piece about the evolution of American architecture. Thank you for all of your source submissions. It’s one of my favorite pieces to date, and one of those rare moments when personal passion and publication prestige come together. Long live print, even if I had to stop at six places before I found a copy. Now, who’s going to send me on a press trip to Fallingwater?

Another print (!) mag I wrote five (!) features for hit newsstands this week too. I’ll tell you about that one soon. :)

Link love <3

• A couple weeks ago I attended an event for the launch of the Clare V. x Left on Friday swimwear collaboration and (no surprise) it’s very cute, colorful, and mix ‘n’ matchy.

• There’s a new Dazzle Dry collection out, and I hate to pick favorites, but this holographic cerulean ($12 or $22) looks like the craziest, clearest night sky and this sparkly coral with big gold flecks ($12 or $22) is especially great for layering.

• Last minute Father’s Day gift? An Aura Carver digital frame ($134, on sale from $149) is always a good idea.

• I inherently trust the French with skincare, and that includes Bonjout Beauty’s La Cream ($170), developed by a French pharmacist. And that bottle! So beautiful.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Y’all, I am seriously riding high after finishing an architectural history piece for the Wall Street Journal, of course featuring my man Frank Lloyd Wright. My dream topic. It’ll be in print July 4th – a reason for me to celebrate on that now-weird day.

In the meantime, I’m looking for a source for another House Outlook piece. It’s about things hiding in your house that could be worth real money. Maybe I need a flea market expert or secondhand store owner? It’ll cover general home goods categories (action figures, model train sets, watches, etc.), not specific brands. Got someone? Email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Collectibles Expert.”

Link love <3

• I don’t own these imogene+willie track shorts ($145) but ohmygod I want them – particularly the white/red pair, which is nearly sold out.

• More things in our homes that make us smile!!! A custom pet Delft tile ($36)! A duck light switch cover ($18)! Embroidered cocktail napkins ($13)!

• God bless the team at Natura Bissé. They make skincare worth investing in. Their C+C Vitamin C 20% Antiox Solution ($205) is my new favorite step.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

My oh my, this week is zipping by. Today I’m wrapping up a Wall Street Journal article that I’m vvvery excited about, and I’m also hoping you could help me with another piece.

It’s for House Outlook and called What Thrift Stores Wish You’d Stop Donating – items that thrift stores won’t (or would rather not) accept, because of safety and hygiene issues, high disposal costs, or just lack of demand. Does anyone know a Goodwill rep? Or an organizer who’d be a good source? Send me a note: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Thrift Stores.”

Link love <3

• My Etsy homepage knows me too well. Yes please to this sculptural glass wall sconce ($166, on sale from $207). The only question: chrome or brass?

• This Lee Jeans gingham tote bag ($30) is CUTE. I got the orange, but it’s available in nine equally cute colors.

• The most Taurus thing about me is that I insist on upgrading everyday essentials to the most beautiful version possible. Like this chic Steamery Cirrus 3 handheld steamer ($180). Try me, wrinkles.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Ain’t she pretty? This weekend I had another full-page feature in The Wall Street Journal. It never gets old pulling up to a newsstand and scouring the pages for a piece. Lots more new print pieces to come too — stay tuned.

A quickie for today: For House Outlook, I’m looking for interior designers willing to spill their secrets on how to hide ugly cords. I’d need responses by EOD Thursday. Shoot me a note if you have someone with good tips: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “Ugly Cords.”

Link love <3

• I grew up on well water in Wisconsin and it’s made me a brat about what I drink ever since. I’m so grateful to have added the Sans Self-Cleaning Water Bottle to my new emotional support water bottle collection. Tbh I don’t really understand how it works but I’ll blindly trust that with a touch of the lid it’s cleaning the contents (including the bottle itself!) with UV-C purification. It’s not cheap ($79.99) but it makes it way easier to drink clean water anywhere.

• My boyfriend and I recently painted our bedroom Benjamin Moore Venetian Portico — an earthy clay-like color that veers between brown and rosy mauve depending on the light — and the much-needed big refresh has me itching for little updates too, like new light switch covers from Etsy. I’m a sucker for a hand-painted floral design like these ($16). These poppies ($25)! This white porcelain one ($32.50) is pretty. Maybe a solid color ceramic ($22)?

• Very few shoes get better with wear. These Sabah slides ($200) are one of them. They’re hand-stitched in Turkey and you can tell they’re made with love. I have the red leather pair, but they come in a ton of colors and slowly mold to your feet. They’re especially perfect for this time of year, when I seem to be constantly bopping between inside and out and need a pair of shoes to throw on fast.

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Happy Monday! Thankyouthankyou for all of your wonderful submissions for my WSJ architecture story — I’m more than set on sources.

I’m still looking for more interior designers for an upcoming House Outlook article about designers’ favorite IKEA pieces though. For possible inclusion, email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “IKEA Pieces” and the info below by EOD Thursday please.

• IKEA product name and link

• A short paragraph in the designer’s own words about why they love the IKEA piece. Could also include: where/how they use it in their own home, how they style it, how long they’ve owned it, why it’s a keeper. (No AI-assisted responses please.)

• Designer’s name and website linked

Link love <3

• This swirly red and white MIRTH dress ($328) + me + all summer long. So dreamy and so comfortable, with its cotton/silk makeup. It also comes in sleek black. FIX THIS LINK

• A new summery P.F. Candle Co. scent has dropped! The Saltwater Jasmine candle ($27) smells like waking up in Nantucket, even though I’ve never been there. It’s crisp and clean, with notes of bergamot, sea moss, and sandalwood.

• I’ve been reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean ($9 on Amazon, $18 on bookshop.org), about the Los Angeles Central Library fire in 1986. Susan has the kindest curiosity that’s so relaxing to read. It’s beautiful — a must if you live in Los Angeles, appreciate libraries, or simply love stories.

♥️♥️♥️

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty

Hi friends,

Fun one alert! I need interior designers for a House Outlook piece called IKEA Pieces Designers Secretly Love (and Use in Their Own Homes).

For possible inclusion, email me: megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com with the subject line “IKEA Pieces” and the info below by EOD Tuesday, May 19th.

• IKEA product name and link

• A short paragraph in the designer’s own words about why they love the IKEA piece. Could also include: where/how they use it in their own home, how they style it, how long they’ve owned it, why it’s a keeper. (No AI-assisted responses, for the love of all things good.)

• Designer’s name and website linked

Easy peasy! Look forward to hearing from you and then trying not to shop at IKEA.

Link love <3

• Get this: handmade bougainvillea petal paper lamp shades on Etsy for $26???Wow.

• Dazzle Dry never misses, but their new Bright Side collection ($12+) really hits. Spark is going on my fingers tonight.

• I’m 20+ years into trying to convince myself to be a runner. Maybe these Flipbelt running shorts ($52) will help.

💛💛💛

💌 megan.leigh.mccarty@gmail.com // IG: @meganmccarty