Welcome to the second issue of The Gold Standard - our new quarterly newspaper and, quite simply, a love letter to the world we are building together.

INSPIRED

Inspiration, for me, has never come from a single place - it’s something I’ve learned to recognize rather than chase. It’s in the everyday moments that most people might overlook. A walk through Savannah where the light hits a historic facade just right. The way a hostess sets a table at Joy Club with intention and ease. The confidence of a woman trying something on in the fitting room and seeing herself differently.

Travel has always been a catalyst for creativity, but not in the way people expect. It’s not about grand destinations - it’s about observation. The colors of a coastal town, the texture of woven textiles in a small market, the rhythm of how women move and dress in different environments. I’m constantly asking: What makes this feel special? Why does this resonate?

But truthfully, one of my greatest sources of inspiration is our customer. Hearing, “I got so many compliments,” or seeing how she styles a piece in her own life - that’s the most meaningful feedback loop we have. It reminds me that what we’re creating isn’t just clothing - it’s confidence, it’s presence, it’s a feeling.

Inspiration lives where intention meets awareness. The more present I am, the more clearly I see it.

my latest joy

Exumas in the Bahamas for Spring Break

Finally editing all of my photos from Italy last summer so I can share with you during our launch.

Our family on St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah - our tradition to walk in the parade.

On Balance: Work, Life, and Everything In Between

Balance is a word I’ve come to redefine over time.

For a long time, I thought balance meant equal parts - giving the same energy to work, family, creativity, and rest. But the reality is, especially in this season of life, balance looks much more like rhythm. There are days when the business requires more of me - big decisions, growth moments, leadership demands. And there are days when my role as a mother takes the lead. What I’ve learned is that trying to hold everything in perfect equilibrium often leads to feeling like you’re falling short everywhere.

Instead, I focus on being fully present in whatever I’m doing.

When I’m at work, I’m leading, creating, and building with intention. When I’m with my family, I try to be equally present - putting down the phone as much as possible, stepping out of the constant motion of the business, and truly engaging in those moments. Don’t get me wrong, this is always a balancing act.

I also believe strongly that not every passion or creative desire has to be fulfilled through your career. It’s okay - and necessary - to have parts of your life that exist outside of work. That space is often where you refill your cup. Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment, presence, and giving yourself grace in the seasons where one area may need more than another.

CEO + Creative Director

With the warm weather finally settling in, our focus at Emily McCarthy has shifted to long afternoons and the curated art of the summer escape. Whether you are prepping for a trip or mastering the “staycation” by the pool, the secret to a seamless season is a well-packed bag and a chilled glass in hand. My uniform starts with Supergoop! Glow Screen - it provides an effortless glow and essential protection, serving as the perfect, luminous base for a polished, “no-makeup” look.

For sun protection that complements your outfit, I’m reaching for a Sunshine Tienda palm hat. When it’s time to hit the water, skip the basic towels for the plush luxury of Weezie. These Sunshine Tienda styles and Weezie essentials have become our go-to favorites for any beach day or boat ride, and you can find them both right here at Emily McCarthy.

Of course, no afternoon is complete without a refreshing drink. We love when our friends from Savannah Square Pops come by, and we’ve discovered the best way to enjoy their treats is by letting a frozen fruit pop do the work of a traditional mixer.

summer cocktail

The Joy club "pop-tail"

The Glass:

A chilled wine glass or tumbler.

The Pop:

One Savannah Square Pops fruit pop - we love Blueberry Basil!

The Bubbly:

Fill the glass with chilled Prosecco from the Joy Club.

The Result:

As the pop melts, it infuses your bubbles with fresh fruit and herbs while keeping your drink ice-cold.

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However you choose to spend these warmer days, I hope they are filled with plenty of sunshine & Joy!

If there is one item I never leave home without, it’s our signature cosmetic bag. Between the vibrant prints, the luxe gold zipper, and the iconic Emily McCarthy logo, these bags are as beautiful as they are functional. Don’t let the name fool you - while they are perfect for your vanity, their utility goes far beyond just makeup. Since they are fully lined and easy to wipe clean, they are designed to keep up with a busy lifestyle and any unexpected messes along the way.

I personally keep a rotating set of essentials in mine depending on the day. For my everyday errands, it holds my favorite lip oil,
a spare hair clip, and a travel-sized perfume. When I’m heading to the beach or out on the boat, it becomes a protected home for my phone, sunscreen, and sunglasses. They are also the ultimate travel companion for keeping a suitcase organized; I love to use the different signature prints to categorize my belongings, using one for tech cords and chargers and another for skincare.

Beyond being a personal staple, these bags are my secret weapon for gifting. I love to use them as a “reusable gift box” by tucking in a Joy Club gift card or a small treat for a birthday or a “thank you” to a weekend hostess. Whether you’re tossing it in your gym bag to keep jewelry safe or even carrying it as a casual clutch for a quick
dinner, these bags prove that staying organized should always be done in style.

If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet wondering, now what - you’re in the right place.

This is a space designed to answer those questions with guided styling tips meant to bring ease, confidence, and a little fun back into getting dressed. Come back whenever you need inspiration, reassurance, or a nudge toward trying something new.

Here are a few inquiries answered with intention, from our stylist to you.

“I don’t want to overpack for my weeklong trip to Cabo. What styles should I pack for the most versatility?”

Great vacation style starts with a smart packing strategy. Once the essentials are covered, focusing on these 3 key wardrobe categories ensures you are ready for poolside lounging, evening dinners, and whatever adventures the trip may bring.

day to night

The secret to light packing is all in the functionality. The most valuable pieces in your suitcase are the ones that can move seamlessly from poolside afternoons to evening plans. Look for nice and breezy knits that can be worn as a chic coverup (piña colada in hand) and then styled with fun heels and statement jewelry for dinner.

These versatile pieces do the most work in a vacation wardrobe.

statement maker

The outfit you save for the night you’re looking forward to the most. A bold, statement-making dress made to attract compliments and start conversations. You typically want this one to be an easy, throw-on-and-go dressing moment for the sake of your essential post-beach nap and probable sunburn.

Golden hour selfies are highly encouraged.

adventure ready

Whether it be casual shopping, ice cream runs, or exploring around town, you always need a few styles that are ready for movement (and all the compliments). Think comfortable and polished sneaker friendly styles that can handle a little adventure.

“I am hosting a fabulous garden party – cocktail attire.

What are a few options that stand out and say, “I’m the hostess”?”

Good hostess style starts with something inviting, yet head turning. Think styles with more dramatic features like balloon sleeves, appliqué details, and head turning prints. Accessories that balance, compliment, and add to the look rather than overpower.

Throwing in an unexpected pop of color through jewelry or shoes is always a great way to turn heads and stand out.

golden customers

We are celebrating a family that truly embodies the Savannah spirit: the Ragen sisters. Julia, Molly, Posey, and Grace are all local natives and busy mothers who need a wardrobe that is as versatile as it is vibrant. From the classroom to the ballpark, these sisters share how Emily McCarthy has become a staple in their everyday lives.

As a member of our team here at Emily McCarthy, Julia Barrett sees the collections from the inside out. For her, the best pieces are the ones that keep up with her schedule. “I love that I can wear a dress to work and then head straight to the baseball field with my two busy boys,” she says. “It’s about looking polished while staying completely functional for life on the move.”

For Grace McAllister, it’s about having a reliable source for a standout look. “Emily McCarthy never fails to exceed my expectations for style and function,” she shares. “The fun styles give me so many options for a night out!”

Posey Helton finds that the beauty of the brand lies in the precision of the design. “I especially love the thoughtful details—like a subtle puff sleeve or a perfectly placed pleat—that give each piece an elevated feel.” Having worn the brand for years, she also values how the collections work together. “I often find myself pulling out a top from a previous season and pairing it effortlessly with a skirt from the current one. That versatility makes it easy to mix and match.”

As a preschool teacher, Molly Pavlo needs her wardrobe to be as joyful as her environment. “I love Emily McCarthy for its fun and vibrant prints! It’s the perfect combination for me to wear in the classroom,” she says. “An Emily McCarthy piece always brings the party, no matter the occasion.”

Together, the sisters prove that while their daily schedules might look different, their love for a well-designed, Savannah-inspired wardrobe is truly a family affair.

golden retailer

Meet Marti

from Two Friends
TwoFriends2.com | @TwoFriends_StSimons

Just about an hour and a half from our headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, you’ll find the charming coastal town of St. Simons Island, one of Georgia’s beloved Golden Isles. Known for its moss-draped oak trees, relaxed coastal beauty, and timeless Southern charm, St. Simons has long been a destination for those who appreciate thoughtful design, hospitality, and effortless style.

Nestled in the heart of the island is Two Friends, a boutique that beautifully captures the spirit of St. Simons. Owner Marti Tolleson has created a thoughtfully curated space fifilled with clothing, shoes, jewelry, art, home accessories, and gifts- each piece selected with intention and a discerning eye. Her natural talent for design and attention to detail have made Two Friends one of the most popular shops on Georgia’s Golden Isles.

Over the years, Marti and her team have become trusted retailers of Emily McCarthy, and we are truly honored to be among the brands represented in her store. Because of their long-standing partnership with our brand and the incredible experience they create for their customers, choosing Two Friends as our first Retailer Spotlight in The Gold Standard was an easy decision.

Marti shares that one of the reasons they love carrying Emily McCarthy is because of the “fabulous colors and prints” that feel so aligned with the Two Friends brand, adding that “they make us so happy.” That same sense of joy carries through to their customers, as she notes that the collections “always find a way to add in beautiful color to our customer’s wardrobe,” no matter the season.

That enthusiasm is reflected when customers reach for Emily McCarthy clothing. According to Marti, customers “love the fit and style of the brand,” returning time and time again for familiar favorites like the Poppy Top, while also embracing new silhouettes each season.

If you ever find yourself wandering the picturesque streets of St. Simons Island, be sure to stop by Two Friends and see for yourself why it has become one of the most beloved boutiques on the island.

behind the design

La Dolce Vita

This delivery is a celebration of Italian summer: linen kissed by sunlight, silk adorned with airy florals, and textures that recall the artistry of handwoven craft. Emily and her family visited Amalfi last summer which is drove all of the print and color direction in this collection. Inspired by Amalfi’s lemon orchards and bougainvillea-draped balconies, the collection is alive with color, bright citrus, vivid pink, and sun-bleached neutrals balanced by the sparkle of the sea. Silhouettes are effortless yet refined, embodying the spirit of la dolce vita with modern ease.

Each piece channels the ease of Italian coastal living - sophisticated, sunlit, and eternally airy.

Garden Gala

May’s delivery arrives with the charm of a garden gathering, gingham jacquards, embroidered linens, and full-bodied tones. Bold placed prints bloom with floral energy and trellis-inspired motifs. With shades of leafy green, bright blossom pink, and washed ivory woven through airy voiles and crochet, Olive Hour and Mojave details add a touch of craft and whimsy. A palette that feels freshly gathered, abundant with bloom and color, creates silhouettes designed for movement, joy, and playful celebration.

Stripe Spritz

June brings a joyful finish to the season with easy stripes, breezy seersucker, and playful knits designed for high-summer fun. French terry and jersey keep the mood relaxed, while novelty stripes and frayed textures add a punch of personality. Styles move from late mornings to long evenings with a carefree charm. A palette of bright bands and soft neutrals keeps every look crisp, colorful, and ready for an endless summer.