Meghan Markle’s favorite Montecito shops could’ve inspired new brand

Meghan Markle has launched her first American Riviera Orchard product – a jar of strawberry jam – and the inspiration for that sweet treat and the dozens of other products she intends to sell not may not be too much further than her front door.

It was just a little over a year ago when the Duke And Duchess of Sussex sparked speculation that they were tiring of the ritzy seaside enclave of Montecito and had set their sights on nearby Hope Ranch or even a move down the coast to Malibu.

But the announcement of Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle and wellness line last month confirmed the couple isn’t leaving the affluent star-studded community just yet. 

In March, DailyMail.com revealed a trademark application was submitted on February 2 for Meghan’s new ‘American Riviera Orchard Montecito’ brand that will sell items for the home, garden, body, and even pets.

The document shows the trademark will cover nearly every conceivable aspect of interior and exterior design, cooking, and lifestyle and, now, beauty – that may have been inspired by high-end goods found at upscale shops in her neighborhood. 

Montecito has earned the nickname ‘Moneycito’ among some Santa Barbara locals due to its wealthy – and even famous – residents and massive estates.

And anyone who has bumped into Meghan over the last four years at a restaurant, boutique, on the beach, or at the local farmer’s market, can see that she — along with husband Prince Harry, 39, and their children, Archie, four, and Lilibet, two – genuinely enjoys the area.

Meghan launched American Riviera Orchard on March 14 on her Instagram page sharing the logo originally a 10-second story video of Meghan dressed in a black ball gown, then wearing a simple white outfit while arranging flowers and cooking in the kitchen of her $14.7million estate, set to the music of jazz singer Nancy Wilson’s ‘I Wish you Love.’

Here, DailyMail.com takes a look inside a few of the local shops where Meghan frequents that could provide a glimpse into what similar products she will be unveiling very soon.

The Montecito Farmers Market Upstairs at Pierre Lafond

Support your local farmer.

DailyMail.com spotted Meghan last July at the popular local farmer’s market that sets up every Friday morning along a different section of Coast Village Road.

The former Suits star even brought her dog along as she went from tent to tent, browsing the various collections of goods.

She was seen buying flowers, and sampling honey, putting on lotion and chatting up the different vendors asking them questions about their products. 

The Stonehouse Restaurant at the San Ysidro Ranch 

Secluded and in a ‘well-heeled neighborhood’ since 1893.

Just up the street from Pierre LaFond & Co is the rustic but ritzy 550-acre San Ysidro Ranch, where Meghan and Harry are said to dine at least once a week at the Stonehouse restaurant.

It’s not a shopping destination but a fine dining farm-to-table experience with the same stonewall aesthetic as the Sussex’s own Montecito estate that draws the couple back as regulars.

Upstairs at Pierre La Fond

The people who know, know.

You’d have to be in the know when it comes to this eclectic boutique, because there is no sign on the thoroughfare of San Ysidro Road to beckon shoppers inside.

The business has been at this location for 60 years, and has always attracted a steady stream of the rich and famous serving as a local high-end general store. 

As referenced in the name, the home goods store is located above the Pierre La Fond & Co grocery store, a favorite among locals for grabbing a cup of coffee or its handmade breakfast and lunch. 

Upstairs, shoppers can find luxury housewares and apparel, ranging from Mini Rodini onesies to Il Bisonte wallets and Paul Smith socks.

The store is even among the shops recommended by another celebrity-founded wellness and lifestyle brand, Goop.  

Lucille Ball, Michael Douglas, and even Elizabeth Taylor have shopped here, with a bejeweled – but short on cash – Liz once infamously leaving a handwritten ‘I owe you’ at the store for 70 cents in the mid-1980s.

While Prince Harry can be seen grabbing a bite to eat at the deli or getting a coffee to-go, Meghan has consistently made a beeline for the Upstairs department that sells clothing, home goods, art, patio furniture, bedding and gifts.

She has purchased candles, baby clothes, towels, pillows, and even men’s items like Paul Smith shirts and jackets for Harry.

Hudson Grace

Perfectly curated home décor store that evokes the Coastal California lifestyle.

As previously documented by DailyMail.com, Meghan is a regular at this posh home furnishings store. 

The mom-of-two was photographed leaving Hudson Grace in December 2021, and according to a source at the store, she is a frequent customer. 

It showcases white tableware, linens, glasses, scented candles all perfect for what they call ‘gracious’ entertaining and gifting.

Porch

Curated and unique—perfect for a Santa Barbara casual or sophisticated casa.

Just a few miles south of Montecito, sits the little town of Summerland, California. 

It’s a place Meghan Markle frequents regularly, and even her dentist office is there.

She has been seen at Porch checking out their jewelry, paper goods, textiles, unique artwork, photography and furniture.

Field + Fort 

Essentials for elevated living—and a great grilled cheese with tomato jam sandwich.

Retail and food merge with Field + Fort’s Feast café just a mile down the road from Porch. 

Meghan has been seen getting food to-go, and browsing the store’s goods regularly. They carry the Flamingo Estate brand ‘Making pleasure a priority’ that Meghan is said to enjoy.

Fancy utensils, bedding, bath towels, chocolates, pasta, sauces, you name it, it’s at Field + Fort.

It is an elevated version of William Sonoma or Pottery Barn set in a newly refurbished 5,000 square foot building.

The Sacred Space 

Sound baths, tarot reading, yoga, breathwork and meditation.

One of the more unique stores that Meghan enjoys is the Sacred Space next door to Field + Fort.

Balinese gardens and meditation areas surround the store that sells crystals, jewelry, unique items for the garden and more.

And…there is something here you would never find in Los Angeles County.

There are Buddha statues perched outside with their mouths stuffed with money for good karma and shockingly, no one steals the cash.

No wonder Meghan loves the tranquil aesthetic of the Sacred Space and of Santa Barbara area in general.

It will be interesting to see what elements from her favorite stores and places around the area inspire her new lifestyle brand.