As the Duchess of Sussex has officially hung up her fascinator and said goodbye to petting ponies and breakfast-ing at Balmoral along with tea time chats and gossip sessions with headband happy Fergie down at the Royal Lodge — the mom of two has embraced her new Cali comforts and more importantly, a new identity. Far from the Scottish highlands and book club banter with Sarah Ferguson dressed in her fairy cosplay  — the duchess is now ready to strike out on her own and catapult her and husband Harry’s Archewell brand into a global influencer of good. From charity projects ranging from women’s causes to aiding organizations in Afghanistan — the Sussexes are determined to see their philanthropic pursuits and creative dreams come to fruition. In addition, the couple have a long roster of percolating passion projects  — from Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir(s) to his role as a Chief Impact Officer for a mental health organization along with Meghan’s new 40×40 initiative and their continual partnership with media giants Spotify and Netflix — it’s safe to say they have many irons in the fire. For this dynamic and determined duo — it seems the starry Santa Barbara sky is the limit.

And as the Duchess continues to reign in her coastal domain — the Bench author’s style has evolved from that of tailored and tidy Windsor wife to beach-bound mompreneur. And no where was Meghan’s sartorial evolution more on full display than in a recent video with comedian Melissa McCarthy — embracing her love of lounge — the duchess opted for drawstring cotton pants from LA based brand CO along with a cozy shawl collar cardigan draped over an unassuming ribbed tank. Matching Meghan’s style sensibilities — the relaxed line of luxury fashions with touchable fabrics and flowy silouhettes speaks to the former Suits star’s devotion to all things minimalist and modern.

The Sussexes new SoCal sanctuary is the perfect place for Meghan to return to her roots with a closet full of wearable athleisure, breezy maxi dresses and tanks galore. And her decor is on the same path to Finding Freedom. Perhaps a subtle way of extricating herself from the confines of her royal role — Meghan is bucking (not Buckingham) the decorative wallpaper, floral furnishings and damask decor of her former life in favor of clean lines and fresh starts.