It is a universal truth that Southern women are more 'put together.' As women in other parts may wear mainly black with little makeup, the Southern woman is known for her love of wearing color, distinctively knowing her shades of lip color, and creating a life-long friendship with her hair stylist. She has a certain je ne sais quoi about her that can typically be distinguished upon walking into a room. Each of these Huntsville women own their style and wear it well. From head to toe you will find them embracing the looks that make them feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Alabama artist Morgan Johnston eternalizes their grace and style in these portraitures.
Brooke Ray, Owner, Locust Lane Rugs
Biggest style influence: Gayle Perry from @gaylestyle
Most loved item of clothing: Jeans!
Wardrobe essentials: Jeans, cashmere sweater, stack of gold bracelets
Favorite brands: ME+EM, Mother jeans, Gucci
Favorite stores: Monkee's of Huntsville, Willow Park boutique out of Atlanta, Boden for sweaters
Heirloom piece: My grandmother Emogene's diamond ring
Favorite piece of jewelry: My diamond necklace with each of my kid's first initials
Wearing: Dress from Tuckernuck and Gucci heels
Katiya McKinney, Marketing and Business Development for Maynard Nexsen
Biggest Style Influence: My mother
Most loved item of clothing: My Betsey Johnson lime green polka dot peplum dress that screams "let's go brunch in Miami!"
Most loved accessory: YSL natural color quilted leather handbag or Chanel pearl earrings
Wardrobe essentials: Black sleeveless sheath dress, camel wrap wool coat, nude platform heels
Favorite brands: ASTR, Dress the Population, J.Crew
Favorite stores: Nordstrom, Elitaire, Uniqlo
Favorite heirloom piece of jewelry: My grandmother's diamond band
Wearing: Eliza J from Nordstrom
Beverly Farrington, Interior Designer and Owner, Accents Of The South
Biggest style influence: Christian Dior
Most loved item of clothing: Collared button down blouse
Most loved accessory: Turquoise and gold bangle bracelets
Wardrobe essentials: Gucci belt, Hermes scarves, diamond stud earrings
Favorite brands: Alice & Olivia, Oscar de la Renta, Veronica Beard
Favorite stores: Carriage House in Decatur, Bergdorfs, the Finicky Filly in Charleston
Favorite heirloom piece: Mother-in-law’s gold chain link bracelet
Favorite piece of jewelry: wedding ring inspired by Buccellati
Wearing: Silk blue two-piece set by Frame
Kaylah Joseph, CEO, LAID Hair Care & LAID Beauty Bar
Style influences: Kahlana Barfield & Victoria Beckham
Most loved item of clothing: Oversized cargo pants, Telfar purse and gold earrings
Wardrobe essentials: An array of little black dresses, a good push-up bra, and bold shoes
Favorite stores: The Attico, Zara, Kendry's Boutique
Favorite heirloom: Authentic Guyana gold bangles
Wearing: Dress & jewelry from Express
LeeLee Ray, Cooking enthusiast, community volunteer, homemaker
Biggest style influence: Lee Radziwill
Most loved item of clothing: Lela Rose cocktail dress or my LAKE pajamas
Most loved accessory: Hermes scarf stolen from my mama's closet
Wardrobe essentials: Pointy flats, black turtlenecks, statement headbands
Favorite brands: Tuckernuck, Sue Sartor, BURU
Favorite stores: Personal Couture, Tuckernuck, Mary Marshmallow
Favorite heirloom: My grandmother Suggie's tea length Oscar de la Renta black wool coat with mink collar
Wearing: Kelly green Tuckernuck dress, Suggie's everyday right hand ring, gold earrings with initials G.N. that my mama had made from my grandfather Guy Newcomb's cufflinks, and bare feet - "that's how I usually entertain."
Anusha Davis, Vice President of Retail, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate
Biggest Style Influence: Kate Middleton
Most loved item of clothing: Currently, black linen Brunello Cucinelli blazer
Favorite accessory: Tudor watch
Wardrobe essentials: Little black dress, structured blazer, leather bag that can go back and forth between a laptop bag and diaper bag!
Favorite Brands: Rails, L’Agence, Vince
Favorite Stores: Carriage House, Monkee’s, Elitaire
Favorite Heirloom: My great grandmother's emerald necklace from India
Wearing: Peter Cohen Yard Dress from Carriage House, Schutz Shoes (Saks), Tudor Watch (Loring & Co.), Kendra Scott earrings