We were lucky to spend the recent Memorial Day weekend my husband’s onetime hometown, the adorable Laurel, Mississippi. It was a charming southern weekend in a special town experiencing an exciting revival and a newfound national platform.
Jeans: Mother Denim | Top: Style Mafia | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Sunglasses: Warby Parker
Laurel Mercantile in Laurel, Mississippi a beautiful revival of the old dry goods store that first opened in 1901. The new Laurel Mercantile Co. opened in December through a partnership that includes the stars of HGTV’s Home Town, Erin and Ben Napier. Both Ole Miss graduates, the couple hopes to revitalize their hometown by restoring its historic homes and through Laurel Mercantile Co. who sells many products made in the U.S.A.
Skirt: Christian Dior, similar| Shirt: James Perse | Shoes: Valentino | Sunglasses: Warby Parker
Sweet Somethings Bakery is a standout of charming downtown Laurel. I already know this dress will be a Summer staple of mine as it works well for both work and play (what I’ve dubbed “conference room to cocktails”). A demure cardigan and pumps for work swapped with some shoulder and strappy heels for brunch. And always a favorite added bonus: pockets!
Dress: Banana Republic | Shoes: J. Crew | Bracelet: Lizzie Fortunado | Sunglasses: Warby Parker
This beautiful home (the Rogers-Green House) was built in 1903 and became property of the Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art 100 years later is quintessential Laurel, Mississippi. The Prairie architecture and sprawling limbs make for a breathtaking office and event space today. The museum itself if also quite good and is currently featuring an exhibit “Who, What, Wear” a collaboration of fashion and theatre design professors and students.
All my husband ever talked about when he remembered Laurel was going to the Busy Bee for candy and comic books. The store closed about 6 months ago, but the racks and merchandise are still inside—like frozen in time. This fun dress is by an Atlanta designer Mollie Burch whose line is marked by vibrant colors and cheerful prints like this dahlia one. CROSBY by Mollie Burch uses their bright designs to support organizations that aid victims of sex trafficking. Integral to the brand’s mission is providing support for projects that give trafficked women freedom, rehabilitation, and the promise of a brighter future.
Dress: CROSBY by Mollie Burch | Sunglasses: Warby Parker
We had a fantastic Sunday supper at Estelle’s Southern Cuisine in Ellisville, Mississippi and this was the only picture I was able to snap. No Michelin star in sight—only some of the best fried chicken either of us have ever had! Everything we touched was incredibly good and classic deep South: black eyed peas, collard greens, and a special atmosphere to match. It was a real mix of people—white and black, rich and not so much, old and young, and from church and not. Our table mate was a roofer and artist who shared with us the paintings he creates in his spare time. We all celebrated the 91st year of a beautiful woman dressed in her Sunday best with a restaurant-wide round of Happy Birthday. We cannot wait to return!
