Southern Living has released its annual lineup of the 50 most stylish Southerners — and three Houstonians made the cut. The South's favorite magazine (other than Garden & Gun, of course) pointed to textile designer Bailey McCarthy, founder of Biscuit Home, and resort wear designers Katie McClure and Erin Breen as Southerners with style.
McCarthy was chosen for her bedding line that takes classic florals and dials up their trendy factor with fresh hues.
“Countless times, I’ve heard people say that they can’t mix prints. More often than not, mixing prints just needs the right execution. I love nothing more than pairing a floral-chintz drape with trim with a small-scale patterned settee," she told the magazine.
"Our bedding line is proof that one should not fear mixing in different scales and prints! The key is to pull in colors from existing patterns to make the prints vibe more cohesively. In many instances, I still think of leopard as somewhat of a neutral."
McClure and Breen, two sisters who are the founders of MIRTH Caftans, work with Indian artisans to create limited-run caftans and resortwear. "Their designs do good, too: The work provides their Indian partners with a living wage and safe working conditions, plus MIRTH donates a portion of its profits to the Naam Dev School in Bagru, which educates children regardless of caste," the magazine notes.
“In the South, we always get "dressed." Our mom taught us to at least put a little effort into your appearance every day, no matter how busy or frazzled you may be," they said.
"We don't interpret this as a full face of makeup and perfect coif (an easy low bun is our go-to), but feeling good and somewhat together energizes your day and affects those around you in a positive way. This is one reason why we love caftans — throw one on with no effort and you're done! Chic and easy."
Eleven Texans and one former Texan are among the most stylish Southerners picked by the magazine. In Austin, fashion designer Katie Kime; Indique Hair co-founder Ericka Dotson; handbag designer Kelly Wynne; and Tecovas Fine Bootmakers founder Paul Hedrick made the list, along with former Austinite Hilary Rose Elrod, who recently decamped to Charleston.
In San Antonio, jewelry and interior designer Nicola Bathie McLaughlin were selected. In Dallas, interior designer Amy Berry; blogger Bradley Agather Means; designer Cristina Lynch; blogger Kate Padgitt; and shoe designers Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means also made the list.
Mirth Caftans founders Katie McClure and Erin Breen.
Attendees can test out new products and mingle with beauty insiders during The Makeup Show’s exciting return to Houston September 20-21.Photo courtesy of The Makeup Show