Style Insider: Melanie Turner

She’s got a closet to covet
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Photograph by Neda Abghari

Since launching her eponymous design firm three years ago, Melanie Turner has twice been ADAC’s Southeast Designer of the Year. We peeked inside the fashionista’s Buckhead closet. melanieturnerinteriors.com

What is the go-to item in your closet? It’s a white, long-sleeve, lace minidress from French Connection. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or working, this dress is easy and comfortable, but still fashionable.

How would you describe your personal style? My dad was a businessman by day and a manager for rock bands at night, while my mother was an executive at Saks Fifth Avenue. My personal style is this fun mixture of both his earthy-hippie side and her posh elegance.

What is the one item you would encourage all women to purchase? Hunter rain boots. These really are the flip-flop of fall! I just got a new pair in black with brown trim (see above).

How did you design your closet? I treat my clothing and accessories more like art than just for wearing. There are some pieces that I’ll only wear once every few years, like my blush-colored Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon gown, that I keep out because they are beautiful, and they inspire me. I use necklace stands that look like trees to hang my jewelry.

How do you organize your clothes? I organize everything by occasion—evening, day, weekend—and then by color within each category. I use skinny velvet hangers because they take up less space. And I hang everything except undergarments and workout clothes.

This article originally appeared in our October 2012 issue.

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