Fringe, fabulous jackets, Western flair, and a love of GREEN? Sign me up!

Charlotte designer McNeely Purcell is a girl after my own heart. She has a knack for taking classic pieces and adding just the right amount of unexpected fabulousness. Leather fringe, great color, texture, and a little attitude. What’s not to love?

A former nurse practitioner turned fashion designer, McNeely has built a brand filled with pieces that are anything but boring. Her quilted fringe jacket is calling my name, and her love of all things Western certainly doesn’t hurt.

She loves a statement layer, dreams of collaborating with Kemo Sabe, and wants to raid Blair Eadie’s closet. Clearly, we have plenty to discuss over a margarita!

Meet the talented McNeely Purcell. I think you’re going to love her as much as I do!

      

Tell us a little about your background and training.

As a native North Carolinian, I attended my beloved alma mater, UNC-Chapel Hill, where I pursued a career as a Nurse, and eventually, Nurse Practitioner. However, after navigating some personal health challenges and welcoming two daughters, I found myself at home as a mom—loving every minute with my girls, but also longing for a creative outlet. I was equally driven by the desire for my daughters to witness their mother pursuing her passions and working toward her own goals and dreams. McNeely Purcell was born in 2018 and has grown organically ever since.

What inspires you and your designs?

I lived in Dallas, Texas, for a bit after college and absolutely loved it! If Dallas were just a smidge closer to North Carolina, I probably would have stayed. I think my time in Texas subconsciously influenced the Western flair that often finds its way into my designs.

My happy place is Kiawah Island, and the island’s natural beauty—particularly the shapes, textures, and patterns found in nature—often inspires my creativity when developing textile prints and color palettes.

I’m also notorious for dreaming up a particular garment or accessory, only to discover that what I envision simply doesn’t exist! So many of my designs begin with something I wish I had in my own closet, followed by the challenge and excitement of bringing that vision to life.

What is your favorite piece you have ever designed, and why?

The Quilted Fringe Jacket is my personal favorite!

Several years ago, I found myself searching for a removable fringed collar to add a little flair to the neckline of a shirt or sweater. But, yet again, I couldn’t quite find what I had in mind. And so, our Leather Fringe Collar was born.

While I adored the collar and often wore it with a crisp button-down or cozy sweater, I realized that many clients weren’t quite sure how to style the piece. This inspired me to incorporate the fringe collar into the neckline of my favorite quilted jacket, making it effortless to wear and easy to blend into an everyday wardrobe.

The Quilted Fringe Jacket strikes the perfect balance—casual and approachable with its cotton quilting, yet elevated enough for dressier occasions, thanks to the movement and unexpected detail of the chic leather fringe. It’s truly a piece that can go just about anywhere!

How has the South influenced your work and your personal style?

Being born and raised in the South has certainly shaped both my personal style and my approach to design. I think there’s a wonderful appreciation in the South for tradition, craftsmanship, and pieces that tell a story. I love the idea of taking something classic and giving it an unexpected twist—whether that’s adding leather fringe to a traditional quilted jacket or mixing a beautiful print with an unconventional texture.

Southern women also have a wonderful way of dressing for an occasion, but I love that there’s room for personality and a little flair! McNeely Purcell reflects that balance—rooted in the classics, but never afraid to have a little fun.

How would you describe Charlotte style?

Charlotte is incredibly fashion-forward! We’re fortunate to have some amazing, thoughtfully curated boutiques in town—Laura Vinroot Poole’s Capitol, Eloise Reeves and Susan Hamilton’s Thirty-One Jane, and Karen Perry’s Five One Five, among others—that bring exceptional designers and collections to the women of Charlotte.

I’m equally fortunate to be surrounded by women who embrace individuality, challenge traditional notions of style, and aren’t afraid to add a little flair to an everyday outfit—which, of course, is very much in keeping with the spirit of McNeely Purcell!

What is one thing every woman should have in her closet?

A go-to cardigan, wrap, or sweater with a little pizazz—whether it’s embroidery, fringe, fur, or some other unexpected detail. That one fabulous layer you can throw over just about anything, whether the pieces underneath are new, old, well-loved, or perhaps no longer your personal favorite!

The right outer layer can instantly elevate an outfit, taking it from ordinary to something special, whether you’re dressing casually or for an occasion.

What is your personal fashion weakness?

The outer layer, without question! Give me a fabulous jacket, sweater, vest, or cardigan, and I’m sold. Fringe, fur, color, texture, leather, unexpected details—I love it all!

What color can you simply not resist?

GREEN! In just about every shade.

Who is your ultimate style icon?

I don’t have one particular style icon. Rather, I’m drawn to women who aren’t afraid to make a statement—those who embrace layers, mix patterns and colors, and dress with a sense of individuality.

I truly believe that wearing clothing you love brings confidence, even on the most ordinary of days.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

Blair Eadie!

What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

Stagioni— home away from home!

What is your cocktail of choice?

Bubbles or a margs — with salt, of course!

How do you balance your personal life and your creative work?

We live by the motto “family first” in our home, and I do my best to honor that each day. Of course, finding that balance can be challenging, and there are certainly seasons when the lines between work and family become a bit blurred.

But I also want my daughters to witness the grit, determination, and hard work that go into pursuing something you’re passionate about. My hope is that, in watching me navigate both, they’ll develop a strong work ethic and the confidence to pursue passions of their own.

Dream commission or collaboration?

We would love to partner with KemoSabe in the near future—Western chic is right up our alley!

And seeing Morgane Stapleton in one of our Leather Fringe Collars!!!…a dream!

What is your favorite host or hostess gift to give?

My friend Ruth Runberg, of R. Runberg Curiosities, has the most beautiful and unique collection of gifts, each with a wonderful sense of meaning and history, sourced from around the globe.

I especially love her Emanuela Crotti placemats! They’re such a fabulous splash of color and pattern around the dinner table.

What is your most treasured possession?

I treasure several pieces of jewelry my husband and daughters have given me from Tiny Gods, an incredible jewel box here in Charlotte!

Mary Margaret has an extraordinary eye for fabulous jewelry and a true gift for pairing her thoughtfully curated pieces with just the right client. Each piece is special to me, not only for its beauty but also for the memories and meaning behind it. Such treasures!

What are you reading right now?

Anna Bright Is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall.

Susie is a friend and a talented author of several wonderful books featuring inspiring, accomplished women. Highly recommend!

What are you listening to?

Equal parts country (Chris Stapleton is my absolute favorite!) and praise — or “church music,” as my girls like to call it!

What are your favorite blogs, magazines, or publications?

The English Room (especially “Things I Love Thursdays!“), Cleerely Stated (always bringing Truth!), Atlantic-Pacific (talk about fabulous flair and layers!), The New York Times Style Magazine, and NYT Cooking.

What’s next for you?

We have a new jacket, a new bag, and a few other fun “accessory garments” in the works for spring! As McNeely Purcell continues to grow and evolve, my goal remains the same: to create distinctive, well-made pieces that women love wearing and reach for year after year – always incorporating unexpected details, beautiful materials, and a little personality.

I am completely smitten with The Harp Bag by McNeely Purcell! Who says a clear stadium bag has to be boring? Not me! I have the red one, and you better believe she will be making her debut at the Georgia games. Game day chic with a little Bulldog red. Go Dawgs!

Thanks to Neely for sharing her fabulous creations! I am clearly a fan and already plotting my next purchase. A girl can never have too many bags!

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