Mary Satterlee arrives at the Blue Crab Restaurant on Lakeshore Drive dressed for the runway, wearing a stylish monochromatic, knit outfit that makes heads turn. A “pretty woman” with a penchant for her own tailored style, she is definitely a head turner with her perfectly coiffed hair, platform sandals and chunky jewelry. There is definitely an air of elegance and determination about her. “I like clothes with an architectural style,” she says. “I like to have a bit of edginess.”
With a picture-perfect home on a fashionable, tree-lined Uptown street where even her front garden is a study in perfect architectural symmetry, Mary adds: “I have always liked the sophistication of tone-on-tone attire. I enjoy putting outfits together; it’s a creative expression for me.” Then she tosses back her long, thick hair and tells how she puts her own twist on clothes to make each outfit unique. “Although I think of my look as simple, I like layering — simple lines with big, unusual jewelry.”
Mary loves to buy jewelry when she is traveling. “My current little addiction for Indian jewelry grew out of a trip to the fascinating country of India. It has the most beautiful jewelry in the world. My favorite purchase on my last visit was a ring shaped like a flower with the diameter of a golf ball.” She also waxes lyrical about some of the beautiful clothes she purchased in India. “I found a gorgeous silk caftan and an off-white, hand embroidered dress. Both were a little off my usual fashion purchase, but I love them because of the memories they invoke.”
A native of New Orleans whose beloved father, Kent Satterlee, now deceased, is the brother of Verna Landrieu, wife of former Mayor Moon Landrieu, Mary grew up in the University area of New Orleans. “Our home was halfway between Audubon Park and the Tulane campus,” she recalls. “This was a great area to be an adolescent. I garnered a world of independence by walking and riding my bike to hang out with friends in the park, or when I was older, I would join my friends in pretending we were college students and loiter on the Tulane campus.” She adds that her 12 years at Ursuline provided her with the world’s best, lifetime friends who are more like sisters than friends.
Mary’s education continued at Louisiana State University, where she received a degree in journalism. “I guess it was natural for me to then go to Loyola Law School since my father was a successful attorney,” she says, then ponders her words and adds, “Actually, it was mostly my love of learning that led me to Loyola to round out my education by studying law.”
Armed with her law degree, Mary headed for Los Angeles. “Being a young professional in such a vibrant city was a blast,” she explains. “I am so fortunate to have worked in an industry that thrust me into the excitement of Hollywood.”
Ultimately, the love of Dane, her husband, caused her to give up her shop to spend more time with him. “I closed the store and now I split my time between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Dane’s primary residence. When it comes to clothes, Mary and Dane’s tastes differ. “He has sophisticated taste and always dresses impeccably, “ she says. “He would prefer that I dress more conservatively, and he is quick to say that I often dress ‘too funky.’ I guess I call it ‘edgy.’ Over the years he has bought beautiful clothes for me and surprised me with some exqisite jewelry. Truly I am very blessed to have such a good husband.”
When Mary is asked about her profession she says: “I am a decorator, stylist and writer.” She definitely is a good stylist when it comes to putting her clothes together. “I have always loved fashion and design, in general. I remember being 13 or so and going to Gus Mayer and Godchaux on Canal Street to find designer clothes on sale. In college, I actually designed some of my dresses and gowns that I wore for formal events.”
It wasn’t until later that she began preferring a very monochromatic look. “I love neutrals, especially in the tan and gray families.” Her favorite places to shop in New Orleans are UAL, Victoria, Hemline, and Saks, adding: “I do most of my shopping online. I like Net-a-Porter, Farfetch and Gilt. For educating myself, I check out the websites of Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys, but my regular go-to online store is Bloomingdales.” For shoes, her favorite brands are Prada, Robert Clergerie and Pedro Garcia. “I’m a woman, so naturally I love shoes. I hate heels; they hurt. My go-to shoes are usually platforms; I love them.”
How does she sum up her style? “I simply like what I like.”
