Modern Classics
Bibliophile favors books that read well, clothes that wear well
When I put on those apple-green overalls, I just felt … happy!”
Serena Moyle may have looked like a sophisticated gardener, but the ostensible librarian of Hearth & Soul was more than happy with her garb. She said she felt stylish in a way that she could “own.” The look reflected her personality while being a bit daring. Moyle relishes the new possibilities each day brings, whether through fashion or otherwise.
Moyle was raised in Boca Raton and loved much about South Florida. After graduating from Salem College, she took time to explore Spain, absorbing its colors and language, but attending law school was always her ultimate goal. Enthusiastic and driven, Moyle graduated as a new attorney from the University of Miami three years later. In that same year, she passed the bar, began practicing, got married and had her first child.
“During those years, ‘courtroom style’ consisted of boring suits, heels and pantyhose,” she laughed. But Moyle, who would go on to have three children, said she did find a seamstress who created elegant, bespoke maternity suits for the courtroom.
Soon, with her husband’s career move to Tallahassee to work with Lawton Chiles, Moyle shifted gears and turned her attention to raising her children — all born within four years — and to writing a newspaper column called, “The Life and Times of a Mom of Three.”
Tallahassee offered many opportunities for Moyle to develop her own style sensibilities during those years. Galas, government functions and the wide array of friendships she developed all honed her eye for what “works.”
Serena Moyle’s Daria silk shirtdress in abstract orchid is by Catherine Gee and available at Hearth & Soul. Photo by Erich Martin
“I like clothes that are modern classics with ‘pizzazz accessories,’ maybe a punchy yellow scarf or black slacks and tailored white shirt with some bright orange heels.” Moyle said, “I don’t have a really large wardrobe, but I build what I buy. I will make sure my pieces are color coordinated and that textures go together.”
Although the vibrant 60-year-old Moyle still keeps her law license active, she excitedly accepted the opportunity to work with friends and the skilled business persons who run Hearth & Soul, particularly Susie Busch-Transou.
“My job is to curate a library here,” she said. “We are set up like a home, and we needed books in our home. We have around 1,000 that are positioned around the store. For a person who loves to read, it is such a joy.”
Stretch linen pinstripe suit with leather trim is by Elaine Kim (Hearth & Soul) and is matched with a red silk blouse from Antonio Melani (Dillard’s). Photo by Erich Martin
Moyle attends business and training meetings for the store at their two other locations in Austin, Texas, and St. Louis, Missouri. She may wear a suit again, but this time it’s likely to be one by a favorite designer: Elaine Kim or Vince (both carried by Hearth & Soul.)
“Over the years, my actual style has remained very grounded,” she said. At a recent gala, Moyle pulled out a long black dress that wasn’t brand new, added a large brooch from her grandmother and her favorite earrings. She felt absolutely “au courant.” A pair of vintage jeans and a Rungolee top, she said, are perfect for the weekends.
Of course, style isn’t only about your dress and shoes (which Moyle says range from sneakers to stilettos.) It’s also about the environment in which you live.
“My home is colorful and comfortable,” Moyle said. “For instance, some walls are gold, an adjoining room is navy blue and the sofa is full of color. There are gorgeous Mexican tiles in the kitchen and shelving with Latin ceramic ware.”
Moyle is Italian by descent, but her second language is Spanish. This, she said, may explain her savoring of all things colorful.
When asked what piece of clothing would she never be caught in, the effervescent Moyle laughed and said that, because styles cycle in and out, she was recently complemented by some Gen Zs on a pair of vintage, flared-legged jeans. Moyle mused that almost anything worn with aplomb might do.
With a second thought, she intoned, “Oh, but then … there’s the bikini. No. No bikinis here!”
Serena’s Favorites
Sandals by An Hour and a Shower feature handcrafted resin heel and vegan leather in oat (Hearth & Soul). Photo by Erich Martin
“I like clothes that are modern classics with ‘pizzazz accessories,’ maybe a punchy yellow scarf or black slacks and tailored white shirt with some bright orange heels. I don’t have a really large wardrobe, but I build what I buy. I will make sure my pieces are color coordinated and that textures go together.” — Serena Moyle, Library Curator, Hearth & Soul
Favorite designers
» Elaine Kim, Vince or Faherty
Weekend Attire
»Vintage jeans and a Rungolee top
Book Selection
» When selecting books for the library section of Hearth & Soul, one discovers a bit of something for everyone. Always present will be a few of Serena’s favorite reads, including The Memory Painter by Gwendolyn Womack, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris, Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank and any book by Colson Whitehead.
