Mary Hafner has a way of making everyday life feel meaningful. Whether she is savoring an unhurried morning with her family, finding beauty in a garden abroad, or getting dressed for a warm Southern day, her perspective is thoughtful, joyful, and effortlessly stylish.
A longtime friend of Hunter Bell, Mary first discovered the brand during her early blogging days in 2013. What began as an appreciation for the clothes grew into a genuine connection with Hunter and the heart behind every collection. We caught up with Mary to talk about returning to routine, dressing for a Southern fall, and the simple moments she is savoring most.
Finding a New Rhythm
Every season brings its own routines, and for Mary, summer offers a welcome opportunity to slow down.
“I love the slow summer months. Mornings aren’t rushed to cook breakfast, pack lunches, and get the girls out the door for school,” she shares. “The slow summer days bring a lack of schedule and routine.”
While she appreciates the freedom of summer, Mary has also learned to love the comfort of a familiar rhythm.
“Over the next few months, I’m excited to find our new routine for the school year and settle into that rhythm.”
It is a feeling many of us know well. The return to fuller calendars brings renewed energy and a chance to create small rituals that make everyday life feel a little more intentional.
Dressing for a Southern Fall
When Mary first saw the new Hunter Bell collection, one thought immediately came to mind: “Hunter understands what we need.”
For women in the South, dressing for fall often requires a little creativity. The calendar may say September, but the temperatures tell a different story.
“Every year around September and October, my friends and I complain that we want to dress for fall, but it is far too hot,” Mary says. “I love that Hunter married the fall palette with a summer fabric.”
The collection brings together rich, grounded colors and lightweight fabrics, making it possible to embrace the mood of the moment without sacrificing comfort.
“The pieces are exactly what we need to transition into a Southern fall.”
The Woman Behind the Brand
Hunter Bell had been on Mary’s radar since the earliest days of her career. “She was the brand for all the cool girls,” Mary remembers.
But it was not until she sat next to Hunter at a dinner that her connection to the brand became more personal.
“I absolutely fell in love with the woman behind the brand,” she says. “She is engaging, caring, smart, authentic, intelligent, and fun. I walked away from that dinner really being a fan, not only of her designs, but of the brains behind them.”
For Mary, that authenticity is one of the reasons Hunter Bell continues to resonate with women year after year.
“Women are smart. They know who is the real deal, who designs with them and their needs in mind, and who really cares. Hunter is all of that.”
It is a sentiment reflected throughout every collection. The clothes are joyful and distinctive, but they are also designed with real women and real lives in mind.
Savoring the Everyday
Mary is known for finding joy in both ordinary moments and special occasions. These days, she is especially focused on being present.
While answering our questions, she found herself in the garden of her in-laws’ home in Geneva.
“The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the sky is blue, and my girls are running around,” she shares. “Life doesn’t get any better than that.”
It is a simple scene, but one that captures Mary’s outlook perfectly.
“I am soaking it all in and not taking a single moment for granted.”
There truly is something about Mary. Her style is beautiful, but it is her warmth, authenticity, and appreciation for the everyday that stay with you.
Discover Mary’s favorite pieces from the new collection and find something to love for the days ahead.
