Photo by Laurey W. Glenn

Stroll down New Orelans’ Magazine Street and we bet you’ll find yourself shopping at Perch. (Or, at the every least, window shopping through its charming floor to ceiling turquoise-shuttered windows.) The elegant furniture and home accessories store features an impeccable mix of modern and antique pieces. Owner Caroline Roberts’ personal style is equally impeccable. As one of the South’s most stylish shop owners we were eager to learn the item she thinks every Southern woman needs. Her answer is fittingly elegant: a pearl necklace. “As Coco Chanel once said ‘A woman should have ropes and ropes of pearls,’” says Caroline. “Paired with a little black dress or paired down with a t-shirt and jeans, pearls add a little chic-factor to any outfit.”

Photo by Ralph Anderson

Want to get Caroline’s chic style? Read on for more of her Southern essentials:

Photo by Ralph Anderson

Never leave home without: My measuring tape. I’m always hitting up weekend estate sales for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Photo by Ralph Anderson

Most style you can get for under $25: Red lipstick. Maybelline Red Revival looks gorgeous on every skin tone.

Photo by Ralph Anderson

Vanity is always stocked with: Chanel No. 22, my grandmother’s favorite perfume.

Photo courtesy of Miminola.com

Best shopping advice: Shop local. Every city has great boutiques with unexpected fashion finds. In New Orleans, I love Mimi on Magazine Street and Em & Liv on Maple Street.

Photo by Ralph Anderson

Photo by Ralph Anderson

I always splurge on: Champagne and shoes. They’re perfect for special occasions. And trust me, I’m good at creating a reason for a “special occasion”!

Photo by Ralph Anderson

I always save on: Mascara. The drugstore variety works just as well as the pricey ones. Covergirl LashBlast is my favorite.

What’s your favorite item on the list?

Perch is located at 2844 Magazine Street, New Orleans. Follow the store on Twitter @perchneworelans and Facebook.