Making Mardi Gras: A Quasi DIY Part Three

Making Mardi Gras: A Quasi DIY is a four part series. Catch up and read parts one and two here and here.

What separates the men from the boys on Fat Tuesday are the details. Anyone can throw on a bagged costume and say they are dressed. But you wouldn't do that, right? I'm a sucker for those important final touches, or rather a glutton for punishment. Anytime I think a costume is complete, I find one more minute embellishment that transforms it from plain to over the top. Last year, I was hand sewing tiny shells into the hairline of my husband's wig the night before. Did anyone notice? Probably not, but when you are Poseidon, King of the Sea,  you can't sport a pedestrian hairdo. 

This year it is all about going over the top gaudy. We've got more sequins and feathers than Liberace had piano keys. I like for our costumes to complement each other, but not mimic each other so I gave our flamingo hats their own personal touches.

The gal is on the left, the gentleman on the right. And kitty makes friends.

Ruffles add a feminine touch for her

A dapper bow tie for him

Minuscule millinery work is for the birds

Crumpled up homemade top hat pattern serves as stuffing

So how's your Mardi Gras costume progressing this year? Are you almost done or haven't even started?

Gator Heads and Oyster Shells courtesy of Half Shell Productions

If you’re still looking for something to complete your Mardi Gras costume (or perhaps you haven’t even started on it yet), Halfshell Productions may have your solution.  Tracy Hamlin in NOLA offers a selection of appropriately quirky Mardi Gras headdresses and bustiers.  Like all good Mardi Gras costumes, Tracy’s designs feature plenty of feathers and beads as well as some more unconventional materials.

Photo courtesy of Half Shell Productions

Celebrate Black History Month at Macy's

This post was written by Miranda Humphrey one of Slow Southern Style's interns. You'll get a chance to meet her in the upcoming weeks, be on the look out for her bio soon.

February is Black History Month, and Macy's is celebrating the 100th birthday of noted artist Romare Bearden with a very special art exhibition. New Orleans was the lucky city to preview the collection before anyone else. Read on to get your own sneak peek and check out the Slow Southern Style Facebook page for more pictures. Click here to see the exhibit at a Macy's near you.

Trend Alert: Art Deco Jewelry

Many aspects of 1920's style have been making a comeback, including Art Deco jewelry. Art Deco was a much more modern style that differentiated itself from the intricate and flowy Art Nouveau of previous decades. Inspired by the paintings of Tamara de Limpicka and the architecture of William Van Allen (who designed the Chrysler Building), the jewelry gives off a vibe of modern elegance. With new collections from Pieces, House of Harlow and Kenneth Jay Lane, Art Deco has been given a very chic twist. 

Clockwise from top left:

Ring - House of Harlow

Necklace - Pieces

Earrings - Tarina Tarantino

Ring - Kenneth Jay Lane

Necklace - TopShop

Earrings - Forever 21

Cuff - Ranjana Khan

So which is your favorite piece? 
Are you excited about this trend?

Meghan Wright

Paint your Town Red on National Go Red Day

Slow Southern Syle is celebrating National Wear Red Day by participating in Go Red For Women.


Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women?  According to the American Heart Association, more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. There are 8,000,000 women in this country alone that are suffering from heart disease! The sad reality is that 90% of women have at least one risk factor for developing heart disease, yet only 1 in 6 thinks it is a threat.


By wearing red today you can help raise awareness, so find your favorite lipstick, grab your trusty ol' skirt,and paint your town red today. Since I look abysmal in any shade of crimson I asked for some help in celebrating. Why can I pull off red lips but not a red dress beats me.

Making Mardi Gras: A Quasi DIY Part Two

If you missed Part One check it out here.

So that sequined jacket I bought for my husband might be passable for other holidays, but for Fat Tuesday it's a downright plain piece of clothing. A good base for sure, but let's be real- the gaudier the better for Mardi Gras is my rule.

 I initially wanted to hand sew feathers onto the lapel and front flap pockets, but after sanity set in I realized that a few factors were working against me.

1. If it rains, all of my handiwork is destroyed
2. Sewing feathers is about as fun as getting a root canal.

Such A Doll

Do you love bold accessories? Have a love of feathers?  Then I have an Etsy shop you have to check out.  I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Reeves Tullos of Automatic Doll. Automatic Doll is an Etsy shop that sells unique hand-made accessories that are made in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Jessica’s accessories are absolutely adorable and will have you feeling like a doll!  Check out her interview below and then go to her Etsy shop by clicking here.

Menswear Made in the South: Southern Tide

Love to see your southern gentlemen in fine quality apparel? Are you a man that loves the classic southern look? Southern Tide has just what you want. A rapidly growing lifestyle brand, Southern Tide's line of apparel and accessories boasts exceptional craftsmanship, clean lines, fine quality, and classic design.

Channel Marker Plaid Sport Shirt in Red paired with Southern Tide Jeans

Ragdoll- An Adorable Time Warp

This post was written by Meghan Wright, one of Slow Southern Style's interns. You'll get a chance to meet her in the upcoming weeks but for now check out her fashion blog, Fashionably Meg, and be on the look out for her bio soon.


When I entered Ragdoll I felt as though I had stepped through a fabulously adorable time warp. The clothing selection is vintage inspired, the jewelry is handmade, the skin-care is organic, and there's even a great little section of actual vintage in the back. There is also a small selection of home decor, so there's definitely something for everyone. The best part, in my opinion is the selection of glamorous dresses. They have brands like Heartbreaker, Rock Steady, the Spanish label Pepa Loves and even a selection of American Apparel basics which can help you complete your retro ensemble. 

Making Mardi Gras: A Quasi DIY Part One

Mardi Gras isn't some random Tuesday where everyone day drinks and goes to parades, although that is certainly part of it. It's an entire Carnival season, steeped in revelry and traditions, some going back hundreds of years.