Slow Southern News

Image via Saks Fifth Avenue

The New Orleans Saks Fifth Avenue would like to get you ready for holiday season with a slew of shopping events. 

• Enjoy a fashionable lunch at Commander's Palace on November 5th from 12:00-2:00pm. Saks will be showing the best of the fall 2009 collections in a festive atmosphere. Call the restaurant to make a reservation.
• Need a cocktail dress? Stop by on November 7th from 12:00-4:00pm to view the latest evening wear. Informal modeling and champagne are the highlights of the afternoon. For more information call 504.524.2200 ext. 5345
• An Eileen Fisher representative will be on hand November 5th from 12:00-4:00pm to assist you with purchases. Anyone who spends $500 on non-sale items will receive an exclusive gift. Call 504.524.2200 ext. 5338 to set up an appointment.

Get the party started early

Last night I went to an Alice in Wonderland themed event and dressing the part was required, at least in my mind. My outfit was a bit impromptu but I did the best I could with what I already owned. A corset and ruffly shorts are a quick, easy costume. The rest is details. Now I'm off to finish my Halloween costume and have coffee with a friend later. I can't wait to have these costumes finished!

Accessories detailing

Yellow and teal ruffle shorts: New York Couture

Green brocade corset: VersAtelier Corsets

Patent leather booties: Antonio Melani

Incognito wig in baby blonde: Fifi Mahony's

Slow Southern News

• Meet Hillary and Katherine of Who What Wear in Miami, FL on October 28th.
• Italy Direct, a boutique with wholesale pricing, is having a wine and cheese night on Saturday, November 7th from 6pm 'till midnight.
  
• If you've ever fallen in love with a piece of jewelry while watching a movie you're in luck. Filthy Rich  is opening next month at 330 Chartres St in the French Quarter. The franchise sells high quality replicas of famous pieces of jewelry seen classic movies such as Gone with the Wind. 

Slow Southern News

• So are you waiting until the last minute to get your Halloween costume? Swing by Buffalo Exchange for last minute picks and get 75% off all sale items including a selection of costumes. Hurry up!
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• Get your tassles ready for the Gowns and Tassles burlesque benefit  on October 28th at the Always Lounge in the Marigny. There will be a fashion show and of course burlesque performances.  The fashion show will showcase up and coming designers Ottilie Brodmann, John Delgadilo and Debbie Johnson.
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• Rubensteins is showing Agave Denim's latest fall collection on Friday and Saturday Oct. 30th-31st. Designer Jeff Shafer will be in store to help you select the perfect pair. 

Sneak Peek

So as some of my friends know I typically try to make my costumes. I'd never be caught dead in a bagged costume. While wearing something unique is rewarding it is also a lot of work, especially when there are multiple dress up days at work.

Saturday was wig day so I wore this blonde bob. I decided to go all out and wear this costumey get up. I wear all of these pieces separately but never dress this matchy matchy IRL.

Headscarf: vintage, Leopard print cardi: H&M, Dress: Ben Sherman purchased at Ah-ha, Pink tights: Buffalo Exchange, black wedge shoes: Camper brand via Ebay

I've been crazy busy with work and getting our costumes ready. We are going as a Mayan king and queen. Wigs were purchased, thrift stores visited, and makeup acquired. Now I just need to make some last minute alterations and additions. For now here is a sneak peek

That's all y'all get. :)

Show some love

Nominate Slow Southern Style and NOLA Eats for best blogger to follow and best local blog, respectively in the Open Web Awards! Leslie is a good friend of mine and I also pen a weekly libations column for her site.

Slow Southern Style





NOLA Eats

Show & Tell

One of the advantages of frequenting the Garden District are the boutiques on Magazine St. A perpetual favorite of mine is Ah-ha, located next to a slew of shops, bars and restaurants. Their mannequins are always spot on and  devilishly advertise sales on their windows all the time.

This week I discovered a simple yet stellar Ben Sherman dress that I had to add to my wardrobe.  I made a concerted effort to ween myself from an all black closet and in doing so created a few new comfort colors, eggplant being one of them.  This is a great basic dress that can be worn solo on warmer days or layered with tights and a sweater or long sleeve tee. Since there are so few cold days in New Orleans it helps to purchase pieces that can play double duty.

The tag on the dress said "button down mini" but this hits me right above the knee. Adjustable straps are a thoughtful touch and when I realized it had pockets I was sold.

This detail at the bodice and skirt shows the great pleating and the raspberry ice and purple punch striping. How could I pass up colors that sound like snoballs?

Ah-ha

3129 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70115-2304
(504) 269-2442

When I want your opinion I'll ask

Welcome to Slow Southern Style's 50th post! I started this blog over a month ago due to a lack of fashion blogs concerning the south. While I primarily do this to keep myself entertained I love that I've picked up a few readers along the way. Now that I have your attention I'd like to get some feedback on what your favorite posts are and how I can improve this blog so even more people will stop by and enjoy it.

So I would like to know:

-Introduce yourself! Don't be shy. Where do you live? How old are you, what are your hobbies? How did you hear about this blog?

-What are your Favorite type of posts? (interviews, slow southern news, shop profiles, created outfits, show & tell Saturdays, mannequin Mondays)

-What are your least favorite type of posts?

-What do you want to see more of? Is there anything that I don't do that you would like to see?


You can also respond via e-mail to nolagurl[at]gmail[dot]com

Don't forget you can get updated anytime I create new content on Twitter and Facebook.

Uptown Girl

Since we've already visited downtown  we'll now pay tribute to uptown.  Two things come to my mind when thinking of an uptown girl. The type that hang out at Parasol's and catch a bite late night bite at St. Charles Tavern or the girl that is spotted sipping a bloody mary at the Columns on a Sunday morning after supping at Lillette the night before. I'm most definitely a combination of the two depending on my mood. I present what I'd wear for dinner, drinks, and maybe a nightcap after that.



Ankle boots are a big trend for fall. Dior made this superior version with a killer heel.


 I love this Robert Rodriguez sequined skirt. The subdued color makes sparkles more wearable.

 Haute Hippie's "Sultry" embellished jersey tank makes a necklace unnecessary. Just throw this on and the details are taken care of.  Via Nordstrom's






John Hardy black sapphire sterling silver ring

Finish the look with this studded Be&D Garbo convertible clutch. It guarantees  a certain edge to any outfit.



All items, unless noted, can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue

Slow Southern News

• Mark  your calenders and get ready for Fashion Rocks on November 6th. The show benefits underprivileged children by giving raising money for a Christmas shopping spree.
• In need of a Halloween costume still? Learn how to make costumes from old clothes at The Green Project on Saturday, October 24th from 10am-noon. Admission is $5 or free if you're a member.
• Catch a fashion show featuring styles from Shop and Mirabella that same evening at 9:00pm at Republic.
• The French Market promises fashion shows and costume contests the Saturday and Sunday before Halloween. Several local musicians are slated to perform. 

Dead Head

Creepy and cute is what sets Artisans A Go Go apart from the  pack. Read on to find out what inspires this artisan of head wear.

I love the subject matter you've chosen for your hair accessories. There is something great about a frilly hair clip juxtaposed with a skull. How did you get started with your business?

I have always been an artist. I am inspired by anything that has a form of beauty. An odd fusion from images of "The Golden Era" Jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday and a new found love for color through the late artist Frida Kahlo are what gave me inspiration to create my current pieces.

Day of the Dead  skull hair clip fascinator Fascinators, mini top hats, etc... are a huge trend right now. How do you stay competitive with so many artisans out there?I dont really follow other artisans work to see what the competition is doing. I create what I like and what i am inspired by with the culture around me. 

You live in Austin which is a very funky city by Texan standards. How does the city's culture affect your work?
I love Austin, born and raised, I like to say I am an endangered species, which if you've ever lived in Austin, you would know what a big deal that is. Austin is very culturally diverse and accepting, art is everywhere here and local businesses a people embrace it.




Day of the Dead skull headband



Do you have any special designs in the works for Halloween?
Yes! I love Halloween. I am working on numerous styles of Halloween and Day of the Dead creations. I have skull fascinators that I have hand painted and dusted with glitter as well as hand painted Day of the Dead hair clips stop by and take a look!



Hand Painted Black and White Skull Hair Clip Fascinator


Define southern style.
Southern style- independent in your own skin






Pick up a piece for Halloween or anytime via Artisan A Go Go's Etsy shop.

Show & Tell

It's Saturday so that means another round of Show & Tell. This week you get to delve into my closet a little more and watch me play dress up. 



My husband and I had an impromptu date night on Thursday. We just received some exciting news so we decided to celebrate with dinner and drinks at Baru Bistro and The Delachaise, respectively. Never one to miss an opportunity to dress up I combed my closet accordingly.

I purchased this dress from Ruby, a sweet little shop in Hammond, LA.  I typically don't do asymmetric hemlines but this one makes my legs seem a little longer. I'l also a big fan of strapless dresses and pockets so this really fit the bill. The dress and pockets are lined with white cotton so you just get a peek of contrast.

  I'm opposed to wearing snake skin but these snake embossed leather Tory Burch shoes were too hot to pass up. I love platform heels and I'm glad the trend has been resurrected.

One thing I hate is when women carry their suitcase sized bags when going out. A large bag is too distracting past dusk so I opt to use something smaller. I dusted off this Botkier bag that I've owned for a few years. It's small enough to make it an evening bag but big enough to carry everything I need and more.

Don't forget that you can also submit pictures of your favorite pieces for Show & Tell!

Full Circle

Everyone is in need of a few good t-shirts in their weekly repertoire. If your mood is casually inclined these fun tees from Circular Accessories are guaranteed to be a closet staple.


 
Poppy peacock baby doll


I love the wide range of your designs, from sharks and Japanese imagery to Louisiana motifs. What do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from my surroundings, places I’ve been or would like to travel, and patterns in nature. I feel a strong connection to my surroundings and Louisiana roots, but I love traveling and learning about other cultures. Everywhere you go, there is a unique style of dress, architecture and cuisine resulting from climate and materials readily available in the area. I also draw inspiration from my child and things that fascinate him. Sometimes the simplest, often over-looked things can be the most interesting and the most complex.

Crystals t-shirt dress
 I like how you incorporate Louisiana icons such as red beans & rice but do so in a more subtle way. Can you explain how you incorporate these icons yet put your personal spin on them?

I studied landscape architecture and took design classes which taught me how to look at objects from different points of view. I like to extract patterns from everyday objects and spice up the ordinary. The fleur de lis is such a symbolic representation of south Louisiana, but I took it further by incorporating a wrought iron pattern inside of it. Wrought iron is seen throughout historic architecture in our state, often with the fleur de lis symbol, so it is natural to me for these two ideas to fuse together.

 Red beans and rice t-shirt

 Do you have a specific customer base? Do you sell tees primarily to locals or out of towners in need of a souvenir?
Even though I incorporate Louisiana culture into my designs, my customer base reaches much further past state lines. I sell worldwide thanks to the internet. Most of my customers have a love for nature and science and like to support independent artists. I hope to carry my apparel in local stores in the near future.


 Where can one purchase your tees?
I may begin travelling to some national craft shows next year as well as become a vendor at the farmer’s market in downtown Baton Rouge. You can currently find my items in the following stores:

Bella Boutique Anchorage, AK
The Bija Studio Colorado Springs, CO
Cog and Pearl Brooklyn, NY
Maven Maplewood, MO
Never Ender Boutique and Art Gallery
Red Tree Gallery Cincinnati, OH
Rustic Chick Jacksonville, FL
The Pebble Spa Ely, MN
Wholly Craft Columbus, OH
Young Blood Atlanta, GA


Shark bite short sleeve tee


Define southern style.
I’m not sure how to define Southern style. It is almost interpretive and is certainly multifaceted because our region is such a melting pot of so many cultures. We are a loud, fun-loving, and loyal bunch. Our style is spicy and colorful like our festivals and Spanish/Caribbean heritage but we have a bit of formality and elegance with our French background. Despite that we often come from tight-knit families we are also open and gracious hosts. Due to our warm climate we have a close relationship with the outdoors and keep things light and airy. If I had to pick one color to most represent South Louisiana, it would be yellow for Mardi Gras, LSU and the golden sun.

Circular accessories sells tees for women, men, and children via Etsy

Ask and you shall hopefully receive

Hey y'all! I need some help keeping Show & Tell Saturdays alive and well. Send me pictures of your favorite accessories or articles of clothing. It can be anything from a pair of earrings your maw maw gave you, a hot Botkier bag you just bought from Saks, or the perfectly worn in pair of Doc Martens you've owned since high school. I have a closet chock full of stuff to share but I'd rather peer into someone else's collection. Send all entries to nolagurl{at}gmail{dot}com.

Slow Southern News

• Stein Mart is donating 1% of their sales on Oct. 16th and 17th  to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to help find the cure for breast cancer.
• Jewelry maker Dominique Giordano is hosting a jewelry making class on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 6:00-8:00pm. Participants will be instructed how to create their own caviar heart pendant, no previous experience required. 
• Ah-ha on Magazine St. is currently having a buy one, get the second at 20% off special.
• Enjoy 10% off Melissa Joy Manning's jewelry at her trunk show Friday, October 16th at Katy Beh Contemporary Jewelry

Tribal Infusions

This week I chatted with local jewelry designer Ashley Beach about her creations and how New Orleans influences her as an artist. 

1. How long have you been making jewelry?

I went to school at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2003. I went there for four years but decided to study metalsmithing in 2004. I've been hammering happily away ever since then!

2. Your pieces have a tribal element to them. How do you go about creating each piece?

I have a bit of a love affair with the exotic and organic elements in our lives. Seeds, flower stamen, and vines all find there way into my work. These things naturally lend themselves to the ritual of adornment, as the organic world embodies the presence of the goddess. I also try to accentuate the quality of line and space that's already present in a particular location on the body.

 Wrapped flute earrings with Chinese carnelian

3. How does New Orleans shape you as an artist?

Living in New Orleans is a never ending flood (pardon the expression) of inspiration. Our city is such a fascinating blend of cultures. There is this ancient tribal energy that permeates the regal and elegant world. Everywhere you look, the past dances wildly with the present.

Ornate details peek at you from every corner, like the intricate patterns of wrought iron, or the gnarled roots and branches of trees hundreds of years old. I love the graceful bells of brass instruments. They sometimes show up in my work. The music is sensuous and heartfelt, and pulses through the air like a heartbeat.

The sheer grace and joy of dancing has been a great influence on much of my work. I have taken to using a delicate snake chain in a few of my designs. These swing so fluidly and mimic the movements of dancers.

 Infinity bracelet

4. Where can we purchase your jewelry?

I have my work at the RHINO contemporary crafts gallery (RHINO stands for "right here in new orleans"). It's located in the third floor of Canal Place. Their number is 504-523-7945. I also do custom orders and all of my work can be made in gold.

 Silver spiral earrings

5. Define southern style.

Things move at a slower pace in the South. I think that this gives the people who live here a tendency to notice and fully appreciate the exquisite details and the sumptuous little goodies in life. There is no one defining visual aspect of southern style. Our uniqueness lies in how we approach and experience life.

You can purchase Ashy Beaches' designs on Etsy as well.

Mannequin Mondays

This week's mannequin was spotted in the window of Trashy Diva, a shop that specializes in vintage looks. I love how the dress remains the centerpiece but is accented by the colors in the hearts and paper lanterns. And what's not to love about Day of the Dead paraphernalia?

Check it out for yourself at their Lower Garden District location:

2048 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130  (504)-299-8777

or their French Quarter boutique:

831 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504)522-8861

Slow Southern News

• 
•  For all you Dallas, TX residents Scott Schumann of the Sartorialist will be conducting a book signing this month in your city. Jealousy abounds.

• Lots of upcoming events happening at Feet First! Stop in on Saturday, October 17th for a surprise one day only event.
• There is also a trunk show on Wednesday, October 21st from 5:30pm-8:30pm featuring Tru Colors apparel, Claire Sanchez handbags and Stella & Dot jewelry. There will be complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, raffle prizes, free gifts with purchase and double rewards on all frequent shopper cards.
• While you're at it mark your calender for Saturday, November 14th for yet another trunk show! This time the theme is comfort with shoe brands Söfft and Børn from 10:00am-6:00pm. National brand representatives will be on hand to guide you through the selections.

Show & Tell

This week Leslie of NOLA Eats fame is showing use her one of a kind, handmade necklace from local designer and fellow blogger Windi Sebren, aka Kapaali.

I love the mixed metals she's used here and the way the varying circular shapes play off each other.

If you have a favorite piece that you'd like to show and tell send all links and pictures to nolagurl(at)gmail(dot)com. It can be a great trendy item or a much loved family heirloom but remember everyone loves a good story!

Guest post- me!

Check out my guest blog for my friend Mallory aka Miss Malaprop.  Her New Orleans based website highlights independent artisans of every genre, eco-friendly products and of course fashion. I wrote a piece about a new favorite shoe brand, Melissa. All too often eco-friendly brands look more hippie than chic which makes for a hard sell outside of an REI catalog. Melissa is the perfect marriage of talented artists and environmentally friendly materials so you can  feel good about your purchase and still look fashion forward.

Shoefty- not just for your feet

Despite the name Shoefty is more than just a great shoe store. One half of the store contains a well edited selection of wardrobe staples and tastefully trendy shoes and the other half serves up clothing of the same caliber.   They carry a myriad of upscale brands that you can't find anywhere else such as Barbara Bui, Repetto, Erin Fetherson, and Proenza Schouler to name a few.




Lovely coat  by Doucette Duvall Bea

While the women's section is decidedly "lady who lunches" the men's section has a strong street wear focus. You'll find brands like Stussy, Fifth Ave Shoe Repair, Alife, Generic Surplus, and G-Shock watches.

 Casio G-Shock DWS900


Follow Shoefty's blog to get updates on new arrivals or catch up with them on Twitter

Fashion Show Benefit

Slow Southern News

• Buffalo Exchange is celebrating Halloween all month long! Comes dressed as your favorite decade, be it the 1880s or the 1980s on Saturday, Oct. 10th and get $5 off your next $20 purchase. 
• The Encore Shop, a consignment store that benefits the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, is sponsoring a string of fashion events Oct. 13th-17th. There will be daily workshops delving into fall trends, accessories, and designer shoes.
• Local jewelry designer Mignon Faget has released a new line of wooden shotgun house pendants. The necklaces are a collaboration with artist and urban designer Robert Tannen and 5% of sales will be donated to Global Green USA for Rebuilding New Orleans Green.

She came from the swamps

Today we visit the eclectic, eccentric world of Andree Dupree of Blue Bird Art. Make sure you check out her artwork and vintage clothing on Etsy.


1. On your shop profile you state that you grew up with a swamp as your backyard. How do you draw  inspiration from your childhood experiences?

 

Handmade paper blank book and Talk it Out drawing

I spent a lot of time in "make believe" world growing up- pretending that the giant cypress trees were castles; searching for dinosaur fossils and eggs, trying to catch swamp fairies with "fairy nests"....that sort of stuff.    I'd use the clay from around the yard to create sculptures, often collecting the above-ground crawfish "tunnels" to use in my creations. My earliest memories are pulling wet clay out from under the cypress trees, making "cakes" with little drawings etched in and leaving them to dry in the sun.

2. I love that you source your art materials from The Green Project! Do you have a particular idea when shopping for supplies or do you let the pieces form from found materials?

It really just depends on my budget and my available space. I really get excited about good deals. Sometimes I spot things (giant rolls of paper)that get my heart racing...then I have to take a deep breath and remind myself of the size of my apartment and workspace. I'm pretty much a hoarder when it comes to art supplies...I have paints and pastels that I've been using on and off since high school 10 years ago...a lot of very tiny bits of things that I like to use until the very end. Generally when I buy new supplies I have a ballpark idea of what I'm looking for; but I don't really buy new supplies very often.

  Sexy eighties underlala and Timid 

3. You have an interesting theme of selling vintage clothing and dinosaurs on your site. Can you tell us how you select your clothing items and subject matter?

As of now, all of the vintage clothing on my etsy site comes from the same source: "Hy Fashion's, The Naughty Corner". It was a little boutique in Houma,LA that went out of business last year after Hurricane Ike, after having been open since the 60's. I have a delightful array of vintage clothing and accessories, that I've collected through the years from various places (thrift stores, junk shops, old lady's closets, estate sales, etc.). A lot of the pieces have never been worn, but have been kept as "art objects". I'm finally to the point where space has become an issue, and I'm also preparing for the birth of my first child in March...so I'm beginning to do a bit of "downsizing" to make way for reality!

My subject matter is directly inspired by my childhood. I was always amazed to see alligators, armadillos, egrets and crawfish (creatures that look like direct descendants of dinosaurs) making their homes around my home. The dinosaur images I use are a bit more "cutesy" than the real deal, which I think speaks to something about wanting to tame or control unpleasant things in life.

  Bold bright eighties vest

4. Your work sends an eco friendly message in terms of materials used. Is that a deliberate effort on your part?

 For a while I didn't even think to mention the fact that I was using re-purposed materials in my work. It was just something that I had always done. I was brought up to repair and/or reuse old things instead of buying new things; that "don't waste" mentality has definitely stayed with me.

5. Define southern style.

Dressing for the weather! Waiting all year for those few weeks of cold (or cool) to break out the amazing vintage polyester pieces and getting creative with hot weather wear!