Bowled over for great men's hats

Today's guest post comes from a dear friend of mine, Justin Benton. I met Justin right after moving to Arizona. Even though we've both moved on, myself back home and Justin to New York (damn Yankee) he has remained like a brother to me. Justin also has a fantastic sense of style and offered to share something all southern gentleman should know about, hats. 

In praise of the Bowler; for the gentleman who doesn’t want to look like a member of the rat pack.

Not to denigrate the fedora; in all truth its about time men started wearing grown up hats again as opposed to something sporting a team logo and more appropriate for a ten year old. The fact is, however, the fedora isn’t for everyone, me included. The first hang up is that my head/face is just too big and round for a fedora’s angles. Its ok, I’ve come to terms with it. Secondly, some items demand a certain attitude to be pulled off effectively. I look as awkward and ridiculous in a fedora as I do in deep-v tees. For some people they’re perfect, the rest of us need to find our own way.

So, for those with equally unruly heads, or a similar affinity for classic pieces, I suggest the bowler (or derby, depending on your preference), like the one I recently picked up in preparation for a cold New York winter. The bowler has been around since the 1850’s and can truly be called the great equalizer. From the haves to the have-nots, ladies to gentlemen, the bowler has long been the hat of choice. More formal than a newsboy, but less so than a top hat, it’s a real hat for a proper gent.

I get it, in a country where a shoe will sell just because an athlete is paid to wear it, the bowler needs some “street cred”, as it were, some proof that it’s cool enough for your modern style savvy gentleman. Well, for confirmation that intelligence knows a quality hat I point to Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie’s Belgian sleuth who wouldn’t leave home without his. Would the comic genius of Charlie Chaplin be quite the same without the tramp’s derby? For those who like their style mentors a little more roguish, there’s always John Steed of the 60’s Avengers whose bowler kept him in the good graces of a cat suit clad Emma Peel, or more recently Jude Law as a raffish Watson in Sherlock Holmes.

Just like the fedora, the Bowler isn’t for everyone. You have to have a certain attitude and confidence to pull it off, and know how to wear it (never with sneakers and always cocked), but when done right it works wonders.

Cheers,

JB

Note: Try Meyer the Hatter in New Orleans to achieve this look. Having been around since 1894 they won't lead you astray!

Slow Southern News

Ruby in Hammond is celebrating their 7th birthday from November 4th-6th. All shoppers will enjoy cake, champagne, and birthday gifts. Roll the lucky dice for a chance to win 70% off one item. There will also be a $7.00 birthday rack and everything in store will be 7% off. For more info visit Ruby's Facebook event page. 

Gae-tana on Maple St. will be selling a limited edition Not Your Daugther's Jeans to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For each pair of pink stitched jeans sold they will donate $20 to the cause.


Nutri-palooza, the furry fashion event that promotes using nutria fur, an invasive species, instead of letting the pelts go to waste will be making its debut in New York City. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art will be hosting a night of music, fashion, and film to celebrate. Everything takes place on November 12that 8:00pm and more information can be obtained by contacting Cree McCree or Sue Strachan or call 504.539.9616 for tickets. Admission is $10 for member, $15 for nonmembers.

Rich Traditions

Choctaw Silver Works is more than just an online shop that sells handcrafted jewelry. It is also a marker of pride and tradition for the Choctaw people. Having made sterling silver jewelry since 1790 R.J.  is continuing his ancestors traditions not only in the form of adornment but he also creates gourd rattles and other ceremonial items.

For those unaware please give a brief description of the Choctaw Indians and the tradition of Native American jewelry.


The Choctaw are a southeastern tribe that lived prior to European contact in Louisiana,Mississippi and Alabama.Beginning in the early 1800's and continuing through the Civil War era ,the majority of the tribe was removed from their ancestral homeland,their houses and crops burned and forcibly relocated to Indian Territory which is now Oklahoma.Almost one third of our people died along the way or within a month of arrival from starvation and exposure.This was our holocaust.Many Choctaws,fearing extinction, hid out in the swamps and heavily wooded remote regions of Louisiana and other southern states.Their descendants comprise the various bands of Choctaw who still reside here.Our family is enrolled in the Louisiana Band of Choctaw Indians,a tribe of almost 1,000 people whom I serve as a tribal councilman.Our family speaks Choctaw,dances in pow wows and is involved in various Indian crafts.
Choctaws of long ago enjoyed wearing shell gorget pendants,strings of freshwater pearl necklaces and anklets as well as copper bracelets.Early explorers wrote in their journals that Choctaws were fastidious about their appearance.

 When did you become involved in jewelry design?


I began making jewelry when I was 17 years old.I started out making stainless steel rings and pendants.They were plain and industrial looking with no stones in them.One day I made a large cuff bracelet out of hammered pewter with a carnation design chiseled into it.This stuff was a hit with hippies living in New Orleans.




What influences your work the most?

There are several things that continue to influence me to this day.One influence stems from my time owning an ornamental iron shop in New Orleans, where I replicated old European balcony railings,columns,gates and spiral staircases.Another influence comes from viewing old Caddo,Choctaw & Chitimacha jewelry in museum collections.My strongest influence of all comes from my own dreams.I quickly sketch them upon waking up so I won't forget them.

 Where else can people buy your work, besides Etsy?
I sell my work at Louisiana venues such as pow wows and art sales.I also will be at the oldest Indian art sale in Louisiana.It will be the first Saturday in December at the Williamson Museum in Natchitoches on the campus of NSU hosted by Dr.Hiram Gregory.I also sell at the Louisiana Folklife Festival in July at NSU.


 Define southern style.
Southern people are known for their independent spirit.We don't like being dictated to, whether in regards to fashion,cooking or lifestyle.We tend to question authority and enjoy charting our own course.We wear what is beautiful in our own eyes and decorate our home likewise.We stand out as different to the rest of the country and are glad for it.We buy what makes us happy!

What Not To Wear in New Orleans

Do you have a friend or coworker whose fashion sense is so bad that it is having a negative effect on her life? Now is your chance for an intervention. The popular t.v. show What Not To Wear is coming to New Orleans in two weeks and is on the hunt for four women to win a total makeover. Candidates will receive a week long stay at a 5 star NYC hotel, $5,000 in clothing, shoes and accessories and a hair and make-up transformation. 

In addition the show is looking for local businesses to feature. For example if you nominate a coworker the business could be mentioned and shown on the episode, a great opportunity for everyone!

Image via TLC

“WHAT NOT TO WEAR” provides fashion intervention to people nominated by friends/family/co-worker as someone who desperately needs a style overhaul!  Fashion experts, Stacy London and Clinton Kelly then confront the person and reveal their plan to teach them “WHAT NOT TO WEAR” sorting through the person’s current wardrobe and providing them with rules for maximizing their best assets and personal style. They are given a Visa card worth $5,000, and its time to hit the shops.  After a consultation with Stacy and Clinton on these new clothing choices, along with a dramatic hair and makeup revamp, viewers will see a complete transformation and a stunning reveal. 

To nominate someone, please submit the following info to cweissman@bbcnyproduction.com:

Mannequin Mondays

Yet another obsession of mine that I picked up in Arizona is vintage western wear and cowboy boots are obviously on that list. Even though I don't wear mine often I still lust over a good pair. I'm also a big nerd and have two books on the subject. (Buying hint: Look for boots with a hand finished sole. You'll see pegs that lie flush in the arch, a sure sign of a good boot.)

Fortunately for those of us in New Orleans we don't have to go far to channel our inner pistol packin' mamma.

If you are in the market for a new pair Feet First  has a great selection of boots and just how I like 'em- fancy schmancy.  

I'm a sucker for a good inlay and these red, black and white beauties are no exception!

This pair from nicole is what I call a "fashion boot" in that an actual boot maker didn't produce it. However they are equally as fabulous and I love that chain detail.

Feet First

New Orleans, LA

4119 Magazine St.

(504) 899-6800

&

526 Royal St.

(504) 569-0005

xoelle

Laura of Xoelle is a Pensacola resident with a love of thrift stores, whipped cream, twilight walks, and traveling. She also happens to make really great bow ties and writing journals out of all reclaimed materials. Learn about how she sources her fabric and what her upcoming projects are.


 Harlequin freestyle bow tie


So why bow ties and books?


Both are sentimental and old-fashioned and slightly out-dated.
Everything I make is very sentimental and personal to me.  I am an avid journaler, often filling up a journal in a month or two.  I'm particular about the type of journal that I use- particular enough that I started making them.  I started selling them to pay for the industrial equipment I purchased and haven't stopped because I really enjoy it.  I make bow ties because my husband is a bow tie wearer.  I had been collecting vintage neckties since high school to gift to my future husband, and then I fell in love with the guy in the bow tie.  I converted the whole collection of neckties to bow ties.


 Retro lattice bow tie



Who is your average customer? Does he live in a particular part of the country?

My average customer is a 25-30 year old man who is anything but average.  He's witty, intelectual, goofy, geeky, centered, and unconventional.  My own bow-tie-wearing husband quilts, rides a crotch rocket, plays the piano in church every Sunday, and mountain bikes.  I send bow ties all over the world but send the most to New York City, Washington DC, and Toronto, Canada.


 Denture Prosthesis recycled journal
How do you select your fabrics? How do your reclaimed materials withstand the tugging and tying from use?

I source my materials from charity thrift stores.  I use mostly neckties, button-down shirts, and ladies skirts.  They are rugged!  Using reclaimed materials actually assures that they'll be of a better quality than if I was using new materials.  As a small, by hand manufacturer I can use awesome materials that are otheriwse out of my budget, and get them in small quantities.  I only choose materials that can withstand the tying and retying of the bow.


 
Literature of the United States recycled journal
Tell us a little about your plans for the future.

There are exciting things coming in the xoelle world.  I'm starting to work on some photo albums on the book side, and more custom options (like embroidery and scrrenprinting) on the bow tie side.  Bow ties have really been making their way back into fashion so I'm sure I'll be busy for quite some time!


 Pumpkin Pie freestyle bow

Define southern style.

Southern style is layed back and comfortable.  It's all about wide open spaces and back porches and lights strung in a line.  It's about putting the family and food in the forefront and staying out all night long.  Love it.




Xoelle bow ties and journals can be acquired from the following stockists:

Xoelle

Palafox Market

OAK Boston

White Elephant Vintage

Aradia's Closet

What I Wore- Southwest Stylings

One of the things I picked up during my time spent in the southwest was a love of Native American jewelry. I'm obsessed to the point that I've studied various tribe's signature styles and can identify a good chunk of stone vs. an inferior one or (worse yet) a plastic piece.

This necklace I happened upon secondhand in New Orleans however it is difficult to find turquoise, at least the good stuff, this side of Texas. It originally hails from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

This ring is my absolute favorite piece in terms of craftsmanship. And let's face it large rings are just plain fun. My hands look really, really old here. I guess I can kiss those aspirations of becoming a hand model goodbye.

And since I bike to work most days there are a few items that I can't wear so I wore this out for lunch and coffee with a friend.

 I mean I could wear this biking but I don't think anyone would appreciate that image. When it cools down a bit I'll put charcoal grey leggings underneath it but still won't brave two wheels in it.

  I also have to point out that Rachael of Ordinarily Urbane has the same skirt as I do. :) Check out her excellent blog to see how she styled hers.

Tank: Alternative Apparel

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: Antonio Melani via Ebay

Necklace and Ring: Buffalo Exchange in Louisiana and Arizona, respectively

Halloween costumes- Get 'em while you can!

October is an amazing time of year  in the Crescent City. The weather is perfect and there is lots to do. This year alone, Voodoo Music Fest, a Saints game, and Halloween all take place on the same day.  This means lots of people will be in town, both locals and tourists alike, and everyone will be shopping for the same thing: costumes. I know that Halloween is more than a week away but hear me out: 

YOU NEED TO START PLANNING YOUR COSTUME NOW!

Our Aztec warrior costumes last year were a hit. I hand sewed practically everything y'all see here from recycled fabrics.

Whether you are hitting up Frenchman St. or trick or treating with the kids, a costume is a necessity. This is one of the few times of year you can get away with dressing crazy and not getting stared at (wait...this IS New Orleans), so why not take advantage?
Personally, my year revolves around two holidays--Halloween and Mardi Gras--and as any good New Orleanian knows, having a closet of costumes at the ready is a sign of a true local. Just in town visiting? Don't sweat it, there are plenty of options for you.  Just don't go the easy route by getting a "costume in a bag."  There are several stores in town that cater to creative types as well as people who need help, and lots of it.


Party Star Headdress from Carnival Couture


Buffalo Exchange- Used and new costumes.
Miss Claudia's- Used and new costumes, specializing in vintage.
Uptown Costume- THE costume shop in town. Gets packed the closer it gets to Halloween so don't wait!
Fifi Mahony's- The best wig shop in the city. Shop now for the best selection.
Funky Monkey- Used and new costumes, carries wigs year 'round and has a sizable men's section.
Ragin' Daisy- Funky and fun vintage picks, perfect for any occasion or Halloween.
Bloomin'Deals- Thrift store with a decent selection of formal wear, perfect for craftier types that can create something out of nothing.
Le Garage- French Quarter staple with a steady supply of vintage, often has a surplus of old Mardi Gras costumes and military gear.


Destroyer leather mask from Mr. Hyde's Leather




Still in need of some inspiration? Y'all can view all of my previous costume posts here. Might I suggest perusing Miss Malaprop and Dramatis Personae for even more glittery, sequined goodness.

Slow Southern News

Branch Out is running a special "buy three get one free" on all sale items.

Masseys Outfitters is offering 20% off a new pair of sunglasses (coupon code KHUMBU) now until Sunday October 24th. Oakley sunglasses are excluded from this offer. 

Image via saks.com

Celebrate
KEY TO THE CURE 

Saks Fifth Avenue's charitable initiative
to fight women's cancers. 

Shop Thursday to Sunday, October 21 to 24,
when Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 2% of sales.*

Mannequin Mondays- Armoire on Magazine St.

As an average sized woman living in New Orleans I find boutique shopping either exhilarating or maddening. Depending on the owner small shops often cater to a particular style or body type leaving some people empty handed. Erin Hebert, owner of Armoire, decided to open her Magazine Street shop this past August and cater to a variety of shapes and sizes. Her stock has a wide range, from size 0 to size 20, and everything in the store has an affordable price tag of $100 and under with most pieces hovering around $30-$70.


A simple silhouette and bold necklace pairing is always a chic choice.

I spy my latest obsession on the left, one shouldered dresses!

I envision this hotness giving me a Kardashian tush. Unfortunately I think my flat derrière will remain as is, cute dress or not.

Armoire

4222A Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 701115

(504)304-3537

Mon-Thurs 11-6

Fri-Sat 11-7

Sun 12-5

The deep south is your oyster

When I stumbled upon Pearl Southern Couture I instantly knew that I wanted to feature the brand on Slow Southern Style. Designer Amber Perley was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and graduated from LSU with a degree in apparel design, textiles, and merchandising and a minor in photography. She's been designing clothing in some capacity since she was a little girl so fashion design was the natural career path for her.



Founded in 2008 the line features "classic pieces that reflect a lifestyle that can only be found south of the Mason-Dixon Line." Amber draws influence from the rich heritage of the deep south and its unique cities.



From the "hippies in Austin" to the "parties in New Orleans" Pearl Southern Couture offers something for every southern belle. The best part of this line is that all of the collections are designed and manufactured in Dallas.



For a full list of retailers click here.

She's into parties

 What's a party without pictures? I can't believe that it has already been a week since I Heart Southern Style took place.


Scott and I can't thank everyone enough for coming out and it seemed like everyone had a blast. This was our first event and it went off without a hitch. Much love goes to everyone who helped promote, we had a great turnout and couldn't have done it without your support!





Those Cordina Mar-GO-ritas really hit the spot! If you aren't familiar with the product think Capri Sun but for adults.  Of course we also had Dorsey from Bayou Teche Brewery on hand to talk about his great beer. Sis, hubbie and I managed to sample both. 
I'd also like to point out that I am taller than my sister. When you're 5'1 you have to revel in these small (no pun intented) height victories.  :P

Slow Southern News

Scene Magazine is having a film and fashion party at Rubenstein's on Wednesday, October 13th from 6:00-11:00pm. Drinks provided by Old New Orleans rum.

Yvonne LaFleur is celebrating her 41st anniversary at her Hampson St. store on Thursday, Oct. 14th from 5-8pm.

Eiffel Society is playing host to Petcetera and the Humane Society of Louisiana's Bad to the Bone: Rescued on the Runway. The event features a fashion show with adoptable dogs, including food and a costume contest. Everything takes place on Saturday, October 16th from 6-9:30pm.  $20 at the door, or $15 in advance. More info can be found on Petcetera's website.

add

Ruby: The Jewel of Hammond

For those of y'all on the North shore that complain about lack of places to shop you obviously haven't been to Ruby.

Laura-Lea Reid opened Ruby on November 4th, 2003 as "the downtown original" in Hammond, Louisiana.
Ruby's specialty is women's denim including brands like Citizens of Humanity, Joes, and James. Other brands include Alternative Apparel, Dish, Ben Sherman, and Niven Morgan.

This is also the only place in Louisiana to purchase Billy Reid. In case you've been hiding out in summer humidity  hibernation Billy Reid, Laura's brother, won GQ's best new menswear designer in America and also has a new line of workwear for Levi's .

Laura Lea is in the shop almost every day and you'll  find her pouring mimosas for old friends and new customers alike. Shopping at Ruby feels less like  just buying clothes, more like hanging out with good friends that happen to stock the cutest clothes in town. Bonus points that you can have your jeans hemmed through their seamstress service, and the turnaround time is often just a couple of hours!

Every week Ruby releases a new custom designed game day tee and coming November 1st a collector's edition wood box set will be available for sale! A limited number of four new Saints designs will be presented in a custom made wood box with handwritten tags.

 Keep up with Ruby on Facebook and Twitter for special deals and new items. Laura Lea often runs great deals on her jeans, including $50 off if you bring in an old pair!

Ruby

111 E. Thomas Rd.

Hammond, LA 70401

(985)345-4745

Mon-Fri. 11am-6pm

Saturday 11am-4pm

Opens at 10:00am on Saints game days

Mannequin Mondays

This weeks Mannequin Monday features yet another Magazine St. boutique, Ah-ha. The shop is run by the daughters of the Rubenstein family but the ladies don't advertise and have no online presence aside from online reviews.

 Instead they rely on their great location, word of mouth, and make good use of the big, wrap around windows. I used to live just two blocks from the store and I'd always get lured in by the consistently great displays. On a dinner date to the Rum House and Sucre this past weekend their displays did again and I had to stop and inspect each and every one. This white dress with a red wrap and bold accessories certainly shows how to take a summer dress, make it fall appropriate, and look great doing it all at once.

Ah ha

3129 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)269-2442

Open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm

Charmed by a Cajun

It's been a while since I've done an interview but I've found some new names so get ready to get reacquainted! 

Laurie Rials is the owner of Cajunville, an online store that caters to brides looking for southern belle flourishes as well as jewelry lovers that appreciate icons of the Gulf Coast region. 
Tell us a little bit about where you are from and what you do.


I am a Cajun from south Louisiana. I now live part time in New Orleans in the French Quarter. I design, make, and sell jewelry and other items with a mainly Louisiana theme, primarily working with pewter charms and beads. I began my business in 2001 as “Laurie’s Lagniappe”. Even though I no longer use that name, my philosophy remains the same. In French, Lagniappe means “something extra” and that is what my pieces offer, something extra whether it is for home, for personal use, or for a gift. It is the something extra that makes an occasion special or makes one feel special.


 Camping trailer earrings



You are obviously very influenced by Louisiana culture, particularly the Gulf of Mexico. What is it about Louisiana that makes you want to incorporate these elements into your designs?


As I said, I am Cajun and proud of our culture and state.  The Gulf of Mexico is an integral part of our culture and livelihood as is the Fleur de Lis and Mardi Gras.  I want to bring Louisiana and our love of life to other parts of the country and world.


 
Louisiana Gulf Coast wine stem charms

What is your customer typically looking for? I noticed that you cater to wedding parties.


Most customers are looking for Fleur de Lis items.  The Fleur de Lis has long been associated with Louisiana and since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; the Fleur de Lis has been a symbol of hope and rebirth.  The Fleur de Lis is an official symbol of Louisiana and its popularity continues to increase.

One of the items I make is stem glass markers or wine charms and they are perfect for wedding favors.  I also make candle rings that can be used on unity candles.  Cake pulls are becoming popular again and I have various themes.  I customize all these items to the wedding colors and themes.


 New Orleans antiqued fleur de lis pin

Besides making jewelry what are your other hobbies?


RVing, cooking, dancing and reading are things I enjoy when not making jewelry.  My husband and I are avid RVers and enjoy traveling and experiencing other areas and cultures.  We also enjoy cooking and making dishes Cajun.  We shop farmers markets in areas we visit, purchasing local items and cooking them Cajun.


 Gulf Coast wildlife charm bracelet

Define southern style.


Southern style is not what you wear; it is how you wear an outfit.  The simplest outfit becomes elegant by adding the finishing touch, whether it is a brooch, scarf, or pendant.  It is the Lagniappe and that is how I look at my pieces.  They are the extras that give an outfit a personal touch, make the wearer feel special and have the grace and charm of the south.

Door prizes and the free ticket winner!

So I HEART SOUTHERN STYLE is just a few days away. Scott and I have put a lot of effort into this, meeting almost every week for the past month and a half to hash out the details. We've rounded up the entertainment, the vendors, and most importantly, the alcohol. Now that the launch party is almost here I'm starting to wonder what I will do with all of my free time afterwards!

As mentioned previously all attendees will be entered to win door prizes. When you get your numbered wristband for drinks you'll be entered into the door prize raffle.

Ruby- Saints t-shirts
Tattooagogo- Shop shirts
Ruffian Swap- 2 swap bags and free admission to an event
Eatventful- free admission to an event
Buffalo Exchange- gift cards
Swap Boutique- gift cards

And big congrats to the free ticket winner Liz Beeson! Your name was chosen randomly by my very scientific method of writing names on crumpled up old receipts and picking one. You and a friend will be on the guest list for the evening.

Tickets are $10 at the door but only $5 if you buy in advance through the I Heart NOLA shop.

 I hope to see everyone out at The Factory (next to the Maple Leaf) on October 7th!

Mannequin Mondays

So as y'all have probably noticed I'm fairly consistent in my inconsistency. I haven't posted a Mannequin Monday in quite a while but after reading this sweet post on Hattie Spark's A Moment of Forever blog about how Mannequin Mondays are her favorite posts I've decided to try to do these more often.

That said this was taken at Hemline on Magazine St. 

I love the crane blouse on the right, which reminds me of the Prada pieces that featured cats and swallows. The open, drapey cardigan on the left is still a hit from last fall since it is so chic and easy to wear. This is a perfect piece for the south since the weather changes so much in the course of the day. Wear one with a tank top now, then layer it up under a jacket when it gets even cooler.

Hemline

3308 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504) 269-4005

Quality versus. Quantity

I consider myself a pretty decent wife. I cook, clean (sometimes), play property manager, get the dog walked and the errands run. I don't keep all the fun stuff so he gets the honors of makin' groceries since I hate doing it. Overall we split up the things we do to pretend like we are grownups pretty fairly. 

 One thing I'm always on duty for is keeping an eye out for great clothing and shoe purchases. He certainly is a quality over quantity kind of guy and definitely has a way better shoe collection than me. So naturally I get a kick out of bringing home things I know he will love. I recently found two perfect, never been worn pairs via secondhand which makes me a pretty damn good partner.

I love the Freeplay Range from J Shoes, available at Shoefty. These are perfect for slipping on with shorts and would look great with cords in when the temperature dips a little.

J Shoes feature handstitching, which just means they will get better with wear. I love the striped ribbon detailing in the inside. 

I also purchased these boots by Heutchy.  Shoefty is the only stockist in town, unless you are lucky enough to find them at Buffalo Exchange. I love the detailed stitching and the heel is the perfect height.

The textural contrast of the suede and smooth leather makes for a versatile boot. These will go well with jeans or dress pants.

Shoefty

6071 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70118

(504) 896-8737

Buffalo Exchange

3312 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)891-7443