Mannequin Monday- Rubensteins Does Classic Christmas

  No matter what holiday you celebrate, or even if you don’t celebrate at all there is something exciting about window displays this time of year. There is so much effort that goes into displays and Christmas displays are always extra special.

Having been in business for 86 years Rubensteins knows the importance of luring in passerby and their great big windows allow them plenty of opportunity to do so.

Also starting at10:00AM on Monday, December 6th Rubensteins is having a big sale just in time for the holidays. If you've been putting off buying a new suit now is the time! Check out the deals and get there before they are gone.

All $495 Suits are now $395
20% Off all Blazers
20% Off Ballin Pants 30% Off Polo and Paul Smith
33% Off select Ties and Dress Shirts
35% Off Zegna and Brioni Suits and Sport Coats (not including Blazers)
25% - 40% Off Select Suits and Sport Coats and Seasonal Dress Pants
25% - 40% Shoes including styles from Ferragamo, Mezlan, Mark Nason, Cole Haan and Bruno Magli

 Rubensteins

Corner of St. Charles Ave & Canal St.

1-800-725-7823 

504-581-6666

 Mon-Thurs. 10am-5:45pm

Friday-Saturday  10am-6pm

Sunday closed

See ya!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

I'm taking a much needed break and doing a little digital detox this weekend. I'll pick up right where I left off on Monday.

Slow Southern News

St. Charles Vision is hosting a two day trunk show on December 1st and 2nd at their Severn Ave and Uptown locations. Enjoy 50% off eye exams and 20% off frames (with lens purchase) during this annual sale. In addition Zeiss will be offering 20% off their Individual Lens.

Chris Yarbrough, Manager of the Uptown location says “We look forward to this trunk show every December. It is great to be able to pass on savings at this time of year.”  

St. Charles Vision carries the following stylish frames:  Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Salt, Mykita, Anne et Valentin, Seraphin, Tom Davies, Robert Marc, Prada, Bulgari, David Yurman, Judith Leiber, Italee, John Varvatos, Face A Face and Etnia Barcelona.

The Green Light District is holding its first event on December 9th, 2010 from 6-9pm in the 2000-2100 blocks on Magazine St. This will serve as a launch party to build awareness of environmental issues and offer shoppers an eco friendly alternative. All Green Light District Member businesses will be open late and each will be offering a unique eco-celebration for the community and its customers.Live music, food and drinks, informational booths, even a recycling demo will be part of the festivities.


Green Light District Businesses include Branch Out, Zuka Baby, GreenSerene, Spruce, Canopy, UP/Unique Products, Green Light New Orleans, and others.

The New Orleans Craft Mafia is holding their 5th annual  Last Stop Shop, a crafty holiday celebration on Thursday, December 16th at The Big Top.

Off to the races, New Orleans style

Not only is November 25th Thanksgiving but it is also opening day at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. While most people know the Fairgrounds as the home of Jazz Fest it is also an actual race track with all of the fashionable traditions that go with it.

Something that I've always found fun are derby hats. If you have the opportunity to wear something out of the ordinary, I say embrace the moment! For a firsthand account of last year's festivities and fashion read Miss Malaprop's post on Dramatis Personae.





Fleur de Paris is the place to buy quintessential derby hats in New Orleans. Custom made millinery is their specialty and people come from all over to shop in their French Quarter store.








Of course men need to be properly attired as well. Southern Proper offers men a fun yet elegant way to celebrate this big day with ties that are anything but ordinary.

No matter what you're doing this Thanksgiving have fun and stay fashionable!

Mannequin Mondays- Enchantment at Fairy

One thing I love is a well edited boutique that really displays the owners vision and style. Elizabeth Laird does just that at Fairy. The shop opened in September of 2001 in the Garden District and has been in its current location nearby Whole Foods on Magazine St. for four years.

 Elizabeth says:

"I wanted to  open a store that I would want to shop in.  I strive to find unique, items with a little quirkiness (you won't find a lot of basics or pants).  It is also very important to me to have fair prices.  I don't target a particular age group.  I target a particular customer.  She likes to travel, read, she has a sense of humor ( a little twisted).  She is into art and music as well as good food.  She likes clothes with a feminine edge. When I first opened, I would get upset when someone came in and didn't find my selection to their liking.  Now, I appreciate the fact that " Fairy is not for everyone".  When the right person comes in, it makes all of my hard work so worthwhile."

 Of course Fairy has its own special little guardian,Toulouse. His cheeky personality is a perfect fit with the store and he's even amassed a fan club all his own..

Fairy is also located next door to Pixie, a fabulous cosmetics store owned by makeup artistKatie Seghers Malone opened Pixie next door.  Katie has a huge following for her brow shaping, offers Fantasy Tan and stocks hard to find indie cosmetics brands.  Fairy and Pixie are both offering a 10% discount to all readers starting Black Friday.  Just use the code "slowsouthernstyle" to get the discount.

Fairy

5715 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)269-2033

Lula Kate is great

At this time of year everyone starts thinking about holiday parties. While I am all about purchasing a new frock for each party season I also want a good standby that I can rely on year after year. I recently discovered Lula Kate and while they tout themselves as bridesmaid designers these frocks are chic and most importantly transcend the bridal party look, meaning you'll have a cocktail dress at the ready for a number of events.

Lula Kate is based in Charleston, South Carolina and designer Katherine McDonald wanted to create fun, simple clothing inspired by the elegance of her atypical southern home. Her vision was a success and her designs can be custom made to your liking. Pick your bodice, colors, fabrics, and accessories. Need a formal gown? No problem. Want something short yet elegant? That's possible as well.

""LulaKate dresses have become synonymous with chic, southern elegance. Because LulaKate started as a classic ready-to-wear women’s clothing collection, our dresses are truly worthy of being worn time and time again. The versatility of each individual dress will have your bridesmaid’s thanking you long after the wedding."

 

For ordering information visit Lula Kate today!

Guest post: I Love Memphis Blog

 I'm really excited to announce a guest blogger today, Kerry Crawford!  Kerry lives in Memphis and runs the I Love Memphis blog, which features the best of Memphis arts, culture, music, sports, food and style. When she's not writing, Kerry skates for Memphis Roller Derby's Women of Mass Destruction, bakes pies and plays the ukulele.

She's sharing with us some great Memphis fashion designers and shops so if you're ever in Tennessee be sure to check them out. I'm also sharing with her readers my top 5 New Orleans designers so visit her blog to read my post. 

Bayou Salvage

When I first started this blog I instantly knew that I wanted to showcase talented locals producing lovely, well made clothing and accessories.  Kerry Fitts of Bayou Salvage is one of these individuals. She was even sought out by Anthroplogie and her work can be purchased at the New Orleans store. Her style is "southern gothic" and no one but Kerry could describe her aesthetic better:

"Rust. Sweat. Stormy nights. Sweet Tea on the front porch. Whisky out back. House proud.Cypress moss swinging from branches.Old leather. Family secrets. Muddy back roads. Torn linen.Tent revivals. In the deep south,our atmosphere is our destiny. Whether its the heat,water,wind or hurricanes..our unique cultural experience dictates the way in which we live and how our effects survive. It is our reckoning. My work appeals to those who understand the deep South no matter who or where they are."

I've followed your work for a while and love it! Tell Slow Southern Style readers a little bit about what you do. 

I recreate the stories of the Southern women that live in my head through clothing and accessories. They are women that are resourceful like Scarlett O Hara grabbing the green velvet curtains to make the dress that makes Rhett Butler fall in love her. I grab the curtains all the time!



French Market Bag

Your designs have a definite "salvaged" feel to them and a romantic, dark undertone. Aside from New Orleans what else inspires your designs? 

I was born and raised in  Faulkner Country.  Many of the folks in my town were written about by old Bill and other writers. Larry Brown was my fireman. Dogs still sleep in the streets. Its sort of a lowdown magical lunatic bin. Some people say tellin stories is in the water. I think it in the whiskey myself- the whiskey one must drink because there's nothing to do out there. We romanticize it to make sense out of the pieces or at least what happened the night before. I just tell my stories with fabric, found objects and a bit of make do.


Rococo tuxedo dress

You recently were approached by Anthropologie to design some pieces for the New Orleans store. What was your experience like working with them?

 

They decided to highlight local artists and designers to promote the region. I feel very fortunate they liked my work. What an honor. 



Vintage Libery of London textile cuffs

When you aren't designing what other hobbies and activities do you enjoy?

 

I've been pretty busy these days but hanging with my hunting dogs, road trips and the latest mystery novel or nextflix thriller keeps me going.

Define southern style.  

Southern style to me embraces the languid geography of where we live- enveloped by water below, beside and around us. Southern style is as mysterious and winsome as the bayous and eddys of the Mississippi River- calm, murky or churning.It nods to history and looks forward. It is hopeful.

Bayou Bloomers

Purchase Bayou Salvage at the following places.

Online:

Bayou Salvage

New Orleans, Louisiana:

Anthropologie

City Park Botanical Gardens Gift Shop

West Columbia, South Carolina:

Pack Rats

  

Slow Southern News

 Printmaker Theresa Cole is hosting a walk through at Tulane's Newcomb Art Gallery on Wednesday, November 17th at 5:30pm. The discussion centers around  how artists gain influence from textiles and will cover the current exhibit"Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan.

Swap Boutique is celebrating their two year anniversary and their kids store grand opening on Thursday, November 18th from 10:00am- 9:00pm. All shoppers will receive "swap bucks" ranging from $5 to $50. Gae-tanas, Em and Livs, and Rye Clothing are all staying open until 9:00pm to join in the festivities.

Aucoin Hart jewelers is previewing their fleur de lis bracelet designed exclusively for the store by David Yurman. Limited quantities are available so be sure to get the sneak peek on Thursday, November 18th from 12:00pm-8:00pm.

Feet First on Magazine St. is having a trunk show on Friday, November 19th and Saturday November 20th for Born and Sofft brand shoes.

Mannequin Monday- Stella Boutique

Window displays are everything. If you don't have something great to lure customers in you've lost half your audience already. One boutique that understands this is Stella. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana the store utilizes common materials for maximum effect.

What started as a simple idea....

 

Turns into something fun and eye catching.

I love how this turns a simple display into something utterly fun yet elegant at the same time.

Stella Boutique  

3033 Perkins Road 

Baton Rouge, LA, 70808 

225.383.1350

Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Odelma Vintage- Great finds in Baton Rouge

When I think of my favorite shopping excursions I always think of destination stores. Retail spaces that guarantee a certain feel, from the music and lighting to the decor, even down to how the staff is dressed. Few online retailers, much less small scale ones, give you a total package feel. Odelma Vintage based out of Baton Rouge certainly creates a whimsical, old timey experience that makes you want to buy a little part of that.


 Lucy dress

Mattie is a fashion merchandising student at Louisiana State University and started her business in 2010 as a way to keep herself occupied between semesters. She's now turned her thrifting, estate sale rummaging habits into a shop where everyone can reap the rewards of her garage sale excursions.

 Seashell brooch

In a typical sweet southern girl manner Mattie got the name for her shop by combining the names of her grandmothers, Odell and Ethel Delma.

 cameo clip earrings

Keep up with Mattie's great looking blog or follow her on Twitter for shop updates and sale announcements.


 green purple drop necklace

Eat This

One of my best gal pals Leslie Almeida runs a new but already really successful networking business called Eatventful. Having done some writing for her other project, NOLA Eats, I'm always happy to help her out collecting money, distributing wristbands, etc...

The events bring out a variety of people ranging from individuals seeking business contacts, students looking for employment opportunities and others simply just to make friends and enjoy themselves. It is the type of event that you want to put your best foot forward, or in my case a high heel.

 

I just purchased this dress at Buffalo Exchange and couldn't wait to wear it. I'm so in love with the one shouldered look and I haven't seen many ladies wearing it yet. This is good since I tire of trends quickly and I'll get some extra mileage out of the three I already own.

Of course I brought this 3/4 sleeve boyfriend blazer with me but didn't really need it. Where did that cool weather go? I'm so tired of it being in the '70s here in New Orleans. What's the rest of you southern girls doing? Are y'all wearing your summer clothes or sweating it out in sweaters?

Dress: Forever 21

Jacket: Elizabeth & James

Leggings: Banana Republic

Shoes: Gianni Bini

T-shirt Tiiiiiime

For people that don't follow fashion there is a preconceived notion that all fashion shows are stuffy insider type events that aren't very fun to attend.


Dirty Coast, a New Orleans t-shirt company, is here to prove that fashion is fun with their T & A fashion show tonight, Friday November 12th at Eiffel Society.   Dirty Coast are the originators of the now ubiquitous phrases  "Be A New Orleanian Wherever You Are" and "New Orleans.  So Far Behind We're Ahead."   These locals pride themselves on creating shirts that only people who love New Orleans would understand and the tees are meant to start conversations. Pick up your own icebreaker  online  or in person at 5704 Magazine Street. 

Image via DirtyCoast.com

They've partnered up with House of Lounge this year for a casual yet utterly glam affair.





Still not convinced? Check out pictures from last year's show on their Flickr account. You wouldn't want to miss out on this much fun, would you?






Dirty Coast presents the “Tee and A” Fashion Show featuring House of Lounge
Music by DJ Soul Sister 
Special Appearances: Shultzilla, Halo Saint, Beaver Fever and Lil Doogie 
Master of Ceremonies: M@ Peoples
Wigs and costume make-up by Fi Fi Mahony’s
Head Pieces by Savoy Truffles and KustomSweetTooth
Costumes and Styling by ELM Designs
Hair by Agnes Backman
Make up by Hayley Waldner 
Directed by Ellen Macomber

Purchase tickets here: http://www.dirtycoast.com/pages/fashion_show 

Slow Southern News

• All About Me is kick starting the holiday season right afterThanksgiving. On Friday, November 26th and Saturday the 27th stop in and receive a special savings gift, a discount from 10%-50% off. The special savings applies to any of their three locations.

• Buffalo Exchange is starting their annual Coats for Cubs drive on November 13th. The program provides bedding for orphaned or rehabilitated animals. Drop off your fur to donate to the Humane Society of the United States now until April 22nd. More information can be obtained at the Buffalo Exchange website.

The Bourgeoisie Life

"Coco Bourgeoisie is a feminine, flirty, and funky line designed for the unique fashion forward woman. Inspiration is derived from our love of New Orleans and it's artistic and French roots."

Courtney Bourgeois Plauche' was born and raised in South Louisiana, 30 miles outside of New Orleans. She received her B.S. in Fashion Design from LSU and interned with Texan designer Abi Ferrin. After designing for another brand and receiving several accolades such as the Viewer's Choice Design for Rock N Wear 2007 and President of Hemline and LSU en Vogue Fashion Show she established her own line, Coco Bourgeois.

Even though Courtney started her brand in Dallas, Texas, she celebrates her love of New Orleans heritage and arts in her creations. Her goal is to bring an "elite bourgeoisie feeling to modern, fashion forward woman. 

If you are contemplating a purchase hurry up! Coco Bourgeoisie is running a fall special at her online shop. Receive 50% off your entire order when you use the code FALL50. 

Slow Southern News

Magazine Street Retail Relief , now in its sixth year, takes place on Saturday, November 6th. Now in its sixth year the event encourages shoppers to support local retail establishments. Events will be taking place in the 5000-6000 block of Magazine St.

Francesca's is offering buy one get one 1/2 off on all denim. The sales event starts on Thursday, November 4th and is in store merchandise only.

Image via Katy Beh.com

Susan Gordon's handcrafted 22 karat gold and gemstone jewelry will be available at Katy Beh until Saturday, November 6th. Snap it up quick!

Cleaning out your closet? The New Orleans Buffalo Exchange is looking for a plethora of fall and winter items including: 

"Men’s jackets, sweaters, hoodies, casual and dressier shirts, long- and shortsleeve tees and shoes (athletic and dressy).

Women’s jackets, sweaters, blouses, dresses, pants, denim, long- and shortsleeve tees, hoodies and skirts.

Mardi Gras is right around the corner, so we have not stopped buying costumes.

And we are always looking for vintage, unique and one-of-a-kind items."

Halloween 2010

I love Halloween but I'm always glad when it is finally over. As much fun as I  have the slew of events, last minute costume tweaks, not to mention my work load increases substantially so November 1st is always a peaceful day. That said I had a great time this year!

If you haven't experienced a New Orleans Halloween then you are really missing out. An entire week's worth of celebrations and special events take place and this year was no exception. 

On Saturday night we went to Eiffel Society for their costume party. 

Hubby threw together this last minute genie costume with great results. I buy costumes for us year 'round and had purchased the jacket for him on a whim. A gold turban and an old Mardi Gras costume later and he was granting wishes in style. Bonus points for finding the floating carpet at the event!

I just threw together something I've already worn. A corset and ruffled bottoms are easy and fun to do.

Of course Sunday night we broke out our actual outfits, Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Frenchman St. and Decatur St. are the hot spots for people watching and this year was as good as ever.

The bulk of what we bought came from Buffalo Exchange. His skirt is actually a grey silk J. Crew and the white leather strips was another skirt that I cut up and made into this. My outfit is an old dancing costume with a gold lame bodysuit and leggings thrown underneath.

We had our pictures taken several times by complete strangers, which I always consider a mark of a good costume. We also had lights, purchased from REI. I sewed his around the perimeters of his cape and wrapped mine around my waist. 

So how was your Halloween?