No Trouble Here- Troubadour

Over the past year Slow Southern Style has evolved into my personal hunt for southern fashion designers. With a little bit of luck I find some great individuals to feature here, from small time Etsy artists to people that have worked in the fashion industry with successful lines. I was most recently thrilled to find Troubadour, a label based in Charleston, South Carolina.




With her southern upbringing designer Lindsey Carter has used her background to influence her label Troubadour. Her line is described as "wreckless preppy with a twist of edge" which sounds like sheer perfection to me.

Carter is no stranger to the world of fashion, having interned with Rebecca Minkoff and L.A.M.B. as well as working for J. Crew and Madewell 1937. In 2006 Carter got married, moved back to the South and started designing Carter Humphrey, a high end line of women's golf wear. This inaugural entrepreneurial experience paved the way for her Troubadour label.



My take on the line is  utterly feminine with an eye for great details and draping. The line maintains a sense of chic without being boring basics or trendy items that can only be worn for a few seasons.

An added bonus for readers; get a free t-shirt with your online purchase if you mention Slow Southern Style!

What I Wore- Bounce Night

Look y'all fashion blogs are serious business. I mean why get dressed in the morning if you aren't going to painstakingly document every minute detail of your outfit? Don't you know that the internetz solely exists for women all over the world to show off what they bought at Forever 21 and how they tried to make it look more expensive by pairing it with a Dillard's handbag purchased on sale at TJ Maxx?

*Ahem* Okay clearly I try not to take myself too seriously.

When I threw the question out "Should I do a what I wore to bounce night post?" I received a resounding yes, including a message "Write it or I'll write it for you" from Chris Trew. If you aren't familiar with his work Chris is a comedian living in Austin but went to high school in Covington. He did a hilarious recap of my night out  on his site that I insist everyone read.

Lumina Clothing Giveaway Winner!

I'm pleased to announce we have a winner of the Lumina Clothing giveaway! 

Thanks to Random.org's handy number generator Hattie Sparks is the lucky recipient of a seersucker bow tie and gingham necktie, a perfect gift for her fiance. She's a lovely lady and loyal reader and I had the pleasure of meeting in person at I Heart Southern Style. Hattie I'll be in touch to hand over the goodies to you!

lululemon athletica- Working out in style

Today's post is courtesy of a new friend of mine, Christine Ditri. To call her a lululemon fanatic would be an understatement. Having recently moved to New Orleans from Boston you'd swear she owns stock in the company but she's really just a loyal customer with a love of all things lulu. I asked Christine to explain what makes this company so great and to tell NOLA readers why they should shop the new show room.

lululemon athletica has finally come to New Orleans in the form of an Uptown showroom. Nestled in at 802 Nashville Avenue. This Canadian company providing quality workout clothing and accessories, has opened up a showroom offering some of lululemon’s best products and cheeriest help and has already begun to make its mark on the Nola community.

Cocodri- Honoring Louisiana's Yard Dog

One thing that I have a deep appreciation for is reptiles. I literally grew up with a swamp for a backyard. There was my house, a levee, and the swamp, in that order. Needless to say we spent many of summers playing out on the boat, either water skiing, fishing, or just swimming. We always knew which canals were off limits to skiing and the sign for "alligator behind you, don't drop the rope" was usually my maw maw frantically waving her arms up and down.

Alligators were brought to the brink of extinction but due to conservation efforts have proliferated and have established healthy populations. Due to an over abundance of this ancient animal alligator farms* can be found all over southern Louisiana, harvesting the reptiles for their meat and skin.

Cocodri is a small Lafayette based company that elevates this beautiful animal's hide into art. Working with local trappers and craftsman each item is individually designed to showcase the beauty of Louisiana's natural resources.

Cocodri carries wallets, belts, flasks, and women's clutches. These items would make a great gift that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Purchases can me made at Cocodri's website or at the following locations:

New Orleans

Style Lab for Men

Ralph Goodyear

Lafayette

Kiki

*Okay now I'm going to geek out on everyone. I do NOT condone buying any other reptile product. Many wild populations have been critically depleted due to taking animals out of the wild for their skin. In fact California banned python products. Every purchase you make is a VOTE saying "Yes I support this". If you choose to enjoy these goods consider buying them secondhand or vintage, that way you are not directly supporting illegal activities.

Giveaway with Lumina Clothing Co.

I've never done a  giveaway before so I thought it would be appropriate to run one for the men since women get all the good stuff when it comes to fashion blog freebies.

 For the southern gentleman, or at least those that just try to act like it. Lumina Clothing Co. is a North Carolina based men's accessories company that specializes in neck wear. From elegant evening weddings to casual summer picnics and everything in between Lumina offers a tie for any occasion.

Just by signing up for their newsletter you can get a coupon for 33% off your purchase. Oh wait, you wanted to hear about the free stuff right?

To enter the giveaway simply follow Slow Southern Style on one of the following networks listed in the right sidebar (Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin', etc...) and leave a comment on this entry stating which one you follow. One lucky winner will receive the tie and bow tie featured in this post. 

Wanna double your chances of winning? Just visit the Lumina Clothing Co. product page then come back to this post and leave a comment here stating which tie is your favorite. You can also increase your chances of winning by following Lumina on Twitter or Facebook.


Contestants must reside in the United States and upon winning provide me with a mailing address or P.O. Box so I can ship out your goodies.

What, you expected me to know how to use that thing? 

The contest runs through December 28th and I'll announce the winner on January 30th. Nothing like two new ties for a new year, no? So if you are looking for a gift for your significant other or just want to spruce up your own accessories repertoire hurry up and comment, the clock is ticking!

LBD styled by the Southern Fashion Bloggers

A few months ago I decided to start a little group for other ladies who happen to write about fashion and reside in the South. I was really struggling to connect with other like minded individuals so I figured I'd start my own meeting ground. While I haven't done a whole lot with it yet the Southern Fashion Bloggers have grown from zero to nearly 70 in just a few short months.

One of our first activities is playing host to a blog event centered around a holiday favorite, the little black dress. Myself and three other New Orleans ladies are cross posting our blogs today to show you how we style 'em here in southern Louisiana. And if you are missing Mannequin Monday  no worries, it will be back to your regularly scheduled programming next week.

An LBD is like a blank canvas just waiting for you to put the finishing touches on it. I found this one a few years ago via a secondhand store. This strapless J. Crew dress satisfies all of my requirements for classic cocktail attire. It's a simple silhouette in black velvet with a black grosgrain ribbon just under the bust line. What really won me over is that it is petite sizing which means I just zipped it up and that was it. No hemming, no fussing, just a perfect, reliable wardrobe staple.

I like to be fashionably honest, meaning if I don't actually wear it then I don't post it. That said I had every intention of getting dressed up and going to a nice craft cocktail bar in my neighborhood this past Saturday night. Instead I stayed at home and watched the original Black Christmas and threw on the dress Sunday night just for pictures. How's that for a rousing weekend?

So let's pretend I did wear it out and had a great time. One of my obsessions is collecting reptile paraphernalia and this includes jewelry. This rhinestone studded snake bracelet is just enough sparkle without being ostentatious. 

I also fake wore it with another trusty favorite, my Cole Haan black patent leather heels. 

Well hopefully the other ladies had a more adventurous weekend than I did. Check out their blogs and feel free to comment on each one!

Dorothy- http://nolamorechains.blogspot.com

Mallory for Trashy Diva- http://trashydivaclothing.wordpress.com/

Karlee- http://southernbellesandbeignets.com

p.s. Due to everyone's different schedules not everyone may post at the same exact time. Just check back later in the day if you don't see an LBD post yet.

What I Wore- Vaguely French

I"m a pretty lucky gal when it comes to the dress code at work. Basically, there is none so long as I look presentable. No suits, no uniform, I don't have to hide my tattoos and I certainly don't have to limit my creativity come costume season. That said I hesitate sometimes to post pictures of my favorite outfits here. Would it be lame to run into someone and I'm wearing the same thing over and over again? Should I care?

Today I'm feeling generous so I'll let this one slide. This dress feels vaguely French due to the scoop neckline and the stripes. I'm Cajun French on my dad's side so that works for me.

I love a dress with tough looking boots and no these aren't Frye. I picked up these vintage engineer boots when I still lived in Arizona. I've owned them for a few years now and I'd like to think they go with everything. 

Two years ago I got hooked on sea horses when I went to the aquarium for the first time in ages. They float around like sea nymphs, some of them so dainty and small that you can't believe they even exist. These earrings look more like sea dragons to me, which is even better.

A good cuff bracelet is always a chic move. Erin of Armoire was sweet enough to give this to me as a gift  last week and I've already worn it twice!

My favorite sweater, which I wear seemingly on a daily basis. I throw it on over everything, even over PJs. 

Sweater: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Dress: Be Bop via Buffalo Exchange

Thigh High Socks: American Apparel

Boots: Vintage Ranchero

Earrings: Buffalo Exchange

Cuff: Armoire

Buffalo Exchange Fashion Show

Wow has it already been a week since the Buffalo Exchange fashion show? If you weren't able to go you really missed out. According to multiple sources there has never been so much cheering at an Eiffel Society fashion show! We all had a great time for a good cause, The Freret Neighborhood Center, and I am so proud of the way things turned out.


Big thanks to Eiffel Society, Think Tank, Stupid Time Machine, Beauty Unmade, DJ Kemistry, Spa Atlantis for providing the "buffian" manicures and their location, Paris Parker for hair and makeup and the talented crew at Buffalo Exchange for not only helping me select the outfits but also modeling as well!


VIP gift bags


Super big thanks to the photographer, Sam Gregory, for taking such captivating images. To see the full album go here.


Of course I waited until the day of to get an outfit. Who in the hell does that? I got the dress from Armoire, and the Vince Camuto studded platform heels and Banana Republic necklace from Buffalo Exchange.
The beautiful Leslie of Beauty Unmade,she was such a big help coordinating the hair and makeup.

The perpetually cute Le Thu of Think Tank. She was a dream to work with and without her none of this would have been possible.

 Images of girls from my girl Dorothy's new blog NO(LA) More Chains.

So if you went did you enjoy the show?

Slow Southern News

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Ex Voto- Jewelry with a meaning

Elizabeth Adams of Ex Voto Jewelry contacted me to let me know about her great jewelry line based out of Montgomery, Alabama


 Ex Voto jewelry is created from revamped pieces that were "discarded, left behind, and forgotten" then turned into one of a kind pieces.  Elizabeth's inspirations include  Latin American Catholic relics and medals such as  retablos, milagros and ex votos.  

Both of her parents were artists and her mother's best friend owned an antique shop.  As a child Elizabeth used to spend  afternoons in the shop, which helped her develop an appreciation for "the warm patina which comes only from time".  As a gift when she was born her father's mentor gave her a locket and a card with the handwritten note “May your life be as beautiful as you are.” Elizabeth references this original letter by including a handwritten blessing with each Ex Voto piece. 

Keep up with Elizabeth's latest designs by following her Facebook or her blog, or pick up your own special adornment from the following retailers:


Montgomery; Apropo on Cloverdale Rd, The Museum Shop at the Montgomery Museum, Charleston House on Atlanta Hwy
Dothan; D. Ethridge on Main Street
Birmingham; Laura Kathryn in Crestline Village, A'Mano in Mountain Brook Village
Atlanta; Mitzi and Ramano in Virginia Highland
Rosemary Beach, FL: Willow Boutique
Seaside,FL:Willow+Woods
San Antonio,TX: Meadow Boutique
Baton Rouge,LA: Stella Boutique
Fairhope, AL: Uptown Boutique
Cincinnati; Soho Boutique in Hyde Park

Festive Frock

The best part of the holiday season and having a significant other is getting invited to multiple events. Parties equal party dresses and I love getting gussied up for a night out! Last week we went to his company holiday party and this week was mine. This year I selected Domenica, a great Italian restaurant in the historic Roosevelt Hotel here in New Orleans. I had eaten at Domenica three times before so this was a great excuse to go back.

Making reservations for 13 employees and their guests can seem like a daunting task so I was really only focusing on great eats without blowing the budget. I completely forgot that the Roosevelt decks the halls and the beautiful decorations were the icing on the cake. Or should I say the star on top of the tree?

I had purchased my dress from Shop Imagine in Hammond, LA over the summer and I've been dying to wear it ever since. I knew right off the bat that it would be perfect for the holidays and was worth holding onto for so long.

My husband isn't shy when it comes to clothes and he went out and bought a shirt the day of to coordinate with my dress. How cute was that? I'm pretty lucky to have snagged such a stylish man.

Of course no festive frock is complete without a little lagniappe. The last time I went to Fairy, a sweet little boutique across from Whole Foods, I spied this little gold rabbit skeleton necklace. I knew I had to have it but forgot to make the purchase. Owner Elizabeth Laird was kind enough to set one aside for me when her next shipment came in* so I snatched it up when she told me it was in again!

Isn't the detail on this incredible? It is handmade by a San Francisco artist, whose name escapes me at the moment.

I was unsure about wearing these sparkly gold tights with the dress. After all the last time I wore them was on Mardi Gras Day. They turned out to be a hit and coordinated nicely with the gold zipper detailing on the dresses neckline. Since the tights and dress had so much going on I decided to go simple with these black patent leather Cole Haan heels. 

Oh yea, you wanna know what we ate? Domenica is a John Besh restaurant that is run by executive chef Alon Shaya. Everything was excellent but the mushroom soup pictured above was a real stand out, as well as the panna cotta dessert with salted caramel and pears featured below. We reserved the private dining room, perfect for a group of 26 or smaller.

So do you have any holiday parties that you are looking forward to? 

* Fairy was kind enough to give me a discount on the necklace for featuring her shop here and elsewhere. Thanks for the generous offer Elizabeth!

Mannequin Mondays- Old Yet New At Lili

At this time of year many people's thoughts turn to the golden yesteryears and traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation. We fondly look at vintage inspired holiday decorations, Christmas cards, and everyone has a classic movie (preferably in black and white) that they like to watch every year.

If you are longing for a piece of the past than look no further than Lili Vintage in their new location in the Garden District! The boutique is housed in a charming old New Orleans former residence turned retail space.

Having been in business for many years before the recent move Lili has garnered a regular customer base. They even ship worldwide!

Lili Vintage Boutique

3329 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

(504)833-0818

Mon:11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Wed - Fri:11:30 am - 5:30 pm

Sat:11:30 am - 5:00 pm

Join us for a cause dear to my heart

I hope to meet some of y'all out at the Eiffel Society this Friday night for the Buffalo Exchange fashion show! A portion of the proceeds are going towards the Freret Neighborhood Center. $10 to get in, doors at 10:00pm and Stupid Time Machine goes on at 11:00pm. Now I just need to find something to wear....

Slow Southern News

Langford Market will be having a Holiday Style 101 today, December 9th from 7:00-8:00pm. Cocktails and treats will be served and a fun night of friends and fashion is promised as well as a special discount to be announced at the party.

Rubenstein's and Scene Magazine are hosting happy hour in The Davenport Lounge at the Ritz Carlton from 5:30-8:30pm. Kenny Rubenstein  and Kevin Barraco will be mixing and pouring complimentary Davenport-inis with entertainment from none other than Jeremy Davenport himself.

maison orleans

Here in New Orleans there is a reason ghost tours are so popular with tourists. This city definitely has a dark side, one that we embrace whole heartedly. From our beautiful cemeteries to tales of Jean-Lafitte everyone loves a sinister story. Janelle of Maison Orleans has managed to capture this mood with her line of jewelry inspired by her deep love of the dark.


 


Your jewelry certainly has a dark feel to it with a lot of ocean references. Describe Maison Orleans and what your aesthetic is.
I think the atmosphere of New Orleans lends itself to dark expression. I've been drawn to both the mysteries of this city and the mysteries of the ocean for as long as I can remember. There's a certain romance to it, even in our beautiful cemeteries. Where else is a funeral celebrated with dancing and jazz music? As to the ocean, who hasn't dreamed of sailing the high seas as a pirate or discovering a long-lost shipwreck? My aesthetic might seem eclectic, but I design and create my pieces in the hopes that there is someone else out there who will see and feel that same sense of mystery.





How does living in New Orleans help you with your design inspirations?

There is no greater city in the world for artistic inspiration. If you spend even a few hours watching people flow through the French Quarter or travel the river, or walk by the street artists and performers, you can't help but feel the uniqueness of the culture. Even the architecture is fascinating.






Aside from jewelry what are your hobbies?
3. I also paint and make clothing (which will hopefully make it into my shop), and I could spend weeks wandering flea markets and thrift shops. I really love to take something "discarded" and turn it into something beautiful, or at least something interesting!



Any big plans in the future?

I never want the kind of success that would mean I couldn't personally make every single piece I offer. I added Maison Orleans as an avenue for pieces that are close to my heart rather than commercial, and I'm content to continue. In a perfect world, I would share a retail space in the city, mainly for the direct contact that it would provide.



Define southern style.


Southern style, to me, is exaggerated in every sense. Whether it's an elaborate chandelier, a monster truck, a 7-course meal, a mass of second liners, big hair, or unique jewelry, the South does what it does on a big scale, and I love every minute:)


Janelle sells her jewelry in the Maison Orleans Etsy shop.