Guest Post: Slow Travel

I've never traveled by train before, so when Amy Powe offered to write this post about her experience travelling from New Orleans to Chicago, I was excited to live vicariously through her.- Christy


Text by Amy Powe

As the population of those who embrace slow food,  slow design (local and sustainable!), and slow money (yes it’s a thing), continues to grow it’s hard not to be curious about what’s next.  In The South we have a reputation of never been in too big of a hurry about anything but, are we ready for slow travel?

Recently, I traveled with my family of four to Chicago aboard the infamous City of New Orleans.  The train station is much closer to us than the airport.  Parking, easy, surface lot, five dollars a day. The scene at the train station is interesting. There is an eclectic and eccentric crowd of all ages, shapes and sizes in all manner of dress.  Honestly when is not the case in New Orleans?

Unearth NOLA With Brandi Couvillon From Waregarden Studio

Text and collage by Amber Guidry

Art can sometimes inspire motivation, excitement, even happiness in my personal life.  Sometimes it makes me wonder...who gave the three year old a paintbrush?? Either way my mind can get lost imagining how the creation of each piece unfolds. Usually it intrigues me to question the journey that inspires each artist "to create".

The journey of Waregarden Studio's Brandi Couvillion has led her to dig tunnels that could possibly cave in around her, to un-nest a flying New Orleanian roach colony, to scale the mountains of Peru in hopes of uncovering a remnant from the past. Ok so maybe not Peru but who's to say its not on her bucket list of exploratory sites.

Southern Fashion Bloggers and Glenn Michael Salon

Sometimes we all just need an excuse to hang out with our lady friends and indulge our girly side. A handful of the Southern Fashion Bloggers got together recently and hung out at Glenn Michael Salon to catch up on what everyone's doing, have some fun, and indulge in some mini hair and makeup classes. Be sure to read the full recap, including makeup tips and notes from our blow out 101 class on the Southern Fashion Bloggers site. 

Mr. Glenn Michael teaching us how to talk to our stylists to get the perfect hair style.

What I Wore: Sippin' In Seersucker

Dress- Imagine Scarf- Swap Boutique
Earrings- Armoire
Bangle bracelet- c/o In Pink
Clutch Banana Republic, Belt American Apparel, Heels DKNY Collection all via Buffalo Exchange

My husband- he put together his outfit himself, no help from me!

Sippin' In Seersucker was this past Friday, and I couldn't have had more fun. If you've never been, read all about it  on  my weekly Uptown Messenger column.  Seersucker is the ubiquitous summer fabric of the South, and it was a treat witnessing so many people decked out in puckered stripes.  Aside from the mint juleps, sazeracs, and delicious food from local restaurants, the people watching was definitely the highlight of the evening.

Designer Interview: Lia Cinquegrano of Thomas IV

Text by Meghan Wright

I had the fantastic pleasure of interviewing Lia Cinquegrano, the creator and designer of handbag line Thomas IV. The Florida native (now in Brooklyn) has an interesting design aesthetic and makes wonderful use of different fabrics, textures, and patterns.

Photo c/o Thomas IV

What I Wore: Old Faithfuls and Extra Minutes

I have a confession to make. I didn't start Slow Southern Style to plaster my mug all over the internet. There are enough lovely gals out there who do a much better job of it than I do. Not to mention there are enough "skinny white girl bloggers" documenting their personal style. Oh wait, I'm not skinny. Anyway, schedules synced up again and I coerced my husband to take some quick pictures before I jetted off to work.

Friend - Menswear on Magazine Street

Text and images by Meghan Wright

A great menswear store is hard to come by, not impossible, just not as common as womenswear boutiques. Friend opened up on Magazine St. back in February and they are going strong. 

What I Wore: Casual Cool

It's almost summer, and having an arsenal of comfortable clothes is key to getting through festival season and making it to Fall. I usually live in tank tops, but this summer I'm switching to lightweight button downs to keep the sun off my arms, and stay casual and cool. Well, I'm not cool by any stretch, but I do like to wear clothes that breathe. I shared some tips on my weekly Uptown Messenger article for dressing for festivals, but the same tips apply all season long. 

Kids Fashion Camp at the Ogden Museum

One of my fondest memories growing up was going to summer camp. I played flute from 4th grade through college, and had considered pursuing it professionally, but majoring in English won. Summers spent at band camp were the best, and doing drill downs in a gym devoid of air conditioning in the dead of August was strangely enjoyable. I lived for band, and I was damned good at it. I heartily believe kids need a creative outlet, no matter what the medium is.

photo c/o Sue Strachan

A Frugal Freret Street Fashion Show

Come join me for a night of fashion on Freret Street this coming Sunday as part of Yelp's Passport to Freret Street promotion. I'll be judging a special frugal fashion challenge alongside Missy Wilkinson from the Gambit Weekly. Contestants will be asked to purchase up to $25 worth of clothing from Bloomin' Deals Thrift Store, which supports the Junior League. The theme is cruise wear and anything from "castaway chic" to "pool side fabulous" goes.

The best Gilligan or Skipper impersonator will receive two tickets to Tales of The Cocktail and the after party. For more information, including rules of the contest, visit the Yelp event listing, get your best outfit together, and may the best thrifter win!

What: Passport to Freret Street: Thrifty Fashion Show/Contest

When: Sunday, May 13th 9:00 pm

Where: La Nuit Comedy Theater, 5039 Freret Street

Friday Lunch at Martinique Bistro

voted top al fresco dining for a reason

My sister came home for a weekend visit, so we did what we do best- act like ladies who lunch. I have a hard time getting the lady part right, but there's nothing I enjoy better than al fresco dining in the spring time. Martinique Bistro always proves to be the perfect spot. If you like Caribbean inspired French food, then you'll love this place, tucked away on Magazine Street in between Nashville Avenue and State Street. It's consistently voted as best courtyard and most romantic dining, and once you step inside it's easy to see why.  The courtyard is lush, and the bubbling fountain softens the noise from the street. I couldn't think of a better place to spend a  Friday afternoon.

Sponsored: Vernon Trunk Show

Text and photos by Brooke Larsen

The people who make up the New Orleans fashion industry have to be some of the nicest on Earth. I've seen examples of this many times before, and it was clear to me once more at Vernon Clothing’s Happy Hour on Thursday night. As I entered the store I was unsure what to expect because I had never been to such an event before. Vernon’s Happy Hour showcases the work of local designers while also serving drinks and hours d’ouvres. Food and fashion under one roof? Yes, please! I was excited but still a little apprehensive. Surely this event was way too cool for me! However, any insecurities I had were soon dashed when I stepped inside.  

Kickstarter: Something For Wildness

Lacey Dupre is a familiar face on Slow Southern Style. Not only was she one of the featured artists in Objects of Adornment but she's friends with contributor and Lafayette resident JeLlyn Morvant. Please support this worthwhile cause by contributing whatever you can to Something for Wilderness, or just help spread the word.