Month: December 2010

Categories
alabama jewelry

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














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Categories
hammond holiday what i wore

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!
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Categories
mannequin mondays vintage

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
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Categories
events

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….
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Categories
etsy interviews jewelry

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.


definition of evil charm necklace with glass vial and handmade voodoo tarot charm


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.



Marie Laveau Voodoo Charm necklace with hand stamped sterling silver accents


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!


gulf oyster shell with bronze swarovski pearl
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.


Altered Bone Dia de los Muertos Pendant
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.

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Categories
events holiday

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.


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Categories
mannequin mondays

Mannequin Mondays- Get A Life

Let’s face it, sometimes it is hard to stay motivated to work out. Lately I’ve been bad at hitting the gym and even though I ride my bike to work most days I’ve been feeling the extra holiday pounds waiting to spring up and attack. One thing that always helps to get me motivated to move my butt is new gym clothes. Call me crazy but a newly purchased cardio appropriate ensemble  is just as much motivation as an extra love handle popping up.

Life yoga + boutique on Magazine St. also appreciates my physical philosphies, which is evident with these fun window displays. Not only is this location a yoga studio but they sell everything you need to look cool even when you are working up a sweat.

With popular brands such as Lululemon, Hardtail, and local favorite Thriv you are sure to find what moves you. So what do you do when you find yourself in a workout wear slump?

Life Yoga + Boutique
5422 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
504-267-0380
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Categories
holiday what i wore

What I Wore- You Fancy Huh

I’m not big on the holidays (too stressful) but one thing I am big on is getting dressed up and December certainly lends itself to that. My husband’s company holiday party was this weekend so I got to put on some heels and get dolled up.

While a dress is easy and elegant a blouse and skirt combo just felt a bit more fun and unexpected for the evening. I’ve had the lace top for a few years and I paired it with a new favorite, this Jolie & Elizabeth skirt I just purchased a few days ago. I’m already thinking of ways to dress it down for daytime so I can wear it all the time.

Not wanting to wear a sea of black I decided to throw this big chain and studded necklace over the top. I love the mixed metals and the glass jewels make it feel a bit dressier.
This photo reminds me of a high school dance, minus the black lipstick and combat boots and no, I’m not sharing those with y’all. We’re actually going to have the professional pics in a 5×7 but I had the photographer snap this for me with my humble point and shoot. I’ve also decided to buy myself a Christmas gift this year, a new camera! 
So what are you excited to wear this holiday season? A reliable LBD or something new and different?
Blouse: Burberry
Skirt: Jolie & Elizabeth
Shoes: Cole Haan
Necklace: Banana Republic
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Categories
sales

50% Off Secret Sale! Only On 12/3!

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Categories
events holiday

Slow Southern News

Now through Christmas when you donate 5 canned food items you’ll receive 25% off your purchase at Feet First. All food donations are going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.

The Ogden Museum is hosting ‘The Art of Gift Giving” December 4th-6th. More than 80 southern artists will be represented in this special art and craft showcase. In addition there will be a members only preview on December 3rd with a 15% savings.

I’m also really proud to announce the Buffalo Exchange fashion show with improv comedy from Stupid Time Machine at Eiffel Society, something I’ve been working really hard on. Please come out and join me to help raise money for the Freret Neighborhood Center on Friday, December 10th.

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