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jewelry new orleans southern fashion designer vintage

KC Thomassie Designs

I’m usually down for a good runway show, but the amount of work  that goes into a 15 minute event gets lost in the excitement sometimes. Never satisfied with a perfunctory viewing, I need to handle the goodies to really appreciate the craftsmanship, especially when intricate handiwork is involved. After attending New Orleans’ RAW natural born artists show a few weeks ago at 12 Bar, I got up close and personal with some of the pieces that Kaci Thomassie sent down the catwalk for their inaugural showcase.


Kaci works with new and re-purposed materials, breathing life into vintage fabrics. Silk taffeta ruffles that once adorned a pillow are transformed into a slinky bolero, with the addition of chain necklaces accentuating the back. An old fashioned cameo turns into a clever necklace, juxtaposed with brown suede, crystals, and feathers. Her work maintains a sense of modernity yet retains a nod to the first half of the 20th century. The pieces aren’t necessarily practical, yet they escape being categorized as too precious for everyday wear.  Kaci is all about taking the fanciful and putting a touch of everyday wearability to her work.  After all, it’s New Orleans, and no one will look twice if you take to the streets in a cherry blossom wire headband.

For event photos go to the Slow Southern Style Facebook page but be sure to check out the rest of the collection here. To purchase, visit her Etsy shop.

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contests new orleans southern fashion bloggers southern style

Best New Orleans Blog

If you’ve got a few seconds to spare, please vote for Slow Southern Style as best local blog in the Gambit Weekly’s Best of New Orleans awards. Vote by clicking on this link: http://www.bestofneworleans.com/gambit/BestofNewOrleans2012Ballot/Page

Thanks y’all!

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events magazine street menswear new orleans new orleans mens fashion

Goorin Brothers Grand Opening on Magazine Street

Regardless of what the trend du jour is, Southerners have always possessed an appreciation for traditional fashions. And while there’s a collective gasp every time rumors of an H&M or other big national chain makes headlines in New Orleans, it’s always the shops that slip right in to the retail landscape that get shoppers really excited.

The new Goorin Bros. location is already nestled in- with dark wood floors, handsome shelving, and a chandelier that’s straight out of a St. Charles mansion.  The hat company has roots in San Francisco going back to 1895, but fits right in to their Lower Garden District address. Joining Vernon, Branch Out, Friend, Aiden Gill, Truck Stop, and Vegas this stretch of Magazine Street is quickly developing into “menswear row”. Given the turn out for their grand opening, I’d speculate you’ll start seeing more stylish toppers gracing the noggins of New Orleans residents and visitors for some time to come.

For even more pictures from the night go to our Facebook page.

Elizabeth’s fantastic hat- made by her for Goorin Bros.
Justin of Invade NOLA, photo c/o Charle’ Washington

Elizabeth, Charle’, and Elijah

Me & Meg

Meet Dorothy Young

Armoire shop girls and sisters- Lindsay & Morgan
The Dapper Dandies

Elijah Bradshaw- photo c/o Charle’ Washington

Ben Azevedo- quite possibly one of my favorite people on Earth

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georgia vacation what i wore

What We Wore: A Night Out in Savannah

Savannah is definitely a laid back city, even more than New Orleans. For my last night in town, my sister and I had dinner at Jazz’d Tapas followed up with some truly decadent dessert at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar. Even though we could have fit right in wearing jeans and a t-shirt, exerting a little extra effort always helps a night out feel a bit more special. Although there was nothing special about waking up at 4:30 am for my flight back home. What was I thinking when I booked that?

It’s all about that a little Frenchie named Porkchop

                     

Fuschia horses- what’s not to love?
Perpetually striking dumb poses

my favorite necklace
Christin
Sweater via Limited
Skirt via Francesca’s
Shoes via Steve Madden
Necklace via Ragdoll


Christy
 Dress, Cooperative via Buffalo Exchange
Belt, American Apparel via Buffalo Exchange
Shoes via Buffalo Exchange
Necklaces via Nelson + Little and Fairy (rabbit)
Cuff bracelet via Buffalo Exchange

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georgia outdoors summer

Tybee Island: Paradise in Georgia

Given how much I love the beach, I don’t go nearly as much as I should. The closest beaches to New Orleans aren’t crystalline waters and sugary white sand- you have to drive past Mississippi to get to the good stuff. When I went to Savannah last weekend, my sister and I loaded up the car with newly purchased beach chairs, a cooler, and plenty of SPF 45 sunblock and headed to Tybee Island. A quick 20 minutes from her apartment, it was just what I needed to really feel like I was on vacation. We even had a dolphin sighting, and managed not to lose our sunglasses in the surf when the waves rolled in.

Fish and crab sandwiches with sweet potato fries at North Beach Bar & Grill
Throwing shade with our sweet beach set up

Blue Moon in a can- perfect for a day spent in the sand
Our chosen beach reads
Pastiest white person at the beach

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events fashion show new orleans southern fashion designer

RAW: natural born artists in New Orleans

Join Slow Southern Style favorite Kaci Thomassie for a night of fashion, art, music, film, and performance art as she participates in Solstice, put on by RAW: natural born artists.  This independent arts organization carefully selects up and coming artists in 54 cities and provides them with resources and exposure to grow in their respective disciplines. Catch their first New Orleans show this Thursday at 12 Bar on Fulton Street from 8:00pm until midnight. Dress code is cocktail attire, tickets can be purchased on RAW’s website.

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louisiana new orleans sales southern fashion designer southern style

Andrea Loest Online Trunk Show and Sale

Photo collage c/o Megan Hargroder of Conversations

I have a confession- I’m a very selfish person. Just ask my husband- I always make sure we’re even steven when splitting a pint of ice cream, or indulging in a bottle of wine. So when Andrea Loest invited me to check out her trunk show before it was released to the public, I called a friend (hey- I’m not that greedy) and set a date to see the designs in person to get first dibs.



Andrea serves up one of a kind dresses, all handmade in New Orleans. Her creations normally retail between $600-$800 but you can get your own unique frock for a paltry $100. No two are exactly alike, but they each carry her signature style – lots of decorative stitching, repurposed fabrics, and custom dye jobs.  Make your purchase at her online store, or check it out in person at her studio by setting an appointment via e-mail to andrealoest@gmail.com. It’s a fun way to have your own private shopping experience with a friend or two. And make sure to tell her Slow Southern Style sent ya!


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christy lorio freelance writer oxford american sewn in the south southern fashion designer

Oxford American presents: Sewn In The South

Oxford American, which touts itself as “The Southern Magazine of Good Writing”, is revamping their website with fresh content and “all-star” columnists. There’s everything from fashion, film, food, art, music and literature.  I’m pleased and extremely honored to be a part of their new digital endeavors with my bi-weekly column, Sewn in the South. From well established brands to skilled individuals just starting out, my focus is on discovering talent below the Mason-Dixon line.

My first feature is a brand that’s well on its way to being classified as an iconic New Orleans label. Jolie & Elizabeth have managed to make seersucker cool again, with their line of dresses, skirts, and pants. Whether they’re sticking to a traditional look or incorporating the latest trends, these ladies really understand what their customers want.

Read the Jolie & Elizabeth profile here, and don’t forget to check out the other columns as well.

original sketch c/o Jolie & Elizabeth

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boutiques food georgia outdoors shopping southern style vacation

Smitten With Savannah

I just got back from my first trip to Savannah, Georgia and I’m downright smitten with the place. In many ways it reminded me a bit of New Orleans- the history, architecture, and the friendliness that the locals exuded felt familiar and comforting. I swooned for the trees dripping in Spanish moss, the downtown area lent a cool yet quaint vibe, and having the beach just a short twenty minute drive really made me feel like I was on vacation.

My sister moved to Savannah this past January for her first big girl job and while I miss our occasional lunches at Restaurant August and late night ice cream runs, I was thrilled she was moving somewhere I always wanted to visit.Here are some quick shots of some of my favorite places downtown, but there is more to come!

Coolest shop – Arc

Love the old fashioned feel in the men’s section

Mansion on Forsyth Park

Frilly and feminine looks at Terra Cotta Boutique

One of my favorites- Villa

Have you ever been to Savannah? What are your can’t miss destinations?

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food summer

Summer Drinks: Cool Off With A Cold One



Whether you’re imbibing with a local craft beer, homemade strawberry lemonade, or kicking back with a mint julep at your favorite upscale bar, summertime calls for cold drinks. Getting a frosty beverage isn’t just a way to quench your thirst- it’s a real treat when temperatures start to soar. Here are a few favorites from some friends of Slow Southern Style, both with and without alcohol. Leave your own favorite cold ones below in the comments too!  

Wine at Martinique Bistro– New Orleans, LA





LVF: Lately the most refreshing drink I’ve been ordering up has been pretty simple, but not necessarily available everywhere in town (think “mixologists” instead of dive bars…). It relies on Domaine de Canton’s Ginger Liquer, on (minimal) rocks with a splash of soda and lime juice. Refreshing, tropical, with just a hint of spice- just we like it in the South. Ladies, it’s clear and deliciously light for even those with a hummingbird’s tolerance; gentlemen, what a better way to showcase your fine spirits connoisseurship, and since it’s distilled from ginger, who knows, you *may* be reaping some health benefits too. 


Vintage Angeline not a cocktail but I LOVE that skinny water. Lemon, mint and ginger in water. Fix 1 pitcher a day sometimes and keep in fridge.


Christy: Cold brew coffee! If you have a french press coffee pot, it’s as easy as grinding beans. Instead of using hot water, use cold to lukewarm and let sit for 8-12 hours. In the morning you’ll have a strong cup of joe that’s perfect over ice.


@fashion_teaStrawberry lemonade with vodka… Mmm.

Ash in FashionPlum Street Snowballs! (Preferably of the boozy variety.)



Kelli GrengsMarkham Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc! Because Markham loves Freret Street!


Roll and Tumble Press: White Sangria- pineapple, peaches, cantaloupe soaked in 2 cups of Cointreau. Top with a bottle of crisp white wine. I used Sauvignon Blanc, two cups club soda and a package of fresh mint. Serve in glassses with ice! So good and potent!


Jean-Paul Villere:  duh – cheap tequila and oj, juuusssstttt so


Amy Bauer Gabriel :  Homemade Ginger Limeade at Cafe Rose Nicaud. SO good–spiked or not spiked:)



Milky Way & Caramel Martinis at Lulu’s Chocolate Bar- Savannah, GA


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