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Give Me A Minute

I’ve been up in New York for a wedding weekend and am feeling the crunch of deadlines. Working a full time job, freelance writing, and trying to have a life outside of work and “work” can be tough at times. I’m taking a little blog break to ensure my sanity remains in tact. In the meantime here are some good, fashionable reads to get you through your week. Do you know of some blogs worth checking out? Leave it in the comments section and I’ll see y’all in a bit.

Giogo Show- My friend Leslie turned me on to these ladies and I’m 100% smitten.
Mosey!- Street style a la Dallas, Texas.
Zarna’s Runway– Laid back and cool in Tennessee
Back Down South– Classic Southern style.
Ingenue & Camp– Six New Orleans ladies documenting fun and fashion.
Hybrid Headpiece– Fashion blogging from Kuwait.
Beckerman Bite Plate– Sisters with enviable hair.
Girls With Glasses– Two quirky gals and yes they wear glasses.

Onto some random pictures for your amusement.

Lovely hoop & chain earrings c/o Rue Belle.
Be on the lookout for these in an upcoming blog post.
Funny twitter pic that Uptown PR sent me. That’s one way to deal with bad “press”.
An old favorite polka dot chambray shirt with new kelly green jeans
Cat tattoo- read about the inspiration on Uptown Messenger. The second one is coming soon to a thigh near you.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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art contests events louisiana new orleans

Cocktail as Art Competition at L’Entrepot Gallery


FREE DRINKS

How’s that for an attention grabber? While I don’t condone attending events just got get good n’ liquored up on someone else’s dime, Bombay Sapphire needs to borrow your taste buds to help select the official cocktail for Art for Art’s Sake. Might as well heed the call, right?


A panel of five New Orleans bartenders will be concocting a signature cocktail, which will then be voted on by the event attendees. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served up from Carmo Cafe and door prizes too.  Gin ain’t your thing? There will also be a cash bar for other liquor and non-alcoholic drinks. Swing by L’Entrepot Gallery this Saturday from 6-9pm.


For more info or to RSVP check out the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/104407079714465/


Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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festivals frenchman street new orleans southern fashion designer

Made & Made by Tiia Maria

 I discovered Finland native Tiia Maria’s line of handmade hats Made & Made at the Frenchman Art Market just a few weeks ago and was instantly smitten with her perfect toppers. What drew me in was the quality and detail in her designs- teeny fascinators are adorned with kitty ears and a birdcage veil. Slightly cheeky and not too precious these are the perfect toppers to add a glamorous touch without being too over the top. Learn more about Made & Made on their Facebook page after finding out about the brand in the interview below.



Why hats? How did you get started as a milliner?

Up until a couple of years ago, I spent most of my time studying, writing and reading. I have a Masters in Adult Education, but I felt like the career path it was taking me on wasn’t creative enough. I also wanted to do something with my hands. I love the process of shaping felt hats. Millinery is like sculpting but only with felt and other materials. I also want hats to make a come back because it makes dressing much more interesting.
I’m interested in vintage clothing and hats are a big part of that. I admire old hats and I have been collecting vintage hats for many years. Two years ago I did a few millinery courses in Finland and after that I wanted to learn more.
Flora Turban Hat

You’re from Finland originally. How long have you been in New Orleans, and what sparked the move?

I moved here in December 2011 after falling in love with the city on an earlier visit. New Orleans is a very creative environment and new ideas and faces are welcome. Moving to New Orleans gave me a chance to do something completely different and really focus on my craft. I also enjoy the warm weather and sun!

Your hats have a decidedly vintage feel to them. How do you keep them feeling modern and wearable for everyday life vs. feeling like a costume?

My hats have a vintage feel because I use real vintage materials: laces from the 1920s, feathers from the 1940s, fur felt from the 1960s and much more. Even the wooden molds I shape the hats on are authentic hat blocks, many over 60 years old. I love using these antique materials because they are absolutely unique and very good quality too. There’s nothing quite like a piece of 1930s black veiling and you only get to use it once. Using these kinds of tools and materials makes each piece incredibly special.
I try to keep the trimming and decoration simple to avoid the costume look, the result is that each hat is modern and refined but shows its vintage roots. The materials – fur felt, silk, veiling, grosgrain ribbon – are quite beautiful, so rather than embellish each piece with lots of decoration, these special materials are given their own space. I make headpieces for special occasions but also have hats that are wearable every day. I want to keep my hats modern to show that you don’t need a vintage hairdo or classic outfit to wear a great hat.

Besides your site and the Frenchman Art Market, where are you selling your hats?

Visit www.madeandmade.com for the complete collection, and in New Orleans you can find Made & Made pieces at Bon Castor and Trashy Diva too.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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baton rouge beauty etsy louisiana

Soap Dude: So fresh and so clean in Baton Rouge

I’m not the type of gal that has a medicine cabinet brimming with beauty potions, age defying serums, and imported oils that guarantees to make my hair as thick and as a horse’s mane or my money back. The fact that I have a Birchbox subscription is deceiving- try as I may to up my beauty regime I always rely to my tried and true products.

 One thing I do indulge in on a daily basis is handmade soap. None of that artificial, chemical smelling stuff or dried out skin for my inner hippie. One of my new favorites is The Soap Dude. Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Jeff Loquist tempted me with two samples of his suds, so how could I say no? Read on to find out how he got started out with soap, and some other random questions I subjected him to. Pick up a bar for yourself here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSoapDude

Image c/o The Soap Dude

Can you describe the soap making process?

 Ah, the soap making process. I actually use the hot process method to make soap. There isn’t a lot of difference other than I can have the soap ready for use in a few hours rather than weeks and there is a bit more danger to the whole ordeal, which is how I got into soap making in the first place.

Why soap?

My wife, Sara came to me one day and said “let’s make soap”. I was a little apprehensive at first as it seemed like a lot of work, but I figured I would help out anyway. Turns out the use of lye was a little more danger than she was into, but I was hooked from the first batch. I get a kick out of mixing scents and am currently trying to make scents that will mimic things I love, like beer, scotch and cigars 🙂
And now for the hard hitting questions:
Favorite local beer
I’m as big fan of a good ale and Tin Roof’s American Blonde Ale is probably one of my favorites.
Best place to get a bite to eat in Baton Rouge
Man, up until this past weekend I would have sat here for a while thinking about it, but Frankie’s Dawg House is AMAZING. Great specialty dogs. You have to try the…man..I can’t think of the new name, but they used to call it the Chuck Norris. Wrapped in bacon, chili, cheese, grilled onions and jalapenos…so good.
I wouldn’t be caught dead without {fill in the blank}
a notebook and something to write with.
Share a brief funny hurricane evacuation (or staycation) story.
We just recently moved into our new house and one of the things that sealed the deal was all of the great old trees. I was sitting on the couch the day before Isaac hit looking out the window. The trees started swaying, i looked at Sara and said “maybe the trees weren’t such a good idea”. Sure enough, the next day we got a branch through the window before the storm even got started.
Name one reason why you love Louisiana.
Can I wrap up a couple in one? The weather, the culture and being within driving distance to a beach.
Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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events fashion show fashion week new orleans shopping

Fashion’s Night Out New Orleans

Image c/o my friend Chanel Craves, standing in between Baton Rouge blogger Pinch of Lovely and myself

I was supposed to be road tripping to Austin this past weekend but Hurricane Isaac screwed up my plans. Gotta fix the moldy ceiling before having fun, right? Since I was stuck in New Orleans, I made last minute plans to attend Fashion’s Night Out at the Shops At Canal Place. I went last year as a featured blogger for Saks Fifth Avenue and I have to say, I was really impressed how much this event has grown. Fashion Week New Orleans and Amelie G hosted a runway show and a stylist challenge while the shops stayed open late.  I ran into a lot of familiar faces and met some new friends as well. Any event that’s meant to strengthen the community is a good one. Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to snap any pictures, but my friend Chanel has several on her blog and Invade NOLA’s photos if you want a more in depth recap of the night.

Outfit details:
BB Dakota dress from Haus 131
Cashmere DVF scarf from Buffalo Exchange
Francesco Biasia bag from Buffalo Exchange
Black cork wedges  c/o Shoeffle

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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Hurricane Isaac summer

damn hurricanes always ruining everything

How to read with the lights out: red wine, Oxford American, and a trusty camping lantern. Done.

Last week was quite the adventure, to put it lightly. Hurricane Isaac rolled into town, disrupting everyday routines, causing massive destruction and flooding in lower lying parishes.* When mom has to take a boat to get to her house, you know that’s a serious storm.

 We jokingly call the time off work hurrications, a misnomer for days spent sweating without air conditioning and modern luxuries like a working fridge, normal cell phone reception, and lights. It’s funny how the conveniences that we take for granted become precious commodities when you ain’t got it. Still, I can’t complain too much considering I lucked out with only a wee bit of damage compared to what other people endured. I’ll be writing more about the storm on Uptown Messenger later this week, so tune in for that. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming. 
*Parishes are Louisiana’s version of a county.
Storm essentials
Tea lights on the mantle
Sneaking an icy drink 
Heaven on a plate- shrimp platter from Johnny’s Seafood in Marrero. Thank God for generators.
Wearing real clothes after 5 days spent in a t-shirt & shorts is downright delightful.

Iced coffee-quite the luxury after being without power for 3.5 days
Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style