Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Asheville, North Carolina |
Category: back to school
Custom portrait by Maggie Covert | Confused? Look here and read this. All will be revealed. |
Oh hey 2014, you crept up on me with the quickness, didn’t you? I didn’t announce it to the world, but Slow Southern Style turned five years old this past year. I know I’ve been neglecting my baby (see below for the reasons why) so here are some of the highlights of 2013:
- I officially re-enrolled at The University of New Orleans (as a senior!) after a ten year hiatus. If you’re interested in the full story click on over to Propaganda, where I share my experience of entering the academic world as a non-traditional student.
- I got the courage to quit my job of eight years. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was an important one. While I occasionally miss talking about clothes all day, it was time for me to evaluate my long term goals and make them happen.
- After three beautiful years with Nadia, our beloved greyhound, we gave her one last throat rub. We also unexpectedly lost Proteus, one of our cats we had for eight years. 2013 was rough, to say the least. However, the pitter patter of little paws was not absent for long. We welcomed Izzy (Greyhound), Beignet (Rat Terrier/Catahoula mix) and our two kittens Piper and Lorenzo (formerly Loretta: oops!) as our newest roommates. We still miss Nadia and Proteus, but the newest additions help ease the pain.
- I took on the role of Managing Editor of Propaganda New Orleans, which shifted my focus from writing about fashion to editing and writing on a much wider variety of subjects. Food, art, history and travel were just some of the topics I wrote about. Here’s the list, if you’re so inclined.
- My brother, sister and I had a sibling reunion after not being in the same room together for two years. My siblings are the world to me. I’m hoping to take a trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit my brother later this year.
- The biggest, and most important, is my ten year wedding anniversary in August. Yea, we’re getting old. We’re renewing our vows in the same spot we got married: below the rim of the Grand Canyon.
- Mardi Gras. Duh. It’s the holiday that trumps all other holidays.
- After years of pining for a fancy camera, I bought myself an SLR. I’m looking forward to signing up for classes so I can figure out how to work the damn thing and stop uploading mediocre photos here. Maybe.
in the jungle- or rather my overgrown backyard |
Back in high school I was in marching band which meant I went to every single football game of the season. I always chatted with my friends and flirted with the boys vs. actually watching the game so I never really learned what the heck was going on. However there are plenty of girls out there that paid more attention to the pigskin getting tossed around than I did and they all wanted to show school spirit by dressing the part. The only issue is most football related apparel isn’t cut for women; the jerseys are boxy, the styles aren’t cute or the only option is a men’s tee.
Dress For the Game currently stocks options for twelve schools including dresses and accessories. Friend them on Facebook, Twitter and check out their blog for updates on new inventory. So what school will you be rooting for this year?
Guest Post: Simply Chic
Slow Southern Style is going to be featuring a few guest bloggers each Monday to liven the place up and get some fresh voices on a variety of subjects. This week Elle from Elle Sees is filling in . Interested in guest blogging? Contact me at nolagurl at gmail dot com.
Simply Chic by ellesees featuring glass shades
Hi y’all. I’m Elle, from Elle Sees, a lifestyle blog dedicated to style, beauty, and life. I’m so excited to be guest posting today! I’m a Southern blogger in Atlanta, but easily consider NOLA one of my favorite cities in the US (see my trip here). This week on my blog I’m having a mini Back to School Week, and thought I’d give a little sneak peak today. This outfit is perfect for that first day of school (I always got so excited! Did you?), Picture Day, or maybe a day at work. I love this Simply Chic outfit–it’s effortless and stylish. Dress up every now and then to class! It’s a great way to make an excellent first impression. How would you modify it to your style? (Click the pic for more info.)
* This boyfriend blazer is one of my must-have basics. It can dressed up/down in so many ways. Plus, it keeps you warm in those freezing classrooms!
* To keep it casual, I paired it with a simple white tank, but a white tee or a printed tee would work as well. Dress it to your style.
* These khakis are super cute. You can wear the military cargo, if that’s your style, or chinos, cargos, or khaki capris. Add a brown belt!
* This Betsey Johnson necklace has such detail to dress up my plain white tank.
* I like my hair straight, like in the picture. This Garnier Sleek & Shine will keep hair glossy and sleek during those long lectures.
* My eyeshadow palette is soft, girly, and neutral. These classic sunnies hide my eyes when strolling on campus.
* A girly, soft pink gloss and toes round out my perfect back-to-school outfit!
What’s YOUR back to school/work outfit?
Look y’all I can’t lie it takes a lot for me to get up at 5:30 A.M. but when my friend Missy Wilkinson from the Gambit asked me to style some back to school looks featuring items from Buffalo Exchange I knew it would be worth jumping out of bed for. Check out the behind the scenes photos below and watch the entire video on WWL by clicking here.
Myself, Elijah, Melvet, and Kenisha |
Kenisha, me, Melvet |
Cute as a button Kaci, check out her accessory line on Etsy! |
Kenisha’s pants are a good alternative to wearing sweats to school |
Pretending I’m college age & that I didn’t do that pedicure the night before |
High school looks, these kids were cooler than me in high school scratch that cooler than I am now |
Also big thanks to the models, Missy Wilkinson, and the WWL TV staff. I’d also like to point out that all but two were Buffalo Exchange employees and Melvet and Elijah styled their own outfits.
I wasn’t your typical college student, at least when it came to getting dressed for school. While a good chunk of the co-ed set likes to wear flip flops and running shorts to class my wardrobe was dominated by dresses, skirts, and dress pants. While I don’t suggest schlepping those heavy books around campus while teetering on 6 inch stiletto shoes there is something satisfying about looking smart while getting smart.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been a student but I was still delighted when Blink asked me to style some looks that are not only great for Fall but back to school as well. If you’ve never been to Blink it is worth checking out. Prices hover around $25-$80 for most items and there is always a sizable sale rack for those serious bargain hunters.
Tired of hitting the books? Take a break and enjoy your weekend. The simple, flowy top is punched up with a zig zag pattern and flyaway trapeze shape which balances out the fitted skirt. Throw on a coordinating necklace and a studded leather cuff to toughen up the look.
Big thanks to the Blink team, I had a lot of fun and extra thanks to Andre for helping with this casual photo shoot! For more photos of the shop check out my Facebook page and check out Blink’s corresponding photo shoot.
For us college students out there, classes are now in full swing. Our planners are filling up with projects, tests, jobs and trying to squeeze in some sort of social activity as well. With all of this in mind, who has the time or the money to dedicate to expanding our fall wardrobes? Believe it or not, you do. YES, YOU! Let’s just be honest here; if you have the time to brush your teeth and run a comb through your hair before class, then you have the time to opt out of the dorm shorts and college tee in exchange for something a little bit more grown up.
New Orleans,LA 70124
Phone: (504) 286-1858
Buffalo Exchange (Don’t be afraid to be a frequent flyer either, because they get “new” stuff in every day, unlike many retail stores)
Mannequin Mondays
Today is Labor Day but it’s also time for another Mannequin Monday. This week Buffalo Exchange is hittin’ the books with these back to school looks.
- The Louisiana SPCA is holding auditions for their 2011 Alegria fashion show. Auditions are by appointment only at the Bridge Lounge on Saturday, September 11th from 1:00-5:00pm. Visit their website for more contact information and how to enter.
- Declare your love of the ultimate southern belle movie by donating to the University of Texas at Austin’s Gone with the Wind 2014 exhibition. Many of the infamous dresses that Scarlett O’ Hara wore are in disrepair and can not be displayed until funds are raised to restore them back to their former grandeur.
- Touro Infirmary is hosting a “Look Good, Feel Better” event for women undergoing cancer treatment. On Thursday, August 19th volunteer cosmetologists will be on hand from noon-2pm to help patients cope with appearance related side effects in order to help boost self esteem and regain confidence. Visit cancer.org for more details or call (504)897-8387
- Rye is celebrating back to school with student discounts.
- Massey’s Outfitters is offering a slew of savings. Students can bring their ID in for a 10% discount on sunglasses and select bikes and skateboards. Also join their facebook page and receive a 10% coupon code or their mailing list for 5% off your first purchase.
- Saks Fifth Avenue is hosting an in store party in their WEAR department on Saturday, August 21st from noon-4:00pm. Snacks, drinks, and informal modeling will take place and you can enter to win a $250 gift card.