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charity handbags jewelry shoes

Hidden Baby: Helping babies one handbag at a time

I met sisters Kelsey and Courtney Montague back in August while they were in town spreading the word about Hidden Baby, their charitable accessories line. Quite the world travelers, the sisters have explored Kenya, and were inspired to help children in need both here in the United States and worldwide through their company.

While their bags are what started the company, the sisters have branched out into putting their designs shoes, scarves, and bracelets. I’ve been using the Iris Bag they generously gave me, and I must say it’s the perfect size for my laptop, wallet, and daily essentials. With each purchase you make, Hidden Baby helps children around the world by donating a portion of their profits to organizations that are helping give the next generation a chance. They are currently helping fund Baby Space, a Minnesota based group providing successful learning environments for babies in need.

With their work in Kenya, the sisters witnessed strife yet documented people working to provide safe havens for orphaned babies. Sadly, upon arriving home to the United States they realized similar situations occur here- malnutrition and neglect are indeed a global issue. That’s why a portion of the profits are donated to organizations around the world to give the next generation a chance. Purchase your own bag or accessories of choice today from Hidden Baby, and feel good about looking good and helping others.

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charity events new orleans seersucker southern style summer what i wore

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.


Poor judgement on my part meant that I didn’t take as many photos as I should have. Juggling a clutch, a drink, and food while walking around was a challenge for sure. However I did manage to snap a few shots- to see some photos of friends that went visit the Slow Southern Style Facebook page.

It’s the details that help stand out from the standards

Another Instagram shot- shrimp (tattoo) and seersucker- follow me  I’m slowsouthernstyle. Duh.

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charity events secondhand

Buffalo Exchange Earth Day Dollar Sale

While everyone is gearing up for festival season we can’t forget about Earth Day, an important time to make a difference with the daily choices we make. Each year, Buffalo Exchange hosts a Dollar Day Sale to help raise awareness of this important day and donate money to one of their favorite charities, The Humane Society of the United States. On Saturday, April 21 each store across the country will set up racks ou, with men’s and women’s clothing and accessories for a mere $1.00. All proceeds will go to the Humane Society, and it’s a great way to stock up your spring closet on the cheap and help the environment at the same time. Since 1997, Buffalo Exchange has raised over $345,000 for environmental causes during these Earth Day sales events.The store will be open our normal summer hours, 11:00am-8:00pm.


From the Buffalo Exchange website:


Save ocean animals while shopping for hip used clothing at a bargain. In celebration of Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange is recognizing the work of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, and its international arm, Humane Society International, in helping to protect ocean animals. All proceeds from the sale of items offered for one dollar each at your local Buffalo Exchange on April 21 will go The HSUS and HSI. The oceans are home to millions of animals. From whales to polar bears, sharks to sea turtles, marine mammals to the smallest fish — each plays a vital role in the life of the ocean. The health of ocean ecosystems is critical to each animal’s survival, and to the health of our planet. Earth Day benefits at Buffalo Exchange stores have raised over $345,000 for environmental causes since 1997.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. Humane Society International (HSI) is the international arm of The HSUS. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty. 
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charity events local flavor weddings

Old.New.Blue.

Spring is in the air, not that it ever left this year in New Orleans.. With spring, comes brunches-alfresco, horse races, weddings, music festivals, and “save the dates”.
As one either meanders or rushes frantically along Magazine Street this season searching for the right outfit or accessories. There is a beautiful, vibrant shop that is the perfect way to start or end NOLA’s equivalent of an outdoor galleria.
Old.New.Blue references bridal language, but this mother-daughter run shop goes above and beyond the wedding experience. It is the place to pull it all together and has everything for the girly debutante to a chic rebel.
The special gift for a guy, a present for a groom/groomsmen, or a man who just likes to shop, is available at Old.New.Blue as well and they have even held gentlemen-only style events.

This August will be the one year anniversary, however the traditions the store promotes feel like it’s been around much longer.
One of the vital roles Old.New.Blue brings to the city, is the focus on hosting events that connect with local charities. Their most recent benefit on Saturday, March 10th, was a Hat Day in the store hosted by Les Dames Chapeaux, “The Hat Ladies”. Proceeds of a pre-taxed percentage of sales for the event went toward the Second Harvest Food Bank After School Dinner Program.
Faye Thomas of The Hat Ladies was available to provide insight into hat culture and also advise on topics such as someone considering a type of hat to wear, refurbishments, or consultation on how to work one into an outfit.
A hat is as vintage as it is avant gardè and New Orleans is the perfect city for the expertise of Les Dames Chapeaux.
Ribbons, feathers, lace, and gemstones, all created a progressive yet classic feel that made each hat accessible and just waiting to frame the perfect face.
The collection on display ranging from sun hats, headbands, and bridal pieces, showed their  talent and versatility with the materials, architecture, and beauty; to create a subtle or bold statement when adorning a hat.

Born and raised in New Orleans, co-owners Janie Glade (mother) and now San Francisco resident Marilyn Rigby (daughter) of Old.New.Blue have not only created an environment for which to give back to the community but are establishing themselves as an indispensable tool when it comes to pulling off a polished look and quintessential for anyone anticipating a wedding.
In one place, there is access to fashion consultation and styling,etiquette advice, full service event and wedding planning, just to name a few- in this dazzling and well appointed retail experience. The uniqueness of Old.New.Blue. is right at home on Magazine Street with something for everyone to accessorize with and so much more.
Photos: Chriss Knight, Publicist
Model: Patrice Jones
Old.New.Blue
6117 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
www.oldnewblueshop.com
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Holding Harts

Sometimes fashion is viewed as something that is just a little bit frivolous.  However, as a new clothing line launched by New Orleans native, Daquari Alane DeLeon demonstrates, fashion and art can be vehicles for very important causes.  This collection called Holding Harts “hopes to bring awareness, healing and a voice through art and fashion to those who are hurting from childhood sexual abuse.” 
Images c/o Holding Harts
 
 

Each design in the collection is a Holding Harts sketch that is has been applied to a women’s tee shirt.  The line features 7 different designs available in sizes small to extra-large, and prices start at $42.  To purchase a piece of the collection, you can go to the website at www.holdingharts.com.  A beautiful design combined with a good cause is always something to check out.
Elizabeth McNair
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Paint your Town Red on National Go Red Day

Slow Southern Syle is celebrating National Wear Red Day by participating in Go Red For Women.


Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women?  According to the American Heart Association, more women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. There are 8,000,000 women in this country alone that are suffering from heart disease! The sad reality is that 90% of women have at least one risk factor for developing heart disease, yet only 1 in 6 thinks it is a threat.


By wearing red today you can help raise awareness, so find your favorite lipstick, grab your trusty ol’ skirt,and paint your town red today. Since I look abysmal in any shade of crimson I asked for some help in celebrating. Why can I pull off red lips but not a red dress beats me.


Amber

My favorite red outfit is my go to DVF wrap dress, perfect for almost any NOLA function. And my favorite accessory is classic red nail polish.

For information on how to stay healthy, or how to donate please visit the American Heart Association’s website. So how are you celebrating today?

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charity holiday shopping

Holiday Shopping and Dress For Success

What’s better than shopping local while buying holiday presents? Buying gifts that give back to the community. Several New Orleans businesses are selling gifts that benefit the local Dress For Success, a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women by providing them with work appropriate clothing and career development assistance.


 Angelique,  The Blues Jean BarImelda’sMimi’s,  Weinstein’s, and Life Yoga and Boutique are selling perfectly preppy silk scarves, designed by Tommy Hilfiger for only $35 in which 100% of the proceeds will go to the organization.  In addition to the scarf sales Adler’s Jewelry is donating 10% of the retail price of their popular white pearls in 50″ or 100″ strands. 

Image courtesy of life yoga



The Dress for Success  boutique is located at 4304 Magazine Street. To learn more about this program To contact the New Orleans chapter at 504.891.4337 or visit them online at twww.dressforsuccess.org/neworleans.
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charity events fashion week what i wore

What I Wore to Fashion Week

During the last NOLA Fashion Week I was only able to attend some networking events and a blogger panel, sending Rebekah of 504 Stitches to report on the runway shows in my absence. This year I was fortunate to make it to two of the Friday runway shows, Amanda deLeon and local favorite Jolie & Elizabeth. I was really impressed with how polished the shows were, especially since this was only the second go ’round for the NOLA Fashion week team. I brought along my friend Charle to help me dissect the looks and the photo below is from the Eiffel Society after party, where we refueled on tasty Parmesan fries and let loose on the dance floor. See y’all at the spring shows!

Me: Dress- Rodarte x Target, borrowed from Charle
Belt- Funky Monkey
Assorted jewelry- InPink, Armoire, Buffalo Exchange, c/o Posh Locket
Shoes-Vince Camuto via Buffalo Exchange
Charle: Dress via Buffalo Exchange
Wedge boots via Urban Outfitters

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charity events fashion week new orleans

Watch a dream come true

The Shops at Canal Place and Fashion Week New Orleans are asking you to join them in helping a little girl with leukemia realize her dreams of living the live of a fashion model for one special day. Along with several other Children’s Hospital patients Lameika Downs will have her wish granted and receive a professional fashion photo shoot wearing items from Jean Therapy and a custom made dress from Project Runway participant and LSU alum Anthony Ryan Auld. Tracee Dundas and Mallory Domingue of Fashion Week New Orleans will style the looks and photographer Carlton Mickle will capture the day in photos.

There will be live music, special in-store promotions, fall fashion presentations and a meet and greet with Anthony Ryan Auld followed by a Q&A session.  So come out this Thursday from 5-7pm to celebrate One Haute Night.





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charity gulf coast mississippi

Help Ship Island through Nautica’s Colors of the Coast





Having grown up in the Gulf Coast area and lived here the majority of my life I’ve always enjoyed the beach even though my pasty white skin may say otherwise.

Image thanks to www.noadventure.com




 One of my favorite spots is Ship Island, just an hour ferry ride off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi. It is a neat little island and it isn’t uncommon to see dolphins swimming near the pure white sand. Don’t believe me? Check out Mike Kennedy’s cool site NO Adventure and his snorkeling video for evidence.

Image thanks to www.noadventure.com


Ship Island received heavy damage after Katrina and has been struggling to come back ever since.You can help build up the beach by purchasing one of Nautica’s deck shirts. For every polo they sell Nautica will donate $50 to Oceana to help revitalize the island. The purchasing process is done entirely via their Colors of the Coast Facebook App. Simply click the square that you want to “adopt” then purchase your t-shirt and that’s it! You even get a reusable water bottle, beach towel, and bracelet. I suggest treating yourself to a weekend beach getaway to use your new accessories and enjoy Ship Island after doing your part to help save it.









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