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You’re Invited- Oxford American Presents: The Visuals South Issue & Parish Chic

If you are a fan of good writin’ then you may have heard of Oxford American. Based in Arkansas, this quarterly publication touts itself as “The Southern Magazine of Good Writing“. To celebrate their latest issue, the OA is coming down to NOLA to host two events this Thursday. First up is a kick off party at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, then it’s on to the newly renovated Circle Bar. New Orleans native Kasimu Harris will be officially launching his new online street style column, Parish Chic. This isn’t his first foray onto Slow Southern Style- check out this snapshot from back in September at the Saks Fashion Night Out event. See y’all at the party!

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NOLA Fashion Week Recap

Much thanks to Meghan for covering most of fashion week while I was out of town. She took a ton of photos, check them out on the Slow Southern Style Facebook page.
-Christy

Let me just start by saying, as a first time NOLA Fashion Week-er, that it was fantastic. It’s great to see so much local talent, and witness the best of New Orleans’ fashion scene. I was able to attend 7 of the presentations, and have a little recap of each.

Libellule – Libellule was short, sweet, and very chic. There were lovely gold, champagne and pewter shades throughout with details like sequins and leaf appliques that gave it all extra polish. The whole feel to me was “modern goddess.”

bySmith – Vibrant, shiny color was prominent at bySmith. Jewel tones and fantastic patterns helped bring out a psychadelic 70’s feel. The tailoring and style of the garments were very young and up-to-date. I’m a huge fan of an old meets new kind of style. 

Loretta Jane – Loretta Jane was sweet and pretty, easy to wear, and another throwback to a more retro style. New Orleans loves its 50’s Pinup fashion; the high-waisted crop pants, telephone prints, and button-front dresses did not disappoint. 

 

Andrea Loest – Andrea Loest definitely let her creative side take over with her newest collection. The colors were classic pinks, black, and nudes. The construction was the main feature with allover stitching and patchwork fabrics. 


Amanda deLeon – Amanda deLeon drew inspiration from the darker side of New Orleans culture. Blood red leather and studs, giant mausoleum prints, and plenty of crosses made up the gorgeously dark collection.


Matthew Arthur – Matthew Arthur’s collection was all about modern simplicity and texture. There were muted shades of black, grey and white. All of the pieces were classic pieces, somewhat re-imagined.


Cavortress – We can’t forget about swimwear and Julie Wheat certainly has not. The entire collection was fun, as swimwear should be. The colors were bright and the prints were perfect. There were also some pleated cover-ups reminiscent of those popular in the ’70s.



All photos and text by Meghan Wright

 

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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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What I Wore: Hattie Sparks Boutique Grand Opening

Pink tees and Jonathan Adler mugs
Whimsical art
Hattie already hard at work

NOLA worthy phrases- need to pick these up

One thing I love about blogging are the people that I cross paths with. I don’t remember exactly how we met, but long time reader, and now advertiser, Hattie Collins just opened her own boutique, Hattie Sparks. The store is located just a block off Maple Street, a prime shopping spot in New Orleans. I went to the grand opening party a few weeks ago, and loved everything I saw. Flowy silk tops, Jolie & Elizabeth dresses, colorful housewares, and clever stationary were just some of the offerings Hattie has in store. She’s also carrying a wide array of jewelry under $100. I was tempted to scoop up almost everything, but settled on a Jonathan Adler vase in my living room’s accent color, canary yellow. Hurry in, and tell her Slow Southern Style sent ya!

Photo c/o Lizzie Ford-Madrid Photography

Blazer- Elizabeth & James via Buffalo Exchange
Blouse- Rachel by Rachel Roy via Macy’s
Shorts- New Merchandise via Buffalo Exchange
Leggings- Banana Republic
Jewelry- Cuff BCBG & J. Crew necklace via Buffalo Exchange
Glasses- St. Charles Vision

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events fashion week new orleans

Fashion Week New Orleans Schedule

Forget fashion week, March is truly fashion month in New Orleans. If you missed NOLA Fashion Week this past week, Fashion Week New Orleans is coming up on March 21st. Also, I challenge you to construct a paragraph using the words fashion, week, and New Orleans more than I did.

While their goals are the same, each organization puts their own spin on showcasing designers and retailers to the fashion community. A launch party at Twist Cocktail bar kicks things off, followed by three days worth of runway shows and Project Runway style designer competitions at The Sugar Mill. A bridal expo caps off the week at The Westin. For more info on the events and how to purchase tickets, go to the Fashion Week NOLA website. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of time left to figure out what you are going to wear.

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events fashion week new orleans what i wore

What I Wore: Invade NOLA Fashion Week Brunch

Shrimp & grits, and a 25 cent mimosa. yea, as in a quarter.

I love fashion, and I love me some brunch. I also have much love and respect for Justin Shiels, my good friend that runs Invade NOLA. So naturally I was giddy for the NOLA Fashion Week brunch that Invade NOLA hosted at Ste. Marie. Check out my recap of the day on Invade later this month, but for now here’s what I wore to stuff my face with shrimp & grits. Maybe it isn’t lady like to clean your plate, but I’ve never been one to waste good food. Throw in a bloody mary and a well heeled crowd and you have one extra special lazy Sunday.

Normally I’m not a super trendy gal, but I loved the color combo of this high/low sheer dress. Don’t worry, I wore a tank and leggings under it. I’m brave, but I’m not that brave. Plus I tortured y’all enough with my pasty white abs on Mardi Gras Day.
Laughter is the best medicine but those shoes still hurt
Blazer: Elizabeth & James via Buffalo Exchange
Sheer mullet dress: Audrey 3+1 (new) via Buffalo Exchange
Necklace: Buffalo Exchange
Belt: Armoire
Leggings: Banana Republic
Nude pumps: Donna Karen Collection via Buffalo Exchange
Nailpolish: Tangerine from Revlon

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NOLA Fashion Week Schedule

It’s March which means it is fashion season in New Orleans. Are you ready? NOLA Fashion Week kicks things off on Saturday, March 3rd and runs through the 10th.  Packed with parties, educational workshops, and of course fashion, there are plenty of activities to pencil in on your calender- or add to your phone, whatever you do. Last season proved to be a polished, well executed string of events and this season will be no exception.

Designers Showing at NOLA Fashion Week
• Jolie & Elizabeth by Jolie Bensen and Sarah Elizabeth Dewey, New Orleans, LA
• Amanda deLeon Clothing, New Orleans, LA
• dope Clothing, Baton Rouge, LA
• Cavortress by Julie Wheat, Charleston, SC
• BySMITH by Smith Sinrod, New York, NY
• Libellule, New Orleans, LA
• Matthew Arthur Apparel Architecture by Matthew Arthur, New Orleans, LA
• Andrea Loest, New Orleans, LA
• blackout. by Ashlie Ming, Jackson, MS

Saturday, March 3rd
Photography w/ Robby Klein & Thom Bennett
Suzanne Perrone Book Launch: “Designing in Ivory and White”
The Elizabeth Chronicles Launch Party

Sunday, March 4th
NOLAFC Advisory Board, Designer, & Sponsor Brunch
Street Style Brunch hosted by Invade NOLA

Monday, March 5th
 Kids Fashion DayOgden Museum
The Life Cycle of a Style w/ Lisa Locono
 Organizing Your Life Fashionably w/ Skye Truax

Tuesday, March 6th
What 7th Ave Taught Me That I Did Not Learn in School w/ Suzanne Perrone
Libellule Presentation 
Martine Chaisson Gallery
By Smith Presentation 
Martine Chaisson Gallery
Material Girl Lounge

Wednesday, March 7th
MASHUP: Vitamin Water Presents Where Fashion meets Music
Feat. Jolie & Elizabeth ft Royal Teeth; Blackout by Ashlie Ming ft Big History;  Dope Clothing ft Baby Bee
Material Girl Lounge

Thursday, March 8th
Fashion in the Arts District featuring:
Andrea Loest Presentation 
Amanda DeLeon Presentation
Mat Arthur Presentation
Cavortress Presentation 
Material Girl Lounge

Friday, March 9th
Branding w/ Julie Wheat of Cavortress
Fashion Market

Green Gala

Saturday, March 10th
Fashion Market
AVEDA’s Eco Fashion Day featuring shows by Hip Vintage, Stay by Mar, etc


For details of each day’s events be sure to check the NOLA Fashion Week website for the complete schedule, including times and locations.

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Boho Mercantile Bayou Bazaar

GATHER*COLLECT*HANDCRAFT
A place to offer our most recent creations and sometimes overflowing back stock. 
A monthly gathering of the local and creative. 

Working together with three local ladies and dear friends I have founded Boho Mercantile, a gypsy boutique. Driven by inspiration and our passion to create along with our deep appreciation for nature, folklore, native cultures and our sincere love for the community. A tiny salvaged wood and rusted tin building once stood on the banks of the bayou and housed a claw foot tub but now proudly stands in town and is home to many creations of interest and repurpose. It is also where we host the monthly Bayou Bazaar, held on the first Friday of each month from 6pm-9pm. An intimate open air event focused on local handcrafts, local farm grown eats and treats, and local music. Bringing together homegrown, handmade and vintage.

Our first bazaar of 2012 is Friday March 2nd from 6pm – 9pm. On Saturday, April 7th Boho Mercantile presents FRESH & LOCAL a fashion show fundraiser for Acadiana Food Circle held at The Blue Moon Saloon in Lafayette. Featuring original and vintage designs, jewelry, clothing and accessories created and curated considering the theme ‘into the future back to the earth’. There will be a silent auction along with a small selection of designs being sold with a portion of proceeds being donated to the non-profit AFC. As well as local sourced eats made by local restaurants serving conscious cuisine. All in celebration of a pure, bright, healthy, different, unconventional Lafayette.
Visit bohomercantile.com for more about the ladies and our creations.
And you can find us on facebook
from one southern gal to another,
JeLlyn @ bayoubohemian.com
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Valentine’s Day at Feet First

Valentine’s Day is coming up and Feet First has something for all you single gals out there. Instead of spending the evening alone, treat yourself to  complimentary champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries courtesy of Lolli’s Chocolates, and king cake while being surrounded by fabulous footwear.  Guests will enjoy a Kay-la Handbags trunk show, and 1/2 off the 610 Stompers will be there to sell their calendars at 50% off the normal price. There will also be door prizes, a scavenger hunt, and possibly some smokin’ hot special guests.
Tuesday, February 14
5pm – 9pm
4119 Magazine St.

Meghan Wright
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Celebrate Black History Month at Macy’s


This post was written by Miranda Humphrey one of Slow Southern Style’s interns. You’ll get a chance to meet her in the upcoming weeks, be on the look out for her bio soon.

February is Black History Month, and Macy’s is celebrating the 100th birthday of noted artist Romare Bearden with a very special art exhibition. New Orleans was the lucky city to preview the collection before anyone else. Read on to get your own sneak peek and check out the Slow Southern Style Facebook page for more pictures. Click here to see the exhibit at a Macy’s near you.







Going into the Macy’s Black History Month Event, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not  familiar with Romare Bearden, his foundation, or how it all tied into a major retail company. What I found on the second floor of the women’s department at Lakeside Mall in Metairie, LA was quite metaphoric for me and a unique example of art without limitation.

The event is actually a tour throughout select Macy’s in the USA who, for years have honored prominent African Americans during the month of February. The Romare Bearden Foundation, is the oldest nonprofit created by an African American visual artist and is dedicated to preserving and promoting Bearden, especially to new generations of artists. Both the foundation and the retailer have come together this year to celebrate the hundredth birthday of Romare Bearden (1911-1988) and to honor his talent and gift to the world.
Bearden was an artist, a writer, and a musician. He’s been hailed as a visionary, a scholar, an American master. He is best known for his collages which have given him comparison to Pablo Picasso. I immediately connected with Romare Bearden because of his appreciation and expression of art in many forms, but I truly found inspiration and depth in the medium of collage. I too, appreciate all aesthetics, however I consider collages to be my talent. Most people might think of collage art as scrapbooking or something you make with dry macaroni in summer camp. When in fact, almost all fashion, cinema, and so many other projects start as a collage. What draws me towards taking raw materials and rethinking them to evoke an idea, is that it seems to be a style that creates movement, dimension, and symbolism as abstractly as possible.
One of the featured artists and who is now one of my favorites is Alabama-born, Atlanta-based, Charly Palmer; who credits Basquiat and Bearden as muses for his work. I was most drawn to his painting, “Innocence; 2010” An arrangement of true talent acrylic paintstrokes and precise object applique.
The lace detail on the sundress was like looking at a tangible textile and the lattice/damask work carried the beauty and patience of henna and chantilly throughout. All together it was such a lifelike canvas and the feminity of it was well thought and conveyed.
Until attending this highly enjoyable event that included live jazz playing Bearden’s music, great wine, delicious hors d’oeuvors, I thought of collaging as a cathartic hobby. But it truly is one of the most accessible artforms for all people, of all levels of skill and this free celebration is successfully spreading that message.
pictures by Miranda Humphrey
“Innocence-Charly Palmer” courtesy of The Stella Jones Gallery, New Orleans , LA






Slow Southern Style was compensated for this post.
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