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fall guest summer

Summer to Fall Transition

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 Meghan Wright of Fashionably Meg is filling in. Interested in guest blogging? Contact me at nolagurl at gmail dot com.


Summer to Fall Transition: Southern Style

    Transitioning your wardrobe from Summer to Fall is a bit different in a warmer climate. Down here it goes from “Sooo hot,” to “Hot.” The key is to have Summery pieces, but in Fall colors; and to start shopping for those items around July so you can phase out your Spring and Summer pieces. I’ve included pieces that are wearable, affordable and trendy for the coming season:
Easy to Layer Dresses – 


Summer dresses in darker colors and patterns that are still comfortable on a hot day are perfect for going into Fall. Wear them alone while it’s still a scorcher out and play around with layering as the weather gets cooler.

Topshop – Forever 21 – Topshop – Modcloth



Anything but Black Tights – 

Black tights are too Winter and at the end of Summer/early Fall they can appear too formal. Colored tights are becoming increasingly popular; so go for colors like dark green, mustard yellow, maroon, or a even pretty cream color.  Or get creative with the tights above.

All – Modcloth



Lightweight Cardigans/Vests/Sweaters & Such – 
This one is a given, they are the ultimate layering piece.  They’re easy to carry during the day when it’s still warm, and perfect to throw on at night when it cools down. They aren’t just Summer-Fall layering pieces, but perfect day-night pieces as well.

They are also must-haves down here because once Winter approaches you don’t need layers of chunky sweaters and coats, you need one of the following and a good jacket.

Forever 21 – Nasty Gal – Forever 21



Ankle Boots – 



90’s grunge is making a huge comeback, and I personally love a cute dress with some great some boots. That’s of course if you’re willing to put up with boots in July, but I promise it’ll pay off! Invest in a good pair, nothing too high (keep it ankle length or go for a fun cowboy boot) or you’ll be jumping ahead a season. Add a little edge to your look by wearing them with a dress or skirt, then add some jeans or tights once the temperature drops.

Jeffrey Campbell – Rachel Comey – Rachel Antonoff by Bass – Maurie & Eve

Colors to Look For:
Olive Green
Orange
Maroon
Navy
Cream
Teal
Rust
Grey

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designers guest jewelry

Jess Leigh Jewelry

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 you’ll meet Jess Leigh of Jess Leigh Jewels. In addition to designing her own line of jewelry Jess also works at Lola Boutique here in New Orleans. Stop in, pick up a piece and tell her you saw her here on Slow Southern Style!
-Christy


Jess Leigh Jewels are uniquely inspired, one of a kind jewelry created by Jessica Leigh. Independently designed and locally handmade, each piece is crafted with love and a passion for a beautiful life. Finding antique pieces that have been neglected or just out of style, Jess Leigh takes these babbles and jewelry apart to breathe new life and style into them. Most of her line is made up of one of a kind pieces by using this method of deconstruction and reusing of materials. With a wide range of items starting with fun, costume pieces and extending to beautiful, semi-precious stone pieces, there is something for every girl. Wear a pretty little thing and know you are very special and loved, just like your Jess Leigh piece. 

          When I am asked what inspires me, I immediately go completely blank. Communicating my inspiration has long been plagued by stage-fright! It never fails and it is these moments I wish that talking in pictures and colors were appropriate for someone my age. Since it is not, I have to really dig deep to find what appeals to my creative side in order to express it in actual words.


           Beauty. I grew up in rural Ohio and have rich, vivid memories from that part of my life. Dandelion bouquets, barefoot summers, the smell of fresh cut grass, lightning bugs in jars with tin foil lids, the local ice cream stand, spending time on the lake with my family, all still course through my veins like it was yesterday. I can see the echoes of my childhood enthusiasm in the pieces that I make. Now that I’m a grown-up, I am still quite captivated by the beauty of everyday life. Adoring the flowers while walking, driving down the lakefront or riding my bike along the bayou, admiring my neighbor’s butterfly gardens, and embracing the true love of friends are all examples of day to day inspiration my jewelry reflects.


          Adventure.  A fresh shipment of stones just begging to be transformed into something unique for someone to cherish inspires me. My close friends know this very well. I start toting my little kits everywhere and I’m pretty sure a few of them have found a bead or two after I have left their homes. Other times, I will work non-stop at my little cottage until the entirety of the stock is new jewelry to behold. The search for a dusty old gem buried in an antique store that I can rescue and make sparkle again is one of my favorite pastimes. I get a rush when I see something I know will be amazing if used another way and my mind starts spitting out ideas! My appetite for a new outcome and the desire to see what a few hours can create keeps me coming back for more.

Photo by Mark Gholston 


          Strength. I am a transplant to this beautiful city. I have called New Orleans my home since December 2009. My journey here has had many twists and turns, but I somehow know this is where I was always supposed to end up. I have felt more alive and more at home here than anywhere I have ever been. I love everything about New Orleans. This city has also had to suffer hardships and through some miracle has only grown stronger and more beautiful. Hope and love have prevailed. The human spirit cannot be defeated; and I too, have grown and healed here. Thank you New Orleans, you have given me more than inspiration!

Photo by Mark Gholston


          Life. I believe in feeling immersed in the things that make us happy.  There are so many wonderful encounters, new friends to meet, and beautiful things that I have already experienced, it is hard to imagine there is more. The best part is that there is! I look forward to more inspiration. I am thankful for everything and all my precious loved ones that have been inspirational to me. More than anything I am happy and that inspires me the most. 
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guest south carolina

Guest Post: A Trip To South Carolina

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 kicks it off with one of my favorite sweet Southern gals, Lindsay of Penny Loves Charlie whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person this past year when she came to visit New Orleans.
-Christy

Hi y’all, I’m Lindsey from Penny Loves Charlie, and I am so excited to be guest posting for Christy today!  Since Christy writes about local NOLA people and happenings, I decided to do the same, except “local” for me is Columbia, South Carolina.  My husband and I live and work in downtown, so I thought I’d show y’all some of our favorite hangouts on Columbia’s Main Street.

My very favorite place is the Columbia Museum of Art.  Right now, it has a super cool Rembrandt exhibit, but it also has some really great Southern art as well as other big names like Monet and Boticelli.

Just down the block from the museum is the brand new Mast General Store.  It has tons of old-school games and toys (like Wooly Willy) and old fashioned barrel candy, which I cannot get enough of.

After we stocked up on black jelly beans and Bits-O-Honey at Mast, we headed over to The Rooftop bar at the Sheraton hotel.  It’s high up enough so that there’s a breeze even on the hottest evenings, and if you can get a table near the ledge, you’ll have a great view of downtown, including the State House.

When you’re walking around in the crazy, stifling Columbia heat, comfort is key.  I really loved this outfit because it kept me covered for the crazy air conditioning in the museum and in Mast, but it was still cool enough for sitting outside at the bar.

Thank you so much to Christy for having me!  If any of y’all ever come through Columbia, let me know.  Christy was my first blog-friend meet up, I’d love to do another one some time.  And in the meantime, stop by Penny Loves Charlie to say hello.
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guest jazz fest louisiana new orleans spring

Festival Season In Louisiana

Today’s post comes from guest blogger Jamielyn from Seams That Way.

As the full two months of “Spring”  have come and gone, the city is picking up steam with all things that consume our social calendars of events that force us to enjoy the outdoors. The days seem to grow longer,  the hot, sticky embrace of this humid city awaiting with arms wide open.  Yes, ladies and gents festival  season is in full swing! Personally, it is my ultimate favorite time of year.

What are my favorite things about festivals? The abundance of local food vendors showcasing,  brass bands gloriously blaring and the migration of big headlining acts.  It’s the kickstart that sets the tone for a fun summer. Of course I also love watching the sizzling hot fashions on parade as everyone tries to manage through the tightly packed crowds; libations and food in hand. It is a perfect formula for our love affair with the transitional season.   

  
                                                       
With that being said, as we try our best to beat the heat there’s no denying that at this time of year  our inner haute hippie takes over. This look is quite practical , yet we are  still well concealed beneath our garments for all the crawfish bread we’ve managed to devour.

For this Spring 2011 Season, the ‘70s have dominated and it’s“THE” trend that everyone can get away with. The best part?  There’s two  aesthetics to this look we can play with: boho and glam. What more could a lady want?  Typically for Spring we expect lots of pastels and the standard floral prints along with  nautical stripes, but for 2011 this season is going in a wilder direction. Go bold or go home! The brighter the better.

You’ll expect to see visually intriguing pieces influenced by the hipster chic lifestyle with lots of texture. Crochet, macrame, eyelets, fringes, oh my! It’s also all about the bottoms. Aside from the chunky,  bumble stripes, midi skirts to the floor- grazing pleats, the hemlines are getting  fancy.
While distressed denim cut offs might be your go to choice,  opt for scalloped hems or a tribal print cotton skort-like bottom. You can even try colored denim shorts paired with a cropped tee for a comfy funday attire. Unsure about the midriff revealing top? Try a shark tooth trapeze top. You can’t really go wrong either way.

As some of us may be more  into a feminine state of mind, maxi dresses and skirts are here to stay. They’ve definitely come a long way from when we first started taking notice three spring seasons ago and now we can’t get enough.  From one-shouldered looks to the deep plunging v-neck lines, again, it’s all about the prints. Let your tribal instict come out with Native American inspired prints.  Throw some turquoise jewelry or feather  accessories into the mix and you get effortless chic at it’s finest.

 Whether you choose to get on board with the love child craze or go with the flow of the breezy silhouettes, comfort is key.

“While our inclination with the warm, sunny weather is to go with the open toe sandals, try a closed toe, chunky, rugged bootie. ” says Nicole Hershey, a sales associate of local high-end shoe boutique, Shoefty.
“People are always spilling stuff and you don’t ever know what you might step in”, she quickly adds.
“Also, no matter what, you should get inserts. They soak up the sweat and add support”, on  a wise footwear tip. Point well taken. Now slather on the sunscreen. Throw on your wide brimmed sun hat and drinks lots agua and let’s get to lots of fun in the sun! Happy Festing!!
(Images courtesy of LF.com & FreePeople.com)
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fashion week guest southern fashion bloggers

New Orleans Fashion Week Runway Shows

If things have seemed a little slow lately ’round these parts it is because I am still catching my breath from two back to back fashion weeks here in New Orleans. In order to cover both I got a little help from none other than Rebekah Apotre of 504 Stitches. Rebekah and I tag teamed NOLA Fashion Week to attend as many events as possible. You can read my notes from the fashion bloggers panel at the Southern Fashion Bloggers site if you are inclined. Below are her thoughts on the Friday runway shows.






I’m a girl who LOVES fashion. So much so, that instead of  a boy fashion was my first love. Well that and the September Issue of Vogue.  Every Autumn when that heavy, designer laden issue hits the newsstands I’m there, waiting to crack that spine and linger over the pages while fragrance fills the air from all those perfume ads.

I hope this helps you understand that I felt really lucky to sit in for Christy for NOLA Fashion Week. She got to go to the woods and I got to sit in a beautiful vaulted ceiling room and watch the fall collections from this year’s roster of designers.  









For me, it’s all about mix n match designer, handmade, thrifted, indie designs and  being able to wear a piece for several seasons so I lean towards great tailored jackets, pretty dresses, and unusual or statement jewlery to well, make a statement. 

Here are my personal favorite picks from the shows I attended on Friday which I selected for three reasons:
– the pieces are either classic or statement pieces
 – they will be wearable seasons from now
– they will mix into your current wardrobe

 


Bold but delicate gold peices made me rethink my preference for silver jewlery.  Lots of darker metals and mixing of textures.

LVF Design





HeavyMetal Jewlery



Nelson + Little 


Of course anything from Cocodri can happily find its home in my closet and were one of the few designers that had something for men as well as women.  



I’m a fan of a hard working bag that holds lots of stuff and still looks good. I feel Kay-LA ‘s bag will be able to handle my cross city bike trips and more elegant endeavours like girls night out..
Now on to the clothes…

Ottilie Broadman is the woman behind her New Orleans based luxury fashion label of the same name.  She opened up Friday’s shows with her line of office wear- tailored & feminine with accents of fur – I kind of want to work in an office  just so i can wear clothes like hers!

I love this jacket:


She also showed a number of short dresses which I think will look great over leggings which will make this little dress adorable for outside the office too.




 I think these dresses from Nire are great on their own and I’m a fan of layering dresses over skinny jeans or leggings when it gets cooler. 

 



The most incredible part of my day at NOLA Fashion week was meeting fellow bloggers, hanging out with friends & twitter friends who I’ve only “met” online. There is a wellspring of talent, ideas and creativity here in the city. I can’t wait to see what the next round of fashion weeks brings to the city and you can be sure that I’ll continue to fuel my love of fashion by continuing to watch the NOLA fashion scene as well as work on as many creative projects with local friends as possible!




Rebekah Apotre is a blogger, crafty sewing teacher and cheese lover currently crushing on all things NOLA. You can find out more about her here:

 504stitches.com
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beauty guest

Guest Post- Shellac Nail Polish

While I’m out in the Southwest having a sibling reunion I have a few fashionable women keeping y’all entertained until I come back. I hope you enjoy their posts. Make sure to leave lots of comments for them and once again thanks for the help ladies.




Today’s post is brought to you by a good friend of mine, Leslie from Unmade. Leslie is my go to gal when it comes to anything relating to beauty products, especially nails.

CND’s Shellac, a revolutionary UV color, is unlike any other nail product on the market. What’s the big deal? How about:
  • It’s applied just like regular polish, but it dries under a UV lamp in between coats – It’s your natural nails, but better!
  • Your nails are completely dry before you get up from the manicure table
  • No dents, scratches or smudges; Put those boots on right after application!
  • Application takes only a few minutes longer than a regular manicure would
  • 3-Free (No toluene, formaldehyde or DBP)
  • Helped my nails grow stronger, thanks to its durability
  • Stays shiny and chip free for two weeks
Did you catch that one? Two. Weeks.
Now, my regular manicures usually last a week. To not have to worry about them for two weeks is just ridiculous. And don’t try to go back to regular polishes and top coat after getting Shellac’d. The shine just doesn’t compare. Are there any cons? Sure.
  • Limited color selection – More will be released around January 2011
  • Should only be removed by a professional – Your tips will soak in pure acetone, then the product comes right off
  • Pricier (but I think the convenience is worth it)
So, where can you get a Shellac manicure? Shellac is a professional product, so you can’t buy and apply it yourself. I get mine done at Spa Atlantis in Downtown New Orleans by my favorite manicurist, Marie. Ask for her and tell her I sent you. She’ll do you right.
Now, it’s difficult for me not to change my polish every week, but I will hold out as long as I can and take a picture of my nails before I have it removed. Need a second opinion (or you like moving pictures)? Check out BellaSugar’s review of Shellac.
*Disclosure: This service was provided complimentary for review.
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guest

Guest Post- Samantha’s Favorite Things

While I’m out in the Southwest having a sibling reunion I have a few fashionable women keeping y’all entertained until I come back. I hope you enjoy their posts. Make sure to leave lots of comments for them and once again thanks for the help ladies.


I am one of those lucky people who gets to go to work every day and be surrounded by fabulous things. Hi, I’m Samantha Capone and I work at Feet First. My post is Oprah-inspired, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite things with you. Unfortunately, at the end I can’t give everyone reading this all of my favorite things, but you can at least pretend that Oprah is reading this to you. 

Now, my first favorite thing: Lombaggi Knitwear

This line features fabulous pieces that are all hand-knitted in Peru. Here I am modeling the lovely bolero-inspired jacket:





I personally like the grey, but it also comes in off-white, yellow, and pink and they are all fabulous. My favorite piece from the line is the sweet, adorable, perfect capelet:





(Beau’s favorite thing is his ball)

The capelet also comes in black. We had it in a dark pink and I literally cried when we sold the last one.

My next favorite thing: Mongolian Lamb Fur Vest

Look at this thing. It’s amazing in every way.




 
 As if fur weren’t luxurious enough, this vest is amazingly crafted and has a comfortable silk lining. I love the way Mongolian Lamb fur is so natural and fluffy looking. It is almost unpredictable, one section will not have the same texture as another, but they come together to make a stunning piece. 


So as you can see Feet First has more than just a great selection of shoes. Next time you stop in be sure to mention you saw my post on Slow Southern Style!

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guest

Guest Post: Got Garb?

While I’m out in the Southwest having a sibling reunion I have a few fashionable women keeping y’all entertained until I come back. I hope you enjoy their posts. Make sure to leave lots of comments for them and once again thanks for the help ladies.


Today’s post was written by Summer N., manager of The Creole Cottage and principal designer of The Web Boutique. This article originally appeared on Good NOLA.

garb (gärb)
noun
1. clothing; manner or style of dress, esp. as characteristic of an occupation, profession, or rank
2. external form or appearance
3. Obsolete style; manner

You just got paid. It’s Friday night. And now you’re in your closet looking for something to wear to the hottest party of the year.

And nothing is looking back at you.


Another road trip to the mall? Negative. This time you’re going to stop by a new shop on Magazine Street simply called “Garb.” And then you’re going to smile when you realize it’s owned by N’awlins native, Antonia Carter (a.k.a. Toya from BET’s Tiny & Toya show). And if that’s not enough to have you singing in your stilettos, then you’re going to lose your mind at the chic clothing at affordable prices.

No, really. It’s affordable.

I’m talking the cutest Fall boots for $40, fun and frilly dresses under $100 and for those of you with caviar taste, an exclusive section of Garb known as Toya’s Closet where you can find vintage items from designers such as Christian Louboutin, Fendi and Gucci for a fraction of its original costs.


Since its grand opening on October 23, Garb has been the “it” spot for NOLA’s fashionable femmes. So why are you wasting your time with teeny boppers and middle schoolers in the mall for graphic tees and sneakers? Get your grown and sexy woman on with Garb.


Get your latest Garb at:
2108 Magazine Street
NOLA, 70130

The online store is coming soon, but stop by during store hours:
Monday-Saturday, 11-6
Sunday, 12-5

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guest

Guest Post- On Slow Southern Inspiration

While I’m out in the Southwest having a sibling reunion I have a few fashionable women keeping y’all entertained until I come back. I hope you enjoy their posts. Make sure to leave lots of comments for them and once again thanks for the help ladies.


Hello sweet Southern style lovers!  I’m Rach from Ordinarily Urbane, my New Orleans-based personal style blog.  Ordinarily Urbane is all about relevant, accessible and uncomplicated style for the everyday girl.  While Christy is off scouring the Grand Canyon I’m here on the St. Charles Streetcar Line to share an outfit with you inspired by her and her passion for Southern style.




Dressed for: Guest Posting for Slow Southern Style









Wearing:
Oxford Shirt: Billy Reid (Men’s), scored at Ruffian Swap
Denim Jacket: Old Navy
Blazer: Express
Fleur-de-lis Necklace: James Avery
Clutch: Hobo
Trousers: Vintage
Heels: Michael Kors









On Slow Southern Inspiration:
Considering Billy Reid is one of Christy’s favorite designers, it’s only appropriate that this outfit started with a piece from his collection.  I was thrilled to find this oxford at a past Ruffian Swap, a clothing and apparel swap I host in the Greater New Orleans area.  With a bit of a chill in the air layers were definitely a necessity.  Layering brings new life into old pieces and makes getting dressed so much fun.  It’s the perfect excuse to switch up your style with unlikely combination of items. Try two jackets over an oxford, like I did here, or two open oxfords over a tee, because even in the South it still gets chilly.  You never know what you’ll come up with!  And my Southern-inspired outfit just wouldn’t be complete without the iconic fleur-de-lis, worn in the form of a charming necklace, to top it off.





Next time you get dressed try to have a little fun with what’s in your closet by layering and bringing out that sass of the South.  Wishing you the happiest of new years, thanks for reading!









//
xo rach
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guest hiking work out

lululemon athletica- Working out in style

Today’s post is courtesy of a new friend of mine, Christine Ditri. To call her a lululemon fanatic would be an understatement. Having recently moved to New Orleans from Boston you’d swear she owns stock in the company but she’s really just a loyal customer with a love of all things lulu. I asked Christine to explain what makes this company so great and to tell NOLA readers why they should shop the new show room.


lululemon athletica has finally come to New Orleans in the form of an Uptown showroom. Nestled in at 802 Nashville Avenue. This Canadian company providing quality workout clothing and accessories, has opened up a showroom offering some of lululemon’s best products and cheeriest help and has already begun to make its mark on the Nola community.


lululemon athletica makes quality yoga and running products including tops, bottoms, bras, underwear, yoga accessories, bags, dvd’s, and more. The clothes literally last for years and have great features including flat seaming (for no chaffing), triangle gussets (to derail any riding up in the crotch), hidden pockets (for keys, phones, music players, and gelpacks), thumb holes and cuffins (warm hands warm heart) and four way stretch (comfortable and will never stretch out). The clothing is made from quality fabrics including running luon, silver luon, luxtreme, merino wool, and coolmax which makes the products all soft, amazing at wicking sweat, and even have anti-stink properties.

Besides great products lululemon atheletica is a company that you can feel good supporting. Their website boasts a goal page which helps you create, define, and meet your goals- whatever they may be! There are online and phone staff at the Guest Education Center who are always available to help out with any questions. A blog keeps customers updated on a large variety of topics. If you ever can’t find what you’re looking for in the showroom the company provides free shipping for all phone and internet orders.

In addition to all of this great support lululemon stores and showrooms offer one complimentary yoga class each weekend in the community. Go to www.lululemon.com/neworleans to find out the details on the class this week!

Since lululemon athletica does not do any of its own advertising, but relies solely on word of mouth, it is up to me to let you know about this gem of a store.If the showroom continues to do well, lululemon will open an official store in about a year. The store would have full hours and provide more options. But, with two rooms full of clothing and accessories, the showroom isn’t leaving us with wanting for much! It should be noted that the New Orleans showroom is only open Thursdays through Sundays from 10am to 6pm and only accepts credit cards.

Happy Shopping!

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