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guest local flavor louisiana menswear new orleans new orleans mens fashion

Southern Gent: Dressing Well With Kenny Rubenstein

Morris, Elkin, and Sam Rubenstein. Image c/o Rubensteins

Ladies sit this one out- Thursdays in April are dedicated to the gentleman. 


We live in a time when most everyone rushes to the mall, battles for a parking spot, settles for a shirt that fits “good enough”, waits in endless cash register lines, then wonders where the joy in shopping went.Rubensteins is the antithesis of that. Celebrating it’s 88th anniversary this month, Rubensteins is a men’s only store with a department store selection and a boutique service feel. Complimentary valet parking, expert alterations, and impeccable customer service have helped keep them in business since 1924.  And what better way for Slow Southern Style to celebrate than with a very special guest column from General Manager Kenny Rubenstein? Each Thursday in April he’ll serve up some stellar style advice for the modern, Southern gentleman.


When cleaning out your closet, which items are worth holding on to and which ones are okay to toss?   

Excluding jeans, anything with holes, fraying or stains is out.  Otherwise, look around you, and not just at your friends or office mates. Walk down Magazine Street, or Canal Street in the French Quarter. Be observant of what are people wearing. Read fashion magazines and blogs.  Get informed. Or just shop with professional associates at Rubensteins. We will come clean out your closet for free.


What about trends? When should men indulge in them, and when should they stay clear?

Read magazines and again, keep informed. The salesman at Rubensteins know what is lasting fashion.  We may buy a quick trend, but we will let you know it is now only.

Best piece of advice for a man that is trying to get out of a style rut?

    Trust an experienced sales associate or a fashion inclined friend.  Sometimes it is hard to step out in something new. Just because it looks good on someone else, does not mean it will look good on you, but at the same time just because you look best in blue or have always worn cuffs, does not mean the green or plain bottoms won’t look good.  A good salesperson cares about the next sale they will make to you.  They want you to look good so you can be a walking ad.   When someone says to you, “Wow, you look great!”  you can say, “Yes I love it.  Rick at Rubensteins suggested it!”   Find a great store and a true salesperson.  You armed with knowledge gleamed from friends and magazines, and a salesman who is honest and straightforward is all you need to get out of that rut, and into STYLE.

    A Jazz Fest worthy shirt. Image c/o Rubensteins

    Come back next Thursday for more style tips, and some fun stories from Rubensteins history vault.

    Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
    Categories
    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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    Categories
    french quarter local flavor new orleans what i wore

    What I Wore: Xmas Eve in the French Quarter

    No doubt about it, I love the French Quarter. When my husband told me he had downtown in mind as a last minute gift destination, I eagerly volunteered to accompany him. Some locals think of the Quarter as a haven for tourists, but I worked off and on in the Vieux Carre for years and personally love it. The history of the place permeates the air, and wandering the abundance of antique shops that fill the Spanish style buildings always bears hidden treasures. You can read my archived article in New Orleans Magazine for some of my favorite French Quarter shopping destinations. 

    Outfit details:
    sunglasses, Buffalo Exchange
    retro Liz Claiborne blouse, Funky Monkey
    Forever 21 denim moto jacket, Funky Monkey
    Forever 21 skirt, Buffalo Exchange
    reversible leggings, c/o Life Yoga + Boutique
    Born cowboy booties, Buffalo Exchange
    Via Spiga shoulder bag, Buffalo Exchange

    Mardi Gras Indian Finery at Greg’s Antiques
    A sea of mermaids at Voodoo Authentica
    Drinks? Nah, more like an appetizer.
    Eggs Benedict with fried oysters at Stanley!

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    Categories
    events local flavor new orleans

    The joke is on me thanks to the New Movement Theater

    You know that old saying “We aren’t laughing at you, we’re laughing with you?” Well this Thursday night you can laugh at me all you want, yea, that’s right you don’t have to do it behind my back any longer! Tell it to my face! Okay, that might be pushing it but seriously my friends from The New Movement, who produce the funniest comedy shows in town, have asked me to be their guest monologist for the evening. I will be telling stories based on my life, observations around New Orleans, and I’ll probably share something pretty embarrassing just for your enjoyment. In turn the comedians will base their entire improv sketch on my musings, pretty neat idea right?

    If you want to hear me share my favorite inside jokes and potentially make a fool of myself then come to the Shadowbox Theater at 9:30pm. If you want to attend a free improv comedy class show up at 7:00pm, followed by an open mike at 8:00pm then go early. Hopefully I’ll see y’all there, then come out to the Ogden for Haute & Handmade the following night to watch me model Alabama Chanin’s designs. I’d like to think the two events balance themselves out nicely. Can’t get too serious on y’all, now can I?


    Come see me at 9:30!

    From the Facebook event page:

    Ever wanted to try improv? Well now is your chance!

    On Thursday, December 8th The New Movement will be hosting a free intro to improv comedy class starting at 7pm at the Shadowbox Theater (2400 St. Claude Ave). This class will be offered as part of Megaphone Night, a monthly event designed to give people a taste of the cutting edge comedy classes and shows offered at the New Movement, a professional improv comedy theater and training center taking root New Orleans.

    Come for the class at 7pm and stay for the Shootaround at 8pm, a free and open improv jam where anyone can participate. The night is capped off with The Megaphone Show at 9:30pm. As the New Movement’s trademark show, the Megaphone Show features a local celebrity who shares true stories from his or her life – stories that are then weaved into a show by an all-star cast of improvisers. This show is $5 (Free for any improv zero participants). Featuring our special guest monologist, the lovely Christy Lorio, founder of the Southern Fashion Bloggers and creator of Slow Southern Style. You deserve more style in your week, don’t you agree?

    So grab a friend, throw your cares to the wind, and come see what makes the New Movement’s shows and classes so popular.

    Find out more at: http://www.NOLAimprov.com/

    The New Movement is offering has improv and sketch comedy classes starting all the time.
    Interested? Contact them at: tami@newmovementtheater.com or (504) 302 8264.

    Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style
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    events festivals local flavor new orleans

    On the edge at Fringe Fest

    How many festivals are there in Louisiana? We’ve got a festival for just about everything because well, we love to have a good time, simple as that. Besides the big ones like Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest we also have Mirliton Fest, Satchmo Fest, Hell Yes Fest, and the list goes on.  In New Orleans alone I think the exact number of fests is 2,546,767.

    This past weekend we not only had Po-Boy Festival on Oak Street but Fringe Fest as well in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. While I love nothing more than stuffing my face full of fried shrimp I couldn’t make it down to Oak Street on Sunday due to work so I opted to head downtown to catch a few theatrical performances instead. All of the fun, none of the calories. Despite being it’s fourth year running this was my first time at Fringe Fest and honestly I’m not sure what took me so long to catch on. Fringe Fest is all about bringing out the most fearless, thought provoking, and sometimes downright weird performances to the Crescent City within a five day span via multiple venues. We have so many talented creative types in our city and I love seeing people coming out to celebrate the arts, the more underground the better.
    marigny opera house
    weather worn old church, now a performance space
    incredible space, the altar area is now a stage
    quirky take on tennessee william’s original play
    inside the allways lounge

    I wish I could have captured some images from the actual performances I attended but taking pictures during a show is generally frowned upon. Did you get a chance to catch Fringe Fest this year? What did you think about it?

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    events local flavor new orleans southern fashion designer

    TRASHY DIVA 15th ANNIVERSARY PARTY

    I love when fashion and fun collide. Trashy Diva is celebrating their 15th anniversary and they are pulling out all the stops with a fantastic party on November 9th with bands, booze and burlesque.  Festivities include performances by legendary bands Rasputina and Rock City Morgue, as well as burlesque performers Trixie Minx, Roxie Le Rouge and Mina Méchante. Doors open at 8 PM; tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the door. Stumble into One Eyed Jacks wearing your finest vintage inspired looks, located at 615 Toulouse Street in the French Quarter. 




    Trashy Diva started out as a vintage clothing store in 1996 and has since expanded to a full fledged clothing line and a family of boutiques around New Orleans. Owner and designer Candice Gwinn focuses on retro patterns in modern fabrics ensuring an old fashioned look in easy to care for fabrics that appeals to women of all sizes  and lifestyles. Her dresses have been seen in magazines like Lucky and Elle and have been seen on numerous celebrities and television shows. It’s no wonder this beloved brand is a favorite of not only locals but celebrities such as Kelly Osborne and Taylor Swift!


    FRENCH QUARTER:
    Trashy Diva Boutique – 829 Chartres Street
    Trashy Diva Lingerie Boutique – 831 Chartres Street
    Trashy Diva Shoe Boutique – 839 Chartres Street

    MAGAZINE STREET:
    Trashy Diva Boutique – 2048 Magazine Street
    Truck Stop Clothing – 2209 Magazine Street

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    Categories
    local flavor new orleans southern fashion designer winter wear

    Kickstarter: Lia Molly in New Orleans

    I’m a sucker for a good Southern fashion designer. Slow Southern Style favorite Seema Sudan has been featured  here, here, and  here and while her knitwear collection Lia Molly is arguably one of the most successful clothing lines based in New Orleans it is still considered a small scale operation, at least by most factory standards. I’ll let Seema tell y’all the story herself via the video below but she really needs your support to take her productions from overseas to the Big Easy.

    Seema really appreciates a good thing when she sees it, that good thing being New Orleans. This town is full of inspiration and it is really neat to see so many fashion designers insisting on living here, not only for inspiration  but to plant firm roots and watch their businesses succeed. Head over to Lia Molly’s Kickstarter page and give this project a little boost. You’ll feel good about not only supporting one of New Orleans’ finest but helping an industry grow.


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    Categories
    costumes halloween local flavor new orleans sales

    Cree’s Cheap Chic 10th Annual Costume Sale

    Halloween is coming up and y’all need a costume. October 31st is a big night in New Orleans and the town goes wild with goblins, political figures, and creatures that crawled out of the swamp. I’ve written a slew of blog posts if you need a little help deciding what to be this year but what you really need to do is get out and start shopping before all of the good stuff is gone.

    Cree McCree, founder of Righteous Fur is having her 10th Annual Halloween Costume Sale this weekend to help you get on the right track. There will be vintage and recycled costumes for men and women, Halloween cocktail couture items such as bat bustiers and skeleton hand bras, and a $5 rack and $1 boxes with “costume makings for all you creative types.” Check out the flyer below for times and location.

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    Categories
    events freret street jewelry local flavor louisiana new orleans mens fashion southern fashion designer

    Objects of Adornment Opening Night

    Copper, feathers, and fur from Lacey Dupre

    I can’t believe how great opening night for Objects of Adornment went! Since its inception two years ago Slow Southern Style has been all about showcasing Southern based designers and I was thrilled with the opportunity to share four of my favorites in an intimate setting. 



    While the internet is the easiest, fastest way to discover fresh talent it is an entirely different experience seeing the work in person. We had every aesthetic represented, from Alicia Zenobia’s experimental hair dresses, classic style courtesy of Ben Azevedo’s bow ties, fanciful headpieces from Kaci Thomassie and swamp art thanks to Lacey Dupre’s nutria and bone necklaces.


    I want to give massive amounts of thanks to Du Mois Gallery for helping me bring a little fashion to Freret Street, Lazy Magnolia for providing the beer, and the mannequins on loan from Armoire Boutique, Buffalo Exchange, Denise Lyons, Gera Kirkland, and Rachel Elizabeth Adams.

    There are tons of photos from the evening on the Slow Southern Style Facebook page so make sure to check those out as well! And don’t forget that Objects of Adornment will be at Du Mois Gallery now through the end of October. All artwork on Freret Street is tax free for an extra incentive to add a wearable work of art to your collection, handmade right here in Louisiana.


    Objects of Adornment
    Du Mois Gallery
    4921 Freret Street
    New Orleans, LA

    My good friend Rebecca with her boyfriend Nick

    Kaci Thomassie and her boyfriend. It’s sort of ridiculous how cute they are together, right?
    Fiber art headbands by Kaci Thomassie
    Antique sewing machine, bow tie work station
    Selection of luxurious silk bow ties from Ben Azevedo

    Sweet blush fascinator by Kaci Thomassie
    Lacey Dupre with her incredible nutria fur necklaces

    Posing with Alicia Zenobia’s incredible hair dresses
    My sister’s favorite piece from Lacey Dupre

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    Categories
    designers local flavor oilspill

    Up and comer

    Working with the public definitely has its high moments and those times when I want to crawl into the fetal position under the desk. Fortunately the good moments exceed the bad and it’s always interesting to meet new people, become engrossed in a conversation, and see where the outcome leads.



     I met Nicole Album at my place of work when we started chatting about the New Orleans fashion scene. We kept in touch via e-mail, one thing led to another and a collaboration for a post was born! Nicole is a New Orleans native and a fashion designer and is moving to San Francisco to pursue her MFA in illustration. Even though she is leaving the Big Easy behind Nicole promises to bring a piece of New Orleans with her. She is currently working on a grant proposal with the recent oil spill as her subject matter. Nicole shared with me her inspiration boards and the illustrations that she created from them.



     Growing up in New Orleans, the Gulf South holds a special place in my soul. It is very important for me to show illustrations and designs that represent a cause I am passionate about. The future of my design philosophy lies in the expectation of artistic endeavors that are inspired for philanthropic purposes. 






      My first design line was inspired by the iron-work of New Orleans, aptly named, Tchoupitoulas, and was conceived in an effort to help bring awareness to our beautiful city, in a time post-hurricane Katrina. The line I am currently working on is inspired by the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. It incorporates other elements, such as Neoprene surf-wear and Botticelli-inspired women. 


      And, as I begin my first semester in a Graduate program for illustration, I hope to master my artistic craft and continue to bring awareness to our majestic city. I feel so lucky to have been brought up in a place filled to the ‘to-go-cup’ brim of culture. I hope one day my efforts to give back will be a part in keeping this city alive.



    If you are interested in seeing more of Nicole’s work she has lots of photos and illustrations at Coroflot.
    Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style